FIMO - 5 steps before getting started
Creating beautiful jewellery/accessories, beautiful home deco items or personalised gifts using this modelling clay is not just a whole lot of fun. You will also be very proud of your very own creations. To ensure success from the get-go, you should always follow certain guidelines when working with FIMO modelling clay. If you want to get crafting with FIMO modelling clay, there is a whole world of ideas out there. Instructions on how to proceed with your crafting can be found in this guide.
Working with FIMO modelling clay – a guide: Five steps you need to know before you start
Before you can begin working with the FIMO modelling clay, you should take the following steps:
- Use a fitting surface to work on
- Clean your work surface as well as your hands
- Properly unpack the FIMO block
- Hardening FIMO modelling clay according to the guide
- Proper storage of FIMO
The main reasons for these specific surfaces are: For one, they all have very flat surfaces. This prevents any unwanted textures on the underside of your FIMO creations. On the other hand, the modelling clay will also be very easy to remove from these surfaces, thanks to their quality and finish.
Cleaning your work surface and hands
It is best to clean your work surface as well as your hands using a damp cloth. This is gentle on the skin (if you are working with FIMO quite a lot) and removes dust as well as impurities that would otherwise be transferred to your modelling clay.
Properly unpacking the FIMO block
Before you can work with your FIMO, the right coloured block needs to be unpacked. There is a tab on the back of the block that allows you to easily pull both sides apart. It is important to pull the packaging off correctly. That way it stays in one piece. If you do this, you can later pack the modelling clay back into its original packaging and help it keep for longer.
Hardening FIMO correctly
It is often the case, that users of the oven-hardening modelling clay FIMO ask "how do I bake FIMO in the oven?" – but we are talking about “hardening in the oven". FIMO becomes hard when it is cured – the colour and shape of the models stay virtually identical.
To properly harden FIMO, the oven should be preheated to 110°C. You then need to place your modelled FIMO artwork into the oven for 30 minutes. As every oven is slightly different, it is recommended to use an oven thermometer, so your model will not burn or turn an unpleasant burnt colour. It is very important that this temperature is not exceeded while you harden your FIMO.
The most important key data at a glance:
- How do I harden FIMO? – In the oven at 110°C
- How long does FIMO take to harden? – 30 minutes
If you would like to read again how to properly cure FIMO: The back of every FIMO packet has detailed instructions on the hardening process!
Good to know: Along with the oven-hardening modelling clay, there is also a self-hardening version, FIMOair. The FIMOair versions are light, natural and basic for drying at room temperature. The advantage: These types of FIMO do not need to be hardened in an oven.
Storing FIMO correctly
If there is any FIMO modelling clay left over once you have finished with your creations, then this can be stored and used later. It is important for air-drying FIMOair to be packed as airtight as possible. Oven-hardening FIMO does not need to be stored in an airtight container, but should be kept away from dust. FIMO should also be stored away from heat and sunshine. We recommend storing it in aluminium foil or PE bags in a cool and dry place. Avoid contact with polystyrene or PVC.
Modelling FIMO – a guide for beginners
Once you have properly unpacked the modelling clay, you can use it to model whatever you like. To begin, you should knead the clay to soften it, which makes it easier to mould.
You can either model your clay with your bare hands, e.g. for making beads and beautiful pieces of jewellery. In addition to that, you can also use a variety of FIMO modelling tools. For example, the following tools are perfect for doing this:
You need the following STAEDTLER products:
Tip: Kneading FIMO is also a great way to promote tactile perception in children. By feeling and working with modelling clay, the child will understand how to work with a variety of different materials. When children work with FIMO, it promotes creativity, spatial awareness and imagination as well as improving their motor skills. A detailed, child-friendly FIMO crafting guide can be found in every packet of FIMO kids.
Hobby artists will probably prefer to use FIMO soft, because this modelling clay is soft, making it easier to shape and mould. It is incredibly easy to create beautiful works of art, like accessories or home deco items using the DIY complete set. The corresponding FIMO modelling clay guide is also included in this pack. It also includes a picture of how your finished work of art can look – as a guide for you to use.
More advanced and proficient users can then look into FIMO professional to let their creative flag fly!
