The Best Clay for Beginners: How to Pick the Right Type of Clay

When I first started my clay journey, I felt completely overwhelmed by all the options out there. I bet you're feeling the same way, right? Well, don't worry! I've put together this comprehensive guide to help you pick the best clay for beginners.

In this guide, we'll explore five popular types of clay for beginners: Air-Dry Clay, Polymer Clay, Modeling Clay, Playdough, and Paper Clay. So get comfy and let's dive into the world of clay! ☕️🏺

Let’s kick things off with air-dry clay, a personal favorite of mine and the star of our Claymoo kits! 🌟

A clay that’s as easy to use as playdough but dries into a lasting creation without needing an oven or kiln. That’s air-dry clay for you! This clay dries and hardens when exposed to air.

When I first discovered air-dry clay, I was amazed by its versatility. You can use it to create everything from delicate jewelry to sturdy home decor pieces. One of our Claymoo users, Jessica, recently made a Crazy Cacti using our air-dry clay kit. She told me, “I never thought I could make something so professional-looking on my first try!”

Next up on our clay journey is polymer clay – a synthetic clay that's become a favorite among many crafters and jewelry makers.

Think of polymer clay as the chameleon of the clay world. It comes in every color under the sun, and you can mix them to create your own custom shades. Unlike air-dry clay, polymer clay needs to be baked in a home oven to harden.

You'll find that polymer clay is incredibly versatile. From jewelry to home decor, the possibilities are endless. And here's something you'll love – it doesn't dry out until you bake it, so you can take your time perfecting your clay project.

But it's not all rainbows and unicorns. Polymer clay requires baking in an oven, which might not be ideal if you're crafting with kids. It can also be a bit more expensive than some other clay types, and it's not the most eco-friendly option out there.

While we don't use polymer clay in our Claymoo kits, I have to admit it's a fun material to work with! If you're into making jewelry or small, intricate pieces, you might find polymer clay becomes your new best friend.

Here's a pro tip I've picked up from my friends who use polymer clay: Before you start working with polymer clay, make sure to condition it well. Knead it until it's soft and pliable. Trust me, this step will save you a lot of headaches by preventing breakage and improving the clay's overall workability.

Modeling clay is the OG of the clay world! This versatile material has been a staple in art classes and sculpture studios for ages, and for good reason.

Modeling clay comes in two main types: oil-based (which never hardens) and water-based (which can be fired in a kiln). Oil-based clay remains pliable and never dries out, making it a preferred choice for professionals. It’s the clay you probably remember from your school days, perfect for practicing your sculpting skills.

I have a soft spot for modeling clay because it’s where I started my clay journey. I bet many of you have similar memories of creating your first sculptures with this classic material.

You’ll find that modeling clay is excellent for honing your sculpting techniques. Its smooth texture is great for detailed work, and if you’re using the oil-based kind, you can reuse it over and over again. Some artists even use it for stop-motion animation – how cool is that?

But modeling clay isn’t without its drawbacks. The oil-based version never fully hardens, which can be frustrating if you want to keep your creations. And while the **water-based version can be fired for permanent pieces, you’ll need access to a kiln.

I think modeling clay is a valuable tool in any clay artist’s arsenal, especially when you’re learning and experimenting with new techniques.

Here’s a pro tip if you decide to give modeling clay a try: If you create something you love with oil-based modeling clay and want to preserve it, consider making a mold of your finished piece. This way, you can cast it in a more permanent material later if you choose.

Playdough (not a clay per se but great for beginners) is super soft, comes in bright colors, and is all about play rather than creating lasting art pieces.

I bet you have fond memories of squishing and molding playdough as a kid – I know I do! And you know what? It's still a great tool for getting your creative juices flowing, even as an adult. One of our Claymoo team members, Tom, keeps a tub of playdough on his desk for those moments when he needs a quick creativity boost. He says, "There's something about the tactile experience of squishing playdough that helps me think outside the box."

You'll love how easy playdough is to work with. It's super safe for kids, which makes it perfect for family crafting time. And let's be honest – squishing playdough is oddly satisfying, no matter your age! It's great for practicing basic shape-making and can even be a stress-reliever after a long day.

Now, playdough isn't going to be your go-to for creating lasting art pieces. It dries out quickly if left exposed to air, and it's not great for detailed work. But for pure, messy fun, it's hard to beat!

While playdough isn't exactly a "serious" crafting material, I believe it has an important place in the world of clay. It's often our first introduction to the joy of molding and creating with our hands. At Claymoo, we're all about making clay crafting enjoyable, and playdough certainly embodies that spirit.

Here's a fun tip: Did you know you can make your own playdough at home? It's a fun activity to do with kids, and you can customize the colors and even add scents! There are tons of recipes online – why not give it a try for your next rainy day activity?

Last but certainly not least, let's talk about paper clay. Imagine if clay and paper had a baby – that's essentially what paper clay is! It's a mixture of clay and paper fibers, resulting in a lightweight, strong material that's perfect for sculpting.

When I first discovered paper clay, I was blown away by its unique properties. One of our Claymoo community members, Rachel, recently used paper clay to create a large wall sculpture. She told me, "I couldn't believe how light the finished piece was! I was able to hang it easily without worrying about it pulling out of the wall."

You'll find that paper clay opens up a world of possibilities, especially for larger projects. It's incredibly lightweight when dry, which means you can create bigger sculptures without the weight issues you might face with traditional clay. Plus, it's stronger than traditional clay when fired, making it great for delicate pieces.

But paper clay can be more expensive than some other clay types, and it might take some getting used to. It's not quite as smooth as traditional clay. But many crafters find that the benefits outweigh these small drawbacks.

Here's a pro tip for working with paper clay: If you're tackling a large sculpture, try building an armature (a skeleton or framework) out of aluminum foil or wire to support your piece.

Not super super beginner friendly clay but I think it’s still worth mentioning. Pottery clay, also known as ceramic clay, has been used for thousands of years to create everything from simple bowls to intricate sculptures. Unlike the air-dry and polymer clays we’ve talked about, pottery clay is meant to be fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This firing process transforms the clay into ceramic, making it incredibly durable and often waterproof.

There isn’t just one type of pottery clay. In fact, there are three main categories:

1. Earthenware clay: This is typically a low-fire clay, meaning it’s fired at lower temperatures. It’s often red or brown and remains somewhat porous after firing. Earthenware clay is commonly used for making tiles and flower pots.

2. Stoneware clay: This is a mid to high-fire clay that’s incredibly versatile. It’s usually gray or brown before firing and becomes very strong and non-porous after firing. I love stoneware for its durability – it’s perfect for making functional pieces like mugs or plates.

3. Porcelain clay: This is a high-fire clay that’s known for its white color and translucency when fired. It’s more challenging to work with but can produce absolutely stunning results. FYI porcelain is not beginner friendly at all.

One of the things I love about pottery clay is how versatile it is. You can hand-build with it, throw it on a pottery wheel, or even use slip casting techniques. Each method has its own learning curve, but that’s part of the fun!

Hand-building is great for beginners. You can create pinch pots, coil pots, or use slab building techniques.

Throwing on a pottery wheel is what most people think of when they imagine pottery. It takes practice (and expect to get messy!), but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of centering clay on a wheel and watching a form emerge from your hands.

If you’re considering trying pottery clay, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Equipment: Unlike air-dry or polymer clay, pottery clay requires access to a kiln for firing. Many communities have pottery studios where you can take classes and use their equipment.

• Time: Working with pottery clay is often a slower process due to the drying and firing times.

• Learning Curve: There’s definitely a learning curve with pottery clay, especially if you want to try wheel throwing. But don’t let that discourage you – the pottery community is incredibly supportive and welcoming to beginners.

• Versatility: Once you learn the basics, the possibilities with pottery clay are endless. You can create functional pieces, sculptures, jewelry, and so much more.

While we don’t offer pottery clay in our Claymoo kits (our focus is on making clay crafting accessible without the need for special equipment), I always encourage our users to explore pottery if they’re interested. Many Claymoo users have told me that starting with our air-dry clay kits gave them the confidence to try pottery clay later on 🏺✨

Now that we’ve explored these five types of clay for beginners, let me share some tips on how to actually choose the right clay for your project.

First, think about what you want to make. Do you want to craft delicate jewelry pieces? Or maybe you want to craft a large sculpture that will be the centerpiece of your living room? The type of project you have in mind will be a big factor in choosing your clay. Selecting the correct clay based on your project and firing temperature is crucial to avoid issues like under-fired pieces or damage to the kiln.

Next, consider your skill level. If you’re a complete beginner, you might want to start with something more forgiving like our Claymoo air-dry clay or even good old playdough. As you gain confidence, you can move on to clays that allow for more detailed work. Purchasing clay from reliable sources like art supply stores can help ensure you get the right type of clay for your needs.

Think about how you want your finished piece to look. Do you need a wide range of colors, or are you planning to paint your creation after it’s dry? If color is a big factor, polymer clay or air dry clay might be your best bet. If you’re more focused on form and plan to paint later, air-dry clay could also be perfect.

Don’t forget to consider your working environment. Do you have access to a kiln or are you comfortable using your home oven for crafting? If not, you’ll want to stick with air-dry options. Also, think about how much time you have – some clays, like our Claymoo air-dry clay, give you a longer working time before they start to dry out.

Now, let me share a bit about my own clay journey and how it led to Claymoo. As I mentioned earlier, I stumbled upon foam clay and fell in love with its unique properties. It was soft, pliable, and air-dry – a perfect combination for both beginners and experienced crafters.

However, I quickly realized that finding good quality clay online was a challenge. There was also a lack of educational material teaching crafters how to work with foam clay. I thought to myself, "There must be other people out there feeling just as frustrated as I am!" That's when the idea for Claymoo was born.

At Claymoo, we've developed premium, high-quality, soft air-dry clay kits that make clay crafting easy and enjoyable. Our clay is a bit different from traditional air-dry clay. It is softer and more pliable, almost like a cross between clay and foam. This unique texture makes it incredibly easy to work with, perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Each of our kits comes with everything you need to complete a project, including step-by-step tutorials in both video and text format. We've done all the hard work of sourcing materials and creating easy-to-follow instructions, so you can skip right to the fun part – creating!

One of our users, Emily, recently told me, "I've always wanted to try clay crafting, but I was intimidated by all the materials and techniques. The Claymoo kit made it so easy to get started – everything I needed was right there in the box, and the tutorials were super helpful. I made beautiful roses on my first try!"

From air-dry clay to polymer clay, modeling clay to playdough, and paper clay – each type has its own unique characteristics and ideal uses. Remember, there's no "one size fits all" in the world of clay. The best clay for you depends on your project, skill level, and personal preferences.

At Claymoo, we're passionate about making clay crafting accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, we believe everyone can experience the joy of creating something beautiful with their own hands. That's why we've put so much love and care into developing our soft air-dry clay kits.

I hope this guide has helped demystify the world of clay and given you the confidence to choose the right clay for your next project. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Happy crafting, everyone! 😊🏺✨

While it's possible to mix some clay types, it's generally not recommended for beginners. Different clays have unique properties and may not blend well or cure properly when mixed. Stick to using one type of clay at a time until you're more experienced. If you want to experiment, try mixing different colors of the same clay type instead.

To keep clay fresh, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag with excess air removed. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. For polymer clay, wrap it in wax paper before placing it in a container. Air-dry clay should be misted with water before storage. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific storage recommendations.

As a beginner, you can start with basic tools like a rolling pin, cutting tools (knives or clay cutters), sculpting tools (wooden or plastic), and a smooth work surface. You may also need a baking sheet for polymer clay or a drying rack for air-dry clay. As you progress, you can invest in more specialized tools for detailed work.

Most clay types can be painted after drying or curing, but the method varies. Air-dry clay and paper clay work well with acrylic paint. Polymer clay can be painted with acrylic or oil-based paints after baking. Always ensure the clay is completely dry or cured before painting, and consider using a primer for better paint adhesion.