Polymer Clay 101 - a list by espy

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All the basics to get you started using Sculpey, Fimo, Cernit or another PVC clay. Fun and generally safe for both kids and adults. Make beads, jewelry, ornaments, dolls, sculpture or... ?

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Bead-a-holic

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Viewing 1-10 of 13 Items

The New Clay: Techniques and Approaches to Jewelry Making

First to recommend

Description

A classic text in working with polymer clay, this book includes everything a beginning clay worker needs to know. Even if you don't intend to focus on jewelry making this book is a handy reference, with clearly written explanations and instructions.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Sculpey III 30-Piece Sampler Pack

First to recommend

Description

Sculpey is the softest of the polymer clays. It comes in wide range of colors, including metallics, neons and pastels. Sculpey gets so soft that its a good idea to chill any piece that need to be cut. The pigment in Sculpy is very strong so it's best to use a light hand when mixing colors. This sampler pack is great for kids or for beginners who are starting out and want to get acquainted with the brand.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Fimo Classic Polymer Clay

First to recommend

Description

Fimo is the stiffest of the clays and can be hard for people with weaker grips to condition (pasta makers can be handy here). The stiffness is useful in that it means that Fimo holds its details well when blending into canes or sheets. It is very strong after firing with a slightly shiny finish. 24 colors are available that can of course be mixed to create over 100 more.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Cernit Polymer Clay

First to recommend

Description

Cernit is a favorite among dollmakers because of its extraordinary hardness when fired and its slightly translucent and waxy finish. There's a wide array of colors and special effect clays available.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Fimo Soft Polymer Clay Assortment

First to recommend

Description

Fimo soft is the company's newest offering. It's softer and easier to work and is available in 48 colors including transparent colors, stone effect, glow in the dark, glitters and metallics.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Premo! Sculpey Polymer Clay

First to recommend

Description

Premo is the next step up in the Sculpey family. It comes with slightly fewer color choices, but the hues are gorgeous and many find the selection easier to mix into custom colors. The clay is still easy to work but retains details better than regular Sculpey.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Pasta Machine

First to recommend

Description

When working with polymer clays (Fimo, Sculpy or similar) a pasta machine is invaluable. A simple cheap machine with several thickness settings is all you need to easily soften clay and create uniformly thick strips for use in edging or creating millefiori. Just be sure to use the machine ONLY for crafts.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Sugarcraft Gun with 16 Discs

First to recommend

2 people recommended this item

Description

The Sugarcraft gun makes extruding shapes in royal icing or clay much easier on the hands than many other similar products. The gun has developed a large following amongst polymer clay crafters and you can find adaptors and disks that allow you to create even more shapes.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Amaco Hard Acrylic Roller

First to recommend

Description

Polymer clay will stick to many materials so you need to use an acrylic roller to ensure a smooth, even surface. This one is 8" long and 1" in diameter.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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Proctor Silex 31115

First to recommend

Description

This toaster oven gets good reviews as the best of the basic low-budget ovens. I'm recommending it for use in baking polymer clays. Polymer clay *can* be baked in a regular oven, but you want to be super super careful not to BURN the clay which will release nasty toxic gasses. There's a bit of a debate about the safety of PVC which I encourage you to read up on. I prefer to err on the side of safety and keep the clay away from my oven except when absolutely necessary- that way I'm less likely to contaminate my cooking area if I do accidentally burn some.

Updated Jul 31, 2008

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