Artists have been sculpting with Roma Plastelina and other plasticine clays for a long time. These modeling clays never dry out and take fine details without cracking if they are properly conditioned. When working in a small scale with clay sculpture, it's all too easy to accidentally gouge or otherwise mar details already in place. Using polymer clays, such as Fimo, Sclupey, Premo, or Cernit allows the artist to bake a sculpture to set details, add more details and bake again. In this way, you can create a permanent work of art that can be reproduced, if desired, by making a mold.
Polymer Clay Facts
Polymer clay has a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base with additional plasticizers. It is sold as a craft, not a toy product. It should not be used on surfaces where food is prepared, and warns not to eat and drink while using. Hands need to be washed after use. Children should be supervised. It can be baked in a home oven. Always check the baking temperature of the clay.
Baking at a higher-than-recommended temperature can result in harmful fumes. Different brands of clay have different baking temperatures. The clay can be baked as many times as desired with no ill effects. Unlike plasticine, the history of polymer clay is relatively recent.
Tools for Small Relief Sculpting
Traditional clay tools can be used, but may be a little large for small details. Stores that sell polymer clays also sell some tools. Miniature woodcarving tools can also work. Some common household tools include:
- single edge razor blade for cutting
- old kitchen knife and spoon
- various objects to add texture, such as an old toothbrush, fabric, lace, or buttons
- old rolling pin or pasta maker
How to Make Clay Sculpting Tools
To make your own tools, take 2 tapestry needles and make clay handles. Put the handle on the eye end of one needle and on the pointed end of the other needle and bake. These are very good for even the tiniest details.
How to Work and Bake Polymer Clay
Like plasticine clays, polymer clay needs to be conditioned. This can be done by kneading by hand or folding and rolling through a pasta machine dedicated to polymer clay. The clay will bond to metal or painted wood when cured in the oven. Use an old, small wooden cutting board as a base to build a relief. This can go right into the oven when it's time to bake, and the relief will not stick to it. Cardboard can also be used, the clay won't stick, but it doesn't give as much support as wood.
Design Ideas
Work free form or from a drawing or photograph. Simple shapes, Celtic knots, plants & animals, buildings, and people all make great subjects.
Start With the Background of the Sculpture
Roll out a piece of clay to the desired thickness and cut it into the desired shape. Embed a piece of wire into the back if a hanger is desired. Place a piece of waxed paper or parchment between the loop of the hanger and the clay so only the ends of the hanger embedded in the clay bonds to the clay.. The background can be textured or beveled before baking. Bake and cool the background.
Build the Sculpture
Roll out a thin piece of clay onto the background. Cut the shapes desired from a copy of a photograph or a drawing. Place the shapes on the clay, and cut around them with a craft knife, removing unwanted clay. This is the first layer, model it as desired and bake. Continue to build and sculpt, baking and cooling as desired. If you plan to make a mold from it, try to avoid any undercuts.
Finishing the Sculpture
Buffing with cloth while the clay is warm will add a nice polish to the piece. Polymer clay can be painted with acrylics, carved, drilled, and sanded. Don't forget to sign it. Be sure to click the pictures below to see a larger image. You may also be interested in "Sculpture as Relief - an Enduring Art".
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