Polymer Clay 101
By Brenda K.
Want a fun DIY project? Then look no further! Read on, and you can learn how to make polymer clay quickly and easily. Why make polymer clay? It is pliable and can be reshaped repeatedly. Most clay needs to be fired in a kiln, but making your work permanent is simple with polymer clay; simply pop your artwork into the oven, and bake. Presto! You have your next masterpiece.
Before you can get the show on the road, you must gather all of your supplies:
- 2 cups cornstarch*
- 2 cups baking soda*
- 1 ¼ cups cold water*
- Food coloring/dye (optional**)
- Saucepan/pot
- Damp towel
- Plate/clean counter
- Airtight container (to save extra clay)
- Oven and baking pan (to finalize any great work)
Now let’s get to business.
- Combine the cornstarch and baking soda in the saucepan (or pot).
- Place the saucepan onto the stove, and put the heat on medium.
- Adult supervision is recommended for those who are young, or inexperienced with using the stove.
- Slowly begin stirring in the water. Try to maintain a smooth mixture.
- Once all the water is in, make sure you stir constantly as the mixture thickens. At this point the mixture should look like instant mashed potatoes.
- Carefully put the mixture onto the plate or clean counter. Place the damp towel on top.
- Knead the mixture once it is cool enough to handle.
- Now you have two choices:
- If you don’t want to add color, skip to step 10.
- If you do want to add color, continue to step 8.
- If you want lightly colored clay, use a little food dye; for darker colored clay, use more food dye.
- Knead the mixture until you like the color. Light kneading will give you a marble effect, while more kneading will blend the color evenly.
- Now your clay is ready! Use the clay to create various crafts or original jewelry. Keep reading for some fun ideas!
- If you have excess clay, be sure to store it in an airtight container (Ziploc/plastic bags work well, as long as no air is trapped inside) for further use.
- Do you want to finalize the project? Simply put your creation on a baking pan, and bake it in the oven at 270° for about 15 minutes per ¼ inch thickness. Be sure to keep an eye on your work.
- How to know when the clay is ready:
- If the clay isn’t baked enough it will be soft, crumbly, and prone to breaking.
- Don’t be afraid to bake the clay a little longer than recommended; adding extra time will just make your piece stronger.
- Don’t try to speed up the process by raising the temperature; this will make your clay prone to scorching and burning.
Want more ideas? Simply search “polymer clay crafts” on your favorite search engine, and you’ll get thousands of results! Happy clay-making everyone!
*These measurements are suggested, but don’t have to be used. If you want to make a greater or lesser amount of clay, just remember to keep the 8:8:5 ratios of the cornstarch, baking soda, and water.
**Food coloring/dye aren’t necessary if you want white clay, or are planning to paint (acrylic paint is recommended) your artwork after it’s baked. However, it’s vital if you want colorful clay.