Tips, Techniques and Tutorials

On this page we will list tips, techniques and tutorials for polymer clay.

www.Glassattic.com This site has pages of tips, tutorials and information for the polymer clay community.

Tips

 

  • When you have sticky clay take advantage of it, add inclusions and they will mix well. (contributed by Stormy Designs)
  • Use a tile or similar flat surface to compress canes with. You’ll get squared off sides and even compression. (contributed by Stormy Designs)
  • Using white or translucent clay? Bake it under a blanket of corn starch to keep it clean and help prevent burning. (contributed by NK Designs)
  • Transfer your Future (or finish) into small prescription containers to avoid spilling (contributed by NK Designs)
  • Working with translucent clay? After baking put piece into an ice bath to help clear up the translucent clay (contributed by NK Designs)
  • Storage for canes is easy with an ammo box or clay storage container available at Clay Alley (submitted by NK Designs)
  • Use a hanging jewelry organizer to store beads like this one or use a hanging nut and bolt organizer from the local hardware store. The drawers are deep enough to hold a good amount of beads. (submitted by NK Designs)
  • Keep all your printed tutorials in a three-hole binder to locate it easier.
  • Have fingerprints on your piece? Put a little baby powder on your finger and smooth.
  • Tip from Pam at Plumuniq for a light box http://www.creativepro.com/article/digital-photography-how-to-building-a-light-tent
  • Some tips from Cottage Fever: http://www.cottagefever.com/pctips.html
  • Use rubbing alcohol to smooth the surface of beads before baking, when you don’t want to take a chance on distorting the pattern. Apply it liberally and very gently wipe it off with fingers, and then apply a thin stream again to “rinse”. Let it sit for a little while to allow it to evaporate before baking. Rubbing alcohol is also great to use onwhite clay beads
    before baking if they look a little dingy. Same treatment, rub it on and then wash it off with a little more alcohol.
    Works wonders (submitted by Lynda of DivaDesigns1). Use alcohol also to clean your work area of clay residue and your pasta machine (submitted by NKDesigns.)
  •  I make a bezel with my clay cutter. I cut a strip of clay and wrap it around the cutter, then bake it. I then sand and smooth it, then I put unbaked clay inside and bake again. Then I will put a back on it. (submitted by Paperpam2000).

 

Techniques & Tools

Tutorials by PCAGOE members:

Here are some other places with loads of links for tutorials: