Polymer Clay Tips

All the polymer clay tips and tricks I have accumulated over the years. You'll get a glimpse into the things the professionals know about that make working with polymer clay so much easier and more rewarding.

I will be constantly adding to them so check back often. If you don't want to miss an update, like my Facebook page to stay in the loop.


Polymer Clay Tip Videos

Reducing Polymer Clay Canes

How to reduce polymer clay canes

Reducing Polymer Clay Canes

Reducing canes is an important skill for all polymer clayers to learn.

In this cane reduction tutorial, I'll be showing the correct procedure for reducing round, square, triangular and hexagonal polymer clay canes.


How to clean your polymer clay pasta machine

how to clean your polymer clay pasta machine

How to clean your polymer clay pasta machine

I find that a quick clean everyday is more than enough to keep my pasta machine in tip top condition. As long as I'm diligent about doing it every evening, when I am finished working for the day, I don't have any trouble with clay build up on my blades.

In this tutorial I'll show you how to clean your polymer clay pasta machine without removing the blades or fenders. It’s really simple and easy to do, and it only takes five minutes.


How to prevent pasta machine ripples

How To Prevent Pasta machine Ripples

How to prevent pasta machine ripples

Don't you hate it when you've worked so hard to make a Skinner Blend, only to have it ripple in your pasta machine?

In this video tutorial I'll show you how to prevent your clay from rippling in your pasta machine, as well as, how to prevent pasta machine poop from getting onto your polymer clay.


Using a Polymer clay pasta machine without width guides

Using a polymer clay pasta machine without width guides

Using a Polymer clay pasta machine without width guides

Pasta machine width guides are great for keeping your Skinner Blend or polymer clay veneer to a specific maximum width, but they aren't available for all makes of pasta machine. So what to do?

In this polymer clay tutorial I’ll demonstrate how to use your pasta machine without width guides and still prevent your Skinner Blend or veneer from expanding to the width of your rollers.


How to dome polymer clay

How to dome polymer clay

How to dome polymer clay

In this polymer clay tutorial, I'll be showing you how to dome polymer clay beads using two different methods. The first and more common method is done by using a cutter. The other is with a template.

Depending on your particular project, doming can add a new and interesting dimension to your work. Knowing how to dome polymer clay is a simple, but useful polymer clay tip that is worth adding to your repertoire.


Jessama Smear Polymer Clay Tip

The Jessama Smear

Jessama Smear Polymer Clay Tip

In this polymer clay tutorial I’ll show you how to finish off your beads using a technique that I call the Jessama Smear.

I've shown this technique in other videos, but in this detailed Jessama Smear Tutorial, I'll show you all the tips and tricks you need to get it right every time. It takes a bit of practice, so hang in there and you'll soon have it mastered.


Kato Liquid polymer clay for the Sammy Smudge Technique

The sammy smudge

Kato Liquid polymer clay for the Sammy Smudge Technique

The Sammy Smudge is another great technique for finishing off your polymer clay pendants.

It gives a wonderful shiny finish, and reduces the need for sanding. It can be used as a stand alone technique, but using it over the Jessama Smear will yield the best results.


Polymer clay veneer with pastels

Preventing Polymer Clay Surface Techniques From Smudging

Polymer clay veneer with pastels

In this polymer clay tutorial I'll show you an indispensable little trick that prevents your mixed media polymer clay surface techniques from smudging or scratching off.

It also allows you to sand and buff surface effects, such as alcohol inks, mica powders and other mixed media that you normally wouldn't be able to.


Sharpening polymer clay tissue blades

How to sharpen polymer clay tissue blades

Sharpening polymer clay tissue blades

In this polymer clay tip tutorial I'll be showing you three different ways to sharpen your polymer clay blades.

I'll also show you how to clean your blades between uses. It reduces residue and will make your cuts crisper.


Polymer clay textures around the house

Polymer clay textures around the house

Polymer clay textures around the house

In this video I’ll show some of the many polymer clay textures that are found lying around in most homes and gardens. From feathers to pasta, they're all right there in front of you.

They're a great way to add interest to your polymer clay designs, and unlike polymer clay texture sheets and stamps, they don't cost a cent.


Polymer Clay Articles

Tips for buying the freshest polymer clay

Tips for Buying the freshest polyclay

Tips for buying the freshest polymer clay

Old clay can make your life a real misery no matter what brand you choose!

Once you've figured out which polymer clay brand will best suit your needs, you can use the tips and tricks in this article to make sure that the polyclay you buy is soft and fresh.


Baking Polymer Clay In Cornstarch or Baking Soda

Baking Polymer Clay In Cornstarch or Baking Soda

Baking Polymer Clay In Cornstarch or Baking Soda

Baking polymer clay in cornstarch or baking soda protects the shape of your bead and prevents flat spots, stops your beads from rolling around, and, most importantly, helps prevent burning.

In this article I’ll talk about the ins and outs of baking polymer clay in cornstarch and baking soda and things to look out for. I’ll also show you a few alternatives that achieve the same results without as many hassles.


How to Firm Up Soft Polymer Clay

How to Firm Up Soft Polymer Clay

How to Firm Up Soft Polymer Clay

Soft polymer clay is almost impossible to work with. It sticks to everything, and everything sticks to it, and worst of all, it can gum up your pasta machine. Some brands are more likely to be the culprits than others, but even the firmest brands can turn sticky during the summer. 

In this article I’ll show you a few tips to help firm up your soft polymer clay, and keep it workable, even through the hottest months of the year.


how to soften polymer clay

how to soften polymer clay

how to soften polymer clay

Hard clay has to be one of the most irritating things you come across when working with polymer clay. Thankfully there are many different things you can do to get it back on track.

In this article I’ll show you how to soften polymer clay and bring some life back into it with a range of easy tips and tricks.


Do you have any great polymer clay tips to share? Let me know in the comments below.

This page will be constantly growing. If you would like to stay up to date with new articles and tutorials as they are released, please join my Facebook Group, and don't forget to like and share with your friends.

The group is the best place to keep up with all the latest news, product releases and tutorials, and you will have early access to new material before it is released on YouTube or the website. There are also exclusive giveaways and a discount coupon for my shop, JessamaDesign on Etsy.

We have a fabulous group of members already. It's a great place to share, be encouraged and ask all of your polymer clay questions.


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