About Me

Talking About Sculpting With Clay

Hi there, I’m Bennie Rue. Welcome. I am here to talk to you about making sculptures out of clay. When I started working with clay, I used rudimentary techniques to create my sculptures. Unfortunately, the creations did not stand up to the test of time due to a lack of knowledge about the right techniques to use. Over time, I discovered tips and tricks that helped me make lasting creations. I will use this site to share the knowledge I gained about properly using sculpting clay. I invite you to try out the techniques I share to create your own works of art. Thanks.

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Talking About Sculpting With Clay

Tips For Introducing Model Building To Kids

by Gloria Perkins

Introducing a young person, especially a child, to the hobby of model building requires some finesse. You don't want to overwhelm them with something too complicated for beginners, nor do you want the kit to be too easy so that there is no fun in the challenge. The following tips can help you pick out the perfect kit.

Tip #1: Check the skill level

Most model kits are labeled as to skill level. A beginner level 1 or 2 is the place to start with kids. Simple snap-together model kits, which don't usually require painting, are suitable for elementary kids that are new to the craft. For older kids, you can usually go up a level to the one where they only have a few pieces but will still need to paint it. Skip kits requiring more skill, even if you think the child is capable of the level. Being able to finish a kit relatively quickly the first time can help get them hooked on model building.

Tip #2: Provide all necessary tools

Most kits aren't all inclusive. At a minimum you will need to provide sandpaper and model glue. You may also need to supply the paints and brushes for the kit. By including all of these items with the kit, you encourage the child to actually build the kit. Having to wait for the right supplies to start building can lead to a loss of interest in even starting to the kit.

Tip #3: Teach the basics

The hobby is much more enjoyable for kids if they are given personal instruction in the process of building. Some of the main skills they will need to know are how to remove the pieces from the plastic grids, how to sand off rough areas, and how to properly use the model glue. Go through these first steps together and then guide them as they begin the assembly instructions to make sure they understand how to follow them. Don't take over the process, though.

Tip #4: Stay true to the design

For the first couple of models, it's best to stay true to the design as it is laid out in the instructions. This ensures that the child learns the proper assembly order of model building. As their skill improves, they can begin to alter stock designs or improvise improvements. If you have shortcuts you have perfected in model building, wait until the child has learned the accepted way before introducing them to alternative building practices so that they can develop the best building skills possible.

To check out some kits to buy online, check out a place like New Frontier Hobbies.

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