How to Start
Working with Polymer Clay (continued)
A Working Surface
Another thing that you will definitely need for any project (although it may not be mentioned specifically on your project sheet) is some sort of a working surface. It is NOT the surface of your dining room table, for at least two reasons: raw polymer clay may stain porous surfaces and it is better to keep it separate from your food. The best surfaces for working with polymer clay are a smooth ceramic tile or a sheet of glass. Either one can be obtained in a local home improvement shop. If you get a few small white ceramic tiles, they can be used both for working on them and for baking your polymer clay items on. These tiles are usually available for about $0.50 a piece.
An Oven
To complete your polymer clay project, you will have to bake it. This means, you will need something to bake it in – a regular oven, a toaster, or a convection oven. Since baking is a very important step in working with polymer clay, I discuss it in detail on a separate page, Baking Polymer Clay.
General Tools and Materials
If you are doing other crafts, chances are you already have some of the tools and materials that are required for your first polymer clay project (such as stamps, brushes, mica powders, various paints, etc.). Cross them out from your list.
If you do not have these materials already, buy small quantities in a craft store. For example, mica powders are available in single colors and in sets. If you just want to try your hand in polymer clay, get only the colors you need first. If you decide to keep this hobby, you can look for a better deal on the Internet later and buy in bulk.
Some other tools may be borrowed from your kitchen or throughout the house. These include knives, spoons, cups, and so forth. However, to be safe, it is wise to designate these tools for polymer clay only. If you are ready to consider them lost, you may cross them out as well.
A Pasta Machine and a Roller
A pasta machine is used to roll out the clay quickly and accurately. If you have a spare $40.00 to $60.00 and/or are absolutely sure that polymer clay is going to occupy a good portion of your time in the future, buy this machine and make your life easier. (By the way, if you look for a coupon, you can save up to 50% on this purchase).
If, however, you are savvy and/or not sure about this new hobby of yours, I would suggest getting a roller for now.
A good clear plastic roller can be found right next to polymer clay in a craft store and will cost you about $7.00. If you decide to buy the machine later, the roller will still be useful, so this money would not be wasted.
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