Help Getting Started

[Annette Jimison]

Hi all,
I met Sangeeta on another list and followed her here. She does such wonderful work with roses, and that is my goal; to make very pretty roses.

Here is my problem: I use Delight air-dry-clay. I roll it out on a plastic mat. It is sticky. I use a bit of cornstarch and I can't get it thin enough. I can get it thin if I don't use cornstarch to remove the stickiness. But, then, when it it too thin, I can't get it off the mat. Okay, what should I be doing? I have not added any hand cream to my fingers, save for once, and I did not get what I needed.

Sangeeta, help!!!, if you are there. I know if is Christmas, and I know you folks are busy, so I will check back after and see if there is any hope for me. I am going to continue with trying. I bought everything I could from the Sugarcraft website, and I am in deep with supplies...LOL...I have to learn this craft, and I also, very much, want to!

Thanks for your help!

Annette

[Diane Stafford]

here's katy's recipe and information which may help = Cold porcelain by Katy Buck

Ron, another AHC member has used Delight - so he will have lots of handy hints and tips - here = Ron Gutman

Yes, I'm sure Christmas is a busy time for everyone, but Ron and Katy will no doubt pop in over as soon as they can.

Have fun
Di

[Diane Stafford]

Instead of the plastic mat, you could try fine cloth as long as you don't roll/press it into the weave it should peel off easily when thin, that worked for me with a similar air dry clay.

Hope that helps
Di

[Annette Jimison]

U R AWSM!!!!!!

[Katy B.]

Hello Annette. Happy New Year.

How are you going with the CP?
One thing I have found is if you wrap your paste, after cooking and kneading, while it is still warm it will sweat and create a gooy paste on the outside.
I leave it open to the air to dry out for a while dusting with cornflour before kneading again.
Keep in touch and I hopefully can help you on your way.
Cheers
Katy

[Diane Stafford]

Katy, Fantastic photo :)

I hope Annette pops in to look at your flowers & get your tip. When I used your CP recipe I did find that when I put it in a bag it did sweat, so leaving it out to dry off a bit before using is a handy tip, thanks.
x
Di

[Ron Gutman]

Hello Annette,
Just saw your post concerning Delight clay.
The Delight is similar to the Deco clay. Contrary to rolling out the clay (pasta machine and plastic sheets) and using cutters for the petals as with the Cold Porcelains, Luna and Thai clays; this type of clay is better suited to hand forming. I roll a small ball of it into a short tear drop shape and then press it in the palm of my hand to the desired thickness and basic petal shape. The palm of the hand also adds a delightfull veining. A wonderfull book on using this type of clay and it's various techniques is Clay Art For All Seasons (A guide to soft clay art) by Yukiko Miyai.
I will say, however, that I have rolled out this type of clay with no problems and have used cutters too. I rolled on a commercial mat (slightly textured covered board with clear plastic overlay made by Wilton). If the clay is too damp let it out for awhile and then knead and roll. This may help. Also, I have rolled it out on plain cardboard with a wooden dowel...this also helps remove some of the moisture.
The thinest petals I have achieved are with the Luna and Thai clays and the pasta machine. Some of the softer Thai clays also stick. If so, I mix in some Luna clay and expose to the air for awhile. After drying, these petals remain slightly flexible.
I hope some of this helps. Best advice I can give you is to keep experimenting and keep practicing. Eventually you will find what works best to achieve your desired end result.
Regards,
Ron

[Walkíria Diniz]

Hello Annette, perhaps one good option for you, be clay ready for cold porcelain. She is just dying with the mass and is ready for use.
Regards,
Walkiria Diniz

YOU SEE THIS LINK THE READY CLAY FOR THE PORCELAIN COLD