Hearty is a lightweight modelling clay that air dries to a firm consistency within 24 hours to a soft suede-like appearance and texture. Suitable to make delicate objects like flowers as well as jewellery, embellishments, etc and ideal for use with Silicone Moulds or Moulding Mats.
FORMING CLAY:
Items such as vessels, may be made in a free form manner or by covering a mould. Moulds can be glass, ceramic or cardboard. As Hearty clay will shrink slightly, we recommend extending the clay beyond the mould edges.
When the clay is wet, it will stick to each other and create a very strong bond. It may be necessary to use glue to ensure bonding once clay dries.
When drying thin items, allow the piece to partially dry, then sandwich between two flat items to prevent warping and curling.
Clay, wet or dry, may be cut with a blade or scissors.
Rubber stamps, moulding mats and unmounted stamps should be lubricated with a releasing agent before using them with clay. Releasing agents may include pigment inks, baby powder and hand lotion.
Select stamps that are deeply etched and fairly simple.
Roll out the clay to the desired thickness. Press stamp into the clay then lift stamp.
If clay sticks to the stamp, use an extra piece of clay to remove it from the stamp. The clay will pick up unwanted pieces left on the stamp.
Moulding mats and unmounted stamps are used by placing image side down onto the clay and rolling over the mat with a clay roller.
Dimension can be added by cutting images from clay and attaching to other pieces of clay by sealing around edges with a clay tool.
MAINTAINING & STORING
Water will help keep the clay from drying, as will wrapping the clay in plastic.
When you are finished with a project, store Hearty Clay in plastic wrap, an airtight plastic bag or container.
ADDING COLOURS
Any type of paint or mica powder can be mixed with the clay to create an extensive array of options. We recommend adding colour in small amounts at a time until desired colour is reached.
Allow clay to dry before painting directly onto your clay piece. Paint will dry fairly quickly and the less paint the better; too little is easier to deal with than too much.
