by Jan of
JDConwell and
Hermits' Garden
Today's tip is really more like a series of tricks for working with paperclay. Several ADO members have participated in the
Medium Mayhem challenge, experimenting in a medium they've never used before, and ended up perplexed by the contrary stuff that is paperclay. If you've always worked with polymer, be prepared for a very different experience!
Here are some problems you might run into if you're new to working with paper or air dry clay, followed by some possible remedies or solutions.
1. It dries so fast! Learn early on to keep it well covered. Get out only what you need for each little piece you're working on, and keep the rest tightly under plastic wrap. I keep my package of clay in a zip-top bag, and sometimes sprinkle a little water in the bag before sealing it up.
2. It doesn't stick like polymer clay. No, but it will stick. Parts can be added, layers spread on for depth, etc. Say for example you want to add features to a dried head form, you simply wet the face area where you want to add the features, and make sure the fresh clay is plenty moist. Not soppy, but moist. Use regular sculpting tools to spread and blend the new to the old. Depending on the material to be embellished--like when I add features to a gourd doll--a little white glue or wood glue can ensure a super-strong bond.
3. It's hard to get clear, crisp detail. It can be. But again, work small, keep it damp, and
keep your hands clean so you don't lift off bits that you're trying to put on. The trick here is to find the happy medium between too wet and not wet enough. A paintbrush is useful, dipped in water, to smooth out details on a face or hand, blending seams until they disappear. I recently discovered that hands turn out better when I make the arm/wrist/palm, let it dry and then add fingers, one at a time, letting each dry before adding the next.
4. The texture is rough. Depending on the brand of clay you're using, yes, it can have a grainy, lumpy or fibrous texture. If you smooth the finished sculpt with water, it can help a lot. But the best solution is wait 'til it dries...and sand it smooth. From course to fine grit, sanding pads are your friend here. One of my favorite tools is a rat-tail shaped bead reamer for sanding in tiny areas. A lot of interesting surface textures can be added at this stage using tools for ceramic/pottery clay green-ware, too.
5. It takes so long to dry! That's one down-side I can't argue with. Some artists put theirs in the oven for a while to speed things up (temps and times vary), and it also helps to build thicker pieces over a foil armature so the layer of clay is thinner.
I hope these tips help you enjoy using paper clay. There are probably other situations not listed here...feel free to ask about them in the comments section! There are so many talented doll artists working with paper-clay, one of them will have a solution.
Here is the first part of the Grimms challenge.
by RosaGrueso
by Cindee Moyer
by Susie McMahon
by Lorraine 
by Hoopie
by Abi Monroe
by Cinthia Toy
by Lorraine
by Evelyn´s Wonderland
by Helen Fern
by Emily Jane Hamaker-Olsen
by Sarah Wallis
by Feltoohlala
The Red Queen by Kailee Maree
Sir Robin Red Breast by Kirsten Howard 
Bella by Carla Trujillo
The Bride of Frankenstein by Marina
Madapple Grimoire and Luna by Jordan Taylor
