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Here are some polymer clay tips for beginners. Polymer clay is a fun crafting material that’s fantastic to work with if you are looking for a new craft to try. It’s soft, easy to shape, and you can make so many things.
You can use it to make jewelry, charms, keychains, ornaments, and more. With just a few tips and the right supplies, anyone can start creating right away.
I’ve been working with polymer clay for years, and I still love how relaxing and fun it is. I started by making polymer clay garden markers for my greenhouse, and now I’ve tried all kinds of projects.
Along the way, I’ve picked up a lot of helpful tricks, and I’m excited to share them with you.
We are partnering up with Sculpey for this post. Sculpey polymer clay is the clay that we use here for most of the polymer clay crafting projects that you see on this craft blog.
Sculpey Polymer Clay On Amazon
Before you start shaping anything, you need to condition your clay. That just means softening it up so it’s easy to work with and doesn’t crack later.
Take a small piece and knead it in your hands until it’s smooth and warm. If it's too hard, you can cut it into tiny bits and roll it around or use a conditioning machine if you have one.
Check Price Sculpey Conditioning Machine
Don’t skip this step, it helps your project turn out strong and smooth.
You don’t need fancy tools to get started, but a few basics really help. A smooth surface, a blade, some shaping tools, and maybe a rolling pin will do the trick.
When I was making some cute mushrooms for my garden, I used a simple tool to pick up little bits of clay for the stems. Toothpicks work perfectly for this too.
Some projects work better with silicone-tipped tools, so test a little and see what feels right.
Sometimes you might need a hard tool, and then others something more soft for blending.
Start simple, you can always add more tools as you go. Another thing you can use are scrapbooking stamps like I did below. I just pressed it into the clay before baking.
Fingerprints can sneak in when you’re not looking, but they’re easy to avoid.
If you are working with polymer clay when it's really hot out, this can really make your fingerprints show, so I like to work with gloves sometimes.
You can also smooth out marks with a soft brush, or your fingertip before baking.
Always check the package for the right baking temperature. Sculpey makes things really easy for you and the temperature is right on the packaging.
Use an oven thermometer, because kitchen ovens can be off, and you don’t want to burn your project. Since I use polymer clay often, I have a special countertop oven that I use just for clay baking.
When I was finished sculpting this ring dish, I baked it at 275F degrees for 14 minutes as it was quite thin. I used an oven safe bowl for a mold and it worked out perfectly.
Let it cool completely before touching it to prevent finger prints or accidentally putting a dent in your thing before it's cooled.
Keep your leftover clay soft and fresh by storing it right. Wrap it in plastic wrap or put it in a zip-top bag, then store it in a cool, dry place.
Don’t let it sit in the sun or near heat. I like keeping mine in a small bin so I can see all the colors at a glance.
You can make your own colors by mixing different clay shades together. Roll and knead two colors until they’re fully blended.
Start with small amounts so you don’t waste any. You’ll get fun results like pastels, marbled swirls, or even skin tones.
Just remember that dark colors can overpower light ones, so mix a little at a time.
Before you even open that pack of clay, take a minute to wipe down your table. Polymer clay loves to pick up every little thing like lint, dust, pet hair, even crumbs from lunch. Especially the white color.
If it’s on your surface, it’ll end up stuck in your clay. Keep a pack of baby wipes or a damp no lint rag nearby, and clean your tools and hands often.
Your finished pieces will look smoother and cleaner, and you’ll save yourself the trouble of trying to dig out fuzz later.
It’s easy to look online and want to dive into making big fancy figurines or detailed jewelry sets, but I always tell beginners to start small.
Try making a few beads, some tiny kawaii charms, or a simple pair of earrings. These quick little projects help you get a feel for the clay, how it moves, and how it bakes.
You’ll learn how much time things take and how to handle mistakes without wasting a ton of clay. It’s better to have five small wins than one big, frustrating fail when you're just getting started.
Did you know that Sculpey has a ton of tutorials on their website?
Polymer clay needs time to bake all the way through. It might look done on the outside after a few minutes, but the inside could still be soft if you take it out too soon.
Always follow the baking directions on your clay package, and use a timer. Most pieces bake for 15–30 minutes depending on thickness.
While it’s baking, resist the urge to peek or poke it, just let it finish. I like to set a timer and step away so I don’t mess with it.
Once it cools, it’ll be strong and ready for the next step.
Sometimes after baking, your piece might feel a little rough or have fingerprints or tiny bumps.
That’s normal, and you can fix it. Use fine sandpaper (start around 400 grit and go up to 1000 or higher) and gently smooth the surface.
It takes a bit of patience, but it really brings out a clean, professional finish.
Keep your crafting tools and kitchen tools separate. Even though polymer clay is safe to handle, it's always a good idea to use crafting tools for crafting only.
I keep all my clay tools in a separate box in my crafting room on them so no one accidentally uses them in the kitchen.
If you want your finished piece to have a shiny coat or extra protection, you can add a glaze or varnish.
Just make sure your piece is fully baked and completely cooled before you apply it. Use a brush to apply thin layers, and let each one dry before adding more.
Choose a varnish that’s made for polymer clay because some regular craft sealers can stay sticky or peel over time. A little shine can really make your piece pop and help it last longer.
When your clay comes out of the oven, it’s going to feel soft and maybe a little bendy and that’s normal.
Let it cool down completely before you judge if it’s done or not. The clay hardens as it cools.
But do note, that polymer clay is not a hard clay like terra cotta or firing clay. It will be flexible depending on how thick your project is.
If you try to bend it or mess with it while it’s still hot, it might break or warp. Be patient, it’s worth the wait.
Mica powders add a pretty shimmer or a vintage look to your clay projects. You can brush them on raw clay before baking or after baking too.
I used a makeup palette for these garden markers and they turned out fantastic.
A small makeup brush works well for applying it. Just remember, a little goes a long way, and it really gives things a wonderful finish.
Not all clays are the same. Some are too soft, some are too crumbly, and others don’t hold detail well.
If you're just starting out, go with a brand that’s easy to use and gives great results. Sculpey is a trusted brand that you can get online or at your favorite crafting store.
Sculpey Polymer Clay On Amazon
This is one of the best brands for beginners, it’s soft enough to shape, strong when baked, and comes in lots of colors. You can also get it in liquid form which is really fun to play with.
You can use it for everything from simple charms to detailed designs. It works with small silicone molds.
Thanks for reading! I hope these tips help you feel more confident working with polymer clay.
I’ve had such a great time using Sculpey over the years, and I’d love to hear what you’re making too. Feel free to share your own experiences or favorite clay creations in the comments!
More Polymer Clay Articles
The best polymer clay to use for beginners
How to make a polymer clay fairy door
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