Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Glues and Polymer Clay

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I’m currently building up inventory for fall shows which means, at least somewhat, I’m using glues here and there. And glue and polymer clay is a pain. Some glues just don’t work. For example, I’ve had embarrassing failures with hot glue in the distant past. Sometimes my fall back glue (E6000 on cleaned surfaces) just doesn’t work one apiece in a batch of dozens.

Ginger from the Blue Bottle Tree goes over her notes, compiled from others, in her post here and they seem to reflect what I’ve found as well. It can be basically summarized as: if possible, join clay to clay with liquid clay and a good baking. Join other sturdy items to clay by baking them INTO the clay if possible – I make pins this way – or using the strongest glue you can get.

Another thing I found out was that CA or cyanoacrylate glues (superglues) make a great polish for polymer clay. In fact, it’s a better polish than glue unless you’re doing just small repairs or additions. I use CA or Gorilla Glue to fix tiny cracks since they either glue instantly or fill space as they glue. I use E6000 or Goop, on alcohol cleaned surfaces for some pieces that won’t be handled too much. And I’m working on changing more of my work to clay and mechanical hold rather than depending on glues.

What kind of glue do you prefer to use on your projects? Any horrifying failures or really great glue tricks?

Comments

  1. I, too, have a love – hate relationship with glues! Everyone swears by E6000 but I don’t! I love a quick grab glue that dries quick and clear for my craft projects. I discovered DAP RapidFuse Multi-Purpose Adhesive that’s perfect for most of my bonding needs – except fabrics! My go-to fabric glue for that is Fabri-Tac – it’s the best!

  2. one of the top clayers recommended J.B KwickWeld and it is undoubtedly strong and reliable on polymer clay. It is no longer available in the UK and the UK equivalent, equally as reliable is called ‘Power Maxed Epoxy Speed Bond

  3. I find that Superglue works best on pc to pc, but only if its a smooth flat surface. I also use it to fix metal jewellery findings, such as brooch-backs, or magnets. to pc. My other favourite glue is Weldbond, made in Canada. It is similar to PVA, dries fast and clear, and is very strong, and waterproof. Much better than epoxies.

Have you read?

Book Review Wednesday: Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook by Jacalyn K. Myron, and this is another one of those crossover craft books that could easily live in more than one corner of CraftGossip.

It is not strictly a jewelry making book, but the cover does mention jewelry projects, and air-dry clay is a lovely material for making lightweight pendants, charms, ring dishes, earrings, beads, and little decorative pieces. So I’m letting it sneak into the Jewelry Making series because, honestly, half the fun of handmade jewelry is experimenting with materials that were not necessarily “jewelry supplies” to begin with.

Air-dry clay is especially appealing for beginners because you do not need an oven, kiln, torch, or specialist setup. You can shape it, texture it, let it dry, sand it, paint it, seal it, and turn it into something sweet and useful. It is very approachable, which makes it a nice option for crafters who want to try clay jewelry without jumping straight into polymer clay baking or resin mixing.

This book looks like a practical beginner guide covering air-dry clay techniques, tools, tips, and projects, including jewelry, home décor, animals, figurines, and small sculptures. I like that mix because it gives makers room to play. You might start with a simple ring dish or pendant and then wander off into little bowls, ornaments, charms, or handmade gifts.

For jewelry makers, I’d see this as a gentle introduction to clay-based accessories. Think handmade pendants, textured earrings, little clay charms, or small dishes for storing rings and earrings. It would also pair nicely with our Jewelry Making projects and the more clay-focused ideas here.

My Shellie-style take? Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook looks like a calm, beginner-friendly craft book for anyone who wants to try clay without too much fuss. It may lean more general craft than pure jewelry, but there is enough jewelry potential here to make it useful for makers who enjoy handmade accessories, gift projects, and pretty little things made by hand.

You can find the book here: Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook.