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Magenta
Starting Member
Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 4
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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 Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:42 pm Post subject: Getting Started |
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I am due to have my baby in 5 days. I have been looking at polymer clay as a hobby for quite some time, and thought that my time off from work for Maternity Leave might be a good time to try my hand in polymer clay.
What do you suggest as a supply list for starting out? I really like the idea of covering boxes or perhaps picture frames, light switch plates, etc.
I don't know how costly the pasta machines are, but is there anything else that can be used to make flat slabs in the meantime until I purchase one? I figure maybe a good ole rolling pin or something along that line.
What brand should I start out with?
What type of adhesive, if any, should I use?
What type of knives should I purchase and what is the difference between the different blade sizes? (like the Xacto knives)
Should I go right for the color clay or should I stick with translucent and paint it myself? If the latter. what type of paint should I use?
I am due this weekend and may be starting my leave next week. I won't have internet access while I am on maternity leave aside from visiting the library a few times. So any quick and helpful responces will be great! |
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ClayBacon
Clay Commander
Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 43
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| Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:44 pm Post subject: |
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Congrats!!! I too am having a baby soon (in about 2.5 months to be exact)
I'm somewhat of a newbie to Polymer clay also but I'll try to give my best answer for your questions.
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What do you suggest as a supply list for starting out? I really like the idea of covering boxes or perhaps picture frames, light switch plates, etc.
I also started out covering objects with neat designs using polymer clay. I would suggest something like this: http://www.theclaystore.com/pages-main-category-92/paper-mache.html
I actually just finished doing the treasure chest and it turned out pretty nice. The face masks looks like it would be fun too.
I don't know how costly the pasta machines are, but is there anything else that can be used to make flat slabs in the meantime until I purchase one? I figure maybe a good ole rolling pin or something along that line.
A rolling pin will do just fine for starting out. It is suggested that you upgrade to a pasta machine later just to get more consistency and it's a little easier to use.
What brand should I start out with?
I use Fimo and have had a lot of success with that. But this is typically an individual preference.
What type of adhesive, if any, should I use?
I use this : http://www.theclaystore.com/pages-main-category-108/adhesives.html
Apparenlty its a pretty popular one. I have never had any trouble with it.
What type of knives should I purchase and what is the difference between the different blade sizes? (like the Xacto knives)
I use this:
http://www.theclaystore.com/pages-productinfo-category-74-product-476/sculpting-tools-x-acto-x-acto-knife-set.html
I've never used any other blades or blade sizes so Im not sure I can answer this question well. i do know that ive been using the Xacto knife for about 5 months and its actually still very sharp.
Should I go right for the color clay or should I stick with translucent and paint it myself? If the latter. what type of paint should I use?
I would choose the color clay, to me it's more fun since you can do unique mixes and patterns which you cant really do with paint (unless you are a really good painter which I am not  )
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I've linked to a few products I've purchased on The Clay Store but feel free to shop around. There's a lot of different places to get this stuff. I prefer to shop at TCS because of price and same day shipping.
Good luck, I'm sure you will have a lot of fun. And again, CONGRATS!!!  |
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Magenta
Starting Member
Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 4
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:48 am Post subject: |
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Congratulations to you as well! Hope the summer hasn't been too rough on you so far, I know I am having hell here in Florida with the heat.
Thank you for all the links to the things you use. It is good getting another new person's perspective because, well, you remember what it is like being new! So you know what products have worked for you so far.
I have seen a lot of tutorials that explain using different blade sizes and I was just wondering what the difference would be really. I figured they all cut the same! But of course there must be something about the size of the blade that makes a difference with different projects, and perhaps we will get an answer to that.
Thanks again and take care! |
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theraje
Clay Captain
Joined: 03 Jul 2005
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 5:43 am Post subject: |
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Hey Magenta, welcome! And congratulations to the both of you!! ^_^
| Magenta wrote: | | I have seen a lot of tutorials that explain using different blade sizes and I was just wondering what the difference would be really. I figured they all cut the same! But of course there must be something about the size of the blade that makes a difference with different projects, and perhaps we will get an answer to that. |
I think the main reason different sizes are handy is that they're more tuned to specific tasks. Fine details are best done with smaller blades, while more shape-altering movements would be best with larger blades. I know when I'm making computer graphics, I like to use huge brush strokes for some things, and for the finer details, I'm more inclined to use small strokes. |
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catlady13
Clay Commander
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 41
Location: pawleys island South Carolina
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| Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Congrats on the baby...the baby will probably give you all sorts of ideas on what to make in lcay...like teddy bears!!!!!...anyhowClayBacond gave you lots of great info and there are tons of polymer clay sites...also books like Making Animal CHaracters in polymer clay by SHerian Frey...I am not sure if the clay store sells this one...if not North light books does...1800289-0963...but there is plenty of free stuff out there...DIY.net..has info and directions from the Jewelry making show and the Carol Duvall SHow...boith which have polymer clay artists on often...just go to the sight and pick the show and they will give an index of subjects...Emi Fukishims gives some great examples of oreintal plymer clay items..good luck Kathy |
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Brookies Rae
Clay Commander
Joined: 21 Aug 2005
Posts: 38
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| Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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My baby will be 1 in Oct.  |
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catlady13
Clay Commander
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 41
Location: pawleys island South Carolina
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| Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:08 pm Post subject: |
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Tee hee...my baby will be 36 next January...   Kathy |
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Brookies Rae
Clay Commander
Joined: 21 Aug 2005
Posts: 38
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| Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:22 pm Post subject: |
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| catlady13 wrote: | | Tee hee...my baby will be 36 next January... Kathy |
LOL, my mom is 40. I am 23. So you must be 21?  |
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catlady13
Clay Commander
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 41
Location: pawleys island South Carolina
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| Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 3:55 pm Post subject: |
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tee hee... you betcha girlfriend... you all can call me the relic... I am 54 this august...and sorta proud of it...  |
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ter1821
Starting Member
Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 7
Location: Florida
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| Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:39 pm Post subject: POLYMER CLAY SUPPLIES |
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| I AM ALSO IN FLORIDA OCALA TO BE EXACT DO YOU HAVE A MICHAELS OR A RAG SHOP NEAR YOU THEY ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE A SALE IN THE SUNDAY PAPER AND THEY USUALLY HAVE A COUPON FOR 40 OR 50% OFF ANY ITEM THAT IS NOT ON SALE I GOT A PASTA MACHINE FOR 10 DOLLARS USING THESE COUPONS TRY THAT FOR ALL OF YOUR NEW SUPPLIES |
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