Polymer CLAY inserts...

[GrayBeard]

One of the clays used for Steve's projects has been mentioned as FIMO 'soft'.

Have any of you tried others? I was not impressed with the color selections of FIMO.

I found three other brands, "Sculpey", "Craft Smart" and "Premo".

Any experiences?

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[daneklund]

I bought a package of the FIMO (blue), but have not tried it yet.

[northie66]

It might say SOFT but it ain't to me!  I can't imagine how hard the ones that don't say soft are.

[towdude3]

i found that if you leave it in the sun for a few minutes it is easier to work with.

[Judy Hunter]

I dedicate a cheap food chopper to clay.( about $9.00), Break it up, throw in in and chop it warms and softens.
I also use a pasta maker when working with clay.

[Dawie]

Fimo gives really nice results. Just rememeber to save it in an airtight container once you have opened it. What I do is first  to rap the clay in foil and then in the container keeps for months this way. Have just bought some modeling clay which is supposed to dry without baking am planning on trying that shortly. It is not colored so I want to see how it holds up by mixing a bit of paint or foodcoloring with it.
David

[Merlin]

Have tried the Sculpey but I have found that it is pulling away from the edges (may be I'm baking too much or something).
Have just got an order for the starter set of the Fimo Soft so have that to try.

You meant to bake for 15-20 mins per 1/4 inch thickness but I have only been doing the key things about 1/8 inch so the baking was cut to 10mins.
Hope that was right my be that why it pulled from the edges, hmmmmm....

Merlin

[Shirley]

I have used both Sculpey and FEMO clay and haven't had any problems with them.  Make sure if you're using different brands that your baking time and temperature are the same.

 Here's a review I found on the Craftsmart clay:  http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/craftsmart-polymer-clay-new-brand-michaels-art-and-crafts/6207/

[GrayBeard]

Thanks for the info and links...
I don't want to make a bunch of things and have to 'trash' them because of inferior inlays.

I appreciate your input, will stick to the 'good stuff'!

~~~GB~~~

[scrollgirl]

I have been watching this topic and remember working with FEMO several years ago. The clay seemed dry and crumbly. I used to add a small amount of petroleum jelly to soften it. I wanted to be sure before posting that here, though, so I found a link for you guys to read on "conditioning" the clay to make it softer.  This may also help those of you who already purchased clay that you feel may be too brittle to work with.  Here it is:

http://www.jaedworks.com/clayspot/polyclay-faq/conditioning.html

Let us know how this works for you! It will help everyone!

Sheila

[GrayBeard]

Thanks Sheila....

lots of good information there!

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

Thanks Sheila and Shirley for the info. Just learn something.  

[dunk]

Both links were very informative thanks guys!

[Dawie]

Thanks ladies for posting those links. Learnt something again today.
David

[scrollgirl]

Thanks, too Shirley for the review on the other clay. It is good to know how 'real people' find the products to work.  It was really informative and may prevent a few disasters for other. 

  Sheila