| Clay sculptures have been a popular art form since | | | | in a variety of sizes from small table top models to |
| pre-historic times. The popularity of this art form was | | | | extra large corner units. The final items that you will |
| historically due to the availability of the materials used | | | | need are glazes. |
| to create them. Today this art form is used as a fine | | | | After you have all of the supplies and materials |
| art form, a therapy art and as a learning art form. | | | | needed for your clay sculptures you will be ready to |
| To create clay sculptures you first need the right | | | | start. The first step is to figure out what you want |
| tools and materials. First of all you will need the right | | | | to sculpt. You may want to sketch out your ideas so |
| type of clay. Sculpting clay, also referred to as | | | | that you have a visual reference to refer to when |
| potter's clay, has been cleaned of impurities and it | | | | working with the clay. Next you will want to use your |
| has a fairly homogenous consistency. Potter's clay | | | | wire to cut off a piece of clay to work with. To |
| comes in a variety of volumes from 5 pound blocks | | | | start with the clay will be hard to manipulate, |
| to 100 pound blocks. After you have bought your | | | | however, as you work with the clay it will soften and |
| potter's clay you will next need shaping and cutting | | | | become more pliable. Work your clay into the shape |
| tools. You can use just about anything for a shaping | | | | that you want using your hands, fingers and shaping |
| tool. Some common items used for shaping clay | | | | tools. Common shaping techniques for clay include |
| include knives, forks and texture tools. You will also | | | | rolling, balling and pinching. After you complete your |
| want to get a wire for cutting the clay. In order to | | | | sculpture you will want to fire it in the kiln and allow it |
| stabilize your clay sculpture you will need a kiln to fire | | | | to cool. You can then glaze the item and re-fire it. |
| your sculpture. These high temperature ovens come | | | | This will cure the glaze and finish your sculpture. |