How to: Creative Ideas with DAS Modelling Clay

Posted by Cass Art on 6th Jul 2018

DAS has become one of the most recognisable art brands in the world. The first clay to be developed that could dry without cracking, it has grown to encompass a variety of colours, weights and accessories, and is popular with young children and professional modellers alike. Self-curing, gluten-free and mineral-based, DAS modelling clay allows you to create a range of different media, from jewellery and ceramics to interior decorations and wall hangings.

We set crafters, artists and creatives across the country the challenge to #BeInspired and explore the possibilities of the DAS range. From jewellery and ceramics to picture frames and wall hangings, read more about their experience using DAS for the first time.

Plus, we’ve put together our selection of creative ideas and videos to inspire your own creations with DAS Clay.

ORNAMENTAL PLATES AND BOWLS

Explore our How To Start Ceramics blog for more details of how to create your own bowel or plate.

Watch how to create your own Ornamental Plate in DAS’ easy to follow video tutorial.

JEWELLERY

Whether you’re looking to create rings or brooches, necklaces or bracelets, there are a range of different approaches to creating jewellery with DAS. Mould beads and abstract shapes with the clay, and tie them together with string or suede strips platted together.

You can also embed the clay within different metals. Upcycle an old, silver chain by creating a new pendent or attach a safety pin to the back shaping the clay to create a brooch.

Explore how bloggers Jenny and Lucy created different jewellery inspired by DAS on their blog Two Crafty Brownies. The girls created a range of jewellery after experimenting with the DAS Idea Mix to create a marble effect.

“For the heart rings, I used a sugar paste cutter to cut out a heart shape, allowed them to dry and then attached ring findings using epoxy jewellery glue and for the necklace, I pressed the pendant into the clay, cut around the shape made using a craft knife, allowed it to dry and attached it to the pendant also using epoxy jewellery glue. I really love the marbled effect on these projects!” - Jenny

Crafter Julie atThe Sum of Their Storiescreated a range of intricate necklaces and bold pendants in her step-by-step guide to creating her jewellery. Explore her range of techniques, including how to create marbled beads, flat pendants and chains in her detailed how to guide.

“It was much simpler to work with that I was expecting and the glossy varnish gives the pieces a lovely expensive finish.” - Julie

Watch how to create your own chunky necklace and a range of different beads in DAS’ easy to follow video tutorial.

INTERIOR DECORATIONS & WALL HANGINGS

The DAS White Clay is a blank canvas when it comes to crafting something decorative for your home. Our bloggers took a range of approaches to brightening their homes.

Jenny and Lucy at Two Crafty Brownies created this rain cloud hanging decoration to brighten their notice board. Creating a range of 2D shapes, you can combine different elements with string and wire to create a mobile effect. Read their full tutorialhere.

Graphic Designer and Illustrator Katie created a DIY Hanging Ornament tutorial for her blog,The White Journal.

“I’ve been using this clay for years and years and it is great value for money – it lasts ages and doesn’t dry out thanks to the re-sealable packet. I was really happy to see they now do it in different colours too – much easier than having to paint it afterwards as well as being able to create a marbled effect” - Katie

Read Katie’s DIY to marbling and creating her dream-catcher inspired wall hanging in her tutorial here.

Lifestyle, Fashion and Crafter Paige took on our #BeInspired with her astronomical themed mobile, for her blog Paige Joanna.

“I’ve always loved bohemian and folk style decor, especially with dream catchers and wall art. The Clay made me think of when I was younger making charms with my cousins. With that in mind I decided to create a lovely mobile with sun, moon and star charms. The process was really simple not requiring much practise or clay skills.” – Paige

Read Paige’s experience using the DAS clay range and learn how to craft your own mobile here.

PICTURE FRAMES

There are two different ways to approach creating your own frame with DAS clay. You could upcycle an existing frame, preferably a wooden frame, with shapes and details created with the clay layered on top. Or you could create the frame from the clay itself, wrapping ribbon and other craft elements into the mix.

Explore blogger Lis’ inspiration behind her upcycled white frame on her blog, Last Year’s Girl.

I had an idea to create a frame from the clay, in which I could display a collage of things that I found inspirational. I found a small IKEA frame which I decided to decorate with kitty shapes cut from the clay. This is a really simple custom project that even an idiot could make – I know, because I am that idiot, and I’m really pleased with the results.” – Lis

Read more about the inspiration behind Lis’ frame and how DAS changed her approach to crafting and her motivation to be more creative this year, in her blog post here.

Watch how to create your own frame with DAS’ easy to follow video tutorial.