Vid #195: “Metal adds
a little something extra
to polymer clay. I think these
bezels are great and can see
making little PC charms with
them as well.” ~Phaedrakat

With Mixed Media Jewelry being such a hot trend these days, there are many unique jewelry components becoming available in the marketplace. Metal Bezels for example. They allow you to showcase your polymer clay designs and techniques in very creative ways.

Cindy, I am excited that you incorporate mixed media with your polymer clay tutorials since I am a big admirer of mixed media art – especially when it features polymer clay. Thank you so much. ~JoAnna-G

I seem to be going more down the mixed media route recently. ~Silverleaf

Mixed media jewelry is pretty popular these days. Our friendly polymer clay medium has always ‘played nice’ with other craft and jewelry supplies. ~Phaedrakat

My impetus to learn how to effectively use polymer clay came from my interest in multi-media collage. It’s wonderful that polymer clay is so versatile. My hope in learning different methods of using polymer clay is to be able to create handmade, unique embellishments and jewelry!
~Karen-B

I also have lots of mixed media items that I need new ways to use. This could be another whole world for us. Thanks again for always sharing your ideas with us. You rock! ~Susan-K

Although bezels are relatively easy to combine with polymer clay, there are some tips and tricks for using them that will make the process go a lot smoother. And for this reason, I have made this the topic for tomorrow’s video tutorial at the members library.

Cindy, The examples you’ve shown are so cool. Metal adds a little something extra to polymer clay. I think these bezels are great and can see making little PC charms with them as well. Thanks for your creativity, Cindy! ~Phaedrakat

I really like the look of the faux opal in the bezel. This would be a good technique to use in a spoon, too. Another great tut, Cindy! ~Linda-K

There is an amazing variety of bezels available from many suppliers. You can find them in almost every shape, size and material. Just  recently I received a huge selection from my friend Terry Morris of EpoxyJewelry.com. You may know him as the UV Resin guy. His bezels (seen in my tutorial) are perfect for filling with polymer clay and resin to make durable pendants and charms for your art jewelry projects.

I purchased some of Terry’s bezels, such a good price. ~Peggy-B

I use Patera bezels from Nunn Design. They are a bit expensive but the end result proves worth it. ~Hobokenmary

Thank you, Cindy and Doug, Cannot wait to get more bezels.
~Jocelyn-C

Well… in tomorrow’s Vol-034 video tutorial (Friday March 11th, 2011 at the Polymer Clay Library) you will learn some of my tips and tricks for Filling Bezels with Polymer Clay. Even if you have already been successfully using bezels for a while now, I think you will still find this lesson to be useful and handy.

Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.

Supplies & Tools: Video-034-2 Filling Bezels with Clay:

• Metal Bezels of any size, shape, depth and material. Actually, you can use any metal item that will hold clay, including spoon bails, bottle caps, lockets, etc.
• Rubbing alcohol and paper towels.
• Clay. This is where your creativity can shine. You will see examples of how I used several different polymer clay techniques to fill bezels, including…
  >> Aurora Technique
  >> Faux Knit
  >> Shaded Rose Cane
  >> Rose Petal Clay
  >> Gerbera Flower Cane
  >> Spider Cane
  >> Zebra Cane
  >> Faux Opal Technique
  >> UV Resin
• Clay Blade, pasta machine, cutters, etc. Depending on the technique used to fill your bezel.
• Weldbond Glue or other polymer safe glue that will work with metal.
• Sanding kit (optional).

The full version of the Vid-034-2 Filling Bezels with Polymer Clay video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Mar 11th, 2011. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

***********************************

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the “Filling Bezels” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

This membership has been vital to me and the cost very, very manageable, even though I could say I definitely have a low income. Actually, in comparison to the actual supplies and extras that I have purchased for this art form, the tutorials are the real bargain!!! I love Cindy’s voice, too, and her method of teaching us. I have bought a few other tutorials elsewhere on the web when there is a little extra money available and while they are very good written instructions, they just do not compare in any way with Cindy’s and Doug’s videos in quality, thoroughness or bang for my buck. I will be forever grateful that I found this website. Thank you so much, Cindy and Doug! ~Becky-C

I have really enjoyed the videos! They are well worth the money. ~Melinda-M

Nothing compares to Cindy and Doug’s tireless, professional, helpful, sweet acts that they perform on this web site. Not only that, I could listen to Cindy all day, with that cute little voice and that accent… I just love it. Plus where could you find all of that for such a small amount of money? It’s perfect for me because I have no money and it makes me feel like I’m great because I’m a member. Yep, just look at me… I AM A MEMBER… and very proud to be one… Luv you Guys… Cindy and Doug, be proud at what you accomplished. ~Helen-S

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Filling Metal Bezels With Polymer Clay video tutorial:

• See examples of several shapes, sizes and styles of bezels, using several different types of polymer clay techniques.
• Discussion of the supplies and materials needed to create a fantastic collection of art jewelry bezels.
• Learn how simple and quick it really is to create these cool looking polymer clay pendants, charms and embellishments.
• Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity there are many ways to come up with unique palettes of your own.

The full version of the “Filling Bezels” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-034 Back Issue Package.

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Video Tutorials:
1: Aurora Technique;
2: Metal Bracelet Blanks;
3: Bracelet Blank Add Clay;
4: Mixing Color Recipes:

Well another month has gone by and the Volume-033 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of February, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-033 Package:

Video-033-1 Aurora Technique: Well I am beside myself with excitement to be able to share with you another of my Cindy Lietz Exclusives. In this tutorial I demonstrate how to do an amazingly awesome, yet surprisingly simple polymer clay technique. It is named after the stunning natural phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, which this technique mimics so beautifully.

Video-033-2 Hammered Metal Bracelet Blanks: In this tutorial, I teach you how to make Hammered Metal Bracelet Blanks… so easily and so inexpensively. For a few pennies and with just a few simple tools, you can turn any sheet metal into custom designed bracelet blanks… in any size you desire… whenever you need them for a project!

Video-033-3 Bracelet Blank – Adding Clay: In the previous tutorial, you learned how to make your own hammered metal bracelet blanks in any size and with any metal. Now in this tutorial, you will learn how to add polymer clay to the blanks, so that you not only have a cool looking bracelet or cuff. But you also have a piece of art jewelry that will be durable enough to enjoy for many years to come!

Video-033-4 Mixing Color Recipes: Many clayers have difficulties when it comes to creating custom colors. Each brand of clay has its own color lines. Some of them are very complex and they don’t always mix how you might expect. So… I have made things easy by creating designer recipes and color palettes you can use in all of your polymer clay projects. This video will show you how to measure out the parts of clay required for the recipes. I also provide valuable tips and tricks for getting the most value out of my recipe card system.

Also included in this Volume-033 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Blushing Pansy Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-033 back issue package, click here: Aurora Technique | Metal Bracelet Blanks | Bracelet Blanks Adding Clay | Mixing Color Recipes

And, Sneak Peak Preview Clips are available for viewing here: Polymer Clay Tutorials [Videos]

If anyone else would like to add a review for any of the videos or color recipes in Volume-033, I would love to hear from you. Or if you have not yet purchased this back issue and have a question, ask away. In either case, use the comments section below.

***********************************

Vid #193: “Can you say
MUD!!? I’ve had my fair
share of mixing the wrong
colors together but thanks to
your color recipes I’m doing a
lot better now!” ~Katina-K

One of the great things about polymer clay is the many wonderful colors that come already pre-mixed and packaged by the various clay manufacturers. However, since there are also millions of other colors out in the world to inspire us all, it is important to be able to mix up custom recipes as well.

Color mixing is an art form in itself, that can sometimes be tricky. Each brand of polymer clay has its own color formula. Some of the colors are very complex and don’t always mix how you would expect. One of the reasons I have always liked Premo Clay, is because it uses many of the artist based colors which tend to yield more predictable results. If you have ever worked with acrylic or oil paints, you will know what I am talking about.

But… if you don’t have an artists’ background… or if color mixing just doesn’t come naturally for you… than you may experience some difficulty in being able to create your own custom palettes. In fact, often times you will end up with a whole lot of mud before arriving at the color you desire.

Can you say MUD!!? I have had my fair share of mixing the wrong colors together. I have never had a course in color theory and learned pretty quickly that is difficult to always get the desired result. But thanks to your color recipes I’m doing a lot better now! ~Katina-K

One would think anything would work with pearl / silver / white / black, but you would be surprised at how many of my colour combinations that seemed logical have ended up looking like mud or baby poo! ~Suzanne-C

As a teacher I completely understand the challenges many of you may be facing with the color mixing process. That is why I have created my color recipe card series. They provide you with two new and original designer palettes per month, based on inspirational photos from nature, flowers, landscapes and even architectural shots.

All that’s required is to mix up the recipes as presented, and you will end up with beautiful color palettes every time.

The A-Series Recipes are available to paid subscribers. And I also have monthly B-series Palettes for anyone and everyone who is subscribed to my free weekly email newsletter. The recipe cards can be downloaded to your computer and printed out for use as a valuable resource right in your own studio.

Now one of the most common questions that comes up about my color palettes, is in regards to measuring out the parts or proportions for each of the clay recipes.

Hi, Cindy, I don’t know for sure if you have told us about what the “parts” mean in the color recipes. How would I make parts verses the way the Fimo and the Premo is scored? Thanks. ~Stephanie-J

I know I dislike recipes that will call for a smidge of a color. I guess I am more literal and way to Virgo to be able to accept a smidge. ~Illaya-B

Is there a video that shows how MUCH clay to use for a recipe or a project? I don’t like to condition more than I will use, so is there a way to measure, like using a half block, quarter block or something like that? I mean using Premo of course. However with the Studio Sculpey, it does have those nice little squares. I notice you use just enough in your videos with very little left over. I am totally lost when it comes to measuring clay. The color cards says for instance, 1 part this or 2 parts that. Any tips would be appreciated. ~Ifama-J

Over the last few years, I have streamlined (refined, simplified) the way I mix the palettes. So in tomorrow’s Vol-033 video tutorial (Friday February 25 at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library), I figured it would be a good time to share my tips and tricks for mixing, cataloging and storing the color recipes. Even if you have already been successfully mixing these recipes for a while now, I think you will still find this lesson to be useful and handy.

Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.

Supplies & Tools: Video-033-4 Mixing Color Recipes:

• Color Recipes. You will need to be signed up on the Guest List to receive my free weekly newsletter containing the links to the recipe cards. Each week there are two B-Series recipe cards available for downloading, and one from the A-series. Print out the recipes onto card stock and cut them out.
• A file box or suitable container for storing the recipes cards. I find by printing the recipes at the A-4 size, that they end up fitting nicely into boxes that hold tea bags. But to the longer  photo or CD storage boxes will also be perfect.
• Pasta machine.
• Clay in the colors required for the recipes.
• Square cutters in a variety of sizes.
• Small round cutter for cutting the color chip for the recipe card.
• Clay blade.
• Sheet of paper and a tile for baking on.
• Pencil, glue and scissors.
• Small ziploc bags and a Sharpie (optional).
  

The full version of the Vid-033-4 Mixing Color Recipes video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Feb 25th, 2011. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

***********************************

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the “Mixing Color Recipes” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-033 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Well Cindy, you know the saying, you can’t please all the people… I still can’t believe in this day of internet commerce that there are that many people who still believe all information on the internet should be free, that was the mentality from when the internet was invented, founded whatever the term is. I guess some people will never change, and it’s not like your charging $10 a video or something like that. In the begining I was a little worried about price but I found a way to get them and BOY AM I GLAD I DID! Those of us in the know truly appreciate EVERYTHING you do for us.
~Ken-H

Absolutely no one should complain about the cost of these tutorials!! The thought of you just trying to rip people off is ridiculous. Thank you for all you and Doug do for us!!
~Laura-Z

I have told so many about your tutes, the low cost and how all of this has stretched me creatively. I am now making things I never thought I could. Thank you and Doug – hugs.
~Patt-W

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Mixing Color Recipes video tutorial:

• See examples of the color recipe cards, the mixed color palettes and how they were used in some polymer clay canes.
• Discussion of the supplies and materials needed to create a fantastic collection of inspirational color recipe cards.
• Learn how simple and quick it really is to create gorgeous colors for all your polymer clay beads, canes and jewelry projects.
• Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity there are many ways to come up with unique palettes of your own.

The full version of the “Mixing Color Recipes” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-033 Back Issue Package.

************************************************************************

“I never had any interest in this type of inlay design before, but now… I need to know how!” ~Linda-K

Today’s photo shows a piece of polymer clay jewelry with a bit of an aboriginal flair to it. This large rectangular pendant was created using the faux bone technique as a base, with various accents embedded into it using polymer clay inlaying techniques that will be demonstrated in the next week’s Vol-021-3 tutorial video at the members library.

What a beautiful technique, Cindy. I never had any interest in this type of inlay design before, but now that I see what you’ve done, I need to know how! ~Linda-K

For the remainder of this article I’m going to start getting caught up on some support topics that have been piling up. My plan is to work the following Q&A format into upcoming articles on a regular basis, so that everyone gets their questions answered in a timely manner.

For each of the Q&A topics posted today, and in future articles, please feel free to use the comments section to add your thoughts and ideas in addition to the information I provide. Every question has so many answers and angles to consider.

Let’s all work together to make this polymer clay community the best it can be in terms of a place to come to get friendly and supportive answers.

Hi Ms. Lietz!

My name is Jenn and I’m new to working with polymer clay. In high school I sculpted with clay that we had to heat in a kiln. I didn’t know what clay to start with when I was out of school so I bought sculpey, premo and fimo. And to test each one I made my first trial sculpture out of all three.

I was wondering; since my sculpture is mostly sculpey clay with a bit of the others mixed in, will it look different when baked? I haven’t had the heart to bake it because I’m too scared!

It’s about as tall as your wrist to your elbow and about as long. I’ve included a picture of my sculpture.

It is all clay with no other elements inside. I think it has dust and cat hair on it too that might burn. Do you think it will shrink? I know you mostly work with jewelry and I know there are no  guarantees so I hope I’m not wasting your time. I’m sorry if I am!

Anyways, I appreciate all your tips on your site. It’s very very helpful! I was also wondering. have you ever used wire that people use for flower arrangements inside your clay? What wire works best inside clay? I like your tip about using the aluminum foil as filler instead of clay! Thanks so much for taking time to read my email and if you can’t help I totally understand!

Thanks for your time,

~Jenn-V

Hi Jenny! Your questions are excellent and you are not wasting my time by asking them, so there is no need to apologize :-)  Your piece is amazing btw!

As far as mixing clays, you will likely be fine as long as you bake at the lowest recommended temperature listed on the packaging for the clays you purchased.

If you used mostly Sculpey, especially if it is regular White Sculpey in the bigger box, the color will probably darken,  even if the piece is tented properly with foil or parchment, and the correct temperature is used. If you don’t like the mottled ancient look it turns into, you can always paint it with acrylics after baking.

If it is mainly Premo or Fimo, then there shouldn’t be any problems. Just make sure to use an oven thermometer and bake it for at least an hour maybe two, especially something that big, which will need the time in order to cure properly.

Don’t worry about the dust or cat hair burning. Paper won’t even burn at that temp. If there is a lot of cat hair and dust, you can try to remove it with rubbing alcohol on a paper towel before baking, Or use wet/dry sandpaper after baking.

You can definitely use wire inside your pieces. The floral wire will work or you can use armature wire that is designed to use with sculptures.

Polymer clay does not shrink when baked.

You have so much sculpting potential Jenn. Good luck with your project and let us know how it goes.

Hi, I’m a newbie here and was wondering… I used FIMO and when making it had no odor. Last night I used Premo which I like a lot more, but when I baked it had a sort of orangish smell. Is that normal or did I bake it wrong?

Also, I have my toaster oven on my kitchen table. Is it ok to bake there or should I bake way in the garage? It is the whole toxic fume thing I keep reading about that worries me.

Besides that I love polymer clay and am glad I joined your site. Thank you for any advice that you can give.

~Jeri-L

Hi Jeri! Great questions! It is normal for different brands of polymer clay to have odor variations when baking. Some brands smell more than others. But as long as the smell isn’t too strong and the clay is not burning, you will be fine.

As far as you baking on your table, that is fine too. I have my toaster oven in my studio and have had no problems with it there. The new information that is available now is that the clay is not actually ‘toxic’ when burned, but more of an ‘irritant’ to those that are sensitive to it. Most polymer clays sold in North America are labeled with a non-toxic symbol, deeming them safe for consumers to use.

If you have any concerns with the safety of any of the polymer clay products make sure to contact the companies directly, since I am just teacher of polymer clay techniques and not an expert in the chemical make-up of the product.

Hope that helps.

“I am new to working with polymer clay and the biggest problem I have is with the baking process.” ~Shari-R

Without a doubt, the questions that get asked most often here at the blog, are to do with baking polymer clay and the frustrating issues that can happen when things go wrong. The following is a typical example.

I am new to working with polymer clay and have found your tips and video tutorials very helpful. The biggest problem I have is with the baking process. I’m following the manufacturer’s recommendations but am not pleased with the results at all. I’ve played with all the major brands and have had the same results, regardless of which brand I use (which leads me to believe my problems are caused by the user!). Once cooled, my pieces are rubbery and pliable – not hard like I was expecting. The thicker pieces seem to be harder. Some pieces can be bent and cracked within weeks of completing. Any suggestions? Thanks, ~Shari-R

Well Shari and everyone else reading, you will be happy to know that all of the answers to all of your polymer clay baking questions are just waiting to be discovered in the free articles and comments that have already been published at this web site.

And to help you find the information quickly, I have compiled a list of article links below, that will be enormously helpful for you, if you take the time to read them.

• When Baking Beads, It’s OK to Sometimes Break the Rules
• Baking Polymer Clay Pendants in a Ceramic Tile Sandwich
• Baking Flat Polymer Clay Sheets | Avoiding Common Problems
• How to Bake Sculpey, Premo and Fimo Polymer Clay in a Toaster Oven
• Fimo, Premo, Sculpey Clay Storage Ideas | Baking Polymer Clay Oven
• Sculpey Polymer Clay Tutorials | Baking Sculpey Clay Without Burning
• Make Polymer Clay Pendants and Flat Beads Smooth and Bubble Free
• Is Your Polymer Clay Oven Making Your Beads All Dirty & Discolored?
• Baking Polymer Clay Beads and Pendants | Tips for Awkward Shapes
• Baking Beads on a Bed of Cornstarch

Be sure to read all of the comments that follow each of the articles too. Sometimes the comments provide more information than the articles themselves.

Now for all of you who have already mastered the “art” of baking polymer clay properly… please, please, please could you share your baking disaster stories in the comment section below. But even more importantly, could you talk about how you learned from your mistakes to get to the point where baking is no longer an issue for you.

I know your stories of mastery will be inspiring for brand new clayers to read and learn from. Thanks so much.

Vid #125: “Yes, yes, a big yes for the poppy beads! Please show us how to make them!” ~Squash

Sometimes the best things in life are the simple things! Like the innocence of a young child’s precious smile gazing up at you with admiration. Like a beautifully colored oak or maple leaf falling lazily to ground in the crisp Autumn air. And like whimsical Poppy Beads sculpted from your polymer clay!

You are going to love creating these beads. They are so simple to make and so cool looking! Just look at this Poppy Bead Bracelet. Isn’t it neat?

Yes, yes, a big yes for the poppy beads! Please show us how to make them! I just saw the bracelet in this week’s [Beaded S-Hook] video and the poppies look spectacular. I love every new technique you come up with and this kind of video would be so helpful. Modeling is not my forte and seeing how you make sculptural beads just pushes me to go beyond my abilities. I also enjoyed the calla lily beads and the roses. Thank you, Cindy! ~Squash

Luckily, you will get the chance to learn how to make these funky, modern, stylized flower beads in this week’s video release.

The full version of the Vid-017-1 tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday October 2nd, 2009. But if you would like to see a sneak peak intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the “Poppy Beads” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Vol-017 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

I always look forward to new posts and have learned so much by having this information available. Definitely the best money I’ve spent in a while! ~Arlene-H

The following topics are included in this “Poppy Beads” video tutorial:

• Using a custom color blend from the Alpine Succulent Palette, or the color of your choice, you will learn how to create stunning poppy flower beads that are perfect for adding to many of your jewelry making projects.
• With a few simple and inexpensive tools I will show you how to form each blossom so quickly, that you may think it is too easy!
• Learn how to avoid leaving finger prints to minimize the amount of sanding required after the beads are baked.
• Tricks for measuring the clay so that you can have whatever sized flower bead you want.
• Ideas on how to bake and wire up the beads into charms for necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings.

The full version of the “Poppy Beads” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Vol-017 Back Issue Package.

Want Better Beads that Look More Professional? Then Don’t Ignore these Simple Basics:

Little things can sometimes make all the difference in the world! Today’s post provides you with 5 polymer clay bead making tips to always keep in mind:

1) Wash your hands before working with clay. Even when your hands look clean, there still may be bits of oil, dirt and lint embedded in the little cracks and crevices of your skin. Clay seems to grab onto anything. Just roll a ball of white clay in your hands without washing first. You’ll be able to see all kinds of flecks and things in the clay.

2) Wipe down your tools and work surface with rubbing alcohol or baby wipes before you make anything with your clay. You can use the baby wipes to clean off clay from your hands as well, in between colors.

3) Use a high grit (600 grit or higher) sandpaper to sand your bead piercing wires regularly. Gunk, like old clay, varnish and rust, builds up and needs to be removed in order for the pins to slide nicely into the bead when your making bead holes.

4) Rub cornstarch on your bead piercing pins to help the pin go in the raw clay and avoid distorting the bead.

5) Clean your oven regularly. Dirty ovens will definitely discolor your beads. In another article, I wrote about how to use bleach to clean beads that have been already been baked in a dirty oven. Here is the link: Dirty Polymer Clay Ovens

Are you consistently doing all of the 5 suggestions above? What other tricks and tips do you practice that make your polymer clay bead life easier? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Wondering if Alex Trebek Ever Used this as a TV Game Show Category on Jeopardy… LOL:

Last week I posted an informal survey asking for feedback about your favorite polymer clay tools and supplies. However, after a total of 23 comments, no one brought up cornstarch as a contender. Shocking ;) !!! OK I’m not surprised. I mean it’s hard to get really excited about something that most people use in kitchen recipes for thickening sauces.

But cornstarch does actually have a lot of valuable uses in many polymer clay techniques. Here are just a few of them:

• Dust your fingers with cornstarch to avoid leaving fingerprints on polymer clay beads. You can also rub it on raw clay surfaces to remove fingerprints that did end up getting left behind.
• Cornstarch makes an excellent release agent for rubber stamps, texture plates, polymer clay molds, etc. Dust lightly on the surface you don’t want your clay to stick to. The powder will wash off with water after baking.
• Poke your bead piercing wire into some cornstarch before you pierce your beads and you will find it enters the raw clay much easier. Don’t forget to coat your other fingers holding the bead, in order to prevent fingerprints.
• Baking your beads in and under cornstarch like in the photo at the beginning of this post, is a great way to protect and support fragile beads during baking. A covering layer of cornstarch will also keep the color of your beads brighter and more true. However, don’t rest raw beads in cornstarch for too long before baking. The powder may leach some of the plasticizers from the clay and cause weakness.

What else do you use cornstarch for in your bead making or craft studio?

Hmmmm… Let Me See… YESSSSS!!!

When you work with polymer clay, especially when making canes, it is very important that you first condition all of your clay to the same consistency. If one of your pieces is soft and mushy, while another is hard and crumbly, you are going to run into a whole bunch of frustrating problems.

There are so many things that can affect the condition of polymer clay at any given time… including:

• Brand (formulas vary widely)
• Manufacturers Date (consistency can vary from batch to batch)
• Color (pigments all behave differently)
• Age (plasticizers leach out over time)
• Temperature (cooler clay will always be firmer than warm clay)
• How the Clay Was Stored (cool, warm, dark, damp, dry)
• Was Clay Wrapped In Plastic (…properly wrapped?)
• Last Time the Clay was Worked (brand new vs used)
• Whether You Live On Top of Mountain or at Sea Level (OK maybe this last point is a stretch… but hey, you never know!)

Anywho… here are a few tips on conditioning polymer clay that may be helpful for you:

1) You can tell if your clay is conditioned, when it comes out as a nice smooth sheet from your pasta machine. Little or no cracking along the edges. Note that some super firm brands like Fimo Classic and Kato Polyclay may still have a bit of cracking along the edges… but the main surface will be shiny, flexible and smooth. A rolled up ball of well conditioned clay should feel about the same as when you push your right thumb into the palm of your left hand. Firm but still with a bit of give.

2) If your clay is quite firm, cut thin slices from your block and run them through your pasta machine one at a time to get started. If the clay remains crumbly after repeated passes, you may need to add a softener such as Fimo Mix Quick, Sculpey Diluent, mineral oil or baby oil.

3) Food processors work great for doing the initial conditioning of really tough pieces of clay. Here’s a separate article on this topic: Polymer Clay Tools for Softening Clay Quickly

4) If the clay is very soft and sticky than there may be too much plasticizer in it. You can leach some of these plasticizers out by setting the clay on a piece of office paper or by using the technique described in this article: Polymer Clay Pasta Machine – How To Firm Up Soft Clay

5) Be careful not to trap air pockets in your clay while conditioning it. The bubbles can surface later during the baking process and ruin your piece. When using a pasta machine, the best way to avoid trapping air is to feed your clay into the rollers with the folded edge going in first. More on this in the following article: Conditioning Polymer Clay without Trapping Air Bubbles

Your Precious Blocks of Premo or Fimo Clay Will Get Damaged if You Don’t Store Them Properly:

Now that Spring has officially arrived, it’s time to do a little organizing around the craft room. This should include cleaning up and organizing your blocks of polymer clay.

Polymer clay does not contain water or solvents and therefore won’t dry out. But there are a few things you should know in order to store it properly.

• Keep out of direct sunlight and heat. Polymer clay bakes at a very low temperature and you don’t want your clay to partially cure while it is being stored.
• Keep your clay covered. Although it won’t dry out, dirt, lint and dust can easily stick to its tacky surface.
• If you wrap your clay and canes in plastic wrap, make sure it’s a brand that does not contain plasticizers. Read the following article for some important information about which plastic wrap brands are safe to use: How To Store Polymer Clay Canes
• Be careful about the type of plastic containers you store your clay in. Some plastics will actually bond with the clay causing damage to the container and making the clay all sticky and hard to work with. Generally all plastic containers with a recycling symbol of either 5 or 1 (see photo above) will work with polymer clay.
• Use zip-loc bags for storage. Recently I picked up a bunch of small 3″x5″ zip-loc bags at the dollar store. They fit a whole block of Premo nicely. And they are small enough to keep under control in a box.

For more resources on polymer clay storage read:

• Best Craft Storage Boxes for Fimo Clay, Premo and Jewelry Beads
• More Ideas for Polymer Clay Plastic Storage Boxes
• Fimo, Premo, Sculpey Clay Storage Ideas