A Pasta Machine For Clay By Alice Lane

Believe it or not, there is actually a pasta machine that is used strictly for clay. Although it might be obvious and quite common sense, no you cannot use the clay pasta machine for your food too. Working with a pasta machine is a lot of fun when you are dealing with clay. There are many different things that you can create.

A pasta machine for clay is exactly what you think it is. It really looks like a regular old pasta machine. The best type to buy is one that you power by a hand crank. The ones that are powered by a motor might not be strong enough to handle a polymer clay transfer. These machines also do precisely what you would expect them to; create long strips of flattened out clay. When it comes to working with this flattened clay, there are many different creations that you could make.

Rather than using a clay extruder to assist with your sculptures, now you can use a pasta machine instead. You can use it to flatten out your clay to make thin pieces to add to your artwork. If you are making a vase and want to add a three dimensional flower to the side, this is the way to go. Simply flatten your clay and cut out the shape of the flower that you want. Not only will the pasta machine save you the hassle of having to roll out your clay with a rolling pin, but it will also help save your sanity by creating clay that is the same thickness throughout.

One really fun thing that you could create using a pasta machine is a game board. If you flatten your clay and then cut the clay into inch wide strips you can put together a game board. Simply weave the clay strips over and under each other for a chess board. When you add some low fire glazes the finished result will be fantastic and unique!

Another fun way to use your pasta machine is to blend clay colors. Simply place one piece of clay over the other and run it through. This will blend the two colors beautifully and effortlessly. Keep running the clay through until the desired result has been reached. No matter how you decide to use your pasta machine, the choices are limitless. You will probably find that you use it more than your other clay tools!

If you are looking for a new and fun way to work with your clay, consider purchasing a clay pasta machine. AMACO has plenty of information regarding polymer clay transfer to get you started. Working with a clay extruder can be just as creative as well. Visit AMACO for information on that as well. When you have finished with your creation and are ready to add some low fire glazes, AMACO has a wide selection to choose from.

How to Use Polymer Clay Safely By Lisa A Mason

Polymer clay is a wonderful material that is used for making jewelry. It is flexible and easy to work with making it the number one product used today. It's not a dangerous product as long as you know and follow a few simple safety rules. The first step is to fully understand what it is and how it works. Polymer clay is a form of PVC or polyvinyl chlorides. When making it, the ingredient plasticizer is added to make the material soft and manageable.This is what makes it so pliable and easy to create different molds and shapes from it.

It is vital that you do not let the polymer clay come in contact with food because the plasticizer in the clay is dangerous if ingested. You don't want to use any items that you use to cook it or use on unprotected counter tops where you prepare food. Therefore, it is important to follow certain steps to make sure it does not come in contact with food.

Steps on how to use this clay safely:

* Keep the polymer clay away from all food products and areas where food is prepared. This includes the kitchen table and counters.

* Separate any utensils used for the clay from the ones used for food. Keep them together with your polymer clay and make sure they are labeled so they will not accidentally end up back in the kitchen.

* Any appliances used for polymer clay should never be reused with food products such as the pasta machine or the oven you use for firing. Most artists use portable or toaster ovens for firing the clay because the plasticizer can leach out during this process making the oven unusable for cooking food.

* Do not let the oven go above 300 degrees Fahrenheit when firing the clay because if the clay begins to burn it can release toxic fumes into the air. Always fire the polymer clay in an area that is well ventilated.

* Always wash your hands thoroughly after each use. Plain soap and water doesn't seem to affect the polymer clay very much so try using a pumice stone along with the soap to help remove it from your hands. Using certain facial scrubs, hand creams or rubbing cooking oil on your hands can also help remove the clay.

* Supervise the use of polymer clay when it is being used by children. Don't allow small children to use the clay at all if they still put their fingers or other things into their mouth.

Following these few simple safety rules will help to ensure you stay safe while having fun making jewelry and other creative designs.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Lisa Mason, Professional wordsmith for hire: gamer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, published poet, co-owner of game guides company, public speaker and Internet business consultant. You can learn more or follow Lisa's blog from her website: http://www.freelancewriter4hire.com

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