Tools Every Clay Artist Needs: Part 1
Updated: Feb 9, 2022
If you're reading this, you are either just beginning your clay journey or are considering starting to play around with clay and jewelry-making.
Clay is a wonderful medium, and working with your hands is incredibly rewarding. I wanted to put together a couple of my favorite work pieces to help give you a short "shopping list" as you get going.
Let's get this party started!
#1 - Marble or Glass Tile for Working
This glass tile is absolutely perfect for clay work. It is easy to clean and the surface is very stable, a must when cutting out your earring shapes. I used this glass one for a long time and loved it!
I now use a slab of marble, which has a silky surface that is less sticky than glass, so clay is even less likely to get left behind on it. Pro tip: I snagged a marble serving tray for cheap at a home store (and it already has a backing to protect my work station).
#2 - Jewelry Pliers Pack
These are lifesavers! I do not do a ton of work cutting metal chains but these are have sharp chain-cutters close to the handle. It makes assembly so much easier!
#3 - Jump Ring Opener
The days of using two pairs of pliers to open a jump ring - or even worse, using a fingernail *shudder* - are over! The jump ring openers are a life AND time-saver for the maker on the go.
#4 - Work Lamp with Phone Attachment
Reels are the best way to grow your social following right now, so you have to have the proper tools to record your creation process. I use this lamp from Canvas, but you can find similar ones on Amazon and at craft stores.
#5 - Acrylic Roller
Acrylic rollers are perfect for clay, because they are easy to clean and the clay doesn't stick to them. I like this 8in option because it covers more area than smaller ones.
Hope this helps you on your clay journey!
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