Are all clays created equal?

Oil based clays- Clay animation clay is a special mix; it does not dry out from use or exposure to air. Unlike clay that is fired and/or used on the wheel, animation clay is oil based. If it becomes dry, adding mineral oil to your fingers and then rubbing it on the clay will quickly rejuvenate the clay. The main brands of animation clay are quite similar.

Oil based clay is the best for animation. It does not dry out in the air and stays pliable for days. The best brand is called Van Aken Plastalina, which is also sold under different brand names such as "Claytoon Clay". It comes in wonderful colors in smaller blocks and basic colors in much larger brick-sized blocks. It is relatively inexpensive and can be reused project after project. Van Aken clay is also non-toxic, a definite plus in today's classroom! Watch for the very cheap "non-drying" clays as they do tend to become crumbly and dry, making animation difficult. "Claytoon" and regular Van Aken clay can be purchased at most art stores (Michael's, etc).

Sculpty Clay and Fimo. When building characters, there are advantages to making parts of characters that will not change or move. Building a head, face, hands, feet, belts or costumes out of clay that is baked and hardened has many advantages. When moving a character around for filming, or even just in the creation or storage process, fingerprints and marks are easily left on the clay. These marks show up in images and the clay animation movie. Using a hardened clay allows for shapes to be made and used, yet they can't be accidentally changed or marked. Once the clay is baked it can't be reshaped. (see image of clay)

HINT:

Clean hands are a must before handling the clay. Dirt and marks will transfer to the clay and show up in the pictures and animation. To clean the hands after handling the clay try using baby wipes to remove the first "layers" of the oil and clay. Paper towels are a must as the soap and water needs some "assistance".

Claytoon clay is often sold in small blocks as well as in larger bricks.

TOOLS:  We purchased clay tools from an art store and found that they were ideal. I also watched for sales on spoons, butter knives and pumpkin carving tools. Garlic presses, paintbrushes, play dough tools, and other texturizing tools are excellent for adding details.

Some tools we use. Some are official clay tools, others are tools from a pumpkin carving kit.

  Sculpty clay comes in many colors. Some can be baked and yet remain mildly flexible. Read the directions carefully before using! This must be done with adult supervision!

Fimo clay also comes in many colors. It can be baked in a traditional oven. This must be done with adult supervision!