Wyoming GoldSculpting, Casting, Moldmaking & More!

What is the best modeling clay to make sculptures?

Last week I started modeling a piece of “Sculpey” but as I was holding the base of my work-in-progress the material just started to melt in my hands. I had to use really hot water and dish soap to remove this sticky mess from my hands.
Also are you supposed to put your artwork on a “stand” so that you avoid touching it while you are working on it. If so, how do you keep the project from losing contact (and start wobbling on the stand) as you are applying force on the clay to shape it?
How do you use an aluminum mesh? Isn’t clay going trough the openings and end up on the other side of the mesh?
Also I am planning a large project, but the clay I can get at the local art supply store is really small and expensive. Is there a place where I could buy in bulk non-toxic materials?
Thank you for your help

I don’t know if this is the best, but I love using Claystone:

http://www.pearlpaint.com/shop~ocID~2999~parentID~2999~categoryID~2962.htm

You can get a pretty large chunk for a decent price. (The 25 lbs is roughly the size of a cinderblock). The clay allows you to work with it without melting. It also is easily paintable when dry.

I usually sculpt on a vinyl tablecloth that a use only for sculpture. It’s not the ideal situation, but it’s good for a person like me who uses clay for fun.

The mesh is good for helping you create form without using a solid piece of clay. The mesh usually goes over wiring. I know I’m not explaining it well, but I do know I’m not a fan of it. I enjoy usuing a solid form of clay. I do use the aid for wiring when I am creating something that is more top heavy and needs extra help standing on a wooden base.

How to make a Rainbow Clay Mouse

Play-doh Case of Colors $1.95 Create a fish, flower, dinosaur create anything your imagination can devise! The Play-Doh Case of Colors comes with 10 different two-ounce cans of various colors to play with! Colors may vary. Product may not be exactly as depicted….

Crayola Air Dry Clay 5 Lb Bucket, White $8.39 Easy to use white clay enables students to make solid, durable forms without the need for baking in an oven or firing in a kiln. Softens easily with water and quickly cleans from hands and surfaces. Convenient reusable plastic bucket helps keep clay fresh. Can be painted with tempera, acrylic or watercolors when dry. AP Certified nontoxic….

Crayola 57-4415 Model Magic Modeling Compound, 2-lb. Bucket, Asstd Colors, Four 8-oz. Pouches $16.64 This modeling compound is clean, pliable, and air-dries to a firm resiliency in 24 hours! It’s soft, lightweight, and extra easy to mold. Available in white or in a set of 4 primary colors; red, blue, white and yellow. (8 oz. each). 4-color pack….