Using extruder with air-dry clay

Yes!  You CAN use an extruder with air-dry clay!  Because most air-dry clays are soft compared to polymer clay, many people wonder if it'll work in an extruder.   The key to success using air-dry clay in an extruder is the brand of clay used. Some brands are just too sticky to go thru an extruder without problems. Use a stiffer or less-sticky brand.   Makin's Clay is one brand of no-bake clay that works well with an extruder.  As a matter of fact, the Makin's brand of extruders are probably the most popular for both air-dry and polymer clays.

Blogs in Plain English

Today is Tutorial Thursday but, instead of an air-dry clay tutorial, let's talk about blogs.  Many, many artists that I've talked to have no clue about how to start a website or a blog for their art ....or else they think their budget is just too tight to have something like that.   The answer for them is Blogger!    It couldn't be any easier ....or any cheaper (free!) .... than using Blogger.   You can display your art, sell your art and/or share your expertise with a blog.  Watch this video titled 'Blogs in Plain English' to find out about blogs and then, go ahead, do it.....GO to blogger.com and start your OWN blog!  ;-)  It really is free and easy!

If I can answer any questions... I'll be glad to help where I can!

Figurative Sculpture by Tine Kamerbeek

One of my favorite air-dry clay artists is Tine Kamerbeek, from Amsterdam.   Her work varies from tiny little elves to life size fantasy figures.  She prefers to work with air drying clays such as Japanese Paperclay or Formo Fit. 

All dolls are one of a kind and are made of air-dry clay, strengthened with a wire frame and with lead in the feet in order to make the dolls stand independently. After sanding and polishing, the dolls are painted with oil paint and varnished several times.

Tine says: “Through the expression, shape and position of the dolls I try to stimulate the imagination and draw the attention of those who look at them”.   More photos of her art dolls can be seen on her website and in the members gallery of DABIDA

5 petal flower tutorial

Today is Tuesday and I think I'll start a tradition of featuring a new tutorial each Tuesday and Thursday. Some will be new additions to the directory at Air-Dry-Clay.com and some will old favorites.  Among those favorites are the 5 Petal Flower and the 5 Petal Star Flower tutorials from Hearty Clay that were used to create the arrangement shown here.

Clay Play from Smartoonz

In this stop-motion video titled "Clay Play", a lump of clay becomes elephants playing catch with a coconut.

This claymation was created by Smartoonz™, an International company that produces smart, entertaining animated programs for toddlers, preschoolers and young children. "Little fingers love clay because its shape changes fast enough to keep up with their quick minds."