So the new-ish Studio by Sculpey Clay has been getting many mixed reviews from Polymer Clay artists. Some like it, some hate it, many just don't know much about it. Well I LOVE it and I'm here to tell you why.I use Studio By Sculpey Clay exclusively in the custom jewelry I make.In my opinion I have never used a greater product. This Clay has many features that I could have only dreamed about five years ago when I began working with clay. First of all, the finish of this clay is gorgeous. It has a matte finish that has a suede or cotton like feel to it after baked. I have never felt anything so wonderful. Secondly, the colors stay true while baking. How often have you bought a gorgeous color of clay, only to bake it, and it turns 4 shades darker? Yuck! Well this clay doesn't. What you see in the package is what you get. Another reason to love this clay is that the colors are soooo phenomenal. They come in 34 delicious colors, and FYI the glaze that studio makes isn't that goopy stuff that, if your lucky, will dry in 4-5 days.. nope it's thin, dries in minutes and doesn't flake, peel, or crack. Like I had said earlier this clay has been getting mixed reviews, and I think I know why. The texture of this product is so different from any other clay product. I think many users just don't know how to properly work with this clay. So here it comes my tips and tricks to be a successful Studio by Sculpey user.
1. For the most part this clay tends to be slightly softer than most others. Solution: I put mine in the fridge for a minute or so before using, and also before putting holes through my pieces. This firms the clay up some. Also, if you have been working with it for awhile before transfering it to another surface, put it back in the fridge. This also reduces 85% of finger prints on the piece. Sounds like a pain, but it's really not.
2. Ok so now your ready to bake and you've read the instructions on the package...Well forget what you just read. This is my formula for baking, and every piece I make is strong and durable, doesn't color change, and never bubbles. Ok set the toaster oven to 160 F., bake the clay for 6 min per 1/4 in., and walah! Beautiful. The package recommends you bake it at the standard 275 F for 15 min. per 1/4 inch. That's pretty standard but wrong. I swear the clay manufacturers must be baking on Mount Vesuvius ( you know higher temps at higher altitudes...anyway)
3. Alright time to sand...Basically use finer sand paper than you would have used for other clays, i.e if you would have started with a 400 wet dry begin with a 600 or 800. And be gentle, you don't need to pull out the big guns to get the job done. Also a little liquid soap for lubrication is recommended.
4. Now your as smooth as a babys butt, time to glaze. I only use the Studio by Sculpey glaze. It's super awesome. Very thin, dries in minutes, doesnt flake, crack or peel what more can I say.Lastly what i find great about this is the package size, 2.8 oz this seems to last a whole lot longer and it's packaged in little sections or nubs and this makes measuring the amount you use for mixing colors very helpful...Sure it's a little more expensive $2.99 for 2.8 oz...unless you get it from http://store.creative-wholesale.com/ then it's only $1.80.Well I've given you all my tips and tricks hope you find this useful and happy claying.
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