Conditioning is the process that makes polymer clay ready to work with.
Most conditioning is done simply by working the clay with your hands until it reaches a good working consistency. The warmth of your hands combined with the physical process of stretching and compressing the clay changes its texture, making it softer and more pliable. Conditioning clay softens it, making it easy to work with, mold, and roll into canes . It also makes the clay stickier and less brittle, letting you roll thin sheets and reduce canes without causing the clay to crack and break. Some clay brands are so soft out of the package that you'll be tempted not to bother with conditioning, but you will find that taking the time will improve both the workability of the clay and the strength of your fired pieces.