Zart Oz Clay

• Colour: White
• Inexpensive option for classroom use when a kiln is not accessible to fire normal clay
• All the properties of clay yet this compound air dries in hours
• Leave models to dry in the open air
• Air dries with very little shrinkage
• It can go over armatures such as newspaper balls, wire, and foil to construct larger forms without using a large quantity of clay
• Add water if clay is too hard or cracking while modelling
• When dried acrylic paint or softened pastels can be applied to create a beautiful matt finish. Several coats of UniLac varnish will seal clay models so they can go outside without deteriorating in the weather.
• When not in use store clay in cool place wrapped in plastic
• Suitable for all ages, from Primary to adult.
• Australian made

Working with Oz Clay
Oz Clay is the most ‘clay like’ material available when a kiln is not accessible. It is an Australian made air drying clay that has all the properties of normal clay and requires the same skills for modelling with clay yet it air dries.

Important features: Similar to real clay. Air dries with very little shrinkage so it can go over armatures such as newspaper balls, wire and foil to construct larger forms without using a large quantity of clay.

Small amounts of water will improve the clay’s plasticity if it is too hard or cracks while modelling. Untouched clay should be stored in a cool place in an airtight container. Left over clay should be stored in an airtight container separate from untouched clay to prevent contamination.

Allow models to dry slowly by partially covering with a plastic bag and slowly removing the bag more and more over a few days. This will help prevent cracking. Paint with acrylic paint or Langridge Decorative Finishes. Step-by-Step: Modelling over an Armature

Step 1: Scrunch up newspaper and bind with Masking Tape onto a Wooden Block Base.







Step 2: Flatten Oz Clay with hands.







Step 3: Drape flattened clay over the armature. Smooth out and add more clay as needed to cover broken areas.







Step 4: Build up facial features by adding coils and balls of clay to the face.







Step 5: Use clay tools, Satay Sticks or Popsticks to add details to the face.







Step 6: Clay can be smoothed when all details are finalised.







Tip: If your hands get dry while working, dip two fingers in water and rub around your hands to ensure you don’t over wet the clay. A damp sponge is also a great way to achieve a smooth even surface.

Step-by-Step: Building on a Pinch Pot

Step 1: Create a pinch pot from a mandarin size ball of Oz Clay.







Step 2: Scrunch up newspaper and place inside the pot to add stability when turned over. Modify the shape of the pot to suit your sculpture.







Step 3: Use the upside down pot as a starting point for a sculpture.







Step 4: Add and join pieces of clay. Use tools to create textures. Leave to dry then finish with paint, spray paint or varnish to achieve your desired effect.





Clay Joining Techniques

Option 1: Score each surface of the pieces to be joined together. Press firmly together.







Option 2: Smooth together surfaces that are to be joined, this can also be done by adding a coil.



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