What is Reddit's opinion of Darice 11-Piece Clay Tools Set from Studio 71 – Metal Tipped Clay Sculpting Tools with Wood Handles, Ideal for Cleaning and Creating Decorative Effects on Clay Surfaces?

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Yay! It's a fun hobby and makes me feel super creative.

I would not recommend Michael's for tools. They are overpriced. There are a lot on Amazon. I got this set and it's only 5 bucks right now!

The clay kind of depends on what you want to make. I started out with a few Premo colored clays from Michaels. The vibrant color is nice. Now I use just a grey Super Sculpey and then paint over it after baking.

The fourth from the left at this link +alcohol. I use this same exact tool to scrape and clean every single situation like that. Have for about 3 years and I'm still on the same set. Would definitely recommend to save precious pieces you can sometimes get into to clean like that. https://www.amazon.com/Studio-71-Cleaning-Tool-Set/dp/B001ED3JMS/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=metal+clay+tools&qid=1603429045&sprefix=metal+clay+&sr=8-12

theres tools like these, but I pretty much only use an xacto knife and a blunt tip tool

Start with a mixed pack of clay (sculpy or fimo) instead of buying everything individually. Unless you're very specific on what your color pallette will be.

Cool, I'm new too. I used my hands for most of it. I have some bendy wire a little thinner than a paper clip (that I used inside this mini's rod, cuz I was afraid it might break otherwise) — I cut a piece a few inches long and used that to scratch some lines (on the rod, beard, hat, feather).

Which tool set did you get? I saw this super cheap one on Amazon, but you're right, it seems a bit large. I think I'd be happy with a pointy thing, small chisely shaper thing, and a loop of some sort. If you find a set you like, let me know!

Definitely look into some tools!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ED3JMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_HKwmzbFWHSVPK

These are perfect start, especially for polymer clay

I'm guessing you're using super sculpey, right? Imo, that stuff gets a bit too sticky and it's quite hard to use for detailing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026C1T8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_vPwmzb724M0JK

This stuff is great, soft but won't stick to your hands. (Won't have to deal with leaving as much finger prints)

Since you're new to this I suggest really just making hard shapes and just playing with it, instead of trying to make perfect products right off the bat. Good luck!

I stated this thing in another comment but I'll share it with you too because you want to start out, just some hints.

Get a set of clay tools like THIS!

The second tool in this picture is the one I use for making wood grain, just scrape it down the "woods" length and then I use one of these to divvy up the "wood" surface into "planks".

I actually use that little wire brush for a lot of stuff! I used it on that fat leather bound book thats on the table also, I used it for making the pages of the paper, under the leather looking piece.

and for IRON I usually make a basic shape of the item and then bake it and carve the details afterwards because it gives it a not so organic hammered look I guess, when it has flat edges, and then paint it almost black and then with a really dry brush add silver or a grey.

In that case, get some clay tools, and keep your picks with them.