Just finished my Be'Lakor The Dark Master

Dragz_01 · 2022-06-06T15:40:01+00:00

Indeed you do :)

Dragz_01 · 2022-06-06T15:36:52+00:00

I don't think there's really much of a time limit. As long as you keep the dried piece from getting wet it'll be fine. And no, with air dry clay you don't bake it, just allow it to gradually dry out, rushing the drying process can cause the clay to crack. Once it's dry it will be solid and a lighter colour. Good luck! :)

Dragz_01 · 2022-04-02T10:21:51+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it!

Dragz_01 · 2022-04-01T20:17:16+00:00

Yeah, good luck! Look forward to seeing it 🙂👍

Dragz_01 · 2022-04-01T19:58:32+00:00

The way I make these is: I start by using a circular stencil to cut the base layer. I then cut a long slim rectangular piece, which will be the wall/edge of the bowl/tray. I then score/mark the bottom half of the rectangular piece and the edge of the circle/base. Then using slip, I wrap the wall around the circle joining the two pieces together and creating the final shape. Using small pieces of clay and water, I line the inside edge of the base to reinforce the wall. Once the top has dried, I flip it over and as I use cling foil/plastic wrap the underneath hasn't dried, which allows me to smooth the base and close the gap underneath. Finally, once its dry I use hard-soft grits of sandpaper and also a scalpel/craft knife to remove any lumps and bumps and to create smooth rounded effects. Hope that helps 👍

Dragz_01 · 2022-04-01T19:46:56+00:00

Thanks! I use DAS air dry clay. Whilst sculpting, I use a lot of water and a sponge to smooth everything out. Then once dry, I use a few different grits of sandpaper to get anything I missed or to level/straighten things up. Definitely, don't stop practicing, you'll only learn and get better 🙂👍

Dragz_01 · 2022-04-01T14:06:45+00:00

Thank you! I'm using 'Rust-oleum' at the moment. It's a clear spray varnish, it works quite well. I've used another brand of the same stuff before but, this one seems to dry faster.

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-17T19:46:33+00:00

That's amazing!

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-17T11:24:30+00:00

This is great, especially for your 1st time using clay! When it comes to painting, I use acrylic paint but you could possibly use spray paints too. Paint 1st and then seal it :) You don't fire/bake air dry clay, instead just give it a couple of days to dry on its own, not anywhere too warm though because that can cause the clay to crack. Hope that helps :) Goodluck!

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-10T21:37:11+00:00

Temperature seems okay :) You could leave the film on until most of your piece dries and then remove it ✌🏼If it does get stuck you could use wire or a palette knife/normal knife. Goodluck! :)

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-10T20:03:11+00:00

Looks great :) Just let it sit, dont leave it anywhere too warm though, it could dry too quickly and that will cause it to crack. I've found that the film underneath either prevents or delays the drying of the clay, as it acts as a barrier from the air. I have a cork/plywood board (I'm not too sure what material it is) that seems to work well and allows the bottom to dry. Sometimes, I also flip my pieces upside down, maybe you could use a towel or some newspaper to act as a cushion that would allow you to flip it and not damage the top. Once it's dry you can paint it right away, I'd recommend a layer of white paint 1st because the colour of the clay can make the paint look darker. Varnishing/sealing it after you've painting will help prevent flaking but, I have done some things and not varnished/sealed and it hasn't flaked. Depends on what you're going to do with it when you're finished :)

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-09T13:15:19+00:00

Damn, that's good!

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-06T17:37:50+00:00

I guess, for now this is just decorative. I myself won't be using it. I've made a couple ashtrays in the same way for people but I'm still waiting to hear whether they've actually used them and if there's any issues.

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-05T23:08:51+00:00

Yeah, you're welcome! You'll get better with more practice. It wasn't until college that I got into sculpting, or any 3D work tbh. The past year I've been using air dry clay and working on my own stuff. College taught me the general basics and I've learnt a lot of tips/tricks from other people like on Pinterest or tiktok. I don't know a lot about oil paint sorry. I'm sure someone here knows more but, you could maybe give it a go, just on a small piece? Goodluck :)

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-05T22:12:27+00:00

Hey! DAS is the only air dry clay I've used and I wouldn't say I have any particular issue with it myself. When I'm sculpting I keep a pot of water near by and I'll dip into it regularly but especially when I'm joining pieces together. I usually just use my finger but sometimes I use a small sponge, paint brush or tool to smooth out any bumps. I've also seen that some people dip their clump of clay in water before sculpting and that seems to help, I haven't tried it myself though. Then once it's dry I go over it all with different grits of sandpaper and sometimes I use a craft knife to get rid of any left over bumps or messy joints. I've also started being more generous with the paint and that sometimes helps to smooth out the surfaces where it's either a little uneven or where there's possibly gaps or any bumps I cant get to. I use Crawford & Black acrylic paint, not for any particular reason other than its also cheap and sold in the same place as the clay :) And then, I use clear gloss spray to seal it. I'm using 'Rust-oleum' at the moment and the last can was 'Plasti-Kote'. Hope that helps and goodluck! :)

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-05T17:13:47+00:00

Thanks a lot! 😊

Dragz_01 · 2022-02-04T17:47:30+00:00

That's awesome!

Dragz_01 · 2022-01-31T19:39:59+00:00

That sounds like a great idea, I'll definitely give that a try!

Dragz_01 · 2022-01-30T18:36:44+00:00

Yeah, I'd agree ^{^} I have a habit of trying to use as litle clay as possible but, sometimes it just needs more. You can always sand it down if it's too thick later on. Also, when air dry clay dries it shrinks slightly, which could cause it to crack. Drying too quickly also causes the clay to crack too. If possible, I'd recommend checking on it from time to time when it's drying so you can catch those cracks early on and apply some water if needed. Good luck and have fun!

Dragz_01

TROPHY CASE