Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Cafe Giveaway!

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polymer_cafe_31_t It’s time for a giveaway!  I’ll be giving away the August 2009 issue of Polymer Cafe.

Leave a comment on this post telling us about one of your creative goals for the year,  and I will draw a winner in one week on July 15.  Good Luck!

(Be sure to include some form of email address so I will be able to contact you!)

[tags]polymer cafe, august issue, giveaway[/tags]

Comments

  2. I have two goals for this year:
    1. Make my beaded jewellery business a success.
    2. Improve my skills in other crafts (e.g. sewing).

  5. Ironically given the giveaway, one of my creative goals is to master polymer clay since I can’t seem to get anything to look the way I want. I know time and patience are big keys to this so I have decided that this is my next goal to achieve.

  6. My goal for this year is to play! I’ve been working at (emphasis on working) selling some pieces online and in a local shoppe, but I find myself relying on techniques and colors that I’m comfortable with just to GET IT DONE! I plan to make more time in this second half of 2009 to experiment and play and find more things that I can be comfortable with next year!

  7. I think you are right; time to “play” more, at least until it is time to make gifts for Christmas!

  8. This year a creative goal is to try a little more whimsical work, a little more sculpture. I’m hoping to tie that into my holiday lines.

  10. This years creative goal is to learn quilting and make to one! I’ve wanted to do this for a while but never had the time. Now I’m able to take up some of the crafts I want to learn. And ploymer clay’s one of them. Thanks for this giveaway.

  11. My creative goals at the mid point of the year is to learn more about polymer clay and the possiblities with making beads. Also, to BE creative!

  12. My goal for this year is to create as much art as I can. I have been dorment in my creativity due to small children. They are now 15, 10 and 7. This has given me a little me time to get back to my passion.

  13. This year, my intention is to get a bit more “open” with my expression- alot of times I hold back, I think I’d like to let it flow- let out all of me, instead of just the traditional creations.

  15. to make a polymer clay pendant that meets my rather stringent requirements as “good enough” to give as a gift. 🙂

  16. My creative goal is to get in the studio EVERYDAY for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Not only would my creativity benefit, but so would my sanity!!!

  17. My goal is to simply have fun at whatever I do, and currently that involves: steam punk, portraits, guitar lessons, knitting, book reviews, jewelry designs in clay, piano lessons, poetry, horseback riding and more…. =)

  19. My creative goal for the summer is to make my little “studio” (spare room)more functional so I can access all those recyclable/upcyclable raw materials and work some magic!

  20. My goal is to teach this year to children and adults. It’s time to share the fun!
    Starting in July!

  21. One of my creative goals this year is to design a quilted wallhanging.

    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

  23. My goal is to make several polymer tree ornaments of white snowmen or white artic foxes to put inside of box Christmas tree ornaments I made from my Christmas Cards I received last year. I want to give these to people in the Church I attend this Christmas when we exchange cards. See, alot of them will get their cards back in the form of a Christmas ornament, as well as an additional polymer clay ornament inside the recycled Christmas card box ornament.

  26. My goal is to take the beads I’ve been collecting to a bead shop and learn how to attach the findings to make them into jewelry.

  27. My goal for the year is to learn how to make my jewelery into a way to make some extra money.

  28. My creative goal for this year is to master the art of stain glass. Have always been interested in this and am ready to try it.

  29. I’ve put away my clay for awhile, and my goal is to get it back out! I want to create jewelry. I love the beads and buttons I’ve seen here!

  30. My creative goal for this year is to get some ideas to make special items for gifts.

  33. My goal is to improve my skill in working with polymer clay and to explore new designs.

  34. My creative goal this year is to spend more time with my crafts and less in front of the TV!

  35. I would like to sew more for my family and try to carve out more time for my other crafts.

  36. My creative goal for the year is to develop more inexpensive but attractive packaging. Everyone likes to open their “present” when they order online, but it’s hard to keep prices low enough to compete and still make my goodies look pretty.

  38. My creative goals are to leran how to make decorative pillows and clothes for my granddaughter.

  40. My creative goal is to do new and interesting things with decoupage, including some decoupage jewelry!

  41. My creative goal is to make a jewelry collection and be able to display it on QVC. Its a huge goal but I believe I can do it.

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!