1. Working with Polymer clay

2. Polymer clay was originally invented to make dolls during World War II when other materials became hard to get.

3. Actually, Polymer clay is NOT a clay but a plastic modeling compound. Artist are just beginning to discover the ways it can be used to make art.

4. Polymer clay has some advantages: It can be cooked in a regular oven to become permanent. It comes in many colors that can be mixed to make almost any color. It can be attached to other materials.

5. Polymer clay has some disadvantages: It never gets very hard or strong so it is difficult to do big projects. It is very weak if it gets too thin. It is expensive.

6. There are some guidelines and rules for working with polymer clay: 1. DO NOT WASTE THE CLAY!!! Use only 3 – 5 cubes of clay. When you mix the clay use very small amounts. And, put back anything you don’t use. Never throw it, EVER! 2. Don’t go too thick or too thin (thicker than a slice of cheese, thinner than a stack of 2 Oreo cookies). 3. Never mix with ceramic clay. 4. Never put water on the clay. ANYONE WHO CAN’T HANDLE WORKING WITH POLYMER CLAY WILL HAVE A BIG BOOKWORK ASSIGNMENT INSTEAD!

7. Here are some projects created with polymer clay:

12. Jewelry is one of the most popular things created in polymer clay.

19. We will be making a braided hemp necklace (or 2 bracelets) with Polymer clay beads.

20. This is the criteria for this assignment: 1. The bead designs are creative and original. 2. The braiding is done well. 3. The overall design is well thought out. (Plan where to put your beads BEFORE you start braiding and mark on your center string.) 4. The total braided length equals approximately one foot or more. 5. The is ample evidence of time and effort spent and overall workmanship is acceptable.