Jumping Clay

I will try not to sound like a promoter, but the new generation of craft clay - Jumping Clay from Korea almost blew my mind off with excitement. Some of you may know that I did a lot of work with white clay and polymer clay when I was still teaching art in school. White clay does not need any baking, but it cracks and dries up too quickly on the surface, thus making it hard to work with. I used to love polymer clay despite its potential toxicity. It remains soft until you bake it and the colours are brilliant. BUT ovens used to bake polymer clay should not be used for cooking... and they are very expensive.

The Jumping Clay is actually a type of polymer clay but it is non-toxic, soft until air dried, lightweight with bouncing property, and it is not messy (no stain at all). The end product is quite similar to the feel of styrofoam. I know there are some die hard playdoh fans out there, but this is different. Playdoh focuses on "process" (experiencing, experimenting and playing), but Jumping Clay is all about the "product" (creation, expression and permanence). Visit the site http://jumpingclay.com/ and learn more about it. If you are keen, you can buy it at Art Friend (Takashimaya) at around $28 for 8 tubs.

I took the opportunity to make the letters "A" and "a" with Sophie today. She was not happy with such a short encounter with the Jumping Clay of course so I had to "supplement" with an hour of playdoh, complete with all the tools and moulds. FUN! FUN! FUN!