Polymer clay for beginners: how to start with your child
Never worked with polymer clay before? You're in the right place. Here's what polymer clay is, the five basic shapes you need and the easiest ideas to begin with.
What is polymer clay?
Polymer clay is also called oven-bake clay: a soft modelling clay in lots of colours that only hardens in the oven. It doesn't dry out in the air.
That means there's no rush. You can shape slowly, combine colours and add small details. Only when everything is finished does an adult bake the creation in the oven.
Your first creation in four steps
Knead the clay until soft
Take a small piece and knead it in your hands until it feels supple. Soft clay is easier to shape.
Pick a very easy idea
Start at level 1. Those ideas use just a few basic shapes and are done in 10 to 15 minutes.
All very easy ideasShape with the basic shapes
Almost every creation starts with a ball, a sausage or a drop. Follow the pictures step by step.
Let an adult do the baking
At 110–130 °C, 10–15 minutes per 6 mm of thickness. Then let it cool slowly.
All about baking clay
The five basic shapes
If you can make these shapes, you can make almost any clay idea. Practise them on their own first.
Ball
Roll a piece of clay between your palms in small circles until it is nice and round.
See it in: AppleSausage
Put a ball on the table and roll it back and forth with your fingers. Roll thinner for a strand.
See it in: BananaDrop
Roll a ball, then roll one side thinner between your fingers until it forms a point.
See it in: CarrotFlat disc
Press a ball flat with your finger or palm. That's how you make eyes, cheeks and cookies.
See it in: MacaronSlab
Roll clay out with the roller into an even slab and cut or press shapes out of it.
See it in: Moon and stars
Easy ideas for the first time
These ideas are very easy and quick to make. Every idea comes with step-by-step pictures.
Tips for parents
- Work on a smooth surface, such as the work mat, so the clay doesn't stick to the table.
- Start with light colours and wipe or wash your hands in between, so dark colour doesn't end up on white.
- Keep small pieces of clay and parts out of reach of children under 3.
- Clay doesn't belong in the mouth. Wash your hands after modelling.
- An adult does the baking. Let in fresh air while baking.
- Store leftover clay well sealed, somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
Beginner questions
The Polymer Clay Kit is recommended from age 8, with adult supervision. It is not suitable for children under 3, and an adult always does the oven work.
No. Polymer clay stays soft until you bake it in an electric oven at 110–130 °C.
A level 1 idea, such as an apple or a banana. They use just a few basic shapes and are done in 10 to 15 minutes.
The ideas on our site take between 10 and 40 minutes, not counting baking time. The higher the level, the longer it takes.
Start with the lightest colours and wipe or wash your hands before picking up a light colour after a dark one.
Polymer Clay Kit – 82 Colours
€54.95incl. VAT
82 colours of oven-bake clay, a work mat, a roller, sculpting tools and keyring parts in a storage box. Recommended from age 8; an adult does the baking.