Those who highly consider making dollhouse miniature with polymer clay may find this activity rather fun and interesting. Polymer clay is used for modeling purposes and hardens permanently by baking. There are many different brands of polymer clay that are available in the market, which may differ in terms of softness, texture and appearance. Examples of popular polymer clay brands are Cernit, Fimo, Formello, Promat and Sculpey. The shelf life of polymer clay can last for many years without ever drying out. Also, store your clay in a sealed tin or plastic container in order to prolong its life.
Making dollhouse miniature with polymer clay is highly recommended because it can copy a broad range of materials. Polymer clay can be used in modeling dolls, china, food, and plants, metal, wood as well as other dollhouse furnishings. The different shades of polymer clays can be combined altogether to create more fascinating colors. Try mixing any color with white to create a pastel shade or tone down bright colors by mixing it with black or brown. Colors that are mixed partially can give a nice marbled effect identical to wood grain. Moreover, polymer clay can be painted with acrylic, can be varnished and are non-toxic.
You will need the following materials when making dollhouse miniature with polymer clay. These include a smooth chopping board; a small knife for cutting the clay; a smooth, round pencil that will serve as a rolling pin or a glass with straight sides for larger rolling; an assortment of pins and needles for modeling and a cookie sheet for baking the clay.
The first thing you will do is to work each clay piece well between your hands to make it soft. Clay that is hard and hurts your hands may be cold so you should warm it over a bottle of hot water. You can further soften clay with Fimo’s Mixquick as well. Do not try to soften your clay by warming it in the microwave nor make it too soft as it may become too mushy for creating miniatures. Make sure that your fingers are not dirty as well. Light colored clays may become soiled especially after handling dark clays. Lightly pressing clay pieces together is enough and will weld just fine when baked so you do not necessarily have to press the pieces too hard.
Bake the clay in an oven at 265 F (130 C) for about ten to fifteen minutes. Clays may have varying temperature conditions so you might want to read the package first. Normally, clay does not harden until it is completely cooled. If, after baking, the clay easily breaks and smudges, then the oven’s heat was not enough. Moreover, if it is shiny and discolored, then it was too hot. When in doubt of your oven’s temperature, an oven thermometer can help you. Once the clay is baked, you can paint, varnish or put metallic powders on it depending on your desire.
For a step by step guide to making dollhouse miniature with polymer clay, you can get a copy of Sue Heaser’s book, ‘Making Doll’s House Miniatures with Polymer Clay’. Sue Heaser is a clay expert, acclaimed miniaturist and founder of the British Polymer Clay Guild. This book shows a wide range of interesting techniques for making dollhouse items. The book is available in many bookstores and online shopping sites.
