German polymer clay, Fimo, can be used to create countless types of beads, jewelry and crafts. Utilizing its many bright colors, children and adults can turn this clay into many beautiful works of art.
What is Fimo Polymer Clay?
Fimo clay is an alternative to American polymer clay Sculpey. Like Sculpey it is made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and is available in a wide array of colors and finishes. Fimo clay is sold in small blocks of bright colors, which can be used by themselves, or blended together for marbled effects, or custom made colors.
Fimo can be difficult to work with, as it is extremely hard and given to crumbling when taken straight from the package. Softeners are available to help amateurs learn to work the clay, while more practiced crafters may find that they are able to soften the clay in their hands by using small pieces at a time and working it patiently.
Once the clay has been baked in a conventional or toaster oven, it is hard enough to be sanded, drilled or painted. This makes Fimo clay an ideal material for creating many at home crafts.
Caning with Fimo Clay
There are many ways to use polymer clay to create sculptures, beads or jewelry. With its hard, nature and multiple finishes, such as matte, glossy or iridescent Fimo is particularly well suited to a few techniques.
Caning is one technique to which Fimo is well suited. Caning is a process in which 2 dimensional designs are constructed from multiple tubes or canes, stacked together to form a 3 dimensional object. When completed, the sculpture or design is sliced, much like a loaf of bread, to make several identical objects.
Caning is a fun way of creating a necklace strung like paper dolls, or creating earrings that are identical to one another. To use Fimo in this technique, begin by choosing the colors and design desired. For example, to create earrings in the shape of a circle with a flower inside, three colors of clay will be needed. Sketch a small circle about the size of a quarter, and draw a petaled flower in the middle, with another, smaller circle at its center.
Soften the three colors of Fimo between warm hands until they are pliable and can be rolled into very long, thin tubes. Roll multiple tubes in each color, trying to make all the tubes relatively the same length and thickness.
Begin making the design by laying a few tubes of the color which will form the outer circle on a flat surface. Then, copying the design drawn, continue to add tubes until the face, or front of the cane resembles the sketch. Press and smooth the tubes together tightly when applying each new cane, to ensure a smooth look.
When a long tube is constructed, which when held on its end contains the design drawn out, hold a sharp knife parallel to the face and make slices about 1/8” thick. Smooth out any remaining lines between the tubes, and drill holes in the top for a jump ring to be threaded. There should now be multiple, identical flowers perfect for making into earrings.
Making Beads with Fimo
Another technique that Fimo is well suited to is making beads. To create beads with a marbled effect that can be strung on a necklace, bracelet or made into earrings, begin by selecting colors of Fimo in pairs. For example, if the crafter desires a necklace made of 3 colors of beads, she will need to select 6 colors of clay. Try to pair the colors together in a way that is complimentary. Such as iridescent gold clay paired with matte lavender, or a glossy red paired with a deep navy blue.
Take two colors at a time, and knead them until they are soft. Then roll out a long tube of each color, approximately 1/4” thick. Twist the two colors together, and continue kneading the mixing the clay, until a swirled, marble effect had been achieved. Continue to do this until all the colors have been mixed.
Next, roll out a tube of the newly marbled clay, again about 1/4" thick, and using a sharp knife, cut the ends of the tube off, and then slice the tube into 1/2" long pieces. Using a sharp, metal sculpting tool approximately 1/8” in diameter, hollow out the center of each bead, by pressing the tool straight through its length to the other side. Carefully remove the excess clay that has been pushed out the end, and smooth the edges down. If smaller beads are desired, cut the tubes in half or quarters with a sharp knife, and rework the opening of the bead with the sculpting tool.
Finish the beads by using a glossy lacquer made for Fimo, to give them a high shine.
Fimo clay can be used to make countless types of jewelry and art. It does take some practice, however, as it can be fairly stiff and crumble easily when first opened. Experiments with creating all sorts of beads and jewelry, and add some bright color to the day.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
