How To Use Sculpey Clay

The Many Uses
Polymer clays are plastic modelling compounds that come in many colors, can be formed into any shape, and will bake permanently hard in a home oven. They won’t dry out until they are baked hard (if properly stored, kept cool and dark). They don’t shrink or expand--you can form them over any bakeable armature or finding. Finished pieces can be drilled, carved, sanded, or glued to backings (using a contact cement or epoxy). Polymer clays are ideal for jewelry—pins, earrings, pendants—and for figures, doll faces, and beads.
Preparation
There are some differences in the properties of the different clays. All must be manipulated a little, warmed and squashed in the hands, to get the right working properties. Sculpey will be easier for children and adult beginners. Cernit is somewhere in-between. Premo has a remarkable plasticity, and hold detail very well while require little kneading before use. Fimo Soft requires slightly longer kneading, but takes detail better (it's much easier to use than the older version, now called "Fimo Classic". They can be mixed to obtain a particular color or consistency that pleases. Any clay that’s become too soft can be chilled or left to sit a while. 
Tools
Most modelers work mostly with hands, but needles (for piercing or scoring), knives (to cut and carve), scrapers (for slicing), ceramic modelling tools (for shaping), clay guns (for extruding shapes), pasta-makers (for flat sheets) and other objects from around your house, will probably assist your fingers. Work on a non-sticky surface—like waxed paper or a piece of Plexiglas. There have lately appeared lots of helpful books filled with carefully detailed technical and inspirational pictures.
Time/Temp
Sculpey does best at about 275°F, for 10 — 25 minutes, depending on size, especially depending on thickness. Red and yellow may darken too fast at this temperature, so use a cooler oven (say 265½°F) for a little longer.
Baking Tips
If your piece is still slightly soft, but you’re concerned that it may darken or burn, take it out of the oven and let it cool. It will harden some, and may need no further baking. If it does need longer, put it back in for a few minutes. Your oven is probably hotter or colder than the dial says; and some sections will be hotter than others. You may want to check the actual inside temperatures with an oven thermometer. It’s safer to bake for longer at a lower temperature, as long as the clay gets hot enough to fuse. A toaster-oven is easier to use than a full-size one, and it will heat up faster. If you work with polymer clay a lot, a dedicated, out-door weather 
Cautions
Do not bake on a glass or metal surface. Use a wooden cutting board (any flat piece of unfinished wood), or a ceramic plate or tile. Cardboard is fine if you’re careful about temperature. Beads can be pierced with (and baked on) wooden skewers. Hang beads or prop them up so they don’t touch anything, and they won’t have unintended flat sides. Do not microwave. Don’t breathe the fumes from baking polymer clays. Do not use knives, trays, etc. for food once they've been used for polymer clay. When you're done, wash hands well, with a nail brush or rough terrycloth.
Finishes
Once baked, Sculpey has a matte surface. You can seal the finish with clear or matte Sculpey Glaze. Ordinary paste wax also works. Or decorate and detail with acrylic paints.

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Hi there! Welcome to Cammie's Clay Creations! Enjoy the blog and order if you find anything you like! Remember, to order, email me at cam.love.cats@gmail.com