AIR DRY Clay TIPS: Sculpting For Beginners

Me: (taking notes) 😅 Omg I really need to try the SLIP thing. Funny enough I forgot the aluminum foil but I did get wire 🤣 I got a quick question...I don't have a drill to twist the wire so can I still use it as is? Like maybe doubling the wire and using masking tape so the wires stay together? Or will using the tape be an issue when covering it with clay? Omg I said 1 question and I think I threw 3 in here. 🤣

A tip from my own experience; when the clay is completely dry, give it a coat of white wood glue. The glue is water based so it soaks in the surface and makes it very hard. Then you can paint it. Hope this helps people out there!

This is one of the most helpful tutorials I have ever seen. She's so easy to understand--clear directions, no extra chit-chat. She also has EXCELLENT tips that would work with other art projects.

You aren’t just an artist… you’re also a therapist. Inspiring video.

This is EXACTLY the video I needed! I’ve been worried about messing up with my air dry clay (low humidity local) and lamenting my lack of sculpting tools. Thanks for this real gift of a video!

I used to use clay more but I slowly gave up, because I had difficulties such us cracks and awful drying methods, which took a lot of my time. I got also tired of seeing my leftover clay dried out after some weeks. I didnt try searching anything, until your video popped up. It's short and very simple!You solved all my problems perfectly! Thank you so much!Can't wait to start again!:)

I haven't used paper clay very much, so the tip to use slip is awesome! As is the drying method, I've just repaired cracks in the past, so learning how to avoid them is cool.
My own, small, tips are:
When I store my open DAS, I put a wet ball of paper towel in the bag before I seal it to help keep the clay hydrated.
And I use cheap dental tools for sculpting detail. I find them much better for precise control than tools made specifically for sculpting and they are cheap on Amazon. And they work well for any clay.

I am literally crying because of how sincere you are.

gluing a piece of sandpaper to a tip of a stick was my favorite! thanks for this video!

Thank you for your helpful tips! I just missed a little warning about clay dust (when sanding).
Clay dust is very toxic and should be cleaned up properly and quickly, before it affects the air quality in your room.
Also a tip from me: the grilling tray (=grill grate?) in my household is used too often for me to take for drying my clay projects.
I have made something similar by taping wooden sticks (like popsicles) on a flat piece of wood.
That way the air can come under the piece too, while everybody else is happy in the kitchen! ;))

As someone looking to get back into working with clay, I wish I'd seen this before spending money on tools! Your layout is extremely simple and easy to understand, and I'll definitely be making use of that foil trick so I'm using less overall. It'll also keep the sculpture a bit lighter - my little dragon buddy's gonna have his lair diorama and thunder egg soon thanks to you!

This is one the best comprehensive and clear guides on air dry, thank you for creating and uploading :)

I've used das for a couple of years maybe longer and I've never had a crack in anything I've done, I knew about the tinfoil, wire support and the slip but making your own tools is knew to me

This channel is I underrated she knows how to make a good understandable tutorial she says helpful things thus far this is the only channel I know that does this thank you 😊

Best video on air dry clay tips I've seen all day!
Except for the shellac part:
_Shellac is not only animal unfriendly and not vegan, its production is also bad for humans. Reports by NGOs have shown that people working at shellac plantations and shellac processing factories are often underpaid, exploited and treated badly and child labour is not uncommon.30 Dec 2017_ source; Google
But otherwise, excellent tips, thank you x

Absolutely loved this video. You've seriously got some skills at communicating with your audience. I can't wait to start my next project with this knew knowledge that Ive learned. Thanks!! Have a wonderful day!!

this is the absulte best introduction video to air dry clay i could`ve hoped for. amazing, thank you so much!!

Truly appreciate how selfless you are in sharing all the tips and hidden techniques on clay sculpting. THANK YOU💗

I don't even sculpt and I had so much fun watching your video!
Especially all of your tips on how to make tools. I just love it! And the ease with which you make that cool sculpture was captivating. Awesome 👍

Great video! Direct to the point and not hours and hours of incoherent babbling about advanced tips that will just confuse beginners (like so many tutorials out there). 10/10

I really loved all the tips!
If only I'd known some of them years ago I may not have shelved this fun hobby for so long!

Very helpful! I especially like your emphasis on slowing down drying time and using shellac to seal your piece before painting. I just like your sculpture too! Thanks!

Thanks for this great video! I've done some clay crafting making small items from molds, but not anything larger. Your video is safely saved to help me! ❤️

Thank you very much for making this video! It has everything I wish I had known when I started to sculpt in air dry clay.

My son got a fun-looking clay sculpting kit for his sixth birthday, and this is exactly what we needed! Making some of our own tool designs will be a fun art project in itself 😅 Thank you for all the clear advice, it's incredibly helpful.

The best video I’ve ever seen on air dry clay. I especially love the tips on making your own tools! You are a great teacher … thanks!

What a superb video, Sofia! So relaxing to watch. I studied ceramics at college, which was many decades ago - thank you for bringing back memories! I've never tried air dry clay, so I might just have to nab some and take a trip down memory lane :)

this is so satisfying to watch.. very simple yet informative. I also do appreciate the fact that she gives you ideas on how you can improvise your own tools if you don't have any. I love the way she explained everything in details and how she beautifully created her craft with full process and tips on how she does it perfectly.

Helped me out so much, I’m about to make a piece with the same type of clay so clicked on this video for some guidance! And it is so good! Scoring makes it so much easier than just trying to put it together with no slip! Thank you so much.

I’m just starting my work with clay, and learned a lot from this video. Thank you!

I've sculpted with Das for years, I've even sold some pieces, but the slip tip is great! Thank you!

I do 2d art in a whole but wanted to sculpt my mum something I’ve been watching a bunch of creators but your content has been extremely helpful now when I use Clay I’ve realised different clays are like different mediums like colouring pencil ball point pens and colouring pens since some Claus can be completely different when working with them so thank you it really helps .

This might be the most well-done, informative videos I've ever seen on the topic, if not the best! My dream is to become a sculptor. I hope I can start from what I'm learning here!

Thank you for including the part on homemade tools. That was great!

I don't think there is any video so full of advice in just a few minutes!!!! THANK U SO VERY MUCH!!!

This was so helpful thank you!!! Beautiful sculpture also ❤️

You really inspired me. I was planning on doing some clay sculpting my self. But I will like to see you do air bladders special effects someday.

Appreciate that you made this intricate and varied shape for this video.

You’re amazing lady👏👏👏👏thanks for sharing 🙏❤️❤️🌹

Very helpful. I used mod podge to seal up cracks, but air dry slick is much better. I especially like the idea of making my own tools with the wood.👏🏼

Thank you very much for your useful information😘❤

I just started with air dry clay and found this video SO helpful!! Thank you for sharing so many tips that are truly going to make a difference for this absolute beginner

i'm working with DAS for years and from my experience, heat tools are totally usable.
i even bake some pieces in the oven at 100 degrees celcius for 20-30 minutes to give it a ''dry boost''. (not any hotter, it will dry too quick and the clay will bend)
I mostly use a hair dryer for speeding up the proces.
It probably depends on what you are making, but i always use them.
And sanding the piece when its totally dry is also very therapeutic haha.
Good video! good tips!

OMG i just found you and am binge watching. Really appreciate the video length, jam packed with info!

This helped me a lot I just bought the clay today I can’t wait to sculpt❤️ thank you.

I really appreciate you taking the time to make this... As I've had a pack of das air-dry clay in my cupboard pushing close to 2years!! 😵 I obviously haven't had a clue on what to do with it lol but although it's early and you are the first thing I've watched I'm thinking that I don't think I will throw it away after all 😊✌️💙

Great video, from start to finish no breaks - always wanted to know about the painting part so this covered it and just about everything else I should know before starting the DAS project - thankyou - very well explained and filmed!

Wow! What an incredible video 🤯 I’ve never worked with this clay before but now I feel prepared to begin. I’m especially excited by the tip about letting the clay partially dry for a stiffer, easier to detail consistency. What a game changer!

Wow! I learned so much by this one video! I am a complete novice, and a little scared of trying to use air dry clay, but you've helped me gain valuable insight into what it is, and how best to use it - The 'slip' tip is something I will definitely be using -Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge -

Thank you so much Sofia! I'm experimenting with abstract sculpture and your informative video has been a life-saver, particularly the advice about using tin foil.

Thank you!!! Very beautiful!!! Magnific explain. ❤

got some clay to sculpt things for my college course with no idea how to use it (smoothing and tools etc) until now, thank you so much!!!! best video ever !

Awesome, not only helpful and direct to the point, but also beautiful sculpture! Thanks :)

when I first sculpted, I used the flat end of a thumbtack and the other end of the thumbtack as my tool. It was a wonderful process...

Wow, one short video answered all my 'beginner' questions. Thank you so much!

As someone who wants to start sculpting just as a hobby your tips were incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much!

This was a really great & comprehensive video! I feel very confident to create with air dry clay now! Thank you for sharing your expertise! 💛

Gorgeous piece. This is just the sort of inspiration I needed. It's Tuesday now. I think I have a weekend project in mind. Thanks.

THANK YOU!! Been looking everywhere for a tutorial even almost gave up air dry clay!
Thank you for sharing your amazing tips

I'm so happy I found this on my recommendations. I've never thought about trying this as I have absolutely no artistic talent lol. But your piece looks amazing and makes me wanna give it a go. Great video 👍🏻

This video found me just as I was thinking to try air dry clay sculpting. Great tips, wonderful video, thank you! 😁

Girl you are awesome love the original DIYs you’re so creative, great video Thank You

What a great tutorial. Educational and fun to watch. Thanks 🙏🏻

This sculpture is great. Looks like an ocean reef. Lovely and thanks.

I’m new to air dry clay and I’m watching a lot of videos on how to use it. This is the best video I have seen so far! You are very clear and thorough! Thanks for the tips 😊

I haven't tried anything yet but this has given me confidence to try. I found the simple tip of baking paper to work on, and baking tray to dry helpful. I also appreciate knowing how to make little tools handy. Thanks so much!

Thanks for this! You got right to the point and showed great tips I would’ve never thought of

Oh my god thank you for the tutorial! I always procrastinate to learn the basic bcs it seems overwhelming but i will get upset with my amateur results. Your tutorial/tips is so easy to follow and i love the tools substitute diy! It encourage me to make even more clay art! Definitely will apply the tips you give here! Once again thank you and have a nice day ✨

Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing.

This is a treasure trove of practical tips! Thank you so much for sharing!

I am really glad I found this video, I am an artist but my creative outlets are limited due to space, I am for sure going to give this a try and will be following your channel.

Invaluable. Your video solved about three major problems for me in the first 5 minutes.

Какой шикарный туториал на англоязычном ютубе...рада что наткнулась на ваш канал

Thank you for making this!!
It has helped me so much!
I don’t feel so lost as I’m a beginner

Thank you for your tips. From the set up to the tools. I especially appreciated the drying time and tips.

Thank you I just had my first clay set as a gift and You are the first video I watch about clay tips

I didn't know about sanding at all! Its deffinetly something I will try out, thanks!

Super helpful video! Will definitely be making some slip for my next project. It's also handy to know that I don't have to rush out and buy a whole heap of tools. Thank you!!

Love the sculpture. Some very clever techniques. Whilst I am not a beginner I did still pick up great tips. Like the slip technique, that is so handy as before it was just a cup of water and my fingers. I have used your slip technique and boy it was so good. I fully intend on making my own tools as you showed with the ice lolly sticks. Thanks for showing and talking us through it.

The tip about the Slip is extremely helpful. Gonna be switching to plastics but i have so much unused airdry clay now that i have to use it

Your scoring and slip tip is just what I needed!!

That is a beautiful piece of art! I love it and I loved your tutorial, thank you!

Loved the whole tutorial thank you ... very inspiring!

ive been working with it for so pong, and this will help me so much! very nice tips :)

I use a different medium for my cosplay projects but this gave me a lot of cool ideas on the kinds of tools I can use! Especially since I work on a budget I like the ideas with spoons etc.

This is so useful, I am entering an art contest and seeing this really helps me. Thank you so much. ❤❤❤

Thank you so much Sofia, for sharing such an important info for begginers like me. 🙏

I LOVE DAS! Use it in all my clay classes👍🏽❤Slip Tip works wonders.

Definitely the ‘slip’ tip! Really useful. Thank you

ah DAS, haven't seen that for 40+ years. Good to see that it is still around but now I feel old.

Great to see air hardening clay tutorials. Thank you. I love working with this clay. It is do versatile. I really appreciated the drying, shellac and slip tip. I've always used acrylic to paint. Will try spray paint too.

This is the best how to video on anything I've ever seen. Great job, and thanks for the tips.

this is the best video on air dry clay I've come across after watching manyyyyy. THANK YOU

The slip is such a useful idea and seems like a good substitute for those of us who can't get our hands on clay glue. But the real pro tip is making your own sanding tools....now I won't have to buy them from the hobby shop as I can make custom sizes and grades at home!
I work on miniatures, so this may not be applicable for larger sculptures, but I've found you can stick Das air dry clay in the oven if you want it bone-dry after you've let it sit for a day or two. I like to do my initial detail work for large areas using Das, then use kneadatite (a.k.a. greenstuff) on top of that so it can fuse with Fimo professional. The Fimo has to be applied to the kneadatite before it cures. This lets you save on some materials while having more control over aluminum foil.
Lastly, you can use Mod Podge to seal Das air dry clay. A few coats of Mod Podge will make it rock hard and seal the surface so you can paint over it much easier. I've found this prevents cracking and chipping as well, which can be an issue if you know your sculpt will be handled or moved around a lot.

Okay... This is not only super helpful but also very inspiring

thanks for making this video that brand is sold in my country more than any other and this can help me a lot now I feel better able to make a good sculpture with this dough

Straight up just showing this to my class.

I really loved n 've learnt a lot from it. Thank you. Thanks again from the core of my heart.

Thank you for this video! I've been looking for a well-made, concise video with tips and tricks, and this is IT!

Amazing! Beautiful tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing!