Fimo is a brand of polymer clay that is available in a wide range of colors and is easy to work with. Two formulations are available, the classic clay and a softer, more malleable version. The clay can be hardened in an oven, but follow manufacturer's instructions regarding length of time because of the clay's chemical properties.
Molds
You can use Fimo to create molds from shells, buttons, beads and charms. The molds can then be filled with Fimo and the resulting forms can be added to frames and book covers or turned into knobs for drawers and cupboards. To make a mold, work a piece of clay larger than the item you want to mold. Set the clay on waxed paper and press the mold into the clay without twisting or turning. Peel the wax paper and place the mold on your baking sheet and bake according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Let the mold cool. To use, press clay directly into the mold and scrape the excess off. Remove the clay gently, bake and then mount it on whatever project you are working on.
Flat Sheets
The essential tools of Fimo craft are the pasta maker, acrylic roller or acrylic brayer that are used to flatten the clay into sheets. Use these to create book covers, switch plates for light switches, bowls with upturned edges, Christmas decorations and picture frames. The pasta maker can also be used to add texture to flat sheets by feeding the textured sheet along with the clay through the machine. Texture can also be added after the sheet has been flattened. Use the flattened sheets to create sculpture pieces, brooches and pins, hair clips, frames for mirrors, clocks and napkin rings.
Canes and Beads
Fimo is excellent for making polymer canes and beads. Canes are lengths of clay in which the design runs throughout. Once the cane has been made, it can be sliced into sections and used as embellishments for other projects or as beads. Of course, Fimo can be used to create beads of various sizes and shapes without the cane properties. The resulting beads can be made into jewelry, added to clothing or handbags or used on a string in place of garland on a Christmas tree.
