Essesntial clay tools

If you are looking to start working with any type of clay you will need a few tools to start you on

the right track. Thanks to the web you can search for hours to find the right tools but will soon get overwhelmed by the huge range of products available. There are tools that cut, shape, roll, texture, mould, carve and so on, but how will you know which tools are essential and which you can cope without, to begin with.

I thought I would make it a bit easier for you, by listing a few tools that you will find invaluable during the early days of your clay crafting experience.

If you want to buy some dedicated tools then there are loads of great tools available . To start with I found a very reasonable pack of sculpting tools like the ones in the picture below, at Amazon. I only paid a few pounds for the pack but if you are going to get serious about clay then it is worth remembering that your tools will be used a lot and the cheaper versions don't last forever.

Pottery Tool Set

This 8 Piece Pottery Tool Set has traditionally been used for pottery projects, but it also has unique applications for oven-bake and air dry clay. The tools are perfect for cutting, shaping, sculpting and detailing both types of clay before curing.

CLICK TO SEE POTTERY TOOLS

Rolling Pins

The clear acrylic roller has a non-stick surface to roll smooth, even sheets of clay. Works great for pressing texture designs onto clay. This wooden rolling pin is also a great tool and has four removable discs that raise the rolling surface by different amounts. Create exactly the required clay thickness either 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm or 10 mm.

CLICK TO SEE WOODEN ROLLER

CLICK TO SEE
ACYRLIC ROLLER

 

Modelling Sculpting Tools

 

 

There are a wide range of tool sets available with varying shapes and designs. They can be found in durable plastic or wood and each shape offers it own unique design onto clay. They will shape, model, cut, texturize and much more and you continually find new techniques the more you work with your clay tools.

 

 

CLICK TO SEE TOOLS

 

CLICK TO SEE TOOLS

Like anything they also last much longer if they are cared for so it's always a good idea to give your tools a wash in soapy water and dried thoroughly before storing.

Steel Carving Set

Although these stainless steal carving sets are advertised as wax carving tools I have found them to be an essential tool when sculpting intricate creations such as my Miniature Fairy Homes and Doors. They are perfect for getting into tiny areas and they are double ended so you have twice the tool. The list is endless when is comes to the textures, carvings and techniques that can be achieved with this kit.  

CLICK TO SEE STEEL CARVING TOOLS

Sculpting Tools 

These stainless steel tools are essential for creating sculptures as they sculpt the clay in particular shapes leaving a perfect smooth edges or surfaces.

CLICK TO SEE SCULPTING TOOLS

Sugarcraft Modelling Kit 

These tools are sold at sugarcraft tools but they are also perfect for working on clay projects. Many of the sugarcraft techniques are similar to clay crafts and these tools are ideal for making clay flowers, petals and other pretty creations. They have a double ended shell and blade tool, ball tool, scallop and comb tool, serrated and tapered cone tool, tapered cone tool, bulbolous cone tool and flower/leaf shaper tool.

CLICK TO SEE SUGARCRAFT MODELLING TOOLS

 

Hole Cutters

These Semi Round hole cutters give you the perfect smooth round circle through your clay and leave a neat profession finish. This complete hole cutter tool set gives you four different size choices 2mm, 4mm, 8mm. and 12mm

CLICK TO SEE HOLE CUTTERS

Craft Knife

Another really important tools I use all the time is a sharp clean craft knife as it can be used for all sorts of cutting, shaping and smoothing clay creations.


I am always on the look out for anything that will make unusual shapes and textures, even though my craft drawers and storage boxes are already overflowing with tools and equipment. Don't forget to have a look around your home and tool shed to see if you have any tools already that can be used for your clay creations.

Be warned! if you are anything like me you will not be able to resist buying new tools, I keep having to find bigger storage boxes for my tools and shape cutters as I can't resist them when I see them.
I hope you find this post useful, I would love to see some of your creations so don't forget to get in touch.

Happy clay sculpting!!