Clay Modeling Tools Properly Explained
By Master Sculptor Peter Holland



Tools for ceramic sculpture

For the most part, clay modeling tools are sold online without proper explanations of usage.

The intention here is to run through the basic tools needed to start you off.

Essentially you only need 6 tools with useful function at each end - giving you 12 distinct functions.




On this page you will find 'The Essential Sculpting Tool Guide For Clay Modeling'. Surprisingly few tools are needed for essential techniques. Should you have any queries or wish to purchase a set, just hit the contact button and ask.

Ideally a clay modeling tool should be balanced, strong, the right size and dimensions and have a feel good factor. Above all it should be used for its right purpose and not confused with a potters tool or other item. Good balanced tools are more expensive than mass produced items (a well designed quality hardwood tool will retail between $3.00 and $6.00 each)


Just scroll down the page a bit further for my TOOL USER guide.

Other people who use my tools say:

Tamara, CA, USA says:
Have to say that I'm loving your tools. So far I have 3 of the 4 tools I can't live with out. Well, I mean can't sculpt without. The 4th one is a loop tool and it's very necessary except I have many loop tools (although yours is a thinner (desirable!) wire for it's loop size than other commercial ones I've bought). The other 3 tools are unique and so very handy. I'm finding new uses for them each time I sculpt. Thanks
see full transript on http://www.wetcanvas.com

Sherry, Notts, UK says:
Peter, I've received the tools! Thank you very much. I've also tried them out this long weekend with my paperclay. And it was amazing! In fact I enjoy sculpting so much I didn't get anything else done this weekend.

I've left your positive feedback on Ebay. :)
Thank you again for writing such a fantastic sculpting tutorials. I managed to get my figurines how I've wanted thanks to your lessons. I truly appreciate it.



For your information, I have also designed Tool Tidy Organiser Bags which I find very useful.

small tool bag

large tool bag at ebay

Contact me if you would like more information on the bags



The Essential Sculpting Tool Guide
For Clay Modeling

This guide is best used in conjunction with the sculpture technique intro and also the sculpting tips section as well as the online sculpture lesson: (features a figurine sculpt from start to finish).

Advice on additional sculpture tools for more advanced ceramic sculptors can be found here on this site at Advanced Sculpting Tutorials.

1. Basic Tool



Name:1. Basic Tool

Size: 6.25 inches

Materials: Bubinga hardwood

Uses:

The round end of this clay modeling tool is a clay applicator used for areas too small for a finger. Curves allow for 'rolling' and flattening application. Usage frequency: very often.

The pointed end is used for edging and neatening clay as well as rough cutting clay. Usage frequency: quite often.

Care: Rub with linseed oil before use and regularly.

2. Small Cutter

small cutter sculpting tool

Name: Small Cutter

Size: 5.5 inches

Materials: Bubinga hardwood and stainless steel.

Uses:

This clay modeling tool is for shaping and scraping fine detail especially delicate facial detail and flesh contours.

Usage frequency: round end: often, square end: occasionally crucial.

Care: Rub with linseed oil before use and regularly.


3. Scraper Tool

scraper - clay modeling tool

Name: Scraper Tool

Size: 7.25 inches

Materials: Bubinga hardwood and and forged steel.

Uses:

The scraper end of this clay modeling tool is a clay remover and shaper smoother. The serrated edges give a unique ability to make smooth contours and planes that a non-serrated edge could not.

Usage frequency: Scraper end - quite often. The square end is a sharpened edge ideal for squaring off and cutting.

Care: Rub with linseed oil before use and regularly.

4. Double Cutter

double cutter sculpting tool

Name: Double Cutter

Size: 7.75 inches

Materials: Bubinga hardwood and and stainless steel.

Uses:

The circular ribbon end of this clay modeling tool is a clay remover used for larger areas of clay. Sturdy and robust you can really work this tool hard.

Often used in roughing out.

The curves at the shaped wire end allow for accurate grooving and shaping.

Usage frequency: handy when roughing

Care: Rub with linseed oil before use and regularly.

5. Curver

Curver sculpting tool

Name: Curver

Size: 7.25 inches

Materials: Bubinga hardwood.

Uses:

The serrated end helps develop smooth planes and contours while roughing out.

The plain curved end has several uses: as an applicator in difficult corners, as a cutter and groover and for accurate shaping (see fish scales above)

Usage frequency: both ends very handy

Care: Rub with linseed oil before use and regularly.

6. Ribbon Cutter

Ribbon cutter clay modeling tool

Name: Ribbon Cutter

Size: 6.25 inches

Materials: Bubinga hardwood and stainless steel.

Uses:

There are many shapes and sizes of ribbon tool around ('ribbon' meaning flat cutting edge). The only two ends I have ever used for figure modeling are these two - so I combined them into one tool - one angled, one curved. They take away medium sized slices of clay.

Usage frequency: both ends very handy

Care: Rub with linseed oil before use and regularly.


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There we have it - 6 individual tools with 12 distinct functions. If you need any further explanations, just hit the contact button.

This site is all about information - for you!



For more advanced tools and techniques go to Advanced Sculpting Tutorials. Don't forget the Sculpting Technique Intro and the Sculpting Tips as well as the online Sculpture Lesson:

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