Helpful Hints

[KatarooClay]

Does anyone have any helpful hints on technique, organization of material, or equipment that they would like to share.

[KatarooClay]

I use baby food jars to mix and store my "icing" mixtures.

I use a small spray bottle filled with water to wet my cutters, molds, and stamps before I press the clay into them.

I use wadded up aluminum foil to make texture on a number of my pieces.

Does anyone have a good method for storing their mixed clay colors for later use? I currently have mine in Ziploc bags in a tote. This is becoming unmanageable.

[BackWoodsMiniatures]

Use corn starch for powdered sugar on miniature desserts, on the bottom of cookie cutter, or as flower on breads.

Soda and/or beer bottle caps (spray paint them first) can be used as AMAZING pie plates. Plus they are FREE!

Cut of a tiny corner of a plastic bag and fill bag with icing mixture. This can be used as a piping bag for cookies and cakes!

[Former_Member]

I use a compartmentalise tool and screw holder thingamyi got from bunnings to help keep my canes organised and dust free.
I like to use knitting needles and crochet hooks as tools for sculpture and texturising and adding tiny details.. Also to connect a smaller piece of clay detail to a larger piece without mashing it.. Just gently stab the main piece to make small divot,then use needle/tool to place and press down additive piece. This makes sure bits don't fall off

[KatarooClay]

If anyone is having a hard time with older clay or clay that you are trying to thin down for "icing" I use a inexpensive mini food processor to condition the clay first before adding my softner or translucent clay. This works great!

[Former_Member]

When connnecting small pieces to other parts, I make a point on the end on the small bit and then insert it into a small hole I've made on the other part, and smooth the edges a bit.
The primary tools I use are a toothpick; a small, smooth kitchen knife; and a saftey pin. I'm looking into investing in some more official clay tools however, to be able to do more precise and detailed work.
Any suggestions for worth-while tools?

[KatarooClay]

I really like paper embossing tools and my Kemper Pro Needle. I use the needle tool everyday.

[Former_Member]

wow everyone has such great suggestions! I am really new to working with polymer too, and these are so helpful! The main tool I use is a cheap little plastic poker, and I took some old sterling I had from wire wrapping and melted the tip for a ball pointer. I also have a little clear 6 in ruler, I use for cutting stuff- I really need some better tools!

[Former_Member]

I roll all the tiny bits of clay that gets stuck to the table and clay that has gotten mixed by accident together to make the "tie-dye" clay that I use to create the Tie-Dye Teddy Bear charms in my shop. Waste not want not.

[IsolaArt]

Love the tips in this thread, especially the baby food jars for icing storage. Thank you everyone! :)

I discovered using a sharp razor blade a while back and now I wonder how I ever did manage without it for so long.