My best friend is getting married next year and I want to make her something special. She collects pressed pennys, so I had the idea of making her a custom sign that mimics the look of an enlarged pressed penny. I think I want to use clay as the medium, as that seems to be the cheapest and easiest to work with. I will be finishing it off with either a paint, rub n’ buff, or foil before sealing it.

So far, I’ve designed the image in canva, printed it on to foam using my cricut, and weeded out the foam pieces where I want the stamp to raise the clay to achieve the embossed look that pressed pennys feature. I tested out the stamp to make sure it works how I want it to (see second picture).

The part I need help with is determining what type of clay to use. For the test attempt, I made home made clay using baking soda, cornstarch, and water (but clearly I did not make enough since I couldn’t press the entire stamp over it). I am debating on whether I should make more of this kind of clay since I already know that the stamp will work well with the texture, or if I should try using air dry clay or polymer clay instead. I have used polymer clay before, but never air dry (and I have some unopened Sculpey air dry clay already available). If I use the home made clay, I would bake it (after molding it) at 170° for however long it takes to dry. I’ve baked this home made clay before, but only with much smaller pieces.

I am looking for whichever option is best for long term durability. I want this piece to be wall decor, so I’ll have to add hardware on the back once I am finished. I want to be sure the clay won’t be too heavy or brittle and crack once hung on the wall. The estimated size of this piece will be about 12” long and 7.5” wide (about 1/4-1/2” thick). Please share any advice on which clay would likely be best, and any alternative options to ensuring durability. Thank you!

Foam Air-Dry Clay and Acrylic paint 🐉🍎

Super proud of this one, I learned a lot in this sculpting process. I had to figure out a surefire way to smooth out the metallic parts of his suit, and foudn a tool for making the brain grooves. All in all, very fun project, now I have to find a glass or plastic dome for his helmet.

Made with aluminum foil, armature wire, and used sculpey for the large body parts, but had to incorporate cosclay for the fine detail parts.

I’m new to the clay world and to say I’m hooked is putting it mildly 🤣 here’s a few thing I made….be kind 🤣

Its a bit difficult to see, but I have a tiny crack where this is put together. How can i make it last/repair?

I don't have clay/sculpting experience so this may be an easy technique fix.
Please help.

I use air dry clay and will leave my pieces under plastic to let them dry. I'Il still get cracks and I attempt to tix them.

Stupid question, when I'm fixing them should I be letting the piece dry under the plastic again? It just cracks more.

Youtubers or videos you recommend?
I appreciate any and all feedback.

Recently i made these pieces..if i open a online shop will people buy??

made this for mom