20 Polymer Clay Tips and Tricks for Beginners #2

Hi everyone! Watch in HD :)
Tips and Tricks #1: • 20 Polymer Clay Tips a...
In this video I share with you lots of polymer clay tips, tricks and hacks that I have learnt through my own experience and research! Please note that I'm not a professional and that I only do clay as a hobby- it is not a full time job. I have been doing clay for six years so all this is information that I've learnt along the way. This video is aimed at beginners and people who are wanting to start polymer clay, however some more experienced crafters may also learn something new! Some of the information may seem super obvious to some people, but when you're first start out we all know that uncertainty all too well, so I wanted to include everything I could think of in one video for crafters to refer to!
Topics in this video include:
- Not baking your clay straight away
- Using wire for reinforcement
- Using foil for structure
- Scrap clay uses
- Cleaning with scrap clay
- Fimo clay packaging secret
- Making molds out of polymer clay
- Hot glue molds
- Inserting eyepins
- Rolling thin coils
- Using pearl clay to avoid fingerprints
- Blending with water
- Baking on cornstarch
- Storing liquid clay mixtures
- Avoiding plaquing (mooning)
- Pencil transfers
- Creating even sized pieces
- Quenching
- Using cling wrap
- Using scrap clay for donuts
Thank you so much for watching! Please give this video a like and subscribe for more :)
Links:
My Store - creativerachy.storenvy.com/
Instagram - @rachyh96
Crafty Amino - @rachyh96
Facebook - / creativerachy
Tumblr - / creativerachy
Get 10% off your purchase order at Sophie & Toffee! sophieandtoffee.refr.cc/M68QKG3 (Valid until 22 October 2018, check the link in a newer video if it has expired!)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What camera do you use to film?
I use a Canon 70D with and 18-135mm lens.
What program do you edit your videos with?
2012-2017: Windows Movie Maker
2017-current: iMovie
What brand of polymer clay do you use/what is your favourite?
I mainly use Sculpey, Fimo and Premo, just because that is what is available to me. I don’t really have a particular favourite; they all have different things I like about each one.
What do you use to glaze your charms?
I currently use UV resin. You can check out my video on how I glaze my charms here- • How I Glaze My Polymer...
I’ve also used Sculpey Gloss Glaze, Triple Thick, and polyurethane in the past, but UV resin Is definitely my favourite.
How long have you been doing clay?
I started polymer clay in 2012. It is just my hobby that I do in my spare time as I also have a full-time job :)
Do you sell your charms?
Yes, the link to my shop is in every video description. I usually post a shop update video to announce when I am having a large restock and charms will be available. Otherwise, I recommend following me on Instagram (@rachyh96) to keep up with any other news!
What cupcake base mold do you use?
I use the 14mm mold from MiniatureSweet which you can find here: goo.gl/fcNWjW
I also have a no mold cupcake base tutorial which you can watch here: • NO MOLD Cupcake Base│P...
I just started polymer clay; do you have any tips or advice?
Don’t compare yourself to others, practise and always experiment with methods and techniques yourself to learn! You can also watch my tips and tricks video for beginners here: • 20 Polymer Clay Tips a...

[@acolley2891]

Rachel how are you NOT a professional? You handle clay like you were born to.

[@mollyart1]

I’m definitely not a beginner, but some of these tips I haven’t even heard of before (like making a bed of corn starch for the clay and using pearl clays) and I’m so excited to try them!! I also agree that it’s so fun to take out a tray filled with charms!

[@colanahryt4120]

The corn starch method really works unless using Kato. It will weaken Kato for some reason. :( Baking soda beds work better for that brand.

[@lorelaibailey5735]

Yeah Harper melody simone

[@dibright1445]

@@colanahryt4120 Thank you for your tips. ❤️

[@miraklemoments973]

@@colanahryt4120 awesome right.....

[@maespace222]

THATS A HUGE HOT GLUE GUN

[@amypendergrass6461]

That hot glue mold is genius.

[@anobody8935]

Unless you paint your charms with acrylic paint afterwards!

[@poppaluv]

@@anobody8935 use some soap and water to clean the spray off.

[@Emily-dz2gy]

*ingenius

[@amypendergrass6461]

@@Emily-dz2gy No, I meant to say genius. Ingenious is another word that can also be used, but to say something is genius is a proper use of the word in an informal setting which this is. I meant what I said but thanks.

[@francescapham3703]

It didn’t work for me

[@MiziaBizia]

I used to play around with polymer clay a lot but it’s been about 3 years, seeing this video I think I’ll pick it up again because I really miss it I think I originally dropped because I thought I didn’t have the talent for it but now I’m thinking I might’ve just started off with a difficult brand of clay..anyways thank you this video was very helpful

[@jessicachan8609]

I totally felt the same way! The dust and particles that adhere to my clay used to drive me nuts until I watched this video!

[@mrscalifdreamer]

Another tip....”playing” with polymer clay helps me with my arthritis! Keeps my hands nimble!

[@mmrnda]

That’s a nice tip I actually have arthritis

[@ycart3285]

Man I gotta thank you so much for that tip about using foil in bigger pieces! I almost couldn't believe how light my pieces came out! I never would have thought to do that in a million years. I've only been crafting for a couple of weeks yet I feel like I'm already making professional looking stuff, thanks so much for all the tips

[@arriona1417]

Rachel:in no way am I a professional at clay Me:you’re joking right?

[@adriannaquiles9611]

HONESTLY............ ._.

[@aichitoshiki1321]

Right?

[@Angliss97]

#behumble #sitdown

[@alessandrameows]

Yeah she's right, google polymer clay art. There are some insane trippy shit, technique wise they are extremely complex. She's really good at making very cute stuff though.

[@gayatridevi3566]

Mmm

[@Manchessollte421]

Me: not into clay *watches this video and buys 400 dollars worth of clay and supplies* FUUUUUUUUUUUU (this is amazing and informative, thank you)

[@elliotsweet2046]

P Worley that’s literally what I’m about to do :0

[@marylloyd2342]

Rawr Attack: me too!

[@mrscalifdreamer]

Lol! I have hundreds of dollars invested in polymer clay and tools. Then I wanted to go to the next level....and found resin...with polymer clay! Well...there went a few hundred more on new tools, resins and molds! It just doesn’t stop! Lol good luck and have fun in your endeavors!

[@teecee8888]

Me too I also found resin and resin molds. $$$$ Thanks Clay! Hehehehe.

[@jennifergmail2686]

Omg that is soooo something I would do!!! Thanks for the smile!!!

[@user-cz2yx4fj9n]

I didn’t know that polymer clay is oil based! The more I know! I work with painting, and sometimes I use air dry clay. When you mentioned that polymer clay is oil based, I realized that polymer clay is like oil paint, while air dry would be watercolor, or acrylic paint!

[@user-cz2yx4fj9n]

Oh hello there, human being!

[@HobbyRat]

I rarely leave comments when watching these types of videos, but this was so well done! Thank you for all the tips! Most of these were great and unique tricks you don't hear over and over again on other channels.

[@dibright1445]

I also like how she puts everything in her comments that she's teaching in her videos. Great idea and much appreciated 👍 way to do it. Thank you ❤️

[@nyriagarcia468]

My dear, YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL....Don’t sell yourself short. Own it Girl!!!💕

[@ycart3285]

I've been watching polymer clay videos for, like, ten years, and I'm finally trying it out myself! I never thought I was a very artistic person but I feel like this is something I'm good at! Thanks for the tips, I've already used so many of them

[@sandrasolaligue-perez3606]

The forest scene ... I am in love with it!!! 💙💙💙

[@pip8852]

She has a video for it

[@trishaa1772]

Gonna be honest, got a little freaked out there 2:42 Great tips though! XD

[@harusaurus]

i've never heard of quenching improving strength, but it DOES improve clarity! if you're using a whitish, pearl, and especially translucent, quench your charms. translucent has a tendency to come out kind of yellowish (if you're not adding any other clays to it) and quenching will help make it whiter. i made some pearly white beads using translucent to go with some blue beads, and after baking, the white was yellowish. i quenched them right away and they turned out a nice cool white

[@ioannamalton5743]

These are fantastic! I've been doing lots of work with polymer clay and I learned lots of new tricks! Can't wait to try some of these out! Thank you Rachel!

[@belbatey8100]

Wow! An amazing tutorial for a first timer using polymer clay. I love the way you have made the tutorial easy to follow. I love crafting, so I’m looking forward to having a go at this craft. Wish me luck x

[@svnfloweredits1227]

Not a beginner I’ve been doing clay for 6 years now but some of these will still super helpful

[@pastuh]

I plan to do miniatiures, around 2x2 cm Maybe you can suggest which brand/type to use?

[@svnfloweredits1227]

pastuh I use lots of different brands the the best thing to do starting out would be to get softer clays

[@svnfloweredits1227]

pastuh jUst if you do you different brands together make sure when you bake them to bake at a lower temperature than they say for longer so nothing burns

[@ldf8067]

I'm new at this do you use a kiln

[@svnfloweredits1227]

LD F oh no just a normal oven and the clay will say a how high it needs to be an how long you need to cook it so I usually cook it at a lower temperature for longer so nothing gets burned is that makes sense :)

[@bonniifoale749]

Couldnt have been timed more perfectly, I just binged some of your stuff last night and thought about pulling my polyclay out xD currently waiting for my first sophie and toffee order haha

[@justacatwhocantype]

I want to start working with clay and this video, along with the first one, answered so many of the questions that I had. Thank you very much.

[@PlushMods]

The 73 Dislikes Are From The Microwave

[@lisa-yh3zd]

Bahahahahahhahahh

[@redwolfmute9471]

No all 93

[@violetcarson5532]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 how can you not like like this video

[@lingyic3549]

no all 112

[@lingyic3549]

@Hazelnut Bites no its 114 rn

[@HerculeseBaby]

So glad to hear it’s okay to go back to something weeks later to finish it! I was afraid I’d have to start over

[@dacdacgirl-alex3213]

Oh my goodness ... I got so much from this video - THANK YOU 💗

[@juliettecheng8851]

Awesome!!!! I love your tips!

[@tanyaknipe7174]

I've finally decided to have a go at doing this. I'm pretty much of a person who loves to any types of arts and crafts. Thankyou for your informative vlog. I didn't realise that there's so many headings when it comes to doing this. I'm impressed with your other vlogs that you also done. Keep up with your great work and I look forward to seeing other creative things you come up with. Have a great week too. 😀

[@DSmith-pc9jn]

Thank you. I leaned a lot. I use polymer clay to make medallions on the journals I make to sell at a local gallery. I'm looking forward to trying the glue mold as well as others in your video.

[@annajihae9033]

thank you so much for the tips:) i love your videos!

[@Stupidmadness]

Thank you so much! I love both your Polymer clay tips videos, thank you so much for helping us beginners :) I can't wait to watch more of your videos

[@sandrasasch1288]

As valuable as the first part! Just great! Thank you very much!

[@EdmundDesigns]

I never fail to learn something new about polymer clay from you. Thanks!

[@wellness4me2]

WOW- WOW- WOW! I've been on a 6 years break from clay-work and I must say that your videos are brilliant! You caught me up to speed and now I can't wait to get my work room cleaned out and get back to work! Thanks ever so much! Many hugs! Robin- in Israel!

[@nimhfinitepossibilities7609]

Thank you so much for making a second tips and tricks video! I had figured out most of the ones from the first video myself when I was learning the medium, but I don't think I knew ANY of these! I can't wait to try them out!

[@abigaildivo6804]

Hi Rachel! You’re so good at clay stuff 👌🏻😮🧡

[@debl.871]

Thank you so much for the great useful tips!

[@twiliwolfwrites3663]

Thank you so much! I can't wait to start!

[@littlegoblet5156]

From a Noobie I just want to say thank you for these awesome tips. I was going ooohhhh . . . .ahhhhhhh as I was watching this video. I am so going to use these ideas in my upcoming projects.

[@dibright1445]

Another great video. I just started watching you, this is my second one, and I look forward to watching MANY more. ❤️

[@doitwithme7845]

This video was incredible! I just bought polymer clay but I realised that it's way harder to work it than I thought. Your tips gave me a better understanding on how to do so and I will definitely implement a lot of your tips in my creations! Thank you very much for sharing this. Going to watch part 1 now.

[@preethsstop]

This video gave me some new learnings even though I've been working on polymerclay already for a long time now ! Thank you! 😀💗

[@yuinaxestyle]

I LOVE IT! This is my first time here in ur channel. I alr fell in love with it

[@loriadesignsstudio799]

Thank you for this!! I love creating charms and this was indeed helpful!

[@jxn1056]

This is the most helpful video I have seen! Thank you & God Bless! I love clay and I have tons of polymer clay, molds, tools, etc that I bought a year ago. I slowly stopped playing with it. This video has motivated me to start again 💖💖💖

[@SilentNoMore64]

I know this is an older video, but I just have to say that Creative Rachy is my absolute favorite polymer clay channel. I have learned so many techniques from you. You have such a wonderful knack for teaching and your personality and willingness to share is unmatched. Thank you very much.😄😄😄

[@jojobrew4798]

I've been claying for about 2-1/2 yrs now and knew about some plastics not working with clay and you know it wasn't till I saw those screw together containers I realised I had them with clay bits in them, I knew most were wrapped up in cling wrap but not sure all were, I checked them, luckily they hadn't done much but they were starting the top layer peel, so they were taken out. And the hot glue trick, never thought about that, that's brilliant. I love watching all types of tutorials because you never know what you'll pick up, any craft really, amazing hints and tips, thanks so much 💐

[@KH0LRA]

it's time to rekindle my childhood obsession with clay once quarantine ends! great video btw

[@Iamrahcole]

I want to start making and selling clay jewelry but have NO experience at all. For the last 2 days I’ve been looking at tutorial after tutorial trying to learn as much as I can before I start purchasing supplies and your channel by far has given me the most information. I’m super excited to get started.

[@kelliemccann9463]

Both of your videos were so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much :)

[@phoenix23ltb]

Oh wow, woman. This video was incredible and changed my world. I'm just starting out with clay and I'm just floored by your awesome techniques! Thanks so much!!!

[@kazeinhaus1065]

Thank you so much for those tips! Learnt some new tricks that I can't wait to try out. I eagerly await your next video, you're awesome!

[@leviricard9663]

I have just started polymer clay and love it you Creative Rachy you have been so helpful i love watching you vids you have inspired me so much i just want to say thankyou

[@lisajennings2194]

Great tips, thank you so much for sharing. :)

[@PlaguesPosies]

Aaaaah you are amazing!! Thank you for this! ❤️

[@niianina]

Thank you so much for sharing with us your experience and research.!

[@maggiewright9944]

AM BLOWN AWAY THE BEST VIDEO I'VE EVER SEEN ON YOU TUBE. CLEAR TO THE POINT INFORMATION, NO SILLY VOICES OR DREADFUL MUSIC. I HAVE LEARNT SO MUCH FROM THIS AND YOUR OTHER VIDEO. THANKS SO MUCH. X

[@KellyLynn89]

These videos are great! I watched your previous one as well and you answer so many questions I had. I've just bought some clay for the first time and I'm excited to get started!

[@agnesturpin4604]

Thank you. This was great. Been using polymer clay for more than ten years but still learned quite a few things. Thank you!

[@tunesfordays]

Your videos are just so so helpful! Thankyou so much for sharing what you have learned. Cant tell you how much i personally appreciate the honest tips and knowledge you are so happy to share. I hope you do well from your creations, you deserve to. Xx

[@ashlynmilton9218]

😍😍😍 thank u Sooo much I needed this soo bad.🤣

[@kaitlynwilliams6359]

I picked up polymer clay after I lost access to my stone clay studio. Thanks for the educational videos! You're keeping my sculpting flame alive :)

[@lolalor3996]

Your the best rachy!! These tips were very helpful :)!!!

[@misstricksmix]

Amazing polymee clay tips and tricks !!! So useful 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@TTDFen]

Thank you so much for all the great tips!

[@NatashaCreatesThings]

Wicked helpful thank you!!!

[@hotash26]

This video is amazing!! Thank you for some really awesome tips that I never would have thought of!

[@ScooterB28]

Awesome video! Thank you so much for your tips and inspiration!!

[@Dee-rg9yb]

Sooo helpful! Thank you!

[@znycelondon5313]

Enjoyed your tutorials......all of them really detailed along with your easy to listen to voice was very helpful. 🌹

[@thetinymacaron]

Yayyyyy new video I love you tips and tricks video rachy 😍👌

[@sothathappened]

Super helpful! thank you!

[@edwardrosenfield7282]

I loved this! I've been a polymer clay artist for over 30 years and learned some good tips. Thank you, Rachy!

[@Chloe_777]

Hello sir , can I make polymer clay at home , do you have a recipe for it, I really appreciated it if you could help me out, thank you so much.

[@Schatzie301]

I’ve been doing polymer clay literally since it was introduced and many of these tips and tricks were new to me. Thanks so much for a great video.

[@creativelizard7467]

Genius tips, thank you!!! I’m just starting to explore polymer clay and your tips are definitely so helpful and inspiring 🙂

[@harmonywhalan4877]

OH MY WOW, THANK YOU! This was so incredibly awesome!! I learned so much!!!

[@gracicreates3795]

I've learned so much ! Thank you for sharing.

[@misabear1990]

Very helpful ! Thank you so much ❤

[@user-gv2qi7qj8e]

Love Your Tutorial!!!! I’m a Beginner 😌. Learnt a Lot from You:). Thank You Sooo Much for sharing ♥️

[@samanthachua5362]

such an awesome video, can really see the effort. great work!

[@ruwgirl]

Really useful tips 👍🏼 thank you ❣️

[@lalkavictoria]

Thank you so so much! this helped me out so much. I subbed so fast

[@meganthomas3212]

I love these videos that you make!!! So helpful

[@kailanijohnson1068]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@kathiehoskins813]

Awesome tips and tricks. Thanks for sharing them.

[@anniegoris]

I LOVE THIS! PLEASE DO A PART 3!

[@terry-ck6hw]

Excellent !!!! Thank-you !

[@parisazarifi]

Real useful tips thanks alot!

[@RezinGoddezz]

LOVE your videos Rachel! Just started clay thanks to you!! Was wondering where you purchased your tin?

[@gimmeachance7059]

The stuff you create is beautiful!

[@Alaa-co5gs]

I absolutely love your videos! THANK YOU

[@wsnkj3383]

Cleaning with scrap clay is genius YOU are a pro Love your channel Rachy:)

[@BeachedMermaid]

Thank you for making this, I’ve been making earings but I wanted to move on from beads and toy charms to polymer so I’m doing research and your video is perfect

[@KaushikiAnartistfromsoul]

Great video! thank you so much for the share!

[@jackiechilds8538]

I've been putting off using my polymer clay as I'm a beginner and apprehensive but you've certainly given me some confidence - so now I begin

[@SharkBait__]

These are so helpful! Thanks, Rachel.

[@gracefromglaur5488]

Loved the video very infomative and easy to understand and I learnt a lot. Love your videos. Can't believe that creating polymer clay things is a hobby for you, you seem you really enjoy it. Is a passion of yours? I love all your videos. Grace

[@mimidyumkyu2534]

I’m buying polymer clay soon and I’m so excited:D I’m glad I’ll be able to do my own kawaii accessories

[@ptitenoli9219]

Your tips are INCREDIBLE

[@jamesle7237]

Yay all of these tips are amazing!!

[@janscott821]

Thank you for all the tips!

[@miraklemoments973]

wow! i love you.....learnt so much....these tips are awesome and very thoughtful, shows your love for the art and the experience...THANK YOU

[@carlamichelle4527]

Thank you so much for this videos!! I'm learning so much and pumping me up for my stuff!!