About Polymer Clay

I began working with Polymer Clay after becoming intrigued by some canework I viewed on the internet. Most of what I learned has come from experimentation built on the basics found at Polymer Clay Central. I use Premo artist's grade polymer clay for my projects, beads and canework, and custom mix my own colors.

I roll out sheets of clay using the pasta machine. I then mix colors to form what are called ‘Skinner Blends.’ I cut the sheets into triangles and place them together as shown. Once this sheet is folded over itself and run through the pasta machine several more times, it will graduate smoothly from purple to white. This is what a completed Skinner Blend would look like using the colors depicted on this display. I often use different color combinations and/or multiple colors, not just a single color blended into white. Skinner Blends are the foundation of every cane I make.

I will manipulate the skinner blends into different shapes, then combine them to form canes. Visit my Polymer Clay Canes page to see a variety of my finished canes. I use these to decorate a myriad of items, or to make beads and other accessories. The floral canes are unique, in that the background is made of translucent polymer clay, which cures nearly colorlessly.

Once I make my canes, I will slice the clay with a sharp tissue blade (Sculpey Super Slicer, Kato NuBlade, etc). After my project is complete, I bake the clay for 30 minutes at 275 degrees per 1/4" thickness. For canes with translucent backgrounds, I bake at 265 degrees to prevent yellowing that can occur if the clay gets overheated.

Finishing the clay varies. When a sealant is not required, I sand and buff the piece for a matte finish. I apply Flecto Varathane for a glossy finish.