I have an Aunt who is quite talented when it comes to polymer clay. About 25 years ago (yikes!) she gave me some chunks of clay in varying colors, and I've moved this tin with me to every apartment and house I've lived at along the way. Always meaning to use it and never getting around to it!
It's been particularly rainy lately, and we were rapidly running out of rainy day activities. One evening after everyone was in bed, I snuck down to my studio with a nice cup of Earl Grey and got to work. I want to say I was testing this for the kids but if I'm honest... I wanted a chance to play uninterrupted!
Amazingly the clay hadn't dried out, and within a few minutes of being manipulated it warmed up and was easily pliable. For this project, I had some molds thanks to a goodwill find previously. I don't think the molds were set up for polymer clay but with a little patience, they worked great!
Supplies:
- Polymer Clay in a variety of colors
- Decoart DuraClear Matte Varnish
- Clay Molds
- Oven
- Oven Safe Plate or pan (NO METAL)
After creating several different designs, I preheated my oven to 275° and baked these on a non-metal sheet for about 12 minutes. Once they were cool, I clear coated them with Decoart DuraClear Matte Varnish.
Having never worked with Polymer Clay I was unsure on whether this would be a kid-appropriate craft project. My kiddos are aged 6 and 4, and they LOVED it! They loved having the molds to start out with, and then creativity quickly took hold. Baking them in the oven wasn't terribly stinky, and we punched holes in their designs beforehand so they could be worn. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well this old clay not only held up but also how well it baked. I am now tracking down more molds and tools, so we are prepared to create more on our next rainy day adventure!
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