Polymer clay tips
If you've ever been fascinated by the idea of creating your own beautiful accessories, then you're in for a treat. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you the ropes of working with polymer clay. From essential tools to fundamental techniques, we'll unlock your creativity and help you craft stunning jewellery from scratch. So, let's dive in and embark on this exciting journey together!
1.What is Polymer Clay?
Before we jump into the fun stuff, let's get acquainted with polymer clay. Think of it as a magical material that's soft, pliable, and ready to be transformed into wearable art. Made up of tiny particles of PVC suspended in a plasticizer, polymer clay is incredibly versatile and perfect for crafting jewellery that reflects your unique style
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2. Essential Tools and Materials for Polymer Clay Jewellery Making
Now that we're all set to unleash our creativity, let's gather the necessary tools and materials. Don't worry, you won't need a workshop full of fancy equipment! Just a few essential items will do the trick:
- Polymer clay in various colours to bring your designs to life.
- Clay cutters for shaping your creations into stunning forms.
- Sculpting tools to add intricate details and textures.
- A rolling pin or a pasta machine to flatten the clay with ease.
- An oven or toaster oven for baking your masterpieces to perfection.
- Sandpaper and buffing materials for that flawless finish.
- Jewellery findings like earring hooks, jump rings, and necklace chains to complete your pieces.
3. Basic Techniques
Now comes the fun part! Let's dive into some beginner-friendly techniques to get you started on your polymer clay jewellery making adventure.
a) Conditioning Polymer Clay: Before you can mold your clay, give it a bit of TLC. Conditioning is like a warm-up session for your clay. Simply knead it until it becomes soft, pliable, and free from air bubbles. This step ensures smooth and consistent results in your creations. You can run it through a pasta machine to help smooth, mix and condition also, not essential but makes life a little bit easier if making lots of jewellery all day long!
b) Shaping and Sculpting Polymer Clay: Now, it's time to let your imagination soar! Whether you want to craft pendants that tell a story or whimsical beads that capture hearts, the possibilities are endless. Use your hands or sculpting tools to shape the clay into your desired forms. Don't be afraid to experiment, mix colours, and let your creativity shine!
c) Baking Polymer Clay: Once your creations are molded and looking fabulous, it's time to bake them to perfection. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for temperature and baking time. Remember, low and slow is the way to go! Ensure proper ventilation during baking, and keep your kitchen oven dedicated to crafting after using it for polymer clay.
4. Finishing and Assembly of Polymer Clay Jewelry
You're almost there! Now that your polymer clay treasures are out of the oven and cooled down, it's time to give them that professional touch.
a) Finishing Touches: Smooth out any rough edges or imperfections using sandpaper or emery boards. This step ensures that your jewellery feels as good as it looks. You can also add a glossy sheen with a clear varnish or resin, or opt for a chic matte finish with buffing materials.
b) Assembling Your Jewellery: Bring it all together! Attach earring hooks, jump rings, or necklace chains to your polymer clay pieces. Get creative with different combinations and styles. This is your chance to make each piece truly unique and ready to be admired by all.
Congratulations! You now have the knowledge and confidence to dive into this wonderful and creative world - I can't wait to see what you make!
Picture credit: classbento.com.au
Here are affiliate links to some tools and supplies you may find useful;
Polymer clay starter kits, Clay sculpting tools, Pasta Machine, Dremel hand sander , Jewellery findings, Jewellery pliers , Acrylic rolling pin
FAQs for polymer clay
Which is the best polymer clay?
Determining the "best" polymer clay depends on several factors, including the specific project you're working on, your personal preferences, and the qualities you prioritize. Here are a few popular brands of polymer clay that are often considered among the best:
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Sculpey: Sculpey is a well-known brand that offers a variety of polymer clay formulations, including Sculpey III, Premo!, and Soufflé. Sculpey III is generally softer and easier to work with, making it great for beginners. Premo! is known for its firmness and color range, making it suitable for intricate designs. Soufflé is lightweight and has a suede-like finish.
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Fimo: Fimo, produced by Staedtler, is another popular brand with a range of clay types, including Fimo Soft, Fimo Professional, and Fimo Effect. Fimo Professional is often favored for its strength, flexibility, and color accuracy.
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Cernit: Cernit is known for its translucent properties and is often used for creating delicate and realistic miniature pieces. It's favored by artists who work on intricate jewelry designs.
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Kato Polyclay: Kato Polyclay is prized for its durability and strength, making it ideal for items that need to be more robust, like beads and sculptures. It's known for holding fine details well.
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Pardo: Pardo is a high-quality polymer clay known for its smooth texture and vibrant colors. It's often used for jewelry-making and can be mixed to create custom shades.
*i've popped the affiliate links to each clay above
Ultimately, the best polymer clay for you will depend on your project's requirements. Consider factors such as ease of use, strength, color range, compatibility with other clays, and any special effects you might want to achieve. It's a good idea to experiment with a few different brands and formulations to find the one that suits your needs and preferences the best.
How to get polymer clay out of cutters?
As you work with polymer clay, it heats up and can become a little sticky, so getting polymer clay out of cutters can sometimes be a bit tricky! but there are several techniques you can try to make the process easier. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Chill the Clay: If your clay is very soft or sticky, consider chilling it in the refrigerator or freezer for a short period of time. This can firm up the clay and make it less likely to deform or stick to the cutter.
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Use a Release Agent: Before pressing the cutter into the clay, you can apply a thin layer of a release agent to the inside of the cutter. A release agent can be something like cornstarch, talcum powder, or even a bit of cooking oil on a cotton swab. This can help prevent the clay from sticking to the cutter.
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Wiggle and Rotate: After you've pressed the cutter into the clay, gently wiggle it from side to side while also slightly rotating it. This can help loosen the clay from the edges of the cutter.
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Push from the Back: If the clay is stuck inside the cutter, you can use a small tool (like a toothpick or the blunt end of a small paintbrush) to gently push the clay out from the back of the cutter. Be careful not to deform the clay shape while doing this.
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Use a Needle or Pin: For intricate cutters or small details, you can use a fine needle or pin to carefully pry the clay away from the cutter's edges. Insert the needle at an angle and gently lift the clay.
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Freezing Method: If the clay is really stuck and you're having trouble, you can try freezing the cutter and clay together for a short while. This can cause the clay to contract slightly and make it easier to release from the cutter.
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Flexible Cutters: Consider using flexible silicone or plastic cutters. These are often easier to work with since you can gently flex them to release the clay.
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Clean Cutters: Always make sure your cutters are clean before using them on fresh clay. Any residue from previous use could cause the clay to stick more.
Remember that polymer clay is sensitive to heat, so avoid using excessive force or sharp tools that could damage the clay or the cutter. Patience and gentle techniques are key to successfully removing clay from cutters without distorting the shape - even if you really want to throw it out of the window! :)
Why does my polymer clay crack?
Polymer clay can crack for a variety of reasons, many of which are related to improper handling, baking, or conditioning. Here are some common factors that can cause polymer clay to crack:
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Insufficient Conditioning: Polymer clay needs to be properly conditioned before use. Conditioning involves kneading and warming the clay to make it soft, pliable, and free of air bubbles. If the clay is not adequately conditioned, it might have areas of varying flexibility, leading to cracks as the clay cures.
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Over-Baking: Baking polymer clay at too high a temperature or for too long can cause it to become brittle and prone to cracking. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended baking instructions and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature control.
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Thick Sections: If your polymer clay creation has thick sections, especially if they're thicker than recommended, there's a higher chance of cracking. Thick sections can heat unevenly during baking, leading to stress and cracks.
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Rapid Temperature Changes: Drastic temperature changes during or after baking can cause polymer clay to crack. Avoid placing freshly baked clay in cold water or exposing it to rapid shifts in temperature.
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Incorrect Baking Surface: Baking polymer clay on surfaces that don't conduct heat well or that have irregularities can lead to uneven baking and cracking. Use a dedicated ceramic tile, a baking tray covered with parchment paper, or a dedicated oven-safe polymer clay surface for baking.
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Incompatible Materials: Some materials used in conjunction with polymer clay can cause it to crack. For example, using certain types of glues, paints, or finishes that contract or expand differently from the clay can result in cracking.
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Stress and Movement: Polymer clay can crack if it's subjected to stress or movement before or during baking. Make sure your piece is well-supported during baking and avoid handling it excessively until it's fully cured.
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Old or Contaminated Clay: Polymer clay that has become old, dry, or contaminated might be more prone to cracking. Check the expiration date on the clay packaging and store it properly to maintain its quality.
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Sculptural Tension: If you're creating sculptures or shapes with areas of tension, such as thin arms or legs, these areas can be susceptible to cracking during or after baking.
To prevent cracking, make sure you condition your clay thoroughly, follow proper baking instructions, and handle your creations with care. If cracks do appear, they can sometimes be repaired using techniques like patching with fresh clay, sanding, and smoothing. Experimenting with different brands of clay and practicing good clay handling techniques can also help you minimize the chances of cracking in your projects.
Will it get easier?
YES! the more time you spend working with different polymer clays, the better understanding you will have of its capabilities. I'm certain in time you will be making pieces that you will be really proud of, and you should be!
Practice makes progress x