Clay/ Craft experts. Do I bake the clay in my oven once I'm done?

Question

I want to make a (havent yet) clay piggy bank in the shape of a colima dog. http://research.famsi.org/uploads/kerrfolio/hires/_tn_8235.jpg They don't exist yet.
Anyway, when dog is done do I put hime in the oven? Do I glaze him? How do I glaze him?
Which clay should I get?

I'm more oof an illustrator and have not done clay work. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

okay will first of all what type of clay are you using?
i will recommend air dry clay which you can get at blicks...or any other craft store in your area.

not all clay can be put in the oven...altough there is clay that's called oven clay or something like that which you can get in the art store or at the craft store also.

usually the clay that is "put in the oven" is red clay or any other clay that comes from the earth (ground) after you finish doing your art work you have to let it dry and this goes for all clay ...until it harderness...after that you put in in the kilm (oven used for sculptures and ceramics made out of clay) then put the art work in the kilm for hours! and then take it out let it cool...and glaze it wait to the glaze dries and put it back in the kilm( do not put glaze in the bottom of your piece meaning the area the piece is sitting on).

i recommend using air dry clay because you don't need a kilm and you can always paint it with arylic paint's or spray paint and go over the piece with some rub and buff (all supplies are found in art stores like blicks)


**just email me for more ideas or questions i love art and i've done sculpture and ceramics for 5years so feel free to contact me and you notice i gave you my side of the story not a addy or info copied and pasted from a website! =) that explains my misspellings lol**

Answer 2

She is not asking how to bake clay, she is asking how to make her own oven bake clay, there is a big difference. 2 Cups Flour 1 Cup Salt 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil 3/4 - 1 Cup Water Instructions: Mix together flour and salt. Add the oil and then slowly add the water and stir until you get a nice clay consistency. Once completely mixed, make into the desired shapes. Bake in a 250 degree oven for approximately 1 hour. This will vary depending on how thick you creations are. One hint, do not make shapes too thick or they will crack with baking. Have Fun

Answer 3

It depends upon the type of clay you use. Some clay's air dry, some must be baked in your oven, while other's need a kiln. DIY network has some great tips and information.http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_clay/article/0,2025,DIY_13750_2271257,00.html

If you need a kiln sometimes some of those bake and take shops will let you bring in your own things to be fired. They will also let you paint it there for a charge and fire it again.