Electric Pasta Machine Pro’s And Con’s For Clayers:
As you probably know by now, I work with Polymer Clay a lot! So you might suspect that I would use a motorized pasta machine to speed things up in my studio. But that is not the case.
Now don’t get me wrong… if you are in the business of cranking out high volumes of production polymer clay beads or canes that require your pasta machine to be turning for hours on end… then go ahead and spend the extra $100 to $150 on a pasta machine motor
Or… if you have chronic hand and wrist pain issues… then the extra cost of a motorized pasta machine is definitely worth considering.
However, at this point in time, I fall into neither of the above two categories. So here is my list of arguments against using a motorized pasta machine:
- Too noisy… especially when you stay up late into the evening playing with your clay and the grinding motor wakes up your husband who then becomes quite grouchy the next morning.
- Another cord to plug in and trip over. Heck I already have an issue finding outlets for my toaster oven, computer and CD player.
- Burning off excess calories. I think most of us would agree that we should be exercising as much as possible. Why would you let a motorized pasta machine rob you of this?
- More moving parts means more things to break and maintain. How would you ever survive if your motorized pasta machine broke down and had to be sent out for servicing? I think withdrawal would set in. Maybe even depression. And that’s a pretty high price to pay… wouldn’t you agree :?
- And speaking of repairs… you should be aware that the warranty for most (if not all) motorized pasta machines becomes void if you use your machine to condition polymer clay. The motors were designed for processing edible pasta which is much softer.
- Also… what if the power goes out and you are right in the middle of doing a Skinner Blend? Oh wait… maybe this is a bad example… because I just demonstrated how to do color blends even if you don’t have a pasta machine… using my Lietz Teardrop Method [smiles and a wink].
Besides, for the $100-$150 cost of a pasta machine motor, wouldn’t you rather…
- Buy more clay or get a Makins Ultimate Clay Extruder
- Stock up on alcohol inks and Pearl Ex Pigments
- Get new pliers, rubber stamps or texture plates
- Purchase another roll of Beadalon beading wire
- Add to your polymer clay video library :-)
- Take a bead making course (more :-)’s
And since I seem to be getting awfully “link happy” in this post, here’s a few more related article resources that you may find to be helpful:
- Maintenance and Buying Tips for Clay Pasta Machines
- How To Firm Up Soft Clay with Your Polymer Clay Pasta Machine
- Conditioning Polymer Clay Properly, Using A Pasta Machine
- Preparing for Bead Classes | Best Polymer Pasta Machine
- Taking Apart And Cleaning An Amaco Pasta Machine
A very timely article for me as I was thinking about just this purchase. I do not fall into any of the the above categories and absolutely do not run enough clay through my machine to justify it. Besides, my biceps is getting pretty muscular from the cranking. Only problem is I tend to crank with only my right hand so I am becoming a bit lopsided. I am having problem with my neck( I am prone to neck strain) because of the position of my machine; it was off to the side and too far from where I was sitting. So a reorganization of my work area (YEAH !!) solved that problem. I was at a workshop where the instructed suggested we stand over the machine while processing clay because working to the side had caused her back problems. Hey, that will give my legs some exercise too.
Some of the things I would rather purchase are a drill press for lentil beads or supplies to repaint the room I work in. It still has Sesame Street wall paper and my kids and I have outgrown that theme.
Hi Anna. I saw that you mentioned buying a drill press and thought I might make a suggestion that could save you a bit of money. If you have a dremel tool, they make a drill press adapter to use with the handheld dremel tools. Thats what I have and it works like a charm. Its also good as a holder for your dremel while you buff and polish beads too. I mounted mine on a piece of wood and just sit it up on the table when I need it. Just a thought :}
On the other side of the argument, I LOVE my motor and in fact, have more than one, LOL. The noise doesn’t bother anybody at my house. When I first got it, it was because I had had shoulder surgery, so I had an excuse for the first one, LOL. Now I’m just spoiled. Plus, I am a caner and go through A LOT of clay. Although it still doesn’t bother me to use the crank, either, I just prefer the motor. When we have a class or I have people over for a clay day, I choose not to use the motor, but when it’s just me, I use the motor exclusively, I wouldn’t want to be without it. My second one is because I have a “mini studio” in our Fifth Wheel trailer for taking clay on vacation with me and my DH spoils me by not making me lug all the equipment back and forth. Hugs, Sue C
I’ve used a motor for about 8 years now…I just recently replaced my first motor, so I got a lot of mileage out of it. I think I paid a bit less for mine ($80), but it’s not an Atlas motor, it’s a ‘Pasta Facile’. I use my machine almost exclusively at home because I make canes and do a lot of Skinner blends. I use the motor to take the strain off my arm. The main thing I don’t like about it is the noise, especially since I like to watch/listen to the TV while I work. When I clay with friends or I’m at a workshop or Guild clayday, I do not use the motor, because the noise interferes with conversation. A couple of years ago, I went to a retreat where dozens of people were running their pasta motors and the noise drove me nuts, although I did eventually start to get used to it ! I’ve noticed that when I crank by hand, I actually get sweaty, so I guess that hand cranking does burn some calories !
Hehe…your post made me giggle Cindy. Your first arguments are exactly my sentiments. But if one absolutely wants to have a motor, maybe slightly quieter…there is a funny video on my blog about using an old blender motor that can be adapted.
Off course I’m still without one, I’d rather listen to inspiring music than a whining machine, lol and like you said, exercise those arms, although I have to try my left hand once in a while…
I have just ordered my first one, and it is in the mail as we speak!!! I am soooo excited. I have never used one, but the thought of getting things done a little quicker is very appealing to someone like me! I hope I like it!! (I think I really will!)
What an interesting article as I have just bought my first motor. Forget the noise and think about the quality of what you will be able to put through the machine with 2 hands rather than one on the crank and one feeding & catching!
As for burning calories – take a break and go for a walk!
You’re funny, Cindy. Not have a motor. Hahahahah!
I think polymer clay crafting is for the individual to make their own and I love how you always, consistently consider both sides to relevant topics.
As someone who always looks for ways to make new projects possible without a high cost, I agree, the motor is not “necessary”.
As someone who has worked with a roller, upgraded to a pasta machine and now uses a motorized pasta machine (a gift from my Matsuka), I LOVE it and schedule my motoring around the needs of my family.
I also use an ipod to drown out the noise. Again, not necessary but completely adored. :)
I am really enjoying those color recipes you created!
What do you think about this combo?
Purple, rose pink, copper, and olive green?
Wow what a flurry of comments! (I thought this could get a few people riled up!)*evil grin*
Beginner’s you should know that that all the pro pasta machine comments are coming from semi-professional and professional clayers who make money with their polymer clay.
When you have set up a studio space, bought all the things you want and need to clay with and you would like a little luxury, by all means go ahead and get a motor for your pasta machine!
Heck I may just have to get one myself at some point! Until then, I think I’ll buy some other stuff first! *another evil grin*
Shannon about your color recipe comment, I think purple, rose pink, copper and olive green would be a gorgeous color combination!
Were you asking me to make some recipes for that? If so do you have a photo with the colors you want that I could use to create the palette?
I would love to do a color combination like that. I think it would be so pretty and modern looking!
Hi Cindy’s friends and fellow fanatics:
I’m looking for advice about a motor. Just back (full-tilt)into working with Polymer clay after a long gap, I find myself developing shoulder pain from all the hand cranking on my Atlas. I want to buy a new machine and motor. The questions is: Makins or Atlas? Those are the two kinds available online – which is how I’m buying. I’ve read some great reviews on Makins, and some not so great. I’m leaning towards that brand because of the non-stick rollers, but I use Kato clay and wonder if the machine can handle it. Atlas 180 is more expensive – I know they are sturdy, but no non-stick coating. Any advice would be SO appreciated!
And Cindy…you’re a gem!
Thanks Linda! I was hoping someone else would pipe in with their advice… maybe they still will.
If I was going to buy a new pasta machine I would buy the Makins Professional Ultimate Clay Machine. It is made for clay and the kinks they had with the product when it was first released, seem to be worked out now.
You can buy a motor for it and it seems to be the best value for the money at $45 for the machine and $70 for the motor.
I have heard that Atlas has recently changed their rollers (to nonstick?) and clayers are having problems with them. I know Atlas has been one of the best in the past but since their main focus is on supplying machines to real pasta makers using flour dough, they won’t warranty any machines that have been used for polymer clay. So it’s a case for buyer beware. Maybe one of their older models if you could find one would be fine.
Polymer Clay Express has their Dream Machine which seems good but it is pretty pricey at $450 + Shipping with the motor and it seems that you have to pre-order it.
Hope that helps.
Thanks Cindy…
I finally did decide on Makins as I found more good reviews than bad. I hear the motor sounds like a DC8 and I’m sure my neighbors will be really impressed when I add that to hammering the Kato clay. :) I looked at the Dream Machine Price too – but Mama! You can buy a lot of clay for $450! Thanks so much for your help.
Cool! Let us know what you think of the machine. It would be great to hear your review of the product after you have had a chance to use it for a bit!
Donna Kato and her husband Vernon recommend and sell both the Makins and Atlas motors (and machines) on their website at prairiecraft.com/polyclay/PM.html. They also sell a footpetal. I emailed them and Vernon said the footpetal works with both motors. He also said there was about a 5% failure rate on the Makins motors.
However, I was thinking you could buy two Makins motors for the price of one Atlas motor, so perhaps it was worth a 5% risk. In addition, I imagine there is a warranty on the Makins mother for use with polymer clay. I believe I read that Donna Kato said the Makins motor was quieter and had two speeds. I am thinking of getting the Makins motor with a footpetal so the machine would not have to be on all the time. I have a lot of very firm on-sale clay to condition! I’ve conditioned a few blocks with my Makins pasta machine and hand crank, but it takes awhile. So far, I like my Makins pasta machine, but I am new at this polymer clay business.
Hi all…
I’ve bought the Makins machine and motor and it’s really a huge help. Still having a time conditioning Kato clay though…A lot of hand rolling, 20 times through the machine (at least I’m not cranking it)to get it workable.
And I thought Fimo Classic was tough!
However, once you get a cane made it stays in shape. A few days or a week later, it holds form better than anything I’ve ever used.
Thanks Cindy and Karen for your help!
Thank you Karen and Linda for your fantastic comments!!
When my pasta machine dies, I will get a Makins Machine. And who knows, when I do start working with Kato Clay I may have to get a motor and foot pedal as well! *gasp*
Until then I am happy to crank the handle of my pasta machine by hand and enjoy the peace and quiet! That is until I plug in my Rock Polisher or use my Dremmel for buffing!!! :-)
A note on the Makins machine…1. My supplier tells me that if something goes wrong, Makins has a better track record of refunding or replacing.
And 2. If you have an Atlas – keep it! The number 9 setting on Makins pasta machine rolls out a thickness about equivalent to the 5 setting on Atlas. The Atlas 6 or 7 setting is what I use when I need a really, really thin translucent.
Hope this is helpful to someone! And Cindy – have you blogged about the rock polisher? I don’t know much about using those for polymer clay and I’m curious. Do they reduce the need for sanding? Or buffing?
Thanks and wishing everyone creative inspiration.
Thanks for the update Linda! I agree if you have a good machine like an Atlas, than keep it. It’s a nice feature that it rolls so thin.
One thing I do when I want an extra thin sheet is I put my clay between two sheets of parchment paper then slip a piece of card stock or file folder behind my parchment paper clay sandwich. This gives something for the rollers to hold onto as it spreads the clay thinner.
This is a late addition, but it may help someone. I have the Makin’s clay machine & motor. My machine broke although the motor seems to be fine. I emailed Makins weeks ago & today, just when I’d given up, I rec’d a call from Cust Service. He clarified that the machine is made for clay, but only for Makin’s clay. They don’t advise using any other brand in their clay machine. It doesn’t appear that they’ll replace mine since I was using Premo when it broke, but they might help me get a factory second for a good price (??). In the meantime, I’m using an old (+20yrs) Atlas I bought for pasta making. It works great, but it’s too old for a motor & the rollers are a litle worn.
Re Kato clay, by the time I conditioned it (which included pounding it with a rubber mallet), I was too tired to use it for a project, so I’d let it sit til the next day, when I found it needed to be conditioned again. A vicious cycle here. I finally decided to devote my old food processor to clay & tried it out on Kato. It worked great. I chewed it up in the processor til it was in little bits (like Cindy shows in her video) & then turned it out on my work surface , where I then used my acylic roller to flatten the clay & make thinnish sheets. I put the sheets thru the pasta machine til they were conditioned which didn’t take much longer than Premo.
Rose: That is soooo messed up! You would think a “clay machine” would be good for all clays! I did a search though, and found a review showing that really is their warranty–only for their own Makin’s clay. Prospective buyers should know this. Even if the machine works for a lot of people, you need to know that if you run into trouble, you have a warranty. Apparently there isn’t one for the clay machine if you use “other” clay in it! No fair!
That is to bad about the Makin’s maybe after word gets out and enough people complain about it they will start to cover all clays in their warranty. I have 2 atlas machines and one of them has a motor on it. If I have to run clay through the machine several times I use my motor. One thing I do not like about my motor is that it does not have a reverse on it. For this reason my grandkids only use the machine with hand crank. Which they enjoy using. The only reason I went with a motor is I have fibromyalgia and hand cranking can cause a load of trouble if I do to much. I like both my atlas machines very much and hope they last for a very long time. I also run my Kato clay though the food processor and also leave a heating pad on my work station while conditioning my clay. Keeping the area warmer makes it much easier along with the processor. I mostly use premo because of Cindy but I have a lot of Kato so I try to use it up on canes. I do like the Kato better for cane work so will probably purchase more when it is gone even though it is harder to work with. Premo is my all around favorite clay thanks to Cindy introducing me to it.
Just a reminder if you have kids working with clay be careful if you use a motor on your pasta machine. Little fingers are precious.
Going back to one of your arguments — the one about burning calories — there’s a new product I just saw online that will burn lots of cal’s. It’s very low-tech, in fact you could make one yourself quite easily. But I thought I’d mention the “Activa Slab Roller,” which basically has the same effect as using your existing roller and laying down dowels or skewers or something to keep your rolling level.
It’s kind of cute, though. I’d like to what the surface feels like. If they threw in some extras like texture plates or something, it might be worth it. Or for clay with inclusions, maybe, or messy inks/paints that would get your PM all dirty. OK, yeah. You’re right. What would I use this for? lol…
I have a sad tale about my Makins Ultimate Clay Machine. It is 4 months old, I bought it with the motor and was in LOVE! Yesterday while conditioning Kato clay (it’s a bear to condition), the clay roller just stopped. The motor is fine, it is the rollers that stopped. I have contacted Makins, but as you said above, they won’t replace if other clays are used. RATS! I guess a gear must be broken. I am looking at buying another PM and maybe being more gentle in my conditioning with the motor. I am so sad. Does anyone know if the Makins motor fits other pasta machines?
@Bette: That sucks! I don’t know whether or not the Makins motor works on other pasta machines or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it did.The machines are all pretty similar. I’d take the motor along with you when you shop and see if it fits before buying another machine though.
@EVERYONE: (Warning upcoming rant!)
On the subject of pasta machines… I would very much like to see one of these manufacturers such as Polyform, Amaco, Van Aken, etc. really put some thought into making a decent quality, mid-range pasta machine that is designed specifically for polymer clay.
I want a Clay Machine that is:
* Strong – Good strong gears that can handle hard clay and won’t become misaligned.
* Easy to clean – Removable scrapers, non-stick and non-reactive rollers that don’t leave streaks on the clay.
* Tight fitting handle – Doesn’t keep falling out and hitting your foot or the cat on the head!
* Decent Table Clamp – Some of them suck! The plastic turn knobs break, some won’t open up wide enough to put on a Rubbermaid table (which a lot of us have) and some barely hold the machine down.
* Good range in thickness settings – Some machine’s settings make no difference on some of the settings. When I change the dial it should actually be either thicker or thinner… not stay the same. One machine I have says 9 settings, but in actuality there is only about 5!
* Reasonable price – I’d be willing to pay $40 – $60 for a decent machine which is twice the current price for a cheapo machine. (Not $200 plus $400 for the motor like one of the machines out there. It is a really ‘dreamy’ machine and I would love one, but come on! A beginner won’t pay that. And it doesn’t even come with the clamp or a feed tray or shipping and sometimes you have to pre-pay while you wait for it to be made. For that price, a guy should come and set it up for me. I know that for small manufacturers, the costs of production must be high, but I am positive a big company could figure out how to bring us a decent machine for a decent price.)
* AND a Warranty that covers using it with clay… DUH!
I think this is not too much to ask. This is not rocket science after all.
What do you guys think?
I totally agree with everything you said Cindy. I just have one question? When are we going to stop calling them pasta machines and start calling them clay conditioning machines. Not one of us are going to use them for pasta, so don’t they cease to be “pasta” machines at that point? I think what we need to do is start introducing polymer clay to ingenious inventor types and maybe a few machinists? Then I’m sure in no time at all we would have a machine that could do all those things and maybe more. Just my 2 cents :}
P.S. I have finally broken down and set up a corner of my (still unfinished) craft studio, so I can at least work with my clay and wire again. I couldn’t take it anymore! I had all this clay and tools and pearl-ex and, and, and…..So I may be missing for a while hee hee hee. I have a lot of projects to catch up on. Only sad thing is that my computer over there doesn’t have internet so I cant watch your tutorials while I work :{ It only has a bunch of PDF tutes that I have collected from various web sites. But I still have more than enough to keep me busy for a loooong time. :}
Cindy, I think you’ve nailed it with your “rant.”
I’m with you on this one, girl!!!
I agree, Cindy.
I’d be happy to pay somewhat more than you suggested for such a machine — probably up to $100 — but definitely not the $249 for the one machine that I know of that’s close to your specs.
Alternatively, I’d be willing to pay a bit more than current pricing for cheap “disposable” pasta machines if they just had non-reactive rollers. The impression I have of the Makin’s Ultimate Clay Machine, unfortunately and rightly or wrongly, is that it’s just a cheap machine with non-stick rollers. They don’t justify the significantly higher price.
Well, I went ahead and ordered another Makins Ultimate Clay Machine from JoAnn’s. I used the 40% coupon so it is only costing $38 with shipping. If this one breaks, I will then go to the more expensve PM. So far I have spent about $150 on all of this. I guess I could have gotten an Atlas for that price, but no motor. The best prices for the Makins products are at Screpbooking Alley.com. Free shipping over $100. The Makins was $34, the motor $60 and I bought something else to get it over $100 for the shipping. A pretty good deal for a PM with motor. Just too bad the PM did not last!
I can still use the old new PM if I can get it past the place where it stops by going backward and forward again, but can not use the motor so I am not completely without a PM. On another note, you do still have to clean the scraper bars on the Makins.
Bette
Bette, that really does suck! I just wanted to say “I’m sorry” about what happened with your Makin’s PM…it’s really upsetting that they refuse to cover the broken one. I’ll bet more people use “regular” polymer clay with their machine than “Makin’s” clay. Yet they keep that rule in place so they don’t have to pay up when they break. Not fair! Just wanted to let you know I “feel” for you, and also that I agree with what Cindy said in her rant! I can’t believe that the rollers aren’t even really non-stick…that’s one of the big advertising bits. Anyway, I really hope the 2nd one you bought lasts a good long time! Kat
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the rant Cindy. I feel the same way. Thanks for all the sympathy too. After taking apart and fiddling with the PM, the only gear that is broken is the #1 (thickest setting). I can still use the others with the hand crank. The rollers are pretty much non stick. Where the clay builds up is on the scrapers. That what I was referring to when I said that it needs cleaning. It is not nearly as hard to take off one end (the one without the knob) and clean the scrapers as my old PM. Everything goes back together relatively easily. I am just going to baby the new one when I use motor.
Bette
The conclusion of my Makins Pasta machine tale. The motor was shot too! The main gear had slipped on the shaft, making it impossible to put any clay through the PM without stopping.
I emailed and spoke on the phone to Tom in customer service. He was really a nice guy. Although he did not offer to replace either my PM or the motor, he did order replacement gears for both machines.
The gears arrived today, I put them in and now have a working motor, and the old pasta machine works too. Even though it took a while to get this done, I am pleased that I do not have to replace the motor. I am also pleased that Makins did something to make me happy as a customer.
At this time, I have 2 working Makins PMs and one working motor. Yeah.
@Bette L: Wow, Bette, what a journey you’ve had with your pasta machine(s)! I’m so glad they’re both working now. Yay for you! You said you’re happy with Makin’s, but I wondered — did Tom order the gears as a courtesy, or did they charge you for them? You spent so much time & money in your dealings…I certainly hope they took care of you!
I also wanted to say–it’s awesome you’re so handy with those gears — power to ya! There are probably many people who wouldn’t be able (or would be afraid) to tackle a gear-replacement job… You go, girl! :D
Thanks Kat,
Yes, Makins paid for everything. I am keeping in touch with them so they know how it is working out. I have a feeling that I could have gotten them to replace everything, but that’s just a guess. I probably could have gotten my DH to do the gears for me. Makes him feel useful, but I can do a lot of things myself (don’t tell him tho!).
Hi
I have an Atlas pasta machine, but the handle broke. Do you know where I might buy a new handle?
Thanks.
@Helen: Hi Helen, here’s one place that has them, which I stumbled upon while looking for something else:
fantes.com/pasta-makers-parts.html#atlas
It’s about one third of the way down the page (search for “Atlas Replacement Handle” or “#14898” if you don’t want to scroll) and is listed with a price of $8.99.
@Sue F:
Thanks Sue,
I found your suggested site and order the handle for my atlas. It comes from Philadelphia and I am in Central California. So, I should know in a couple of weeks if it will fit my 1981 pasta maker. The handle with shipping was just a few cents under $15
Again thanks!
Helen
@Helen: I’m happy you found a place to order a new handle, Helen…I sure hope it fits your older Atlas! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Nice find, Sue…Yay!
Good luck!
Thanks so much for the link Sue. I use an Atlas machine that I got used on Ebay for $35 many many moons ago. It is one of the older ones, so no motor for me :{. But at least now I know where to find parts if I need them. :}
I would try and Google ‘Atlas Pasta Machine Parts’ first and see what you can come up with. Also you could try Donna Kato’s prariecraft.com. She sells Atlas Machines and may be able to order in parts for you. As an alternative, you may want to see if a cheap machine’s handle will fit. The machines are all pretty much the same design and it may work. Sometimes parts can be very expensive, especially with shipping and buying a whole new machine may be more cost effective.
Wouldn’t using a plain pasta machine be better made than a clay machine? I have had 2 amaco clay machines. The first one the rollers separated and would not wind so I have another. If something happens to this one I would think a actual pasta machine would be better. Am I wrong to assume this?
To tell you the truth Anita, there really is no difference between a pasta machine and a clay machine. They are all pretty much the same and now that they are mostly all made in China, their quality is all about the same. The Amaco machines are fine and won’t break if they are treated properly. You can’t force too hard or too much clay through the rollers and you need to turn the crank gently. I have had both the Amaco and the Sculpey machines for several years now and have very little problems with either of them. I would like a machine that was more sturdy, had a better clamp, a better fitting handle and was easier to clean though, but currently the higher quality machines are just too expensive for most folks. If you come across a quality machine at a good price for beginners, do let us know. We all would appreciate the information!
Hi, everybody:
Boy, do I consider myself lucky! In Germany I have been using the same Pasta Machine (ATLAS 150 mm Deluxe, made in Italy) and an electric Pasta Drive, as it is called, by MARCATO, also made in Italy, for the past 10 years. Never once cleaned the Atlas, never ever had a problem, same for the electric Pasta Drive! I better knock on wood immediately!
In New York I have an old small Atlas, which I love, but ordered last year a Makins Ultimate Clay Machine and the electric Makins motor. The Makins Clay Machine is okay, but I used the motor only once and then put it away, because it is so unbelievably loud, it scared me to death, I thought the damn thing is going to blow up any minute. Compared to the Marcato motor it’s like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Motorbike. I don’t know if MARCATO is available in the United States, but it is wonderful and quiet and I can highly recommend it.
WOULDN’T IT BE WONDERFUL IF SOMEBODY COULD COME UP WITH AND SELL CONDITIONED CLAY! WOW!
HAPPY CLAYING,
Christl
Have you ever tested a Roma Electric Pasta machine? I have been offered one and not sure if it’s suitable for polymer clay. Thank you for any help/info.
I haven’t tested a Roma machine yet. Perhaps someone else here has tried one and can help you out? Sorry I can’t help you better than that.
Hi Cindy,
Just have a question…
I seem to have a hard time choosing my clay colors! I order my white, black and beige in larger amounts but when it comes to colors…I never know where to start! Do you have any kind of system in choosing when you order? Would love to know where to start!
Thank so much,
Judi Manchini
Hi Judi, because I am a professional that creates tutorials and color recipes as well as does testing and product demos, I need a lot more clay than what a regular artist would need. I make sure that I have a minimum of 6 blocks of every color in the Premo and Souffle color lines as well as several 1 pound blocks of the basics like white, black, translucent, ecru, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, ultramarine, and at least 1 each of every other color that comes in the 1 lb blocks. Now that would be overkill for you.
What I would do if I were you, would be to buy 1 block each of each color. Maybe not all in one order, but eventually. That way you will have every option available to you for color mixing. Then only replace the ones you use up. If you find you are using a lot of a few of the colors, then decide on the minimum number of those ones that you want to keep in stock. You can keep a little list of what you have in your purse/planner so that when you see a sale in a store or online, you are buying what you need and not what you won’t use.
Make sure to sign up for my newsletter (the guest list) because we are currently giving away color recipes to the newsletter recipients. That way you will get the opportunity to use those new colors and get a feel for what colors you really like and which you do not. Hope that was helpful|!