Hello all! Today's post will be the beginning of a short series about starting polymer clay sculpting. I wanted to start with a list of the tools you would use and some starter tips on how to use them. Once you get the hang of how to use the tools, you can begin to create pieces that are more creative and unique. I hope you find this helpful and feel free to let me know what you want to see next.
Starter Materials:
-Polymer Clays (Neutral and primary colors are a must. I have found Sculpey to be one of the softer brands available at my nearby craft store, but there are several other brands with their own perks, including Kato and Fimo. When shopping, give the clay your looking to buy a squeeze, just to make sure it is soft and not brittle, similar to testing bread at the store to make sure it is fresh.)
-A razor blade (A must for cutting, especially for canes)
-Baby wipes (or a wet paper towel or hand sanitizer) for washing between colors (wipes will work best for cleaning off sticky residue)
-A cutting board (not to be used for food!)
-An oven and baking sheets (a conventional one will be safer and will likely have better results than a toaster oven, but you can use either. Be sure you are working in a well ventilated space)
-Liquid Clay
-Chalk pastels and a small paint brush (for adding color)
--A clay roller (like what you use to roll out Play-Dough)
Secondary Materials (What can wait):
-A Clay Tool Set
-Mini shape cutters/ cookie cutters
-A small frosting tip
-Mold maker (works as a mold maker and clay softener)
-Acrylic paint for decorating cooked miniatures
-Project Specific Materials (such as craft wire, scissors, strong glue, resin, plain craft earrings, headpins, paper, dollhouse plates, etc.)
-Cooking oils and extracts for additional scent
-Metallic Powders (not so much for food, but works well for other clay projects)
-A clay extruder
-A pasta machine (for making sheets of clay, although I don't believe it is entirely necessary)
-Glaze (adds shine and protects your projects. There's Triple Thick, Sculpey Satin Glaze, and Sculpey Gloss Glaze)
-Canes (can be bought or made; however, they are challenging and time consuming to make. You can buy variety packs or single sticks online as well)
Substitutions (why buy expensive tools when you can save some money!):
-A toothpick for a needle tool
-An old toothbrush for texture
-Foil, sandpaper, and other materials that have texture are good
-Pepper, ground tea, and glitter can make nice effects
-Bottle caps and wax paper (good for mixing messy materials)
Adding color and texture:
-Brush on (little by little) various shades of chalk pastel for a realistic cooked look
-Add pepper to tan clay for clay "tortilla chips"
-Ground tea adds an excellent look and texture to bowls
-Foil, sandpaper, and other materials add realistic texture
-Use a toothbrush for additional texture
-Waxy looking translucent clays can be mixed with other colors to create a translucent look (candles, fish, Jell-o, etc.)
-Push clay through a frosting tip to create frosting. Make sure it is soft, but not too sticky before trying this
Liquids:
-Use liquid clay, chalk pastel, and small bits of clay to create frosting and other liquids for miniatures
-You can also use clear glue or Fimo deco gel for certain effects, but it is best not to cook them. You would want to add those details once your pieces are baked.
Cooking and Safety:
-Cook your clay creation on a baking sheet lined with foil, then wash when done. Some people have other various methods to prevent burning the clay, particularly in toaster ovens where there isn't as much air circulation.
-Follow the cooking instructions on the clay packaging. If using multiple clay brands, cook using the lowest time and temperature, at least to start. Cooking time may vary depending on how thick your creations are and your personal preference, as well
-If the clay smells funny while you're cooking, don't panic. Check to see if the clay is overcooked. If so, remove it from the oven immediately. Ventilate the area by opening a window and/or turning on a fan to take care of the odor.
-And of course, do not eat clay or place real food on something that was in contact with clay. Do not use your clay cutting board for food
-I also recommend washing your hands with soap and water when you are done with your clay, just to be safe
Books and YouTubers I would Recommend (add your favorites to the comments below!)
The Polymer Clay Techniques Book by Sue Heaser
Miniature Food Masterclass: Materials and Techniques for Model-Makers by Angie Scarr
Sugar Charm Shop
Heather Wells
Toni Ellison
Maive Ferrando
Polymer Clay Tutor
Debby Arts
...and Polka Dot Pearl!
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