I hear this question a lot. “How do I get started in polymer clay?”
It is different for everyone and there are a lot of ideas on how to get started.
I, personally, simply bought clay (a store was going out of business and I got it cheap) and then started playing. I did pick up a few book on polymer clay but never really followed any of their ideas or techniques until later in my claying. As I got into claying, I picked up tools and other stuff that where recommand to have.
The first thing that you need to get started is an idea of what you want to make. I started with barrettes but I am now in to making beads, covering things and still making barrettes.
Here is a list of the basics that are needed. It is not a complete list but is a starting point.
1. A clay blade - you will use this to slice and cut. This can be any thin blade not just the ones that are sold just for clay use. I find some at Home Depot.
2. A flat ceramic tile - this will be your work surface. They are relatively cheap and also aid in the moving of your project if you are using a shared area, like the kitchen counter or dining room table.
3. An acrylic roller. You can also use an old glass that you no longer drink from.
4. An oven thermometer. To make sure your oven keeps temp correctly and that the temperature gauge is correct.
5. A ruler - make a clay snake and cut off same-size slices so beads are same size. I also use mine for measuring the finished pieces (Like Art Trading Cards).
6. A bead roller - If you are going to make beads and want them the same size. Perhaps start with the tri-bead as it has 3 shapes. (There is also a new book with many techniques for use with the tri-bead roller.)
7. A needle tool - for making holes in beads. I also use mine to shape things and add texturing to others. I use small knitting needles but know that plastic stir sticks work well too. (Just make sure that they are clean if you are re-using them and don’t use them again with the coffee.)
when you are making polymer clay creations no matter what they are, always keep trying because if you give up you will never correct yourself and wont get better but if you dont give up and keep trying, you will correct yourself as you go along without noticing it, so never give up on yourself and you will get better!!! practice makes perfect!! REALLY!!!!!
Comment by Sophie — July 19, 2007 @ 7:32 pm