Clay Review: Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is a type of hardenable modeling clay based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). There are different brands. Some of them include Premo Sculpey, Sculpey III, and Fimo. It won't dry out unless you bake it in the oven, however it will lose it's clay-like consistency and become crumbly over time. Despite of this, you can purchase clay softeners at craft stores like Michaels to bring the clay back to it's original consistency. 

Polymer clay is fairly more expensive than other clays. Prices can range from $3.50 - $4.00 for a 2oz block in Ontario, Canada. So far, I've only seen polymer clay being sold in Michaels. Once a month at Michaels, the clay usually go on sale for 3 for $5.00, but it does depend on where you live. 

In my experience, Sculpey III is the most softest out of all the brands I have listed above. However, this can get a bit annoying if you make really detailed charms, as the colours squish together more easily. Also, this clay gets really sticky if your hands are warm. This brand doesn't get as crumbly as quickly as Fimo, but if you buy an old block at Michaels, it is usually the worst out of all the brands. You can pinch the sides of a block to see if it is soft or not. If it makes an indent easily, that means it's good. I find that Sculpey is the best to mix TLS (translucent liquid sculpey) with to make frostings because it is very soft. 

For the Fimo brand, I use FimoSoft. There are different brands of Fimo, like Fimo Effect, and Fimo Classic.  It is soft, but not as soft as Sculpey when you first open the package. Although, I find that this clay becomes sticky as well if your hands are warm. This can come in handy. However, I dislike this clay brand the most. It gets crumbly the fastest out of all the brands. 

Finally, Premo. This is my favourite brand of them all. It is a bit harder that Fimo, but it is still pliable. I find that this brand doesn't get crumbly as quickly, and it doesn't get really sticky 

Some polymer clay colours can stain your fingers, but all you need to do is wash your hands. For example, I find that the colour red stains my fingers very badly. Also, polymer clay attracts a lot of dust. Wash your hands before and after using the clay, or if you are going to switch colours. The clay itself isn't toxic, but it is recommended that you always wash your hands after you work with it. Also, don't let anything that can go into your mouth get in contact with polymer clay. Don't burn the clay because it is hazardous to your health. 

Here are some of my creations:

Mockingjay Pin from The Hunger Games

Rilakuma Ice Cream Cones

Supernatural License Plate Pin

I recommend polymer clay if you like to work with clay. Although it is a bit expensive, it does go on sale, and the things you can create with it are endless. You can make pins, charms, miniatures, pendants, and more. 

I have an instagram based on my creations, @_ksaarms_ .

Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymer_clay