1. Team A Tips For Using Clay1

2.  The types of clay that will be discussed in this presentation are classified as three major types.  A)Play Doh®, which was invented in 1956 by Joseph and Noah McVicker.  B)Modeling Clay, which has been around since civilization began.  C)Polymer Clay, which was developed by German Model maker Kathe Kruse, in the late 1930s, as a replacement for plastic (About.Com, 2008). Tips For Using Clay 2

3.  From prehistoric times, clay has been indispensable in architecture, in industry, and in agriculture. As a building material, it is used in the form of brick, either sun-dried (adobe) or fired. Clays are also of great industrial importance, e.g., in the manufacture of tile for wall and floor coverings, of porcelain, china, and earthenware, and of pipe for drainage and sewage. (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. 2007)  In this presentation we will address the use of how polymer clay (poly-clay) is used in the art of making butterflies Tips For Using Clay 3

4.  Play-Doh® was originally designed as a wallpaper cleaner. However, its similarity to regular modeling clay without the toxicity or mess made Play- Doh® a great toy. Joe McVicker became a millionaire before his 27th birthday after re-releasing the product as a toy Tips For Using Clay4 (McVicker,J 2006)

5. Often, the clay you buy from the shelf is too soft for the sculptor to use immediately. The solution is to make the clay firmer by "leaching" (sometimes called "wicking") too-soft clay before beginning your sculpture. What you'll be doing is removing some of the liquid plasticisers from the clay beforehand. (Dewey, K. 2008) Tips For Using Clay5

6. Polymer clay is a fun, versatile sculpting medium that can be used to make a variety of crafts, jewelry, and artistic character sculptures. Polymer clay is different from other types of modeling clay in that it can be baked in your home oven at a low temperature, which then hardens and cures your creative creations so they'll be around indefinitely (Van Patten, D. 2002). Tips For Using Clay6

7.  Polymer clay is one of the most exciting, versatile, colorful artist's medium today. It is a plastic based clay, made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) suspended in a plasticizer. When cured, it fuses into a very hard plastic. What makes Polymer clay exciting is its versatility. It can be sculpted, carved, stamped, textured, and even sanded and buffed to a high shine (Van Patten, D. 2002). Tips For Using Clay 7

8.  Polymer clays are not actually clays, they are plastic compounds that can be sculpted like clays, and they have been on the market for approximately 30 years. The clays can be stamped, molded, and draped (unlike traditional clay). The clays can be painted, and they can also be sanded and drilled (even after baking). If you press two pieces together, they will stay together without glues (before baking) (Van Patten,D. 2002). Tips For Using Clay 8

9.  All you really need to sculpt the polymer clays is your hands! But, the proper tools help. A feather or exacto knife is almost essential. Wax paper is wonderful to work on (keeps your area clean); for an especially clean, hard surface, try working on glazed ceramic tiles.  It is essential to keep your hands spotlessly clean as you work, as any dirt or lint will end up sculpted in as a part of your project (Van Patten, D. 2002). Tips For Using Clay 9

10.  Bake the clays in a well-ventilated room ONLY; especially if the clay is over-baked, toxic fumes could result. Some people reserve a separate toaster oven to bake their clays, especially if they work with the clays extensively. Do NOT make any items that you are going to put food or drink in.  It is essential to keep your hands spotlessly clean as you work, as any dirt or lint will end up sculpted in as a part of your project (Van Patten, D. 2002) Tips For Using Clay 10

11. Tips For Using Clay11 Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, (2007). http://www.infoplease.com/ Retrieved June 22, 2008. Dewey, M (2007, April/May). Elven working. http://www.elvenwork.com/artist.html Retrieved June 22, 2008. McVicker, J. (July 31, 2006) Ohio History Central http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=2658 Retrieved June 22, 2008 Van Patten, D. (2002). POLYMER CLAY BASICS. http://collectdolls.about.com/ Retrieved June 22, 2008.