Fun With Polymer Clay

Recently, I have begun to play around with polymer clay.  Polymer clay is a sculptable material based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It usually contains no clay minerals, and is only called "clay" because its texture and working properties resemble those of mineral clay.  The great thing about this clay is that you can bake it at 275 degrees in your own oven and it hardens.  There is no need for a kiln.  It is the perfect material to do so many fun projects with your children.


You can purchase polymer clay at your local craft store.  It is usually sold under the brand names Fimo, Sculpey, Kato, Polyform, Amaco and comes in every color imaginable.  It's sold near the modeling clay...make sure you don't pick up this clay by mistake.  Take it from me, if you bake modeling clay is will ooze all over your oven.  


You have to kneed the clay a bit to make it pliable and then you can flatten it out with your own palm.  I like to use stamps to create fun designs on the clay.  Then you can use a pin to poke a 1-2 mm hole where you would like your bail to be placed.  I bake the pendants at 275 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Once they are done and cooled you can use acrylic paint to paint in your designs.  I like to use a lighter ecru or white clay to make pendants then cover the pendant in black paint.  I take a paper towel and dab off the paint and then use some silver paint over that...dabbing off excess.  It make a really neat antiqued look.  Once dried, you can use a polymer clay glaze (also can be purchased at your craft store) to prevent wear and tear on the front of the pendant.  I have found that if you glaze the back of the pendant it sticks to your skin when you wear the pendant.


I like to finish off my pendant by placing a pinch bail in the hole you created.  Then using a ribbon, leather cord, or another fabric cord to make a necklace out of the pendant.


Here are a few necklaces that I created last night.  Let your imagination and creativity know no bounds.  I think this would be a perfect tween birthday party activity.  Have fun and happy creating.