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<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EE95C2EA-98BA-4DA7-BF5D-B416EE1ECCA3.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25911" width="580" height="388" /><figcaption>Image of Polymer Clays,Photo credit Sage Bray via Craft Industry Alliance</figcaption></figure></div>



As many of us are searching to find options to continue our clay practice and some now without access to kilns and other equipment as schools and studios have closed,we are now left with a limited amount of resources to pursue the traditional approach to clay as a profession. However,there are other options that can give you a familiar experience,such as polymer clay,which can be easily accessible and also have similar characteristics to traditional clay.&nbsp; Though it is not made for functional tableware,it can still be used to create a multitude of crafts that can be made for market.&nbsp; 



Polymer clay is not your traditional clay material,though it is pliable and can be molded and shaped just as natural clay,it is a compound composed of resins,polymers,colorants,and fillers. Basically,a plastic PVC based material. The material is then fired similarly to a traditional clay,but instead of being placed twice in a 2000° kiln,it can be fired in your standard oven or toaster oven. This key factor is what makes it a more accessible and highly popular medium,with very little financial risk as opposed to a traditional clay approach where there can be thousands invested into equipment. 



What can I make? Can I make what I’m already accustomed to?



In short,it depends on what your niche may be,If you are more accustomed to making functional work thats sole purpose is for food use,I’d say no. Though the polymer clay itself is non-toxic and can be placed in your oven or toaster oven,manufacturers recommend that the clay itself not be used for food contact. (So don’t go baking your crafts at the same time you bake your food!) 



If you are already making work that is not purposed for food use like jewelry,relief,sculpture,etc,then you can certainly continue making those same things now in a familiar medium. This material can also be used in conjunction with material that has a high heat tolerance. So those charms you’ve wanted to make but couldn’t,can now finally come to life with standard jewelry wire! You can also color your polymer clay with pretty much anything without it burning out. Old makeup palettes,glitter,paint,inks,and other pigments are suitable options. You can also marble it by kneading it with other colored polymer clays,something you may already have experience with if you’ve worked in clay before.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://staging.ceramic.school/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/AE8687AE-A9B0-4536-BF7A-0F0E4C653551.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25907" width="348" height="348" /><figcaption>Image credit: Assembly: Gather &amp; Create</figcaption></figure></div>



Here’s a list of all of the many things you can make with polymer clay:



<ul><li>Earrings</li><li>Charms</li><li>Bracelets</li><li>Picture frames</li><li>Ornaments</li><li>Bud vases</li><li>Small sculpture&nbsp;</li><li>Dolls</li><li>Cell phone accessories</li><li>Jewelry dishes</li><li>Buttons&nbsp;</li><li>Ring cones</li><li>Invitations&nbsp;</li><li>Magnets</li><li>Wall hanging relief</li><li>Gift tags</li><li>Pendants</li><li>Beads</li><li>Pinch pot planters</li><li>AND THE LIST GOES ON!&nbsp;</li></ul>



Whatever you decide to do,there are a ton of options from clay to product type that you can choose from. All you need to start is a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WTVM9R9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_fj5JEbREAPYYK" target="_blank">kit</a>*,some tools,and an oven or toaster oven. If you decide do delve into polymer clay as a professional practice,be sure to keep your product unique and marketable. Focus on what you want to make,how this product may fit into your mission and branding,and how you can get your audience to want it. Here’s a few articles detailing different approaches to maintaining a craft business:&nbsp;



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://staging.ceramic.school/amazon-business-why-your-pottery-business-needs-an-amazon-business-account/" target="_blank">Amazon Business: Why Every Business Needs an Amazon Business Account</a>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://staging.ceramic.school/how-much-can-you-earn-by-selling-your-ceramics-online/" target="_blank">How Much Can I Earn Selling Online?</a>



<a href="https://staging.ceramic.school/3-secrets-for-instagram-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3 Secrets to Instagram Success</a>

Polymer Clay as a Professional Practice

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Polymer Clay as a Professional Practice

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