Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Introducing Myself

by

Mix and Match necklace

I was in such a rush to get the week going that I forgot to formally introduce myself!

Hi, I’m Elaine! I live in southwest Saskatchewan, Canada. Currently, it’s very snowy where I am and that is certainly lending to my frame of mind when picking clay tidbits to share out. I have an 11yo daughter and live with my partner, another creative type who is also into computers. He’d frown and say he’s not creative but he is a serious DIYer.

I’ve been doing polymer clay for 13 years and participating out on the net for a while. I joined up at PCC when I needed help with my polymer clay back in 2002 and never looked back! I teach, sell and write about polymer clay pretty much every day and days when I’m not making something are sad. My favourite techniques are caning or millefiori and making beads and jewellery that showcase it. You can see my work in my ArtFire or Etsy Shops, on my blog or on Facebook. I twitter as Tooaquarius. And you can take a look through the last few years of polymer clay and craft show pictures in my Flickr.

If you’d like me to post about you, your work, your news, your organization, your plans or if you have questions PLEASE email me! I’m looking to crank up the posts on this blog and I’d be happy to do a little promo for you while I’m at it. If you decide to send me tidbits I ask that you make them interesting and tell me what makes them cool, include a link to your blog, shop or source, and attach or point me at a picture that I may use.

Show me your best work! Pass along your favourite tutorials! Introduce me to your guild or forum. Please avoid sending me pages of sales info or repetitive commercial information, I’m allergic to spam. A little shout out for your new shop, big promotion or seasonal event = awesome. Dozens of links about what you offer every week? Not cool.

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

Comments

  1. Elaine,
    I’m so excited for you and for the claying community. I can’t wait to see what interesting things you’ll be posting.
    Wishing you tons of fun with this new adventure.
    Alice

  2. Thanks for your lovely post. I am excited to see what you will be finding and posting for us. I am just starting out in PC and where I live there are no classes, no guild to join and zero hope of finding anyone who knows about it or cares. Thank goodness for the internet! I hope you enjoy yourself!

    Heidi

  5. Yay, I kinda thought it might be Elaine. They couldn’t have made a better choice. Excellent to have you posting here.

  7. he he! You’ll probably even find yourself profiled at some point as someone who uses clay beads in her work sometimes. The more the merrier!

Have you read?

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review: What type of clay should I use?

What Type of Clay Should I Use? Comparing Three Stoneware Bodies

If there’s one question that potters—especially beginners—ask over and over again, it’s this: “What type of clay should I use?” With so many options available, from smooth white bodies to gritty, speckled stonewares, the choice can feel overwhelming. In this Clay Studio Series feature, we’re reviewing a video that takes the guesswork out by throwing, trimming, and comparing three distinct stoneware clays side by side.

Why This Video Stands Out

Instead of just talking about clay in theory, the potter works directly with three clay bodies and shows the differences in real time. You can see how each clay reacts on the wheel, how it trims when leather-hard, and what kinds of issues may arise depending on the body you choose. This hands-on comparison makes it far easier to understand than simply reading product labels.

The video also tackles a common curiosity: the pink-toned ES80 stoneware, often admired for its warm coloring. The creator points out that this clay is manufactured for reduction firing and won’t give the same results in oxidation, a detail that often gets overlooked by beginners.

Key Lessons for Beginners

  • Not All Clay is Equal: Some clay bodies are far more forgiving for new potters, while others require more experience to manage.

  • Know Your Firing Method: Certain clays, like ES80, are formulated specifically for reduction kilns. Using them in an electric oxidation kiln may leave you disappointed.

  • Texture & Plasticity Matter: Smooth clays can be easier to throw but may slump when trimming. Grittier bodies hold structure but can be harder on your hands.

  • There’s No Single “Best” Clay: Each clay has its pros and cons — the trick is matching your choice to your skill level and the project you have in mind.

Why We Recommend Watching

For beginners, choosing the right clay can mean the difference between frustration and success. This video demystifies the process by giving a clear visual comparison of three popular stoneware options. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what qualities to look for in a clay body and which ones might fit your needs best.

For intermediate and advanced potters, the insights are still valuable. Even if you’ve been working with one clay for years, seeing how others handle could inspire you to experiment with something new.

This review proves that clay choice is less about finding a universal “best” and more about learning what works for you. Whether you want smooth, easy-to-handle clay for your first mugs or a robust, grogged body for sculptural pieces, this video is a fantastic guide to help you make a confident decision.

Watch the full video here: What Type of Clay Should I Use?