Polymer clay is a PVC-based modeling material that stays soft until baked in a home oven (usually at 230–275°F / 110–135°C).
After baking, it becomes hard, slightly flexible, and waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor fairy garden décor.
Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need much to start — here’s a small but effective setup to get you started:
Core Materials
Polymer clay: you just need to choose one of these, but there are a few different options depending on your needs.
Sculpey Premo - good balance of firmness + detail
Sculpey III - softer and easy to mold (great for kids)
Sculpey III
Soft and easy to mold, this polymer clay is great for beginners and children.
Fimo Professional - very strong and holds detail well
Fimo Professional
High quality polymer clay that comes in 24 different, vibrant colors. Best for advanced sculptors.
Cernit Number One - has a nice porcelain-like finish
Cernit Number One
Polymer clay that hardens into a porcelain finish. Can be painted with acrylic or watercolor paint.
Tools
Clay Tools- basic set with a needle tool, knife, and ball stylus
Polymer Clay Tools
Everything you need to start sculpting like a professional! Includes 5 wooden clay tools, 4 rubber ball styluses, 5 rubber pens, 1 metal needle tool, 5 wooden handle ball styluses, 4 plastic styluses, 1 metal rib, and 1 pottery sponge.
Acrylic roller - (or glass bottle) to flatten clay
Acrylic Roller
High quality acrylic rolling set. Comes with a good size roller and flat acrylic sheet. Perfect for small kids hands as well!
Baking surface - smooth tile or parchment on a baking tray
2 Half Sheet Baking Sheets with Cooling Racks
These half sheet baking sheets are perfect for polymer clay projects. And cookies!
Toothpicks or wire armature - for stability in larger pieces
100 Feet 12 Gauge Aluminum Wire Armature for Polymer Clay Support
Bendable Sculpting Wire for adding to support to large polymer sculpting clay projects. Oven safe and comes in 3 colors.
Optional But Fun Add-ons
Mica Powders for realistic texture (think dirt, moss, rust)
Smalltongue Mica Powders
Mica powder works beautifully with polymer clay to add metallic shimmer and vibrant color effects. How it works with polymer clay: Mix directly into clay: Blend the mica powder into raw polymer clay before baking for rich, metallic colors throughout Surface effects: Brush or roll mica powder onto the clay surface before baking for shimmer accents Bake-safe: The powder is safe for polymer clay baking temperatures (275°F)
Acrylic paint for fine details
ARTISTRO Acrylic Markers
These acrylic markers work well on both baked and unbaked polymer clay surfaces. For polymer clay use: After baking: Apply the markers to fully cured polymer clay for vibrant details and designs Surface preparation: Clean the clay surface first for best adhesion Durability: The acrylic ink creates a permanent, water-resistant finish once dry Dual tips: Use the fine 1mm tip for intricate details and the 5mm dot tip for larger areas
Gloss or matte varnish (Sculpey brand or polyurethane spray)
Sculpey Gloss Glaze
So many things to love about this gloss glaze from Sculpey - Beautiful glossy finish: Creates a stunning, crystal-clear shine that "makes pieces shine like the stars" Quick-drying formula: Dries fast without staying sticky or tacky like other glazes Easy application: Precise twist cap gives great control, and a little goes a long way Durable protection: Adds extra protection from cracks and seals imperfections perfectly Non-yellowing: Maintains clarity over time without discoloration Compatible with everything: Works with all polymer clay brands and over acrylic paints
Jewelry or sculpting blades for crisp edges
DIYSELF 16-Piece Craft Knife Set (Exacto Knife Set)
People love these sculpting blades over others for several key reasons: - Incredible blade variety: 10 different blade shapes including curved, oblique fine point, and flat blades - covers every sculpting need - Superior sharpness: High carbon steel blades stay razor-sharp longer than standard blades - Comfortable grip options: Both silicone (non-slip, soft) and aluminum alloy handles reduce hand fatigue during long sessions - Secure blade attachment: Blades lock firmly in place with no wobbling or loosening during detailed work - Organized storage: Magnetic case keeps blades safely organized and easily accessible Perfect for polymer clay work: - Detailed texture work on polymer clay - Clean cuts without dragging or tearing - Precision carving for intricate designs - Easy blade swapping for different techniques
How to Bake Polymer Clay
1. Preheat your oven to the clay’s specified temperature (check the package).
2. Place your sculpture on parchment paper or a ceramic tile (never directly on metal).
3. Bake for 15–30 minutes per ¼ inch (6mm) of thickness.
4. Let it cool completely before handling — it’s soft right out of the oven and hardens as it cools.
Tip: Use an oven thermometer for accuracy — home ovens often run hotter or cooler than expected.
Fairy Garden Miniature Ideas
These are all easy to start with and look beautiful among plants:
Mushrooms (blend white and red, add tiny spots with a toothpick)
Log benches or stools (roll brown clay and texture with a toothbrush)
Tiny planters or pots (add drainage holes for realism)
Lanterns or jars with glow-in-the-dark clay
Birdbaths or tiny houses with wood grain or stone texture
Signs (“Fairies Welcome,” “No Trolls Allowed”) with painted lettering
Finishing & Sealing
For outdoor use, apply a thin layer of polyurethane or UV-resistant varnish after baking and cooling.
For indoor use, a satin or matte polymer varnish is enough.
Avoid nail polish as a sealer—it eventually gets sticky.
Storage & Care
Keep unbaked clay in airtight bags away from heat and sunlight.
Wipe surfaces clean before baking (lint shows up in baked clay).
Once baked, polymer clay miniatures can handle rain and moisture, but try to keep them from sitting in standing water long-term.
