Clay Techniques
Air Dry Clay Cracking: How to Reduce the Risk and Repair Cracks
Cracks come from uneven shrinkage as air dry clay loses water. Even thickness, little water and slow drying reduce the risk, and most small cracks can be repaired.
Clay Techniques
Cutting, shaping, joining, smoothing, texturing, and reducing the risk of cracks, one skill at a time.
6 tutorials published
Clay Techniques
Adding Texture to Air Dry Clay: Stamps, Leaves and Fabric
Press lace, leaves and household objects into soft air dry clay for pattern, carve lines once it firms up, and use a paint wash to make the texture show.
Clay Techniques
How to Smooth Air Dry Clay Before and After It Dries
Smooth air dry clay in three stages: scrape and sponge while it is wet, burnish when it is firm, and sand lightly only once it is fully dry.
Clay Techniques
How to Join Air Dry Clay Pieces So They Stay Attached
Pieces fall off air dry clay when they are only pressed together. Scoring, slip and a blended seam give joins a much better chance of holding as the clay dries.
Clay Techniques
How to Shape Air Dry Clay: Pinch, Coil and Slab Basics
Pinch, coil and slab are the three hand-building methods behind most beginner clay projects. Here is how each one works and when to use it for decorative, dry-use pieces.
Clay Techniques
How to Cut Air Dry Clay: Clean Edges with Knives, Cutters and Templates
How to cut a rolled slab of air dry clay cleanly with cutters, a knife and card templates, punch holes with a straw and lift shapes without stretching them.