You will be using polymer clay to create your product line so let’s learn a little bit about it. Polymer clay is made from PVC and plasticizer. PVC is a type of plastic commonly used as a water pipe underneath your kitchen sink and plasticizer makes the PVC softer and more flexible. When the PVC is mixed with the plasticizer, the substance is called plastisol. Other substances are added to the plastisol to hold it together and give the polymer clay its other characteristics such as color.

Polymer clay was created by scientists to be capable of being easily molded. So, polymer clay is essentially a moldable plastic. You can’t find polymer clay in nature. It is oil-based, so it doesn’t dry out. You can even use pigments and dyes to change the color of it. The polymer clay hardens after putting it in the oven — this is called the curing process. Once you finish baking the polymer clay, it is cured, fully waterproof, and durable. After, you will attach the cured polymer clay to the hardware to make fun products.

Following along so far? Great!

Color theory plays a major role in product design. Color theory is both the science and art of using color. Colors can create different types of feelings depending on the colors they use. Color theory allows us to understand how to make use of these colors in order to create the desired emotions.

The Meaning of Colors:

• orange = confidence or excitement
• red = love or alert
• yellow = happiness or creativity
• blue = smart or trust
• green = nature or growth
• purple = independence or ambition

A color scheme is a particular combination of colors used for artistic and design needs.

• Monochromatic is a color scheme using various shades of only one, single color.
• Analogous is a color scheme using two or more colors that are side by side on the color wheel.
• Complementary is a color scheme using colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel

On the color wheel, the warm colors are red, yellow, and orange. Warm colors are said to excite and energize the viewer. The cool colors are green, purple, and blue. Cool colors are said to calm and relax the viewer.

Based on market research, I have included the six primary and secondary colors in the kit because they perform the best for the customers of Ingenia’s Charming Treasures Gift Shop. You can even mix colors if you want! It is completely up to you.

You will now use your understanding of polymer clay and color theory to create your own personalized products! If you’re still uneasy about making a product collection for the first time, don’t be! I‘ll guide you every step of the way. Find an open, flat area and assemble your materials.