Five More Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started Polymer Claying

[@pegcarter6566]

I notice there is 1 dislike. What is not to like about Val's videos? She's funny, informative, and spot on.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Peg Carter Aw thanks Peg. I've had quite a few dislikes in my time on here - it comes with the territory. I usually laugh, because I'm easily amused lol. xx

[@escapefromny2012]

It could be anything - even someone with a shaky hand hitting the wrong button. But she gets very few dislikes comparatively, so I would not worry.

[@JaneThomas58]

Those who dislike ought to try making great tutorials of their own. It is challenging and Val does a good job.

[@TonyaStarr78]

I'm new at this hobby and I have to say I love this lady! I hope to learn lots from her. Thank you for posting your hints and trick videos I cant wait to watch more from you. Big Fan!

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Thank you! If you do some part bakes, remember to do one whole long bake at the end (according to the manufacturer 's instructions). I did put this in annotations but KZbin decided not to show those on all devices grrr. xx

[@dsa2591]

I really love your channel because you have so many DIY tips. I'm living on my Social Security here in the states, so don't have but a few dollars left over after the bills are paid. I have to learn how to do things myself on a tight budget and you surely do help with that.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

That's great, it's very possible to make inexpensive tools and projects. xx ❤️

[@anitadavidson1249]

As ever, I have managed to take away some very useful tips, especially trying my mica powers etc out BEFORE putting them on my project (yes, I HAVE ruined something that took hours to make!!). The second tip I took away was keeping odd pieces of baked clay that perhaps didn't quite come out as expected in order to test out surface techniques. Thank you so much Val. Oh, and you ARE a genius for making your ergonomic needle tool and I had already stolen that idea from you!! 😊💗

[@amysantics4u818]

More Please! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

[@hkreations5108]

The ever-changing effects of mica powders on different colors of clay, just amazes me! The part where you think you're a genius, we're all geniuses as I think we all did that with our needle tools, lol. Currently, I'm in 5 clay groups and HOP! is my favorite! Thank-you for all the good tips, Val!

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

watched the other 5 things and am so pleased that I can hear you clearly, thanks! Again a great vid on tips.

[@eightkindsofblue]

Awesome suggestions! I am inspired!

[@crysallis543]

Just lovely, thank you! I'm new to claying and am also ill with very low energy so get frustrated that I can't do much for long. I've been getting a bit disheartened but came across your site and you've uplifted me! Thank you! x

[@UnrulyHousewife]

I'm so glad! Work at your own pace, I'm REALLY slow but it doesn't matter. :D xx

[@Theperilsofbev]

ALL of these tips are fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing them, many would've "saved" projects that I had to re-do ie: distortion, discoloration... Again, thanks :-)

[@gyllenhaalic66]

I always forget about making my own texture tools. Thank you for the reminder :)

[@merryclicker]

I wish I had known how addictive it was; I wish I had known that ziplocs would be a necessity (for storing clay, and for controlling some of the finished bits as they got out of control); I wish I had known that I would have to admit that not all that I created was awesome, and I wish I had known how many early attempts I would end up tossing in the trash after a good hard look; I wish I had learned all of this long before I had to pack it up and move it 800 miles! (and I wish I didn't have to UNPACK now that it's finally all neatly stored away! Clean desk, lots of space, no clutter, time to CLAY!)

[@carolbryant9207]

Another fabulous set of practical tips. I am so impressed with the clarity of these videos. Thanks for sharing your vast experience and expertise. You are very generous

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Thank you! xx

[@kbowler9266]

I love your videos, you always have useful information. I use a metal tray for a bead box too but I use a stiff 20 gauge floral wire I cut an angle on one end, bend and cut it long enough so the wire goes all the way through the box. The angle cut helps make a nice clean hole. Many of my beads are made from small scraps, I use to experiment but so many come out nice and people like them, I use the ends of canes and make beads from the left overs also. I make the beads as I go with about 6 wires in a box and when it gets full I bake it.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Great idea! Thanks! xx

[@TheMoziere]

The needle tool was my first tool also. I have a package of 'specialty' needles that I never use, only bought it for the large yarn needle. It had needles with flattened tips, upholstery needles, so, I used them to make different needle tools. I have two sizes of needle tool, I used a quilting pen for my first one. They are a bit longer and have a large head on the pin so it didn't slip out of the clay. The other needle is the yarn needle. It had a blunt tip and is larger in diameter. The upholstery needle has a kite shaped tip, it's small and perfect for smoothing in between jump rings that I embed in the clay or smoothing the edges of a bracelet or something. They are good for doing the embroidery technique. I also bought a very small hand drill to make holes in my earrings and pendants. It had two drill point. The larger point fits but the smaller point didn't fit correctly. It's a hassle to drive over 30 miles to return something, so I just took the smaller bit, wrapped wire and superglued it to the non pointed end to give the clay somethingn to grip to. Put a little TLS and wrapped it. Now, I have two drill and don't have to change out the points. I'm one of the new clayers your videos have helped. I just found the pond. :) I'm so happy that I have sources like your videos and others to help me learn. I was an Arts Major in college many, many years ago, but I let it go in the daily-ness of life. Thanks for helping me find the creativity inside again.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

They sound awesome! xx

[@galady8632]

As always, well done Mrs Evans!

[@TruthificationChronicles]

When I cut things, I usually put them on parchment (baking) paper. It doesn't leech out the oil like regular paper. I often set glass dragon eyes in clay and when I use the parchment paper on the back, I can hold the eye (thumb on back, forefinger on glass eye) without any finger prints on the back. I bake on it too. I'm just not very talented at using my tissue blade to get the clay off my glass surface (I always seem to slice some of the back off when I do that) so working on the parchment has been a lot easier for me.

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Thank you once again for the great tips and ideas! enjoying your videos! Thank you for sharing!!! Liz...

[@samanthal9773]

Informative video - love the tshirt!

[@cheryl739]

lt just keeps getting better....these tips. Thank You so much. Love your cheerful and upbeat dialog. Kudos :)

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Thanks sweetie. xx

[@SusanSmith-ir4qk]

Thanks for the wonderful video. I am just getting started in clay. You tips are great! 😘

[@ashleyseward8673]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@colourfulsouls]

Thanks for the dragon scales type cutter idea, you could use that for making mini succulent leaves too! Btw, I love all your tips on here, I'm not a beginner but most videos on tips and tricks are all the same, these are different tips than I've seen. I love your vids!

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Thank you! xx

[@elisendapelonegro9117]

I never fail to learn something when I watch your lovely videos! Thank you for putting these videos up :D You're wonderful!

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Oh bless you Elisenda! Thanks for the encouragement. xx

[@elisendapelonegro9117]

Raising my cuppa as a toast :D Have a great day!!

[@ABergieCreation]

Thanks for the great video Valerie! !

[@marionmathews9852]

Great info and tips. Thank you

[@OldHag73]

Thank you! Those tips are so helpful.

[@isabelleblain9657]

Great tips!

[@GrammyVulture]

Way to go! I love your tips. I found some soft clay at a dollar store. It's not the baking kind, but it is a start. ♥👍 I blame this on your channel. Hehehe. Next time you see me I will probably be stuck under an enormous load of fimo. Just kidding. I love your stories and your 5 things every time! 😁

[@buddywriggles]

Peepin' that Portal shirt! Amazing!

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Thank you!! Most people have no idea what it is! xx

[@buddywriggles]

@@UnrulyHousewife I've always loved that about Portal merch, if it's not obvious it's almost like a secret club of closet gamers giving each other the nod of respect haha! P. S been binge watching your Polymer vids and you've got me inspired as hell! Thanks for all the quality vids! Xx

[@sarahreed9962]

Just discovered your vlogs............. brilliant.... thank you!!!!!

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Yay! Hello Sarah! xx

[@joyceparkes2678]

Thank you😘

[@hannelorehofler715]

so schön danke

[@malunicolette9447]

Thanks for your tips ! :)

[@bddybdz]

Well I agree it is genius! Very nice

[@tjaysilver]

Great tips Valerie

[@goreytinies]

i'd follow you anywhere Val!

[@jennifermill6634]

thnx for the helpful tips. pumpkin

[@joybidmead2454]

Will take your advice and join a FB group, I'm a complete beginner, just studying everything and buying what I need, getting as much info as I can first. I have oven bake Clay, my question is how long can I leave my clay crafts before baking as I don't want to put oven on for say two items. Thank you in anticipation. Joy

[@UnrulyHousewife]

They will keep well but do cover them to keep dust off and don't leave them on paper, or anything absorbent, which will leach out the plasticisers. A ceramic tile is good, or glass, or a plate you won't be using again for food.

[@joybidmead2454]

@@UnrulyHousewife thank you, I'm trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can before starting. So grateful for everyone's help on you tube. Ect. Have joined FB for newbies. Joy

[@angeljohns3207]

I have a question?? Why is my clay not hardening properly?? And can I use the craft paint for clay, because it is staying sticky too and will not dry?? I am so discouraged and was so happy to find these videos.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

If it is not hardening properly I'd do these things: Make sure it IS polymer clay, Premo, Fimo, Cernit, Kato are best. If it is, follow the manufacturer's instructions and also buy an oven thermometer to double check your oven temperature. Pre-heat the oven. Bake for the maximum time allowed on the packet. Are your paints Acrylic Paints? Usually they are usually OK but might stay sticky. Don't use spray paints or nail varnish. If your clay isn't baked enough, that might react with the paint and make it sticky, even if it IS Acrylic. Hope this helps. xx

[@angeljohns3207]

Unruly Housewife thank you for answering. I will get a thermometer straight away. And then try again. I found these great sugar skull cookie cutters, they worked great, but the after a month the paint is still sticky. It is Acrylic paint, I checked to make sure. After your video saying you could bake clay over again, i even baked them again and it didn’t help.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Aw, I'm, sorry the paint isn't playing nicely. :(

[@iansmith8054]

Aperture Labs!!!

[@UnrulyHousewife]

The Cake Is A Lie

[@camillefulton7709]

SEE SOMEONE MENTIONED DISLIKES..... REMEMBER, THEY ALWAYS GROW FROM JEALOUSY. 😘 CAMILLE DOWN UNDER 🙃

[@petercox6700]

Did you do a Tutorial of your Ergonomic Needle Tool? If so will you tell me how to find it? Also, if you have not would you mind doing one if you don't mind as I could really use one that is Ergonomic?

[@UnrulyHousewife]

I haven't but just hold some conditioned clay in your hand, until you like the feel of the grip. Push a needle in (eye end first), then check for comfort of angle etc. Now bake as per the manufacturer's instructions. Test the needle - if it pulls out, put some Superglue on it and stick it back in the hole. Yay! You have your tool! xx

[@veevice4899]

I tried that joining facebook clay group thing everytime I asked a question I got bombarded by people trying to sell me their stuff and pushing their etsy site on me beware because when I complained to the admin I was treated very badly other than that I enjoyed your tips thank you

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Really? Oh gosh, that's unusual... Sorry about that, I'll have to look into it. xx

[@Dossomit101]

Hi, biggest thank you. I loved it. Your doing a great job sharing. Just wondering how soon you need to get ploymer clay in oven, example if your making a batch of different things that may take a while to create?

[@ClareCreationsAL]

Doris Thomas I have waited weeks to bake something. Some ladies have canes that are stored for years! It's my favorite thing about polymer clay because who knows what life will bring at the most in opportune time ! 😂

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Leslie is right - you can keep clay until you have a batch - just protect it from dust! xx

[@celinebarberio9070]

Thank you as I was wondering the very same thing.

[@drmseeker]

Good tips

[@Miffny]

I use my normal oven for baking is this a bad thing?

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Miff L As far as I know it is safe and that's what I do too. :)

[@UnrulyHousewife]

Scout About "Highly recommended" by whom? Polymer clay is sold as something you can bake in your regular oven. There are plenty of safety requirements in the UK (where I live) that would force a clay manufacturer to say if a dedicated oven was necessary. Some people are happier using them but they do not need to. Anyone worried could also "tent" their clay with foil and open it outside after baking.

[@UnrulyHousewife]

From their website: "IS IT SAFE TO BAKE SCULPEY® IN THE SAME OVEN I USE TO PREPARE MY FOOD? Yes. It is perfectly safe to bake your clay in the oven in which you prepare your food. When used as directed, polymer clays do not give off toxic chemicals in the curing process. There is a slight odor, which in not harmful. We recommend using good ventilation while baking, such as using the oven hood fan. Pre-heat your oven. We always recommend using an oven thermometer (available at most grocery or hardware stores). Many times, ovens are not calibrated accurately and are actually hotter than the temperature on the dial. Many Polyform customers make a living using Sculpey® products as their art or craft medium and do a lot of baking. For this, we recommend using a dedicated professional oven for consistency of temperature." Not the last two lines, where they say use a dedicated professional oven "for consistency of temperature" NOT for safety. I think that people should do what makes them comfortable but I don't want to scare people who are using home ovens (as I am).

[@UnrulyHousewife]

No need to apologise! xx

[@sandyhearth8249]

Hello Unruly Housewife! I just found you and subscribed to your channel. I am brand-new to working with polymer clay...haven't even tried my first project yet! (I want to make a shawl pin). You mentioned a Facebook Group that you belong to but I didn't catch the name of it. Could you please tell me what it's called? Thanks in advance. I am going to take a look at all your other videos too. I have a feeling that once I get started with this stuff I'm going to get addicted!! LOL

[@UnrulyHousewife]

It really IS addictive! The group is called "HOP! Hooked On Polymer Claying". A great group of very supportive people. xx

[@sandyhearth8249]

Unruly Housewife, you're a dear!! Thank you!