Q+A: Your 24 Most Asked Polymer Clay Questions Answered! + Giveaway Winner Announcement!

Your 24 Most asked Polymer Clay and Business questions answered! Today I am giving you the scoop on your biggest questions about jewelry making, polymer clay, and running a small craft business. I will also announce the winner of last weeks video!
To stay connected and learn more polymer clay tips, tricks, and how-to’s SUBSCRIBE to Of Clay Jewelry's channel and turn on post notifications! Thanks so much for watching, be sure to like this video, and I’ll see you next time! I post a new video every week.
xoxo,
Lisa
Let’s Connect!
Shop: www.theslowhaus.com
IG: @theslowhaus
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Products Mentioned:
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Helpful Videos:
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How To Perfectly Sand Polymer Clay PART 2
• HOW-TO: Perfectly Sand...
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[@cloyingarafah]

here are the questions and their timestamps :)) 02:35 I bought sculpey III , what do I do?? 03:54 Can I mix clays? 04:35 Where should I shop for earring hardware? 05:44 What size jump rings should I use? 07:22 My earrings keep breaking! What am I doing wrong? 08:20 How do I keep my rainbow arches from falling apart? 09:25 How do I pack ny jewelry safely? 10:04 Whats the most affordable way to ship products? 10:56 Can I see how you package your earribgs and what your process is? 11:35 What kind of earrings hooks do you use? 12:46 How do you make the speckled texture on your earrings? 13:40 How do you condition clay? 14:24 What is the best website to use for an online store? 15:47 How do I stop my clay from bubbling when I run it through my clay press? 16:45 How flexible should my earring components be after I bake them? 17:37 How do I make my earrings look less plastic like? 18:08 How do you make perfect pasta strands for your rainbows? 18:43 I tried to buy " " that you suggested, but its sold out . do you have other recs? 19:59 How do I know my jewelry is good enough to start selling? 21:25 I have very old clay, is it still okay to work with? 22:00 How do I attach posts to my earrings 22:49 Can I use a nail sander machine electric fill on my clay jewelry? 23:21 Do I have to use a cleansing balm ti remove white residue? 24:23 Im new and want to start a jewelry business. do you have any tips for me

[@deepraj4620]

thank you so much omfg!

[@TheHourofWitchery]

Oh my god, and then theres this lovely chick saving lives over here....

[@Cafeconmipadre_03]

Thank u sooo much💘

[@moralesd295]

I love how you genuinely want to help people new to jewelry making. Like, you’re not hiding any products or tips and tricks which is so nice(: You clear up so many things for me !

[@samanthaskinner3776]

you are seriously amazing, thank you for all this information. I am so thankful I found your channel!

[@sarahpowell1463]

I think a good tip for knowing when you're ready to sell your jewelry is when you would buy it if you saw it online and would be satisfied with it!

[@sophiat1901]

So glad you love Austin! 💛 Thank you for all your tips and tricks! 😊

[@jeenajimenez7007]

So glad I found your channel! Thank you for sharing so much great information. I just bought sculpy bake n bond for my rainbows and I’m hoping it will help them hold better but I’m going to try your tips for pressing them together more as well! 😊

[@thebells4229]

I just wanted to thank you for making such great videos! These are so helpful for makers, like myself, who are just starting out. Plus your voice is so relaxing! I could listen to you all day lol

[@MarliSelene]

I love your channel! Super excited when I found it and already watched all videos and keep checking in for more then I realized you're in Portland! I really hope you and your family are staying safe. Take your time and we'll be here when you're ready 🤗

[@hannahc4641]

I'm finding your channel so helpful in starting to explore polymer clay jewellery making, thank you! :)

[@sarahbizal248]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I jumped into the polymer clay business a month ago and your videos helped me avoid a lot of mistakes. Thank you thank you!!

[@fuss3709]

I’ve been making polymer clay earrings & now more accessories for a year exactly & just came across your channel! I’m so excited to find you, there aren’t enough channels dedicated to us clayers!

[@talkswithjess2950]

Hey Lisa! I’ve recently become obsessed with polymer clay and I have been binge watching all of your videos! You’re so sweet and concise and you explain things so well. I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make these videos :)

[@completelycassidy]

I'm obsessed with you!! haha I just found your channel the other day and binged all your videos. 😂Also, your hair is so adorable! I started doing clay earrings recently and have been learning and practicing and getting it right before I start selling them and your videos have helped a bunch. I would love to see where/how you find your jewelry accessories and packaging/branding stuff more about the markets and doing all of that! :)

[@amandah.9329]

Thanks for the great info and high quality content! Looking forward to future videos :)

[@shanbrooks123]

Hi from UK! Love all your videos, they are really helping me! It's nice to get honest tips and advice from another creator as some tend to not want to share anything!

[@samanthaschickel8798]

Thank you so much for your videos! Would love to know more about your packaging, but your videos so far are super helpful :)

[@nolanlee9066]

So incredibly inspiring. You’re an angel for all the help you dish out. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@alyssajean9452]

You inspire me a lot! Thank you so much🥺🤗🤎

[@memoriasdaje]

Thank you very much.You are really supportive and willing to share all your experiences. I appreciate it!

[@breedmz_08]

I love your videos!! Thank you so much for this

[@alexiswest3282]

In the process of practicing my technique so I can start a side business here shortly. Your videos are super helpful!! Very encouraging for beginners like myself.

[@pennygoggin3509]

I am so happy I found you and your videos 💜💜💜 I’m not new to making jewelry but I am new to clay. You have helped me so much! I am an artist and I think this is a good outlet for me.

[@lupitap9311]

You’re my inspiration LISA! 💕🌱 Thank You, I am new to the clay committee 🤍

[@beccami7683]

I absolutely love you. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@chantellebrown6958]

Your videos are awesome girl! Thank you sooooo much!

[@nocia5304]

Hey Lisa! I’d love to see a video on how to minimize/remove any cut lines when creating a clay border around a cut shape (hopefully that makes sense!) Love your videos!🧡

[@juliakravtsova8356]

Your videos have been super helpful! 💕 Would you be able to make a video about your hardware and how you attach your hardware to your pieces? Would definitely be interesting in watching and learning about that! 😊😊

[@katiebugladybug1]

Thank you. I have so many friends in the crafting business who can't get support from their community because other crafters using their same medium refuse to share any sort of resources or information. I think you are so wonderful and down to earth to be sharing!

[@michellecheney6834]

You are amazing. Thank you for sharing and supporting and lifting up women creator's. Your videos are immensely helpful. Your encouragement to not worry about being perfect and just going for it is just what I needed to hear.

[@urbancloud8440]

I love your channel so much I recently started watching you and your polymer clay tips work so good and are really helpful. Thank You 😊

[@fuss3709]

Totally watched for your preference on attaching posts! It’s a question we see everyday in pc groups lol, I’m a loctite/uv resin girl myself. I was glad to not hear you say you HAVE to embed them but rather CAN. ☺️

[@jb2935]

So much great information. Thanks so much!

[@tamaris7cortes]

I've been so scare to start my business. I usually gift my pieces for birthdays, special occasion and holidays. People love what I do and they are always telling me to sell my items. But it's like you say, I ran into clay braking in my hands, "it's not perfect" in my eyes, I don't how to deal with online shops and.... I don't know if you go through this, but sometimes I feel a lack on creativity. I'm glad I found you and heard those words, this was the year I was going to start coming out of my bubble and that virus came around and completely mess with everything. Another thing that takes a huge part of not moving forward is suffering from anxiety and depression make all my doubts 💯 x worst. Thanks for sharing your videos and your positivity. You have a new subscriber. 😘❤️

[@margaretliuaga7620]

I think just putting it out there that you are feeling these emotions is pretty brave! Be super proud of that. I'd like to see what you make! 😁

[@hey6961]

I think you def should do it when you get all that feedback from family and friends and they love it and give back constructive feedback and then fix that. Def go for it. Don’t want to look back and damnit I wish I did that.

[@hey6961]

I wish You all the best and I’m praying for you and all that you achieve.

[@xanathguzman3599]

Thank you so much for these videos! They are so informative and helpful! I just started my jewelry business and these videos have inspired me so much :)

[@theslowhaus]

Xanath Guzman thank you! Wishing you lots of success with your business!

[@nicoleregan7334]

Hi from Austin!!! I watched all your videos & started making earrings today thanks to you!

[@tammyhands1371]

I'm new at polymer clay and your videos are so helpful! Thank you so much! Looking forward to seeing more 🙏

[@theslowhaus]

Tammy Hands thank you! Happy I can help! 💛

[@InfinitePawsShop]

How exciting!!! My small biz didn’t get sales but I gotta keep brainstorming!

[@life.of.alicia]

This is such helpful info! I'm launching an etsy shop making polymer earrings and this was perfect thank you!

[@brightstars5421]

Great tips thx and congratulations to the winner!!!

[@andreaperkins9508]

HI! Would you be able to make a video about how you use a dremel to shape your clay? Love these videos! Super helpful!

[@lorigen]

Thanks for advice. My advice on jump rings for attaching to clay: it depends on size of your hole. I like making hole before I bake so my hole may be bigger than if I drilled it after baking, so I use an 8 or 10 mm. I use smaller ones if I attach to another jump ring.

[@valerievienne]

Hey dear, just discovered you and am already a fan! I started 1 year ago with polymer clay and i can't get my hands off and i am building my little business and follow my dream of a creative path with it each and every day. Thankyou for your inspiration and help, greetings from Vienna and keep going!! :)

[@user-fo2sv3rd9i]

you should do a video on how you organize your supplies / workspace / shipping stuff! my work area is a mess!

[@laurenmacewen9778]

Thank you so much for your help. I am hoping to start up a business in the UK and I am pretty terrified. I have been practicing tips and tricks from your you tube channels. 2 things I was hoping you may make a video for is... creating stripes and most importantly embedding earring posts. Thanks lovely xx

[@kjmcarl4257]

So much great information. Your voice is so easy to listen to as well. It’s quite generous of you to share so many tips and secrets. Thank you.

[@theslowhaus]

Thank you! Happy I can help. 🤍

[@riversoflivingwater3831]

Thank you so much for this. I’m really excited about starting something I love. I’ve been battling over and over if I should start. I truly want to do something that brings me happiness. Right now I am currently a special education teacher and although it is rewarding at times it can be exhausting and draining. I find myself with more headaches and not as joyful. I use to love playdoh as a kid and still do hahaha so I know the same nostalgic feeling of clay will bring me comfort. Thank you for all of your wise advice.

[@riversoflivingwater3831]

Would you happen to know where I can find rainbow cut outs?

[@lapaola1682]

You make me feel so good about everything I doubt myself on!!! Can’t wait for the upcoming videos

[@theslowhaus]

Paola Armendariz Yes! I love hearing this! I hope this channel continues to help you feel supported and capable! 💛

[@michaelawalker4237]

I love your jewelry & so grateful for your videos! Hoping for a tutorial on adding gold flakes to earrings... I can't find a good tutorial anywhere!

[@Odalys0619]

Is this the LINE hotel? I fell in love with all the interior decorating there, I didn’t want to leave haha. Hope you enjoyed Austin! Really happy I came across your channel, I can’t wait to see all I come up with. x

[@hollieroselalala6910]

What I want to know is .... tell me about your skincare!! Glowing! :) Loved your videos! Cant wait to keep watching more! x

[@theslowhaus]

Hollie Rose lalala haha thank you! Good lighting helps! Products I love are the inky cleansing balm, the ordinary 30% aha peel, kiehls rare earth mask, and my IT cosmetics cc cream. Still trying to find a good moisturizer! 💛💛💛

[@rainbowmoonstone7349]

Thank you for this advice! I literally watched all of your videos yesterday and I decided to work late into the night on some clay pieces. Not a good idea to bake them when sleep-deprived... I accidentally baked at 365 instead of 265, I'm just thankful I didn't burn my house down and I learned from my mistake

[@greciagonzalez8655]

Do you use your regular oven to bake your clay? Have you ever tried to bake in a toaster oven? Also your channel is amazing, youve actually helped clear up so many of my questions!

[@liliespetals19]

One thing I hope to see a video on is how to price, especially when just starting. A tip for people who have a bunch of clay they don't like or want to work with, use it for filler and scrap. Put it inside or between clay layers for more bulk if that's what you want. I'm still in practice and experiment mode myself. Working on getting my toaster oven to stop burning and best way to bake.

[@carlyappler9659]

Yes! Would love advice on pricing when just starting!

[@molliefisher2949]

@@carlyappler9659 go onto etsy and see their prices for similar products , for example you see strawberry earings anywhere from £5 to £10 , if your just starting id start at the lower end so you could maybe go £6 to £7

[@carlyappler9659]

@@molliefisher2949 Thank you!! I have checked out other prices online. I am however in Canada so in Canadian dollars it will be much higher than that.

[@CloserStill]

My question about choosing earring hardware is which type of metal. I don’t want to get metal that tarnishes easily. Can you recommend what kind to look for? I suspect ‘silver plated’ or ‘gold plated’ should be avoided? Is stainless steel best? I usually try to get nickle free too. PS- LOVE your videos girl, thank you! Also... your hair and makeup is also on point! 😊⚡️

[@-our2976]

You’re amazing , You should do 2 or 3 vids weekly if u want your channel to be more known

[@mylagriskonis2996]

Wow this is great! I’m ten and I started my business about 5 months ago!

[@cassidydavidson4252]

When do you come out with lines/ collections? Do you pre make earrings for each line or wait for made to order ?

[@ashleyrenny]

Found your channel at the BEST time. Just watched another one of your videos and immediately cancelled $50 worth of sculpey III clay 😬

[@lucienebrown6056]

Me too

[@SeriouslyCreative]

Your videos are so quiet and then the ads come on 💀💀💀

[@brightstars5421]

Hope all is well, miss you and your videos

[@meganabel1937]

I’m curious how thick you make your components? Like 3 mm? Thicker, thinner? I’ve seen depth guides (I currently use 2 skewers 😂) but I’m not sure what sizes to order. I started selling this weekend and I’m hooked. Love your videos and have found them so helpful already! Thanks!

[@anjalijhanwar4436]

Please make a video on the baking part of polymer clay earrings

[@hannahcasey7573]

You should do a haul or studio tour!

[@annabogart1844]

I had 20 year old clay and just used it up. I used a bit of Vaseline to condition it and good as new

[@avi8782]

I can’t wait for a packaging video!

[@Noodleluckisreal232]

What are some tips you have for shiny backs after baking?

[@meligatt]

I really enjoy all your videos, are fun and very informative, just one suggestion: can you read the question a loud as well, this is to help your info be more Accessible, for people that may depend on just sound (and not visuals), or even in auto generated subtitles , thanks :)

[@bhagyashreebehera6765]

Hi can u please do a video on clay cutters and where do u source it from different shapes and all

[@KrystalRoyal]

How do you take your pieces out of the cutter and avoid denting them? Thanks your all the great tips!

[@nocia5304]

I actually learned a great way to keep the clay from getting stuck inside the cutter! If you lay a piece of clear plastic wrap over the clay first and then use the cutter it’ll never get stuck and you’ll never have dents in your clay! It really works great!

[@KelsGonzales]

WE MISS YOU!!!!!

[@ericawashington8617]

How do you keep your earring hardware organized? How do you keep your earring organized before shipping?

[@kstep334]

What are your recommendations for working with transparent clay? I bought a really pretty transparent beige color and it came out looking like a dirty water color. I baked it for the recommenced time🤷🏽‍♀️

[@katiekowaleski7370]

Omg you’re from pdx!?!?!? Do you ever do any workshops, classes or anything??? I would be sooo interested!!

[@tianaporreca6204]

Awesome videos!! How do you get the clay out of cookie cutters?

[@l3ty18]

I have a question about conditioning: Do I need to bake my items right away? Or can I continue working on it a different day? Would that affect the bonding/strengthening of the clay while baking?

[@luanycarmo9142]

Love your channel, what type glue do you use?

[@gcsegovi]

Do you think you'll ever make the earring hardware video you mentioned in this video? I hope so!!!

[@jessicamcgrane7780]

For clay earrings and starting a shop, is sculpey original a good one? I have a big box of terra-cotta and I would like an opinion !

[@jirahberbano9929]

Hello, on your video you said you use gold filled wire french hook so I’m curious if you use gold filled wire jumper rings too?

[@craftedindieartsandcraftma1658]

How do you make your earring cards? I can never get my holes even.

[@colbyguyton9265]

What do you use to adhere stud backs to clay earrings??

[@ryankimberly8835]

Have you ever had an issue with the earring posts rusting or tarnishing? What brand do you use to prevent this?

[@zestygurl]

I hate SquareSpace. I very much appreciate your channel and your tips I was literally circling my cart online filled with Sculpey 3 because of you saved me! Odd, I'm doing this to make clay flowers for my own funeral however, I started watching you today thought I need jewelry tips... I don't even wear jewelry.♡ Seriously, the tips are great going to try all of this out! Thank you again.

[@FlyHoneigh]

What is the best oven to get for baking the clay?

[@jessicastyle9182]

May I ask how to bake the earrings to avoid air bubbles trapped inside? It always happens in my jewellery, thank you!

[@craftedindieartsandcraftma1658]

What cleansing balm do you use?

[@priscilladeppe7305]

Make more videos!! Please 😭

[@user-fo2sv3rd9i]

is it okay to mix sculpey III with other clays to get to a certain color? thank you so much for all this great info / advice!!!

[@theslowhaus]

Yes it’s definitely ok! Be careful with how much of it you mix in though. If you mix too much in, you’ll end up with Sculpey lll quality clay which is not so great.

[@kristastaehle2173]

Hi! When using the French hooks, do your earrings face forward? Every time I’ve used it they face outwards and I was wondering if the same thing happened to yours?

[@helenhe7283]

New Subbie here!! Been really getting into clay earrings recently.

[@theslowhaus]

Welcome! 🤍

[@mandiimiraa3443]

Where do you buy your metal add ons

[@madisondaniels1995]

I love your videos so much! I’m in the process of starting an art esty that will include clay earrings! One question that I have is how and what thickness do you use for your earrings? I roll mine out by hand but I didn’t know if there was a right or wrong way to have the amount of thickness to the clay. (I hope that makes sense!)

[@missSchwick]

Hi Lisa! I can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. I do have a question... What clay press machine would you recommend? There are so many to choose from. 🤔 And does a clay press make the process quicker? I REALLY need to cut down on my work time. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Haha. Thank you for your time!

[@mariahcanty]

Schwick Bits any pasta machine will work really! they sell them at craft stores. they come with different thickness settings.

[@Bella-je7xs]

what materials are your jump rings made of? I wanted to get sterling silver ones but they can be expensive and I’m afraid that the brass ones will oxidize and turn greenish :(

[@marygracewylie979]

What surface do you use to roll your clay on or manipulate your clay? I see many people using ceramic or marble tiles. Where do you get those?

[@miamontgomery3049]

I'm mesmerized by the wall behind you. Can you describe what that is? looks like a topographical map

[@franciscoferrer6172]

Hola, no se si tengas un video donde expliques el size o grosor de la pieza en arcilla que sea perfecto para joyeria. E creado algunos y se me rompen 😞

[@lexxikang]

Hi , what size jump rings and thickness would you suggest for a sturdy jewellery piece ? Do you prefer stainless steel?

[@sasheanicole4500]

Thanks for all the tips! Would mixing Super sculpey with sculpey lll Help make it better quality?

[@theslowhaus]

Super Sculpey is a soft clay so it wouldn’t help improve the quality of your Sculpey lll. I recommend using polymer clay that is firm to mix with Sculpey lll. My brand recommendations for mixing are in the video!

[@brookeschwalm6952]

How important is it to use gold filled wire? I want customers to keep coming back so I want to use the right products. Is it ok to just make sure they are hypoallergenic and nickel/lead free or do they have to be gold filled?