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Conditioning and working with polymer clay

Published: 09-10-2012 06:21pm
Posted In: tutorials
Even polymer clay that feels soft when you unwrap it still needs to be conditioned. The process of conditioning polymer clay redistributes the ingredients that may have settled during storage.  If clay isn't properly conditioned your finished project may be weaker and more prone to breakage.  You can tell that your clay is properly conditioned when you can fold it without having it crack.Start conditioning  your clay start by cutting the block into thin slices using a straight blade.  Flatten and thin each slice with a clay roller, fold it in half and repeat several times until it starts to become softer.  Continue condi... » Read More

Tips on how to replace a handle on a lid

Published: 06-13-2012 09:39pm
Posted In: tutorials
I just got a really nice crock pot for only .50 from a garage sale.  The lady said it worked fine and the only thing wrong with it was that the handle for the lid had broken off.  this is one of those fancy models with the digital settings and timer- definitely worth more than .50!  Replacing a handle on a lid is pretty easy to do, so I figured I'd do a little tutorial and show you one way to replace a missing or broken handle.  This method would work on most types of lids.  Since I used polymer clay you wouldn't want to use this method for anything that goes into the oven or reaches temperatures above 275 degrees.  You wouldn't ... » Read More

Tips for sculpting with white and light colored polymer clay

Published: 03-01-2012 09:35pm
Posted In: tutorials
Sculpting with white and other light colored polymer clay can be a bit of a challenge.  These light colored clays pick of every bit of hair, lint, and color from anything in the immediate area.  So the most important thing when working with these clays is cleanliness.  1) Clean your workspace thoroughly.  Be sure there is no residue from other clay on your work surface or baking surface.  I use a damp cloth followed by a lint free paper towel to clean and dry my glass topped desk and my ceramic tiles. 2) Clean your tools: shape cutters, cutting blades, sculpting tools, bead rollers, everything that will come in contact with the clay.  Som... » Read More

How to make polymer clay stamped heart earrings for Valentines Day

Published: 02-12-2012 05:36pm
Posted In: tutorials
Materials needed:red polymer clay (I used Premo)liquid polymer clayred Pearl Ex powderstamp of choice2 heart shaped cutters, 1 larger, 1 smallerFrench wire ear hooks4 2" eye hooks4 heart shaped jump ringsround nose pliersflat nose pliers Condition your clay and roll it out on the #3 setting on your pasta machine.  Cut out 2 hearts with the larger cutter, and 2 hearts with the smaller cutter. These will be the backs of your earrings. Place 2 of the eye hooks on the larger hearts, as shown. Add a little liquid polymer clay clay over the wires. We'll cut them to the proper length and form a loop at the bottom after they're baked. Cu... » Read More

How To Make a Teddy Bear Christmas Ornament in Polymer Clay

Published: 12-17-2011 08:22pm
Posted In: tutorials
This is my first full length video tutorial.  Join me as I take you through each step of sculpting a cute teddy bear ornament for Christmas. This bear is also available in my shop, just click the picture to be taken to his listing.Thanks for watching!  Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! ~Michelle of CreativeCritters Become a fan of CreativeCritters on Facebook Follow CreativeCrittersBlog Join CreativeCritters Google+ circles Get CreativeCritters e-books from Smashwords and Amazon ... » Read More
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