Jim's
Polymer Clay Page
Updated 10/19/02
What on earth is polymer clay?
Polymer Clay is not something found in the earth, but in fact is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. Similar plastics are frequently used in today's plumbing and water piping. Tiny grains of PVC are mixed with plasticizers and pigments. When the clay is baked at the proper temperature (varying from 212 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit depending upon the make and color), chemical changes occur and the particles fuse into a solid mass without shrinking. If heated again, the clay will soften slightly but not melt (technically it is similar to "thermosetting" plastics, but still has some characteristics of "thermoplastics"). Like many other plastics, if heated too hot it will darken, give off noxious fumes and possibly catch fire.
Many colors are available, and most others may be mixed. The colors may darken slightly when baked. Transparency has not yet been achieved with anything other than one version of "Liquid Sculpey." (Of the solid types of polymer clay, "Transparent" clay is really translucent, though In very thin sheets it is almost transparent.) The newest clays are Super Elasticlay (it forms flexible and stretchy items when baked) and Liquid Sculpey (in clear and whitish verions which we are finding a number of new ways to use). There are also polymer clays which glow in the dark. Sculpey brand has several different glow colors, and Fimo Nightglow is also a glow in the dark clay.
Completed articles may be finished in a variety of ways. Most polymer clay artists sand and buff their creations, but they may be painted, lacquered, tumbled and/or waxed. Findings and other items may be glued to the finished item.
"What does one make with polymer clay?" Many ornamental and/or useful items may be made from the substance. Beads, pins, buttons and other wearable items come to mind, but boxes, bowls, vases are also possible, though it is recommended that you not use polymer clay in contact with food. Dolls, miniatures, picture frames, light switch plates and masks are some of the other things that can be made. There are techniques to make the clay look like other substances such as semi-precious stones, wood, leather and metal. Even living things such as flowers and insects are possible.
One popular technique is "caning" in which a cane or long roll is made with a design that runs the full length of the cylinder. This can be sliced and applied to flat or curved surfaces as a design element. This process imitates the technique used in making certain types of glass beads. The advantage is that you don't need a hot furnace to do this with polymer clay.
There is a National Polymer Clay Guild, as well as a number of local guilds. I am a member of the National Polymer Clay Guild, and the South Bay Polymer Clay Guild which meets in San Jose, California. Every Christmas the South Bay Guild has a gift exchange. At the 1996 exchange, pictures were taken of many of the items. The picture at left is the pendant I made. For a large view (turq_lrg.jpg, 370.1K) click on the picture at left. For pictures of other items in the exchange look at the 1996 Christmas party for the South Bay Guild.
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Links
For those interested in more information on polymer clay or the national guild and their publication, the POLYinforMER, here are links to some polymer clay sites:
- Dianne Black's encyclopedia of polymer clay information.. Here you'll find over 90 categories (1300+ pages) of information relating to polymer techniques, lessons, supply sources, tools, and problem solving (as well as to polymer photography, business, teaching, finding inspiration, etc.)
- The National Polymer Clay Guild has a web site. Information on polymer clay and events around the nation.
- South Bay Polymer Clay Guild contains info on guild meetings, events and classes.
- San Diego Polymer Clay Guild contains info on their meetings, events and classes. They are preparing for Sandy Camp IV, to be held November 7-11, 2002. (Scroll down their page a little past the middle, they are updating their web site.)
- Information from the importer about Fimo as well as other polymer clays. Click on the big black oval logo to enter the site. Be sure to check the "What's New" section for new products coming out later this year.
- Another commercial site is Wee Folk Creations which primarily is a site (and catalog) for those who make dolls from polymer clay, but also sells polymer clay, books and supplies.
- Still another source of clay, tools and other items is Prairie Craft Company which has an online catalog and information site.
- The British Polymer Clay Guild formed in 1997. You might be interested in what is happening on the other side of the ocean.
- Polymer Clay Central, another source of information about polymer clay.
- Linda Goff Quirkworks:.
- Linda Geer's Puffinalia site. A Maine Coon Cat, kaleidoscopes, and more.
- Polymer Clay Art by Jennifer Patterson. Quilted clay earrings and brooches.
- City Zen Cane has been a pioneer in polymer clay art. They first became known for their delicate shaded canes, and more recently for their ikat technique. Take a look at their "shop on line" for some examples of their work.
- Petra Nieuwenhuize's Polypages.
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Newsgroup
Another source of information is the polymer clay newsgroup: rec.crafts.polymer-clay. This can be accessed with any news reader. (For older postings, use Deja News to search on a given subject.)
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Copyright ©1996 and 2002 by Jim R. Van Scyoc
