craftgrrl | A ridiculous amount of questions on two specific subjects

For your question-answering convenience, I'm going to number my questions.

REGARDING POLYMER CLAY
I made some things last night out of polymer clay that I want to (obviously) bake.
I've had shit for luck in the clay baking department. They always bake to a black or brown or they just never EVER harden and eventually break.

1) Please tell me how long and what temperature I'm supposed to bake them for.

Most of the items are smaller than a quarter and one is about the size of a half dollar, but probably half an inch thick. If that helps any.

2a) Also, do you paint your creations or do you use colored clay? (2b) if you paint it, what kind of paint do you use?) I'm using mostly white clay (and some red) but want a tannish color (hint: it's a cherry pie) and was wondering what paint to use. I think watercolor would be a great shade of tan but don't think it would work--2c) would it??

3) Finally, I've seen all of the lovely things you create and it always has a great shiny finish. What do you use? I'm so new to the clay thing.

REGARDING PAINTING CRAFTS
I suppose this is a very similar question to my last clay question...

Last week or so, I mentioned that I blew out some eggs... well, I decided to paint 6 of them and all I had was acrylic paint. I've noticed that it looks like it's going to come off over time and I REALLY want to seal it so it stays. 4) What can I use?

I painted some walnuts with the same paint, covered it with a single layer of spray clear coat stuff and it still doesn't seem to be secure enough for my taste. 5) Should I just keep spraying it or find some other sealer?

Finally, For everyday craft painting (on all sorts of surfaces) 6a) what is your favorite type of paint to use that will stay on anything and everything? 6b) Is there such a paint or do I have to go by a surface-to-surface basis?

Thanks for any and all help you can give me.
I know I feel like a 2-year old with all the questions I've just asked.