Besides being pricey, modeling clays that can be baked in ovens are also hard to find. However, just by searching online you can find several good recipes for homemade clay. All you need are a few simple kitchen items. What’s more you don’t need an expensive kiln as you can bake your clay projects in your kitchen oven.
Tools and Ingredients
- Reference pictures can be found in magazines, greeting cards or just about anywhere.
- Clay molding tools are ideal, but if you only have a popsicle stick this works, too. Some affordable carving tools can be found at craft stores and are good for carving feathers, eyes and other features. Your fingers can also serve as shaping tools.
- Flour and salt, added to water, are the basic ingredients for a simple batch of homemade clay.
- A wooden spoon is used to stir the mixture as if you were stirring bread batter.
- A nonstick baking pan is used for baking.
- Acrylic paints do an excellent job, although craft paints are good, too.
Basic Recipe
A basic recipe that works well, requiring only three items, is one calling for flour, salt and water. Although the recipe calls for four cups of flour, it’s best to only make a small batch about a quarter of the size.
Combine 1 cup of all purpose flour (whole wheat flour is good, too) with ¼ cup of salt and about ¼ cup of water. Mix with a wooden spoon until the clay is a suitable consistency. You’ll probably have to add just a little water (only a few drops at a time). Some recipes call for a higher percentage of water; however it’s best to error on the side of less liquid as you can always add more water. Cut off a chunk of clay, returning the rest of the lump to an airtight container. Usually homemade clay made from this basic recipe lasts up to two weeks, depending on how tightly it's sealed from air.
Shaping the Bird
Studying your reference picture begin sculpting your bird. It’s usually best to start forming the head and beak and then work your way down. To make the project simpler, only mold a bust of the bird rather than the entire body which would include legs. Have a small container of water nearby so you can dip your finger into it to smooth over rough edges. Using a rounded carving tool, carve in the eyes, as well as curved feathers and any other feature that isn’t straight. Using the straight tool, define marks on the bird where needed. Continue to smooth over rough spots with water.
Turn the bust over repeatedly to work the other side, trying to make it look as identical as possible. Constantly adjust the head and neck so they’re not lopsided.
Natural Drying
If you don’t finish your project in one setting, it will start to dry out, but you’ll still be able to continue sculpting after 24 hours. However, don’t wait too long because the longer it sits, the drier the clay becomes.
Baking
When you’re finished with your bust, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place project on a nonstick cookie sheet and bake for about an hour, depending on the size of your sculptor.
Painting
Let your project cool before painting. Then paint it with craft or acrylics paints. Finally, varnish it for added shine and protection.
Although most homemade clay projects are designed for children, you don’t have to have kids to have fun working with clay. It’s all in the amount of details you add. In fact your works of art may become so professional looking you may want to sell them at craft fairs.
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