E-cyclopedia of Friendly Plastic Terms-Techniques-Tips-Tricks-Tools

Getting to know Friendly Plastic

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:20:03 -0700

For most of us, it is the physical attraction to the vibrant metallic colors that draws us in for a closer look. Then comes the excitement of design possibilities, followed by the resistance to try something new. But with Friendly as part of its name how can we say No.

Friendly Plastic is a durable nontoxic plastic that once heated becomes a soft pliable medium that can be blended and manipulated into beautiful two-dimensional, three-dimensional or free form designs. Friendly plastic cools and becomes hard in just a few minutes. Use it to create exciting and innovative accessories, home décor, jewelry, and wearable art.

The Basics

As with all art and craft mediums there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to working with Friendly plastic, not everyone enjoys immediate success. Once you have a basic understanding of the heating methods and the pliable nature of softened Friendly Plastic, you will find that proficiency is soon to follow.

You will learn about the heating methods used to work with Friendly Plastic, the various tool and materials, design techniques, finishes and adhesives. An e-cyclopedia of ever growing tips and tricks.

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:18:46 -0700

Purchasing, Storing and Reconditioning
Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse

Tools and Materials

Bead Making Tools
Blending and Marbling Tools
Cutting Tools
Glues and Adhesives
Heating Methods
Lubricants and Release Agents
Pasta Machine
Piercing and Drilling Tools
Sanding Tools
Sealers and Protective Coatings
Texture and Impression Tools
Work Surfaces

Techniques using Friendly Plastic Sticks

Bead Making
Blending
Cylinders
Fracture & Fusion
Free-Form
Fusion
Impression
Inlay
Inlay Objects
Marbling
Molds
Oooze
Splash

Techniques using Friendly Plastic Pellets

Do’s and Don’ts

Resource Guide

Purchasing, Storing and Reconditioning

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:17:29 -0700

Friendly Plastic has a shelf life if not properly stored. Exactly what that shelf life is, is unknown, with so many determining factors to considered. The main points of this section is to help you purchase fresh Friendly Plastic, suggest a few storing options, and share a little trick for reconditioning old Friendly Plastic.
WARNING: With the renewed interest in Friendly Plastic, a lot of old product is re-surfacing like buried treasure and being put up for auction. Buyers Beware!
Purchasing - When purchasing Friendly Plastic, you want to make sure the plastic is fresh. You do this by giving it the flex-test, simply give the stick a little bend, it should flex quite easily and then straighten back out. If it snaps in half, you guessed it… a SNAPPER (old plastic). This is where ordering on-line can be a problem. My suggestion is to make sure you are ordering from a reputable dealer. Try to resist de-stash bargains and auctions. You want a guarantee that the plastic is fresh, be sure the dealer offers this.
Storing – Keep your plastic in a closed container or zip-lock bag, when not in use. This seems to be the trick to longevity.
Reconditioning – If you have SNAPPERS (old plastic), all is not lost. Old Friendly Plastic can be reconditioned Here is how: Place the sticks on a nonstick pan and either place the pan onto a griddle or into an oven, temperature set at 200 degrees (no, a heat tool will not work). Allow the plastic sticks to soften completely. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sticks to cool completely on their own, do not run them under cold water. Once they have cooled, remove them from the pan and check the flexibility. Hopefully this has done the trick. It is not fool proof but it does work most of the time.

Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:13:41 -0700

Friendly Plastic can be recycled, repurposed and reused, by reheating. This is one of my many drawers of Friendly Plastic scraps. I save almost every scrap left over from my projects. They can be used in any number of ways.

Use the negative space for inlay projects.
Re-soften and make into beads.
Get creative and make scrap art projects, like greeting card, mosaic boxes or art dolls.
Scraps are great for use, when trying new techniques.

Save... Save... Save... You never know what you may dream up.

Bead Making Tools

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:13:25 -0700

Making Friendly Plastic beads can be quite a feat, as there is a bit of a learning curve to this process. I have to admit, I have not yet mastered them all.
Bead Rollers – Amaco Bead Rollers, intended for use with polymer clay work nicely with Friendly Plastic as well. You can form perfectly shaped and uniform beads, in a variety of shapes and sizes. ( see Bead Making Techniques for more information).
Your Hands – These are my preferred tools when it comes to making beads and free form designs. You don’t always get perfection, but the process is very organic. Just like when we were kids.
• Dip your hands in water before handling the plastic so that it doesn't stick to you.

• If you wear polish or acrylic nails, you may want to apply a light coat of oil to your hands as well.

E-cyclopedia of Friendly Plastic Terms-Techniques-Tips-Tricks-Tools

Getting to know Friendly Plastic

Contents

Purchasing, Storing and Reconditioning

Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse

Bead Making Tools