Polymer Clay Tips
*Please do not claim this your own.
1. How do I make clean polymer clay charms?
- Try a different surface. Use paper! It is an organic material that can be recylced, so you don't always have to use the same surface time after time that can build up dirt and debris. Another plus is that, just use scrap paper! It's environmentally- friendly and useful at the same time!
- Clean your hands (and tools). Cleaning your hands make a HUGE difference! Use baby wipes (many polymer clay sculpters reccomend this). Baby wipes can be found at dollar stores as well. However, as time pass by, it might get costly, so just buy a jug of soap with some water and wash happily away.
- Use rubbing achohol. This was reccomended by PaperPastels and her friends. HOWEVER, rubbing achohol prevents germs and bacteria; does not prevent dust. IF it did prevent dust, people whould use rubbing alcohol to wipe their tables everyday.
- Store your tools properly. Instead of leaving your clay open, you can package it nicely. Ziploc bags can be VERY pricey at times, so use tape or elastics to have the packaging wraping the clay nice and snug.
2. Where can I get polymer clay?
- Internet. I sound like Timmy Turner right now... Internet can be your best friend and sometimes your worst nightmare; be careful where you buy the clay from.
- Craft Stores. Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc offer tons of craft supplies, so run to your nearest craft store today!
3. What glaze should I use?
- Triple Thick. Everyone complains about this brand, but yet they still buy it -.-. YES, it is sticky, YES, it is thick, but why do you still buy it? It is cheap and you get more for your money. Here's a tip: If you plan on buying Triple Thick, I suggest you use Premo Sculpey with it because it is a "harder" brand of clay. On the bottle of Triple Thick, it clearly states: ".... finish in one coat on hard craft surfaces", which means, you need some hard clay with that and Sculey III is definately not considered one of them.
- Sculpey Gloss Glaze/ Sculpey Satin Glaze. Nobody really complains about these two glazes, which is odd... My friend, she uses Sculpey Gloss Glaze and I traded her once for her glazed charms. Her charms weren't very shiny, nor sticky. It is just a thin membrane that hardly makes a difference.
- Varathane. I DEFINATELY DO NOT RECCOMEND THIS! This glaze is meant for wood and wood only! Children at such a yound age shouldn't be inhaling such toxic chemicals so frequently just for the perfection of their charms. You can get lung cancer and even though you may diagree with me, it is best to stay away from industrial chemicals that are not meant for projects at home. Besides, I heard that it yellows after a long time.
- Resin (ex. Easy Cast). This is an amazing medium to use; it gives an extra glossy effect and it is (I believe) waterproof! However, it is (I think..) hard to apply because of its wait time and constant stirring. You also need to watch out for air bubbles that much occur very noticably on your items.
4. What tools do I need?
- Knife. This would come in handy when you make straight cuts and intricate details.
- Fineliner/ Paint. These a only optional, if you prefer to make your charm faces with clay. I reccomend using paint over fineliner because after a period of time, the fineliner ink becomes a "purplish" colour, whereas the paint doesnt change over time.
- Pintool/ Dotting Tool. This is an unneccessary tool. However, it is great for making indents and textures as well as painting dots. You can use a toothpick or an old pen as an alternative.
- Clay! Clay is vital if you want to make charms. Alternatives such as Air Dry Clay, Cold Porcelain, and Ceramic Clay can be used as well.
- Eyepins/ Headpins. These are only neccessary if you are making charms or want to turn your minatures INTO charms. They also make great alien feelers (hehhehh).
- Molds/ Texture Sheets. These can be accquired from online shops or your local craft store. They are not neccessary. These would turn your objects from great to excellent with only some molds and texture plates.
- Pliers/ Wire Cutters. Neccessary for use on eyepins and headpins.
