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1) <\/span><\/strong>With so many polyclay brands to choose from, how do you know which one is best for (a) polymer clay sculpting and (b) making polymer clay canes<\/span>.<\/p>\n 2) <\/span><\/strong>Instructions for mixing up your own Emerald Green Premo polymer clay recipe<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Today’s questions were sent in by Pamela Reader and Karen Sexton. And here’s your answers, girls!<\/span><\/p>\n Q-1: <\/strong><\/span>I was just wondering what the difference was between the different types of clay, where to use them, when to mix them and what to use for sculpture or canes. I could use an article on each of the clays and suggestions on type of art projects to use them for. <\/span>~Pamela Reader<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A-1:<\/strong><\/span> <\/span>There is actually quite a big difference between the different brands of polymer clay, even though they are all basically made with the same materials<\/span>.<\/span> Because of these differences in formulations, their qualities differ as well.<\/span><\/p>\n The four clays I’ll compare are Sculpey III, Fimo Classic, Fimo Soft and Premo Sculpey. There are other clays available, but since I have not personally worked with them, I would bot be able to provide a fair comparison.<\/span><\/p>\n Sculpey III<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n For an interesting read, click here: Fimo Classic<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fimo Soft<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Premo Sculpey<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n As you may be able to tell, I like Premo Sculpey the best… especially the old formula.<\/span><\/p>\n All clays were reformulated to remove Phthalates and make it a greener and safer product. Unfortunately it made Premo and Fimo Soft, too soft.<\/span><\/p>\n After many complaints from the polymer clay community they are looking at firming up the new Phthalate-free formula to make us happy again. Hopefully that will happen soon!<\/span><\/p>\n As of right now Fimo Classic is best for caning and Premo is best for everything else. Premo can still be used for caning but it must be leached to make it firmer and more workable.<\/span><\/p>\n Here’s another article that may be of interest: Q-2: <\/strong><\/span>How do I mix the Emerald Green Premo called for in some recipes? Thanks! <\/span>~Karen Sexton<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A-2: <\/strong><\/span>Premo doesn’t actually make an Emerald Green clay, though Sculpey III and Fimo Soft does.<\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps it is the Sculpey that the recipes are calling for. However, rather than using the Sculpey III, I would substitute Fimo Soft’s Emerald Green or mix your own Emerald Green using Premo.<\/span><\/p>\n Here’s the recipe:<\/span><\/p>\n Two recipe cards are now published every week. The A-Series cards are included with the weekly video membership option at my Polymer Clay Tutor Library<\/a> (Very Affordable Pricing :)<\/em>
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\nWhy Sculpey III Polymer Clay Really Makes Me Mad<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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\n Phthalate-free Polymer Clay – Blessing or a Curse<\/a>
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The recipe that was previously posted in this space [Emerald Green]<\/strong> has been re-formated onto a convenient downloadable index card like the sample pictured to the left. The actual size of this recipe card is 4″ x 6″.<\/span><\/p>\n
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