What is Polymer Clay?
Polymer clay is here to challenge what you thought you knew about hand-made accessories
If you haven’t heard of polymer clay, let me introduce you to your new favorite jewelry medium. Polymer clay’s history is as rich as the eye-catching designs that it can transform into. It made its first debut in Europe during 1930s-1940s as a result of wartime shortages for the materials used for doll making and it’s been climbing the charts in popularity ever since. The concept of polymer clay was initially created in Germany where it was marketed it as a basic art medium for children to play with and sculpt. However, as with many great inventions, polymer clay proved to have much more to offer than a creative outlet for children’s artistic visions.
In the 1960s polymer clay’s artistic possibilities were recognized in the United States shortly after and it continued to grow in popularity. Eventually polymer clay became widely marketed in 1984 under the name Sculpey. An array of vibrant colors and a wide spectrum of applications attracted artists of all ages and skill levels. This ultimately made polymer clay a staple of art studios and eventually earned its place in some of the most renowned museums in the world.
Surprisingly Sustainable and Ultimately Unique
If you want to get technical, polymer clay isn’t a clay at all but rather a form of PVC. It’s an acrylic art medium made of dyes and plasticizers that keep it malleable until cured with heat. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. We live in a world where health, sustainability, and ethical sourcing is at the forefront of our minds. Yes, polymer clay is a form of plastic, but it’s contribution to the realm of sustainable accessories is pretty impressive. Let me explain.
Your health and safety is always the most important aspect of my designs. You can rest assured that polymer clay is completely non-toxic and safe to wear. Plus, all uncured clay can be reused which can mean virtually zero waste on the maker end. This is especially true in my studio where even the material from damaged components is repurposed into one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces. If an ounce of polymer clay enters my studio, it leaves with a new, fashionable purpose.
In addition to creating zero waste, curing polymer clay calls for minimal energy consumption. Baking for just 30 minutes makes these pieces virtually indestructible. I craft high-quality, long-lasting pieces so they won’t soon find themselves in a landfill. After all, you don’t believe in fast-fashion and neither do I! The best things in life are meant to last, which is why I believe in the power of polymer clay as a medium.
Polymer Clay Is Changing The Face of Fashion
If I’m being honest, I truly believe that polymer clay is a game changer for accessories. The colors and intricate details that can be achieved are simultaneously striking and breathtaking. Because of its unique makeup, polymer clay’s colors never fade. Once cured, polymer clay won’t crack and it doesn’t require any special storage or cleaning to maintain its gorgeous appearance. It is high fashion with low maintenance. It might seem too good to be true, but polymer clay allows me to create truly one of a kind, hand-made pieces that are never exactly duplicated so that you’ll have a personalized piece of jewelry that will last for years to come.
