Polymer Clay Jewelry Making: Tips for Mixing Colors and Baking the Clay
Introduction to polymer clay jewelry making
Polymer clay is a popular material among jewelry makers and Fimo and Cernit are two well-known manufacturers of polymer clay. In this article I will go into more detail about the possibilities of polymer clay and how to make the best jewelry with Fimo and Cernit. We will also explain how to mix colors and bake the clay to get the best result. In addition, we will also discuss transparent polymer clay.
Possibilities of polymer clay
Polymer clay offers a wealth of possibilities for jewelry makers. It is easy to shape and can be cut, drilled, sanded, polished, and painted. You can use polymer clay to make almost any type of jewelry, from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and brooches. Fimo and Cernit are two popular brands of polymer clay that are known for their quality and durability.
Mixing colors
Fimo and Cernit polymer clays come in many different colours, but sometimes you may want to make a colour that is not available. In that case, you can mix different colours of polymer clay to get the colour you want. It is important to mix the colours well to get an even colour. Kneading is a great way to mix colours. Do this on a clean surface to avoid getting dirt or dust into the clay.
If you are a bit more advanced and your hobby has become an obsession, you can always consider using a pasta machine to mix colours. The advantage of this is that the clay has an even thickness.
Baking polymer clay
Baking polymer clay is an important step to ensure that your piece of jewellery retains its shape and is strong enough to be worn. Fimo and Cernit polymer clay should be baked at a temperature between 110°C and 130°C, depending on the manufacturer. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the clay is baked properly and not left in the oven for too long or too short a time. Overbaking can cause discolouration or brittleness of the piece, while underbaking can cause the piece to not retain its shape and be too soft.
Transparent polymer clay
Clear polymer clay can be used to create beautiful effects in jewelry. It is also possible to color clear polymer clay using dyes that are specially designed for use with polymer clay. This way you can create marble effects or imitate gemstones, the possibilities are endless.
Clear polymer clay is fired in the same way as other types of polymer clay. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the clay is fired properly and retains its transparency.
Conclusion
Fimo and Cernit polymer clays are great options for jewelry making. With these polymer clays you can create beautiful jewelry that is durable and high quality. By mixing colors you can create your own color palette and by baking the clay you can be sure that the jewelry will keep its shape and be strong enough to be worn. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results. And don't forget to experiment with clear polymer clay to add an extra dimension to your jewelry.
Extra tip: If you are new to working with polymer clay, practice with simple designs before moving on to intricate jewelry. Practice makes perfect and you will soon discover how much fun and satisfaction it can be to make your own jewelry!