Expert: Nanetta Bananto - 2/6/2007

Question
I have never used this polymer clay before & cant find any basic instructions. i have purchased the Fimo soft brand, i dont know what is conditioning ?? & how long do i have to work with it ? does it start to get hard after a while ?  thanks so much. i am just getting started & would like to be able to learn enough to teach a small craft class to kids. thanks again, June

Answer
Dear June - You have come to the right person!  I have a book called, "Creative Techniques for Polymer Clay Jewelry", which outlines some basic techniques, making canes and choosing color as well as jewelry design and construction.  You can go to www.nb7art.com, which will direct you to my book.  Should you wish to purchase it, I will be glad to sign it for you. However, you can also get it at the library or ask if they are a part of the lending library if they don't have it.  Ok.  Enough about the book.

First of all, conditioning is a fancy word for kneading.  It is required of all clays, even the soft ones.  It doesn't take but a few minutes to get it all soft and squishy.  It feels good and gets you acquainted with the clay.  

Different brands and makes within a brand have different qualities.  Even some colors take more conditioning than others.  If you have very warm hands, it won't take much and you may even need to let it sit for awhile before working with it so it is not too soft.  If you have cold hands - like me - you may need to warm it up a bit.  I lay my raw clay about 12" below a lamp or stick a lump in a small zipper bag and place in my pocket to warm.  You just need to take care not to put too close to a lamp or it will actually begin to cure.  

Work with small amounts - 1/4 of the package or so, then combine them once conditioned.  You can have the kids condition clay while you are explaining what you will be doing.  

Polymer clays remain soft or uncured until baked.  However, some clay bodies will stiffen a bit or even dry out if left on paper or in the air.  Always store in plastic bags.  Be careful not to store directly in a plastic container as they will chemically react to some types of plastic.  Plastic zipper bags and plastic wrap are fine.

If you are teaching children, you might want to check out Sculpey.com.  They have great projects and they are free to use.  I have written several myself.  They also offer tips on color and are a wealth of information.  My favorite clay is Premo - which they make - because it is easy to work with and durable after baking.  

They also offer specialty clays like Amazing Eraser Clay and Super Flex which are a blast for kids.  They have just launched Ultra Light clay which is lightweight and even can float.  

When teaching polymer clay crafts to children, just keep in mind that you will need at least 20 minutes built in to bake the clay.  Also, be sure to have them wash their hands after handling any of the clays.  

You will need a good work surface.  You can even cut up paper bags as a pallette to work on.  Most tabletops are okay, but I recommend covering it just to be sure.  I work on glass cutting boards or glazed, smooth ceramic tiles.  Depending on the project you are doing, you will need a good baking surface as well.  This can also be the afore mentioned items.  If making beads, you will need a way to bake them so they do not end up flat.  

I recommend experimenting yourself beforehand.  Particularly on the baking.  My best advice is to purchase an oven thermometer as all ovens are different.  This is the best way to avoid overbaking. Follow the baking instructions on the package.  

This is a friendly medium and kids love it.  I use a convection oven but used an ordinary toaster oven for years.  The biggest precaution is not to use your tools - cutting, rolling, etc. again for food use.  They must be dedicated to crafts.  Polymer clay is basically uncured PVC with binder and color added.  So don't make bowls or food related items either.  Other than that - the sky's the limit.  

Use your creativity. Check out Sculpey and try some things yourself.  Choose something easy and colorful for the kids and you all will have a great time.  

If you need anything more, please feel free to contact me again.  I would love to help.  

Nanetta