Polymer Clay Sculpting Tips and Tutorials
Do you need a little help with sculpting or want to get started with polymer clay?
Polymer clay is a wonderful medium for sculpture. You can create one of a kind sculptures without the need for an expensive kiln or messy mold materials. You can create everything from very simple animals made from basic shapes to detailed, complex, realistic human figures. The limits are only your skill and imagination.
What is Polymer Clay?
Polymer clay is a non-toxic man-made sculpting material which stays pliable until cured at relatively low temperatures, typically between 265 and 275°F (129-135°C).
Popular brands include Super Sculpey, Fimo, Premo, Prosculpt, and Kato Clay. Any of those clays is great for sculpting, try them out to find the one that feels best to you.
I really do not recommend Original Sculpey (comes in white and terracotta) because it's very chalky and brittle when cured. Some of the specialty polymer clay such as Sculpey Ultralight or Granitex have specific properties which may or may not suit your projects.
For more in depth information see the Wikipedia Polymer Clay article.
Do your newer clays feel different?
Due to concerns about phthalates and European Union regulations all the major brands of polymer clays have changed their formulas. Kato Clay was the first to roll out the new formula in the US.
Safety and Polymer Clay
Safety First
Sculpting tools should be dedicated to clay work and should never be used for food afterwards. That includes rolling pins, baking sheets, and knives.
Clean your oven thoroughly after baking polymer clay unless it is dedicated to polymer clay use or if clay was baked in a sealed container like a roasting bag.
Follow common sense when handling sharp or hot objects. Always wear safety glasses if using a powertool such as a dremel.
- Polymer Clay Cyclopedia- Polymer Clay Safety
An excellent treatise on the safety concerns of using polymer clay. - Artrepreneur; The Collision of Art and Business: Fear and Hysteria in the Studio
Nearly every time I do a show, I have someone come up to me and ask me if I know about how dangerous polymer clay is. What is interesting about these encounters is that there is very little fact presented, just fear, and a sense that if I do not take - Polymer Clay FAQ | Safety & Cleanup
How to work safely with polymer clay. - ACMI (Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc.)
The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) is an international association, composed of a diverse and involved membership, and is recognized as the leading authority on art and creative materials. Founded in 1936, ACMI was organized to a
5 Quick Polymer Clay Sculpting Tips
1: Keep a wet washcloth or wet wipes (baby wipes) on hand to keep you hands clean while sculpting. Any little piece of dirt of pet hair your hands pick up will stick to your sculpt.
2: Get a lazy susan, it's a simple thing but being able to turn your sculpts easily is really helpful. I found a great 14" diameter bamboo one for $10, so not a big investment.
3: Mirrors are your friend. A great way to tell if you have something lopsided is to look at it reversed in a mirror, it really brings out any problems.
4: Smooth out your polymer clay using isopropyl alcohol. 90% will smooth more aggressively than 70%. I keep both on hand to use depending on what I need.
5: Get a pasta machine. They are the perfect tool for mixing clay and of course rolling out sheets of clay. Mixing clay by hand takes forever and leaves your hands too sore and tired to actually be able to sculpt.
Noadi's Gray Super Sculpey Blend
* 1 lb block Original Super Sculpey (translucent pink)
* 1 lb block Super Sculpey Firm (gray)
Mix with a pasta machine until a uniform color.
This mix is firmer than Super Sculpey without being too hard and the gray color makes seeing detail better. Best for sculptures that will be painted.
Polymer clay is perfect for making Christmas ornaments.
Tutorials and Tips - Links to General Polymer Clay Sculpting Tips and Tutorials
All the armature tutorials have been moved to my Building Armatures for Polymer Clay Sculpture lens.
- Noadi's Sculpture and Misc. Tutorials
Articles and tutorials on sculpting. Including a recipe for cold porcelain, making eyeballs, and breaking through artist's block. - Glass Attic
Huge compendium of tips related to polymer clay. From sculpting tips, to baking, to inclusions, and color mixes. - Elvenwork Tips and Techniques
Tips and Techniques Compiled by Katherine Dewey Over the years, Katherine has accumulated a wide array of techniques, some from constant experimentation with the medium, and some from interaction with the community of polymer clay artists. - Smellybugs Maquette Tutorial completed! - ConceptArt.org Forums
Smellybugs Maquette Tutorial completed! 3D & SCULPTURE - Polymer Clay Fan
Fairly new sculpting resource by Gerald Gore. Already has a number of great tutorials. - Online Art Magazine - Polymer Clay Basics
I've always felt that learning happens fastest when you're actually doing the task as opposed to just reading tips so I'll do a demonstration. I'm going to make a miniature baby and show in-progress pictures. I enjoy making my baby gargoyles the best - Make and Mold A Polymer Clay Face
Have you ever wondered how to create and use a mold made from a hand modeled polymer clay face? There are many ways to do it. Polymer clays, particularly the softer ones like SculpeyIII and Sculpey Bake and Bend, can be used to form hard molds using - How to create liquid polymer clay paints using it to create realistic miniature cake.
In this two-part tutorial in making realistic looking miniature cake, you will first learn to create polymer clay paint and then use this to bake the cake. There is also a little bonus, creating a 1/12 scale stainless steel knife from steel floppy di - Quickie Face Tutorial by *No-Sign-of-Sanity on deviantART
Art - community of artists and those devoted to art. Digital art, skin art, themes, wallpaper art, traditional art, photography, poetry / prose. Art prints.
Figure Sculpting Tutorials - All about sculpting the human figure.
- Internet Archive: Details: Modelling and sculpture;
Modelling and Sculpture is an old book from the late 1800s now in the public domain on traditional clay sculpting techniques (which generally translates well for more modern clays). It's not as well written or comprehensive as Edouard Lanteri's Model - KitBuilders - Sculpting an Angel
Sculpting an Angel by Mike James of Azimuth Design For this article, I am going to sculpt a sexy angel. First of all, I should mention that I prefer working 1/5th scale rather than l/6th. - Eye Size Chart for Sculpting to Scale
Chart of animal eye sizes at various common scales for sculpture. Also including some information of shape of pupils. - Facial Exression Tutorial
THE DANE's Freebie Sculpting Tutorial on Facial Expressions There are 4 sheets of photos here. - How to Make Noah's Doll [English]
Here we will show you a making process of Noah's ball-jointed dolls step by step. Why don't you start making your own dolls with us? *Translated from Japanese so some of the wording can be tough to decipher.* - Packing Your Mental Tool Kit
Applying the rules of proportion will help you learn them. I call it "packing your mental tool kit". Reinforce this knowledge every time you sculpt by stating the rules out loud as make your armature and build up your sculpture. In no time at all, th - blog is blogger: How to make a figure
Different approach to sculpting a figure - Unknown
Lifelike portrait sculpture (people, dogs, or figures) available by commission from this Arizona artist in clay, bronze, bonded bronze or marble. - Mike Leavitt - The Construction Process
An artist tearing the world up by its roots with groundbreaking work. - Tips and Tricks from Andy's desk
Sculpting a head - Sculpting Tips — weebabies nursery
Sculpting tips for babies.
Animal and Creature Sculpting Tutorials
- Introduction to the Making of the Shire Horse Model.
Sculpting a horse. Armature, modeling, molding, and casting.
Give the Gift of a New Hobby
Polymer clay is a great introduction to art. Why not inspire someone with a book, basic tools, and some clay?
Recommended Sculpting Books
Sculpting Tools Tutorials - How to Make your own Tools
There's lots more about sculpting tools on the Polymer Clay Sculpting Tools lens.
- Making Texture Stamps
Texture stamps are not only easy to make, they're kind'a fun too! I made the below for certain things I needed done, and some were just learning what I was doing. - Alan's Texture Tool
This tool is designed to decorate clay, or any impressionable surface, with a pattern which builds into a finish which resembles fish, snake or dragon scales, feathers or even, with small adjustment, roof tiles.
Sculptor's Blogs - Take a glimpse into the thoughts of sculptors.
- Noadi's Art Blog
My adventures in sculpting and becoming a full-time artist. - A Story of Sculpture
A Story of Sculpture - Claudio's Sculpting Blog
Claudio's Sculpting Blog - Insanity 101
Megan Stringfellow's Blog - MKStudios
Morgan Keith Studio's Blog - Odd Fae and Autumnthings
Here I am in the blogosphere, with news and updates of my adventures into the art of cloth and/or clay dolls...watch for fugitives from fairy tales, figments of the imagination, and the slightly-off-center.
Recommended Sculpting DVDs
I know sometimes it can be easier to watch what someone does than to read descriptions of it so here are some videos by sculptors I admire and respect.
Get Feedback
One of the best ways to learn is by sharing with others. Participate in forums to get critique and feedback on your sculptures and what can be improved.
Sculpting Forums - Learn from other sculptors.
- OOAKGuild.com ~ One of A Kind Guild ~ Art Dolls & Sculptures › Artist Auctions on eBay
One of a Kind Sculpting Guild - Art Dolls & Sculptures - WetCanvas!: Cyber Living for Artists
WetCanvas!: Cyber Living for Artists - Elvenwork Tips Forum
This forum is a way to provide a public exchange of questions and answers for polymer clay sculptors. Everyone is invited! We learn from each other -- Katherine - 3D & SCULPTURE - ConceptArt.org Forums
Where digital 3d models/textures, and traditional sculpting are shared.
Related
Leave a Note - Go ahead and and leave any comment or questions you have. If you like this lens rate it up at the top of the page!
Glad I found this site, Been having problems with my sculptures breaking at thin points. Just found out its not me exactly, just need to use better clay. Thanks
Great ideas -thank you!
I have a polymer clay snake sculpture that I love!
Hi! Thanks so much for adding my website on your lens! My blog has tons of freebie information about sculpting a OOAK ONe of a Kind baby sculpt. Stop by if you'd like to learn too! :)
www.weebabiesnursery.com
My son loves making creations out of clay, but we have not been using polymer clay. Will check it out. Thanks
Great lens! I love working with polymer clay!
I used to play with Polymer Clay A Lot to make beads, candle holders and ornaments. It's very easy to use. My biggest problem was the size of my supply drawer & work area! It can be addictive!
Sculpting sure is an art form!
Incredible! I love this lens.
I will have to come back and read this lens again and look at some of the tutorials. This looks like a great hobby.
Thank for the tips, this is not easy to do, i need to share this with my friends thanks again great :)
had to come back twice. Thanks great lens.
Great informative lens. Thanks for sharing these tips.
thank your for sharing this wonderful lens, btw where did you learn this ideas? amazing!
How do you do this?
Nice.
Thanks for compiling this extensive resource. Your examples look so realistic. Blessed.
Wonderful tips, references, and inspiration for polymer clay artists! Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful tips, references, and inspiration for polymer clay artists! Thanks for sharing!
Cool lens! Thanks for sharing
Wonderful lens! Thanks for sharing.
i love the squids you featured. they look real. the best thing about this clay is you don't need to bake it. angel blessed.
Gorgeous lens! Thanks for sharing!
Great lens...I use to make Fimo clay sculptures and jewelry, but sadly now I don't have the time.
Cool lens. Thank you for sharing
Very nice lens! thumbs up!
Nice -- very thorough lens. Thanks!
Thanks For sharing .. enjoyed it a lot.. God Bless You.
A serious understatement unquestionably, be it might
To say that Polymer Clay should be a sculptorâs delight.
The same could certainly be said of this impressive lens
That helps, from shapless clay, to make aesthetic sense.
I've never heard of polymer clay. The clay I'm used to is really malleable with water but once you let it dry or get into the hot sun it hardens quickly.
definitely going to try clay sculpting after reading your lens :)
Nice lens here. Am taking a tour of top lenses. This is one of them. I like it.
Really skillful and smart lens -- I love the way you write and this topic is lovely. Thanks!
thank you !
Great job. I've always wanted to try this, but recently got addicted to Squidoo. Whenever will I find the time?
I must try this too! I know it's not easy but I'm interested to learn.
Thank you for interesting lens!
I've played around with polymer clay and never knew about the dangers. I'll keep it mind next time. Good lens
Interesting lens.
I do a lot of crafting, but have truly never given polymer clay a turn. Maybe it's time. :)
Great Lens... Thanks
Great ideas. Very nice lens!
A great lens to share. Nice! Squid-liked!
Great stuff thanks.
Cute stuff thanks.
Silver clay is also amazing!
- AUTHOR
@HuntAndFishGuides: I have no reason to believe they aren't complying. The major manufacturers of polymer clay (Sculpey, Fimo, Kato, Cernit) are all US or European based however.
Do you have any concerns that the Chinese manufacturers are not compling with the phthalates regulations? If so, would you recommend only purchasing from US / European manufacturers? Thanks
I've always wanted to try my hand at crafting with clay. The videos here are amazing! Wow!
Glad I stopped by again, this is a wonderful resource. Blessed!
Excellent lens! Thanks for taking the time to offer these tips!
One squid thumb up vote issued for this lens!
Great tutorial links! I used to make all kinds of beads with polymer clay years ago and it was lots of fun. The art has come a long way since then, though.
I like sculpting, I never use polymer clay to make the sculpture before but I use the plasticine. The weakness with plasticine is that is cannot keep the shape for long, if it is accidentally pressed, there gone it shape. I like this lens very much!
Nice lens. I like sculpting too!
nice! Wish to try it out myself but I just couldn't find the right time!
Very nice lens! Loads of useful information here. Thanks a lot :)
Fantastic lens! Loads of goodies and info! Very nicely put together, the time and effort put in comes through to create a very complete experience for the visitor - fab!
amazing lens!!!
Sweet, cool this looks like stuff!
Sheryl, It is a good lens!
I have always been curious about sculpting and polymer clay, so I enjoyed the information and sculpting tips you shared. Your Squids are adorable :)
Very good and informative! Thanks a lot!
Well done. Blessed!
Thanks so much for such an inspirational lens on sculpting. always loved it, but haven't done much recently, I think I am going to go back to it after seeing all these beautiful sculptures.
This is really interesting. I see this product but had no clue how to use it.
I may have to give polymer clay a shot now, but if nothing else you added to my reading list. Thanks again for the lens.
Thanks for including the Flickr photos! I enjoyed reading your lens.
I really love this lens and congrats a ton!!!
Love this lens...will need to bookmark and learn more!
I think i'm going to start a new hobby.
love this lens, it is such and inspiration...:)RWJR
Nice introduction to polymer clay! :)
I have seen people make some pretty nifty jewelry with polymer clay. Thank you for showing ME how. :)
This is very good information. I've always wanted to try polymer clay but have always felt a little overwhelmed. Thank you for such a good set of references.
How cool! I've always wanted to try polymer clay. Thanks for the great lens.
I enjoyed looking at your lens and like the idea of polymer clay starter kit as a gift. I will be back for more visits.
GOOD WORK
Excellent lens with loads of really useful information. I'd love to try this some time.
My favorite art pieces have always been sculpted art. I am particularly found of sculpted clay that is bronzed.
Great tips and suggestions. Blessed by a squid angel.
Awesome lens!Good job by this lens.Nice...
Thanks for the very good post! Easy to read even for those who are not familiar with polymer clay like me ;)
Oh I Loved it !
Thanks for the great post..Nice
Are you familiar with Kathy Davis? She is a published sculptor in our guild. I like canning. Nice lens.
Excellent lens , love it
Rich reference! Thanks! :-)
very nice, going to have to bookmark this one; I play with clay sometimes ;-)
What a fabulous resource.
Nice Lens
Reading this is an education. First about polymer clay, but maybe even more importantly an education on how to pack a lot of great information into a easy and fun to read article. Thank you!
Thank you for this lens. I have never tried sculpting, but your article was interesting. I also took a peek at your Etsy listings, you're quite talented!
lovely art page. thanks for the clay sculpting tips.
thanks for a great tutorial and tips. I've spent many hours having fun with my grandchildren using polymer clay and now that they are a little older, they would enjoy more advanced stuff like you show.
Very cool projects!
Very cool. I'd be interested in doing this, but I'm better with drafting, website design type of creative stuff... still looks like allot of dun. Great lens.
I love polymer clay days with my sister. She's so creative. Great lens.
I have purchased some polymer clay and tools. Now I just need time to use them. Thanks for an inspiring lens.
Great information thank you. It has tempted me to try some amateur sculpting...
This is great information. I've done a little polymer clay sculpting. Love playing with it and tend to use molds and cutters. I need to get it out and follow some of these great tutorials!
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