5 Things They Don't Tell You When Starting Polymer Clay Jewellery
I became obsessed with polymer clay before my first order of clay even arrived. I know I'm not the only one who has clocked up about 100 hours of YouTube trying to learn all there is to know about polymer clay and jewellery making! Here are a few things I learnt while starting out:
- Its harder than it looks. We're probably all guilty at some time or another of picking up a handicraft at a local market and thinking "$20? I could make that myself". I'll admit, after all the YouTube I'd watched, I was sure I was going to be smashing out works of art in no time. But, alas, good things take time and effort.
- Baking your clay masterpieces is a science in itself. Is the oven too hot? Is it too cool? Do I need a second oven thermometer to make sure the temperature is right? How about a third? If it's 30 minutes per 6mm is that just for one piece? What if my trays full? Do I need to cover my pieces? Should I leave it in the oven to cool once its baked?
- You can overwork clay. Here I am, working it like a madman, thinking the softer the better. Nope, it's like goldilocks always said, you want it just right.
- Attaching earring findings is also harder than it looks. Why can I never get them symmetrical?!
- You will become obsessed. The fact that you can create wearable masterpieces in just a few short hours (and be complimented on those stunners) will only fuel the fire. It won't be long until you have a cupboard full of clay, drawers overflowing with cutters and 15 boxes of tools! But what a great obsession it is!
