Lumina Clay

[NickelBuckle9]

Hello! 

I stumbled upon this video while looking at custom doll videos, and I found it so cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oGki5Ga_r0#t=0m56s

Has anyone ever used Lumina Clay on customs?  I don't think I've ever seen such flexible clay!  I have a few ideas for dolls that I want to sculpt a few pieces for, but I was initially turned away from it because I didn't think standard hard clay would suit it well.  Lumina appears to be a flexible solution 

I'm excited for the find.  If its sanded, it would probably resemble a thick plastic well, no?

Has anyone heard of or used Lumina before?  What kind of clay do you use?

[Colorscapesart]

I've used it.  A while back I wrote a review on it but I'm not sure I can find it now.

It's....different.  Very light weight like a lot of air dry clay and fairly flexible.  My main issue was texture.  It was very hard to sand/smooth (too brittle).  I couldn't get it anywhere near factory looking myself.  I gave the rest away.

I'm not really a fan, but the concept is neat and someone more inventive than I more have more luck with it.  I'll stick with apoxie ^^

[Morosan]

it DOES look very interesting..... however, how much do you get for what price? is it worth to buy to take on a "test drive"? Or would it be to expensive for that?

[NickelBuckle9]

I've used it.  A while back I wrote a review on it but I'm not sure I can find it now.

It's....different.  Very light weight like a lot of air dry clay and fairly flexible.  My main issue was texture.  It was very hard to sand/smooth (too brittle).  I couldn't get it anywhere near factory looking myself.  I gave the rest away.

I'm not really a fan, but the concept is neat and someone more inventive than I more have more luck with it.  I'll stick with apoxie ^^

Really?

Can you explain a little on the sanding?  What do you mean by it was brittle?  :]

it DOES look very interesting..... however, how much do you get for what price? is it worth to buy to take on a "test drive"? Or would it be to expensive for that?

I've actually ordered some from Amazon, and it should arrive today or tomorrow.  It was about $10 for the size of the pack shown.  I haven't looked at clay prices in a while, but I felt it's definitely a reasonable enough price to give it a try.  Maybe I'll post some pics and stuff when I get it.

It looks like people just mix paint directly into the clay to change its color, rather than painting on it once dry.  Another interesting quality.  I'm not super familiar with clays, but I don't seem to recall many being able to do that.

[Colorscapesart]

When I sanded it, it would break off in little pieces. Since it is flexible it stays spongy to the touch. 

To mix paint into it, if I remember right they recommend oil based paint.  It's been a while.

[DancingPhoenix]

That's really interesting stuff! I can see how it might be nice to fill in holes on ponies, or make accessories for them. Thanks for sharing!

[NickelBuckle9]

Just in case anyone is curious, Colorscapesart was pretty accurate with his description... its definitely interesting.

I played around with it a little bit yesterday. 

CONS:

    1) This clay does NOT stick to itself... even when fully moist.
    2) Dries quickly, and once it starts to dry, you get little hard flakes in the clay (maybe adding water would fix?)
    3) Unless made from a single piece of clay, you will get cracking at places where pieces were joined.

PROS:

     1) Very soft and pretty... its fun to play with while moist
     2) Flexible and durable!  I prefer the feeling of this clay over hard clay for doll accessories



So... in conclusion, I still think this clay has a place in doll customs, but not for everything   ^^

I wouldn't use it for making large or complex add-ons such as feathered wings, or detailed corsets constructed with many small pieces.  I think the best way to use this clay is probably to make all the pieces desired, let them dry, and then super glue them together afterwards.  Such as for ear muffs:  making two round balls for the ear muffs, and the band all separate, then gluing them together once each piece is dry.

This clay is probably best for anything that needs a bit of flexibility, such as doll shoes, which may need to stretch a little to get on, or a bracelet than can be pulled open and slide over their hoof/wrist.  However, its not the most easy to work with.

:]

[Colorscapesart]

It is kinda fun to play with, isn't it?