Brief informaiton: Luna Clay: air-dried artificial clay

What is Luna Clay? You may ask when see some items described that they are made of the clay. Though I am not an expert I could tell you some basic information here.

Luna Clay is one of several brands of artificial clay well known among crafters and artisans who create flowers and orchids*; live-size or miniatures. It is a Japanese product that main ingredient is specific paper pulp.  It is air-dried clay, that means it is dry in room temperature quite fast, in half an hour for humid country such as Thailand, or only ten minutes in places less humidity. (So you have to be quick in shaping or sculpting your works, and must keep unused clay in air-tight plastic bag.)  What make it best for making flowers is Luna Clay absorbs oil paints very well and could be press into very thin sheath that could be cut and shaped into petals, sepals and leaves just like the real ones. After it's shaped and dried, it's still soft and flexible and could be painted additional colors to make the flowers look realistic. Products made of Luna Clay is moisture resistant, so they last very long time and are still beautiful. I have my own experience that Luna Clay flowers could be rinsed dirt off without losing their beautiful colors and forms. (I mean rinse them quick and then dried them promptly.)  I myself don't have experience with polymer clay or any oven-bake clays, so I couldn't tell you difference.

Except than Luna Clay, there are many brands of artificial air-dried clay available in markets, but I dare say that Luna Clay is the best material for making flowers. However, beauty and qualities comes from artisanships and techniques as well. Flowers made of other ordinary clays could be beautiful and realistic. But it is important to remind that good material is essential for good products, and artisans who prefer high standard choose only the finest materials. I do sell both flowers made of Luna Clay and flowers made of mixed clays (Luna Clay mixed with ordinary clay, for cost saving) for choices of purpose and budget. You could tell me your preferences and experiences too. 

* Not only flowers and orchids, Luna Clay and other air-dried clays are used for making several things as well, such as dolls, miniature food, jewelry, etc.