Clay Sculpture and Polymer Clay Query

Clay Sculpture and Polymer Clay Query:- On Thu Jul 23 14:08:42 2009, the following results were submitted from the "Contact form" on figurines-sculpture.com:- Hi, is polymer clay a good starting foundation for clay sculpting?

thank you

Warren

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Hi Warren

Polymer is a good place to start with clay sculpture - because of the convenience of oven firing.

I think things have moved on since I used them but this is what I found:-

Super Sculpey - too soft

Fimo - can be crumbley

Sometimes I mixed the two for a better result.

I started in this Super Sculpey and my Dad still proudly displays my first attempt - The Rose Flower Fairy.

I sculpted many dolls faces in Sculpey for Alberon dolls. By the time I sculpted for Celia dolls I'd moved onto ceramic clay.

My figurines for Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester and Coalport are always in ceramic clay.

There are limitations in Polymer clay.

First it's expensive.

Warm work areas and hot hands mean too soft and sticky - not enough 'resistance' and sticks to your tools.

Impossible to get detail in your work

How to solve this?

- Buy a firmer brand than Fimo or Super Sculpey - like Kato Premo or Fimo classic

- You can firm up clay by using your Pasta Machine

- Cool Down the Clay in the fridge and keep an ice pack handy

- Cool your room down

- Cool your hands down

Hope this helps

Best regards,

Peter (admin)