Working with paperclay and makes of.

Before i talk about paperlcay just thought i would vent some frustration about my day first.
The phone rang this morning and it was my mum telling me she is coming tomorrow with my sister and two neices. This is lovely news but i am so disorganised in the house at the moment and went into a state of mad panic. I've spent since 9am this morning up until now scrubbing, ironing, sorting bedding, hoovering and moaning alongside lots of other jobs. The house is now like a new pin and can not believe how much i have done in these few hours. Could have probably done this frantic spring clean quicker if it were not for the three boys undoing as i did. I'm shattered now and it's like i have the Queen coming TOstay and not my family.


So, onto paperclay. Before i go on i'm in a bit of a hurry so please excuse all waffling, (i'm good at waffling... lol).
I promised one of my customers i would post here all about what i know so far from all the paperclays i have tried, with hints and tips for each.
Say for example i was making stone floring i would roll out as much clay as needed. Then i would cut out each slab and then secure in place with pva glue to the floor, then i would stipple each slab while working to a few slabs at a time. You can create stone effects by stippling with a firm brush, or sandpaper, maybe even crumpled tinfoil here and there.
You need to keep the clay fully sealed to prevent it drying and only use a small amount at a time for this type of work. You can make up lots of slabs and then place in a food bag only taking out a few to work with at one time.
Brush any surface with pva first and you shouldnt have any problems.


First off there is Creative Papercaly

I think this is a favourite of Rik Pierce. Its a fabulous paperclay and perfect for almost everything you can imagine with regards to miniature work.
It's drying time is quick, but still leaves enough time to work you textures and shape as needed. You can slow this down by spraying lightly with water as you work. You can easily stipple with a brush or sandpaper to create a stonelike texture or even crumpled tinfoil. It sands wells and can easily be carved if needed.
Its tough too once fully dry and one of the best out there.

But my favourite is Pearl Paper clay and it's a little cheaper than the creative.

It's equally as good for all i mentioned above, but the drying time is a little slower. This slower drying time is perfect in my opinion and you dont feel you have to rush so much. It too can be sprayed lightly with water as you work.
Its my favourite because i feel its easier to create a texture and you can create more detail where needed. I also feel its smooths (if needed) better than the one above and is less gritty. It also drys really strong.

The third one i have tried is Delight.

I wouldnt suggest this product for miniature work such as stones and flooring. It doesn't take texture well, it dries too quick and when it does dry its kind of like foam. Its also a lot cheaper than the other two but i think its better to spend a bit more and get what you really need.
It doesnt sand or carve well either.
I would say its good for kids and for other sculpture work but i really wouldn't want to use this on a house. I also find its not as strong and can chip easily.

There is one more paperclay product i've heard lots of good things about. Sadly because i have not used it i can't compare to the three above. Its called Diamond paperclay. I believe it dries a lot stronger than the pearl and creative so would probably be great for areas you are more concerned about breaking.
If anyone has used this product can you leave a comment with your views. Thank you if you can.


Here's a link to a site that sells all four of these, with more info and the prices.
http://paperclay.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CPP&Category_Code=MC
You can also find each of these on ebayuk and ebay.com. Plus other craft websites.
Because it is heavy i would try and source it to the country you live in otherwise postage can be quite expensive.

Here's another useful link for more info: http://miniatures.about.com/od/materialsforminiatures/gr/cpaperclay.htm


Also, if you use an old food blender and mix paperclay with water you can create a slip like with real clay. This is good for a variety or surfaces and can be used like a glue to secure bits of the clay to each other. You can also mix this with a pestle and mortar, but i tend to use my hands and squish around for a while.
Also paperclay shrinks a little when dry. Its isn't much but i would suggest running a test prior to fully covering a wall or roof.


Further info
As requested by Casey in one of the comments for this posting i thought i would also mention Das. But before i do check out this link for various air drying clays and paperclays http://air-dry-clay.com
/brandnames2.html

I'm not sure to be honest what the difference is between das and what we we are all terming as paperclay. I know that paperclay is a mix of real clay and paper pulp and that das is clay from the earth that also air dries. I believe they are similar i suppose and both are equally good around a miniature house.
I also use das which comes in white or terracotta. I find it a little more messy than paperclay but it is equally as good for achieving as above with the paperclays mentioned. I don't however think it is as strong. For example if i made a roof tile with my favourite paperclay above and a roof tile with das, then the paperclay one would be harder to snap and the das tile easier to snap. But if its applied to a surface such as a roof or wall then there is little chance of it being broken because the wall would be giving it strength. But on the corners of a roof for example the tiles could break more easily. Its a lot cheaper so is more economical and it will give the same effects. I suppose you could do the majority of work with das or other similar air drying clays. Then use a stronger clay for the corners. It will all be painted anyway so would be much more economical.


I also found this. If anyone has used this product would you mind sharing your views.
I know this is going right off track from paperclay but it sounds fabtastic expecialy for items that for some reason or other cant fit in the oven.
http://www.claycompany.com/lumina.htm


Oh what a day! Off for a lovely bubbly soak. Nikki x