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Did you know that polymer clay can be used to make jewellery, crafts, home decorations, pottery, sculptures and just about anything your creative mind can come up with?
Polymer clay is regarded as one of the most versatile art mediums in which your creativity is only limited by your imagination. Because it can be used for so many different purposes, polymer clay is . Sounds pretty exciting, right?
If you want to learn more about what polymer clay is and what it can be used for, then please keep reading below as we explore this topic in more detail.
What Is Polymer Clay?
Polymer clay has come a long way since its creation in the late 1930s to address wartime shortage of materials used in doll making. Polymer clay is an art material featuring versatility, simplicity, and most importantly pliability, which makes it a great medium to work with.
As an oven bake modelling material that consists of polymers, resins, colouring agents, and fillers, polymer clay is a man-made material manufactured from a plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base.
In a way, polymer clay is plastic, but it is a very malleable plastic until it is cured. It can be shaped and reshaped multiple times without deteriorating.
Interestingly, polymer clay can sit unused for several years and still be in good shape. However, it is strongly recommended to store it away from excessive heat and/or direct sunlight. In addition, it should be wrapped in its original wrapping or if storing for a long time, in food wrap to keep it from drying out.
Polymer clay can be used by just about anyone – from hobbyists and children to professional makers, artists and even movie makers. Polymer clay can be thin and flexible or thicker and rigid, and even retain its size and colour after being baked in a regular home oven. This is because it can harden at lower temperatures than say, earthen clay.
Artist: Suzanne Ward
Polymer clay is also nontoxic, does not shrink or expand, does not dry out, and is quite durable. Because of all of these characteristics, it serves as a multi functional and versatile material that can be used to create anything from household items to fashion accessories and even has industrial applications.
When using polymer clay, however, it is important to remain cautious about baking temperatures so that your clay won’t darken or burn. If the temperature is too low it will result in your projects being brittle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions (on every pack of clay) about baking at the correct temperature in a preheated oven.
Uses Of Polymer Clay
Polymer clay can be used not only for art and craft objects but even for commercial items. It’s a great material to work with if you’re looking for creative and customised everyday objects.
The great thing about polymer clay is that it is available in numerous brands, colours and effects. There are also various types of specialty clays and even liquid clays. Although there are different brands of clays, you can actually mix them together to create new colours. Just be sure to bake at the highest recommended temperature.
So what can you use polymer clay for? Polymer clay can be used to create just about anything. It can be fashioned for fashion accessories, home decor, crafts, and much more. Here are just a few uses of polymer clay:
1). Jewellery and Accessories
Jewellery and accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, barrettes, charms, and even handbags and purses are all popular products made of polymer clay. You will find that many brands nowadays have popularised polymer clay as a material for all kinds of jewellery.
Makers and artists continue to explore the possibilities and push the boundaries of polymer clay making it an ever-evolving craft. Small home-based businesses have been built around polymer clay with makers selling online and at markets. It is a very popular medium for this right now!
2). Home Decor
Polymer clay can be used to create a wide array of home decor items. These may include aesthetic figurines, small jewellery dishes, covered doorknobs, covered handles of salad servers, cheese knives and cutlery. Coasters, pens, vases, plant pots, and even Christmas and garden ornaments are just some of the uses.
It is popular amongst fantasy artists who create delightful fairy doors, covered jars to resemble houses and castles and even dragon sculptures. Since polymer clay is easily malleable, it can be turned into just about anything to help beautify your home.
3). Keepsakes
With polymer clay, you can create keepsakes that will give you memories for a lifetime. You can use polymer clay to create imprints of tiny feet or the paws of a beloved pet, which you can convert into an ornament, wall hanging, or magnet. This is definitely a creative way for you to cherish your most heartfelt memories.
Summary
Polymer clay is a very versatile material to work with. It can be used by just about anyone to create just about anything. With polymer clay, you are only limited by your imagination, so it is all up to you to get your creative juices flowing and let your imagination run wild!
If you are looking for polymer clay and all the accessories to help you bring your creations to life, then look no further than 2wards Polymer Clay.
Our online shop has a HUGE range of polymer clay, kits, tools, accessories, embellishments, mixed media, jewellery making and other craft products.
Please call us today on +61 (0) 429 184 555 or +61 (0) 447 943 858 or alternatively, leave us a message.