A lot of people have asked how to make the clay models that are seen in our videos. While we've had some time to create tutorials for some of the characters, we may not be able to get around to all of them. So here are some instructions on the basic setup. If you follow these basic guidelines, you should be able to make just about anything!
What you are going to need:
○ aluminum (tin) foil
○ knife (optional)
○ pan or cookie sheet
○ polymer clay (we use Sculpey and Fimo brands). We've had success mixing the two brands. Please note that per Fimo's instructions, you should bake the clay at 225 degrees vs. Sculpey's 275 degrees. We've baked Sculpey at 225 and they've still come out great. You just have to be careful about the thin pieces so they won't get burnt.
STEP 1 - The Foil Base
Take the aluminum foil and form it into the shape of your model. With most Angry Birds and pigs, you will want to form a sphere or egg shape. Use a hard surface to help smooth it out and get it to the shape you desire.
You don't have to use foil. But the foil helps create a support for the surrounding clay and will save you from wasting clay. Without foil, you could end up with a blob of clay if you're not careful.
Once you have created the basic shape, you need to roll out the clay and then wrap it around the foil base, as if it were skin going over a skeleton. You want to make sure that the entire surface of the clay is covered and that there aren't any air bubbles between the clay and foil.
STEP 3- Body Parts
Many of the parts of the Angry Birds and pigs can be made by rolling clay into balls and then flattening them. This is the easiest way to form a circle without the need for a knife. If the circle comes out too small, just add clay and do it again. Same goes if it is too big. Just take some clay out. Circles are used for the eyes, pupils, pig noses and stomach color.
STEP 4 - The DetailsThe beak can be formed by molding the clay into the desired shape. A simple way to do this would be to create a pyramid shape, then simply cut it in half. This will give you a top beak and bottom beak.
Hair (feathers) can be made by rolling out clay into a "noodle", then pinch off small piece and then a smaller piece.
Here's a tip when adding body parts: always start from the inside and go out. For example, for most Angry Birds, the stomach color should go first, then the eyes and finally the beak.
Working with different color clay can be difficult as colors easily transfer onto one another. To minimize this, it is important to wash your hands after using strong colors. You should make extra care to make sure your fingers don't have any color on them when working with white (or any light colored clay).
Another thing to lookout for is squishing parts of the model that you've already formed. Be careful where you hold your model to avoid things flattened.
STEP - Baking
When your model is complete, place it on a foil lined cookie sheet or pan. For Sculpey III you need to preheat your oven for 275 degrees. Other clay may be different, so check the instructions on the package of the clay to make sure you bake your clay at the right temperature.
Bake your clay for 15-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the clay. Most of our models were baked for 20 minutes. Be sure to set a timer so you don't forget!
When the baking is finished, take the model out of the oven and let it cool. It will be hot, so make sure you don't touch it right when you take it out. Make sure you let it cool all the way before you play with your model as the clay won't be as strong until is has cooled.
So there you have it - the basic steps for creating your own Angry Birds polymer clay model. Be creative and use different colors and shapes to make your own creations!
Be sure to check out some of our tutorial videos if you need additional help. Happy sculpting!!!
Space Eagle Tutorial
Orange Bird Tutorial
Mighty Dragon Tutorial