Fimo Clay first timer - any tips?

[SupremeCommanderOfEverything]

as the title says.

I want to make an oblong tray to put 5 tiny vases on. They are square in section, so i thought an oblong tray to put them on (and maybe make indentations for them to rest in) would be a good way to make sure they all stay together (and don't annoy me when i have to move them)

Any tips for a first timer? I was thinking if i roll it out, then cut the oblong for the base, then another one the same size to go on top with holes for the vases to rest in - would i use water to stick the layers together?

What about paint / varnish? anything to look out for? anything to avoid (i guess acrylic paint will be ok?)

Do you mean traditional, oven baked Fimo (AKA polymer clay)? If so it is oil based and baking it with water on will spoil it. I think the air drying type of fimo is water based, if that's what you mean? If you mean that type then ignore the rest of my post because I've only ever used the oven bake type.

I use the oven bake type with the kids and use an oil based liquid called liquid polymer clay to soften it. This can also be used to bind it, though in my experience FIMO tends to stick to itself fairly well when it is warm, with just a bit of pressure applied to the various layers.

It is slightly flexible when baked, so be aware that your tray might flex slightly if your vases are too heavy.

I've never painted it, I just tend to buy cheap packs of polymer clay with a lot of colours in them, so I can't help with that.

sorry, i have the air drying type.