A: Polymer clay should feel comfortable in your hands. If it is too soft or too hard you won't feel like you want to create. I am very sensitive to the condition of my clay. I don't like it hard and I definitely don't like when its too soft (drives me nuts, makes me want to smash it all on one clump and throw off to the side). Definitely use the pasta machine, then see how it feels to you. Also I have cold hands, so the hard clays don't work for me, I get tired. It has to be a bit on the softer side.

Q: When working with polymer clay does bits of it stick to the palm of your hand?

A:Clay shouldn't stick to your hands. I find If you are using a lot of white clay it will stick to your hands, add a bit of translucent clay it should help. If you are suing Flesh color clay and it sticks, possibly it has too much oil in it. If you have time, let it sit for a 1-2 months, it will firm up naturally. If you are short on time, leach it, by rolling some clay through your pasta machine and sandwich it between two or more sheets of plain white paper. Put it under some heavy books (make sure there are a few sheets of paper surround the clay or the oils from the clay will leak into your books and will ruin them. Leave overnight and this will help with the clay becoming a bit less sticky.

Q: I have polymer clay that has crumbled to a powder, can it be rescued?

A: All clays can be salvaged. Take you old dry clay, crumble it into small chunks, whiz it a food processor. Make sure you buy a dedicated food processor (you can find one in Walmart for 9 dollars or less). Do not blend you clay in the same food processor as your food, since the clay is a chemical compound.

Now, add a few drops of baby oil (the one with no vitamins, just plain baby oil from the dollar store - it is just a mineral oil, has no odor or color) and work it in a small amount of clay with your fingers. After that use the pasta machine to help you blend the clay to the smooth consistency. If it feels too dry, keep adding oil, very small amounts. Every time you add oil, work the clay for a few minutes. Keep blending until it feels right in your hands. Store it in a separate container (I like using good quality zip lock bags - Glad brand is the best, they keep the bag tight and it doesn't rip easily.