Whittling clay scraps

 

Carving clay comes in handy for small items.  I leave lumps of clay out overnight and the next morning the clay has the right feel to it to carve.  It feels leathery.  I use cheap cutting tools you find at any craft store, an old paring knife and whatever else fits the need.  I sometimes whittle bits of leftover slabs, following contours of the discarded scrap.  There is no rhyme or reason.  It is the way to doodle in clay.  Sort of like a maquette.

fits in the palm of my hand