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About GAPCG
Formed in 1998, the Greater Atlanta Polymer Clay Guild [GAPCG] includes jewelry makers, sculptors, stampers, and mixed media users of all experience levels, from beginner to highly skilled artists. We share techniques, ideas, and learn from each other every time we gather. In addition to the monthly meetings, the Guild hosts activities throughout the year to further share the beauty and endless possibilities of polymer clay. We welcome anyone who wants to learn about and work with polymer clay. About Polymer Clay Polymer clay consists of a polymer called polyvinyl chloride [PVC] with a liquid plasticizer creating a material that can be conditioned, shaped, manipulated, and worked by an artist until it is ready to be cured in an oven. The benefit of this medium include it’s light weight and the versatility it offers allowing each piece to be unique, while still maintaining strength. The piece may then be sanded, buffed, painted, carved, or even enhanced with beads and metals, to achieve a beautiful result. Most formulations of polymer clay remain soft until cured in a standard oven. Recommended temperatures vary by manufacturer, but most types of polymer clay cure at at 275 °F. At a minimum, clay needs to bake for 30 minutes. Leading brands of polymer clay include Fimo from Staedtler; Sculpey III and Premo by Sculpey from Polyform Products; Cernit; Formello; Modello; Kato Polyclay and Pardo from Viva Decor. Though the brands differ slightly in properties such as plasticity, translucence, curing temperature, and flexibility when cured, most are suited to a variety of applications. Polymer clay is available in various colors and effects. Polymer clay can be translucent, fluorescent, phosphorescent and metallic; variegated stone colors containing contrasting fibers are also available. Standard colors, which vary from brand to brand, can be mixed to create a virtually infinite range of custom colors, gradient blends, and other effects. Few tools are essential for use with polymer clay, and these can often be found around the house. The most widely used cutting tools are tissue blades, which are extremely thin and sharp; less dangerous blades are readily available at craft stores. A pasta machine is often used to condition the clay, create sheets of uniform thickness, mix colors, and create patterned sheets. The GAPCG library includes books, magazines, and DVDs available for borrowing at the monthly meetings so you can continue to learn about the world of polymer clay. |
2024-2026 Executive Board President: Donna Pratt Vice President: Donna Coles Treasurer: Andala Curd Secretary: Robin Salter Demo/Workshop Coordinator: Beverly Poitier-Henderson Librarian: Valerie Vasciannie Webmaster: Donna Pratt 
Lindly Haunani was the guest of the Greater Atlanta Polymer Clay Guild for a 2 day workshop on September 12th and 13th, 2009, titled Textile Inspirations/Stripe Blends Gone Wild.
These are some pieces made from the color sheets from the workshop. Most of the pieces were cut 'free hand' and intended for brooches and pendants. [Rita Dumais Sim]
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