Many elements that we normally use in the world of crafts come from the earth. The modeling clay, clay, plasticine, ceramic objects, etc., are all preparations made with earth, dust or dry clay, which is subjected to a process to convert it into these elements.
The soil mixture for the clay is dissolved in water or oil to obtain the mass. The elements that are added to make it up, the kind of soil, and the chemicals in which it dissolves give clay different properties. Being a dough with humidity, it makes it easily moldable and flexible, ideal for working and model the claya to form various objects or for multiple purposes.
Also, after shaping and working with them, the dough shrinks as it dries and is completely hard.
Among its frequent uses, clay is used to form pots, bricks, different home decoration objects, etc. This is also due to the existence of a large number of kinds of clays to work in Crafts.
Nowadays it is easy to get any of them in the most important craft stores that have varieties of elements for these jobs. Thus, there are clay of different colors and types of drying, the most important when choosing a certain one. kind of clay is to know what clay to use for different craft jobs.
Oil-based clays
This is the case of plasticine, a kind of clay that can be used several times and that does not dry quickly. Shapes can be modeled and formed with medium temperature. They are the classics that are used in kindergartens to play and work, since it also comes in different colors and can be mixed, being ideal for children.
Water-based clays
It is the type of clay that is used the most in the world of crafts, because in addition to being practical to work, it does not require an oven and is inexpensive. Its drying process consists only of leaving it exposed to the open air, and after that it can be painted as desired.
Modeling compound made of polymers
It is the type of dough used in home jewelry. It comes in many brands and colors, with home oven drying processes. Among the best-known brands are Sculpey and Fimo, and can be purchased at stationery and craft stores.
Clay for ceramics
It is perhaps the most famous and most used by artisans. It is easy to mold and has two types of drying, first in the open air and then it must be entered in an oven to achieve the shine that characterizes it. It is the one used to make pots, plates, vases, flowerpots, etc.
More information - Modeling cold porcelain
Source - crafts.about.com