FIMO - a guide to creating striking patterns
Whether using simple everyday objects like a sponge or a leaf, or with special STAEDTLER texture sheets, it is very easy to create awesome patterns in FIMO that transform modelled pieces into unique and impressive works of art. In this guide, we have compiled various techniques for effective FIMO surface textures. Get inspired and design striking patterns using very simple tools.
Creating FIMO patterns: a guide
Whether with sponges, doilies, leaves or prefabricated texture sheets: there are a variety of techniques and tools that can be used to create effective patterns on FIMO artwork. With this guide, we would like to provide you with instructions on how to do this.
Marbling FIMO using a sponge
A special kind of surface texture can be created easily using a commercial household sponge. To do this, simply roll the modelling clay into a flat sheet using a clay machine or an acrylic roller. Depending on which texture you would like to achieve, various sponges can be used: From simple kitchen sponges to steel wool, these sponges exhibit a variety of coatings and textures.
The different types of sponges make it possible to create various patterns on the FIMO sheet. By pressing the sponge gently against the FIMO clay, the pattern is easily transferred onto the modelled sheet.
It is important to use the right work surface to ensure that the FIMO can be removed properly after creating the pattern. Good options are:
To assist in removing the FIMO sheet from the work surface, a special FIMO blade can be used. General tips on working with FIMO can be found in our guide “5 steps for getting started with FIMO”.
Tip: Since the sponge technique is particularly easy, it is great to use with FIMO kids to create magnificent works of art with children.
Create surface textures using doilies
Another relatively simple method for creating impressive shapes on FIMO pieces is to use a doily. Here’s how it works:
Texturing using a leaf
Additionally, you can use a leaf to add a unique pattern to FIMO artwork. Similarly to doilies, the leaf is placed on top of a rolled-out FIMO sheet Roll over the leaf multiple times with the acrylic roller until the pattern of the leaf has transferred to the FIMO.
Creating surface textures using texture sheets
There are generally two options for imprinting patterns into FIMO pieces using the special texture sheets from STAEDTLER:
Imprinting with an acrylic roller: To do this, roll out a smooth FIMO sheet. Then place the texture sheet of your choice on the FIMO sheet and roll over the texture sheet with the acrylic roller until the pattern has imprinted well on the FIMO sheet.
Imprinting with the clay machine: Using the clay machine, create two individual sheets and place them on top of one another. Place the texture sheet of your choice on top and feed both of them into the clay machine. Remove the texture sheet, and you’re done.
Tip: To ensure that the texture sheets can be removed easily and fully from the FIMO after imprinting, you should wipe them beforehand with a moist cloth.
Good to know: The texture sheets are easy to imprint on smooth or rounded surfaces. For instance, if you would like to create jewellery, you can shape individual beads first and then apply textures to them. The finished beads are suitable for more than just wearing on the neck or ears. They can also be used to decorate pencil cases, cosmetics bags and lots more.
What’s the next step after the FIMO patterns have been imprinted?
After the surface of the modelling clay has been textured, it can be finished and worked on further:
FIMO cutters:
Create specific motifs using special FIMO cutters.
Striking refinements:
By refining artwork with metal leaf or metallic powder effects you can create a unique highlight. Precise instructions on how to do so can be found in our guide “Tips for refining your FIMO artwork”.
Hardening in the oven:
If you are using FIMO soft, FIMO professional or FIMO effect, you can make the modelled pieces permanently durable by hardening them in the oven. At 110°C, this is achieved within 30 minutes. Be sure to proceed according to the instructions on every FIMO package from STAEDTLER.
There are countless ideas for creating impressive patterns with FIMO. For example, one of these is millefiori. Millefiori comes from an Italian phrase meaning “a thousand flowers”. This technique has been used since ancient times. In the 15th century, it was rediscovered by the Venetians and used for creative glasswork.
With the many colours of FIMO, unique flower patterns can be created using this technique. To make the FIMO millefiori flower pattern, first you need to make a FIMO cane. Instructions on how to do this can be found in our guide "FIMO Canes".
What can you craft with this flower pattern?
The individual disks of the cane can be used to decorate countless different objects. We have put together a few examples here, but there is no limit to the power of creativity:
- Attached to glass, the flower patterns can be used to create unique lanterns. In the flickering light, these patterns glow beautifully and establish a pleasant atmosphere.
- Arranged on a glass frame, they produce a picture frame as an original decorative piece.
- The flower pattern can also be used to create beautiful jewellery pieces.
