Polymer Clay (PC) is a pliable "clay" that is essentially PVC. It is not an earthen clay. It does not dry out -- a little conditioning (kneading) and it's ready to form into any shape! A pasta machine is used also to help condition and to make sheets of clay in variable thicknesses and to blend clay into any color. Polymer Clay comes in 2 oz blocks (depending on the brand) or 1 lb. blocks. My favorite clays are Premo and Pardo. Pardo comes in small ball shaped pieces of clay in a plastic jar in a little more than 2 oz and is slightly more expensive than Premo. Premo comes in 2 oz blocks wrapped in cellophane. PC can be ordered from many vendors online -- a google search will result in many options -- and also at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's and Michael's.
PC comes in many colors -- some with sparkles and inclusions. A basic set of the primary colors (red, blue, yellow) along with white or pearl white, brown, & gold is a good starter set as many colors can be blended or partially blended for a wide range of color options.
The best way to learn about using PC is to play with it! You will quickly see how conditioning works on the clay, the thinnest sheet from the pasta machine and thicknesses needed for particular projects.
A smooth dedicated work surface is a must. A piece of glass (glass cutting board) or a large square ceramic tile works nicely. A cutting blade and Xacto knife are initial necessities. Many tools can also be purchased online or at the craft stores.
More to come....
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