HOW TO GET STARTED WITH POLYMER CLAY - TIPS, TRICKS & MORE!

Hey everyone! I've been asked to do a getting started video many times and now it's finally here! This is mainly for beginners but anyone at any level of experience may be able to take a few tips away. Even if you don't need the info I hope you find it entertaining. :)

My goal is to help you skip that "WTF moment" when you check out the clay section of your local supply store for the first time; and instead, grab what you need to hit the ground running.

Getting Started Materials & Affiliate Links:

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TOOLS

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CLAYS

CLAY KITS

LIQUID CLAYS

FINGERPRINT REMOVAL

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ARMATURE

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PAINT STARTER KITS & BRUSHES

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(Unfortunately, I am unable to accept custom orders at this time)

FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: @aceofclay
Twitter: @aceofclay

[bonniefaltz]

Even though I have worked with polymer clay for some time, I still learned a lot from your video. Thank you for sharing!

[gothpocket]

I used to be obsessed with polymer clay as a young teen and recently I’ve been wanting to get back into it and watching this video there were at least five times where I was like “oh. OH THATS WHAT I WAS DOING WRONG!” And now I’m even more pumped to get back into sculpting. Thanks!!

[adellel.]

“I don’t recommend using original sculpey” Me holding the original sculpey clay my mom just bought for my big project👁👄👁

[PolymerClayTutor]

Nice to see a YouTuber who actually knows what they are talking about! Great Information, though I bake Premo for 1 hour rather than 15 minutes to make it much stronger!

[dmsdana]

"Dads can't use Sculpey III." 😆

[DeeEll]

🙋🏼‍♀️Hi, I wanted to say you had some good tips for beginners and I know that you do what works best for you, so thank you for the information. I am a professional clay artist and have been working with polymer clay for over 20 years now. There is something that I ALWAYS tell my students and that is “don’t glaze your work with clear nail polish”. I know you didn’t get into paints and glazes/varnishes so that would be a good idea for your next video. Unlike you I have and a have worked with EVERY clay on the market. Some are better than others. I also like Premo but my go to clay is Fimo because of the strength when baked. You can mix different brands of clay to get different properties of each.
When I want to remove fingerprints and dust I use alcohol or acetone/nail polish remover, or they can be buffed/sanded out with fine grit sandpaper. I also wanted to mention that no one has to buy tools when they start. Toothpicks, wooden dowels, and other throw away items like bottle caps can be used to cut circles and such. Something else I’m sure you just forgot to mention you use a knife or plate to work on or cookie sheet to bake the clay it can not be use for food items again. Also when baking an item if you cover it with foil it will help to prevent burning your clay. I could go on and on but instead I will say if anyone wants any more info on polymer clay I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I sure that the Ace of Clay has many more tricks up his sleeve he can share with everyone. Thanks for the informative video, I look forward to seeing your next creation. Take care, Dee😁👍

[soniaarmstrong]

You are an inspiration to me. I'm not new to sculpting but your videos and teachings rekindled my passion for sculpting again. Thank you for all that you do.

[nickimcpheehals]

Thrilled I found this video, I wanted to learn how to use clay years ago. Bought tons of supplies but didn't really know how to use it. Made some beads, tried making different canes, gave up. Now I'm all excited again after finding your videos! Thank you, thank you for taking time to make them!

[matrixpotato]

Honestly since watching all of your vids, it really has made me want to try sculpting. I'm a digital artist, but I've always admired sculpting. You make it seem so easy and I'm really inspired every time I watch your vids!

[charliegivens]

Just discovered your videos earlier today. I've been sculpting with Sculpey for probably 15 years on and off. Love the videos. Tons of helpful tips tricks and inspiration. Seeing a lot of things I've been doing either the hard way or flat out wrong.

[laurieburke]

Thank you so much for teaching newbie to polymer clay age 63 me! I found your advice very helpful, and you made me aware of some equipment that might help someone who is starting out in polymer clay art! I have thought only to do polymer jewelry, but you have inspired me to also try sculpting! It is so terrific that you mentioned using aluminum foil to prefill sculpted parts of a larger design to help keep the clay supported. Using wire also makes sense, and thank you for saying that it would help keep appendages from sagging or breaking off during the baking process! Congrats to you on making such a helpful video! Thank you for taking your time and expense to encourage polymer clay artistry!! I hope you will have a healthy, happy, and successful year 2023 !!! 🤩💓🐢⭐🎺🦀🌲🌈

[Ibaneddie]

I tattoo and build guitars professionally and was just getting started in sculpting large scale horror busts from monster clay when I happened upon your channel. All I've been doing since with my spare time is sculpting with super sculpey so you aren't lying when you say this stuff is addicting, almost finished with a large full body sculpt of Jason Voorhese and you have really helped me work out the bugs and so many amazing techniques. Your channel is now my favorite, thank you so much.

[babyfouche]

I have weak hand strength so to "warm up" my primo I run it through my pasta roller on the largest setting. Having it thinner helps me work it out. Hope this helps someone 💜

[andythetoymaker]

Wow...! That was the best video I've watched in a long time!! Thanks so much. Great info and thoroughly engaging presentation.

[SarineLewis]

Thank you for the tips!! I'll be buying supplies soon.
The calendar bit was so funny!
You're eyes are super cool.

[RianShafer]

I needed this one Ace. I was a bit confused on the bake & bond, liquid clays, & a couple of the tools. Love your tutorials, thank you so much!

[KathleenRenninger]

Thanks for sharing these tips and techniques. I've been working with polymer clay for a few months now, but have a lot to learn. This video was helpful. I smiled in recognition when you held up a calendar... Clay work is completely addictive!

[Cristbell]

Well thank you for helping me start my dream! I am a 2D artist and I’ve done some fiberglass sculpture… been dying to create Jin Sakai figurine and I have to say… you have answers most of my questions on this quick vid. I would be honored to show you what my first creation looks like when done! Keep creating awesomeness my friend. 💕

[tommyknox]

This video inspired me to pick up sculpting with fimo again...thank you! Keep up the great work, I love all of your videos and your amazing artwork!

[yvonneroberts]

Thank you. I'm new to using polymer clay. I saw jewelry made from it and now I want to do this. Your video has really helped me understand what I need to do. Good job. Plain and simple!!!👍👍👍👍🙌