Magali, our Fimo and polymer clay expert, shows us how to measure out our colors and create a marbled effect. Illustrated in photos.

« The real enjoyment to be derived from Fimo oven hardening clay and others like it, is the mixture of colors to try out : to create either a monochrome effect or a marbled effect.

Here's the technique for a monochrome effect starting from one color that will appear again and again.

Form and flatten out two squares of the same size but different colors of Fimo clay.
Cut them crosswise and swap over 2 halves of different colors.
Cut each of these new squares lengthways four times. By kneading each strip, you have a unique color that can be replenished at will. Or else you create a marbled effect of subtly differentiated intensity.

Marbling in Fimo clay
To obtain a marbled effect, first knead two colors separately to soften. Aim for a 2/3 base color, 1/3 marbled color mix.
Make two long coils of the same length (but obviously different diameters). Roll the thinner coil onto the thicker one, forming a new, well smoothed tube. Fold this in three by folding back each of the ends (for a more even mix). Make a new coil by stretching while smoothing out. Repeat the whole operation one to three times. The last time you fold the ends inwards, instead of lengthening the coil, shorten it, all the time smoothing it with the flat of your hand : The marbling will be visible, in other words, the secondary color has taken on several shades. The thick coil is composed now of more than just two colors and can therefore be cut up to create beads, for example.»

[The basics of Fimo clay] [Millefiori technique]