11 Things I Wish I Knew about Polymer Clay when I started

In this video I'll take you through 11 things I wish I knew before I started polymer clay. It is great for beginners, but may also include a couple of useful tips for polymer clay artists. Topics will include:
1. Using the right polymer clay for the job
2. Making your clay workable (conditioning, clay softener and leaching)
3. Getting rid of air bubbles and lint
4. Curing Your Clay Correctly
5. Finishing your pieces (sanding and sealants)
6. Mixing different clay brands
7. Burnishing your clay when using cutters
8. Using a Tissue Blade
9. Using a Pasta Machine
10. Different = Different (and that's ok)
11. WARNING: Polymer Clay is addictive!

If you have any questions about our video, or the making process, we'd love to help - just comment below :)

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Thanks for watching and happy making!
The MyClayCo Team x

[DeeEll]

🙋🏼‍♀️Hello, my name is Dee I have been a professional clay artist for the last 25 years and I helped create several the Polymer clay item that are used today. I want to start by saying that I love your video, I was very informative. However, I would like to add a few bits of info to what you said.
First, polymer clay CAN be over baked, specifically white or Translucent clays are the worst culprits. They will turn brown and burn. Tenting your baking clay is a good idea for a couple reasons. First, it helps keep colors like white from burning especially when using small toaster ovens. Second, tenting also helps trap the fumes that come from the clay while its baking.
You mentioned cleaning clay with alcohol, but you can also clean lint or color smudges from unbaked or baked clay with acetone (nail polish remover). You can also sand any lint pieces off after the item is baked.
I noticed that you were storming your clay in plastic boxes which is fine but only with certain plastics. There are some plastics that will melt if they come into contact with polymer clay.
You mention glazing your finished clay pieces but you never mentioned what kind of glazes to use. This is so important to mention because most of the glazes that come in a spray can will make your clay pieces become sticky and soft over time. Also, NEVER use clear nail polish to glaze clay pieces. It contains acetone and will also cause the clay to break down and become sticky over time. Water based glazes work best on polymer clay pieces.
Burning is a great way to use cutters but if you still find that the clay wants to stick to the cutters you can dip them in a little baby power or cornstarch before using them then use a soft paint brush to dust the excess of of your clay before baking. Also, tiles are wonderful to work on because you can bake your items right on them in the oven, preventing any distortion to your creation.
I have been working with polymer clay for a very long time and have done extensive research on everything about it and what does and doesn’t work with it. I’m sure you know much more than you could fit into this video. If you would ever like to talk clay with me I’m always up for trading info and ideas. I hope you or your viewers can make use of any of the information I’ve mentioned.
GREAT VIDEO😁👍 I look forward to seeing some of your other videos. I wish you all the best, Dee😊

[bethkopf]

I use my gloss tiles for the whole process. I run my clay through machine, lay it down on my clean gloss tile, put a piece of baking paper over it, roll it down to adhere the clay to the tile, remove paper, cut shape, peel off excess clay and when my tile is full to the brim of cut pieces, I pop it in the oven. No transferring the pieces or using a blade to remove them and then re-position on another tray. Because the clay is stuck down, there's never any curling, etc...The tile can handle high heat. The home oven is nuthin :) You can use smaller tiles for separate shapes/colours if you want. I've never had to adjust the oven temp due to the tile holding heat. Hope this helps

[Tomhdg]

I put my opened clay in sandwich bags and into my front pockets for about half an hour. That is the warmest part of your body, so it works well.

[kellycarroll]

This may be a little TMI but when I’m planning to make something I usually take the colors I’m going to use and put them in my pockets or if I don’t have pockets that day I stick them in my bra (in baggies) and go about whatever I need to do for a half hour or so… when I’m ready to play with clay it’s all warmed up and much easier to condition and work with. Comes in handy and saves my hands and wrists from being overworked 😁

[SICresinwrks]

Just got back into clay after about 10 years, just wanted to say thank you for this video, its well put together without nonsense filler just to stretch the video out.

[cazkiwinz]

Take your buffers off your pasta roller… it’s easy to do with pliers and makes the machine SUPER easy to (keep) clean by giving you full access to cleaning the rollers at the back and behind. The buffers aren’t needed or necessary for the machine to work at all and the benefits for not having them on is life changing for keeping your clay clean! 🤗🤗🤗

There’s a YT video showing you how easy it is to do if you search (tho I did get my hubby to do the first one ‘cos I was scared but I needn’t have been!)

[Enjoythepour]

I use a pasta roller on my kitchen aid. It’s wonderful ❤

[muttlesslove]

Thank you for all the USEFUL information. I am just getting into polymer clay and this video is going to be SO helpful.

[briandalucia]

I’m so glad I had this video pop up on my recommendations. Great tips and answered some questions I’ve had. Thank you!

[TheCountryChandler]

I’m just starting out and came across your video. Lots of great information so very glad I got to watch it. I’m planning on binge watching more of your videos. Thanks. A new subscriber here.

[Yummicookie]

Testing your oven is a must! I had a huge issue with my pieces breaking when I first started. After testing my oven I found it was only getting up to 261 degrees when I had it set at 275.

[saundrasaumay]

Thank you for this wonderful informative video!

[ownsacat]

In all the years I have worked with clay I have never once had it too soft out of the package. LOL. It was always hard and brutal. I mostly used fimo so that's probably why. Our store had mostly fimo and very little sculpty display.

[BvocalNet]

Very helpful for this beginner -- THANKS!

[leannemitchem]

Thank you for this video. It was very informative and easy to understand. ❤

[ownsacat]

I use a cheap electric roaster to bake my clay. Works perfect, I can control the temp and it doesn't stink up the house. This is a great video. These are things you need to know when you start out. Sometimes even after you've been using clay a while.

[hxnruzs]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. I am about to begin my journey with polymer clay and so am cramming all the info I can on it. Total newbie, but keen to learn everything I can to enable me to do it well. Wish me luck!

[nicolorange]

Thankyou! This is super helpful and the way you explained and edited is excellent 😊

[azizcrew]

Thank you so much for all the great information. I am just starting out with PC and your video was very helpful!!

[jjsmama]

I’m procrastinating doing my work, fascinated by your video! It looks like fun!