Tools of the trade

[Bullseye]

Guys what tools are essential for starting out. I would like to give it a try and have located a website that sells the stuff required. But what do i need besides the clay. What clay is best to start out with etc. Heres a link to that site which Angie kindly gave to me.
http://www.polymerclaypit.co.uk/acatalog/Super_Sculpey.html

[valemeister]

Hi Bullseye

From this site, I bought the 8lb box of Super Sculpey, the modelling tool set, a craft knife, Makins Clay Mat (allthough the green measurements come off, so I use it upside down), The Needle tool and the large tapestry needle.

I've used all of them so far except the craft knife. I also went to a needlecraft shop and have bought several knitting needles (sawn off for easier use) and various large weaving & tapestry needles.

I've also read that people use all kinds of things including dental tools and spaghetti machines to get large flattened clay but I have no first hand experience there.

The box of sculpey I bought should last me a VERY long time. I've barely used a quarter of the first 1lb block of it, so since it comes in 1lb blocks, that might be enough for starters. I was just determined to make it work :) I understand that this is the best clay to start with for beginners and I certainly have no complaints. It doesn't take very long for it to become soft and pliable. Also, for the basics on modelling miniature figures, try out Katherine Deweys book. I sit with it on my table when I'm working for reference. :) Creating life like figures in polymer clay (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974153001/qid=1111016904/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2792056-0760607)

Good luck! :D

-Angie :p

[Bullseye]

Cheers Angie. Is the book any good?

[Fishsta]

Glad you're considering giving this whole sculpting thing a try. I've foudn that every sculptor has their own favourite tools. You will soon learn that you only like using several of your 2 dozen tools.... :rolleyes2. Below are a pic of the tools i use most. Of these i do 90% of my work with the two on the far left. I also think you should consider using teh grey sculpey from midwest clay
Gray Sculpt (http://www.midwestclay.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=18)
It is easier to see details with this clay rather than the pink translucent Super Sculpey. I don't know how i sculpted with the pink version for so long. Hope this helps
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/Fishsta/DSCF0096.jpg

[Bullseye]

Cheers Fishta. Will look those up.

[valemeister]

Cheers Angie. Is the book any good? The book is excellent. While the subjects in it aren't comic-like, the basic idea is the same. :) Also, I've found that sculpting with a Bowen bust on my work table helps with getting the scale right, asuming that's the scale you want to work to.

I also think you should consider using teh grey sculpey from midwest clay Gray Sculpt. It is easier to see details with this clay rather than the pink translucent Super Sculpey. I don't know how i sculpted with the pink version for so long. Unless you want to pay stupid prices for shipping and customs charges, Bullseye, I'd wait for the Clay Pit to start stocking it. ;) Right now, I can live with the flesh toned stuff.

-Angie :p

[Fishsta]

haha oops, forgot you were across the pond, as they say. Well a substitute would be to mix some black and white sculpey 3 or premo with the pink stuff. Either way, its worth it to colour your SS. :buttrock:

Rich

[valemeister]

haha oops, forgot you were across the pond, as they say. Well a substitute would be to mix some black and white sculpey 3 or premo with the pink stuff. Either way, its worth it to colour your SS. :buttrock:

Rich John Cleary concurs! He advised me to do that over at the Club House. I'm going to pick up some sculpey III next time I'm in town. He said he uses dark green or navy blue. I guess it doesn't matter really, as long as it's dark.

-Angie :)

[JohnCleary]

Hi again Angie. Glad to see your here also. Yes, any dark color will work. I usuallu use green. I like it best. Any darker shade of green will work. Just dont use too much. You wont need the whole pack. What you want to do is take a small amount and start mixing it together and keep adding the color until you get the desired shade.

Mixing will be a whole lot easier if you get a pasta machine. I got mine at a local michaels. They will mix your clay real easy and not be hard on your hands like manual mixing can be. :)

good luck!

[Ghost]

For you guys across the pond, this site is quite nice and has some great tools and everything you need to do recreational work to professional.

Tiranti Ltd. (http://http://www.tiranti.co.uk/index.asp)