tools for polymer clay?

so... because I have crafting ADD and I like to have a lot of things going on at once, I've decided that the next material I want to try working with is polymer clay.

i found a great price on some sample packs of lots of colors, and some different dental tool looking things to help work on the clay, but are there any other items i should definitely get right from the beginning?

i see a few different kinds of rollers, but am not sure if plastic or wood or metal might be best? should i buy any kind of shapes to cut the clay? if you work with polymer clay, i'd like to hear what items you think are the most important to have Happy

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7 replies since 21st June 2010 • Last reply 21st June 2010

Reply #1:

A pasta machine, helps roll the clay into even-thickness sheets. Also, I use really small cookie cutters to cut the clay into shapes too.

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Reply #2:

I find I use hardly any actual " tools"...except for a clear plastic roller. I use dressmaking pins, drinking straws, ballpoint pen ends etc. I hand-mould most of the pieces I make...look at my projects and you will see how much detail you can get without expensive tools!

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Reply #3:

I use an empty perfume bottle to roll out the clay,an old butter knife to cut it and sewing needles,pens,bead,buttons for pattern making.You can use loads of stuff just laying around without spending any money.

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Reply #4:

A clear glaze for your finished pieces. It makes them look super spiffy. =)

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Reply #5:

Awesome! Thank you all for your suggestions Happy
I can't wait to get the clay in the mail so I can start playing.

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Reply #6:

Just to add questions about sculpey/polymer clay tools and things - what type of glossy glaze does everyone use? I can't get Fimo or Sculpey brand glaze around here.

I have been using Jo Sonja's Gloss Varnish and it does work but doesn't seem to come up as nice as a lot of photos I see of others work.

Anyone have any ideas? Happy

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Reply #7:

I use Dura-Clear Satin Varnish by Americana.

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