Modeling of clay products is considered a fascinating activity. Such work helps to develop the motor skills of the hands and is an excellent means of preventing certain diseases, which, for example, include osteoarthritis. This activity brings benefits to everyone, both adults and children.
Decorating the interior of your own home with hand-made clay crafts is considered "good form". When starting to sculpt for the first time, it is worth looking through interesting collections of photos of clay crafts.
Each product is usually accompanied by a description of the work or step-by-step instructions, following which it is easy to make your own figurine.
Clay and its properties
Most often, two types of material are used. The first is natural, used for a long time. Extracted from soil rocks, it contains virtually no unnecessary additives. The colors are different:
- Bluish;
- Snow white;
- With a red tint.
The latter option is the most common and valuable for hand-sculptors. After firing, such clay becomes very beautiful, acquiring a color similar to brick red. It gives a feeling of nobility and well-being.
In this case, additional coloring is not required at all, unlike white clay. The high percentage of iron impurities makes this type of clay material resistant to heat.
Crafts do not crack during kiln firing and do not dry out. The figurine will serve for a long time due to its strength characteristics.
Before processing, the color of the clay is brownish. Additionally, there is a shade of green. It is almost impossible to find and extract such a breed on your own. It is considered a very rare natural phenomenon.
Clay bluish is also a rare occurrence. The content of a large amount of mineral elements makes it extremely useful for the skin of the hands.
But finding snow-white clay is not difficult. It can be found everywhere. After processing, it becomes much lighter in dark gray shade, resembling ivory in color. Sold in briquettes. Before starting work, it must be cleaned. At the same time, everything unnecessary is removed - pebbles, needles from firs, etc.
Working with such a breed, it is necessary to acquire the necessary tools and a container for water. It is important to observe certain proportions so that you do not get an excess of sand or water. In practice, the following ratio is used - 8 to 1 to 1. The clay is the largest part.
The polymer type of clay is intended for stucco molding of decorative items. The material is very similar to plasticine. It is based on the composition of polyvinyl chloride, where plasticizers are added. Therefore, the mass for modeling has the necessary plasticity and is heat-resistant.
Various colors of this material are commercially available. You can use transparent clay, to which a phosphorus component is added. Products with shades of mother-of-pearl or metallic look spectacular.
Further processing is of two types:
- Firing required;
- Hardening occurs naturally without heat treatment.
It is the polymer look that is recommended for those who are just starting their creativity.
Tool for work
It is selected depending on what kind of clay is chosen for the products. The work surface must be spacious and hard. For these purposes, a stable table is quite suitable.
There is enough space for both the spreading of the tool and the workflow. It is worth buying a rag.It will help you clean your hands if necessary.
If the skin is sensitive and dry, it is recommended to wear gloves to protect it.
You will also need an apron. This will keep the clay out of your clothes. In order to be able to apply patterns and cut off unnecessary pieces, it is best to use a knife and razor blade.
The finished craft is sanded with sandpaper. The table is usually covered with an oilcloth or plastic board.
Many people are interested in the process of making volumetric objects - various pots or vases. You will need a circle (potter's), an object for rolling out parts.
The form is made using ordinary objects - cups, jar lids, all kinds of bottles, etc.
Sculpting process
How to make a craft out of ordinary clay? The work itself consists of certain stages:
- At the beginning, a sketchy sketch is prepared. You can print the finished version or draw it yourself;
- In a master class on creating crafts from prepared clay, the next step is to create a wire frame;
- For the formation of "muscles" you need foil, which is cut into even strips of the same size. The frame is wrapped around them completely;
- Clay is molded on top of the foil in pieces. Then the surface is leveled;
- Details of arms, legs and head will be made separately;
- When connecting them together, foil is again used;
- Firing is in progress;
- Painting and drawing;
- All that remains is to glue your hair and put on a suit.
Children's creativity
There are many interesting ideas for making clay crafts. Polymer-based clay is an excellent substance for making Christmas tree toys.
Decorated with beads and sequins, they are a wonderful New Year's decoration for a green beauty.
Detailed instructions and your own skills will help you to start making crafts for children on your own.
Favorite fairy tale characters, funny snowman, cartoon characters, dogs, cats, sheep. But you never know what you want to create with your own hands.
Photo of clay crafts
