Hey there, polymer clay enthusiasts! As the temperature drops and the chill sets in, you might notice your Sculpey polymer clay isn't as cooperative as usual. Don't worry – we've got your back with some fun and practical tips to make your crafting sessions as smooth as possible, even in the cooler months.

Warming Up Your Clay
In cooler weather, polymer clay can feel dry, crumbly, and stubborn. Here are a few ways to warm it up and get it back to its pliable self:

• Hand Warmth: Start by holding the clay in your hands. The warmth from your palms can help soften it. Knead it gently until it becomes more pliable.
• Clay Rollers: Using a clay roller can make a big difference. Roll your clay back and forth to help distribute heat and soften it up.
• Warm Surface: Place your clay on a warm surface for a few minutes. A heating pad on a low setting can work wonders, just be careful not to overheat the clay.
  
  

Softening Agents to the Rescue
Sometimes, even after warming up, your clay might still be a bit tricky to work with. This is where softening agents come in handy:

• Liquid Clay Softener: Add a few drops of liquid clay softener to your polymer clay and knead it in. This helps to restore its flexibility and make it easier to work with.
• Solid Clay Softener: If you prefer a non-liquid option, solid clay softeners are great. Simply blend a small piece into your clay until you achieve the desired consistency.
  
  

FAQs: Cooler Months Clay Conundrums

Q: My clay is still crumbly after warming and using a softener. What should I do?
A: If your clay remains crumbly, try mixing in a bit more softener and knead thoroughly. You can also condition it by running it through a pasta machine or a dedicated clay roller several times to achieve a smoother texture.

Q: Can I use a microwave to warm up my clay?
A: It's not recommended to use a microwave, as it can overheat and partially cure the clay, making it unusable. Stick to safer methods like hand warmth, clay rollers, or a heating pad.

Q: How do I store my clay to prevent it from becoming hard in the first place?
A: Store your polymer clay in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid exposing it to extreme cold, which can make it harder to condition later.

Q: Are there any specific tools that help with working clay in colder weather?
A: Definitely! Investing in a good quality clay roller, pasta machine, or dedicated clay conditioning machine can make a significant difference in your crafting experience, especially in cooler weather.

Extra Practical Tips

• Warm Water Bath: Seal your clay in a plastic bag and submerge it in warm water for a few minutes. This can help soften it without the risk of direct heat.
• Pre-Conditioning: Spend a bit of extra time conditioning your clay before starting your project. This initial effort will save you from frustration later on.
• Workspace Warmth: Keep your crafting space warm and cozy. A small space heater can make your work area more comfortable and keep your clay at a workable temperature.
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Crafting with polymer clay in cooler months doesn't have to be a struggle. With these tips and tricks, you'll be creating your beautiful pieces without a hitch. Stay warm and happy crafting!
Feel free to reach out with more questions or share your own tips for working with clay in the cold. Let's keep the creativity flowing all year round!

Polymer Clay needs to be conditioned before use, as it doesn't come pre-conditioned. Conditioning is essential to make the clay more pliable, consistent, and easy to work with. Here's why conditioning Polymer Clay is important and how you can do it effectively:

Why Condition Sculpey Polymer Clays?

• Enhances Flexibility: Conditioning helps the clay become more flexible, reducing the risk of cracking or breaking during shaping and baking.
• Ensures Consistency: Kneading the clay blends out any inconsistencies, resulting in a smooth, even texture.
• Activates Plasticizers: Conditioning activates the plasticizers in the clay, making it softer and easier to shape.
• Eliminates Air Bubbles: Proper conditioning removes air bubbles that can cause imperfections in your finished piece.
  
  

How to Condition Sculpey III, Premo and Souffle Polymer Clay

• Warm It Up: Start by warming the clay slightly in your hands. You can also place the clay in a bag and submerge it in warm water or use a heating pad for a few minutes to increase pliability.
• Knead Thoroughly: Take a small piece of clay and knead it with your hands. Roll, stretch, and fold the clay repeatedly. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the clay's initial firmness.
• Use a Clay Roller: A clay roller or pasta machine is great for conditioning. Run the clay through the roller several times, folding it each time to ensure even conditioning.
• Check for Readiness: Well-conditioned clay should be smooth, flexible, and free of cracks when bent. If the clay remains stiff or crumbly, continue conditioning until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Add Softeners: If the clay is particularly hard or crumbly (as some effect or darker clays often are), add a drop of clay softener or mix it with a softer clay to aid in the conditioning process. 
  
  

Tips for Conditioning Polymer Clay

• Work in Small Batches: It’s easier to condition small pieces of clay and then combine them for your project.
• Avoid Over-Conditioning: While conditioning is crucial, overdoing it can make the clay too soft, which can complicate working with fine details.
• Use Softener Wisely: Clay softener is a staple for any clay artist. Start with just one drop to soften the clay, adding more only if needed. The size, temperature, and initial condition of the clay will determine how much softener is necessary, but remember, less is more!
• Store Properly: After conditioning, store the clay in an airtight container to maintain its softness until you’re ready to use it.
  
  

Properly conditioning Polymer Clay ensures a smooth working experience and helps you achieve the best results in your sculpting projects.

Important Note: No Delivery Date Guarantees:
While we strive to provide accurate cutoff dates, it's crucial to note that both Australia Post and courier services offer no delivery date guarantees, especially during the bustling festive season. External factors may impact schedules. We recommend placing orders well in advance of the cutoff dates to accommodate any potential delays.

Our team is committed to prompt order processing, and we appreciate your understanding of the unpredictable nature of deliveries at this time. We're here to assist with any inquiries and tracking information. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Ensure your orders are placed and paid for before midnight on the specified dates, and we'll dispatch them on time to meet Australia Post's deadlines.

As the holiday season approaches, plan ahead, and take note of these cutoff dates. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a Merry Christmas surrounded by loved ones and the thoughtful gifts you've chosen. Thank you for making us your Christmas shopping destination. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Australia Post have advised that there are delays to WA from the East Coast due to multiple rail line issues. (We're on the East coast) As a result, regular parcels and mail is expected to take two weeks longer than usual. This does not affect Express Post which is moving by air and is a much faster option.

Please consider selecting Express Post to avoid the delays caused by the cross-country rail outage. This will also avoid possible heat damage as rail freight is waiting in containers and warehouses which may expose the freight to excessive heat for a prolonged period of time.

We'll continue to monitor the situation and advise accordingly.

If you're selecting Express, please reconsider adding E6000 Adhesives to your order. E6000 is a ground-only item and can not move by air. Therefore selecting Express with E6000 in the order will be no faster than regular post and will be caught in delays caused by the rail line closures.