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..
"Millefiori" means "thousand flowers" and it is the name employed in glassmaking to describe the use of colored canes of glass that have a pattern running right through them. "Millefiori" cane can also be made with polymer clay, like Fimo, Sculpey, or Sculpey Primo. Thin slices are cut off the cane and then applied to the outside of a little ball of clay. They are smoothed together by rolling in the palm of the hand to form an intricately designed bead. You can also use millefiori to cover glass candleholders, make buttons, and add accents to small figurines. There are virtually thousands of applications and projects where polymer clay canes can be used, only your imagination is the limit.
