Polymer Clays

Choosing, Storing and Conditioning Polymer Clay Choosing polymer clay for the first time may be a difficult task. There a many different brands with such a large variety of colors. Many polymer clays are softer than others. Artists, crafters and potters all have their own preferences. Some find it easier to work with harder clay while many feel softer ones are more easily molded. Beginners should experiment with the many variations of polymer clay until they find the one that meets their taste.

Mediums and Glazes		Tools and Accessories

This Week's Featured Products in Polymer Clays

	Floral Set 2 Contains 5 petal-shaped cutters, including one each Large Bulb Petal, Small Bulb Petal, Large Flower Power, Small Flower Power, and Cluster Cutter. Use these cutters to create tulips, irises, small sunflowers, small daisies, small coneflowers, trailing flowers, and decorative, whimsical flowers.
	Kemper Clay Roller Here's an excellent and inexpensive alternative to the purchase of a pasta machine. Use the Kemper Clay Roller to roll polymer clay into sheets of the proper thickness. The 3½" (9 cm) wide roller is made from smooth round hardwood, and the handle is made of heavy gauge, rust resistant wire.
	Clay Variety Set This set includes 3 double-ended tools that can be used to complete a multitude of different projects.

Easy Storage of Polymers
Polymer clay should always be stored in its original container. It should be kept away from dust, heat and direct sunlight. Clay should never be left in a hot automobile after purchase. This can cause it to bake to full hardness. At home, clay can be wrapped in a wax paper and put into a sealed plastic container. Polymer clays can have adverse reactions to certain plastics.

Conditioning Clay before Use Regardless of the type of polymer clay chosen, all types must be conditioned properly before using. Some types require more conditioning than others. Conditioning will make clay easier to work and softer. It also activates certain particles that will strengthen the clay. This will help to prevent it from breaking or cracking after baking. Most clay can be conditioned by kneading or rolling. Some find putting clay through a pasta maker 15-20 times is helpful. It speeds the process. Clay can be over-conditioned. This will make it too soft to work with. In this instance, simply allow clay to rest for about 20-30 minutes.