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Polymer clay is a made from a plastic polymer base called polyvinylchloride (PVC). This is a highly malleable plastic which can be shaped to make any number of items. It does not dry out and will keep for years if stored in a cool dark place. On ‘curing’ by baking it sets hard.
Manufacturers add other components to their clays to give them special properties – colouring agents, plasticisers, texture-enhancing fillers and materials for special effects such as mica flakes or glitter.
Polymer clays differ in texture, flexibility, hardness, ability ot hold detail, ease of working, colour range and special effect features. The best choice of clay depends on your project, your skill level, and your tools.
Clays that are softer are easier to work with and give rewarding results with less effort. They are the best choice if you are new to polymer clay sculpture. Firmer clays require more conditioning and in general need a higher level of experience and good tools to get the best results. They hold fine detail better than the soft clays.
We stock a large range of polymer clays from the 3 leading brands, FIMO, Sculpey and Cernit.
See 'Our Guide to Polymer Clay' for a summary of the characteristics of the different clays.
You need a clean and smooth surface to work on.
An acrylic roller is a great tool to produce flat sheets of clay to work with. A roller is very useful for conditioning the clay, and also for more advanced techniques including blending colours. Alternatively, a craft pasta machine makes quick work of condtioning and producing even sheets.
Although you can use a domestic knife it is much better to use a specialist blade for cutting the clay. Cookie cutters can be used to produce perfect shapes.
To crate detailed features a range of sculpting tools are available.
See Clay Tools.
Polymer clay remains usable for years if properly stored. It is important to keep it cool and out of direct sunlight.
Place in a suitable container and keep in a cool dark place. The fridge is ideal!
Polymer clays require conditioning before use to get the best results. This process slightly warms the clay and mixes the ingredients well. It makes the clay softer and more pliable.
Conditioning can be done by hand or with a craft pasta machine. By hand - Roll the clay into a log shape, fold, roll again, and repeat until the clay is easy to work with.
Pasta machine – Cut thin slices from a block of clay and run them through the machine several times until it is soft enough to combine without crumbling.
Uniform sheets of clay can be made easily using a pasta machine or alternatively use an acrylic roller on a clean smooth surface. Using guide rods helps to ensure that the clay sheets are of a uniform thickness.
Clay logs and balls are best made by careful use of your hands. Use a bead roller to make high quality beads.
For sculpting detail a large range of clay tools are available. Moulds are great for making small finely detailed items, including jewellery.
Polymer clays harden by oven baking. A domestic oven is suitable. The temperature and baking time differ between clays and may need adjusting depending on the thickness of the clay.
Polymer clays are normally baked for up to 30 minutes at temperatures between 110 and 130°C. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your clay for details.
It is advisable to use an oven thermometer to check the oven temperature. We recommend a test baking with a small piece of clay. If the clay darkens on baking the oven is too hot and you should lower the temperature by 10°C.
The clay should be placed on a flat surface such as a baking tray before putting in the oven and protected by lining the surface. Aluminium foil and baking paper are suitable.
Do not use a microwave.
Polymer clays come in a vast range of colours and effects. You can combine any polymer clays, even if of different types or from different manufacturers to create countless additional colours and effects.
Mixing clays is similar to hand conditioning. Roll small logs of the clays and twist together. Then fold them and roll again. Repeat until the clay has a uniform colour.
Sanding the baked clay is useful to remove fingerprints and rough edges. It will give a more finished look to your work. Use wet/dry sandpaper. The FIMO Grind ‘n Polish set is ideal.
Sanded items can be left with a matt finish or buffed to a high sheen.
Glazing is optional. It can be used to protect delicate surfaces or surface effects like metal foils. Acrylic water-based varnishes such as FIMO and Sculpey glazes are ideal.
An armature is a hidden structural element used to support a larger clay structure with the clay applied in a thinner layer over the surface. This gives stability, reduces the thickness of the clay to help with baking and reduces the amount of clay required.
Aluminium foil is ideal to provide bulk. Wires, glass and other objects can be used to support, but avoid flammable materials.
Hard clay
Clays may feel hard on opening the packet, especially if it is cold. Polymer clays require 'conditioning' to get them ready for use, and this process will soften them.
Older or crumbly clay may also need the addition of softening agents like Sculpey Clay Softener Liquid or FIMO Mix Quick.
Soft clay
Excessively soft clay has too much oily content. This can be reduced to make the clay firmer.
To do this, roll the clay into a 5mm sheet and place between 2 sheets of absorbant paper. Cover with a non-absorbant layer like wax paper and place a book or other weight over the sandwiched clay. Leave for an hour or longer and the excess oil will leach out.
Once you have mastered the basics, you are ready to try out some more advanced techniques!
Millefiore canes
From the Italian for “one thousand flowers”. This involves making canes by combining thin clay sheets, logs and other shapes. These are fitted together to create a picture or pattern that is revealed when the cane is cut. Discs cut form the cane can be applied as decoration.
Skinner blend
This process creates a sheet of clay which has a graduation transitioning between two or more colours. Although it can be done using a roller it is much easier when using a pasta machine.
Mokume gane
From the Japanese for “wood grain metal”. The process is similar to Millefiore in that thin layers of different coloured clays are combined. In this technique a slab is formed rather than a cane. This can be cut to take thin slices that reveal the pattern.
Mica shift
Polymer clays, such as the metallic or pearlescent clays, contain mica which is a synthetic reflective material. When clay is manufactured the flakes are randomly orientated and light reflects irregularly giving a sparkle effect.
By repeatedly passing the clay through a pasta machine the mica flakes become aligned. They then reflect light mainly in one direction only and look shiny.
The next step is to use a create an impression in the clay sheet using a stamp. Once the raised design is cut off the remaining clay retains a ‘ghost image’ of the resign. This effect is called mica shift.
We accept all the popular payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal.
If you wish to cancel an order or make a change please please contact us as soon as possible on hello@craftcellar.co.uk. We will do our best to make requested changes or cancellation but this can't be guaranteed and changes will not be possible once the order has been sent.
If the order has been sent, please wait for it to arrive, and if you no longer with any item contact us to arrange a return and refund.
Please contact us if there is anything missing from your order or if we have sent the wrong item. We will do our best to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Email: hello@craftcellar.co.uk
You can ask for a refund within 30 days of receipt of your order. Returned items must be in the exact same condition as they were received.
See our refund policy for details.
Once we receive your return item, please allow us 3-5 business days for your refund to process. The refund will be automatically credited to the payment method used for purchase.
Craft Cellar is registered for VAT (GB442807985). VAT is included in the displayed price and is charged on all UK sales including the postage. VAT is not deducted for overseas orders although may be collected locally before delivery.
A VAT invoice is automatically sent by email when the order is shipped. If you can’t locate this, please ask us and we will send it again.
Orders received before midday on weekdays are normally packed and sent out the same day.
We offer a range of shipping options including Standard (2-4 business days), Express (1-3 business days) and Next Day. See our shipping policy for full details.
Yes, free shipping is available for all the orders for over £60 sent to a UK address.
At present we only send to the Republic of Ireland. Please note that additional shipping costs based on the delivery address will apply and will be displayed at the checkout.
Orders sent to Ireland exclude UK VAT. Normally Irish VAT will be due and collected by the courrier plus a handling charge. Duty is not due on orders under €150 sent to Ireland.
You will receive a confirmation email from us after you have placed the order. We will also let you know when your order is on the move. Please check your email, including spam folder, for these messages.
If a tracked method was used to send your package your email will include details of this and a tracking number. Please check tracking on the courier web site for more information.
Nearly all packages arrive even if they take longer than anticipated. Royal Mail post, in particular, can take longer than expected. Please remember to check around your property and also check with other household members just in case it has arrived but you had not located it.
If you still cannot locate your package please contact us by email at hello@craftcellar.co.uk so we can investigate further.
Polymer clay is a made from a plastic polymer base called polyvinylchloride (PVC). This is a highly malleable plastic which can be shaped to make any number of items. It does not dry out and will keep for years if stored in a cool dark place. On ‘curing’ by baking it sets hard.
Manufacturers add other components to their clays to give them special properties – colouring agents, plasticisers, texture-enhancing fillers and materials for special effects such as mica flakes or glitter.
Polymer clays differ in texture, flexibility, hardness, ability ot hold detail, ease of working, colour range and special effect features. The best choice of clay depends on your project, your skill level, and your tools.
Clays that are softer are easier to work with and give rewarding results with less effort. They are the best choice if you are new to polymer clay sculpture. Firmer clays require more conditioning and in general need a higher level of experience and good tools to get the best results. They hold fine detail better than the soft clays.
We stock a large range of polymer clays from the 3 leading brands, FIMO, Sculpey and Cernit.
See 'Our Guide to Polymer Clay' for a summary of the characteristics of the different clays.
You need a clean and smooth surface to work on.
An acrylic roller is a great tool to produce flat sheets of clay to work with. A roller is very useful for conditioning the clay, and also for more advanced techniques including blending colours. Alternatively, a craft pasta machine makes quick work of condtioning and producing even sheets.
Although you can use a domestic knife it is much better to use a specialist blade for cutting the clay. Cookie cutters can be used to produce perfect shapes.
To crate detailed features a range of sculpting tools are available.
See Clay Tools.
Polymer clay remains usable for years if properly stored. It is important to keep it cool and out of direct sunlight.
Place in a suitable container and keep in a cool dark place. The fridge is ideal!
Polymer clays require conditioning before use to get the best results. This process slightly warms the clay and mixes the ingredients well. It makes the clay softer and more pliable.
Conditioning can be done by hand or with a craft pasta machine. By hand - Roll the clay into a log shape, fold, roll again, and repeat until the clay is easy to work with.
Pasta machine – Cut thin slices from a block of clay and run them through the machine several times until it is soft enough to combine without crumbling.
Uniform sheets of clay can be made easily using a pasta machine or alternatively use an acrylic roller on a clean smooth surface. Using guide rods helps to ensure that the clay sheets are of a uniform thickness.
Clay logs and balls are best made by careful use of your hands. Use a bead roller to make high quality beads.
For sculpting detail a large range of clay tools are available. Moulds are great for making small finely detailed items, including jewellery.
Polymer clays harden by oven baking. A domestic oven is suitable. The temperature and baking time differ between clays and may need adjusting depending on the thickness of the clay.
Polymer clays are normally baked for up to 30 minutes at temperatures between 110 and 130°C. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your clay for details.
It is advisable to use an oven thermometer to check the oven temperature. We recommend a test baking with a small piece of clay. If the clay darkens on baking the oven is too hot and you should lower the temperature by 10°C.
The clay should be placed on a flat surface such as a baking tray before putting in the oven and protected by lining the surface. Aluminium foil and baking paper are suitable.
Do not use a microwave.
Polymer clays come in a vast range of colours and effects. You can combine any polymer clays, even if of different types or from different manufacturers to create countless additional colours and effects.
Mixing clays is similar to hand conditioning. Roll small logs of the clays and twist together. Then fold them and roll again. Repeat until the clay has a uniform colour.
Sanding the baked clay is useful to remove fingerprints and rough edges. It will give a more finished look to your work. Use wet/dry sandpaper. The FIMO Grind ‘n Polish set is ideal.
Sanded items can be left with a matt finish or buffed to a high sheen.
Glazing is optional. It can be used to protect delicate surfaces or surface effects like metal foils. Acrylic water-based varnishes such as FIMO and Sculpey glazes are ideal.
An armature is a hidden structural element used to support a larger clay structure with the clay applied in a thinner layer over the surface. This gives stability, reduces the thickness of the clay to help with baking and reduces the amount of clay required.
Aluminium foil is ideal to provide bulk. Wires, glass and other objects can be used to support, but avoid flammable materials.
Hard clay
Clays may feel hard on opening the packet, especially if it is cold. Polymer clays require 'conditioning' to get them ready for use, and this process will soften them.
Older or crumbly clay may also need the addition of softening agents like Sculpey Clay Softener Liquid or FIMO Mix Quick.
Soft clay
Excessively soft clay has too much oily content. This can be reduced to make the clay firmer.
To do this, roll the clay into a 5mm sheet and place between 2 sheets of absorbant paper. Cover with a non-absorbant layer like wax paper and place a book or other weight over the sandwiched clay. Leave for an hour or longer and the excess oil will leach out.
Once you have mastered the basics, you are ready to try out some more advanced techniques!
Millefiore canes
From the Italian for “one thousand flowers”. This involves making canes by combining thin clay sheets, logs and other shapes. These are fitted together to create a picture or pattern that is revealed when the cane is cut. Discs cut form the cane can be applied as decoration.
Skinner blend
This process creates a sheet of clay which has a graduation transitioning between two or more colours. Although it can be done using a roller it is much easier when using a pasta machine.
Mokume gane
From the Japanese for “wood grain metal”. The process is similar to Millefiore in that thin layers of different coloured clays are combined. In this technique a slab is formed rather than a cane. This can be cut to take thin slices that reveal the pattern.
Mica shift
Polymer clays, such as the metallic or pearlescent clays, contain mica which is a synthetic reflective material. When clay is manufactured the flakes are randomly orientated and light reflects irregularly giving a sparkle effect.
By repeatedly passing the clay through a pasta machine the mica flakes become aligned. They then reflect light mainly in one direction only and look shiny.
The next step is to use a create an impression in the clay sheet using a stamp. Once the raised design is cut off the remaining clay retains a ‘ghost image’ of the resign. This effect is called mica shift.
We accept all the popular payment methods including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal.
If you wish to cancel an order or make a change please please contact us as soon as possible on hello@craftcellar.co.uk. We will do our best to make requested changes or cancellation but this can't be guaranteed and changes will not be possible once the order has been sent.
If the order has been sent, please wait for it to arrive, and if you no longer with any item contact us to arrange a return and refund.
Please contact us if there is anything missing from your order or if we have sent the wrong item. We will do our best to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Email: hello@craftcellar.co.uk
You can ask for a refund within 30 days of receipt of your order. Returned items must be in the exact same condition as they were received.
See our refund policy for details.
Once we receive your return item, please allow us 3-5 business days for your refund to process. The refund will be automatically credited to the payment method used for purchase.
Craft Cellar is registered for VAT (GB442807985). VAT is included in the displayed price and is charged on all UK sales including the postage. VAT is not deducted for overseas orders although may be collected locally before delivery.
A VAT invoice is automatically sent by email when the order is shipped. If you can’t locate this, please ask us and we will send it again.
Orders received before midday on weekdays are normally packed and sent out the same day.
We offer a range of shipping options including Standard (2-4 business days), Express (1-3 business days) and Next Day. See our shipping policy for full details.
Yes, free shipping is available for all the orders for over £60 sent to a UK address.
At present we only send to the Republic of Ireland. Please note that additional shipping costs based on the delivery address will apply and will be displayed at the checkout.
Orders sent to Ireland exclude UK VAT. Normally Irish VAT will be due and collected by the courrier plus a handling charge. Duty is not due on orders under €150 sent to Ireland.
You will receive a confirmation email from us after you have placed the order. We will also let you know when your order is on the move. Please check your email, including spam folder, for these messages.
If a tracked method was used to send your package your email will include details of this and a tracking number. Please check tracking on the courier web site for more information.
Nearly all packages arrive even if they take longer than anticipated. Royal Mail post, in particular, can take longer than expected. Please remember to check around your property and also check with other household members just in case it has arrived but you had not located it.
If you still cannot locate your package please contact us by email at hello@craftcellar.co.uk so we can investigate further.
