Modelling clay?

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 02-11-2011, 09:49 AM

I would love to make lots of more natural looking things for Ruys cage but i'm terrible with wood, almost sawed my finger off in tech! Can you use modelling clay or plastercine, I'm actually ok with that, and made a few models before with plastercine and one with clay and theyve all turned out ok

Is it safe? And what would be the best, non-toxic type of clay/plastercine? Thanks

wofunny · 02-11-2011, 10:11 AM

Plastacine would not be safe. Some clays are safe, lots of people in Germany make stuff out of clay for their hams, Maybe ask member Nappo?

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 02-11-2011, 10:13 AM

Thanks, was thinking plastercine wouldnt be safe because it stays soft and all the colours and stuff... Will ask nappo

alexarcano · 02-11-2011, 10:27 AM

Well, colour is for your benefit not Hammies, but i would suggest airdry modelling clay thats kid safe or maybe even salt dough this you can use water based kiddie paint to colour afterwards or even through the dough (you know, stuff home made from flour, salt and water).

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 02-11-2011, 10:39 AM

I PM'd nappo and he said it was ok, just to use child-safe clay :P I cant find any though, looked on loads of websites... >,<

alexarcano · 02-11-2011, 11:12 AM

Why dont you try to make salt dough yourself? If you want to speed up and harden it you can pop it in the oven if you like. Its easy to do, non-toxic, I use it with my kids. It's cheap and easy to work with, paintable when dry (or you can mix it into the dough when you are making it) and does not go 'off'. Oh btw despite the name its not designed to be eaten, but it is safe (if disgusting) to do so.
Here's a link to the 'recipie'.

Salt Dough. Recipe. Craft.

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 02-11-2011, 11:29 AM

Thanks again, Im a bit impatient so im going to hopefully make some dough tonight! Im using the same recipe as salt dough but missing out the salt because i think it would be quite harmful if eaten... even just a tiny nibble!

alexarcano · 02-11-2011, 11:53 AM

Umm..
It does not work without the salt.
Mineral wheels are mostly... salt, so i dont think it will be a problem. The one Buster has is about 95% salt.
If you miss out the salt it will not set right (it will be like a heavy paste essentially), and it will probably turn mouldy like bread. The salt is essential to make it cure.
The salt dough will cure hard enough (with the added lemon juice) to make it more or less eating proof, and if you are in doubt you can plasticoat it (you can get it in clear almost like spray on a varnish) to make it waterproof and nibble resistant.

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 02-11-2011, 11:57 AM

Ok will try it with salt... Dont know if we have any of the normal stuff though because we have a salt grinder... And lemon juice? We dont have any lemons, will it work without it?

Nappo · 02-11-2011, 12:14 PM

Oh I'm not sure if salt...clay is so good. Don't you avoid salt-licking-stones in the uk too? I rembered to read it somewhere. I think a house of these salt dough would have the same effect when its aten- overdosage,bladder stones..,sadly some hamsters from people i know died from that..