candles for sale

Traditional clay working or pottery techniques work perfectly when dealing with air-dry clay. Pinching, rolling and coiling traditional methods, as well as some non-traditional possibilities such as stamping impressions, or embedding beads and other objects allows for a wide variety of creative possibilities. Thin wire can be used to strengthen air dry clay figures. Once dry, the wire is undetectable but helps the figures to stand without a wide base.

Before beginning work on an air-dry clay project, make sure to knead the clay until its soft and easy to work with. With hands slightly wet, this clay will be easy to handle. If the clay starts to dry out, add a touch of water while modeling the clay. Make sure the clay is stored in an airtight container. If it starts to dry out in the packaging, add a little water and microwave how to make candles at home  it for just a few seconds until warm. Do not overheat it. Kirstie takes the couple to Shepton Mallet Antiques Market in Somerset, and gets antiques expert Tony Geering involved in the search for a mirror.

They meet tile maker Richard Miller, to learn how to make some truly unique tiles of their own.

There's also a spot of wood turning to make some candlesticks for the dining room, while John and Amanda head to Hastings for a lesson in copper beating.

And in her latest master class, as voted for by viewers, Kirstie learns how to transform recycled material with a spot of rag rugging.

Most of the air-dry or paperclay comes in a variety of colors. Again, this allows for many possibilities. Mix new colors of clay by kneading colors together, make figures or projects using the colors available, or even paint or stain the clay after it is dry. Kirstie meets Amanda and John Pearce and learns about rag rugging.

Amanda and John moved into their Surrey home seven years ago, and have since had three children. John is a self-confessed hoarder, so Kirstie not only needs to revamp their aged interiors, but also persuade him to de-clutter. Alpesh and Sharon moved into their home three years ago. But before they could really settle in the children came along. Kirstie's here to help. She takes the couple shopping at an antique's fair where she finds them a mirror. She meets expert potter Abigail Simpson, and introduces Alpesh and Sharon to Annie Sloan, who has over 30 years of experience reviving furniture.

Standard pottery and clay working tools can also be used with air-dry clay. Some basic tools most beginners and professionals use include a potters rib, steel scraper, needle tool, loop, sponge, wire clay cutters and wood modeling tools. In much the same way as they are used with regular clay, they can be as effective with air-dry, creating the same effects depending on the project. Once dry, clay projects may be sanded, carved, drilled, painted, stained or shaded with chalk.

Air-dry clay can also be made at home easily. Mix together 1 cup cornstarch, 2 cups baking soda and 1 1/4 cup cold water in a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat and place on sheet of waxed paper. Allow to cool then knead for 5 minutes. Please note that this mixture will not dry as quickly as other brands available, taking anywhere from 48 hours to 1 week to dry.