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2007-12-27 07:21:31 · 5 answers · asked by lil_cago1 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Sculpture
The first issue is if you have access to a kiln or not. If you have access to a kiln (your own or through a friend or at a local arts center), then you'd need a water-based clay and you'd need to know your firing range. The firing range is typically given by cone numbers, in a range. Low-fire, or earthenware, is generally glaze fired in the Cone 06 to 04 range (the 0 is VERY important - don't leave it out). Mid-fire is a hotter glaze firing in the Cone 5 to 6 range. High-fire is the hottest common potter's range at Cone 9 to 11. Stoneware and porcelains can be fired at the mid-fire or high-fire range. A local school, art center, or friendly potter will help you find the best local source for moist clays in the range you're looking for.
If you don't have access to a kiln, then oven-bake or air-dry clay is a good option, but it's much more expensive per pound than the moist clays ($0.25 - $0.40 per pound for moist clays, $1.00 - $5.00 per pound for oven-bake or air-dry clay). If you pick it up at a local hobby store, try to inspect the bag before you purchase it - this clay typically sits on the shelves for a while and would be ruined by a hole in the plastic bag.
Your final option is polymer clay, commonly referred to by brand-names of Sculpy or FIMO. It's a brightly-colored clay that you bake in your oven. No need to paint or glaze it because it's so colorful on it's own. It typically comes in a 2 ounce package at approx $2.50 - $3.00 each. But there are dozens of colors to choose from - even a glow-in-the-dark version! Some pottery suppliers carry it or you can go to your local hobby store (like Michaels or Hobby Lobby or whatever is in your region). Dick Blick is a good option, but I'm a firm believer in buy local. Plus, you can see the stuff in person to pick out the colors you want. Good luck!
2007-12-28 10:52:56 · answer #1 · answered by JayhawkAnne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The natural stuff is so heavy you want to get it from as close to you as possible. Look under pottery and ceramic supply in the Yellow Pages for your area. Most places will be happy to help you pick a clay that is best suited to your needs and may help you find a place to get it fired.
2007-12-27 21:40:54 · answer #2 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best clay would be natural clay from your area. Search in the yellow pages for a ceramics place or dickblick.com always has it for you to order.
2007-12-28 13:55:38 · answer #3 · answered by Brooke L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are scads. Look up "modeling clay" and click on any art supply places. (Also check "modelling clay" because some sites misspell it.)
2007-12-27 15:27:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can go to:
pearlpaint.com
michaels.com
dickblick.com (usually has good sales)
have you tried Sculpey sculpture clay? it's a peach colored clay used by professionals that works very well and can be baked in your home oven.
2007-12-27 15:30:27 · answer #5 · answered by skyeguitar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋