Which Clay Is Best For Ornaments?

Clay is a versatile material that has been used for centuries to create sculptures, pottery, tiles, and other decorative items like ornaments. The type of clay used determines the quality, durability, finish and overall look of the final ornament.

The most common clays used for ornaments include polymer clay, air-dry clay, oven-bake clay, earthenware clay, stoneware clay, and porcelain. Each clay has different properties that affect its workability, strength when dry or fired, ability to retain fine detail, and how smooth or porous the final surface is.

When selecting a clay for ornaments, key factors to consider are:

• Strength – How sturdy and durable the ornament needs to be for its intended display use.
• Workability – How easy the clay is to shape and sculpt into intricate designs.
• Surface finish – The smoothness, glossiness or matte texture desired.
• Firing requirements – Some clays require baking or kiln-firing at high temperatures.

Understanding the unique characteristics of each clay type allows crafters to choose the optimal material for their specific ornament project and design needs.

Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It typically contains polymers, resins, coloring agents and preservatives. Polymer clay remains flexible and workable at room temperature. Once baked or cured in a hot oven, it hardens permanently. Polymer clay is popular for arts and crafts due to its versatility, durability, vibrance and extensive color options.

Some key benefits of polymer clay include:

• Versatility – polymer clay can be molded, shaped, carved, etc. It’s excellent for sculpting detailed forms.
• Durability – finished polymer clay is quite strong and durable compared to other clays.
• Vibrant colors – polymer clay comes in every color imaginable, and colors can be mixed to create custom hues.
• Finishing – polymer clay takes on a nice glossy finish after baking and polishing.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Fading – polymer clay colors may fade over time with extended exposure to light.
• Softness – polymer clay remains soft until cured, making uncured pieces prone to deforming.

Overall, polymer clay is praised for its versatility and usefulness across many crafting applications, especially jewelry, figurines, decorative items, and ornaments.

Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay is made from natural ingredients like cellulose fiber that binds materials together. It hardens through evaporation as the water content dries out when exposed to air. This clay does not require baking or firing in a kiln. It is an inexpensive, accessible modeling material good for beginners and hobbyists.

Some benefits of air-dry clay are that no baking or kiln is required for hardening. It’s an inexpensive material, costing much less than polymer or oven-bake clays. Air-dry clay is also reworkable even once dried, by spraying water to soften it again. It has a natural feel and is non-toxic.

However, air-dry clay has some drawbacks. Pieces made from it tend to be fragile, heavy, and prone to chipping or cracking once fully dried. The drying process can take 1-3 days depending on thickness and humidity. Air-dry clay also shrinks as it dries. When working on large or detailed sculptures, you may need an internal armature for support. Pieces may need to be sealed for protection and color once fully dried. The Pros and Cons of Working With Air Dry Clay.

Oven-Bake Clay

Oven-bake clay is a type of polymer clay that hardens when baked in an oven. Unlike air-dry clay, oven-bake clay remains flexible and workable until it is baked according to the manufacturer’s instructions (source: https://www.sculpey.com/blogs/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-oven-bake-clay).

The main benefits of oven-bake clay are its versatility and ability to be repeatedly reshaped before baking. This allows for elaborate detailing and sculpting not possible with clays that harden via air drying. The clay can be mixed, blended, sculpted, carved, and molded into nearly any shape. Many brands of oven-bake clay also take acrylic paints, chalks, and colored pencils well for decoration after baking (source: https://abeautifulmess.com/make-your-own-clay-ornaments/).

Potential drawbacks are that oven-baked items may crack or chip if dropped or handled roughly after baking. Clay thickness and baking time/temperature must be carefully followed to fully harden the clay and prevent later cracking. Baking in a conventional oven also takes more time, effort, and energy compared to simple air drying.

Earthenware Clay

Earthenware clay is clay that has not been fired to high temperatures and retains its natural qualities. It is porous, meaning it absorbs water easily. Earthenware clay has a natural, unglazed look which appeals to many potters. It is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or chipped compared to other clays.

Earthenware clay is inexpensive and readily available. It comes in a wide range of natural colors like red, brown, and grey. When fired at lower temperatures between 1500-2100°F, the clay keeps its original composition and characteristics.

The porosity of earthenware makes it suitable for sculpting figures, tiles, and outdoor pottery. It has good adhesion properties for attaching parts. The clay’s natural look and texture is suitable for rustic pieces. Items made from earthenware clay include flower pots, mugs, bowls, and decorative pieces.

While earthenware clay gives a natural, unpolished look, the softness makes it prone to scratches and chips. Pieces need to be fired for strength and protection. It absorbs water easily so earthenware clay is not suitable for items holding liquids. The porosity also limits its use for cooking. Earthenware is heavier than other clays due to its lower firing temperature. Like other clay types, earthenware must be glazed for a non-porous waterproof finish.

Stoneware Clay

Stoneware clay (Maine Stoneware Ornament – Down East Shop) is a strong, durable type of clay often used to make pottery or ceramic ornaments (Ceramic Ornaments). Stoneware is fired at a much higher temperature (around 2,300°F) than earthenware or terra cotta clays. This results in a very hard, non-porous material that holds its shape well. The high firing also creates a vitrified surface that renders stoneware waterproof. Tiny House Stoneware Ornament – Down East Shop.

Some of the benefits of stoneware clay for ornaments include:

• Durability – Stoneware is very sturdy and resists breakage.
• Variety of colors – Natural clays come in a range of earth tone colors. Glazes and stains can also be applied.
• Non-porous – Glazed stoneware won’t absorb water and is easy to clean.

Drawbacks of working with stoneware clay can include:

• Heaviness – Stoneware is dense and heavier than clays like polymer.
• Prone to cracking – The high firing process can lead to cracking if the clay dries unevenly.
• Requires firing – Stoneware must be fired in a kiln to high temperatures to achieve its hardness.

Porcelain Clay

Porcelain clay is made from kaolin clay that has been fired at very high temperatures, typically between 2,300 and 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. It results in a non-porous, highly vitrified ceramic that is strong, durable, and can be molded into very delicate and refined shapes. According to Pottery Crafters, porcelain clay has a very smooth, elastic quality that allows skilled potters to create intricate designs and thin walls. The purity of the kaolin clay results in a bright white color when fired.

The benefits of porcelain clay include its extreme durability and resistance to stains, chips and cracks. It can withstand repeated use and washings. The refined surface and delicate craftsmanship possible also give it an elegant, high-end appearance perfect for display pieces and collectibles. However, porcelain can be difficult to work with. Its elasticity makes centering on a potter’s wheel challenging. It also requires specialized high-temperature kilns to reach its firing temperature. The firing process results in some shrinkage as well.

Recommendations

When choosing the best clay for ornaments, consider the type of ornament and your skill level. Here are some recommendations:

For beginners looking to make simple ornament shapes and beads, polymer clay is a good choice. Polymer clay is easy to work with, sets at low temperatures, and comes in a wide variety of colors. To use polymer clay, condition it with your hands until soft and pliable before shaping. Bake according to package directions.

For more advanced modelers who want to create detailed sculptures, porcelain or stoneware are great choices. These clays are smooth and fine-grained for intricate shaping. Porcelain and stoneware air-dry initially, then must be fired in a high-temperature kiln. When working with these clays, use slip glazes for coloring and finishing.

For ornaments with a rustic style, consider air-dry clays. Air-dry clays can be molded by hand without baking. They harden as they dry in air over 24-48 hours. Air-dry clays are easy to shape and paint for decorative effects. Use acrylic paints and sealants to finish air-dry clay ornaments.

When working with any clay, avoid getting it too thick or thin. Knead clays to optimal consistency before shaping. Work carefully and smooth seams between pieces. Allow adequate drying time before adding paint or other finishes. With care and practice, clay is a versatile material for creating beautiful, personalized ornaments.

Finishing Techniques

The finishing process can significantly enhance the look and feel of your clay creations. There are several options for finishing polymer, air-dry, oven-bake, earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain clays.

Glazing involves applying a liquid glaze product and firing the clay again to seal and harden the glaze. This gives the surface a glossy, glass-like finish. Glazes come in various colors and effects. They work best on clays that require high firing temperatures like stoneware and porcelain. Glazes can also be used on earthenware clays fired to the proper temperature.

Painting clay is possible with acrylic paints or other clay-safe paints. The paint can be applied before or after baking. Painting allows you to add color and designs to the clay. Multiple coats of paint can be applied for richer colors. Paints work on all clay types.

Staining clays involves applying colored stains to the baked clay to accentuate the surface design. Stains create an aged, antique look. Polymer clays and air-dry clays stain well before or after baking.

Sanding and buffing using fine grit sandpaper or buffing tools give polymer and oven-bake clays a smooth, polished finish. Wet sanding and hand buffing is recommended for achieving the highest shine.

Other options include adding chalk pastels, mica powders, or embellishments like beads after baking. The finishing process allows you to get creative and make your clay creations truly unique.

Conclusion

When selecting the best clay for ornaments, there are a few key factors to consider. The most important is choosing a clay that can withstand the demands of an ornament, such as weight and structural integrity. Oven-bake and air-dry polymer clays are often the best choices as they are lightweight, strong, and easy to mold into detailed shapes.

Based on their versatility, durability, and ease of use, polymer clay and oven-bake clay are the top recommendations for ornament making. Polymer clays like Sculpey and Fimo can be shaped and sculpted with excellent detail, bonded together without cracking, and baked at relatively low temperatures to harden. Oven-bake clays provide similar benefits with an even lighter consistency. Both produce smooth, strong ornaments that hold color well.

With the right clay and finishing techniques, crafters can create beautiful, professional-looking ornaments perfect for gift-giving and holiday decor.