Library Archives - The Blue Bottle Tree

12 Polymer Clay Myths

Clear up the confusion and gain accurate knowledge for your polymer clay creations as we debunk these 12 polymer clay myths.

Heat gun, dimensional glaze, Renaissance Wax,and a Dremel.

Overrated Polymer Clay Products and Practices

These oft-recommended products don’t always work well. Here’s the rest of the story that isn’t always shared.

Rustic polymer clay beads with metal components.

Can you bake metal with polymer clay?

Can you bake metal with polymer clay? Yes, but there are some caveats. Learn more in this quick read article.

Polymer clay veneers and slabs stored in photo boxes.

How to Store Polymer Clay Veneers and Slabs

Once you’ve created polymer clay veneer or slab, how can you store it for later use? Here’s what you need to know about storing polymer clay veneers and slabs.

Cracks on the Sides of Polymer Pieces

These cracks can be prevented or fixed. Here’s what you need to know about these cracks on the sides of your polymer clay pieces.

Dealing with Cracks in Polymer Clay Projects

Dealing with cracks in polymer clay projects can be frustrating. Learn how to prevent them and repair them.

Picture of good varnishes to use on polymer clay. Includes Varathane, UPOL, Brite Tone, Swellegant, and DuraClear.

Sticky Paint or Varnish on Polymer Clay (Always test first!)

One common polymer clay challenge is finding paints and varnishes that don’t become sticky on polymer clay. It’s important to always test paints and varnishes before applying to a polymer clay project.

A slab of cobalt blue polymer clay has been cut with a scalloped cutter and the clay is stuck in the cutter.

How to Prevent Polymer Clay Sticking in Cutters

Polymer clay is naturally sticky and will stick to intricate cutters and tools. Here’s how to prevent that from happening.

3 blue pieces of polymer clay cut out from an arched cutter, one piece is being lifted by a rigid tissue blade.

How to Lift Polymer Clay from Your Work Surface

The ability to lift polymer clay from a glossy work surface is an important and necessary skill. Here’s what you need to know.

Foot Pedal for Pasta Machine Motors

Having a pedal for your pasta machine motor can make clay work easier. There are 3 different types of foot pedals you can buy.

Mold Releases for Polymer Clay

Cornstarch, water, and Armor-All are great mold releases for polymer clay. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding which one to use.

Piñata Gloss Varnish, polymer clay, and a ceramic tile covered with alcohol ink.

Piñata Gloss Varnish on Polymer Clay

Most varnishes and resin cause alcohol inks to bleed and smear. Piñata Gloss Varnish can help prevent this problem. But will it work on polymer clay?

Left hand holding thin strips of polymer clay in red, pink, yellow, orange, hot pink, green, and blue. A beige strip is being flexed between both hands on a white background.

Strongest Polymer Clay (not a simple topic!)

Is the strongest polymer clay the most flexible or one that doesn’t bend? Here’s what you need to know about it.

Resin Alternatives on Polymer Clay

In recent years, it’s become very popular to make polymer clay pieces glossy by adding a layer of resin. Often seen on polymer clay earrings, a thick coating of resin

Sheet of polymer clay with many graduated colors in blue, orange, and red.

Ginger’s Dump Blend – An easy skinner blend method

Learn how to make Ginger’s Dump Blends which are a skinner blend alternative for making blended graduated sheets with polymer clay.

Cernit Sparkling mica powders in bottles and on polymer clay.

Cernit Sparkling Review

Cernit Sparkling are a line of mica powders produced by the same company that makes Cernit Polymer Clay. Find out what makes these mica powders unique in my review here.