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WHAT IS POLYMER CLAY?
Polymer clay is a type of hardenable modeling clay based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride [PVC]. It typically contains no clay minerals, but like mineral clay a liquid is added to dry particles until it achieves gel-like working properties, and similarly, the part is put into an oven to harden, hence its colloquial designation as clay.
Polymer clay is generally used for making arts and craft items, and is also used in commercial applications to make decorative parts.
Read more: Wikipedia
Polymer clay is generally used for making arts and craft items, and is also used in commercial applications to make decorative parts.
Read more: Wikipedia
HOW TO CONDITION POLYMER CLAY?
Before using polymer clay, for what ever purpose, it is important to condition the polymer clay prior to use. This means working the polymer clay until it is soft and malleable, and of the same consistency throughout.
When a block of polymer clay is first opened it is stiff and tough to work with. It may crumble when it is rolled or shaped. When the clay has been conditioned it will be substantially softer and less likely to crumble. The length of time it takes to condition a piece of polymer clay will depend on many factors, such as the brand, how old the clay is and the background temperature.
Read more: How to Condition Polymer Clay and Why Conditioning Polymer Clay is Important by Kate Pullen
When a block of polymer clay is first opened it is stiff and tough to work with. It may crumble when it is rolled or shaped. When the clay has been conditioned it will be substantially softer and less likely to crumble. The length of time it takes to condition a piece of polymer clay will depend on many factors, such as the brand, how old the clay is and the background temperature.
Read more: How to Condition Polymer Clay and Why Conditioning Polymer Clay is Important by Kate Pullen
DO I NEED A PASTA MACHINE?
Even though some brands of polymer clay feels soft and pliable right out of the package they still have to be conditioned before being used. You can condition clay by hand, or run it the through a pasta machine. A pasta machine can make conditioning a breeze!>
Read more: PolypediaOnLine by Iris Mishy
Read more: PolypediaOnLine by Iris Mishy
HOW TO CLEAN A PASTA MACHINE?
Basically, pasta machines are sheet rollers, which makes them ideal for rolling sheets of pasta dough or polymer clay - in theory. But there are enough differences between pasta dough and polymer clay that if you use a pasta machine [PM] to roll out polymer clay you should know a few things about the care and feeding of your PM to keep it and you happy.
Read more: Desiree's Desired Creations by Desiree McCrorey
Read more: Desiree's Desired Creations by Desiree McCrorey
WHAT OVEN SHOULD I GET?
One of the strongest appeals of polymer clay is that it cures at low temperatures [265°F or 275°F, depending on the brand]. This means that you don't need a special kiln. Any standard kitchen oven will do.
Read more: PolymerClayWeb
Read more: PolymerClayWeb
polymer clay 101: getting started in polymer clay
[Contributed by: Connie Clark]
Minimum supply list for working with polymer clay:
Other helpful items:
Review of Basics:
Selection and type of clay for purchase, use, and storage.
You will find several types of clay most readily available in craft stores such as Michaels, JoAnns, and Hobby Lobby. You can also find
it online. Unless you are buying quantities of over $100 at a time you will likely find the most cost effective means of purchase is when
these craft stores have sales usually about every other month or so when the typical 2oz packages of clay go on sale for about $1.25 which is a great bargain. Please note that different brands and types may bake at different temperatures when curing. I do not recommend mixing brands of differing temperatures until you are much more familiar with the varying qualities and tendency of the clays. For jewelry or high use/handled items you may want to avoid use of Sculpey III clay as this type although at regular prices less expensive can be more brittle when cured. For jewelry use Premo [also made by Sculpey, but a different type], Fimo, Kato, or Pardo are most often used. There is a liquid form of the clay as well which can be used for varying affects and as a “glue” when attaching previously baked pieces with un-baked piece of clay. This liquid clay can also be used as a sealant or surface finish. It is important to know that polymer clay can be baked numerous times, so long as it is baked at the correct temperature for the specific brand & type. You will be working with the clay and “kneading” to condition the clay for use. When purchasing your clay try pressing your thumb nail into the side of the plastic wrapped package of clay. You should be able to have the clay push in with some resistance; however, you will learn what the texture should be like. The clay does not dry out, but if it is exposed to heat it can start to cure and make it hard. If the clay was transported in a truck in the middle of a hot summer without air conditioning [or even in your car] these type of temperatures can start to affect the clay.
New to the store, does not always mean the clay is newly manufactured and could have sat in a warehouse somewhere. The older clay will have had the plasticizers in the clay settle out and require more effort to condition the clay and make it pliable for use. Depending on how and what you make with the clay you will eventually learn the characteristics that are desired of varying clays for specific uses. Polymer clay can react when coming in to contact with some materials that may not initially be noticeable but later can become sticky. Some plastics are not compatible with the clay. You can put it in most sandwich type bags and deli wrap. For hard plastic containers most that are semi translucent work. Once you have conditioned and sheeted clay the easiest way to store it is in that sheeted state. Once the clay sits long enough you will need to re-condition it and if it is already in sheet form you can immediately start feeding it through the pm to condition it fully again. With the sheeted clay sandwiched between plastic wrap you can stack multiple sheets & store them in zip lock type bags. If desired you can store them in sheet protectors in a 3 ring binder. Use the economy type of sheet protectors rather than the non-glare type. After a while the non-glare type starts to react with the clay.
Types of blades and safety handling & using them for polymer clay use.
A stiffer straight blade is typically the first blade you’ll purchase. It can be used for general use in cutting through new blocks of clay
and general cutting. More flexible blades are great for arcing the blade for smoothly arced shapes. A Tissue Blade is often used for making very thin slices or cuts. They are from the medical industry for use in cutting paper thin slices of body tissue for pathology work. All blades are very sharp and should be handled with care. They generally are approximately 4-6 inches long. The most common error in mishandling blades is not checking which side is the cutting side before use. I instruct all my students that in all of these long blades to get into the habit of picking up the blade on the short ends as this is never the sharp part. Every time you pick up the blade determine the correct cutting side. This is to avoid turning it upside down and accidentally pushing on the sharp side. Some blades have a notch or holder on the non-sharp side. If yours doesn’t have a visual indicator you can take a sharpie marker & color across the safe side of the blade to help you. The marker will come off eventually, but will be a good prompt until you develop the habit of checking. For those claying with young children who are looking for a safer alternative you can use a metal ceramic pottery rib or plastic knife. It will not provide the tissue thin slices but will work for most general uses.
Conditioning clay for use.
You must condition your clay before working with it. This redistributes all the plasticizer in the clay and makes it pliable for use
without surface cracking. You can do this by hand by rolling the clay between your hands and making a log/snake shape. The idea is to work the clay until when you fold over the clay and twist it the clay does so without getting a bunch of cracks. The warmth of your hands will aid in making the clay more pliable. If it is cold, or your clay seems harder to work with you can try placing it in a plastic sandwich bag and then sit on it, put it under your arm, or in your bra as your body warmth will help make the clay easier to work with. You can mix your clay colors to produce an endless variety and shades of clay colors to work with. With most clays what you see is what you get color wise.
Think back to basic color theory in art class. It is much like mixing paints. Yellow mixed with blue will yield some type of green depending on the ratio of the colors used.
Rolling out clay for use with a pasta machine.
To condition the clay utilizing a pasta machine you need to keep in mind you will damage the pasta machine if you try to force too thick a piece of clay between the rollers of the pasta machine [pm]. A more time efficient way of conditioning with a pasta machine is when you pull the clay out of the plastic wrap use your blade to slice the clay into sheets no thicker than about a ¼ inch and then you can roll the cut sheets through the pm. When rolling through the pm start as the thickest setting for your machine [numbers on dials vary with make of machines so look down into the rolling blades to see what number is the thickest setting on your machine]. Once it has passed through at the thickest setting a couple of times you can set it on progressively thinner settings. This will help condition the clay more quickly. After each pass in the machine fold the clay approximately in half and then feed the fold end in first when feeding it through the machine for the next pass. By feeding the fold in first you will have less chance of pushing air pockets into the clay as the rollers will push any air towards the open end where it can escape through the open seam.
Using stamps & other items to texture clay.
You can use most stamps and texture sheets to create many beautiful affects with you clay. Both un-mounted and mounted [as stamp on wooden block] stamps can be used. You will quickly find many items that are not designed for stamping that will create interesting textures on the clay. Use a release agent applied to prevent the clay from sticking to the stamp or mold.
Use of shaped cutters and how to get a rounded smooth edge.
Use of cookie cutters will provide quick shapes in your clay. Once cutters are used with clay they are not suitable for food use. For easy
rounded smooth edges when using the cutters you can use a cut up plastic sandwich bag. Smooth out the plastic on top of a rolled out sheet of clay and then push down the cookie cutter on top of the plastic and clay pushing until you cut through to the bottom of the clay.
The plastic stretches and forces the clay at the cutter edges at the same time creating the rounded beveled edge where cut.
Curing the pieces made.
It is recommended to use a toaster oven for curing polymer clay separate from that of any for food use. The key to curing polymer clay is the correct temperature. The best practice is stick close by when curing pieces to keep an eye on them. Most clays bake anywhere between 230-300 degrees F. Do not rely on the oven’s external thermostat to determine the temperature. Use a separate thermostat [found in most grocery stores or kitchen departments of super stores]. Always preheat the oven and bring up and maintain the inside oven temperature to the correct temperature indicated on the packaging for the clay to be baked. This is because most ovens will spike and then come down when first heating up. Most pieces will be fully cured when baked for 30 minutes even on somewhat thicker pieces. For really thick pieces you may want to extend the time. Clay can be baked for long intervals and multiple times without a problem so long as the temperature is not allowed to be too high. Burning occurs when temperatures are too high and burning of pieces will first start to scorch turning brown and if left to burn longer will eventually bubble up turn black. Avoid fumes of burnt clay and it occurs ventilate the room immediately by opening doors and windows. If clay is baked directly on a ceramic tile, or metal tray it will result in a shiny surface where it comes into contact with these things. To avoid a shiny patch place items on a unlined index card, or card stock and then place on tray in the oven. The paper will not burn if baked at the correct temperature for the clay. For dimensional items that you want to support you can use polyfill fiber batting, such as that used in quilting. Cured clay will often have a slight amount of flex to it depending on the thickness of the clay used and its shape. A fully flat sheet of clay rolled at the same thickness will have more flex than one cured in a domed shape for example.
Compatibility of use of items with polymer clay and mixed media.
Polymer clay is a great multimedia item as it cures at temperatures low enough not to cause damage to other items incorporated with the clay.
Paints, chalks, mica powders, embossing powders, papers, feathers, metals, shells, glass, beads, fabric, leather, fibers and more can be
combined with polymer clay. Some plastics even work. It is a good idea to first test the item you want to use by placing it in the oven at
the clays baking temperature before adding it to the clay. You’ll need to do more than just press items up against the clay for them to
adhere permanently as many of the items will pop off eventually if not physically “trapped” in the clay in some manner.
Hand Lotion.
To minimize finger prints ending up on your clay projects it is a good idea to apply hand lotion to your hands before beginning your work with the clay. Dry skin tends to cause more drag and emphasizes the finger print swirls on your fingers resulting in more noticeable finger prints left behind in your work. You can actually smooth out prints and small marks in clays surface by gently stroking the clay with a well condition fingers. It will also make it a little easier when cleaning your hands when you are finished working with the clay. If you have a good deal of plasticizer residue on your hands it doesn’t clean easily with water and soap. You can apply some lotion on your hands and then wipe with a paper towel and then use soap and water for a more thorough cleansing.
Tooth pick.
Tooth picks, grilling skewers, turkey trussing skewers all make good <em>inexpensive</em> tools. When you need to poke something, shape it, or apply something to a small space or even to apply a hole through a bead these items are handy. While wooden tooth picks and grilling skewers work, they do tend to cling a little to the polymer clay as wood is a pores material. The metal turkey trussing skewers work well as they are a good size to make beading holes and you can easily bake several beads on a skewer to prevent them from rolling around on your tray when baking them.
Minimum supply list for working with polymer clay:
- Polymer clay: quantity and number of colors determined by project.
- Roller: Can be acrylic, plastic, or even a section of pvc pipe. Wood not recommended.
- Straight clay blade.
- Long needle, Needle tool, or Exacto knife.
- Work surface: can be wax paper taped down at the corners to table, a flexible smooth chopping mat, ceramic tile, tempered glass, or other such surface.
- 2-3 plastic sandwich bags- these will be cut up and used with cookie cutters for doming edges or storing items in.
- Baby wipes or rubbing alcohol with a few paper towels for clean-up of tools and work area.
- Hand lotion.
- Tooth pick.
Other helpful items:
- Pasta machine for conditioning clay- highly recommended. If you continue to work with polymer clay you’ll want your own. Most techniques often use the pasta machine for help in conditioning quantities of clay to work with and for sheeting clay in consistent layers of desired thicknesses. You can use a 40-50% off coupon for Michaels, JoAnn’s, or Hobby Lobby to buy one. Please note once you use it for clay it is no longer suitable for food use. You will want to have some 4” C-clamps [or ratchet clamps that size or larger] to help attach the pasta machine [pm] to different types of tables. The machine comes with a clamp; however, depending on the type of table and its thickness that may not work. The tables at the Guild meeting location usually require a 4 inch clamp or larger and a 1/4 inch piece of wood is helpful.
- Rubber Stamps or types of texture sheets preferably ones with deep impressions, or objects that when pressed into clay will leave an interesting texture on the clay surface.
- A release agent: water in a spritz bottle, corn starch in clothe tamping poof, Armorall found in automotive section.
- Shape/cookie cutters for non-food use.
- Scissors.
- Container to store items in.
- Baking/curing surface[s]: Ceramic tile and or cookie sheet, index card for baking.
- Toaster oven & oven thermometer used to cure clay. It is recommended to have one dedicated for non-food use.
Review of Basics:
Selection and type of clay for purchase, use, and storage.
You will find several types of clay most readily available in craft stores such as Michaels, JoAnns, and Hobby Lobby. You can also find
it online. Unless you are buying quantities of over $100 at a time you will likely find the most cost effective means of purchase is when
these craft stores have sales usually about every other month or so when the typical 2oz packages of clay go on sale for about $1.25 which is a great bargain. Please note that different brands and types may bake at different temperatures when curing. I do not recommend mixing brands of differing temperatures until you are much more familiar with the varying qualities and tendency of the clays. For jewelry or high use/handled items you may want to avoid use of Sculpey III clay as this type although at regular prices less expensive can be more brittle when cured. For jewelry use Premo [also made by Sculpey, but a different type], Fimo, Kato, or Pardo are most often used. There is a liquid form of the clay as well which can be used for varying affects and as a “glue” when attaching previously baked pieces with un-baked piece of clay. This liquid clay can also be used as a sealant or surface finish. It is important to know that polymer clay can be baked numerous times, so long as it is baked at the correct temperature for the specific brand & type. You will be working with the clay and “kneading” to condition the clay for use. When purchasing your clay try pressing your thumb nail into the side of the plastic wrapped package of clay. You should be able to have the clay push in with some resistance; however, you will learn what the texture should be like. The clay does not dry out, but if it is exposed to heat it can start to cure and make it hard. If the clay was transported in a truck in the middle of a hot summer without air conditioning [or even in your car] these type of temperatures can start to affect the clay.
New to the store, does not always mean the clay is newly manufactured and could have sat in a warehouse somewhere. The older clay will have had the plasticizers in the clay settle out and require more effort to condition the clay and make it pliable for use. Depending on how and what you make with the clay you will eventually learn the characteristics that are desired of varying clays for specific uses. Polymer clay can react when coming in to contact with some materials that may not initially be noticeable but later can become sticky. Some plastics are not compatible with the clay. You can put it in most sandwich type bags and deli wrap. For hard plastic containers most that are semi translucent work. Once you have conditioned and sheeted clay the easiest way to store it is in that sheeted state. Once the clay sits long enough you will need to re-condition it and if it is already in sheet form you can immediately start feeding it through the pm to condition it fully again. With the sheeted clay sandwiched between plastic wrap you can stack multiple sheets & store them in zip lock type bags. If desired you can store them in sheet protectors in a 3 ring binder. Use the economy type of sheet protectors rather than the non-glare type. After a while the non-glare type starts to react with the clay.
Types of blades and safety handling & using them for polymer clay use.
A stiffer straight blade is typically the first blade you’ll purchase. It can be used for general use in cutting through new blocks of clay
and general cutting. More flexible blades are great for arcing the blade for smoothly arced shapes. A Tissue Blade is often used for making very thin slices or cuts. They are from the medical industry for use in cutting paper thin slices of body tissue for pathology work. All blades are very sharp and should be handled with care. They generally are approximately 4-6 inches long. The most common error in mishandling blades is not checking which side is the cutting side before use. I instruct all my students that in all of these long blades to get into the habit of picking up the blade on the short ends as this is never the sharp part. Every time you pick up the blade determine the correct cutting side. This is to avoid turning it upside down and accidentally pushing on the sharp side. Some blades have a notch or holder on the non-sharp side. If yours doesn’t have a visual indicator you can take a sharpie marker & color across the safe side of the blade to help you. The marker will come off eventually, but will be a good prompt until you develop the habit of checking. For those claying with young children who are looking for a safer alternative you can use a metal ceramic pottery rib or plastic knife. It will not provide the tissue thin slices but will work for most general uses.
Conditioning clay for use.
You must condition your clay before working with it. This redistributes all the plasticizer in the clay and makes it pliable for use
without surface cracking. You can do this by hand by rolling the clay between your hands and making a log/snake shape. The idea is to work the clay until when you fold over the clay and twist it the clay does so without getting a bunch of cracks. The warmth of your hands will aid in making the clay more pliable. If it is cold, or your clay seems harder to work with you can try placing it in a plastic sandwich bag and then sit on it, put it under your arm, or in your bra as your body warmth will help make the clay easier to work with. You can mix your clay colors to produce an endless variety and shades of clay colors to work with. With most clays what you see is what you get color wise.
Think back to basic color theory in art class. It is much like mixing paints. Yellow mixed with blue will yield some type of green depending on the ratio of the colors used.
Rolling out clay for use with a pasta machine.
To condition the clay utilizing a pasta machine you need to keep in mind you will damage the pasta machine if you try to force too thick a piece of clay between the rollers of the pasta machine [pm]. A more time efficient way of conditioning with a pasta machine is when you pull the clay out of the plastic wrap use your blade to slice the clay into sheets no thicker than about a ¼ inch and then you can roll the cut sheets through the pm. When rolling through the pm start as the thickest setting for your machine [numbers on dials vary with make of machines so look down into the rolling blades to see what number is the thickest setting on your machine]. Once it has passed through at the thickest setting a couple of times you can set it on progressively thinner settings. This will help condition the clay more quickly. After each pass in the machine fold the clay approximately in half and then feed the fold end in first when feeding it through the machine for the next pass. By feeding the fold in first you will have less chance of pushing air pockets into the clay as the rollers will push any air towards the open end where it can escape through the open seam.
Using stamps & other items to texture clay.
You can use most stamps and texture sheets to create many beautiful affects with you clay. Both un-mounted and mounted [as stamp on wooden block] stamps can be used. You will quickly find many items that are not designed for stamping that will create interesting textures on the clay. Use a release agent applied to prevent the clay from sticking to the stamp or mold.
Use of shaped cutters and how to get a rounded smooth edge.
Use of cookie cutters will provide quick shapes in your clay. Once cutters are used with clay they are not suitable for food use. For easy
rounded smooth edges when using the cutters you can use a cut up plastic sandwich bag. Smooth out the plastic on top of a rolled out sheet of clay and then push down the cookie cutter on top of the plastic and clay pushing until you cut through to the bottom of the clay.
The plastic stretches and forces the clay at the cutter edges at the same time creating the rounded beveled edge where cut.
Curing the pieces made.
It is recommended to use a toaster oven for curing polymer clay separate from that of any for food use. The key to curing polymer clay is the correct temperature. The best practice is stick close by when curing pieces to keep an eye on them. Most clays bake anywhere between 230-300 degrees F. Do not rely on the oven’s external thermostat to determine the temperature. Use a separate thermostat [found in most grocery stores or kitchen departments of super stores]. Always preheat the oven and bring up and maintain the inside oven temperature to the correct temperature indicated on the packaging for the clay to be baked. This is because most ovens will spike and then come down when first heating up. Most pieces will be fully cured when baked for 30 minutes even on somewhat thicker pieces. For really thick pieces you may want to extend the time. Clay can be baked for long intervals and multiple times without a problem so long as the temperature is not allowed to be too high. Burning occurs when temperatures are too high and burning of pieces will first start to scorch turning brown and if left to burn longer will eventually bubble up turn black. Avoid fumes of burnt clay and it occurs ventilate the room immediately by opening doors and windows. If clay is baked directly on a ceramic tile, or metal tray it will result in a shiny surface where it comes into contact with these things. To avoid a shiny patch place items on a unlined index card, or card stock and then place on tray in the oven. The paper will not burn if baked at the correct temperature for the clay. For dimensional items that you want to support you can use polyfill fiber batting, such as that used in quilting. Cured clay will often have a slight amount of flex to it depending on the thickness of the clay used and its shape. A fully flat sheet of clay rolled at the same thickness will have more flex than one cured in a domed shape for example.
Compatibility of use of items with polymer clay and mixed media.
Polymer clay is a great multimedia item as it cures at temperatures low enough not to cause damage to other items incorporated with the clay.
Paints, chalks, mica powders, embossing powders, papers, feathers, metals, shells, glass, beads, fabric, leather, fibers and more can be
combined with polymer clay. Some plastics even work. It is a good idea to first test the item you want to use by placing it in the oven at
the clays baking temperature before adding it to the clay. You’ll need to do more than just press items up against the clay for them to
adhere permanently as many of the items will pop off eventually if not physically “trapped” in the clay in some manner.
Hand Lotion.
To minimize finger prints ending up on your clay projects it is a good idea to apply hand lotion to your hands before beginning your work with the clay. Dry skin tends to cause more drag and emphasizes the finger print swirls on your fingers resulting in more noticeable finger prints left behind in your work. You can actually smooth out prints and small marks in clays surface by gently stroking the clay with a well condition fingers. It will also make it a little easier when cleaning your hands when you are finished working with the clay. If you have a good deal of plasticizer residue on your hands it doesn’t clean easily with water and soap. You can apply some lotion on your hands and then wipe with a paper towel and then use soap and water for a more thorough cleansing.
Tooth pick.
Tooth picks, grilling skewers, turkey trussing skewers all make good <em>inexpensive</em> tools. When you need to poke something, shape it, or apply something to a small space or even to apply a hole through a bead these items are handy. While wooden tooth picks and grilling skewers work, they do tend to cling a little to the polymer clay as wood is a pores material. The metal turkey trussing skewers work well as they are a good size to make beading holes and you can easily bake several beads on a skewer to prevent them from rolling around on your tray when baking them.
ARE THERE POLYMER CLAY 101 VIDEO TO GET ME START?
There are 'tons' of instructionals video for beginners. We have chosen only a few and listed them here.
[BlickVideo] Sculpey Polymer Clay - Getting Started
[Polyform] Tools Instructional Videos
[BlickVideo] Sculpey Polymer Clay Cane Techniques
[Polyform] Sculpey Project: Jelly Roll Cane
[BlickVideo] Sculpey Polymer Clay - the Mokume Gane Technique
[BlickVideo] Blending Sculpey Clay Using the Skinner Blend Technique
From dark to light - gradation of color in polymer clay [Skinner Blend plug]
Chrysanthemum cane by Mandarin Duck
Polymer Clay Tutorials for Beginners on YouTube
How to cut perfect polymer clay cane slices
[BlickVideo] Sculpey Polymer Clay - Getting Started
[Polyform] Tools Instructional Videos
[BlickVideo] Sculpey Polymer Clay Cane Techniques
[Polyform] Sculpey Project: Jelly Roll Cane
[BlickVideo] Sculpey Polymer Clay - the Mokume Gane Technique
[BlickVideo] Blending Sculpey Clay Using the Skinner Blend Technique
From dark to light - gradation of color in polymer clay [Skinner Blend plug]
Chrysanthemum cane by Mandarin Duck
Polymer Clay Tutorials for Beginners on YouTube
How to cut perfect polymer clay cane slices
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE ON-LINE RESOURCES?
Internet provides unlimited resources. We have chosen only a few and listed them here only as resource and they are not endorsed by the GAPCG in any way.
Related Guild Websites
Polymer encyclopedias
Tutorials and Resources
Polymer artist supplies, professional jeweler’s supplies, and hobbyist sites
Polymer clay Brands
Polymer Clay Classes, Workshops
Polymer Clay Inspirations
Related Guild Websites
- You are in the Greater Atlanta Polymer Clay Guild [GAPCG] website specifically the FAQs section. We welcome you to explore.
- International Polymer Clay Association - IPCA. This was formerly the National Polymer Clay Association, and several years expanded to include the fast growing number of polymer artists throughout the world. They sponsor two key events: Synergy conference, last held in March 2013 in Atlanta, GA, and their Retreat. Locations rotate and dates vary. These events differ in that the Retreat is more focused on hands-on work participation and Synergy is more focused on presentations freeing you from time limitations of hand-on work. Both events typically also have a number of workshops separately either pre or post the actual event available to those interested. In spring 2014 Synergy will be in Europe for the first time in Malta and in the fall of 2014 the Retreat will be in Ohio in the US.
- Meetup Group GAPCGuild - for details on the demos planned for a particular meeting and to RSVP. For those that may be new to Meetup it is an online system that you kind find groups of people with a common interest that usually is by geographic area you can designate in addition to having the topic of interest in common so that you can attend or find meetings/groups in your area.
- Atlanta Bead Society - The Atlanta Bead Society is dedicated to sharing the joy of beading through inspiration and education.
Polymer encyclopedias
- Glass Attic - Here you'll find over 1700 pages of information on almost everything relating to polymer clay.
- Polymer Clay Central
Tutorials and Resources
- The Blue Bottle Tree - A source of polymer clay information, reviews, tutorials, myth-busting, and learning, managed by Ginger Davis Allman, a writer and teacher.
- Polymer Clay Tutor by Cindy Lietz
Polymer artist supplies, professional jeweler’s supplies, and hobbyist sites
- Polymer Clay Express
- Prairie Craft Company
- Boston Craftworks
- Polymer Clay Superstore
- Shades of Clay, Canada
- Artbeads
- Contenti
- Rio Grande
- Thunderbird Supply
- Rings and Things
- Fire Mountain Gems
- Munro Crafts
- Cool Tools
- The Nicholas Lodge International Sugar Art Collection - While this sugar art and cake store and school is not a true polymer clay store, it offers a lot of items great for use with polymer clay. As you quickly learn using your creative eye to see potential for many items in places every where you go you can adapt and make them some of your most excellent polymer clay tools and supplies. Think of fondant, gum paste, or sugar instead as polymer clay either in its solid or liquid form and experiment. Icing tube tips for forms to make your on cone shape bead caps, or use molds and texture sheets, even the edible luster dust works well on clay if there is a color you can’t find in mica powders found in craft stores. If you watch some of the food network cake and sugar art challenges you may recognize owner Nicholas Lodge as he is well known in those circles. Each year they also do a open house which is interesting as they show many creative techniques to decorate and create works of art out of food items.
- The Bead-Therapy, Chattanooga, TN
- Creative Wholesale - Distributor of Polyform products and many more located in Stockbridge, GA 30281.
Polymer clay Brands
Polymer Clay Classes, Workshops
- Creative Journey Studios - located in Buford GA, offers workshops by well known international polymer artists, along with an ongoing exhibit, and gallery & supplies that are not carried by common local craft stores. Check specific hours for when they are open prior to your visit. This is a great place to spend time looking over all the eye candy and to get knowledgeable answers about the items they carry for sale and their use with polymer clay. There are several nice local restaurants close by so makes a nice day for lunch/dinner and a visit to CJS. Tell owners Sue and Ellen that we sent you and we said hello.
- Prairie Craft Company - Free Clases by Donna Kato
Polymer Clay Inspirations
- Polymer Clay Daily by Cynthia Tinapple provides a lot of great info on Polymer Clay Daily, it has links to any number of items Cynthia’s discovered and lots of recommendations.
- The Polymer Arts [magazine] by Sage Bray ; Polymer Clay Week published in the Czech Republic by the Lucy Clay Tools company. Our GAPCG guild has these magazines and some issues of the retired Polymer Clay magazines such as Polymer Café and From Polymer to Art in the library so you can take a look there as well to familiarize your self with them.
- The New Clay [Book] By Nan Roche, 1991, ISBN: 0-9620543-4-8, 144 pages. Commonly referred to as the “Polymer Clay Bible”, this was the first book published on the subject of polymer clay.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE GAPCG?
Our goal is to advance knowledge and develop proficiency among Guild members in the use of polymer clay through exchange of
experience, expertise, education, and exhibitions of polymer clay art. In addition, to foster public awareness of polymer clay art through
demonstrations and exhibitions.
experience, expertise, education, and exhibitions of polymer clay art. In addition, to foster public awareness of polymer clay art through
demonstrations and exhibitions.
IS THIS GUILD FOR PROFESSIONALS ONLY OR ARE BEGINNERS WELCOMED TO THE GROUP?
[Contributed by: Cindy Coleman]
All you need is an interest in the medium and yearning to find out what the possibilities are.
GAPCG’s members range from beginners through season artisans with one thing in common, a strong interest in the amazing medium of Polymer Clay.
We were all beginners once. The Guild’s mission is to provide our members an opportunity to share expertise, to encourage each other as we develop our skills and to schedule classes/workshops with master instructors/polymer clay artists from across the country.
We welcome anyone who wants to learn about and work with the exciting medium of polymer clay. Artists and creative explorers of all levels, from beginners [even if you have never used polymer] to teachers and published artists, are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings and participate in any other guild activities.
All you need is an interest in the medium and yearning to find out what the possibilities are.
GAPCG’s members range from beginners through season artisans with one thing in common, a strong interest in the amazing medium of Polymer Clay.
We were all beginners once. The Guild’s mission is to provide our members an opportunity to share expertise, to encourage each other as we develop our skills and to schedule classes/workshops with master instructors/polymer clay artists from across the country.
We welcome anyone who wants to learn about and work with the exciting medium of polymer clay. Artists and creative explorers of all levels, from beginners [even if you have never used polymer] to teachers and published artists, are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings and participate in any other guild activities.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THE GUILD?
[Contributed by: Connie Clark]
This first benefit you will quickly discover is that the group is full of other like-minded people who are eager to share their knowledge and polymer experiences with you. There are members of all skill levels in the group, so you need not feel intimidated no matter what your current level with the medium. We are all in the guild to advance our polymer education as we discover together what new ways to work with this incredibly versatile product. There are so many avenues to use the clay that even those with many years of experience with polymer clay can continually experiment and learn new approaches. You can make quick friends and may want to join others you meet in getting together to clay between monthly guild meetings.
The guild is a great opportunity to request and receive a constructive critique to help you find ways to improve your art work or help you better achieve the goals you desire in your work. If you are struggling to figure out a way to make something work you can get the assistance of others who may well have had a similar experience and know what to do to “fix” it. Learning from the mistakes of others can help dramatically in your journey along the learning curve.
Nowhere else can you get more instruction than at monthly demos at such a low cost of the annual membership fee. You would likely spend more at a single class than you will for a year’s worth of membership at the guild. Guild meetings are not an individualized class, but a great sharing of a wealth of useful information for those desiring to soak up the knowledge.
Guild members are able to access and check out items from the guilds library of books, magazines, videos, etc. full of materials to help with polymer and related materials for further study and enjoyment.
Members are able to attend at member rates guild sponsored events such as retreats, workshops, and classes with nationally known artists, participate in group shows, group purchases of materials, field trips, and any other special events the group decides to take part in.
Paid members are given access to Members Only section of the Guild's website www.gapcg.org.
This first benefit you will quickly discover is that the group is full of other like-minded people who are eager to share their knowledge and polymer experiences with you. There are members of all skill levels in the group, so you need not feel intimidated no matter what your current level with the medium. We are all in the guild to advance our polymer education as we discover together what new ways to work with this incredibly versatile product. There are so many avenues to use the clay that even those with many years of experience with polymer clay can continually experiment and learn new approaches. You can make quick friends and may want to join others you meet in getting together to clay between monthly guild meetings.
The guild is a great opportunity to request and receive a constructive critique to help you find ways to improve your art work or help you better achieve the goals you desire in your work. If you are struggling to figure out a way to make something work you can get the assistance of others who may well have had a similar experience and know what to do to “fix” it. Learning from the mistakes of others can help dramatically in your journey along the learning curve.
Nowhere else can you get more instruction than at monthly demos at such a low cost of the annual membership fee. You would likely spend more at a single class than you will for a year’s worth of membership at the guild. Guild meetings are not an individualized class, but a great sharing of a wealth of useful information for those desiring to soak up the knowledge.
Guild members are able to access and check out items from the guilds library of books, magazines, videos, etc. full of materials to help with polymer and related materials for further study and enjoyment.
Members are able to attend at member rates guild sponsored events such as retreats, workshops, and classes with nationally known artists, participate in group shows, group purchases of materials, field trips, and any other special events the group decides to take part in.
Paid members are given access to Members Only section of the Guild's website www.gapcg.org.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETINGS?
[Contributed by: Melinda Phepls]
We generally meet from 2-5pm on the 4th Sunday of the month. Please check info on the MEETINGS tab!
The meeting begins with a short business meeting to bring us up to date on current or upcoming events, followed by either demonstration of techniques, discussion, or work on a group project. Meeting program is published here.
There may be a “Freebie” table where you can put your items that you want to “Freecycle” that others can grab free of charge.
There is a "Show and Tell" space for sharing new work, ideas, resources, and news.
If you RSVP on Meetup and personally attend, you name will be included in the lucky draw.
We generally meet from 2-5pm on the 4th Sunday of the month. Please check info on the MEETINGS tab!
The meeting begins with a short business meeting to bring us up to date on current or upcoming events, followed by either demonstration of techniques, discussion, or work on a group project. Meeting program is published here.
There may be a “Freebie” table where you can put your items that you want to “Freecycle” that others can grab free of charge.
There is a "Show and Tell" space for sharing new work, ideas, resources, and news.
If you RSVP on Meetup and personally attend, you name will be included in the lucky draw.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE GUILD MEETING?
[Contributed by: Connie Clark]
Bring your enthusiasm and interest in learning more about the medium of polymer clay.
If you have never attended a meeting before, and/or have never worked with polymer clay you may wish to come just to observe the first time. All first time attendees are welcome to check things out for free to see if they feel this would be a good fit for them.
If you are going to participate in the demonstration project being taught for that particular month you should go on line to the guild's website, and/or Meetup group to see the posted information with particular details for that month’s project as they vary.
A basic polymer clay supply and materials kit will assume you have a pasta machine, roller, work surface, clay blade, a needle tool or Exacto type knife, some plastic wrap or deli sheets, and the clay mentioned for the specific project or 2 or 3 colors of clay to work with if no specific clay colors or number are mentioned. Of course you can bring a lot more than that to help you create your art work while at the meeting. It is also a good idea to bring a container to carry home work in progress if needed. The guild often has an oven at the meetings to cure items; however, if your item is not ready for baking or there is not enough time for you to bake your work you may want to transport your items home without damaging the work in progress.
If you are new to polymer clay and would like to know more details about polymer clay, we have "Polymer Clay 101: Getting Started In Polymer Clay" for you. Please click the question above.
Bring your work to show off! You are encouraged to bring samples of art work you have been working on. There is a Show & Tell table set up for this purpose as members are always excited to see & learn about what others are doing. Please write your name and any specifics about the work you’d like share info on a piece of paper and lay it next to the item[s] on the designated table. This way members will know who to ask questions about the technique or process utilized in making the pieces you created.
Bring your enthusiasm and interest in learning more about the medium of polymer clay.
If you have never attended a meeting before, and/or have never worked with polymer clay you may wish to come just to observe the first time. All first time attendees are welcome to check things out for free to see if they feel this would be a good fit for them.
If you are going to participate in the demonstration project being taught for that particular month you should go on line to the guild's website, and/or Meetup group to see the posted information with particular details for that month’s project as they vary.
A basic polymer clay supply and materials kit will assume you have a pasta machine, roller, work surface, clay blade, a needle tool or Exacto type knife, some plastic wrap or deli sheets, and the clay mentioned for the specific project or 2 or 3 colors of clay to work with if no specific clay colors or number are mentioned. Of course you can bring a lot more than that to help you create your art work while at the meeting. It is also a good idea to bring a container to carry home work in progress if needed. The guild often has an oven at the meetings to cure items; however, if your item is not ready for baking or there is not enough time for you to bake your work you may want to transport your items home without damaging the work in progress.
If you are new to polymer clay and would like to know more details about polymer clay, we have "Polymer Clay 101: Getting Started In Polymer Clay" for you. Please click the question above.
Bring your work to show off! You are encouraged to bring samples of art work you have been working on. There is a Show & Tell table set up for this purpose as members are always excited to see & learn about what others are doing. Please write your name and any specifics about the work you’d like share info on a piece of paper and lay it next to the item[s] on the designated table. This way members will know who to ask questions about the technique or process utilized in making the pieces you created.
MAY I BRING FRIEND[S] TO THE MEETING?
[Contributed by: Melinda Phepls]
Yes! We welcome everyone to join us at a Guild meeting. Bring a friend or two to join us to learn more about Polymer Clay and the
Greater Atlanta Polymer Clay Guild.
The first meeting is free as a "sample" to see what the Guild is all about. The guild is a great way to meet new people, enjoy a relaxing and fun environment and learn a new craft.<br>
We ask that all members and guests RSVP on the GAPCGuild Meetup to help in planning for the meeting program.
If you decide, you would like to join our Guild, dues are $35.00 per year which are due every January throughout December as a fiscal year; $20 from July onwards.
Yes! We welcome everyone to join us at a Guild meeting. Bring a friend or two to join us to learn more about Polymer Clay and the
Greater Atlanta Polymer Clay Guild.
The first meeting is free as a "sample" to see what the Guild is all about. The guild is a great way to meet new people, enjoy a relaxing and fun environment and learn a new craft.<br>
We ask that all members and guests RSVP on the GAPCGuild Meetup to help in planning for the meeting program.
If you decide, you would like to join our Guild, dues are $35.00 per year which are due every January throughout December as a fiscal year; $20 from July onwards.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS TO JOIN THE GUILD?
[Contributed by: Roxanna Guilford-Blake]
We do not have an age limit; however, children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible parent or similarly charged adult who will be responsible for the child's safety, supervision, and assuring that they conduct themselves in appropriate manner.
We do not have an age limit; however, children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible parent or similarly charged adult who will be responsible for the child's safety, supervision, and assuring that they conduct themselves in appropriate manner.
WHAT IS A POLYMER CLAY DEMONSTRATION?
[Contributed by: Ernie Hendrix]
Demonstration = "clearly showing."
A Guild member volunteers to demonstrate a technique or a part of a project and presents the demonstration to meeting attendees within a short given time [usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour]. Then meeting attendees are free to work for the remainder of the meeting time on practicing the technique or project presented or on anything of their choosing. The demos are not intended to be a class or a full-scale workshop. It is not a class or workshop.
Demonstration = "clearly showing."
A Guild member volunteers to demonstrate a technique or a part of a project and presents the demonstration to meeting attendees within a short given time [usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour]. Then meeting attendees are free to work for the remainder of the meeting time on practicing the technique or project presented or on anything of their choosing. The demos are not intended to be a class or a full-scale workshop. It is not a class or workshop.
WHAT IS A POLYMER CLAY WORKSHOP/CLASS?
[Contributed by: Julie Binney]
There are probably as many answers to this question as there are workshops and workshop presenters but, in general, a workshop
is a single, short [varies from 4 hours to 5 full days] program designed to teach or introduce to participants practical skills,
techniques, or ideas.
Most workshops have several features in common:
There are probably as many answers to this question as there are workshops and workshop presenters but, in general, a workshop
is a single, short [varies from 4 hours to 5 full days] program designed to teach or introduce to participants practical skills,
techniques, or ideas.
Most workshops have several features in common:
- They're generally small, usually from 10 to 18 participants.
- They're often designed for people who have a similar skill level.
- They're conducted by people who have real experience.
- They're structured, informal and hands-on; there's a good deal of discussion in addition to participation, rather than just a teacher presenting material to be absorbed by students.
- They're time limited, often to a single session, although some may involve multiple sessions over a period of time (e.g. once a week for four weeks, or two full-day sessions over a weekend).
- They're self-contained. Although a workshop may end with handouts and suggestions for further reading or a list of resources, the presentation/workshop is generally meant to stand on its own in addition to classroom activities.
DO YOU TEACH BEGINNER CLASSES, OR BASIC TECHNIQUES?
[Contributed by: Julie Binney]
Besides our monthly meetings on the Fourth Sunday of the month, the Guild also hosts classes/workshops with visiting artists.
These classes/workshops, while not covered in your membership dues, are an excellent way to learn many techniques and are for all
skill levels.
In addition, every monthly meeting features at least one demonstration on some topic. You have the opportunity to learn from the
person leading the demo as well as from the other people attending. If you are new to polymer clay, feel free to ask the people
beside you whatever questions you have. At monthly meetings, you have access to many folks who love working with polymer clay and
are more than willing to share their knowledge and to help out someone new to the medium.
From time to time, a monthly demo is scheduled that is particularly focused on the needs of beginners. Also, upon request and with a
minimal charge for venue rental, the guild is able to schedule clay days dedicated to introducing basic techniques.
Besides our monthly meetings on the Fourth Sunday of the month, the Guild also hosts classes/workshops with visiting artists.
These classes/workshops, while not covered in your membership dues, are an excellent way to learn many techniques and are for all
skill levels.
In addition, every monthly meeting features at least one demonstration on some topic. You have the opportunity to learn from the
person leading the demo as well as from the other people attending. If you are new to polymer clay, feel free to ask the people
beside you whatever questions you have. At monthly meetings, you have access to many folks who love working with polymer clay and
are more than willing to share their knowledge and to help out someone new to the medium.
From time to time, a monthly demo is scheduled that is particularly focused on the needs of beginners. Also, upon request and with a
minimal charge for venue rental, the guild is able to schedule clay days dedicated to introducing basic techniques.
HOW DO I GET TO THE MEETING?
NO IN-PERSON MEETINGS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
MEETINGS WILL BE VIA ZOOM.
There will be an invitation email to a Zoom Meeting to all paid members with link to join the meeting.
Please join 15 minutes early.
MEETINGS WILL BE VIA ZOOM.
There will be an invitation email to a Zoom Meeting to all paid members with link to join the meeting.
Please join 15 minutes early.
HOW TO BE INSPIRED WITHOUT COPYING?
[Contributed by: Julie Binney]
I saw this on Facebook about copying, versus creating your own work. I think we already do have or in the near future may have this issue coming up in our guild, and a lot of folks are just plain curious about the topic -- and often misinformed.
I thought this was an excellent description of how/when to use copying another person's technique for practice, rather than copying
for other reasons, and then how to make someone else's technique your own. I know it was helpful for me.
Link to the Article and Video: How to Be Inspired Without Copying
I saw this on Facebook about copying, versus creating your own work. I think we already do have or in the near future may have this issue coming up in our guild, and a lot of folks are just plain curious about the topic -- and often misinformed.
I thought this was an excellent description of how/when to use copying another person's technique for practice, rather than copying
for other reasons, and then how to make someone else's technique your own. I know it was helpful for me.
Link to the Article and Video: How to Be Inspired Without Copying
What is silent auction?
Each April & October meeting the guild conducts a Silent Auction fund raiser in addition to the regular demos. Attendees are asked to donate items they may no longer use but others may find useful- it need not be just polymer related items. All proceeds go to the guild. So take advantage of this opportunity to recycle some older treasures and acquire some new bargain finds.
Bring cash or check for acquisitions and arrive 15 minutes early if possible to set up your donations with silent bid forms provided.
Bring cash or check for acquisitions and arrive 15 minutes early if possible to set up your donations with silent bid forms provided.
How to prepare Potluck-Food at GAPCG Events?
Potluck/Food at GAPCG Events:There are usually a variety of dietary restrictions and allergies among participants at GAPCG Guild events, and as a courtesy to those individuals, the organizers of any guild event where food is served encourage participants to print on an index sized card placed at their dish
1) a list of known ingredients in the dish so those with restrictions may determine for themselves if a food may be suitable for them,
2) and the name of person that brought the dish so any members with further questions can ask.
If you have a recipe that can fit on an index sized card & are willing to share the recipe of what you brought, participants raving about your yummy dish can take a picture and have the recipe handy to make it themselves along with covering the info above. A win-win for everyone enjoying your tasty dish!
We generally do not try to orchestrate what people bring and leave the choice of purchasing something or a homemade item up to you. We usually have a nice variety of things, and suggest to anyone trying to decide on what to bring, simply make it something you enjoy so you know you will have at least that item you can eat.
1) a list of known ingredients in the dish so those with restrictions may determine for themselves if a food may be suitable for them,
2) and the name of person that brought the dish so any members with further questions can ask.
If you have a recipe that can fit on an index sized card & are willing to share the recipe of what you brought, participants raving about your yummy dish can take a picture and have the recipe handy to make it themselves along with covering the info above. A win-win for everyone enjoying your tasty dish!
We generally do not try to orchestrate what people bring and leave the choice of purchasing something or a homemade item up to you. We usually have a nice variety of things, and suggest to anyone trying to decide on what to bring, simply make it something you enjoy so you know you will have at least that item you can eat.
NEXT QUESTION?
NEXT QUESTION?
next question?