Polymer clay for beginners

FIMO Soft is the friendliest first clay. Sculpey Premo is firmer and better for detailed earrings once you have the hang of it.

You need a roller, an acrylic sheet, a craft knife or cutter set, and findings for earrings. A kitchen oven is fine — a microwave is not.

Warm and roll the clay until it is flexible. Roll an even sheet, cut two identical shapes, bake on baking paper at the temperature on the packet.

Let pieces cool fully, then glue on posts or attach hooks with jump rings.

Home ovens are often hotter or cooler than the dial. Under-baked clay is brittle. Over-baked clay scorches. A cheap oven thermometer pays for itself on the first tray.