which kind of clay?

[JFoster88]

I'm about to try my first clay model before doing a more complicated carving... what is the best kind of clay to use? air-dry? white air clay? sculpey? Help. Who knew clay could be so complicated?
cheers, Jerry

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by JFoster88

I'm about to try my first clay model before doing a more complicated carving... what is the best kind of clay to use? air-dry? white air clay? sculpey? Help. Who knew clay could be so complicated?
cheers, Jerry

I use the regular old modeling clay that comes in square sticks. The good thing about this kind is, that if you don't like what you've done, you can just wad it up and start over. I keep mine in an margarine container, it's not absolutely air tight, but it helps keep it clean. Or you can roll it up in a plastic bag.

[Donsexton]

I use the cheap stuff they sell at the craft store, and it did help me to work out a few things.

[mrgrouch]

i use plastiscine, it's cheap and reusable. when i'm done with a project i just smash my plastiscine model and and shape it into the next one.
here's my plastiscine model for a project i'm woring on but on marble.

cheers

[jimmy joe]

I use the plasticine too . Reusable is the main reason I went for it . I don't use it all the time but it definitely helps . Search mode will get you some good info on this too .

[JFoster88]

Thanks everyone... it's all very helpful. Jerry

[stevoincv]

Italian plastilina is good clay to use for modeling. When you buy it ask for number 2. Number 1 is too soft and numbers 3 and 4 will wear you out, too stiff. Get number 2 and warm it with a hot gun to soften it for mixing and working larger sections. It's okay to hit the clay with a rubber mallet to shape large sections, saves a lot of time. Most of all, have fun. Green clay has sulfur, the blond has no sulfur. I've always used the green with no complaints. Good luck.

Steve