STAEDTLER 8023 C12-1 FIMO Soft oven-bake polymer modelling clay, basic assorted colours (12 x 25g)

The essentials

STAEDTLER’s FIMO Soft oven-hardening polymer modelling clay is the kind of crafting medium that tends to suit both “I’m just trying this” and “I’ve got a project lined up”. It’s soft, light to handle and designed for moulding, shaping and then baking in the oven so it turns into a finished piece you can use or display.

This pack is a basic assorted set: 12 blocks (each 25g) in mixed colours. It’s positioned as beginner-friendly, but the appeal doesn’t stop there—if you like experimenting with details, it’s also handy for experienced makers who want a clay that blends and mixes easily.

What you’ll notice in day-to-day use

On paper, FIMO Soft has a very workable feel. The “soft” part matters because the clay is described as light and easy to manipulate and mix, which is exactly what you want when you’re tackling small components like charms, decorative bits, or jewellery elements.

A practical micro-example: if you’re making a small keyring charm, you can start by warming the block in your hands for a moment, then pinch and roll thin parts for a simple shape. Because it’s easy to mix, you can combine colours for a custom shade instead of being stuck with only what’s in the pack.

Also worth noting: it doesn’t dry out in the air. That removes one common frustration with many modelling materials—your work time is less likely to be cut short by it starting to go stiff before you’re ready.

Baking and curing: the real-world constraint

This clay is designed to be oven-bardened, with the guidance given as baking at a maximum of 110°C for up to 30 minutes. That’s a fairly straightforward process, but it does mean you’ll need access to a kitchen oven and the willingness to follow baking instructions.

Keep in mind there’s no micro-wave shortcut here. It’s stated that it does not harden in a microwave, so if you were hoping for a quick “zap and done” workflow, you may be disappointed.

Colour variety and portioning

The pack includes basic assorted colours, with 12 blocks for multiple projects or repeated attempts. Each standard 25g block is pre-divided into 8 portions to make cutting easier—useful when you want consistent amounts for matching components (for example, making a pair of earrings from the same colour batch).

Where it shines, and where it may not

FIMO Soft is a sensible choice if your goal is decorative elements, accessories and jewellery-style components, especially when you care about smooth handling and easy mixing. For learning techniques—rolling, pinching, blending colours, adding textures—this approach tends to feel less fiddly than firmer clays.

It may not be the best fit if you want a “set-and-forget” material that you can cure without baking, because it explicitly requires oven hardening. And if you’re planning larger structural pieces that need extended curing time or a specific performance not mentioned in the details provided, you’ll want to double-check whether this “soft” variant is what you’re after.

Compatibility and quick buying checks

The entry says FIMO Soft is compatible with FIMO effect, FIMO professional and FIMO kids. That can matter if you’re building a collection over time and want to mix approaches.

Before buying, it’s worth checking a couple of practical points: - Do you have the oven space and temperature control to bake at up to 110°C for the required time? - Are you comfortable with oven-based curing rather than microwave curing? - Will you actually use multiple colours from an assorted pack, or would you prefer more of one shade?

Buying verdict

If you want an oven-hardening polymer clay that’s easy to handle, doesn’t dry out in the air, and is explicitly designed for modelling decorative pieces and jewellery-style work, the STAEDTLER 8023 C12-1 FIMO Soft basic assorted pack makes a lot of sense.

It’s a solid pick if you’re starting out or you’re already making small-to-medium decorative items and you like clay that mixes smoothly. You may want to skip it if you need microwave curing, or if you’re specifically after a very different curing workflow or performance not covered by the stated oven settings.

Mini FAQ

What is FIMO Soft used for?

It’s used for moulding and oven-hardening decorative elements, accessories and jewellery-style pieces.

Does it dry out if I leave it exposed?

No—it's described as not drying out in air.

How do you harden it?

It’s designed for oven hardening, with guidance of up to 110°C for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Can it be hardened in a microwave?

No, it’s stated that it does not harden in the microwave.

Is the pack easy to work with for small projects?

Yes. The 25g blocks are pre-divided into 8 portions, which makes cutting out smaller amounts more convenient.