Admittedly this picture is a grand example of skipping a manicure, but you need to be aware of how you use your hands when working with polymer clay.
- Whenever possible use your entire body as leverage. For example: If you need to roll a large rope of clay, stand up and use your upper back muscles and body weight to roll
- Avoid small pinching motions with your thumbs- this puts an enormous amount of strain on the ligaments in your thumbs and your elbows
- Avoid becoming engaged in long periods of repetitive motions. Drilling holes in two hundred beads in one session may seem like a productive plan?
- Switch activities from small to large movements
- Take frequent breaks to stretch, refocus your eyes and stretch your hands
Three additional cautionary notes: Continue reading ‘Be Kind to Your Hands…’
