Instructions, videos & downloads

Creative tips

If you are stuck for ideas, inspiration is at hand with our imaginative, easy to follow project sheets. Turn your creative ideas into reality with the FIMO range of craft products from STAEDTLER. With 'FIMO creative tips' you can search for your favourite creative tip based on material, theme and level of difficulty. Whether you're looking for trendy jewellery or great deco ideas for your home - the creative tip finder makes it incredibly easy to find your next FIMO project.

To view .pdf files you need Adobe's Reader, which you can download for free.

Please click "Creative tips app" for our mobile creative tip offer.

Techniques

FIMO butterfly tattoos – exceptionally easy and incredibly decorative

Thanks to the tattoo technique, these exquisite butterflies are quick and easy to make. They can be used as decorations on walls, furniture or home accessories. The embossed lace patterns on the subtle pastel-coloured motifs are created using FIMO accessoires texture sheets and then embellished with gold metallic powder.

Tip: Product information on FIMO effect and FIMO metallic powder can be found here.
To make one butterfly (approx. 10 x 13 cm), roll out one standard block of FIMO effect to a sheet using the acrylic first and then the clay machine on setting 1.

Place the sheet of FIMO effect on the work surface. Position the texture sheet on top and roll over it firmly a number of times with the acrylic roller. Then carefully remove the texture sheet – the mould‘s lace pattern is now embossed on the sheet of FIMO effect.

Tip:
Moisten the texture sheet with a little water before each use. This enables a clean and easy removal of the mould from the sheet of FIMO effect.
Print and cut out the pattern sheet. Place the cut-out motif on the embossed sheet of FIMO effect and press on a little to keep it in place.

Next, cut the motif out of the modelling clay by going around the edges of the paper template with the kitchen knife. Remove any surplus FIMO effect and take the paper template off.
Use your finger to gently spread gold metallic powder over all elevated parts of the lace pattern and rub it in.

Place the bowl on the baking tray with the base facing upwards. Carefully press the butterfly gold-side down against the outside of the bowl so that it sticks.

Harden in the oven for approx. 30 minutes at 110°C. Take out, leave to cool and then varnish. The originally flat butterfly is now slightly curved which makes it look more ‚real‘. Use double-sided sticky tape to stick it to your wall, window or furniture.

The FIMO butterfly tattoos creative tip can be found in our creative tip finder.

Blending table

Use the blending table to help create the colour you require.
E.g. by blending 3 parts yellow (-10) with 5 parts pink (-22) you get a warm red colour.

It's just as easy to make colours lighter or darker - all you have to do is to add black (-9) or white (-0).

FIMO soft standard blocks are segmented into 8 portions, making it very easy to blend the colours.
Please note that colours may vary due to printing process.

FIMO soft blending table as .pdf file

Creative tips app

With 'FIMO creative tips' you can search for your favourite creative tip based on material, theme and level of difficulty.

Whether you're looking for trendy jewellery or great deco ideas for your home - the creative tip finder makes it incredibly easy to find your next FIMO project.

The app at a glance:

Search function based on different materials, themes and levels of difficulty. Combinations are possible too.
Creative tips with illustrated step-by-step instructions and shopping list (requires an internet connection).
Favourites function: Collect your favourite creative tips in a favourites list.
Easy to send the creative tips by e-mail.
Print function (requires AirPrint).
Easy to share the creative tips on facebook and twitter.
Photo upload: Inspire your friends and show them a photo of your FIMO project.
The random creative tip function selects a new project for you when the device is shaken.
Regular updates with lots of new ideas.
Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Requires Android smartphone version 2.3.3 or later.

News

2. FIMO Symposium

...on the move!

At last! It’s almost time for the 2nd FIMO symposium.
Don’t miss this chance to join in with ‘FIMO inspirations on the move!’

From 12.-15.09.2013, you have the opportunity to experience three clay-packed days in Antwerp, Belgium together with the internationally renowned artists Kathleen Dustin, Lisa Pavelka, Christine Dumont and Saskia Veltenaar.

Let the marvellous setting on Antwerp's ‘Badboot’ inspire you. In addition to interesting courses on new techniques, this year’s symposium is again rounded off by a varied accompanying programme.

Badboot
Kattendijkdok Oostkaai 20
ter hoogte van de mexicobruggen
2000 Antwerpen
www.badboot.com, http://www.facebook.com/#!/Badboot

Course 1 : Lisa Pavelka, Christine Dumont and Saskia Veltenaar, € 219.00
Max. 40 participants. There will be a waiting list if more than 40 registrations are received.

Course 2: Kathleen Dustin, Christine Dumont and Saskia Veltenaar, € 219.00
Max. 40 participants. There will be a waiting list if more than 40 registrations are received. Fully booked!

Lisa Pavelka
Full-day workshop: Pendant - Hollow pods with skinner blend

Podcast - This class offers the chance to create distinctive constructions with a modern feel via hollow pods in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each pod will offer a unique finish. Numerous surface texture concepts will be covered in addition to millefiori patterns including caning without a pasta machine. An emphasis on Skinner Blended gradients and use of clay scraps will be featured. Students will complete one or more finished pods to be used singularly or together to form a modular piece. Wire formation techniques will be demonstrated for use as connectors or suspension devices. Participants will have the chance to accent their work with components from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Kathleen Dustin
Full-day workshop: Pin -Translucent Techniques and Design Decision Principles

While making a pin or large bead, each student learns how to layer translucent polymer clay to produce a rich depth of surface using permanent inks, gold leaf and powder inclusions, carving, sanding and buffing. At the same time, Kathleen presents basic artistic principles to aid students in making decisions as they work with this involved technique.

Saskia Veltenaar
Half-day workshop: Tool Box - FIMO cross stitching

Cross stitching is hip again!
In this class we will have fun cross stitching with polymer clay ‘yarns’ to build a fashionable and eye-catching toolbox.

Christine Dumont
Half-day workshop: Necklace - Trumpet beads

This bell-bead necklace is a great project for artists interested in a gentle introduction to working sculpturally. Learning to work in 3D is fun and is a great way of injecting immediate personality to your work.

Day	Agenda
Thursday: 12.09.2013	Individual arrival Opening event in the evening
Friday: 13.09.2013	Course programme Gala dinner cruise in the evening
Saturday: 14.09.2013	Course programme Closing ceremony and presentation of certificates

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The price of 219 € per person includes

Food and drinks on the course days
Transfer from the hotel to the event location on the course days
Dinner cruise with evening meal and drinks
FIMO material

NOT included in the price are:

Travel costs*
Accommodation
Other non-STAEDTLER course material*

*Participants are responsible for making and paying for their own travel arrangements. On course days, we provide free-of-charge transfer from the hotel to the event location. When you register online, please let us know if you would like to use this shuttle service.

*We kindly ask you to bring the supplementary material required for your respective course along with you to the event. The material lists for the respective courses will be available for download at www.staedtler.com from June onwards.

Entries must be received before 31.07.2013

Terms & conditions (.pdf)

We recommend the following hotel and have reserved a number of rooms there. We would be happy to help you with your reservation:
TRYP Antwerp Hotel
Plantin en Moretuslei 136
2018 Antwerp
Belgium
Phone: +32 3 2710700
Fax: +32 3 2723800
E-mail: info‎@‎trypantwerp.com
www.trypantwerp.com

Single use: 75 € per room, per night including breakfast
Double use: 85 € per room, per night including breakfast

Antwerp's TRYP hotel is located round the corner from the city's historical centre in the 'Art Nouveau' district of Zurenborg. The old town with its museums, shops and sights is but a stroll away. The design hotel is easy to reach from the motorway and is a mere 10 minutes from Antwerp's main train station. National and international train connections and the Antwerp airport in Deurne make the hotel convenient to reach.

Register now

Tips from international artists: Iris Mishly, Bettina Welker, Sarah Shriver and Sabine Backer (from left to right)

From 20 to 22 September 2012, FIMO friends from all over the world came together at STAEDTLER to take part in the first FIMO Symposium.

It was the first event of its kind in Europe. Four renowned artists – among them Sarah Shriver, one of the best-known artists in the FIMO community – presented the latest techniques and gave the participants valuable tips and advice in workshops.

The participant were able to look over Iris Mishly’s shoulder while she was working.

The great creative atmosphere during the two days, the wonderful items created by the participants and the playful mood have assured us to organise another FIMO Symposium next year.

We would be pleased to see you there.

Seasonal creativity

We've made it! The cold winter days have gone and spring is here, inviting us to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. At long last, we get a chance to sit on the terrace, on the balcony or in the garden again. We can plant flowers, get our vegetable patches ready and – even though it may be a tiresome chore – do the spring-cleaning and make space for new things.

Use small accessories to set new accents in different rooms, decorate your herb pots or position creative objects around the garden to add splashes of colour and attract attention to certain spots.
What's more, on the first Sunday after the spring full moon, it's time for the next big holiday season: Easter.

As always, this is a great opportunity for getting the family in a festive mood with lovely self-designed decorations and hand-crafted Easter ornaments.

Little nests filled with Easter eggs, branches hanging full of brightly coloured ornaments or original table decorations are but a few of the many ideas.

The range of things that can be made using FIMO and FIMOair is practically endless, so get inspired and let your imagination run wild! How about a lovely personal gift for Mother's Day on 12th May?

Make someone happy by surprising them with something you've made yourself.
A ring, a necklace or a brooch in their favourite colour, an ornately decorated picture frame complete with family photo or a novel keyring are so much more than just a present when they've been made by hand. They are a sign of great affection and appreciation.

Our creative tips provide detailed step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of Easter motifs and gift ideas.

Trends

Art and creativity are, without a doubt, timeless and basically not subject to a trend. But for all who create refined accessories or fancy jewellery using FIMO, it’s interesting to know what’s in for the coming year.

Whereas in spring the light pastel tones and bright shades of blue predominate, the trend colours in view of autumn and winter tend towards darker tones. However, dark colours such as black, chocolate brown or burgundy are increasingly combined with gold facets.

You will certainly find the right hue for each season among the extensive FIMO colour assortment. And should a colour be missing from the range, you can mix it yourself – with the help of our colour blending table.

Brochures & Catalogues

Simply shape your ideas. FIMO and FIMOair, oven-hardening and air-drying modelling clay.

Click the pictures to download our brochures as .pdf files.

To view .pdf files you need Adobe's Reader, which you can download for free.

FIMOair light brochure (.pdf, approx. 2.6 MB)

Hobby & Creative catalogue (.pdf, approx. 9.3 MB)

FIMO in action

Why I use FIMO

There are only few materials which offer as wide a variety for creative expression as FIMO does. For one, working with FM is easy to learn – first results are quickly almost in no time.

And you can create almost anything: jewellery or accessories, picture frames or decorations, dolls and figures, flowers and sculptures – everything is possible. The vast range of FIMO colours and the unique texture make it possible to imitate other materials in a remarkably convincing way, for example wood, stone, glass and many others. Incidentally, it teaches you techniques which were originally based on processing entirely different materials.

Tools? You can actually start with hardly any special tools. Beginners in particular can already fabricate the most beautiful creations using only the Starter Kit. And if you later want to create more delicate and more professional pieces, you simply venture to tackle the various tools.

If you have questions, please take a look at our FIMO FAQ section or contact our customer service at service‎@‎staedtler.de

New FIMO products

The new gemstone colours of the FIMO effect assortment lets self-modelled jewellery or home accessories become special eye catchers.

With subsequent polishing, the transparent depth and pearlescent effect let the modelled works of art appear like high-gloss rose quartz, precious jade, fascinating ruby, clear citrine or shimmering blue agate.

The gemstone colours inspire to try out new technologies and variants, and impress with striking results. Give it a try and design your own bracelet. Our creative tip explains how it’s done step by step.

The new FIMO DVD provides the perfect introduction to the art of modelling.
The 12 exclusive step-by-step videos are divided into three levels of difficulty, offering something for everyone – from beginners to experts.

With tips and tricks, detailed explanations as well as templates and printable shopping lists, the new FIMO DVD is an all-inclusive package.

STAEDTLER FIMO DVD: Decorative glasses in trendy strawberry look

FIMO - the story of success

It all begins in 1939.

In her search for a new material to use for her dolls’ heads, the well-known doll maker Kaethe Kruse begins experimenting with a new substance.
As the material turns out to be unsuitable for serial production, her daughter Sophie does some experimenting of her own with it, mixing pastes and colours into it and then kneading it into a whole variety of shapes and objects.

She uses the material to create vases, mosaics, pictures, miniatures, figures and toys.

Sophie Rehbinder-Kruse sums up her philosophy as follows: ‘‘Mankind instinctively wants to model things; it is his way of cherishing and preserving something dear to him”. As a result, she goes on to develop her first modelling clay kit in 1954.

She creates the brand name FIMOIK by using the first two letters of her nickname ‘Fifi’, the ‘Mo’ from modelling clay and the final letters of ‘mosaic’, one of her favourite techniques.

Thanks to the family’s excellent connections to the toy trade, ‘Kaethe Kruses Ofenknete’ (oven-baked clay) is well received by the market.

In 1964, Eberhard Faber acquires all of the rights. In 1978, this company, established in 1922 in Neumarkt, becomes part of STAEDTLER Group.
In 1966, equipped with a new concept, improved recipe and better sounding name, ‘FIMO’ is successfully launched onto the market in a range of 15 colours, two different sizes of block and variety of gift sets.

A FIMO handbook jam-packed with suggestions and instructions and a number of different brochures inspire users to try their hand at a whole array of new creative ideas.

The range continues to grow. Over the years, new colours, including some with special glitter, stone and transparent effects are added to it.
Craft sets complete with accessories on a selection of creative themes are also introduced.

Today, the range comprises 72 different colours and is rounded off by a wide assortment of accessories such as ‘FIMO liquid’, varnishes, metallic powders, leaf metal, push moulds and metal jewellery bases.

Sophisticated FIMO techniques such as ‘millefiori’, ‘mokume gane’, ‘kaleidoscope’ and ‘Skinner blend’ have developed.
Gemstone imitations, silk-screen, patina, ink and impression effects etc. all make FIMO an extremely versatile material: For imaginative modelling by children and more complex applications in the field of art and jewellery design.

Arts & Design

„Siesta“

Mixing technique with soft pastel on cardboard – by Corinne Korda

The lemur startled out of its siesta was painted with soft pastel chalks over a rough sketch made of diluted opaque paint ...

“Siesta” – Individual steps

... The pastel colours were repeatedly painted over – a “smooth wash” – in various stages of development using a brush dipped in water.

The white fur sections are emphasized with opaque colours.

Water colour “Canale”

Colourful Facades in the Channels of Venice, painted with our karat aquarell watercolour pencils.

FAQ & tips on using FIMO

Handling

Opened FIMO

Work in progress and leftovers can be kept in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container such as a plastic container or a glass.

How does FIMO work?

The oven-hardening modelling clay FIMO is a PVC-based compound.
In comparison to “normal” modelling material, FIMO is much stronger – this structure allows the modelling of small and delicate objects, for example.

The FIMO compound is made of plastic powder, plasticisers and additives.
While baking in the oven, the plasticiser makes the plastic powder gel; once cooled off, it forms a solid matter.

Can I bake already hardened parts several times?

FIMO can be baked several times, for example to plug up cracks or replace broken parts with FIMO.
FIMO is best hardened in the oven for 30 minutes at a ideal temperature of 110° C.

Pieces hardened at 130° C will look pretty much the same, except for the fact that they are a little more flexible.
However, this maximum temperature of 130° C and hardening time of 30 minutes should not be exceeded!

Does FIMO have a use-by date?

FIMO does not have a date of expiry. FIMO should, however, be stored dry and cool. Unhardened FIMO is best kept in aluminium foil, in a metal or plastic box (made of PP or PE!), to protect it from dust and contamination.

FIMO will thus last at least two years.
However, we don’t know how long and under what circumstances the FIMO had been stored in the shop before you purchased it.

In order to make older or hardened FIMA soft again, we recommend using FIMO Mix Quick, article no. 8026. The kneading aid for mixing makes softening firmer FIMO quick and easy. This, however, will work only if the compound hasn’t thoroughly hardened yet.

Is FIMO suitable for outdoor use?

Once completely hardened, the oven-hardening compound is weatherproof but should not be varnished!

It is important that the hardened model has no cracks through which rain could penetrate. Otherwise the model could burst in freezing temperatures.

The colours might fade a little over time when exposed to intense sunlight; a protection of some kind is therefore recommended, a canopy for example.

What is the ideal temperature for hardening FIMO?

The gelling process (PVC in plasticiser) cannot be completed at temperatures of less than 110° C. FIMO will harden, but is still brittle inside and therefore fragile. If you harden FIMO at temperatures above 110° C, it will become more flexible.

However, you then accept that the colours become more brownish and are possibly about to burn. We do not recommend doing this!

The ideal hardening temperature is 110° C for 30 minutes.

Is FIMO waterproof?

We recommend our oven-hardening modelling clay for our snow globes as well.

Here, the hardened model will be placed in water permanently.
However, FIMO should not be varnished.

Can I mix FIMO soft / classic / effect / Puppen with each other?

All these variants can easily be combined and mixed with each other.

Der Geliervorgang (PVC in Weichmacher) kann bei weniger als 110°C nicht bis zu Ende geführt werden. FIMO wird dann zwar hart, ist aber im Inneren noch mürbe und daher bruchanfällig. Wenn man FIMO höher als bei 110°C härtet, wird es eher flexibel.

Man nimmt damit aber in Kauf, dass die Farben bräunlich werden und evtl. kurz vor dem Verbrennen sind. Wir empfehlen das auf keinen Fall!

Die ideale Härtetemperatur beträgt 110°C bei einer Härtezeit von 30 Minuten.

Zum Kleben von abgebrochenen FIMO-Teilen empfehlen wir „Pattex Multi Alleskleber“ von Henkel.
Dieser ist von uns getestet worden, er kann auch im Backofen mitgehärtet werden. Der Kleber trocknet transparent auf und verfärbt sich auch nicht durch Hitzeeinwirkung.

Zum Kleben von FIMO Schneekugeln (Verbindung der Haube mit dem Unterteil) empfiehlt sich der Modellbaukleber von Pattex.

Ingredients

Does FIMO contain softening agents such as phthalates?

Phthalate-based plasticisers have fallen into disrepute.
These are suspected of being carcinogenic or mutagenic.

For reasons of preventive consumer protection, STAEDTLER has stopped using plasticiser containing phthalate in FIMO already in 2006.

Is FIMO non-hazardous / non-toxic?

Our oven-hardening modelling clay FIMO does not contain any harmful, allergenic or poisonous substances. FIMO meets the requirements of the EU Directive on the Safety of Toys (EN71, Part 5).

We commissioned the ‘Forschungsinstitut für Leder und Kunststoffbahnen gGmbH’ (Research Institute of Leather and Plastic Sheeting) to examine emissions at 130° C and 150° C – in other words, at temperatures higher than stated by our instructions (110° C). At both 130° C and 150° C, neither carcinogenic or mutagenic substances were detected, nor any with reproductively toxic properties. Nevertheless, a maximum temperature 130° C should not be exceeded. We recommend using an oven thermometer.

In unfavourable conditions, hydrochloric acid fumes can develop at temperatures above 150°C. However, these have a very strong warning effect (burning sensation in the eyes and stinging in the nasal mucosa) before they cause any toxic reactions. In any case, thoroughly ventilate the room, bring any person outdoors and consult a physician if taken ill (this is a “standard” procedure for any kind of danger and therefore does not apply only to FIMO).

Is FIMO food safe?

Our oven-hardening modelling clay FIMO does not contain any harmful, allergenic or poisonous substances. FIMO meets the requirements of the EU Directive on the Safety of Toys (EN71, Part 5).

Moreover, hardened FIMO is resistant to sweat and saliva in accordance with DIN 53160 (LGA Test 5561011) You should avoid direct contact between FIMO and mouth or food though – FIMO is not food safe.

Ensuring this would require special testing and approvals, which have not been carried out for FIMO. This also applies to animals; we therefore do not recommend using FIMO in aquariums, terrariums or for making animal feeding bowls.

Incidentally, FIMO does not contain any animal components and is gluten-free.

What does “natural-based substances” mean?

Is FIMO not longer made of PVC?
The notice “with natural-based substances” has been printed on the packs of our over-hardening modelling clay since July 2011.

This notice is not the result of a modified formulation.

We rather want to point out that we use raw materials in the production of FIMO which are based on natural fats and oils.

Der Geliervorgang (PVC in Weichmacher) kann bei weniger als 110°C nicht bis zu Ende geführt werden. FIMO wird dann zwar hart, ist aber im Inneren noch mürbe und daher bruchanfällig. Wenn man FIMO höher als bei 110°C härtet, wird es eher flexibel.

Man nimmt damit aber in Kauf, dass die Farben bräunlich werden und evtl. kurz vor dem Verbrennen sind. Wir empfehlen das auf keinen Fall!

Die ideale Härtetemperatur beträgt 110°C bei einer Härtezeit von 30 Minuten.

Zum Kleben von abgebrochenen FIMO-Teilen empfehlen wir „Pattex Multi Alleskleber“ von Henkel.
Dieser ist von uns getestet worden, er kann auch im Backofen mitgehärtet werden. Der Kleber trocknet transparent auf und verfärbt sich auch nicht durch Hitzeeinwirkung.

Zum Kleben von FIMO Schneekugeln (Verbindung der Haube mit dem Unterteil) empfiehlt sich der Modellbaukleber von Pattex.

Accessories

What glue is best used for FIMO?

We recommend “Pattex Multi Alleskleber” (all-purpose glue) by Henkel to glue on FIMO parts which have broken off.
We have tested this glue and it too can be hardened in the oven. The glue dries to a transparent state and does not discolour, not even under the influence of heat.

We recommend using the model-making glue by Pattex for the FIMO snow globes (for glueing the cover to the lower part).

Tips

Can I wash buttons made of FIMO?

FIMO buttons should not be machine-washed or dry-cleaned because the colours can fade over the course of time depending on the detergent and chemical cleaning agents, respectively.

In general, the buttons should not be varnished because our varnish is water-based. We recommend washing the garment along with the FIMO buttons by hand (30° C) and preferably using a soft detergent.

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