Craft 101: Introduction to Liquid Polymer Clay, Sealers and Glosses

Liquid polymer clay is a liquid form of polymer clay, obviously. Liquid polymer clay is a viscous, somewhat sticky medium. It requires no conditioning. If let out in a loosely covered polymer-compatible container, like Liquid Sculpey, it will thicken, but it can be thinned using clay softener. 

In addition to many adhesive and construction applications, all liquid clays can be tinted easily with mica pigment powder or oil paint and use for embellishment. (Glitters, metal powders, metallic leaf flakes, mica flakes, sand, and dried leaves and flowers can also be add using liquid clay)

Liquid clay has several valuable adhesive properties when baked. It is used to bond polymer clay element together, raw clay to raw or baked clay to baked clay.

Some of the liquid clay in the market are Translucent Liquid Sculpey (TLS), Kato's Liquid Clay, Fimo's DecoGel.

For gloss and varnish, I have compiled a list taken from various sources.

1. Mod Podge - for air dry clay only. Preferably Magic clay and cold porcelain clay.
2. Semco Varnish and Sealer - tends to get tacky when applied to certain  surfaces (polymer clay), but it has matte variant that helps item retain their color and/or prevent  it from fading and has no sticky residue.
3. New Future Gloss - watered down version of Sculpey Gloss Glaze. For sheer effect only. When mixed with Golden Varnish the clay will turned to satin.
4. Sculpey Gloss Glaze - really glossy effect, only one coat needed for super shine. Also available in matte and satin.
5. Judkins Diamond Glaze - can be brought at Deovir's. Double as gloss and adhesive.
6. Golden Varnish

Other adhesives includes: Cyanoacrylates or CA Glue

1. Kronyo
2. E-600
3. Bulldog
4. Greco - make sure you get new stock if your Greco is past six month it will barely stick to anything

Craft 101: All About Polymer Clay

I am excited to share with you what I know about Polymer Clay. I have attended two polymer workshop last month. One was Basic Polymer Workshop and the other was Chibi Dolls and Souvenir Workshop by two different clay artist.

Polymer is a clay but its not the usual clay that we've known before (i.e. PlayDoh). Polymer Clay is a type of hardenable modelling clay based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It does not contains clay minerals, but like mineral clay a liquid is added to dry particles until it achieves gel-like working properties, and similarly, the part is put into an oven to harden, hence, its colloquial designation as clay. (source: wikipedia)

Below are the lists of clay brands:

1. Sculpey Bakeshop - marketed as children's polymer clay and never dries out. Very soft and you barely have to conditioned it. Good if you're making items that don't hold much detail. They're too soft and squishy for more detailed work. 
2. Sculpey III - Great clay for beginners. Easy to condition.
3. Sculpey Premo! - recommended mostly to those who plan to use clay for business. 
4. Studio by Sculpey - recommended for those who want to get into clay business. Good for caning and sculpting.
5. Fimo Classic/Fimo Soft - Top quality and great for business. Very firm and a bit more difficult to condition. You need some oil or clay softener or a clay mallet. A bit glossy once bake.
6. Nendo Firm/Nendo Flexible - Good if you want to make flexible pieces. It can be more rubbery and plastic-y than other clay brands so avoid leaving this unbake on top of finished surfaces too long. It's also stickier than other clay. There's no need for liquid clay to adhere two clay parts with this clay. Lack of conditioning lead to air bubbles.
7.  Clayzee Polyclay
8. Kato Polyclay - formulated by Donna Kato. Tends to be sticky but rich in color. Good for caning. 
9. Lumiere
10. Pearlex
11. Craft n Bake
12. Dukit Clay
13. Flexi Clay
14. Cernit - perfect clay for making dolls, has porcelain like finish once bake.
15. Pardo - clay for pregnant women
16. Klayola - Good for anything that needs to be strong and bendy. It is also nice to soften old crumbly clay.

Hope you find your staple clay!

On Being An Artist

There is something you need to know about me. I am a frustrated artist. When I was in grade school, someone gave me a box of acrylic paint (I was good at coloring a coloring book). I was overjoyed and enthusiastic thinking that I can create great masterpiece with it. To start, I made a makeshift easel (chair covered with white blanket), and Mama bought me a ream of bond paper (yes a ream, Mama always supported us when it comes to extracurricular activities provided that it will benefits our personal growth). And viola! I began to paint like an artist I see in movies. Sadly, I wasn't able to create a masterpiece, what I created instead is a messy canvass splattered with arrays of colors. But it was great for Mama. 

I have always been fascinated with artsy stuff. I am a hoarder of newspaper cut-outs, a friend drawings, stationary stuffs. One time, I collect cut-outs from a magazine thinking that I will be able to start my scrapbooking, but I lacked materials i.e. glue, glue gun, and photos, so I put it in a box and let it gather dust. I will deal with it later soon!

This past few days, i immersed myself in making polymer clay. I enrolled two workshop this month dedicated to polymer clay craft and it was great! So behold! - hopefully my next post is all about my artsy crafty projects that I finished, and my journey in realizing my dream as an artist.

This is the beginning of something new!

Pagudpud-Laoag-Vigan Tour 2014

One of the perks of being a government employee is that we get to experience out-of-town yearly assessment within the country with minimal expenses. This year, our assessment was held at Pagudpud, Laoag City, and Vigan City, to explore the hidden jewels of the north.

Our first stop is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse. It is a cultural heritage located at Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

Located a few minutes further from the lighthouse is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.

Bangui Wind Farm is also a sight to behold. Arranged in a single file 20 on shore turbines are spaced 1,070 feet apart facing the South China Sea.

I also get a chance to passed by the 4th longest bridge in the world - Patapat Bridge.

Villa Carlina Resort located at Saud, Pagudpud was a nice resort. Although it lack certain amenities such as swimming pool, function hall and game room. It exudes the ambiance of primitive provincial life.

Sand Dunes is a must try sports in Ilocos Norte.It only cost Php 500 each person. Sadly I don't have a decent picture of me sliding down the sands.

We also get to spends our second night at Palacio de Laoag. For night time strolls, you can get a tricycle to the city park for only Php 15 per person.

Ilocos was also famous for its churches.

You can't go to Vigan City without visiting its famous Calle Crisologo. Although some would say that its street is magical during the night.

  

Our last stop was Baluarte Hills owned by Chavit Singson. I didn't get to explore much of the place because it was stifling hot but I get to take picture with these two lovelies.

23 Qualities of a Guy Worth Dating

1. He loves God.
2. He is driven.
3. He is goal oriented
4. He is chivalrous.
5. He is supportive.
6. He is honest.
7. He respects his parents.
8. He respects your purity.
9. He shows patience.
10. He puts God first.
11. He is reliable.
12. He is trustworthy.
13. He is someone you are attracted to.
14. He is always willing to help those in need.
15. He will pray for you.
16. He manages his finances well.
17. He has a good reputation.
18. He is willing to work hard to provide.
19. He doesn't make hasty decisions.
20. He doesn't have a foul mouth.
21. He has a good manners.
22. He is willing to protect you.
23. He is always thinking on the bright side.

source: www.jarridwilson.com