What Can You Do With Polymer Clay: Creative Uses and Essential Tools

You love to create art and are looking for clay that can bring your ideas to life. With so many types to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But what if there was a clay that could do it all? Well, good news for you – there is! It’s called polymer clay. This malleable material can be shaped into just about anything. 

There’s a wide selection of polymer clay Australia-wide so you can easily find one to help you create everything from jewellery and miniature figurines to home decor and functional art pieces. Soft and easy to shape while you work, it quickly turns into a strong, durable form once baked in the oven and artisans love working with this material. 

Why Use Polymer Clay For Your Project?

So, why polymer? Why not any other type of moulding medium? Sure, there are plenty of options out there, but not all will suit your project. The great thing about polymer clay is that it works for almost any creation and that’s what makes it stand out.

Love creating jewellery? Polymer is the real deal. Into crafting home decor, sculptures or miniature figurines? This sculpting material will make sure to help you bring those visions to life. 

Polymer is soft and pliable, which makes it super easy to work with. This is especially important for beginners, as it’s easy to mould and reshape until you’re satisfied with the design. Just have one thing in mind, make sure to do all this before baking because once baked, there is no turning back. 

Another reason to give polymer a try is that it doesn’t require fancy tools or expensive equipment to work with. While you may still need tools because they can make certain tasks easier, you don’t need anything complicated.

Once you’ve shaped your piece, just put it in a standard oven to bake it and that’s it. Once baked, the piece hardens into a strong and durable form that keeps every detail as it is. It’s that simple. And if this isn’t reason enough to buy polymer clay, what more could you ask for? 

Creative Uses for Polymer Clay

This versatile medium can be used beyond just jewellery, decor and sculptures. Because it captures fine details exceptionally well, it’s perfect for artists creating lifelike figures or replicas. It’s easy to shape and fine details really pop when baked. 

You can also use polymer clay to personalise everyday items. Think keychains, phone grips, bookmarks or even pen covers. You can use it to create thoughtful and personal gifts that mean something special. Plus, you can also use it for making buttons, zipper pulls, or even small tools and handles. 

Home decor projects are another thing to use polymer clay for. You can make wall art, picture frames, vase covers and much more. The possibilities never end, really. Plus, these clays come in different colours and finishes ranging from glossy to textured and metallic, so you can make your pieces look unique every time. 

It can even be used for wearable art, beyond jewellery. Hair clips, brooches or even decorative shoes. Whatever you decide to create, this clay is a great way to bring fun into the creation and get stunning results. 

Tools and Supplies You Need for Working With Polymer Clay

To get the best results, it’s a good idea to equip yourself with the right tools. This is particularly helpful if you’re just a beginner as the right tools can make all the difference in pottery making when you’re a novice.

Here is a list of essential pottery tools to help the process go smoothly. 

Blades and Shaping Tools  – You will need clay blades and shaping tools for slicing, cutting and shaping your pieces. Blades help you cut with precision while shaping tools allow you to create smooth edges, and detailed designs and add texture to your items. 

• Baking Surface – You need a dedicated baking surface because it prevents the material from sticking while it’s baking. Ceramic or metal baking sheets usually work well for baking polymers. 
• Moulds – Want to save time on shaping? Moulds will do the job. They help you create consistent shapes or intricate details. 
• Extruder – Extruders work by pushing the clay through a metal or plastic tube with different nozzles at the end to help you create uniform shapes like coils, ropes or detailed designs. You simply load the clay into the extruder, twist or press the handle and it comes out in the shape of the nozzle.
• Glaze or Varnish – To achieve a polished finish after baking, use a glaze or varnish as a final step in the process. A coat of glaze or varnish adds shine, helps smoothen the surface and protects the item from dust and scratches. 

Find an extensive collection of polymer clay in Australia to choose your moulding material from and enjoy your creation with ease.