I had the fortune, on Saturday, to visit the Mini Maker Faire in Calgary, my hometown. Created by Make Magazine (or sponsored? inspired by?) the Maker Faires are a series of events all around the world that are a combination of science fair, craft show, excited coffee house and generally happy, enthusiastic makers.

The overall material runs heavy to the electronics, 3D printing and such. There was no clayer at the one I attended (next year, maybe I’ll go set up!) although Grant Diffendaffer of bead making fame was there with his rocket ship.

3D Printing works like a computer controlled extruder. My thought when I saw the gentleman running one that could be used to extrude ceramic clay (or food! He was making fabulous little canapes) was that it would be so much fun to hook it up with polymer clay.

Turns out, the idea is not new. Folks are talking about it already.The example uses air dry clay but I imagine it would work fine with softer polymer clays as well.

Looking for air-drying clay? We highly recommend Das Air dry clay, we have been using this product for over 30 years. Check out their Das White Air drying clay and their Terracotta Air drying clay version for a natural pottery feel. For larger crafts we recommend buying your air drying clay in bulk