Presents for Fans of Polymer Clay

Jacquard Pearl Ex Pigments are mica based powders which can be added to most mediums to add shimmer or color shift highlights. Available in sets or single jars from many art stores.

Uses: Pearl Ex pigments can be added to any medium, including water, acrylic, pva glue or polymer clay to create metallic effects. As they are mica based powders they can also be used to create special Mica Shift pattern effects with dark colored polymer clays. They withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and can be baked in polymer clay, or used as a surface paint on clay if mixed with a suitable medium.

Price $3.50 for a 0.75 oz jar.

A wide range of modelling tools are available that work with polymer clay. Many craftspeople adapt tools from household items, or adapt texturing tools from other materials, barrel beads with a round toothpick through them as texture rollers, rubber stamps to create textures. Other useful types of modelling tools include :

• Dental tools
• Clay or color shaping tools Buy Direct
• Clean up tools Buy Direct
• Polymer Clay Tools Buy Direct
• Wire Loop Tools Buy Direct

Price Under $1 to $25 for a set.

Two part silicon mold putty comes in several brands and slightly different formats. The putty is mixed in equal parts and pressed around a shape to create a mold.

Uses: Molds can be made from any original you want to replicate. When the mold has set (usually in a few minutes) you can dust it with cornstarch and press clay into the mold to make exact copies, over and over again. this is especially useful for pieces which are difficult to copy (carved buttons or other carved details) or where you want to copy a small item to reproduce it in polymer clay (copy small shells or cast off crab shells for example).

Price Depends on brand and amount, most are $10 - $20.

A dedicated toaster oven used only for clay is important if you use clay a lot or are worried about fumes and residues tainting your food preparation area.

Uses: Toaster ovens can be used in a workroom or moved to a well ventilated area to keep fumes from curing polymer clay to a minimum. A toaster oven uses far less energy for curing small amounts of clay than it takes to use a kitchen oven.

Tip A toaster oven will not have a good regulating thermometer, so make sure to test your oven temperatures with a stand alone oven thermometer. A less expensive alternative is to use your regular kitchen oven and bake your clay items inside aluminum foil pans or foil to contain any residue given off during baking.

Price $30 to $150

Pasta machines are a workhorse tool for people who work a lot with polymer clay, especially those who have difficulty conditioning and softening polymer clays by hand.

Uses: Pasta machines create uniform sheets of clay, and also help to create special color blends or mica shift effects in clay.

Tip Most hobby machines are not sturdy enough to withstand regular use. Standard pasta machines for clay include Atlas 150 models made in Italy, which can be fitted with a motor if the machine is used a great deal.

Price $50 up.

Alternatives - Used electric coffee grinders will help condition clay. Used pasta machines are available. A clay roller and spacers will create sheets and blends but need a lot more effort.