Clay has long been an attractive medium for artists, as it not only allows for a great deal of artistic expression but practical applications as well. You can create a ton of different items out of clay, from vases and pottery to different kinds of jewelry and ornaments as well.
However, traditional modeling clay is somewhat difficult and messy to work with and requires a kiln in order to create finished products properly. This is why oven baked clay is taking off and has such a wide appeal, as it doesn’t require any sort of kiln-firing process to be hardened.
This quick guide will cover some of the important differences between traditional clays and the new kinds of polymer clays that are hitting the market, and why the latter is so appealing. You will also find some great information on where to get these clays online in case you are interested in trying them out for yourself.
The Difference Between New Oven Baked Clays vs. Kiln-Fired
Although clay is an enjoyable medium to work with, it isn’t at all the easiest. Creating quality works of art with clay can be a painstaking process.
One of the most common issues with kiln-fired clay is that it is messy to work with by nature. Then you have to make sure you handle and store the clay properly when not in use otherwise it could dry out and become unworkable in a relatively short amount of time.
The largest hurdle when working with this kind of clay is the fact that you have to fire it in a kiln in order to create a lasting item. Of course, not everyone has access to a kiln, which is a mild understatement, to say the least.
This is why oven baked clay is such a superior choice, especially for those who are new to clay and want to experiment with creating three-dimensional pieces of art without having to worry about lengthy clean-up sessions or keeping their work from drying out prematurely.
Polymer clay is essentially made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which makes it entirely man-made as opposed to something you extract from the earth. High-quality polymer clay is safe even for children to use and is easy to make workable.
What artists of all ages really love about this kind of new clay is that it can be hardened simply by sticking it in an everyday oven. This is downright revolutionary compared to traditional modeling clay. Another great aspect of quality polymer clay is that it won’t become unusable if left out in the open. You don’t have to worry about leaving your project for too long and coming back to find that it is stiff as a rock.
Where Can You Shop For Quality Polymer Clays?
Now that you know a little bit more about the benefits of using oven baked clay, it only makes sense that you would want to know where you can get your hands on some so you can start creating!
While there are a bunch of different brands of polymer clays out there, the better the quality, the more enjoyable the experience. This is why you should look for brands like Papa’s Clay, conveniently sold at Firefly Art Supplies.
This art supply store specializes in top-quality polymer clay that is super soft and easy to work with. Professionals and hobbyists alike love Papa’s Clay because it stays soft even after baking in the oven, comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors, is completely non-toxic, and bakes quicker than other clays as well. Visit Firefly Art Supplies today and pick some up for yourself.
