7 Tips in Making Polymer Clay Jewelry

New to making polymer clay? Already given it a go and it didn’t work out how you wanted? Either way, we can guide you in the right direction. We’ll talk you through the polymer clay tools you’ll need, the right workspace set up and many more polymer clay tips to get you started. Find out these 7 Tips in Making Polymer Clay Jewelry.

The following polymer clay tips and tricks are just a few lessons that help you find working with polymer clay to be very satisfying, especially when the end result is sturdy and beautiful.

We hope that you find these polymer clay tips useful on your journey to a deeper understanding of the art of clay sculpting.

Key Steps in Making Polymer Clay Jewelry

Polymer Clay Tools and Equipment

Whether you’re new to this medium or not, you’ll need to get stocked up with the right equipment. Take a look at the polymer clay tools we recommend for making jewelry:

• Polymer clay – we’d recommend you use Fimo polymer clay for soft and simple use.
• A ceramic tile – so your clay doesn’t get damaged.
• A clay or pasta machine – use a clay machine for conditioning your clay.
• An acrylic roller – acrylic rollers are key for preparing your clay before you start on your beautiful jewelry designs.
• Clay cutters – these Fimo cutters allow you to cut your clay without squashing or dragging it.
• A clay kit – and preferably one with a double-ended shaper, drill, and smoothing tool, and a modeling tool so you can perfect your designs with ease.

Tip #1 Set Up Your Workspace

Before you start making polymer clay jewelry, setting up your workplace is the first step.

Make sure your desk or workbench is clear of the clutter that might damage your clay and work on a smooth surface like a ceramic tile or glass so your clay doesn’t stick.

To make your life easier, try and organize your clay and tools into handy boxes.

Tip #2 Prepare Your Hands

Like the previous tip, there are a few key steps before learning how to make polymer clay jewelry.

One of the first things you need to do before you start is to wash your hands.

Next, we’d recommend using badger balm to prevent any dryness and potential mixing of colors.

Tip #3 Activate The Clay Before Starting

Also known as conditioning, you’ll need to activate your clay before starting.

Firstly, warm up the clay in your hands or through a resealable plastic bag.

Next, knead the clay well until it’s much more malleable before you begin with the sculpting.

Tip #4 Roll Your Clay Through a Clay or Pasta Machine

An essential tip for making polymer clay jewelry successfully – rolling out your clay before working on your design.

By rolling your clay through a clay or pasta machine (after folding in half and placing it in fold first), any bubbles will be removed, leaving your clay ready to bake.

Tip #5 Make Sure Your Oven is the Correct Temperature

One of the most important things to consider when learning how to make polymer clay jewelry is to ensure your oven is at the right temperature.

And there’s a simple solution for this – use a thermometer. That way, you’ll know that your clay is fully cured without the risk of burning or making the clay brittle.

Tip #6 Don’t Use Nail Varnish

However tempting it is after reading about it online, don’t seal your clay! This is a polymer clay jewelry myth.

Using nail varnish will make it sticky and the clay is strong enough without it.

If you are set on a glossy finish, make sure to use a water-based varnish that’s made especially for polymer clay.

Tip #7 Store Your Polymer Clay Jewelry Properly

Understanding how to use polymer clay is one thing, but knowing how to store it properly is equally as important.

If you don’t store your clay in resealable sandwich bags, it could dissolve some plastics.

What’s more, storing your clay this way will keep it free from damage and dust – which could ruin your efforts!

And we’re done! A whole host of polymer clay tips. Now you know all the ins and outs of making polymer clay jewelry, why not give it a go yourself? 7 Tips in Making Polymer Clay Jewelry

P.S. Royi Sal Jewelry, as a decades-long leader in silver jewelry design and manufacturing, invites you to download our latest magazine here and profit from the exceptional jewelry designs at affordable prices you will find in the magazine. Click here to download it now.