Many of the tools and supplies you’ll need can be found in your kitchen such as a cutting board, knife, and rolling pin. However, remember that if you use a utensil for clay you can no longer use it for food. So, make sure you keep your clay equipment separate from your food equipment. (For more details about the supplies you need to start working with polymer clay, refer to my "Get Started: Polymer Clay" article.)
You’ll need an area to work in so you can roll out your clay. Once you get really into polymer clay, you’ll probably want to invest in a pasta machine. However, in the beginning you can put the clay between two pieces of wax paper and roll it flat with a rolling pin. So far, I’ve found the kitchen counter works best for me when rolling out the clay. However, be careful not to place food on the same counter area as your clay.
Once you roll out your clay, you need a surface to cut, shape, and form your clay. I use a cutting board I bought at the dollar store.
After you’ve assembled your clay creation, you’ll need to bake it in an oven. I’ve been covering an old cookie sheet with foil and using my regular oven. However, some PCers use a toaster oven for baking the clay.
Finally, if you want to put some sort of protective coating on your clay to protect it, such as lacquer, you’ll want to have some ventilation in the room. You’ll also want to make sure you have a place the pieces can safely dry without being disturbed.
Though the variety of jewelry projects abound, your clay setup with basically be the same. So, clear away the dishes and start rolling!
For more information on Polymer Clay, take a look at the following links:
Polymer Clay Info, Project, & Artists
Polymer Clay Supplies
Here's a printer friendly copy of this file.
find out about new additions to this site each week.