Peace By Piece - Polymer Clay Workshop Guide

• Polymer clay (brands like Sculpey or Fimo)
• Rolling pin or acrylic roller
• Cutters or plastic knives
• Clay tools (dotting tools, toothpicks, or sculpting tools)
• Decorative materials (eg. acrylic paints, inks, metallic powders, gold leaf)
• Oven-safe tray with baking paper or gloss tile
• Oven (home or toaster oven)
• Optional: sandpaper, gloss varnish or clay sealer, pasta machine

1. Conditioning the Clay 

• Knead the clay with your hands until soft and pliable. Warming it helps avoid cracks during baking.
  

2. Shaping 

• Use your hands and tools to pinch, coil, roll, or press clay into forms like:
  • Small bowls or dishes
  • Trinket trays
  • Beads or pendants
  • Miniature sculptures or vases
    

3. Texturing & Decorating 

• Try pressing lace, leaves, stamps, or textured objects into the surface.
• You can also combine colours using:
  • Marbling: twist and roll multiple colours together
  • Caning: create patterns within logs of clay and slice into designs
    

4. Baking 

• Place your item on baking paper on a tray. 
• Bake according to clay brand instructions—usually:
  • 110–130°C (230–266°F) for 15–30 minutes depending on thickness
• Let cool completely before handling or painting.
  

5. Finishing Touches 

• Lightly sand edges for smoothness. 
• Add optional gloss or sealant for shine and protection.
• Paint details with acrylic paint if desired.

NOTE: The last 2 steps may take place after the class is completed to allow proper time to bake and cool. Pieces can be collected the following week.

Clay responds to your touch and mood. Take your time, breathe deeply, and enjoy the feel of the material.

Try this:

As you knead the clay, focus on the texture and temperature.

As you shape, let go of perfection — follow the flow of your hands.

Each piece is a reflection of your moment, not a final product.

🎥 Polymer Clay 101 for Beginners
Watch on YouTube 

🎥 Polymer Clay Earrings for Beginners
Watch on YouTube

Check out the shorts on these channels for design inspiration:

🎥 Klay Kreations

🎥 The Little Craft House

•  Don’t use tools or baking trays for food after using them for clay.
• Always supervise children during baking.
• Ensure good ventilation when baking clay.

Tag us on Instagram @peacebypieceart or use the hashtag #PBPclaycreations to show your beautiful pieces and inspire others.