What is Polymer Clay?
Polymer clay is an oven baked modelling compound. A form of Poly Vinyl Chloride, it remains workable until cured by baking at the specific temperature and time frame recommended for that specific brand of clay. Various brands of clays have different handling and finish properties. I often choose the brand of clay I use by the type of work I want to achieve with the clay. For example, I use stiffer clays for forming repeated patterns which are cut as slices from canes or for my roses. On the other hand, I use softer clays for modelling and blending sculptures. I find softer clays perfect for chibi or mini-ME projects.
Handling:
However certified as non-toxic, polymer clay is not edible and should not be worked near food or with eating utensils. Use clay specific tools when working with it.
Always clean your hands well after working.
Sanding polymer clays or using metallic powders, should be done with proper dusk masks and with proper ventilation.
Curing:
This type of clay must be baked to set. In the baking process they can give off fumes. Always bake the clays with adequate ventilation and follow the temperature guidelines for your particular brand of clay. Do not burn or overbake the clay. If this happens, immediately ventilate the area. These clays are not safe for microwave.
Storage:
Polymer clay should be stored in a cool, dry place. The plasticizer in the clay will leach out with time, so use fresh clay if possible. Various additives are available to help recondition older crumbling clays which has less plasticizer. Avoid storing uncured clay in hard containers or plastic wrap.
Store uncured clay in metal or glass containers which are dedicated for clay use and will not be used for food. Once anything has come in contact with the clay, it should NOT be used for food.
Removing excess Plasticizer:
If your clay is too soft when you open the package, you can leach out excess plasticizer by rolling the clay into thin sheets and storing it for several days pressed between sheets of white printing paper. Dispose of the paper safely after the clay has been leached this way.
Curing:
When curing or baking polymer clay use an oven thermometer - don't trust your oven to be accurate. Most ovens are off between 20-25 degrees.
The thicker the items, the longer it must be baked. Small beads may only take 10-20 minutes.
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I've played with my kids with homemade paper clay. This recipe;
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- Egg White
- Wood Glue the white and non-toxic
- Food coloring
How to make it;
- Flour cornstarch, egg white and wood glue in the mix to make dough like bread dough.
- Divide the dough into several parts and each - each was given in several colors of food coloring
- Use it when dough is still soft to make some form of creation. If the dough is a bit hard, add a little vegetable oil.
- After finished creating a form of creativity, drying in hot areas. After drying will be severe, such as ceramics.
Of course the above is very inconvenient. Yes indeed the most practical way to buy paper clay that is already on the market!!. My regards.
Hi Yunims! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe :) Will try that out one time!
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