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Whether we’re saving cool Skinner blends or keeping decorated sheets/veneers for future use, we often run into trouble when it comes time to use those sheets. With time, the sheets usually become brittle, start to crack, and are no longer suitable for being used. What’s causing this and is there a way to save these sheets?
Each brand of clay has its own quirks and will condition differently than other brands. Here are some tips that I’ve noticed about various brands of polymer clay, including CosClay and Papa’s Clay.
Have you ever had a bar of clay shatter into crumbs when you put it through the pasta machine? Does that mean the clay’s old? Not always! It might mean that you’re working with a brand of clay with low shear strength.
Polymer clay is made up of particles and the ways that the particles interact can greatly affect the way the polymer clay behaves. This article explains why conditioning is important. (Psst…it’s not what you’ve been told.) And hey, what does Newton have to do about it anyway?
Did you know that flow is one of the most important qualities that you need to understand when working with polymer clay? Conditioning is all about flow!
Plastisols and plastigels are types of vinyl formulations that are used to make everyday objects. But you’re already familiar with them and probably have them in your studio right now!
Let’s get scientific! Learn about the science behind polymerization and how it relates to polymer clay. Does polymer clay polymerize in the oven? Find out in this article!
What is vinyl? Yes, I know you know what vinyl is. It’s so ubiquitous and present in our lives that it’s around you right now. But did you know that it’s also in your craft room?
Love what you do.
