by Martha Leonard

Created on: January 15, 2007   Last Updated: April 12, 2007

Modeling clay has always been popular with children and adults alike. There is nothing like pounding, rolling and squeezing a malleable object to bring out the creativity in all of us, especially if there are great colors involved. It's easy to feel like the next breath-taking sculpture is just another pinch away!
Polymer clay is a welcome, fairly recent addition to the clay world. This clay, made from the same ingredients as PVC, is so versatile, so easy to use and so durable, it has taken the art world by storm. It comes in various shapes and sizes, liquid or solid and many beautiful colors. While considered an art clay by many, it is safe and adaptable for children of all ages to use. The solid clay softens when handled, allowing for great flexibility and mold-ability. It has a shelf life of months, sometimes years. Your clay creations are preserved by baking in a normal oven found in every kitchen. Once baked the clay is durable, resistant to breakage, heat, moisture and time. Some variations of the clay may remain soft even after baking.

Products of this wonderful clay include sculptures, beads, jewelry, pictures, vases, household items such as pictures frames, light switch covers, pots, jars and boxes. I have also seen wearing apparel, such as vests and accessories such as purses! It can be punched, woven, rolled, flattened, pierced and sewn. It will accept pictures and images from magazines and computers. It has even been made into postcards and mailed!
Most libraries have at least on, if not more, books on using polymer clay. The web has many sites offering suggestions, advice, tutorials and step-by-step projects using this art media. One of the best ones is PolymerClayCentral.com, which offers many valuable links to other great sites.
Small, introductory packages of polymer clay may often be found at large general chain stores with craft sections such as Wal-Mart. More varieties and colors may be found at arts and crafts stores such as Michaels, Joannes and Hobby Lobby. For the serious user, I recommend ordering the clay on-line, particularly if you live in an area that does not feature art and craft shops nearby. Use a search engine like Google or a clay site such as PCCentral listed above to locate your on-line stores.
If you like working with your hands; if you like working with color; if you like to make things, I guarantee you will love this clay! It makes itself equally at home with the youngest child, the rankest amateur or the professional artist.
Did I say I love working with polymer clay?

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