1. Cold Porcelain (available from me) The material is described in detail in previous articles.
2. Veiners (available from me) Special silicone molds with the texture of real plants. A clay petal is placed between the two silicone layers, imprinting the texture.
3. Cutters (available from me) Plastic tools used to cut out the desired shape of a leaf or petal.
4. Modeling Tools (Sticks/Steeks) Come in various shapes; used to refine edges and shape the clay.
5. Drying Supports Needed to dry petals, leaves, and assembled flowers. You can use items like foam mats, sponges, cellulose containers, or other improvised tools.
6. Rolling Pin / Pasta Machine and Plastic Wrap Clay is wrapped in plastic and rolled into an even thin layer using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
7–9. Oil Paints, Soft Pastels, and Brushes Various pigments can be used to color CP. Oil paints are mixed directly into raw clay for the base color. Once dried, petals can be colored with oil paint or soft pastels depending on the design. Brushes are needed for applying color.
10. Wire Forms the base of all stems, including the main thick stem holding the flower and smaller branches for leaves.
11. Floral Tape Special tape for assembling wires. It’s wax-impregnated paper used to wrap stems.
12. Baby Oil Used to lubricate tools (cutters and veiners) so clay doesn’t stick. You can use any cheap oil, but baby oil (paraffin-based) is recommended. Vegetable oil may react with clay, softening it or changing its color.
Other helpful tools for working with wire: scissors, wire cutters, round-nose pliers, side cutters, and regular pliers.
For working with oil paints, having a solvent and a drying agent (siccatif) is useful. Oil paint dries slowly, and siccatif speeds up the process (optional). Solvent thins the paint and also helps clean brushes.
Although the list seems long, most tools are likely already at home, and the process is simple.
Essential tools: cold porcelain, veiner, main modeling tool (stick), paint, glue, and wire (preferably with floral tape).
Experiment, try new techniques, and don’t be afraid to get creative!