How To Use Different Clay Tools

We have articles and information on the tools used for decorating ceramic work from ceramic artists of all level of experience.

How to use different clay tools. Homemade clay tools can be as simple as a using a credit card for a throwing rib or as complex as constructing your own homemade extruder. It is an essential tool and used very often. Faceting is done by cutting the clay surface into a series of wide flat planes.

A set of playing cards. Here are links to similar tools. Its cheap and easy isnt it.

Plastic shape templates in a few basic shapes or a few basic cutter sets. Draw the shape you want onto a piece of plastic like a gift card or packaging from takeout and cut it out with scissors. Look for anything that can be used to make interesting details on the clay.

Because clay is so soft these ribs are more gentle and forgiving on clay. Nothing is off limits as a potential clay tool and no clay tool has just one use. Use as a guide to get your clay rolled out evenly A beading awl or handheld pin drill for making holes.

Working in three dimensions can be an interesting artistic challenge. You can also use items that you find around your home as sculpting tools. Modelling tools wires knives spoons old kitchen implements A mask.

Although not strictly necessary this is the one investment that I would recommend. Beginners guide to sculpting in clay. The best DIY do-it-yourself texture tool to create an impression of wool or carpet is made of toothpicks.