Fimo Clay Techniques
Fimo is one of the most popular brands of polymer clay and is used in multiple arts and crafts venues. Artisans form Fimo clay into beads, pendants, buttons and trinkets and then cure the clay by baking it in an oven. Some artists extend the purposes even further by mixing it with glazes, paint and adhesives. Here are just a few techniques to help you get the most out of your Fimo clay.
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The Millifiori Technique
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The Millifiori technique is an ancient glass art technique that can be applied to Fimo clay. First, roll two long rolls of Fimo clay, each in a different color, and cut them in half. Form these four pieces into a rectangle, alternating the two colors in a checker board fashion. Roll out a long sheet of Fimo clay in a contrasting color and place the "checker board" rectangle inside. Roll it up to form a cane with a checker board pattern inside.
You can enlarge this cane by repeating the process or you can stop your pattern here. Slice the cane into pieces and you'll see a unique design on each piece. Once cured, use these pieces to decorate items like buttons, trinket boxes and jewelry.
Marbling Technique
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For a marbled effect, form two flat squares of Fimo clay, each in contrasting colors. Cut each square diagonally like you might cut a grilled cheese sandwich. Swap out the pieces from the two squares so that you have both colors represented in each square. Cut four vertical lines in each square to form a total of eight strips. Knead each strip to create a marbled effect in your Fimo clay. Roll the strips into beads or form any shape you desire.
Mokume Gane Technique
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Mokume gane (pronounced "moe-koo-may gahn-ay") is a jewelry making technique borrowed from ancient Japanese sword making. To use this technique with Fimo clay, simply layer differently colored sheets of Fimo clay along with sheets of metal foil. When the layers are approximately half an inch thick, puncture the layers with circular objects such as drinking straws, paintbrush handles and chopsticks. Roll the layers flat with a rolling pin and cut into strips. Form the strips into beads or other desired shapes.
Baking Tips
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GlassAttic, an online polymer clay encyclopedia, advises clay artists to remember that polymer clays are never rock hard after baking and cooling. They are slightly soft and flexible. FimoSoft is an exception to this rule and is actually less soft after baking and cooling (though still strong). The word "soft" in the title refers to the clay before it is baked. FimoClassic feels more like rubber after baking but is still strong and flexible.
Fimo clay will turn shiny when baked on a smooth surface like aluminum foil or glass. To avoid shiny spots, place a sheet of paper or terra cotta tile between the smooth surface and the clay, or shave off the shiny spots after baking with either steel wool or sandpaper.
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