Want to learn how to make polymer clay charms!?

Hi! To start with polymer clay, I recommend having a look around at tutorials on youtube or read some polymer clay books. Depending on where you live, polymer clay can be pretty pricey.

Here are the essential things you will need to make polymer clay charms: 1. Polymer Clay Polymer clay can be found at most well known art stores. The price depends on where you live.

Where I live it costs $5 a block so I prefer to buy it online. In places like America, it is known to be a lot cheaper starting at around $1 a block (2oz(56g) when it is on sale. You can buy it from many online stalls or places like ebay.

There are many brands to choose from. The most common brands are Sculpey and Fimo. They all have different characteristics.

2. Work Surface To work with polymer clay, you will need a work surface. You just need a clear space that you feel comfortable at.

Some people buy a flat piece plastic and work on their bed. Other people prefer to do it at the table. You will also need something like a tile, as polymer clay will not stain/destroy a tile.

I once tried to use a plastic chopping board and the red clay made my board red. I had to scrub it but it still didn't come of well, whereas a tile you can just get a baby wipe and wipe it off. It is OK if you wand to work on a chopping board, just I recommend not to.

If you do not have a tile, you can always use a piece of wax paper to protect your surface. 3. Blade You will need a blade to cut of bits of clay.

You can use either a tissue blade or a clay blade. Tissue Blades are VERY sharp. They are the type that scientist use so it is a good idea to keep them away from children.

4. Cookie Cutters Cookie Cutters can become very helpful when cutting round shapes or if you just want things to be the correct shape. You do not have to buy cookie cutters, you can use simple things you would find around the house like a bottle top.

5. Texture Tools To make your designs look more realistic, you should have some tools to create different textures. Experiment with things around the house like a paint brush or crumpled up Aluminium Foil.

You can also buy Texture sheets. 6. Rolling Pin / Pasta Machine A Rolling pin or a pasta machine are quite essential for Polymer clay.

You can use a normal cylinder shaped object instead if you want (eg. A pen). If you find the clay is sticking to the rolling pin, sprinkle it with a bit of cornstarch.

7. Liquid Clay Liquid Polymer clay is not essential but is great for things like icing or sticking things together. Liquid polymer clay is like a bakeable glue.

It is good to use as a clay softener as well. (These next few things are for jewellery making) 1. Eyepins / Headpins Eyepins are basically a metal stick with a loop on the end they are great for making charms but once you have baked the charm, it is a good idea to apply a bit of super glue to the top of the hole to keep it in place.

Headpins are basically a metal stick with a flat circle at the end. They don't have a loop at the top so you will need to buy special pliers to create the loop. 2.

Lobster Clasps Lobster clasps are good for attaching to the loop on the eye pin so it can be used as a charm. 3. Earwires, Celphone Straps, etc. There are other parts you will need depending on what you want to make.

If you want to make earrings, you will need things like earwires.

Hey heres a short list of essentials: Polymer clay Scultping tools Tissue slicing blade - (you cant use any old knife) Rolling pin moulds Shape cutters Oven Thats the basic list but I do think you should go to a local libary or bookstore for books on the subject because there are so many differnet ways to make them and fun things to make too the book will also help you if you get stuck on what to do.

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