Fimo clay is a polymer clay used to create many decorative objects. It is easy to work with, allowing for a wide range of results: sculpting large pieces, creating texture effects (metallic, glitter, fluorescent…), modeling jewelry and beads, etc. Once shaped, it needs to be hardened in the oven, meaning it must go through the baking phase. Its creative aspect and endless possibilities provide an inexhaustible source of joy for children.
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Initial step: where to buy it
If you are not comfortable with online shopping, look for the following brands near you: Cultura, Office Vallée, Loisirs et Création (East andNorth of France), Picwic(North and West of France)). Some supermarkets (Auchan,Leclerc) sometimes offer Fimo clay, in the “Arts and Crafts” sections of larger stores.
Online, the selection is even broader: Creactivites, A Little Mercerie, Truffaut, Tout à créer, Amazon, Cdiscount… Make sure to check if a promotional code is available for any of these stores before finalizing your order, you might still save on some accessories.
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To start with children, prefer FIMO Soft and Kids clays, which are softer models than the classic FIMO.
Techniques for creating decorative objects with Fimo clay
Additionally, Fimo is a well-known brand in France that produces and sells polymer clay used for making small decorative objects. This clay is very malleable, allowing for a wide range of pieces and jewelry. To use it better, there are various techniques, including:
- The Skinner blend: it allows for a gradient strip
- Cane work: this involves using various patterns to create canes. They will then be cut to be used with creative objects
- Millefiori: this involves creating a pattern in a “cane” using polymer clay scraps. The main pattern will be cut to obtain small independent motifs.
- Spirals, Marbles, canes…
It is also possible to sand and varnish the clay after baking for a better finish.
Material presentation in video
The presentation is simpler in video, this one was made by Rosenacree for the selection of different clays and small accessories to get started. For little ones, do not leave the knife or cutter accessible without supervision, ask them to plan the pieces to cut and take care of them.
Baking the clay
This phase should be supervised by parents, although it can be frustrating for children.
To make the clay strong enough, it needs to be baked and hardened in the oven for 25-30 minutes, usually at 110°C. In any case, this baking time depends entirely on the object and the expected results. If the clay is left in the oven too long, it can lead to toxic fumes. It is best to use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to bake objects. It is also advisable to always ventilate the room and, of course, the oven. If possible, the ideal option is to use an oven reserved for baking this type of clay.
It’s on! The easiest way to start:
To drill holes in Fimo beads, there are two methods: with a needle and with a mini drill. If you use a needle, it will be necessary to place the beads in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before baking to harden them and prevent deformation during drilling. With the mini drill, the operation occurs after baking. This method is ideal for perfectly round beads. But to avoid piercing your fingers, it is best to use pliers to hold the beads.
To smooth and shine the beads, you can polish them, varnish them, or simply do both at once. In addition to giving a better look to the jewelry, they will be better protected. To achieve beautiful beads, the best option is to choose a protective gloss varnish rather than the water-based special Fimo varnish sold today. The first varnish dries very quickly and does not require a second baking of the clay. The second varnish (water-based) sticks, chips, and especially does not last.
Examples of easy creations for children
We have made a small selection of creations, accessible to beginners, that we have seen on the web.
Little gray mouse (easy level)
The mouse is one of the easiest animals to make when you start creating with fimo clay. Most of the body does not require a ball, just carefully shaped and smoothed. Then you will need to think about the auxiliary details: the long, thin tail, the slightly curved and carved ears, and three balls for the eyes and nose. Then, don’t forget to carve small notches with the knife to make the whiskers.
Author profile on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pixcat/.
Black spider (easy)
Less common but still relatively easy to make, the spider is a safe bet to deliver while allowing for creativity. The legs are certainly the most challenging element here, as they need to be strong enough to support the weight of the entire creation.
The choice of eye shape is also important; they need to be small and numerous if you want to make a realistic spider (which is not often the goal) and large if you want to make a spider with a “friendly” look.
Flickr profile of the creator: https://www.flickr.com/photos/electrichamster/.
Little spotted cow (Medium)
Transform into a model farmer and create a cow that will join your herd of fimo animals. You will need to think about its makeup to have characteristic spots. The choice is free, between black and brown color.
Here, the choice was made to shorten the legs to ensure the stability of the creation and enhance the cartoonish aspect, but you can decide to make them longer.
Flickr profile of the creator: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andih/.
Donuts (easy)
Another example that resonates with everyone and is easy to make for children is donuts.
YouTube channel (with many tutorials!) of the creators: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY9f30nmSsQye-4_DbuJl0Q.
Octopus (difficult level)
Three beautiful octopus-shaped creations captured on rocks. The detail is particularly meticulous, and the rendering does not fail to suggest the legend of the Kraken. The stones used for the rocks are made of colored and polished minerals to provide a contrast with the animal attached to it.
The most challenging elements of these creations are the tentacles, which you will need to make using a sharp or circular object.
You will have the choice for the eye color: here, the red eyes make them appear as demonic creatures, but feel free to opt for a more neutral color (blue, black, or green).
Tumblr profile of the creator: http://wednesdayjunkie.tumblr.com/.
Still need inspiration?
There are blogs and websites specialized in fimo clay, where you can view hundreds of creations of all shapes and colors. We particularly recommend:
LalucarneCreative.fr — Illustrated creations with a list of necessary materials, ideal for children.
Clafoutine.Canalblog.com — Many fun and original jewelry made with polymer clays and soft metal wires
lafabriquedecouleur.eklablog.com — Detailed tutorials with photos for each step, the best to learn!
Pinterest.com FIMO section — Pinterest is also a treasure trove of ideas for FIMO creations, feel free to get inspired.
YouTube — Probably the site with the most FIMO content on the web, you will find hundreds of tutorials in French, and thousands in English.
Tag: fimo clay jewelry