air-drying clay

ok this may sound silly but what actually causes the clay to dry? heat, coldness, moisture in the air?
I want to make something rather large out of airdrying clay (for the size i want, the clay is cheaper then cooking stuff, plus the inside of it is a big polystyrene ball so i think cooking/boiling clay won't work) im worried that the clay will start to dry before i am finished working on it.

any advice or tips how to keep it un-dried whilst working on it?

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1 reply since 10th September 2011 • Last reply 10th September 2011

Reply #1:

I've used a bunch of crayola's airdry clay and it pretty much works just buy all the air slowly drying out the moisture in the clay. making it denser and harder as it dries. You can use any kind of tradtional clay techniques on it. Like using/making slip. If you have every used real clay (like making pottery) its pretty much the same process with out the glaze and fire. While your working on your project and you want it to stay workable just keep it stored in a garbage bag, or other large plastic bag you can keep closed while storing. If you think its getting too dry just spritz it with a water bottle Happy My only concern would be that it you layered clay on top of the ball, you probably shouldn't make it too thick, or it might take for-ev-er to dry all the way though. Oh annnnnd the clay will SHRINK while drying like if you made a 4inch by 4inch flat square plaque out of airdry clay, it will end up being about 4.5x4.5 or 4.75x4.75 Not too gif a deal. but just keep that in mind Happy

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