To make a hole in baked polymer clay, especially for creating a more refined piece of jewelry, you can use tools like a hand drill or a Dremel.
Making holes in polymer clay after it has been baked provides clean, precise openings suitable for stringing, attaching findings, or other finishing techniques. While you can make holes in raw clay, drilling the baked clay offers a more professional and "refined looking" result, as mentioned in the reference video clip.
Tools for Drilling Baked Polymer Clay
The most common and effective tools for creating holes in baked polymer clay are drilling tools.
- Hand Drill (Pin Vice): A small, manual drill that you twist by hand. It's excellent for small holes and offers precise control, reducing the risk of breaking delicate pieces.
- Dremel or Rotary Tool: An electric tool with various bit attachments that spins at high speed. A Dremel is much faster and more powerful than a hand drill, suitable for larger holes or when making many holes. The reference specifically highlights the use of a "hand drill or Dremel" for achieving a "more refined looking piece."
How to Drill Baked Clay
Using either a hand drill or a Dremel requires a few simple steps to ensure a clean hole and prevent damage to your piece:
- Secure Your Piece: Place the baked polymer clay piece on a stable, non-slip surface. You can use a piece of scrap wood, a cutting mat, or even a small clamp to hold the piece steady, especially when using a Dremel.
- Select the Right Bit: Choose a small drill bit appropriate for the size of hole you need. Start with a smaller bit if you're unsure and enlarge it if necessary. Metal drill bits work well with baked polymer clay.
- Mark the Spot: If precision is crucial, lightly mark where you want the hole with a pencil or a fine-tip marker.
- Begin Drilling:
- Hand Drill: Place the tip of the bit on your mark and gently twist the handle, applying steady, downward pressure. Continue twisting until the bit goes all the way through.
- Dremel: Set the Dremel to a moderate speed. Place the tip of the drill bit on your mark. Hold the tool steady and gently guide the bit into the clay. Avoid forcing it; let the tool do the work. Keep the tool as straight as possible.
- Clean the Hole: Once the hole is made, there might be a small amount of dust or burrs around the edge. You can clean this up with a craft knife, a needle tool, or by gently rubbing the area.
Using a hand drill or Dremel allows you to place holes exactly where you need them after the baking process is complete, resulting in a professional finish for your polymer clay creations. As the reference suggests, if you want to "make a more refined looking piece of jewelry," drilling is a highly recommended method.
