Polymer Clay, one of the best mediums to be used for a hobby, is not actually true clay, but a sculptable material based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is named "clay", only because of its texture and working properties resembling those of mineral clay. It is sold in craft, hobby, and art stores and is used by artists, hobbyists and children.
The polymer clay is sculpted, rolled, or cut into shapes before being baked in an oven at low heat, up to about 275° Fahrenheit (135° Celsius) to harden it. After baking, this clay becomes firm enough so that it won't break easily. Artists then sculpt the clay into figurines, such as abstract multi-colored shapes or whimsical caricatures of people or animals. Jewelry artists then create beautifully detailed beads, pendants, brooch pins and sculpted shapes for necklaces and earrings. The polymer clay can also be used to create ornaments, magnets, key chain pieces, plant stakes, cake toppers and many more items.
USING POLYMER CLAY
Polymer clay can be used to create items of jewelry, small accessories, card toppers and many other items. Modelers use polymer clay extensively, as do doll makers and miniature. The polymer clay is available in many strong colors. It can also be combined together to give an almost wide range of colors.
POLYMER CLAY BRANDS
You can find numerous manufacturers and brands of polymer clay. Each of them having nearly the same properties, but work in different ways. Some polymer clays are softer to use, but less durable after curing. Polymer clay artists can select their own preferred brand of clay, according to their needs. Some of the popular brands of Polymer clay include: Fimo Classic and Fimo Soft, Sculpey, Original, Sculpey 111, Premo and Kato Polyclay.
