Grace Clay

I decided to buy Grace clay [about $26!] because reviews seems to suggest this is high class clay. For two small tubes, the price is already proof. It's good that the clay is separated into two tubes so you only need to open one before the other. This is air dry clay, so it will dry out once opened, no matter how slowly. I think there are supposed to be different grades but I have no idea because I had only one option when I purchased it.

The texture looks oily and it doesn't feel very moist on the hands. It can stretch quite well. Kneading it, you would feel that it is harder than the previous clays. By adding water, it can be softened. Sticking the clay is possible but requires some water and a little force. Not a very good point as it doesn't stick easily. Then, when you use too much force, the figure might be slightly distorted. If you remember my post on Kin's miniature workshop, I believe she had use Grace clay for the head, body and limbs. The clothing is another type of clay which sticks instantly upon contact with Grace clay. Therefore, if you want to achieve great sticking qualities, you may want to mix and match.

Acrylic paint mixes very well with this clay! A little colour can create a dark/vibrant coloured clay. However, the clay dries darker than the initial colour, so beware of using too much paint. The clay dries slightly translucent so it's important to add white paint if you want the end result to be white. It is also heavier and harder when dried. I would think it is much more durable than the other clays. 

During the process, if you add too much water, small bits of clay will stick to your fingers. After which the dried pieces may stick to your clay ornament and destroy the whole design. :(

Fimo varnish works well here, giving the clay a shiny finish. The finished product looks a lot more exquisite than the others. If you can create something really creative and precise, it would look very high quality, like a nice pendant.

This is my ugly sadness. I find it really hard to make this with Grace clay. The clay turned quite dry after awhile. This is quite a fast drying clay which is better used by more experienced clay artist.

The good points:

Add water to increase moisture
Mixes very well with acrylic paint,
Does not crack,
Does not break,
Parts stick together alright without glue,
Takes varnish well,

The bad points:

Harder to stick together

Clay is harder for kneading

Dries faster

The verdict: No more expensive clay until I master some skills. This clay is good for jewellery making in my opinion but you need good colour mixing skill! I find it quite difficult to make figurines without combining with other clay. But, I'm a noob after all, and this clay really produces some exquisite effects. It is graceful indeed.