Will I be able to access the class materials after the retreat?

Yes! The class materials will be pre-recorded and released on their scheduled date. After that you can access the materials anytime and will have lifetime access to the classroom.  

Can I use my regular oven?

Yes, but I recommend covering your baking sheet with a disposable tin foil pans to cover your clay while it's baking to protect your oven from the plasticizer in the clay.

If you are going to become a bead making factory, invest in an oven just for baking your clay.

Convection ovens are recommended over toaster ovens because they hold the temperature more steadily. I keep my oven next to my home oven and have the fan on while baking.

Temperature and Baking Times
Use an oven thermometer and to find out what temperate you should set your oven at to reach 265 degrees. If you haven't baked clay in your oven before do a test run of a few practice beads before putting in an entire batch.

I bake my clay at 275 for 30 minutes.

Keep on eye on your baking clay - don't burn it! Burnt clay is bad news. It releases a toxic fume that is noxious.

Always preheat the oven and if you keep the door open for more than a few seconds let it heat up thoroughly before sticking another batch of beads in again.

How do you know if your clay is baked properly?
Use the fingernail test: if you can lightly press your fingernail into the clay and it leaves a mark it's not done. Bake for 5 more minutes and test again.

Buying Clay
If you are buying clay in person, give it the squeeze test. It should feel malleable in the package. If it feels hard, pass it up. Not buying it in person, buy from a reputable seller to ensure fresh clay. Munro Crafts is my favorite online store for clay.

Softening and Conditioning Clay
Because we are mixing most of our own colors, you don't need to pre-condition your clay. The clay will be thoroughly conditioned as we mix our colors. If you are using a color straight out of the packaging you'll need to condition your clay for a minute or two.

If you are working with your clay and it's tough on your hands you can warm up your clay a little to make it softer. You can sit on it, put it in your pocket or put it under a heating pad. Do not put it in the microwave.

You can condition old clay, but honestly I feel like it's not worth the time and effort. You can find tips here though if you are determined.

Does Clay Dry Out?
Technically no. But what can happen is the plasticizer in clay that makes it soft, can leech out. Keep your clay covered with wax paper to avoid the leeching. You'll also want to store clay to avoid dust or hairs.

Clay Storage:
Keep your clay stored in a cool, dry place. Clay can start to harden if left in the sun or car.

There are lots of ways to store clay. Because clay can react to some plastics I avoid them all together. I use wooden trays, metal baking strays, shallow cardboard boxes and wax paper.

You can wrap clay in wax paper to keep it malleable longer. I store my canes on metal baking sheets with a layer of wax paper on top of the clay. I stack several trays together. Larger canes are kept in a deeper metal baking pan.

Should I Wear Gloves?
That is up to you. Some people are sensitive about being exposed to chemicals. Latex or surgical gloves can be worn if you prefer.

Can I Sand or Drill Clay?
Yes, you can. Use an automotive wet/dry sand paper in 400 & 800 grit to remove fingerprints or imperfections. Sand your beads in a shallow dish with a little bit of water to avoid breathing in the dust.

Drilling Beads You can use a Dremel tool with a small drill bit. I prefer a tiny hand-held drill known as a pin vise. I like this because I feel like I have more control and don't have to worry about beads flying across the room. You can find them in hardware, hobby or craft stores - usually in the modeling area. They are sometimes called precision mini-drills. We'll talk more about putting holes in beads during the class.