Tag Archives: polymer clay beginner

Stamping on Polymer Clay

Hi Weekend Crafter!

It’s Anj here and for this tutorial, I want to share with you how I’ve repurposed my stamps to use on polymer clay. During my scrapbook phase, I had acquired a lot of ink pads and clear stamps to use for my crafting. But when I started devoting more of my time to polymer clay, scrapbooking took a back seat and so did the tools. That is why I’m so happy I found another use for these stamps.

So today, let me show you how I made bag tags, bookmarks and plant markers.

For materials, you will need polymer clay, alphabet stamps and ink pads. I used both a chalk ink pad and a pigment ink pad and both worked pretty well. You will also need a tag stamp, a clear mini block, a rectangle corrugated cutter and a small circular cutter, a clay blade and a clay roller. FYI, I actually tried out a lot of different methods of putting color on the stamps. I used permanent markers and mica powder. But using the ink pads was actually the easiest way of putting color on the clay. Plus, once the items were completely baked, the colors become permanent.

First, bring out your polymer clay and roll it out into the number 3 setting. Then, choose your stamp and place that on the clear block. Ink the stamp by pressing it lightly on the ink pad and then gently stamp it on the clay, applying enough pressure for the stamp to get embedded on the clay. Neaten out the edges and bake the clay using the instructions on the packaging.

I hope that you enjoy making these very simple, but quite useful crafts. If you haven’t yet, do comment, like and subscribe to the Craft Time Studio. I love answering your questions, and helping you in your polymer clay journey. I’m also on IG @crafttime.ph. Have a crafty weekend!

6 Basic Tools for Making Polymer Clay Earrings

It’s an exciting time for polymer clay. While many have just discovered this hobby, and are eager to splurge on what supplies they might need, I suggest checking out these 6 basic tools to start with when making clay earrings.

MAT

Being the owner of many craft-stained tables, I have come to realize the importance of using mats to protect my work surface.

While I myself now use a glass mat mounted on carboard, I began with just using a stiff plastic folder to roll my clay onto. Aside from glass mats, there are also silicon mats made specifically for clay. Whatever is available to you, know that the important thing is to prepare for a clean space where you can roll out your clay so that you don’t mix it with dirt, lint and other undesirables.

ROLLER

For a beginner, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest immediately buying a metal clay roller because good ones can cost a lot. When I started out, I used any plastic tube that I could find, and just made sure that I topped it with parchment paper. You can also use popsicle sticks to level the clay evenly.

BASIC CUTTERS

If you are jus starting, I recommend using basic metal cutters—they cut very cleanly and when combined, they can also make unique shapes.

DETAIL NEEDLE

Needles are a great way to add texture to your clay. I also use them to put holes on where my metal findings will go.

CLAY EXTRUDER

For this tool, I think there is no alternative, and you will need to buy one especially if you are still practicing making logs. While making snakes or logs can be done by hand evenly, it will take years of practice to actually master this.

PLIERS, CUTTERS, Etc.

And of course, if you are making earrings, you will need to attach your earring findings using pliers and cutters.

I hope that beginners will find something useful in this. Happy crafting!