Polymer Clay

Polymer Clay – A Popular Choice For Jewellery Artists

Polymer clay is one of the most versatile art mediums available today. It is quickly becoming extremely popular, especially with girls jewellery artists. There are numerous creative options available with a full color palette which can be mixed together to make your own original colours. Translucent, metallic and night glow clays are also available.

Polymer clay is referred to as ‘clay’ because it can be used in exactly the same way as mineral based clays, as it is pliable and can be molded or sculpted into shape. However, this compound does not contain minerals or clay, but instead it is made up of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that is suspended in plasticizer.

It is non toxic and is safe for older children to use. So whether you are a serious artist looking for a new medium, looking for a hobby or perhaps even looking for craft projects for the family to enjoy, polymer clay is such a versatile medium to work with, and the best part is that it does not have to be kiln cured, your kitchen oven is all you need.

The finished product, once hardened in the oven can be drilled or even sanded. There are a wide range of polymer clay enamels/varnishes available that will help protect your creation and really brighten the colours of the clay, these glazes can generally be used before or after the firing process and ‘micas’ or glitter can be added to this.

One of the most wonderful traits of polymer clay is that, like ‘plasticine’, it stays pliable so you can try out several new ideas and if it does not look the way you want it to, then you can just start again. I really cannot stress how great this product is. Apart from being easy and fun to work with, you can let your imagination run wild, the possibilities are endless. I use polymer clay to produce homemade children’s jewellery which is mainly girls jewellery.

This colourful medium allows me to be bold with my designs, perfect for making really unique jewellery for girls that can stand the test of time, always keeping its vibrant colour.

About the Author

Heidi has been designing and making unique handmade children’s jewellery, especially girls jewellery, for several years and loves finding new and unusual ways to create beautiful pieces that are not available on the high street.

What glue would you use to stick polymer clay to a metal tray?

I made a really cute wall-hanging for a kitchen by crafting pretend cookies out of polymer clay and gluing them to a metal baking sheet. I used e6000 glue which fell apart right away. What is the best glue to use if I want this to be permanent? Also, what glue would you use to attach a metal hanging hook to the back of the tray? (The first time I glued it, I forgot to sand off the no stick teflon from the cookie sheet. This time I would sand the tray before gluing, but first I need to figure out the most permanent gluing option.) Thanks so much!

Cute idea with the cookies and tray!!

Rhino Glue

http://rhinoglue.com/uses.html

I have had very good, permanent results from this glue!
It is money well spent! I have glued glass together, vinyl to glass, a very porous pumice type stone that broke in half and is used for “rubbing cement block”. And it is holding together fine. I even glued my toilet paper dispenser to the wall (crazy huh?), for years I have tried many options to fasten it tight to the wall. You know one side is secure in the wood stud, and the other side flopping around. Poor soul that has to remove this dispenser now that I fixed it with Rhino glue.
I am sure Rhino Glue will work on your cookies to tray, and many other household fixes. Good Luck with your crafting endeavors!

Mixing Old or Hard Polymer Clay

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