Friday 28 June 2013



POLYMER CLAY

I have decided to write this blog because I feel there is sadly a bad stigma and fear over Polymer Clay.  

I myself use Polymer Clay to run my self employed business of creating Floral Jewellery & Hair Accessories and find it an amazing platform to use

WHAT IS POLYMER CLAY
Well you may think that because it has Clay in the name that its going to crumble like earth clay, so surely its not suitable for use?????

NO 
this is incorrect, Polymer Clay is NOT an earth clay, but a synthetic modelling material.  Its made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with colouring dyes as well as plasticizer to keep it soft until cured in an oven at 130 Degrees C for 15 minutes

Polymer Clay is soft when taken out of its package and needs to be kneaded properly to ensure there are no air bubbles as well as allowing it to be versatile for use to create amazing items from Sculptures, Dolls, Miniatures, House wear, Beads, Buttons, Flowers (like I do) and so much more......

Once cured (cooked and cooled) so long as the instructions for cooking and kneading have been followed, polymer clay is very durable & lightweight as well as being pretty waterproof too

IS POLYMER CLAY DANGEROUS?
NO.................
Polymer Clays have to be extensively safety checked before they are allowed to be stocked in our Craft Shops and Online by The Arts & Crafts Materials Institute (ACMI)  they are all certified as Non Toxic

IS POLYMER CLAY HEAVY AND BULKY?
NO ...........
 is the answer to this question, I am absolutely amazed with this platform, when I create my flowers for Jewellery & Hair Accessories I can confirm they are not heavy at all, in fact at times you may even forget you are wearing it ;-)

WHEN CAN POLYMER CLAY BE DANGEROUS
If you over cook Polymer Clay (on higher heat then the recommended of 130 degrees C (always check your package for exact instructions) for more the 15 minutes you are likely to burn your piece which will let off nasty fumes, if this happens ensure you air the place

Don't leave Polymer Clay lying around for little hands to pick up or pets, like anything if eaten Polymer Clay can be harmful. The same would go for little already made objects, children and pets always need to be supervised

WHAT CAN YOU MAKE FROM POLYMER CLAY 
Well almost anything, although if you were to make plates etc that you expect people to eat from you would need to do more research on this first.

The photos below are of beautiful creations I have found on the Etsy online store (www.etsy.com) I have also featured some of my creations at bottom of blog to give you inspirational ideas of how can be used.

I'm sure you will see there is such amazing talent out there and so many uses for Polymer Clay 

I have added a link direct to the product if you want more information

Polymer Clay Cuff Bracelet 

Polymer Clay Crochet Hooks



Polymer Clay Cake Topper



Knitted Polymer Clay Buttons







Polymer Clay Doll



Polymer Clay Mosaic



Polymer Clay Ring Bowl



I am going to finish by showing you some of my Floral Creations that can be found at my online Etsy Shop which I will supply at the bottom of this blog :-)

Polymer Clay Yellow Carnation with Pearl Earrings



Polymer Clay Flower Garden & Pearl Headpiece



Polymer Clay Poppy & Freshwater Pearl Charm Bracelet



Polymer Clay Roses with Freshwater Pearl Necklace



Purple Rose & Freshwater Pearl Jewellery Set



Polymer Clay Flower Bouquet




I hope I have given you some factual and reassuring facts about Polymer Clay

This creative Platform WOULD NOT be sold in our Craft Shops if it was a danger to our health


To see what else is out there made from Polymer Clay, either:




Please feel free to leave comments letting me know how you have find this blog :-) (no offencive comments please)