AIR DRY Clay TIPS: Sculpting For Beginners

[@SwaysTavern]

Me: (taking notes) 😅 Omg I really need to try the SLIP thing. Funny enough I forgot the aluminum foil but I did get wire 🤣 I got a quick question...I don't have a drill to twist the wire so can I still use it as is? Like maybe doubling the wire and using masking tape so the wires stay together? Or will using the tape be an issue when covering it with clay? Omg I said 1 question and I think I threw 3 in here. 🤣

[@SofiaBue]

Hey, thanks for your questions. Here is a video where I show an alternative way to 'twist' you wire without a drill (around 01:20): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3-6fp6jhcynmLc Hope it helps 😊

[@SwaysTavern]

Omg yes!!!!! It totally helped! And I think I got that type of wire around. I got so many things I save just in case I need them to make something 😅👍

[@SofiaBue]

Haha yeah i think hoarding is a common artist trait 😄

[@SwaysTavern]

Omg yes! Totally 😂

[@The_Real_Mier]

@@SofiaBue LOL, so recognizable! If the amount of hoarding is any indication, I should be a world class artist by now… ;)) Since I have started my craft projects, my family is going nuts. Because every time they want to throw something in the garbage, I stop them from doing so, because to me everything is now useable for my crafts! :)))

[@nsuarez]

A tip from my own experience; when the clay is completely dry, give it a coat of white wood glue. The glue is water based so it soaks in the surface and makes it very hard. Then you can paint it. Hope this helps people out there!

[@alonsoalvaradod29]

I do the same, extremly helpful 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RagnarokFLyTuT]

directly with it or should I mix the glue with some water before? ty in advance

[@patricialyn5948]

Can i use the regular glue like elmers?

[@yellowhumanearthlover608]

Thank you 🙏

[@sammybear7100]

Awesome tip! I really want to get started on some projects

[@larryleehensel1016]

This is one of the most helpful tutorials I have ever seen. She's so easy to understand--clear directions, no extra chit-chat. She also has EXCELLENT tips that would work with other art projects.

[@SofiaBue]

Thank you Larry :) So glad you found it useful.

[@i_aint_ai]

omg holy sh**, I totally agree. I learned like 14 things! She is so clear, concise and this video is extremely well filmed and well edited. This is the most helpful video I have ever watched in any category of life. (Not being hyperbolic) I havent watched your other videos and I will check them out-especially to find the answer to this question, but I will still ask it here. What it I am making a larger, longer-term sculpture, like over the course of a month or two...can I still use air dry clay? if it is fully dry (but untreated) can I still add onto it later? or do I just perpetually keep it covered to contain moisture as I go? Would this weaken the integrity of the clay? This is a long comment..I dont expect.an answer but asking anyway. thank you for the time you took to make this video. edit: I found my answer in your air dry vs polymer clay video.. but Im leaving this info up in case it helps anyone.. rock on everyone!

[@erick3787]

and she's not just showing one expensive option, she's always showing other cheap and easy way, that's so cool

[@kanishk7267]

You aren’t just an artist… you’re also a therapist. Inspiring video.

[@SofiaBue]

aww that's so kind 😊❤

[@shawnkarg3794]

Until recently, I never had any commercially made sculpting tools. I just used things around the house, like paper clips, sewing needles, toothpicks, the sky is the limit.

[@foniweez5322]

I used to use clay more but I slowly gave up, because I had difficulties such us cracks and awful drying methods, which took a lot of my time. I got also tired of seeing my leftover clay dried out after some weeks. I didnt try searching anything, until your video popped up. It's short and very simple!You solved all my problems perfectly! Thank you so much!Can't wait to start again!:)

[@silas537]

if you have cracks, apply some water to the crack area and spread clay to fill in the crack. wait for it to dry and it’s like it never happened

[@goblinofsharksnacks]

You never tried polymer? Cosclay is amazing

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

Polymer clay is the bomb

[@ari6728]

Other alternative is oil clay(hard/soft) or polymer clay

[@foniweez5322]

Thank you all for the advice!

[@ltlbuddha]

I haven't used paper clay very much, so the tip to use slip is awesome! As is the drying method, I've just repaired cracks in the past, so learning how to avoid them is cool. My own, small, tips are: When I store my open DAS, I put a wet ball of paper towel in the bag before I seal it to help keep the clay hydrated. And I use cheap dental tools for sculpting detail. I find them much better for precise control than tools made specifically for sculpting and they are cheap on Amazon. And they work well for any clay.

[@AVspectre]

This is EXACTLY the video I needed! I’ve been worried about messing up with my air dry clay (low humidity local) and lamenting my lack of sculpting tools. Thanks for this real gift of a video!

[@The_Real_Mier]

Thank you for your helpful tips! I just missed a little warning about clay dust (when sanding). Clay dust is very toxic and should be cleaned up properly and quickly, before it affects the air quality in your room. Also a tip from me: the grilling tray (=grill grate?) in my household is used too often for me to take for drying my clay projects. I have made something similar by taping wooden sticks (like popsicles) on a flat piece of wood. That way the air can come under the piece too, while everybody else is happy in the kitchen! ;))

[@SpiritPhoenixRose]

Or you could just get a cooling rack, (used by ppl who bake bread, cake and cookies etc) they're pretty inexpensive

[@terrapoetrynmotioncooks106]

You can also get a baking rack from Dollar Tree, if need be. No need to worry about the one in the kitchen. 😉

[@dyna7874]

i'm working with DAS for years and from my experience, heat tools are totally usable. i even bake some pieces in the oven at 100 degrees celcius for 20-30 minutes to give it a ''dry boost''. (not any hotter, it will dry too quick and the clay will bend) I mostly use a hair dryer for speeding up the proces. It probably depends on what you are making, but i always use them. And sanding the piece when its totally dry is also very therapeutic haha. Good video! good tips!

[@dyna7874]

@@actualwafflesenjoyer never had that problem in many years. Well at least you have to devide the heat evenly with your movement, not put the heatgun at 1 place and stare at the wall for 5 minutes ;))

[@josephstocks7495]

Absolutely loved this video. You've seriously got some skills at communicating with your audience. I can't wait to start my next project with this knew knowledge that Ive learned. Thanks!! Have a wonderful day!!

[@rogerredford6242]

Invaluable. Your video solved about three major problems for me in the first 5 minutes.

[@SofiaBue]

amazing, that is great to hear :)

[@zayananimates8537]

The slip tip has got to be the most genius air dry clay idea ever, thank you Sofia 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@kenpish]

Jut bought jovi clay since i want to learn how to sculpt. I saw many videos but none explain it like you did. Thank You so much. Now i can start to work with the clay. Since i bought them i've been afraid to see but again after watching your video. Yessss i will start tomorrow. Thanks Again.

[@MiniVR_Official]

This channel is I underrated she knows how to make a good understandable tutorial she says helpful things thus far this is the only channel I know that does this thank you 😊

[@lifeisbutadreamsodreamon]

This is one the best comprehensive and clear guides on air dry, thank you for creating and uploading :)

[@domanickthompson5852]

Sandpaper on the popsicles stick blew my mind, next level unlocked!

[@ProjectPlayDioramas]

gluing a piece of sandpaper to a tip of a stick was my favorite! thanks for this video!

[@АндрейВолосковец]

I am literally crying because of how sincere you are.

[@TheGreyGhost_of43rd]

🥺 I'm soo sorry your sad. Things will be better sweetheart, pain always ends.

[@Empress_Theresa]

Great video! Direct to the point and not hours and hours of incoherent babbling about advanced tips that will just confuse beginners (like so many tutorials out there). 10/10

[@SofiaBue]

Awesome, thank you!😊

[@evage99]

My son got a fun-looking clay sculpting kit for his sixth birthday, and this is exactly what we needed! Making some of our own tool designs will be a fun art project in itself 😅 Thank you for all the clear advice, it's incredibly helpful.

[@cloverchung8859]

Truly appreciate how selfless you are in sharing all the tips and hidden techniques on clay sculpting. THANK YOU💗

[@kimi7396]

As someone looking to get back into working with clay, I wish I'd seen this before spending money on tools! Your layout is extremely simple and easy to understand, and I'll definitely be making use of that foil trick so I'm using less overall. It'll also keep the sculpture a bit lighter - my little dragon buddy's gonna have his lair diorama and thunder egg soon thanks to you!

[@violetavakian6964]

Thanks for sharing,nice tips the idea of the sanding the small and narrow areas was so cool thank you

[@April4YHWH]

I've scoured KZbin for so many DAS tips because I was unhappy with the performance of my clay. The slow air drying tips were the best takeaway for me, for sure. This entire video was supremely informative and I thank you.

[@SofiaBue]

That is so good to hear 😊 im glad you found it helpful. And yes, the drying is such an important part of the process! Its much easier to prevent cracks than it is to fix them.

[@katek1017]

This is the best how to video on anything I've ever seen. Great job, and thanks for the tips.

[@SofiaBue]

aww thanks so much :) ❤

[@sajidaalijunaid]

this is the best video on air dry clay I've come across after watching manyyyyy. THANK YOU

[@zinazina6367]

Thank you for the video. I always work on an plastic placemat, it is totally smooth and flat. With parchepaper you will get wrinkles on some pieces. If the placemat has a print, I flip it over, since it can come off on your white clay and make stains. Also for sanding I use a nailfile, works awesome. And for picking clay up, I use fhis tiny kitchentool which is actually for picking up fondant and cakestuff. Pretty much anything designed for working with fondant can be used to work on clay. I have been working with airdry clay for years and years and I still love it SO much! Its really forgiving and multidiverse. Also, if you leave it unpainted it is gorgeous and if you have made some kind of a scratchy surface, you can use it to very subtile diffuse essiëntal oil. Like lavender on your nightstand. Now, go play!!

[@wandakowalski7063]

The best video I’ve ever seen on air dry clay. I especially love the tips on making your own tools! You are a great teacher … thanks!

[@ladams1921]

Wow! What an incredible video 🤯 I’ve never worked with this clay before but now I feel prepared to begin. I’m especially excited by the tip about letting the clay partially dry for a stiffer, easier to detail consistency. What a game changer!

[@Liusila]

Appreciate that you made this intricate and varied shape for this video.

[@firebyrd437]

I've used das for a couple of years maybe longer and I've never had a crack in anything I've done, I knew about the tinfoil, wire support and the slip but making your own tools is knew to me

[@phoenixhouse9826]

Didn't know about slip; thank you!

[@nekrataali]

The slip is such a useful idea and seems like a good substitute for those of us who can't get our hands on clay glue. But the real pro tip is making your own sanding tools....now I won't have to buy them from the hobby shop as I can make custom sizes and grades at home! I work on miniatures, so this may not be applicable for larger sculptures, but I've found you can stick Das air dry clay in the oven if you want it bone-dry after you've let it sit for a day or two. I like to do my initial detail work for large areas using Das, then use kneadatite (a.k.a. greenstuff) on top of that so it can fuse with Fimo professional. The Fimo has to be applied to the kneadatite before it cures. This lets you save on some materials while having more control over aluminum foil. Lastly, you can use Mod Podge to seal Das air dry clay. A few coats of Mod Podge will make it rock hard and seal the surface so you can paint over it much easier. I've found this prevents cracking and chipping as well, which can be an issue if you know your sculpt will be handled or moved around a lot.

[@wishIKnewHowToLove]

I don't think there is any video so full of advice in just a few minutes!!!! THANK U SO VERY MUCH!!!

[@shapecrafterstudios]

when I first sculpted, I used the flat end of a thumbtack and the other end of the thumbtack as my tool. It was a wonderful process...

[@YokoshimaOfficial]

Expensive tips and tricks for free... you're an art genious. Thank you.

[@sylvialonghurst8745]

Thank you, the popsicle stick idea, and spoon, you are very talented

[@Jezidka]

Very helpful. I used mod podge to seal up cracks, but air dry slick is much better. I especially like the idea of making my own tools with the wood.👏🏼

[@rebeccamonday236]

Very helpful! I almost gave up but this video gave me new interest. Thank you!

[@launicamiatanrica109]

*Love Your Voice By The Way* :) I am just beginning to sculpt, and I am very thankful for this video! Sculpting is going to be my new hobby-Side business. Thank you for easy learning videos. I definitely SUBSCRIBED.

[@sweetenedmatcha]

Oh my god thank you for the tutorial! I always procrastinate to learn the basic bcs it seems overwhelming but i will get upset with my amateur results. Your tutorial/tips is so easy to follow and i love the tools substitute diy! It encourage me to make even more clay art! Definitely will apply the tips you give here! Once again thank you and have a nice day ✨

[@SofiaBue]

Thank you for your sweet comment :) glad it has inspired you to keep creating ❣

[@julijulibobooli]

I’m new to air dry clay and I’m watching a lot of videos on how to use it. This is the best video I have seen so far! You are very clear and thorough! Thanks for the tips 😊

[@starchild9324]

Thank you very much for the informations. I want to start sculpting so the video was very helpful, especially the part how to avoid cracking and how to build an armature 😊.

[@SofiaBue]

You're very welcome! :)

[@BINIKSO]

the tip to use slip is awesome!

[@BeastRedAsh]

This video found me just as I was thinking to try air dry clay sculpting. Great tips, wonderful video, thank you! 😁

[@design321]

Great tips. I especially liked seeing how you made tools out of popsicle sticks and other household items.

[@truthstation7802]

Great to see air hardening clay tutorials. Thank you. I love working with this clay. It is do versatile. I really appreciated the drying, shellac and slip tip. I've always used acrylic to paint. Will try spray paint too.

[@buck-the-vocab-mascot]

I didn't know about sanding at all! Its deffinetly something I will try out, thanks!

[@StrangelyCrafting]

This is why education is valuable. I've been frustrated with getting clay figurines to stand on their own and not shatter after drying. I felt like cheating when I made metal frames to stand them on turns out that's literally what you're supposed to do.

[@SofiaBue]

Haha yes absolutely not cheating :D It just like adding a skeleton to support your structure.

[@dragonfly264]

Your scoring and slip tip is just what I needed!!

[@pattiehanan1356]

Very helpful! I especially like your emphasis on slowing down drying time and using shellac to seal your piece before painting. I just like your sculpture too! Thanks!

[@NOZH777]

I can't believe I have most of the tools you have presented in the video, and I love how you explained everything, with affordable objects, and even diy sandpapering tools! Wow!

[@pammipayne3334]

Love the sculpture. Some very clever techniques. Whilst I am not a beginner I did still pick up great tips. Like the slip technique, that is so handy as before it was just a cup of water and my fingers. I have used your slip technique and boy it was so good. I fully intend on making my own tools as you showed with the ice lolly sticks. Thanks for showing and talking us through it.

[@shaylagoogle3097]

Thank You! This is a new hobby im getting into. These tips are good!

[@charzbud2413]

Wow! I learned so much by this one video! I am a complete novice, and a little scared of trying to use air dry clay, but you've helped me gain valuable insight into what it is, and how best to use it - The 'slip' tip is something I will definitely be using -Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge -

[@doomdj1515]

thanks for making this video that brand is sold in my country more than any other and this can help me a lot now I feel better able to make a good sculpture with this dough

[@JasonKifner]

Gorgeous piece. This is just the sort of inspiration I needed. It's Tuesday now. I think I have a weekend project in mind. Thanks.

[@laurausher4966]

I have worked with regular clay for a long time and just tried the air dry clay a few months ago. I love your octopus.😁

[@BeautifulCrystal4]

This was a really great & comprehensive video! I feel very confident to create with air dry clay now! Thank you for sharing your expertise! 💛

[@SofiaBue]

You are welcome 😊 that is so lovely to hear!

[@Tanmaran]

Thanks for this video! It's the answer of my questions😅🤩

[@CHEEKY_MONKEY]

Awesome, not only helpful and direct to the point, but also beautiful sculpture! Thanks :)

[@huberina2968]

Very nice sculpture! The clay you working with, is very difficult to sculpt with it. I know because I tried. 😊

[@chulangaaverilhettiarachch3267]

To the person reading this: Even though I don’t know you, I wish you the best of what life has to offer ❤

[@siiiriously3226]

right back at ya! ❤

[@tijania]

Thank you kindly

[@teresitaalias6580]

Thank u very much

[@Leeann-ck1fp]

Tank u

[@MzShon84]

Awe how sweet. Same to you!

[@runhidesleepeat]

This is a treasure trove of practical tips! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SofiaBue]

You are so welcome! :)

[@dianaravagli]

thank you. I feel more prepared to start playing with this new method of creation :)

[@1chedar-dragons]

I didn't know about the slip this is why my clay sculptures pieces were taking of

[@1chedar-dragons]

I meant falling

[@Theperilsofbev]

What great tips on drying! Love your personality, I'm so glad I found you🌹

[@SofiaBue]

Oh thank you! Lovely to hear :)

[@youmorgana]

I've tried Air drying clay before but I've got so disappointed exactly because of the cracking problem. Now that I know which tools to use it's soo much easier and I'll try again.😁💜

[@amberworr5612]

I love and admire the positive way you speak, and all of your helpful tips thank you so much for this video. ☺️

[@SofiaBue]

Thanks Amber! What a lovely message 😊 ❤

[@carolstrachan4197]

Thanks for this great video! I've done some clay crafting making small items from molds, but not anything larger. Your video is safely saved to help me! ❤️

[@ngocvu8467]

Very useful for beginner like me, thank you so much.

[@catisainz2430]

That is a beautiful piece of art! I love it and I loved your tutorial, thank you!

[@apocolototh1948]

awesome video, really helped clear up worries before working with it

[@jupiterr9892]

I really appreciate you taking the time to make this... As I've had a pack of das air-dry clay in my cupboard pushing close to 2years!! 😵 I obviously haven't had a clue on what to do with it lol but although it's early and you are the first thing I've watched I'm thinking that I don't think I will throw it away after all 😊✌️💙

[@hannahvillalon8765]

this is so satisfying to watch.. very simple yet informative. I also do appreciate the fact that she gives you ideas on how you can improvise your own tools if you don't have any. I love the way she explained everything in details and how she beautifully created her craft with full process and tips on how she does it perfectly.

[@toyszz5250]

ive been working with it for so pong, and this will help me so much! very nice tips :)

[@tonibarnett1109]

Your tips are so useful. I have been having my clay crack and could not figure out why. I will def. make some slip.

[@lawsdraws]

What a superb video, Sofia! So relaxing to watch. I studied ceramics at college, which was many decades ago - thank you for bringing back memories! I've never tried air dry clay, so I might just have to nab some and take a trip down memory lane :)

[@StinaCreates]

Just found your channel, subbed within .1 second of seeing your intro, you got RIGHT into what the vid was about 🙏🏼 🙏🏼 🙏🏼

[@SofiaBue]

thank you 😊

[@edwinters3214]

You really inspired me. I was planning on doing some clay sculpting my self. But I will like to see you do air bladders special effects someday.

[@Nefertitidancer]

Thank you. Your video was very helpful and addressed the cracking issue and things I have done wrong.

[@KarakuriVideo]

I use a different medium for my cosplay projects but this gave me a lot of cool ideas on the kinds of tools I can use! Especially since I work on a budget I like the ideas with spoons etc.

[@tobsi4022]

You should watch her new video about DIY tools!

[@SofiaBue]

Glad you found it helpful :)

[@makekong]

How clever to use this abstract design to show an example of several variations of parts being added and formed with the clay. Thank you for this great video

[@therealemo9045]

Most helpful tips: Popsicle stick tools, dry on cooking rack, and slow dry with a loose plastic covering. I feel fully prepared. :)

[@entertherealmofchaos]

Exactly the info I'm looking for👌

[@BANANAMONKE-E]

I'm making a mask that my Oc has for Halloween and cosplay and might make a skull hide for my snake to put in a thing for Halloween this year this really helped thanks I'll make sure to check it out before I make it (btw all of it was helpful )

[@stevethemudlarker]

great video thank you. im just starting o crafting and using this clay, i just bought 3 packs, 2 of terracotta and 1 white, i collect and find tones of ancient pottery and plan to add these peice to myart work.

[@SpiritPhoenixRose]

Best video on air dry clay tips I've seen all day! Except for the shellac part: _Shellac is not only animal unfriendly and not vegan, its production is also bad for humans. Reports by NGOs have shown that people working at shellac plantations and shellac processing factories are often underpaid, exploited and treated badly and child labour is not uncommon.30 Dec 2017_ source; Google But otherwise, excellent tips, thank you x

[@markdmaker3173]

This video is full of great tips. I will suggest to my subscribers to look at this video. Well done!

[@novaknavekey]

You can also stop getting those edges on lines and holes, by making those marks through a piece of cling wrap (saran wrap in the states?). Lift the cling wrap afterwards and it should be golden. As long as it’s not too wet, that can pull details out of shape.

[@alm5851]

I love that youre making something while giving these awesome tips! Cheers

[@millerlucerojames]

Dam ... I think may help with a project

[@maggievee1708]

Thanks so much, very helpful and you are just so sweet and likable!!!

[@tartaglia.]

Wish I’d found this when I’d first started out. I used to just use clay for the entire thing and not use any tinfoil! Never too late to learn tho

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

@ruby...l, I found that using solid amounts of clay made my sculptures crack horribly as the outside dried so much faster than the inside. But now by using armature the sculpture dries easier, uses way less clay, and doesn't crack anywhere near as much. Plus it's lighter to carry the sculptures from place to place and it's far stronger on the smaller more fragile areas. So it's basically a win win. Oh and you can use floral wire for the finer details such as digits. Hope that helps. Gotta say that this is by far the best tutorial video that I've seen for air dry clay.

[@SylverZone]

Definitely the ‘slip’ tip! Really useful. Thank you

[@edwinters3214]

Sofia Bue, can you please do a lot of inflating muscle skin air bladders special effects and shoot tiny films out of those?

[@klara6977]

And i think your sculpture is a sort of masterpiece!

[@angelicabolo486]

Hi!!!! thank you so much for doing this! It was an amazing video and tbh all the tips I needed for my next project! THE SLIP was an absolute revelation, last time I did it by mistake I thought was unusable and threw it lol... QUESTION! When putting the wire in the aluminum foil, do you glue it with anything or just leave it there for the clay to secure in place???

[@BellaCov]

Thank you for the Slip idea ! That will come in handy for sure