Molded from clay for your crumbs already passed stage? The child confident enough to have the basic skills of modeling? If the child likes to create different things from clay, it will surely enjoy this activity as modeling clay. This activity does not require large material costs, and bring pleasure to the child with nothing comparable. Yes, and handicrafts made of clay can be stored for many years.
Where to get clay for sculpting?
If you are with a child decided to try modeling clay in front of you, of course, raise the question of where to take the clay. In principle, there are several options:
Basically, in our time for the clay is sold in almost every department of office supplies, or in the shop of children's toys. Buy usual gray clay can be quite inexpensive - its value fluctuates within a hundred rubles. This clay is soft, smooth texture. Clay sale small packages, is fully ready for molding. Most suitable modeling of polymer clay for those kids who had never experimented with modeling clay.
In that case, if the modeling clay for the child is not a novelty, and the child sculpts are many, the most reasonable for you will be the acquisition of a soluble blue clay. It is sold packaged in packs of 3 and 10 kg. Blue clay for molding plastic enough, so the child will be comfortable working with her. However, there are several drawbacks. Firstly, a blue clay contains a large amount of foreign matter such as pebbles, and sand. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-sifted. And the blue clay dilute with water alone is not every child will be able to - he'll need adult assistance.
Another option - to look for the clay itself under natural conditions. Typically, the clay can be found on the riverbank. However, keep in mind that not every clay for sculpting. In pottery, there should be no cracks. So try to pre-roll the piece of clay in his hands and see if it is flexible enough. For kids from this clay should be discarded. For them, a more optimum modeling of polymer clay.
In addition, natural clay to be properly cleaned of impurities. To this solution clay in water so as to obtain a uniform mass. Let stand for about an hour, after which, without shaking, pour it into another container. All the stones remain on the bottom, and you'll have a clean, suitable for modeling clay. Dry it in the sun and you can start to work.
Types of modeling clay
Depending on the age of the child, you can choose several options for modeling. For example, figures can be created from a single piece of clay. To do this, create the desired shape with your fingers. A child using simple techniques of extrusion and topping can create from the base figure.
If a child knows how to use stacks - special sticks to shape the clay, he can take advantage of them. However, note that in this case the clay should be sufficiently dense, even slightly hardened. Only in this case the child can comfortably sculpt out of it.
Another great way for modeling can be plaster molds. The molds need to pour a solution of clay and left to harden. In order to prepare a solution of clay, mix water and clay until creamy state.
If the child is old enough, you can try to create more serious things than clay bunnies. For example, you may want to blind a vase. To do this you will need plastic clay and plastic film. Wrap any bowl with plastic wrap, then put on top of the clay. After that, leave the clay to dry slightly and very carefully remove the film from the vase. After the clay is completely dry, you will have a real vase.
Another quite interesting kind of modeling clay, who adore all children without exception - is embossed molding. When modeling a relief on a flat layer of clay applied all sorts of small details - flowers or petals, for example.
Little secrets of modeling clay
To modeling clay brought pleasure to the child, you must know some of the features - in fact anyway but clay for its plasticity is still different from the clay. Clay is much stronger than clay, but at the same time requires much greater accuracy. For a successful modeling remember quite a few simple rules:
- Clay for sculpting, should always be moist. Therefore, every time after the molding of the clay is finished, you need to rest a lot tightly with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- In the process of modeling clay inevitably cracks. The child must live down them with a liquid clay or water, otherwise ready to hack will look untidy.
- Start crafts necessary to create larger pieces. And after them need to attach smaller. If the child is too young, help him - clay modeling is quite complex.
Processing craft clay
And hack clay ready. How to preserve it for years to come? Firstly, any need to pre-dry the crafts. To do this, place it in a transparent plastic bag and leave for at least three days. In order to determine whether the product is dry, take a good look at him - dried clay is much easier and lighter than crude.
In addition, a couple of days a clay crafts you can further dry in a microwave oven. To do this, place the pottery in the microwave for two - three minutes. You can also use and oven - preheat it to 300 degrees, put the figure to the dried and leave for about 20 minutes. Please note - in any case, do not put it in the oven just made and perfectly raw product - you run the risk of his hopeless mess.
Once the product is completely dry, you can start painting it. For coloring clay wiser to use gouache. Gouache great falls on the clay surface, gives a very bright, vivid colors. And most importantly - gouache completely harmless to the child.
In the event that created the hack adult child, you can cover it before painting a layer of white enamel - it dries very quickly and creates an ideal basis for paint. However, if the hack was created a baby, you should not use enamel to crumb, do not breathe its vapors.
Once the painting is completed and the product has dried, apply a uniform layer of ordinary PVA glue. It will give the product not only strength, but also a terrific shine. However, be sure the glue is applied to only the dried paint, otherwise the pattern can be blurred.
Modeling clay is a wonderful way to spend time with the child is not only interesting, but also with a significant benefit to its development!