Sculpting materials
4yr
People have asked for a list of materials to start collecting for the course. There will be a lesson on materials coming soon but this should be enough to get you started. I’ll be using Chavant medium NSP clay which is an oil based clay. You can use that or monster clay, or other types of plasteline clay also called non-dry modeling clay. (Even the dollar tree and Walmart have some non-drying modeling clay that’s not too bad) I recommend a reusable type of clay.
I also recommend some soft aluminum wire that’s between 12-14 gauge of thickness. (For armatures) and some simple tools (a cheap set of wood tools and perhaps a loop tool)
the first assignments are coming soon so get your clay, wire, and tools ready!
How to make sculpting tools with BAMBOO - YouTube , Hey guys I'm seek some videos for make homemade own tools How to Make Your Own Custom Clay Sculpting Tools - Easy DIY Tutorial - YouTube
Daryl Marsh: Making your own DIY Sculpting Tools
DIY Carving and Trimming Tools (ceramicartsnetwork.org)Make Your Own Clay-sculpting Loop Tools-revised Version (updated 7 Sept 09) : 17 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables
I've mostly worked with water based clay, which one doesn't mix ( if firing). Can one mix different brands of oil-based clay? For example, if Chavant Hard is too hard, can one mix cheap Dollar Store clay with it? Can one mix different brands of plastalina? Thanks
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4yr
Yes you can and I mix clays often. I just try to do a small amount first to test it out to make sure it’s a consistency I like.
Just wanted to drop in and add for UK peeps neillsmaterials has good value chavant, about half of ebay/amazon prices -only bear in mind their p&p is £10 so maybe get a few goodies, if you can treat yourself they have all the toys :) https://www.neillsmaterials.co.uk/product-category/sculpture-supplies/
- *I do not endorse spending all your pocket money at once. Poundland has been good to me!
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4yr
Thanks for the info! I’m always on the lookout for good deals.
Thought I might chime in here, and post a few links to sites that have sculpting clays/waxes.
https://www.sculpey.com; https://www.chavant.com; https://www.monstermakers.com; https://beesputty.com. Each material has different characteristics that, I'm sure, Mr. Keith will explain. I've used Sculpey, Chavant, Castilene (now owned by Chavant), and a product no longer made (dang it!) CX5 by adambeaneindustries.
You can get tools all over the place, apart from what's mentioned...Amazon, Blick, Michaels, Hobby Lobby...Online https://www.sculpt.com; https://www.sculpturedepot.net are a couple of neat sites to shop. Shoot you can even look up on youtube on how to make your own tools!!!
Hardware stores are good alternative to art store armature wire...you can get aluminum wire cheaper (quick search) Lowes has 39ft for $9.
Oh one last thing, a trick for saving on material...get some aluminum foil. It can also help with weight issues.
I have a good supply of "kids grade" modeling clay (plastalina?) of the sort that I've used since I was a kid (50 years!). Other than the fact that it does eventually dry out and need to be replaced... Is there any strong advantage to using the NSP clay?
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4yr
No really any non-dry modeling clay will work fine. I like chavant because it leaves my hands feeling less oily than other types of clay but the clay is less important than the principles and practice.
Asked for help
Looked at some you tube videos. Don't know what else I need to start. For the first lessonI guess I will also need wire cutters or Pliers to make an armature? How will I soften the clay? Torches, lighters, double boiler?hair dryer?What is recommended? What solvent is safest for a low circulation area? I Never made an armature or worked with oil based clay. I apologize I posted these questions elsewhere also. Thanks!!
Aaron what type of material are you planning to use because that will determine some answers to your other questions. For example, you will not want to use torches with polymer clays (that could be bad). To answer you solvent question, you'll likely want to circulate your area somehow whether it's opening a window, a fan to draw air out of the room, or something along those lines. However, in my experience it's too early to think about solvents because those are used in finishing techniques. Think you'll be working in to rough for awhile to get the basics down.
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4yr
The lesson on the 9th will talk about starting cheap and using materials you already have, then the next lesson will dive deeper into materials. After that the other assignments will start to come out. Pliers with Wire cutters do come in handy or something similar for bending and cutting aluminum wire.
I wonder if you were to choose between Monster clay hard and Chavant medium Nsp which one would you suggest? I saw video mentioning Chavant gets stuck on tools, I like to get details on my sculpture or perhaps it is not important at the early stage? Thanks.
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4yr
I like chavant medium but I haven’t used Monster clay so it’s hard to say for sure. But I know lots of sculptors who like monster clay and I think it’s a little cheaper so if price is the issue you might get that. The clay type doesn’t matter as much as the principles and practice sculpting though.
