Polymer clay is a synthetic modeling material and not clay found in the earth. A versatile medium developed in Germany in the 1930's, it contains a mixture of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) particles and plasticizer. Unlike earth clay, which needs extremely high temperatures to cure, polymer clay can be cured in your home oven.

During firing, the temperature causes chemical changes in the clay, making it hard and strong but the clay also keeps its shape and color. It can be finished in various ways to obtain textures from glassy to stone like. It can be painted, sculpted, carved, stamped, textured and even sanded and buffed to a high shine.

For more information on Polymer Clay visit these sites:
National Polymer Clay Guild
PolymerCAFÉ Magazine