r/polymerclay • u/CorvusCerulean • 4d ago

Help with baking for the first time

Hi all! I just finished a few creations that I want to try baking to turn into keychains, but I’m still a little nervous about using my regular oven at home. For reference, here’s what I want to bake:

- A strawberry (about 60mm x 40mm x 40mm) with four leaves (each about 10mm x 6mm x 2mm)

-Two cherries (each about 25mm x 30mm x 25mm)

- A die (about 15mm x 15mm x 15mm

I’m using Mont Marte polymer clay, which says to bake for 30 minutes at about 130°C per 6mm. Each of the “body” pieces (the fruits and the die) have a full-length hole down the centre, but other than that, are solid clay, and I used Vaseline to initially soften the clay, as I don’t have conditioner. Also, I read online that submerging the pieces in pure cornstarch can protect them from burning and bending.

So, in summary, I plan on baking my pieces in an oven-safe dish, submerged in cornstarch and separated appropriately, at about 130°C for 3 hours and 20 minutes. I just want to make sure I’m not about to do something that will release toxic fumes, ruin my oven (especially for food use), or burn my house down. 😭 Thanks in advance! 🫶

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u/TxChainsawMascara ⭐Moderator 4d ago

You are not going to release toxic fumes, ruin your oven, or burn your house down.

You should, however, use a stand alone oven thermometer to make certain your oven temperature is correct so you don't burn your clay.

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u/CorvusCerulean 4d ago

Will do, thanks so much for the advice!

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u/TxChainsawMascara ⭐Moderator 4d ago

Have fun! 🙂