Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!

by

Ahoy Maties!  It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day once again!

by Andrew Bergholtz

This bust is by sculptor Andrew Bergholtz.   Amazing, yes?  Pour yourself a cup of grog, and then click here to find out more about him and check out more of his work.

[tags]talk like a pirate day, andrew bergholtz, polymer clay sculpture[/tags]

Comments

  1. Darn, I started typing a comment, & clicked on something by mistake…it’s gone! At least I think so–if it’s in moderation, I apologize for the re-post. Anyway, I’m bummed that I missed “Talk like a Pirate Day.” It’s always so much fun–we always laugh ourselves silly when we act like pirates.

    I ended up over here today because Cindy did a post on you. She mentioned an article you did back when she was first starting out…seems like she wanted to say “thanks” by blogging about you today. I was surprised to find that her blog/website isn’t in your resource list on the left side. She’s certainly come a long way from just a few videos…she’s got an entire webite filled with polymer clay information of every type. She still works tirelessly to answer questions and provide support. She comes up with new techniques, and finds ways to improve or simplify older ones. It’s funny–your previous post was about the tri-bead roller, and she just did a new video tutorial about tube beads, and the Amaco Tube bead roller–something many of us had difficulty using correctly. (The instructions are a bit lacking with those tools.)

    Cindy has kept her teeny-tiny membership price the same all this time…it’s still a very low $3.32 a month. That gets you 4 new video tutorials, and 12 color recipes (from 3 custom palettes.) Well, I guess I’ve rambled enough. I just want people to know how amazing The Polymer Clay Tutor’s site is–especially for beginner/intermediate clayers.

    Thanks for your awesome site. I’ll be sure to visit again…
    Thanks, Gianna

Have you read?

How to Add Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment to Polymer Clay (Tips, Tricks and Project Ideas)

If you’ve ever wanted your polymer clay earrings or charms to literally light up the night, glow-in-the-dark pigments are the secret ingredient. Adding them to clay isn’t difficult, but there are some tricks to getting the best glow, the brightest finish, and a professional look that actually lasts.

I’ve worked with glow powders and glow clays on plenty of projects—from kids’ Halloween crafts to statement jewelry pieces—and let me tell you: not all glow pigments are created equal. Some glow for hours, others fade after a minute, and how you mix them into your clay makes a huge difference.

Let’s dive into how to use glow pigment with polymer clay, plus a few creative project ideas you’ll want to try.

Choosing the Right Glow Pigment

Not all glow powders are the same. The brightness, glow time, and even color vary depending on the pigment type.

  • Phosphorescent powders: These are the most common. They absorb UV or natural light and release it slowly, creating that glowing effect. Look for strontium aluminate–based powders (they glow longer and brighter than zinc sulfide powders).

  • Color options: Green and aqua are the brightest and longest-lasting. Pinks, purples, and oranges are fun but fade faster.

  • Particle size: Fine powders blend smoothly into clay, while larger particle pigments give a speckled, starry look.

How to Mix Glow Pigment into Polymer Clay

There are two main methods for adding glow pigment to your clay:

1. Mixing Powder into Clay

  • Condition your polymer clay until it’s soft and pliable.

  • Sprinkle a small amount of glow powder into the clay (start with about 1 part pigment to 4 parts clay).

  • Knead and fold until fully blended.

  • For extra brightness, add more pigment—but too much can make your clay crumbly.

2. Dusting or Painting Pigment on the Surface

  • Roll out your clay sheet or shape your earrings.

  • Brush pigment powder onto the surface using a dry brush.

  • For a stronger effect, mix the powder with a clear liquid clay and paint it on.

  • This creates a glowing finish rather than an all-over glow.

Baking Glow-in-the-Dark Polymer Clay

  • Bake according to your clay brand’s instructions (usually 260°F–275°F / 125°C–135°C).

  • The pigment won’t burn out—it’s heat stable.

  • For surface applications, add a thin layer of liquid clay or a sealer before baking to keep powder from rubbing off.

Sealing and Finishing

Once baked and cooled:

  • Sand and buff as usual if the glow pigment is fully mixed in.

  • If the glow pigment is brushed on the surface, apply a thin coat of clear varnish, resin, or UV resin to lock it in.

  • A glossy finish makes the glow appear brighter, while a matte finish gives a softer effect.

Project Ideas for Glow-in-the-Dark Polymer Clay

  1. Glow-in-the-Dark Earrings – Simple studs or hoop charms that charge under sunlight and glow during evening dinners.

  2. Spooky Halloween Jewelry – Bats, pumpkins, and ghosts that shine when the lights go out.

  3. Kids’ Room Stars – Cut star shapes, bake, and glue onto walls or mobiles.

  4. Garden Markers – Clay tags with glow pigment to find your plants after dark.

  5. Nighttime Keychains – Never lose your keys again with a glowing charm.

Tips for the Best Glow

  • Charge your finished pieces under bright sunlight or a UV lamp for the longest glow.

  • Store pigment powders in airtight containers; moisture can ruin them.

  • If you want a subtle effect, mix pigment with translucent clay. For bold neon-like glow, pack in more pigment.

Adding glow pigment to polymer clay is one of those small tricks that turns ordinary jewelry or crafts into conversation starters. Whether you want a subtle shimmer or a full-on “where’s the flashlight?” glow, it’s all about the right pigment, mixing method, and finish.

So go ahead—make your earrings, pendants, or charms shine, literally!