Moulding with Fimo Clay: A step-by-step guide

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by: clickthrough
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Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2011 Time: 12:27 PM
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Fimo is a type of modeling clay used for jewellery making. Setting it in a clay oven at a low temperature hardens it. Clay is extremely dynamic and even when it is dry it can be decorated in many different ways. It can be sanded, drilled, painted and cut.

The flexibility of this clay means that anyone can make jewellery using Fimo clay at home, with beautiful and successful results, providing that you use the clay correctly. Fimo clay comes in a variety of colours and can be painted with acrylic paints and varnished. The clay is perfect for creating beads, pendants and small sculptures.

It is important that you know how to use Fimo clay before starting your jewellery making process; it is advised that you do some background research before beginning to make jewellery with clay.

Below is a step-by-step guide to working with Fimo clay, as well as some important tips and warnings.

Do not start to work with the clay straight from the packet, as it will be too hard. It must be prepared and softened. Do this by cutting off smaller pieces and folding it over and over for around 7 minutes. If your hands are too hot this process will happen too quickly, so make sure that your hands are cool to begin with. You may find that you need to cool your hands down several times during the process. Never warm the clay up in a microwave or oven, this will harden the clay and leave it very difficult to work with.

Work on a sheet of glass, the clay can often damage some surfaces, particularly wooden surfaces, and so the glass is the best option to work with. You can also use a plastic sheet or table cover to the same effect.

Prepare your tools; make sure that you have a rolling pin to roll out the clay. You will also need tools such as needles, knives and spatulas for sculpting and decorating.
You can bake Fimo clay in your oven at home. Preheat the oven to around 265 degrees, place the clay on a baking sheet, and bake for around 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the clay. Remember that the clay will reach its full hardness once completely cool.

If you need to attach two pieces of clay, use super glue or a similar substance.
The clay can be painted with acrylic paint; you can also use a Fimo gloss or matte coat to finish your piece off.

Store your Fimo clay in kitchen foil and in a sealed bag making sure that air cannot reach the clay. It will store for several months this way.

Remember to keep different colours of clay separate. Never heat your clay higher than 265 degrees, above this point harmful gases will be released. Children using Fimo clay requires adult supervisor. Never allow children to be involved in the hardening process.

About the Author

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, fimo modelling clay, and fimo moulds jewellery findings, tools, precious metal clay and art clay silver - gold, silver, platinum and palladium, fimo moulds and plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.