Working with clay is a great way for kids to express their creativity while crafting fun items such as beads and jewelry. Here Crafty Kids guest Linda Watson gives a crash course on working with different types of clay and explains which types work best for various projects. Of the many types of clay on the market, modeling clay, air-dry clay and polymer clay are the three types most commonly used in crafting. The various types are defined by how long the clay takes to dry, how hard it sets and how easy it is to work with. - Modeling clay, such as Play Dough, is the easiest to use and doesn't harden. This type of clay is especially good for young children to practice with, since it can be repeatedly reshaped into new forms.
- Air-dry clays are best used for permanent creations, since they will ultimately harden and cannot be reshaped; most clays of this type will set in about 24 hours. Working with air-dry clay (Model Magic is one popular brand) is easy and fun, and doesn't require the use of heat to dry and set the finished piece.
- Polymer clay is a little tougher to work with but is also more versatile. Ideal for crafting beads and jewelry, polymer clays come in a variety of great colors and can yield a very detailed, original look when combined. For those just starting to work with polymer clay, Watson recommends Sculpey III, one of the easier brands to work with; more advanced clay enthusiasts may want to try Friendly Clay or Fimo.
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