Polymer Clay

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The Polymer Arts

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The latest magazine to do with our obsession is… The Polymer Arts. I’m reprinting the press release I received here:

The Polymer Arts Magazine Provides Instruction, Insight, and Inspiration for the Professional and Aspiring Polymer Clay Artist

AURORA, Colorado. July 23, 2011—The premier issue of The Polymer Arts magazine will go to print in August of 2011. This new magazine has been created to provide the polymer clay artist, as well as enthusiasts, collectors, and galleries, the kind of information that will encourage innovation and support of the art world’s youngest and most versatile medium.

In recent years accomplished and innovative polymer clay art work has been making its way into esteemed galleries and national museums. However, a perception that polymer clay is an amateur art material still persists. Unlike other fine art mediums, polymer clay has not had an industry specific periodical documenting the high caliber of work and trends in the community, until now.

The Polymer Arts magazine, an English language quarterly will be available in both digital and print versions. It will be readily accessible to artists and other supporters of polymer clay across the globe. Planned content will include a rotation of regular articles and features such as:

· Featured Theme Articles—Each issue will present and focus on a particular theme, with the following editorial planned: Issue #1—Genesis: How it all started, Issue#2—Education & Instruction, and Issue #3—Artistic Spaces.

· Material Issues—An in depth exploration of technical and creative polymer clay techniques and practices.

· The New and Improved—Testing new products and tools or exploring new ways to use existing products.

· Emerging Talent—Gallery of new artists’ work with interviews.

· Masters Gallery—Gallery of distinguished work with artist interviews.

· Inspiration Challenge—A showcase of readers art, inspired by articles in a previous issue.

· The Bottom line—Articles on selling, displaying, listing, and marketing, etc.

· In Good Company—Personal experience & reporting on events, retreats, workshops and shows.

· The Lists—Links, contact information and summary descriptions of polymer clay art, related retail and wholesale businesses, publication opportunities, contests and challenges, events & classes, guild and on-line communities, and accomplished artists.

Sage Bray, the publisher and creator of The Polymer Arts magazine, is also an award winning polymer clay artist whose obsession with the material, lead her to leave a well-paying corporate position to explore this new art form only six months after being introduced to it. Ms. Bray had previously juggled her creativity between jewelry making and graphic design, along with writing and publishing, which had been her primary career focus for nearly 20 years. She has now transitioned back to publishing, which is a field she has kept her hands in since creating her first literary publication 25 years ago. The Polymer Arts magazine has become the perfect opportunity for Sage to combine her passions for the written word and polymer clay in a professional and informative periodical whose time is long overdue.

CONTACT:

Sage Bray
720-324-7872

[email protected]

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Have you read?

The Best Glue for Polymer Clay (And How to Use It Without Messy Mistakes)

If you’ve ever spent hours sculpting the perfect polymer clay earrings only to have the posts pop off, you’ll know the heartbreak of choosing the wrong glue. Polymer clay doesn’t play nicely with every adhesive, and what works for paper or wood can end up brittle, tacky, or just plain useless on clay.

After twenty years of crafting with polymer clay—jewelry, buttons, magnets, and more—I’ve tested my fair share of glues. Below is a no-fuss guide to the best glues for polymer clay, when to use them, and a few tricks that will save you from sticky disasters.

Do You Really Need Glue for Polymer Clay?

Here’s the secret: clay itself bonds better to clay than any glue can. So, if you can bake pieces together, that’s always the strongest option. But for jewelry findings, mixed-media projects, or attaching polymer clay to metal, glass, or ceramics—yes, glue becomes your best friend.

The Best Glues for Polymer Clay

1. Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate)

  • Best for: Quick fixes, small attachments like jewelry posts or jump rings. 
  • Pros: Dries in seconds, clear finish. 
  • Cons: Brittle over time, not ideal for stress points. 
  • Tip: Use a tiny drop. Too much will bloom white residue onto your clay. 

2. E6000

  • Best for: Heavy-duty bonds, especially clay to metal (think bails, barrettes, and keychains). 
  • Pros: Industrial strength, flexible once cured. 
  • Cons: Strong fumes, needs 24 hours to fully cure. 
  • Tip: Work in a ventilated space and clamp your piece while drying. 

3. Two-Part Epoxy

  • Best for: Jewelry and repairs that need to last a lifetime. 
  • Pros: Rock-solid bond, water-resistant. 
  • Cons: Messy to mix, limited working time. 
  • Tip: Mix on a scrap surface and apply with a toothpick for precision. 

4. Polymer Clay–Friendly Liquid Clay (Like Sculpey Bake & Bond)

  • Best for: Attaching raw clay to baked clay before re-baking. 
  • Pros: Fuses clay layers when baked, invisible bond. 
  • Cons: Won’t work as a cold glue. Needs baking. 
  • Tip: Great for mosaics or adding small details that need extra security. 

5. PVA or White Craft Glue

  • Best for: Porous surfaces like paper, cardboard, or fabric accents. 
  • Pros: Cheap, easy to find. 
  • Cons: Weak bond on non-porous surfaces. 
  • Tip: Use only for mixed-media projects where polymer clay is decorative, not structural. 

Common Gluing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Using too much glue: More isn’t stronger. A thin layer bonds better. 
  • Not roughing up surfaces: Lightly sand shiny metal or glass so glue has something to grip. 
  • Skipping the clean-up: Oils from your fingers weaken adhesion—wipe surfaces with rubbing alcohol first. 
  • Expecting miracles: Some things just won’t bond forever. Reinforce with wire, eye pins, or bake-in hardware whenever possible. 

My Go-To Recommendation

If you’re attaching metal jewelry findings, go for two-part epoxy or E6000. For clay-to-clay details, stick with liquid polymer clay and rebake. Super glue? Only for quick fixes when I’m too impatient (we’ve all been there).

Choosing the right glue for polymer clay isn’t just about brand—it’s about matching the adhesive to the project. Once you understand when to use each type, your clay creations will hold up beautifully for years.