What Is The Most Suitable Clay For Miniature Figurines?

[JudyM]

Am currently using a white stoneware clay and find it stiffens before I have finished molding each small section. I'm only new to ceramics so don't have any prior experience to use as a guide. Are there any How To Videos or Books available on miniature figurines?

[oldlady]

to keep the work moist, try forming it on a thick,heavy, damp terrycloth towel.  keep the pieces on the towel as you work and if you want to work on your lap, a piece of heavy plastic will keep you dry.  an old metal baking pan under a towel works too.  if you have not made a damp box yet, this is a perfect time.  once you finish working, place everything in the damp box, dry the towel and you are ready for the next session.

 

i just realized that people have a differing definition of the word "damp".  mine means wet but not dripping.  a contact in florida sent me some leaves in a "damp" paper towel.   when opened, water ran out of the plastic envelope.

[Mark C.]

use a spray mister bottle to keep work from drying out.

[MatthewV]

I have been making small figures (cats and dogs mostly) and I just finished my first tea set (tray, jar, pitcher, teapot, four cups+saucers) that fits on a business card. I use a grogged white stoneware. It really isn't the right clay-- a smoother clay or porcelain would be the "correct" choice in my opinion. Any grit will make it harder to add fine details or carve cleanly.

 

To slow the drying of pieces you are not working on, quickly roll out some clay and set the parts on it. I still try to finish each step in one sitting but having a mass of clay with your piece can allow drying to leather hard in a controlled fashion. I work in a wasteful fashion because reclaiming clay is easy enough where I am.

[JudyM]

Thanks old lady,Mark&Matthew- I'll try those tips .

[Denice]

If your working in the C5/6 range I would try Laguna's B-Mix, in the Cone 04 a white earthenware clay.   Denice