when baking polymer clay, because the temperatures are so low. I have experience with this method in a class taught by Lisa Pavelka. She recommended using a liquid polymer clay to adhere the crystals and with large components (we used 10mm chessboards) she recommended we glue them again after the baking process.
I don't believe they will survive firing in a kiln for any of the metal clays...that temp. is way too high.
Anyone else?
Sparkles and smiles, Diane
Hi there...I have fired flatback crystals in the oven set in fimo and they have been just fine. The temp is very low so it is OK Have you tried that new product called Ferido. Perfect for crystals as it doesn't need heat to set (it's like a two part moulding compound).
Baking CrsyallizedTM-Swarovski Elements with polymer clays (regardless of the brand is just fine), but it's a no-no with metal clays or any other projects fired with a kiln or a butane torch. For metal clay applications, it's advisable to add the crystal only after firing. The components are safe in temperatures up to 650 degrees Farenheit ( 353 degrees Celcius). That far exceeds the baking temperatures for polymer clay.
I usually press my crystals into clay without adhesive. If they are inserted deeply enough, the clay will rise up and slightly over the edge of the component, forming a bezel that holds it in place. when the clay isn't deep enough to set the crystal or if the crystal isn't a Hotfix type (these will glue themselves into clay while baking). The crystal can be baked in the clay to set and hold the shape of the cavity and then gently pried loose after baking. Reattach using two-part epoxy or jeweler's cement.
Of course, components can be set after high temp applications by several methods including, but not excluded to: prong and bezel settings, drilling carving a recess to glue the crystal into place, rivet type attachment, etc. I hope this helps. I am happy to answer any other questions regarding polymer and metal clay applications through the forum or through my website: www.lisapavelka.com
What is it? I have recently put it into my head that I want to teach myself PMC making. I have even gone so far as to order about 600 books (haha), a starter kit from Rio Grande and searched tons of articles but there are no real "lessons" online that I can find.
Now as most of my old friends on this forum know, I live in the middle of nowhere in the Middle east and though I can find sequins and swarvoski crystals, I cannot find most of the proper things one would need for a brand new hobby such as PMC. A couple of years ago, I managed to find an American Lady who sells beads here but she wanted to charge me $500 for a day's workshop on PMC. WHen I told my American supplier and friend in an email - she laughed me out of the web .......... and suggested I teach myself like I've taught myself everything I know 
Now my first question (and note I have not received any of my books or clay yet) is how I can utilise swarovski (I'm knows as the Crystal Diva in these parts so please don't tell me I can't use them) in PMC3 clay. I intend on using a blow torch - no kilns here, though I'm sure that if I was to leave the things outside in 51 degrees celcius, I wouldn't need a kiln 
- so my question is can anyone help me with suggestions on how I can use crystals with MPC3.
If anyone has lessons they can pass on - I would be eternally grateful too 
.
Hugs to you all
jacky
P S Diane and Wendy - I am so proud of you guys with your positive thinking - you CAN achieve all you want if you set your mind to it !!
Hiya girl, you just can't stand still, can you. You have this new wonderful beaded art you are making and now PMC also! You have such amazing energy.
As far as your question, I have no doubt that you will be able to teach yourself the basics of PMC, you are such a wiz at learning everything. I don't think you will be able to imbed crystals into the PMC, you have to add them after firing because even the torch gets too hot. Our buddy Kenji (Kenem) has been making some wonderful pieces with PMC, maybe he can give you some tips if you contact him directly? Maybe we can entice him to come back here and leave some info on the forum for our other members to read also.
I'm also hoping that our other Sparkling members will chime in...I am always eager to hear what others know.
So....sparkling community members...what do you recommend for Jacky?
Sparkles and smiles, Diane
I've actually messages Shawn but have not received an answer from him. It's his beautiful pendant that got me going - haven't been able to stop thinking about it and I asked him how he did it..... 
but nothing came through yet - its' only been a couple of days!
I shall also write to Kenem - he will defo help me out; he's such a darling .......... do you mean he's not posting here anymore either??
What about Zebra? Is she around?
I know - I'm making tiaras, design on canvas, wirework and now PMC learning ;-) Life is so short and there's so much I still want to do when I grow up !!
hugs
j x
I haven't heard from all 3 on here. I talk to Kenem occasionally on Facebook, i believe he's quite active there and you can see his latest PMC work.
Shawn hasn't written to me in over a year I think... and Zebra left shortly after you took your leave Jacky. Chesla of course hasn't been here either... it was very sudden to that she stopped... I pray everything is ok with her :(
I miss them... i love all my new friends here... but i miss the old ones too.
I have writtent o both Shawn and just a few days ago to Lisa asking her a question but got no reply :-( I will write to Kenem next ........... he might not be so possessive of his knowledge and wouldn't mind sharing with someone on the opposite side of the world who will definitely not steal his patterns!
j x
Fimo!
I Have been playing with Fimo recently and want to put crystals within it but am worried that they will ruin in the oven...
Has anyone actually tried this before, if so any advise?
Thanks