Polymer Clay Tutorial, Where to Sart for Beginners

Do you fancy sculpting with clay but don’t have all the bits and bobs you think you need or know where to start? Well, search no more, as you have just found the best polymer clay tutorial. Polymer clay is the most exciting clay product, and it has been around long enough to gain a great reputation. This beginner guide will go through all the tools you need and teach you how to use polymer clay step by step.

Polymer Clay Tutorial for Beginners

Polymer clay is suitable for all kinds of creations and suits beginners to experts in this exciting creative hobby. It has been around for several decades, and so has evolved into a really fabulous craft. The sky is the limit when you decide to go down the polymer road, and success is really guaranteed. If you are a sewer, you can even make buttons for a custom-made look to your clothing.

How to use polymer clay has 4 steps:

1. Conditioning Polymer Clay
2. Sculpting with Polymer Clay
3. Baking Polymer Clay
4. Sealing and Finishing

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer is a very practical clay product that is of plastic origin. It is a synthetic, modeling clay that can be molded until it is cured in the oven on a low temperature. The basic component of the clay is poly-vinyl chloride or PVC.

There are many different brand names available as well as different preferences in different countries. Some of the most well-known brands include FIMO as well as Sculpey Clay and Pardo.

The basic actions used in clay modeling are – rolling, molding, pinching, scratching and poking, cutting, shaping, storing, and baking.

How to Use Polymer Clay, Step by Step Instructions

The beauty of working with polymer clay is that you can really start with a few simple basics and build up your craft as you go along. The other wonderful advantage of this plastic clay modeling product is that it lasts and lasts and can be re-modeled and designed for as long as it remains in its original state (ie. unbaked).

Supplies

You will be able to find many of the tools you need to get started in your kitchen.

1. Craft knife – Used to cut your clay to size and cut rolled canes, which is a form of molding different colors to make interesting patterns.
2. Roller or rod – Wood absorbs the clay plasticizer. Use plastic glass or ceramic rolling tools. A pasta machine helps with the rolling and blending.
3. Worksurface – Once again, not a wooden board. Use ceramic tile, a glass cutting surface, or a plastic cutting board.
4. Needle tools – You can make your own needle tools using tapestry needles that you can insert into a cork handle or make your own clay handle.
5. Toothpicks – These make great little tools and are very inexpensive.
6. Clay – Choose the brand you are familiar with.
7. Storage – The best option is the plastic mini storage containers with compartments, as your different clay colors should not touch each other.
8. An oven with a regular temperature gauge.

These basics will set you up to start molding and modeling the clay. Your own hands are also a very vital part of the modeling and conditioning of the clay.

Step 1 – Conditioning

Conditioning refers to the softening of the clay and returning it to its malleable state, ready for work. Read more about how to soften polymer clay. You will start by conditioning any hard clay, blending colors and effects, and fixing any old clay.

It may be that your clay is just a little stiff and harder to work with due to air temperatures or humidity. In this case, simply put it in a zip lock bag and tuck it in your pocket while you walk around and get on with other chores. You can even sit on it in the zip lock bag, so the warmth of your body heats the clay and makes it easier to work with.

The conditioning of the clay may just take a bit of a rub in your nice warm hands. If you have a pasta machine to use, then send the clay through one of the thick shredders, and that will help bring it back to a conditioned state. Keep your pasta machine for ‘clay only’ projects!

Step 2 – Blending Colors

When the conditioning process is done, you can blend the clay colors by rolling out snakes of clay and then twisting and folding the snake back on itself. Fold and roll until the blended color does not crack. You may stop once you have a marbled effect or continue until the new color is perfectly even.

Step 3 – Sculpting

Once you have nicely conditioned, soft clay, it is time to start creating and modeling. See the Treasurie article with polymer clay ideas and projects to get you started.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start sculpting with polymer clay:

1. Create basic shapes: Create these shapes with the clay – this will be the skeleton of your sculpture. For example, a simple flower can be created by creating 6 small balls of clay, which are then flattened to form each petal.
2. Assembly: Start attaching the basic shapes together to form the general structure of your sculpture. Make sure to blend and smooth out the seams between different parts.
3. Add fine details: Once the polymer clay item is ready, start adding details using various sculpting tools. Textures, facial features, and fine elements can be added at this stage.
4. Smoothing: Once you’re satisfied with the details, smooth out the surface of your sculpture using your fingers or tools. If you plan on sanding after baking, this step doesn’t need to be perfect.
5. Pre-Bake Inspection: Make a final inspection to check for any flaws or areas that need touch-ups.

Items that can be made from polymer clay include: Polymer Clay Earrings, Polymer Clay Jewelry, Polymer Clay Beads, Christmas decorations, keyrings.

Step 4 – Baking & Curing

This is the most important part of the process, the final stage of our polymer clay tutorial, and the point of no return! Baking hardens the clay and finishes the article you have made. Read more about how to bake polymer clay.

Best Temperature to Bake Polymer Clay: Polymer clay must be baked in an oven at temperatures between 215F (102C) to 325F (163C), and you cannot bake the clay in a microwave.

Although polymer clay is rated as non-toxic, it does give off fumes, so one needs to be aware of them during the baking process. The clay package should give the required oven temperature.

The baking time also depends on the thickness of the article. The thicker the piece, the longer time required. A time of 20 mins per 1/4” thickness or 6mm is a good guide.

What to Bake Polymer Clay On? Use a baking tray, glass, or ceramic tile for your baking surface. A piece of baking paper to rest on will help avoid shiny spots.

Dimensional items can be placed on a mound of corn starch to support their shape. Items like beads with holes in can be threaded on skewers and baked as the bead is suspended from the skewer or even a toothpick.

Step 4 – What to Do After Baking

It is important to keep rounded items off the flat surface while they are drying, as the clay will flatten slightly and spoil the shape. It is also wise to make bead holes a bit wider as they tend to close as the clay bakes.

The baked clay is rubbery when it comes out of the oven but will harden as it cools. Handle with care, as the clay will be hot as it comes out of the oven.

Step 5 – How To Store Polymer Clay

Polymer clay needs to be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep different colors wrapped separately so that there is no color transfer between blocks.

It can be stored in plastic or glass. It does not have to be completely airtight, just kept cool, as it is heat that causes the clay to harden.

It is better to avoid storing it in wood or metal boxes because wood draws moisture out of the clay, and metal is a heat conductor, which can cause the clay to start curing before you want it to.

What Can I Make With Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is such a versatile medium; there are endless possibilities for its use! Here are some examples of polymer clay ideas:

• Jewelry– such as polymer clay earrings, necklaces and pendants.
• Beads – to make jewelry or to use as embellishments on sewing projects.
• Buttons – make perfectly matching buttons for your clothing.
• Christmas Decorations
• Key chains
• Fridge magnets
• Hair accessories – add your sculpted creations onto hair clips.
• Small items for home decor – such as ring dishes, ring cones, and candle holders.
• Picture frames
• Figurines or dolls

Fixing Crumbled and Dried Polymer Clay

Clay that looks as if it is beyond repair can be revived. Polymer clay really lasts and lasts, but sometimes it can look crumbly and dried out. There are simple solutions. No need to throw the clay away.

1. Start by putting the crumbled clay and some soft clay in a plastic bag together for a few days. The plasticizer from the new clay permeates the old clay, and then you can mix the two together or pass them through the pasta machine.
2. If you have an old food processor around, you can chop the clay into little bits and put them in the processor for a few short bursts at a high speed. The action of the blades and the heat generated will soften the clay.
3. If the crumbled clay is very stubborn, you may add clay softener or some liquid clay. Don’t worry about using old clay. If it has been kept free of dust and dirt, it will come back to life and surprise you with its ability to revive.

Sometimes the opposite problem arises, and the clay is too soft. In this case, simply lay the soft clay on sheets of paper, and the oily plasticizer soaks into the paper. Then you can condition as before and roll out a w

Should I Seal Polymer Clay?

That is a question asked by many clay enthusiasts and the next topic in our polymer clay tutorial. Actually, you don’t have to seal polymer clay after it is cooked.

There are some occasions when you may want to seal the clay for specific reasons, but polymer clay is durable plastic clay and is water-resistant. Once the clay has been baked, it is shockproof and fairly tough. Some of the sealing products used sit on top of the clay and deteriorate before the clay does.

A long time ago, when I used to make FIMO with my sister, we used to use clear wood varnish. I still have some of my original pieces, and the FIMO looks perfect, but the varnish has gone brittle and yellow. Modern sealants are better, but I still think you should just leave the polymer clay unsealed.

When NOT to Seal:

1. Do not seal until you have tested the sealer and found it perfect for your article. Some sealers and varnishes turn sticky or cloudy and ruin your work.
2. Do not seal over fingerprints or marks. The sealer will not cover ugly marks, so always make sure the item is free of any blemishes.
3. Do not seal with a wax sealer that can collect in grooves or a liquid varnish that collects in pools on your newly sculpted article.
4. Do not seal with any of the following: nail varnish, oil-based varnishes, Mod Podge glue and decoupage mediums, dimensional glazes, and certain spray varnishes. Pym is a recommended brand of spray varnish to use.

Safety Tips

Before starting any new project, safety is of paramount importance, especially if you are going to involve children. They will want to join in, and they will love working with the clay! Here are a few polymer clay tutorial safety tips:

1. Polymer Clay is synthetic and considered non-toxic. However, it is advisable to keep it away from toddlers and pets that may take a tasty chunk out of your clay.
2. Don’t eat and work with the clay at the same time. Clay can find its way into your mouth, and food will find its way onto the clay.
3. Keep tools separate from other tools and for clay work only.
4. Take care when working with sharp objects and blades. Watch the activities of children with sharp tools and supervise them carefully.
5. Always work on glass or a ceramic tile or plastic cutting board.
6. Wrap and store the clay you are not working with.
7. When sanding or buffing, or drilling, use a mask and goggles.
8. Supervise young children when working with sharp tools and hot ovens.

Popular Brands

There are many different brands of polymer clay. Some are easier to work with, some are stronger, and some are more flexible. You can buy it in basic colors, in textured form, which creates a fake leather look, and in translucent, pearly colors.

While there are many other cheaper and generic polymer clays on the market, below are the main high-quality brands. There are also a number of lesser-known brands, such as Kato Polyclay, Pardo (which was originally called jewelry clay), Cernit, Papa’s clay, and Cosclay.

Fimo – Fimo was the first polymer clay created (in 1954), and for a long time, it was the only brand available. Fimo has now extended its range to Fimo professional, Fimo soft, Fimo leather (which is textured), and Fimo kids.

Sculpey – Sculpey is another well-known brand. They also have a variety of different types of clay within their brand. All of the Sculpey clays are soft and easy to mold, but they can become brittle once baked.

• Sculpey original, which is soft and easy to work.
• Super Sculpey, which is specially designed for creating figures and comes only in flesh tones.
• Sculpey III comes in a wide variety of colors and is soft and easy for beginners to work with.

Bake Shop – This brand is very economical to buy, but it is rather soft and doesn’t hold details very well. It is a perfect choice for kids to work with, as it is inexpensive.

Souffle – Souffle is extremely flexible and strong, but it has limited color choices.

Premo – Premo is a versatile brand and is available in a lot of countries worldwide.

Polymer Clay Tutorial FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about polymer clay projects.

Conclusion

Polymer clay will open many doors of exciting but really simple crafts to the whole family. It is a remarkable creative medium – Practical, Original, Long-lasting, for Young and old, Makes Excellent Robust Really Great Gifts (P O L Y M E R). A hobby you will get caught up in and want to know more about.

Now you have read your first polymer clay tutorial, here are some more articles:

1. Polymer Clay Ideas
2. Polymer Clay Jewelry Ideas
3. How to Make Polymer Clay Earrings
4. How to Bake Polymer Clay
5. How to Soften Polymer Clay
6. How to Make Polymer Clay Beads