How to make clay sculptures breaks it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps?

Sculpting clay is a brilliant way to ignite your creativity. Although if you’re new to the medium and wondering how to make sculptures at home, it can be hard to know where to begin. From picking the right clay to improving technique, the following advice on clay sculptures for beginners will help get you started.

What clay is used for sculpting?

Before you start your clay sculpture you need to pick the appropriate clay. There are several types of clay used for sculpture, all varying in terms of handling and finish:

• Oil-based modelling clay can appear unrefined and can be tricky for detailed work. But it stays soft and workable, making it good for practising with.
• Polymerbased modelling clay is equally soft and can be baked in a household oven to fix a composition. It can be prone to cracking though.
• Pottery or ‘firing’ clay – a water-based clay which can be shaped and fired at temperatures in excess of 121°C to stay firm. This is the method used for creating household ceramics.

How to start sculpting?

Now you’ve got your water-based clay sorted, it’s time for the creative part. Working in three dimensions will take some getting used to. However, these five useful tips will teach you how to make clay sculptures, from the initial idea to how to improve.

You can watch the video to learn beginner sculpture basics.

Oil-based modelling clay

Polymerbased modelling clay

Pottery or ‘firing’ clay