Matt Daniel sculpting clay has been created and developed by sculptor Matthew Sanna of Dragonfly Studios. It is a wax-based clay that retains its elasticity and never dries out – meaning you can use it over and over again. It comes in a neutral colour and is perfect for modelling, sculpting, shaping, carving and mold making. Because of its smooth yet firm texture you are able to get fine details and create intricate textures on the surface of the clay.

When starting out with a fresh batch of clay you may notice that it feels very hard. To soften it and make it more pliable, you can warm it in the microwave (just for a short amount of time), place it in warm water (it’s wax based and so will not mix with water) or chop it into smaller pieces. Once you start to work with it you will find it gets softer, but when left alone it hardens again – which makes it a perfect clay for creating moulds.

Matt Daniel clay is free of toxins and sulphur which means it won’t react with moulding materials such as silicones, Body-Double, Epoxy & Polyester Resins, Plaster of Paris etc. It’s also proudly South African and manufactured in Cape Town!

How to Sculpt a Simple Head Bust with Matt Daniel Clay

1. Prepare Your Clay

Matt Daniel clay is wax-based and can feel very firm at first.
Soften it by:

• Microwaving it for a few seconds (don’t overheat)
• Placing it in warm water
• Cutting it into smaller pieces and kneading

• Once you begin working, your hands will naturally warm and soften it. If you leave it to rest, it firms up again — ideal for refining detail later.

2. Build a Basic Armature (Optional but Helpful)

• Use aluminium wire, foil, or a simple wooden dowel as a support.

• Create a loose oval shape for the head and a small cylinder for the neck.

• Cover the armature lightly with clay to form your foundation.

3. Block Out the Main Shapes

• Start with a rough egg shape for the head.

• Add a neck and shoulders if you want a full bust.

• Keep it simple — no details yet. Focus on overall proportions.

4. Establish Facial Landmarks

Lightly mark the positions of:

• Eye line (halfway down the head)

• Nose line

• Mouth line

• Center line (down the middle of the face)

These guides help keep your features symmetrical.

5. Add Mass for the Features

Using small pieces of clay, build up:

• The brow ridge

• Cheeks

• Nose block

• Chin

• Lips
  Do not carve yet — just place and shape the major forms.

6. Shape the Eyes

• Press in shallow sockets.

• Add two small balls of clay for eyeballs.

• Build lids by placing thin strips of clay over the top and bottom of the eye.

7. Refine the Nose, Mouth, and Chin

• Carve planes into the nose to define the bridge and nostrils.

• Shape the upper and lower lips separately.

• Use gentle smoothing tools or brushes to soften transitions.

8. Sculpt the Ears

• Place an oval of clay on the side of the head.

• Carve in the folds (helix, antihelix and inner shapes).
  Ears sit roughly between the brow line and the bottom of the nose.

9. Shape the Hair or Head Texture

• Add clay in strands, masses, or simple shapes depending on the style.

• Use a rake tool, loop tool, or needle tool to create texture.

10. Refine Details

This is where Matt Daniel clay really shines thanks to its smooth yet firm texture.

• Define wrinkles, pores, or fine textures.

• Sharpen edges around eyelids, lips, and nose.

• Smooth surfaces using your fingers, brushes, or a little warmth.

11. Final Smoothing

• Use soft brushes, clay shapers, or a tiny bit of heat from a hairdryer at a safe distance to lightly soften and smooth the clay.

12. Your Bust Is Ready!

Since Matt Daniel clay never dries out, you can:

• Continue refining later

• Use it to create a silicone or plaster mould

• Reuse the clay for a future sculpture

It’s non-toxic, sulphur-free, and proudly manufactured in Cape Town, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals.