RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!!

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RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/9/2006 2:04:21 PM

dede10

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Thanks for the help Debbie! I bought some flecto semi-gloss (when you mentioned it I remembered I had tried it years ago and it had worked well) and tried it out, it became very glossy but still nice.

And thanks, Jeanne for letting us know that any polymer clay varnish can be used on any clay. I had some fimo glossy varnish but was hesitant to use it on premo, now I know!

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Post #: 61

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/9/2006 2:48:22 PM

dav820

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Andree if you can find it, Flecto Varathane also comes in a satin finish which gives more of a soft and matte look.

I also should have said that I don't really use the Armorall as a varnish--I use it on my vases (especially the older ones) to sort of buff them up and give them a shinier look (just like when you use Armorall on your car interior).

Anyway, glad to have helped. This thread has really re-awakened my interest in polymer clay. I've been so obsessed with photography that I haven't touched a piece of clay in almost a year! Think I might go play with some today...

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"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

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Post #: 62

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/9/2006 6:35:28 PM

dede10

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Thanks Debbie. I know it's not wearable art, but here's the semi-gloss result, très shiny!

< Message edited by dede10 -- 4/9/2006 6:40:26 PM >

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Post #: 63

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/9/2006 9:37:45 PM

dav820

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Love it! She looks very regal--very much like those stylized Egyptian cats.

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Debbie
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

DaVinci Designs

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Post #: 64

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/10/2006 9:18:17 PM

Harlan

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From: Michigan
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Excellent cat!!! :D And I liked the others that were in the thread in Pimpin!!! >^..^<

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Shawn - call me Jeanne - "Harlan" is my "professional" name - how I sign my paintings (blah blah blah) ;)

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Don't know why it should be but I have found that PREMO clay is the best for doing pin backs (on a previous page I've shown how I line the backs of my pins completely inserting the pin finding through two holes in the clay). There is something about the PREMO which makes for a consistantly smoother surface on the backs than any of the other brands. I usually end up mixing some of the left overs from the fronts with the Premo and it still comes out nice and smooth.

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Post #: 65

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/11/2006 10:19:51 AM

Kimmy

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What a great thread! Beautiful work!

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Post #: 66

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/13/2006 11:28:26 AM

Harlan

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From: Michigan
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Thanks!! ;)

I've really been enjoying working with Polyclay. I have worked with it before but never with such consistency and a real effort to learn more about how it works and what is possible - which seems to be endless. It is a fascinating medium!

Basically since I got started on this I have learned some well known technique such as skinner blending or foiling. I've played around with the possibilities until I go looking for another technique which gets added into what I've already learned. Then I'm off on a whole new set of experiments to see where that takes me.

It was the work of Elise Winters which got me started on this journey. I have perhaps discovered a few of the techniques she uses in her amazing work but have not learned the mastery she has accomplished. Truth is after starting to try to learn to replicate her work, I've gone off in completely different directions to satisfy my own curiosity and am no longer trying to figure out how she does what she does. ;)

Below I'm pasting the reply I posted in the thread asking about sealing acrylics on polyclay:

Did the polyclay thread answer this question??

Any of the varnishes for polyclay will seal an acrylic finish on top of polyclay.

That's just a basic varnish finish.

What I have been trying to learn is how to make acrylic embellishments on polyclay able to stand up to additional methods which include sanding. The best solution for this that I have found is to use a very thin layer of liquid translucent polyclay thinned with a bit of alcohol. The alcohol does not automatically thin liquid polyclay - I've pretty much forced the mixture with a brush - think of it rather like oil and vinegar - you can get them to mix but it takes a little bit of effort. Brushing this over the acrylic has proved, for the most part, to be enough of a sealant to allow me to do additional techniques and eventually submit the whole to some sanding (after curing/baking) without the acrylic paints being removed or removed completely.

Brushing this mixture over polyclay does tend to make for a rather sticky surface. This has sometimes been an advantage when I'm adding other things on top and sometimes a disadvantage as I want to put a piece through the pasta machine and it's pretty much a gummy mess. I have sandwiched the sticky layer between waxpaper to go through the pasta machine which has pretty much worked but I basically don't like that. My other solution has been to use decorative powders to cover the sticky areas. I also wipe down my pasta machine with ArmorAll before I put the polyclay/decorative powders through the machine. Some of the powder will end up being protected by the liquid clay and some of it will sand off.

Reminds me rather of Raku where the results are not always certain but there are many happy accidents! ;)

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Post #: 67

POLY CLAY HEALTH HAZARDS - 4/14/2006 9:01:41 AM

shawnmariehardy

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I am fairly new to poly clay - I've spent the last few days making molds, then using the molds. So I've spent a fair amount of time firing these pieces in the oven, with what I thought was enough ventilation. While I feel I followed the directions properly as none of my pieces were burned or scorched, and they are all nice and solid, I ended up in respiratory distress after a few batches. My upper respiratory tract is still a bit irritated but was extremely irritated the first night and I nearly went in for treatment, but felt they probably wouldn't be able to help because it wasn't bad enough. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I've looked online and found several places that talk about the hazards of the fumes if these clays are overbaked because of the release of hydrochloric acid gas. There seems to be much debate over this issue in getting better warnings onto the packages. I used an entire package of Sculpey over the past two days and nowhere on that box is there mention of hazardous fumes if this product is overbaked. There is only one little sentence: DO NOT OVERBAKE. No reason behind that statement is given.
I have asthma issues sometimes - usually during allergy season or around certain animals so I do have a somewhat sensitive system. But having said that, there should still have been some kind of indication on the box.
I could be argued that this respiratory issue is completely unrelated to the Sculpey product, but, the first time I used it about two years ago resulted in a similar issue. That was with Fimo.

I have found several sites that talk about the harmful effects of breathing in the fumes from poly clays and the symptoms are exactly what I'm experiencing. I'm wondering what thoughts some of you have on this topic and if anyone else has experienced a problem with poly clay.

Also, what suggestions would anyone have, other than to stop using it. Does anyone know if you can make good molds out of the air-dry clay? Is it as long-lasting as the kind you have to bake? What is the lifespan of air-bake vs. baked clay?

I appreciate any help or suggestions.

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Post #: 68

The POLYCLAY thread - 4/14/2006 9:51:11 AM

Harlan

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I've never had problems with fumes from polyclay but know that it can be a concern. Fumes are easy to avoid with some simple precautions.

Get an oven thermometer!!
DO you have a oven thermometer to check the real temperature of your oven? If not, get one! It is not unlikely that your oven is actually hotter than your setting. Fumes are far more likely if your oven is too hot and you bake too long.

Bake at a lower temperature!
It is better to bake the clay at a lower temp for a slightly longer time than to bake at the temperature indicated on the packages. Every oven bakes differently, over time you learn what times are needed for the pieces. Baking time is mostly related to the thickness of the clay. My pieces get baked twice for 8 minutes each time - that is half the time listed on most of the packages but is perfect because my pieces are thin. The 30 minutes generally directed is for pieces 1/4 of an inch thick or thicker. I have baked thicker items when I have made molds. I've baked these up to 45 minutes with no problems. Better to under bake than over bake!

Bake for a shorter time period!
If you have thicker pieces try baking them for a shorter period of time than recommended on the packaging. Let the item cool and test its consistancy. If it feels uncured, bake it again for a short period of time. It does not harm the polyclay to bake it multiple times to achieve a cured state. For the pieces I do I know I'm going to double bake my items so my timing is divided between the two baking sessions. Even my combined baking time is shorter than the directions.

Bake the clay in a different room!
The toaster oven I use for baking my pieces is in a completely different room from where I make the pieces. It is a good size room with a high ceiling. The main point is that no one is in that room while pieces are baking. When the pieces finish baking, I take them out of the oven and leave the room again until the pieces are cool.

If you can't set up your oven in a separate room - use a fan!

---------

MOLDS - What types of molds are you making, Shawn???

I've made molds out of polyclay, latex and other substances over the years. There are so many different types and purposes for molds. I might be able to give you better advice on what will make a good mold for you if I know what it is you are trying to make.

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Post #: 69

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/14/2006 11:33:26 AM

shawnmariehardy

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WOW! Thanks for that Jeanne! What a big help. I will heed that advice and try getting hold of a toaster oven so I can have it in a separate room. I would hate to end my experience with polyclay as I'm really enjoying it.

I am making molds of old doll faces, hands, legs, & other body parts. I use them in my art dolls and mixed media work. Here is a pic of the some of the molds I've made and the items that have come from them. Obviously, I haven't painted them yet.
There is a little cameo that you can't see very well, and I took an impression from a lovely old vase - it's a girl holding a bird and pointing - she's very intricate. Both of these are sort of like a Bas relief where the image just sets up slightly from the background. I'm very happy with them. The faces are from dolls around the house here - the largest is actually a lid from an old trinket box and I've added petals. The cat head was made from the top of an old Avon bottle. The butterfly was one of those old plastic hair combs. The hands were from a porcelain doll. the largest face with the petals are about 4x4" in diameter (including the petasl) just to give an idea of the size. These are to be glued down to a surface and I usually work on canvas or wood. I use Golden Gel Medium to adhere everything, unless I"m working with metal and wire and then I use solder and wire to secure the metals. I will also be using these faces in a new group of art dolls that I'm making out of found objects.

Thanks again for all the great tips!

Thumbnail Image

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< Message edited by shawnmariehardy -- 4/14/2006 11:43:09 AM >

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RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/14/2006 3:14:09 PM

Harlan

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Ooo!! Very kewl stuff!!!

Next time you are out to a store where they sell polyclay - look for some sculpez that is made for making MOLDS!!! It is much better than using the regular stuff! Why?? Because it remains flexible after baking which makes removing the items you have molded so much easier!!!

If you can't find the polyclay for molds - try using the sculpez bendable clay - that will work too AND it is also great for making polyclay tools!! I've made a tapered tip tool with it for smoothing edges and it's wonderful!! :D :D :D

Molds do tend to be thick so they will require longer baking times but check your oven temperature to be certain it isn't too hot (the most common problem!), lower the temp to about 250 degrees (actually, I think most of my work bakes at around 220 degrees), bake it somewhere where you do not have to be and that you can ventilate.

.25 - .50 inch should take between 20 or 30 minutes. Thicker than that - add another 10 minutes, let it cool and then check its consistancy. If it doesn't seem cured, rebake it for 10 to 15 minutes. After a while you sort of get a knack for
your oven. ;)

The molding clay and the flexible clay both feel different after baking than the normal clay - they will not be rigid - more the consistancy of a rubber gum eraser.

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RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/14/2006 10:57:23 PM

shawnmariehardy

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Wow! That's great Jeanne. I'm so glad I posted (and to think I have been with EBSQ for two years and just came on board the forums). You've been a big help.

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Post #: 72

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/25/2006 5:35:54 PM

Harlan

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I'm too lazy to set up some proper way to photograph these pins - so this photo doesn't really show how beautiful they are.

Guess I need to make myself a light box! ;) Just wish I had the space to set one up so I didn't have to move it aside later - the craft room is very crowded!!

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Post #: 73

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/26/2006 12:21:22 PM

labeana

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wow, Jeanne, you are really getting a wonderful look to your pieces, and it's totally you, not derivative of anyone....

I bought a lightbox at Michael's or a craft store like that...it was on sale for about twenty bucks and is only about 12" by 18"...perfect for small things like the pins....it's very portable, has little "feet" that allows it to be flat or at an angel....check them out!

< Message edited by labeana -- 4/26/2006 12:22:38 PM >

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RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/26/2006 12:28:01 PM

GreenBiscuit

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Oooh! How did I miss the latest batch? Very nice indeed, Jeanne, and I agree with Lauren - totally you!

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RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/26/2006 4:03:22 PM

Harlan

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I'll have to check into that light box - I took 6 photos (maybe more) trying to get this shot and while it is pretty good, it still isn't great

I sometimes feel as though all my experimenting and playing around is finally going to gel into something very interesting and unique but I haven't quite had that sort of break through. I do like what I have been doing but I am far from having the sort of quality that Elise Winters has with her pieces. Oh well, this is just a "hobby/career" on the side of my serious work! lol!!

< Message edited by Harlan -- 4/27/2006 9:44:10 AM >

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Post #: 76

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/27/2006 1:00:22 AM

labeana

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Oh, duh, Jeanne....that wasn't the kind of light box you were needing huh....lol...you were talking about one like there is on another thread so the light will be diffused, right?

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Post #: 77

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 4/27/2006 9:45:39 AM

Harlan

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lol!! I have one of those types of "light boxes", Lauren - used it doing at least one of the photos in this thread but, yes, I need one of those photographer light boxes that helps with the lighting. ;)

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Post #: 78

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 5/26/2006 10:24:25 PM

dede10

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Ok, here's what I've made. I made the original, made a mold and have been pulling these polymer cat beads out of them (these are the "final" ones, I'm not doing the molds AGAIN!). Not quite as colourful as Jeanne but maybe one day (one can always dream

). Any thoughts?:

I'm planning on making pendents based on watercolours I've done in the past. I'll post them in the next couple of days.

< Message edited by dede10 -- 5/26/2006 10:28:22 PM >

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Post #: 79

RE: The POLYCLAY thread - 5/27/2006 12:13:50 PM

Harlan

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I like them both!!! Very nice, Dede!!!! :D :D :D

I'm a little partial to the cat bead - they're both lovely, but I do like that one a whisker more. >^..^<

I've made a few molds and while they can be useful they also can be a pain. ;) I've seen some work done with molds that is pretty amazing - where the mold is use to get the basic form and then each piece is individualized. Very impressive!!

I haven't done much of any polyclaying this last week - which is so odd for me. Usually after I've finished my painting session for the day, I'm off to the craft room. Had expected to go out to lunch today which is not happening, so I'm either going out with my camera for a good long walk or I'm off to the craft room to polyclay. ;) Either choice should be good!

I've been collecting the containers from (insert name of mint here) to use as the foundations for Inro boxes if I ever get around to doing those. These containers are just perfect - the right size, an oval tube container so no hard edges as with the TicTac boxes.

Finally got to talk to Billie about finding an art fair or the like at which to sell my pins. There are a few in the area that she's going to check out. Will be nice to finally start selling these but that also means I need to spend a lot of time printing up and rubber stamping my support cards. There's always more to do! :)

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