There are all sorts of amazing Do-It-Yourself projects out there in the steampunk world. So many, in fact, that after months of researching them for my own pleasure, I’m still finding more. From jewellery and clothing to modified motorbikes, there is an endless plethora of projects out there utilising many every day items and a lot of recycled materials.

Polymer clay hardly seems like the kind of thing that should appear in a steampunk article. But this nifty sculpting material is one of the most versatile materials around, and can be used to great effect for steampunk jewellery, buttons and accents.

MonsterKookies’ Industrial Heart collection proves just how great polymer clay can look with the right finish and accents. Mica powder gives the clay an organic metallic finish, and watered down acrylic paint or ink leaves a great dirty looking patina.

You can also use metallic paint on cured polymer clay, and is cheaper alternative to mica powder. As long as the finished product is laquered or sealed in some way, the paint works just as well.

Polymer clay has a very similar feel to plasticine. It is a plastic clay that when cured, by baking in an oven, is a durable material that can be used for many different purposes. Want a set of buttons but can’t find the right style or design? Need a specific embellishment on a book, coat or bag? Easy! Make them from polymer clay.

The other benefit polymer clay has is that you can set other materials in it. For the steampunk effect, old clockwork cogs and springs look great, and can be baked without being damaged. Glass beads and gems remain similarly undamaged by the curing process.

Sculpey and Fimo are the most readily available polymer clays around, and can be found at most good art and craft stores. They are also great quality.

You can buy liquid polymer clay which allows for great drippy effects. It can be coloued with chalk pastels or by mixing with ordinary polymer clay. Also excellent for replicating a resin finish.

Pearl Ex are a great range of mica powders and come in many different colours and effects. While they’re not cheap, they are a great way of achieving that aged steampunk metallic look.