7 BASIC POLYMER CLAY HACKS all crafters should know - Tutorial on how to make better diy crafts

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Here are some basic, but important things every polymer clay artist should know. These hacks will help you make your DIY sessions much more fun. When I first starting making tutorials, I didn't know most of these, but now that I know these tips and tricks, I wanted to share them with you so that we can all become better polymer clay crafters together! Remember to Like and Share! =D

Remember to use #NerdEcrafter on instagram if you make anything geeky. I am not a clay artist by profession, so all my creations are just for fun. Take some sparkles (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

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[IsisNiko]

hey, i noticed in the video that you mentioned used wax paper in the oven when baking clay. im not sure if that was just a mistake and you were actually using parchment paper, but i just wanted to make sure i pointed it out to anyone who sees this video in the future to _not_ put wax paper in the oven. it could melt or even catch fire! wax paper starts to melt around 200 degrees, which is typically lower than the temp you would use to bake clay. otherwise, great video!

[jessicah]

You can bake round pieces on top of cornstarch so they don’t come out with a flat side. It brushes off after baking. I also make tiny “donuts” of aluminum foil to bake my charms on so the bottom doesn’t burn. I reuse the foil, and the cornstarch can be reused a few times too, just make sure to not put it back with the starch used for food.

[RoyaltySoaps]

GIRL! Thank you thank you thank you! I am just getting started with polymer clay and this was SO helpful, especially about the sealant! :D

[sydgamer]

When I actually start using clay I'll have to remember this. This is weird to admit but I frequent your channel even though I do not craft with clay (yet). I instead needle felt and use your videos as inspiration to get me into an artsy mood. I am sure there are others out there that do this too... maybe? XD I stumbled onto you a little more than half a year ago when I was really depressed and you got me back in the game. My crafting got me focused again on other things and life got better. My mother and me have even taken it upon ourselves to start a project this week for the cancer patients (children) at the hospital down the street (5 minutes up the road). We are making little head bands with feathers (think 1920s head pieces) and all sorts of things adorning them. This way they do not feel so bare up top. Thank you for the inspiration to craft and to help others through crafting just like you do.

[karaanne]

THE HACK FOR THE TOO SOFT CLAY SAVED MY LIFE YOU GENIUS WOMAN

[slitzch_]

my favorite hack was the baby oil one. my clay would always break apart and I couldn't be able to make charms but now that I've seen this video it has helped a lot. thanks Jackie

[sabinevanbeekbaeten]

You are a lifesaver! I was in dire need of a new material to add to my portfolio (I study applied art techniques) and I rushed into polymer clay. I had disaster after disaster! Now I followed your hacks and hey presto, hello doll!

[towersong]

NerdECrafter- I recently learned that you can also use eye shadow on polymer in place of Pearl Ex or Perfect Pearls. Although the later two are far superior products, I did try the eye shadow trick as I had a bunch of cheapo pallets that I hadn't thrown away in pretty copper, gold, and other brilliant colors. I was blown away how awesome some of my pieces turned out.

[sarak]

These are so helpful! I didn't know that nail polish remover can clean clay after its baked. And the one about clay that is too soft will help me a TON.

[takenaschitt]

Newest subscriber here! I love this tutorial, there were a couple I knew but the Vaseline or baby oil to soften hard or dried clay was a new one for me! And to think that I've been wasting money on "Polymer Clay Softener" at about $7.00 for a tiny 1 or 2 oz bottle--maddening! And the water based varnish, another big money saver! Thank you so much for the wonderful tips! I can't wait to dig into the rest of your channel.

[robbinlynnspencer-buchtel]

Thanks for taking the time to give these wonderful tips.

[YoursTrulyMrsMoores]

Cool, thanks for the tips! Making my first serious polymer clay piece since high school, so excited!

[vernabuchanan]

Loved the hacks!! I've worked with clay for years, but most of your hacks were new to me!!

[eponine]

Thank you for the hacks! I just got some clay supplies and haven't started working with it yet. This will be a big help. Love your videos!! ❤️❤️❤️

[Miffny]

The wood varnish is my fave. Thank you xx

[annielaura]

I'd like to add some tips. The pasta machine gets really dirty and leaves streaks. You can disassemble the machine to the bare minimum of just the rollers and crank, which will allow for easier cleaning and still works for rolling clay. For cleaning, take some paper towels and douse them with enough olive oil to make them very moist, but not drippy. Then run them through the machine at a snug thickness to clean the rollers.

Furthermore, polymer clay is PVC, which despite the claims of being non-toxic, is toxic and hormone-inhibiting. BAD. You can't simply wash your hands with soap and water after working the clay. Baby wipes don't cut it, either. You need oil to remove it. I prefer olive oil, because baby oil is a petroleum product, and that's gross. You can make your own wipes using paper towels and a plastic tub:

First, get a tupperware or re-use a baby wipes tub. Prepare the paper towels. Fold them so that they will stack into the tub. In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup olive oil, several drops of essential oil for scent (I like lavender) and 1 cup or so of distilled water. Whisk or stir vigorously until the mixture is well-blended, then IMMEDIATELY pour over the paper towels in the tub, so that they soak up the mixture before the water and oil separates. If you need more liquid, mix some more oil and water separately and them pour over. You can use these to clean your hands after working with clay. Afterward, use soap and water to wash your hands, or simply dry with a towel for nice, moisturized hands.

[lynnbrassington]

thank for the tips I am just learning si I will be following you at all times thanks you x

[gerlachscanvas]

These are awesome girl! Thanks!! My favorite was the clay too soft and allow some the oil to absorb! Yay you rock

[jimbo]

Thanks for the simple, clear and useful suggestions!

[t.l.]

Omg vintage NerdE vids!! 😍 I've just got started with polymer clay and was hoping you'd have some tips. What a salty gem 🧂💎 ❤