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#1 2012-02-02 20:52:11

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Working with Polymer Clay

Hurrah, my first topic in this new forum.  tongue

During my spare time, I like to delve into and explore different art mediums. One my favorites is sculpting with Polymer clay. I was just wondering if anyone else uses polymer clay to make stuff.

For those who don't know: Polymer clay is a polyvinylchloride (PVC, for short) material that has a similar consistency to mineral clay - or in plain English, it's basically a clay that's actually plastic.  tongue  It's used for a lot of things, from making sculptures and models, to making beads, to claymation.  smile

Here's just one example of my polymer clay work. I think some of you dA users might recognize this one already.

And for those who are interested, here's one of my fave polymer clay websitessmile


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#2 2012-02-02 20:53:27

FreshStudios
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Registered: 2011-04-11
Posts: 500+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Wow! You are very talented! I don't use it, but next year in art class we are using it!


http://i43.tinypic.com/24ymnbn.png

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#3 2012-02-02 20:58:52

Freakish
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Registered: 2011-10-25
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Woah those are good!  big_smile


http://i.imgur.com/y3RBV.jpg

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#4 2012-02-02 21:04:07

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

FreshStudios wrote:

Wow! You are very talented! I don't use it, but next year in art class we are using it!

Cool!  smile

Are you using it for a regular sculpting lesson, or is your teacher planning to use the clay for teaching something else?

Freakish wrote:

Woah those are good!  big_smile

Thanks.  smile  I wouldn't really call it my best work with polymer clay, though, but I thought it would be a good one to share because it features two uses of polyer clay techniques - sculpting (the make the Scratch Cat and Gobo pendants) and caning (to make the beads).


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#5 2012-02-02 21:18:21

soupoftomato
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Registered: 2009-07-18
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

My art medium tends to be writing or music.

But those are very nice. I remember when you made a large Gobo keychain. (Or was it Scratch Cat, or both?) You've also shared a Scratch Cat doll if I'm not mistaken.

Last edited by soupoftomato (2012-02-02 21:18:42)


I'm glad to think that the community will always be kind and helpful, the language will always be a fun and easy way to be introduced into programming, the motto will always be: Imagine, Program, Share - Nomolos

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#6 2012-02-02 21:24:29

Wickimen
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Registered: 2009-08-02
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Awesome! It's Gobo!
Clay rocks  big_smile


xDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

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#7 2012-02-02 21:25:11

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

soupoftomato wrote:

My art medium tends to be writing or music.

But those are very nice. I remember when you made a large Gobo keychain. (Or was it Scratch Cat, or both?) You've also shared a Scratch Cat doll if I'm not mistaken.

It was both.   smile

And yep, I also shared a Scratch Cat doll, too, but I'm leaving a plushie-making topic for another day.  wink


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#8 2012-02-02 21:26:29

scmb1
Scratch Team
Registered: 2009-03-19
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Those are really amazing beads! I've used polymer clay with my awesome artistic engineer aunt.  smile  I liked it because it's not too hard to make pretty cool things. Your stuff looks like it was a challenge though!


http://i48.tinypic.com/2z5pqad.png

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#9 2012-02-02 21:33:59

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

scmb1 wrote:

Those are really amazing beads! I've used polymer clay with my awesome artistic engineer aunt.  smile  I liked it because it's not too hard to make pretty cool things. Your stuff looks like it was a challenge though!

It was. Making the pendants/charms were easy; but the beads were made via caning (making a cane) of the Scratch Cat and Gobo, and when making a cane it's very easy to warp them, especially when cutting it non-baked under a hot light! It's why some of the images look like they've been smooshed.

There are some more advanced canes out there, though, that I want to try out. But I need to practice making more simple designs, first. ^^;


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#10 2012-02-02 21:41:56

luiysia
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Registered: 2011-07-05
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

I did a class on that with my friend! The beads are fairly easy to make, kind of like sushi (in fact, my sister who was volunteering for the class did make sushi beads) except a lot easier. I didn't really make anything that good, though, and since it ruins wood finish (no idea why) it's sitting around in some box somewhere. It's really fun to make, though, and this one person on dA is amazing at making ridiculously realistic food, even things like lamb roast and stew.


http://i50.tinypic.com/dx00pd.gif

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#11 2012-02-02 21:57:24

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

luiysia wrote:

II didn't really make anything that good, though, and since it ruins wood finish (no idea why) it's sitting around in some box somewhere.

Maybe you have a wood finish that reacts with the PVC in the polymer clay? PVC is known to not agree with some things, such as some plastics materials (like the ones you might find designed as Barbie doll accessories. I learned that the hard way).

You might want to look into a polymer clay varnish, or even clear polyurethane from a hardware store, which will protect your pieces (and likely whatever other surface you put them on) and make them glossy. Sometimes I even use clear nail polish (although I find that has a tendency to crack when put under stress).


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#12 2012-02-03 15:52:50

FreshStudios
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Registered: 2011-04-11
Posts: 500+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

cheddargirl wrote:

FreshStudios wrote:

Wow! You are very talented! I don't use it, but next year in art class we are using it!

Cool!  smile

Are you using it for a regular sculpting lesson, or is your teacher planning to use the clay for teaching something else?

We are using it as a regular sculpting lesson  big_smile  Can't wait! I also like the website, maybe I'll show my art teacher.


http://i43.tinypic.com/24ymnbn.png

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#13 2012-02-03 16:15:52

ImagineIt
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Registered: 2011-02-28
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Those are really cool cheddar! You are so cool!

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#14 2012-02-04 18:33:56

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

It's been a few days. Time for a good ol' bump.  tongue


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#15 2012-02-04 18:36:19

RedRocker227
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Registered: 2011-10-26
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

We're doing clay in art at school, but I have no clue what type it is xD


Why

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#16 2012-02-04 19:35:59

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

RedRocker227 wrote:

We're doing clay in art at school, but I have no clue what type it is xD

Well, what do you to to harden the clay, do you bake it, or let it air dry?

Most mineral and paper clays require air drying, while most polymer clay require baking. Although there are some exceptions to both, you're likely using a mineral or paper clay if you're air drying your sculpture, a polymer clay if you need to put it in an over to harden it.


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#17 2012-02-04 19:38:43

fungirl123
Scratcher
Registered: 2011-10-09
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Woah, cool!
I've never used polymer play, just regular old clay that you put in a kiln (Dunno what kind of clay that is)


http://www.thebrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/GroupLove_General1_IMG_9057.jpg

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#18 2012-02-04 19:47:39

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

fungirl123 wrote:

Woah, cool!
I've never used polymer play, just regular old clay that you put in a kiln (Dunno what kind of clay that is)

You're likely using a ceramic clay.  smile

Polymer clay could be used to simulate ceramics in some cases.  wink  And one of the advantages with polyclay is that it can be cured (heated) multiple times.  smile


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#19 2012-02-05 04:31:57

RedRocker227
Scratcher
Registered: 2011-10-26
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

cheddargirl wrote:

RedRocker227 wrote:

We're doing clay in art at school, but I have no clue what type it is xD

Well, what do you to to harden the clay, do you bake it, or let it air dry?

Most mineral and paper clays require air drying, while most polymer clay require baking. Although there are some exceptions to both, you're likely using a mineral or paper clay if you're air drying your sculpture, a polymer clay if you need to put it in an over to harden it.

We put it in some machine which heats up to something like 1000 degrees, and then it turns to sillicon. I think that's what it's called, I'm not actually sure ._. Does that sound like polymer clay to you?


Why

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#20 2012-02-05 04:35:29

Magmawulf
New Scratcher
Registered: 2012-01-14
Posts: 80

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

RedRocker227 wrote:

cheddargirl wrote:

RedRocker227 wrote:

We're doing clay in art at school, but I have no clue what type it is xD

Well, what do you to to harden the clay, do you bake it, or let it air dry?

Most mineral and paper clays require air drying, while most polymer clay require baking. Although there are some exceptions to both, you're likely using a mineral or paper clay if you're air drying your sculpture, a polymer clay if you need to put it in an over to harden it.

We put it in some machine which heats up to something like 1000 degrees, and then it turns to sillicon. I think that's what it's called, I'm not actually sure ._. Does that sound like polymer clay to you?

You would be talking about a kiln  wink
I'm actually not sure what turns into silicon when heated though.  hmm

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#21 2012-02-05 04:52:14

RedRocker227
Scratcher
Registered: 2011-10-26
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Magmawulf wrote:

RedRocker227 wrote:

cheddargirl wrote:


Well, what do you to to harden the clay, do you bake it, or let it air dry?

Most mineral and paper clays require air drying, while most polymer clay require baking. Although there are some exceptions to both, you're likely using a mineral or paper clay if you're air drying your sculpture, a polymer clay if you need to put it in an over to harden it.

We put it in some machine which heats up to something like 1000 degrees, and then it turns to sillicon. I think that's what it's called, I'm not actually sure ._. Does that sound like polymer clay to you?

You would be talking about a kiln  wink
I'm actually not sure what turns into silicon when heated though.  hmm

Ah yes, I think that's it. Now I know that, I'll just Google which type of clay it is  tongue


Why

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#22 2012-02-05 04:58:07

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

RedRocker227 wrote:

cheddargirl wrote:

RedRocker227 wrote:

We're doing clay in art at school, but I have no clue what type it is xD

Well, what do you to to harden the clay, do you bake it, or let it air dry?

Most mineral and paper clays require air drying, while most polymer clay require baking. Although there are some exceptions to both, you're likely using a mineral or paper clay if you're air drying your sculpture, a polymer clay if you need to put it in an over to harden it.

We put it in some machine which heats up to something like 1000 degrees, and then it turns to sillicon. I think that's what it's called, I'm not actually sure ._. Does that sound like polymer clay to you?

Well I've heard of a silicone clay (silicon is a metalloid material), but that stuff air-dries. It sounds like you're using a ceramic clay to me. Polyclay is usually baked at temperatures under 300 degrees Fahrenheit.


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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#23 2012-02-05 05:02:35

RedRocker227
Scratcher
Registered: 2011-10-26
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

cheddargirl wrote:

RedRocker227 wrote:

cheddargirl wrote:


Well, what do you to to harden the clay, do you bake it, or let it air dry?

Most mineral and paper clays require air drying, while most polymer clay require baking. Although there are some exceptions to both, you're likely using a mineral or paper clay if you're air drying your sculpture, a polymer clay if you need to put it in an over to harden it.

We put it in some machine which heats up to something like 1000 degrees, and then it turns to sillicon. I think that's what it's called, I'm not actually sure ._. Does that sound like polymer clay to you?

Well I've heard of a silicone clay (silicon is a metalloid material), but that stuff air-dries. It sounds like you're using a ceramic clay to me. Polyclay is usually baked at temperatures under 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ah, okay. I could've saved a lot of time if I just paid more attention in art XD


Why

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#24 2012-02-05 05:09:32

werdna123
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Registered: 2010-06-12
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

Wow, the gobo is so cute. :3

I like the shininess of it.  tongue

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#25 2012-02-05 05:13:42

cheddargirl
Scratch Team
Registered: 2008-09-15
Posts: 1000+

Re: Working with Polymer Clay

werdna123 wrote:

Wow, the gobo is so cute. :3

I like the shininess of it.  tongue

That would be the polyurethane (wood varnish!  tongue ) at work. Not only does it protect the piece, it makes it all shiny and glossy.  big_smile


http://i.imgur.com/8QRYx.png
Everything is better when you add a little cheddar, because when you have cheese your life is at ease  smile

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