Creating with clay - some tips on getting started with polymer clay
Make sure your hands are clean and free from fluff, especially before using white clay. It’s handy to get a tiny amount of clay and roll it around in your hands to grab the dust/fluff before starting - and you can also use the same piece to roll on your work space to start with a clean area.
Use a cermaic tile, acryclic sheet or a plastic desk pad as a work space. Polymer clay can stain and 'melt' certain work spaces so always use a matt.
Certain colours will also mark your fingers, especially red and blues. Wash your hands in between colours - I keep a packet of baby wipes by my side to wash between colours.
Get creative !
You can use alfoil to bulk out larger pieces – just scrunch it small and firmly into the basic shape you want to create and cover with clay ! It’s a great way to make bigger pieces without using huge amounts of clay and also helps the clay keep shape.
You can use anything as a tool really. I have included the main styles I would use in my previous blog post >> https://thatlittlenook.com.au/blogs/polymer-clay-tips-and-tricks/tiny-treasures-tools-to-start-you-off
When adding small details onto your clay, try to press firmly together as much as you can with out losing the shape or the clay details may break off easily after baking.
You can also use wire / armature wire (silver, not coloured craft wire) to help keep thinner part in shape ie dogs legs, unicorn horn, tree trunk etc. It will help keep the stability of the piece and also make the final piece stronger.
Next I will share about curing your clay pieces