Since the Q&A topic posted further down on this page is about polymer clay lentil beads, I figured this Orange Swirly bead pic would be a good fit for today's photo. It was actually made as an interchangeable pendant for a chain I made a while back. You can see another example of this type of bead in this post: Wiring Polymer Clay Beads to be Used as Interchangeable Pendants

Lentils are my favorite!!! I was also self taught and scanned the internet ALOT for new ideas and new techniques. I still do but I LOVE Cindy's site because it's so much more than instruction (which is excellent) but a community which I was sorely lacking. My coffee and I are here every morning to see the next dose of polyclay fabulousness! ~Melinda-H

The remainder of this article will be for Q+A. This gives me the chance to make sure everyone's questions get answered effectively, and in a timely manner.

Q&A: Getting Your Lentil Beads to Swirl Properly:

Thank you so much for your super fast response Cindy! I was able to get a nice edge finally, with my Lentil Beads! I am having other issues now, For one thing, I'm using Fimo clay and the colors get all over my hands! Is this normal? The black is especially icky and when trying to do the lentil with black and turquoise, it really muddied up the color. The color is even rubbing onto my tools.

The other problem I had was I could not get the colors to swirl. I kept rolling and rolling and rolling (thus muddying up the black just from the contact), but only got the slightest hint of a swirl only at the tip! It is quite cool in the room I'm working, though the clay was soft and easy to work with. Do you think maybe it wasn't warm enough or does my technique still need work? Pooh!

Other than that I am just loving playing with the clay!"

~Malinda-J

That is awesome Melinda that you now are getting nice crisp edges on your lentil beads! Sounds like you are easing up on the pressure  like I told you. The thing is, you will need some pressure to get the center to swirl, plus you are probably not swirling for a long enough time.

So here's what you do… Keep the pressure light until you get a nice clean edge, then add a little more pressure plus a little more time and you will get a great looking swirly lentil bead!

As far as the darker colors smearing a bit when you're swirling, don't worry about that. That is mostly just on the surface, so with a good sanding and buffing, any smearing should be removed.

Also remember, with any technique (especially lentil bead rolling) it will take time to master. But when you do, it becomes super fast and easy! Most of all have fun!

Buttons are one of those things you can never have too many of. In fact, they are often collected and passed on from generation to generation. My mom has already given me several jars of buttons that her mom left for her.

Besides their obvious use in sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting, buttons can also can be added to scrapbook pages, and even worked into jewelry designs.

With polymer clay, you can make your own custom buttons in an unlimited variety of styles to suit any creative project you happen to be working on.

Listed below are some of the many "Tutorial Yes Votes" that were originally posted at this article: Making Polymer Clay Buttons for Sewing, Knitting and Scrapbooking

My friend at work, with whom I share an office, keeps suggesting that I try making buttons and cufflinks with the small disk beads that I use for necklaces. So a tutorial from you on buttons would be simply wonderful! My vote is "YES"! ~Susan-B

Buttons? Yes! It's one of the items on my to-do list. I'd love a video. ~Rose-M

Oh, me too for the tut!! On a related note I would love to hear about people's experiences selling at bead (and button) shows. I placed my beads at a church bazaar late last year and they sold well. I also sold some (on consignment) in a shop here in El Paso with good results. I am now thinking of doing a larger (and expensive) bead show later this year. It makes sense to me that pc beads ought to sell like hotcakes, being so beautifully unique and different from the usual bead show fare, but then I wonder if people would be willing to pay for their worth. (Cindy, knowing that people offer single buttons for $38 is encouraging). Anyway, any and all advice, feedback, recommendations would be most appreciated. As I am jewelry design challenged, bead shows make more sense for me. Thank you. ~Elizabeth-S

I've always loved sorting through button collections. Count me in, I'd love to see how these are made. I've been curious, but wasn't sure how or if the buttons would hold up strength-wise. $38 for a button, wow! ~DJ

Hi Cindy and all, I have made buttons before, some flowers and some with a crystal in the centre. I was very pleased with the results, although matching the colour with shop buttons was a problem. I only used them on hand wash garments. How good if we could use them in the washing machine I don't see why not on a cool wash. I vote yes please for a video tutorial. ~Ritzs

I vote yes on buttons… Looks pretty interesting to me!
~Lisa-W

I recently approached local shops about selling my jewelry. Their initial concern was they already sell so much jewelry; yes indeed it all looks alike. After seeing what I made they decided this was A LOT different and want in in their store. I want to continue exploring other projects to expand my offerings. Button sounds like a great idea. ~Anna-S

Wow! I just recently turned my interest to buttons and have made a few sets now. I would love pointers on making buttons and I'm going to have to try out these buttons that I have already made for durability. ~Melinda-H

Yes, please, a tut on buttons. I've also been wondering how sturdy polyclay buttons would be. ~Linda-K

YES, YES… I am also interested in this Tut. Greetings from Germany. ~Janine-K

You get a big YES from me, Cindy. You might even throw in how you made the button card! Presentation seems to be everything in the sales game. ~Carolyn-F

WOW! I was just thinking about making some buttons! This sounds awesome! I know there is quite an interest in custom made buttons. Can't wait!! ~Catalina

With such a clear 'Yes' vote, I am happy to say that the Polymer Clay Buttons Tutorial has now been filmed and will be available in the Polymer Clay Library (Vol-022-2) on Friday March 12th, 2010.

Supplies & Tools: Video-022-2: Polymer Clay Buttons:

• Strong Polymer Clay. I used Premo but you could also use Fimo or Kato.
• Polymer Clay Canes (optional). I used a striped cane in the video but also show examples of buttons made with kaleidoscope canes.
  
• Pasta Machine.
• Small Shape Cutters. I used some Makin's Cutters.
• Parchment Paper (optional).
• Glad Cling Wrap.
• Piercing Tool.
• Small two hole or four hole button.
• Sanding and Buffing Supplies.

The full version of the Vid-022-2 "Polymer Clay Buttons" Video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday March 12, 2010. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

Here's That "Link Below" Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the "Polymer Clay Buttons" preview video shown above, is included in Vol-022 at the Polymer Clay Library [Click Link For More Info On How To Become a Member]. The membership price works out to less than $3.32 per month…

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Hi Cindy: I watch your videos with interest, because, even though I may have tried a particular technique before, you always seem to give a fresh approach to ideas I have seen before. You continually inspire me again, and again.
~Carol-C

Dear Cindy, just watched the video – so easy and so impressive – so many techniques now to try and not enough hours in the day! Imagine our repertoire after a a few years of your lessons – I don't think there is anywhere else where you can get this ongoing tuition in polymer clay. I do believe it will have a big influence in raising the artistic status of polymer clay in the community. Cheers. ~Cara-L

Cindy, that video was great… I feel sorry for the people who don't subscribe to your website. They are really missing out. ~Bonnie-K

The following topics are included in this week's "Polymer Clay Buttons" video tutorial:

• See examples of several different buttons in a variety of patterns and shapes.
• Discussion of the types of clay needed to make strong, durable buttons.
• Learn a simple trick for getting beautiful beveled edges on your buttons.
• Tips on how to get the perfect placement and sized holes for your handmade buttons.
• Find out just how easy it really is to make professional looking buttons.
• I will also show you a great way to display, protect and keep your buttons organized on cards.

For more information about how to receive the full versions of these weekly polymer clay tutorial videos, for the very minimal cost of just $3.32 per month, click here: Polymer Clay Library

Video Tutorials: Easy Kaleidoscope Canes; Inked Butterfly Earrings; Intricate Inlay Technique; Handmade Earwires:

With another month just gone by, the Volume-021 Back Issue Package has just been uploaded to the the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutes as they were released each Friday during the month of February, they are now bundled up and waiting for you.

Today's photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this package:

Video-021-1 Easy Kaleidoscope Canes: Requested over and over again, Kaleidoscope designs look intricate and complicated, which is why many clayers are intimidated by them. But I show you ways to make these beauties simply with easy to follow instructions.

Video-021-2 Inked Butterfly Earrings: The surface techniques that are demonstrated in these fluttering earrings are quite versatile, and you will end up being able to use them in many different ways. Some special materials required are, Staz-On Ink (or other permanent ink), a background rubberstamp, some translucent clay and a small butterfly shape cutter. If you already have earwires, you can use those. Otherwise, I'll be showing you how to make your own in the last tutorial of this volume.

Video-021-3 Inlay Technique: With inlaying, you embed beautiful accent pieces into a sheet of unbaked clay. Strips of faux turquoise, crackled gold leaf and other clay techniques can be added to faux bone or other colored sheets of polymer clay to make intricate and detailed pendants and other jewelry projects. Using the simple techniques I show you in the video, it will look like you spent hours shaping, carving and embedding your inlay materials into the clay. Only you will know how easy it really was!

Video-021-4 Handmade Earwires: If you are making your own polymer clay beads, chances are you may want to create a set of earrings or two, every once in awhile. And making your own earwires for your earring sets, is fast, easy and inexpensive. Plus you can add your own creative voice, using metals that match or compliment the other design elements in your jewelry making projects. I will show you several designs and give you tips on how to come up with some of your own as well.

Also included in this Volume-021 back issue package is the A-Series recipe cards from the Blue African Violet Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-021 back issue package, click here:  Kaleidoscope Canes | Inked Butterfly Earrings | Inlay Technique | Earwires

And, Sneak Peak Preview Clips are available for viewing here: Polymer Clay Tutorials [Videos]

If anyone else would like to add a review for any of the videos or color recipes in Volume-021, I would love to hear from you. Or if you have not yet purchased this back issue and have a question, ask away. In either case, use the comments section below.

Lately we have been moving along so fast with new ideas and techniques, that sometimes even I forget about the great lessons that have already been covered! Mary-U reminded us of this the other day with her comment about the Calla Lily Bead Tutorial.

Can't wait for the opal tute but meanwhile, I'm in love! Just got Volume-016 with the Calla Lily beads! Gorgeous! Trawling around I found a website with such breath-takingly beautiful pics of calla lilies I thought you might enjoy it just for the eye candy and for inspiration too if you're thinking of doing the beads. I had no idea Callas came in so many colours – four different shades of black, just for starters! Hot pinks and oranges, the Green Goddess of course and so many others. An absolute feast for the eyes and a spur to polymer clayers. And I learned a new word, too: that piece that sticks up in the middle is called a 'spathe'. The calla lily site is referenced here. ~Mary-U

Cindy, these are great! Wish my Mom was still here, she loved lilies and was one of the few who could get them to grow in her home as potted plants. Home was a jungle, especially in the years we all were in and out of college living situations. She saved more plants… and they loved her for it. As a matter of fact, think I will attempt a bouquet of these lilies to put in one of her miniature vases she collected on her memorial shelf I've set up here. It will give me comfort and joy to see them next to her pictures and other memorabilia, daily. ~Jocelyn-C

Today's photo above, shows a collection of polymer clay calla lily beads as a reminder to go ahead and make some up for yourself if you haven't already. They are honestly one of my favorite beads!

The remainder of this article will be for Q&A. I'll be working this format into other upcoming articles as well, so that everyone gets their questions answered effectively, and in a timely manner. The  questions below all have something to do with sourcing supplies.

Where do you buy the steel black wire 19 gauge? I went to Rona and no luck. Do you remember were you got it thanks. ~Cindy-B

Well Cindy, I actually bought my roll of Black Anodized wire at Home Depot. It is sometimes called Tie Wire or Binding Wire, and can be  found in the lumber, fencing, small hardware departments, or where you would find concrete supplies. If you can not find it there, try a Google search. It can be called "steel wire", "black anodized steel wire' or a combination of any of those words. It is a very common all purpose wire that is readily available from quite a few different manufacturers.

Cindy you mentioned a product called Quick Mix in one of your videos. I've been trying to find it and cannot find it anywhere. Where is it sold? ~Linda-P

I bought my Fimo Mix Quick at Michaels, Linda. Though for some reason, I haven't seen it on their shelves lately, in my area. The best way to find stuff that you can't find in your local craft stores is to do a quick Google search. You are sure to find several online polymer clay stores that would be happy to ship to you.

Dear Cindy. I am from Argentina and I need to know where can I get cheaper polymer clay and who send me to my country. Excuse me for my English, it is basic. All information you can help me I will thank to you. Sincerely, ~Sandra-B

Although I don't have a specific answer for you, Sandra, I am re-posting your question here in hopes that someone else from your country will read it and provide some feedback. Anyone?

Hi Cindy, receive regards and hugs from Guadalajara, Mexico. First of all I want to thank you for all the beautifull things you teach us. My Brother is going to Atlanta Georgia next month and I want him to bring me some 20 gage wire like the one you use in your videos I can't find those here. You said that in any hardware stores we can find them but can you tell me a name? I want to look for them in internet so he can go easily with the adress or buy in internet. I've beeing looking for it and haven't find them yet, Thank you so much. ~Marcela-S

Again, I'm not the best person to ask for local hardware store references in Atlanta. But I know there are members and readers here that may be able to help you. If anyone can provide Marcela with info, I know she would be grateful.

If you are a member at the Polymer Clay Library, you probably already know that I release 4 video tutorials each and every month based on the following four main categories:

(1) Cane Making
(2) Clay Techniques
(3) Wire/Metal Techniques
(4) Bead Shapes

As well, you may know that I like to discuss each of the tutorials before they are actually filmed, so that you guys can let me know if the topic is something that will be of interest. This approach also gives you a chance to ask specific questions, which I can then address for you when it comes time to film.

So today for the Category 4 (Bead Shapes) segment of Volume-023 (April'2010 Videos), I would like you to have a look at today's photo above. I call them Puffy Beads.

They are cute little hollow beads that can be made into any shape that you have a shape cutter for. I've actually talked about them them once before in this post: Clouds and Raindrop Earrings

It's so cool that polymer clay is versatile enough that we can use it to recreate so many different things. I love the earrings Cindy, I would totally wear something like that. You could make something similar with a snowflake… they remind me of the little symbols you see on the weather reports. ~Silverleaf

My Hollow Puff shapes and designs are MUCH quicker and easier to make than similar beads I've seen taught elsewhere. No big messes to worry about either…

I've tried using some of the dissolvable packing peanuts because I thought that would be great for making puffed hearts. But after baking the insides (peanuts) sort of oozed out into a big mess. I can't seem to get it to work.
~Susan-D

So what does everyone think? Should I include these Puffy Bead Shapes in the April-2010, Volume-023, video tutorial lineup? Leave your votes, notes and questions in the comments section below.

Video Tutorials: Tribal Cane; Heart Shaped Beads; Lace and Ink Texture; Interchangeable Focal Bead Pendant:

Well it's up for grabs now… the January 2010 set of videos (Volume 020 Back Issue) in the Polymer Clay Library that is! And this is a great collection of tutorials that you're going to want to add to your collection if you don't already own them.

Today's photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this package:

Video-020-1 Tribal Cane: In this video you will learn how to create a unique tribal theme cane that is actually three canes in one. First you create a repeating triangular design that looks good on it own if you want to use it that way. This piece can then be used to create a more complicated X patterned cane, or a repeating V. You can also combine them in many other ways as well. An extruder is required. so now is the time to get this awesome tool if you don't already have one.

Video-020-2 Heart Shaped Beads: Perfect for Valentines or anytime you want to express your feelings in beads. You will learn how to make two different styles of heart shaped beads that can be made in any size. Leave them plain or cover them in the cane designs of your choice.

Video-020-3 Lace and Ink Technique: Lace and Ink Texture Technique: You are going to love this technique for making Valentines beads, Victorian Jewelry, Steampunk embellishments or any polymer clay project that needs a lacy touch. Using real lace and pigment ink, you can give any bead or pendant the look of lace.

Video-020-4 Interchangeable Pendant: An original design of my own, you can take any polymer clay bead or beads and add them to this unique wire pendant to create a beautiful focal piece. Slide off the beads and replace with different ones with this interchangeable jewelry design. It can be created using any type of 20 gauge wire, making the possibilities endless!

Also included in this Volume-020 back issue package is the A-Series recipe cards from the Salmon Pearls Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Volume-020 back issue package, click here: Tribal Cane | Heart Shape Beads | Lace & Ink | Interchangeable Pendant

And, Sneak Peak Preview Clips are available for viewing here: Polymer Clay Tutorials [Videos]

If anyone else would like to add a review for any of the videos or color recipes in Volume-020, I would love to hear from you. Or if you have not yet purchased this back issue and have a question, ask away. In either case, use the comments section below.

Gosh, I think you guys are just going to love this next set of Volume-021 video tutorials coming for February at the Polymer Clay Library. As I look forward, I can't help but agree with those of you who feel things are just getting better and better around here…

Every set of videos just keeps getting better and better. I love Fridays. Thanks for everything you have taught me Cindy. Never a dull moment. ~Peggy-B

What can I say? Better and better and better. Cindy, just when I think you've got this site about perfect, you take it up a notch. As always, I am looking forward to the next opportunities to learn from you. ~Elizabeth-S

Here I am with my coffee thinking it is a good day for reflection. Hopefully you find all the wonderful and sweet things I see in this blog, teaching forum, and community that I have grown so very attached too. While I haven't followed you from the beginning, I have looked back through your two years. It is a beautiful piece of work that shows your love, your passion, and your sweet spirit… and it keeps getting better… Thank you Cindy… and to all of the extended family out there. Love, ~Melinda-H

Cindy and Doug, Your combined efforts and products marked a turning point for me to the better as a major life improvement. I cannot thank both of you enough and am in your debt. It means the world to me that you both are so professional, caring and supportive. I wish you both the very best that life has to offer. May your business and reputations prosper and grow with daily blessings from me. Every day, each morning, I cannot wait to rise, grab a coffee, and read the latest blog and all the comments. It has been a long time since I have felt that type of motivation and excitement. Each daily blog post, comment and video get better and better, and it is so amazing and enjoyable to watch and participate! I especially appreciate the fact that you both strive so hard to always give credit to those whose ideas and techniques you choose to modify and transform as well. Every link on your site is an adventure, LOL! I wish you both and Willow and Fisher a wonderful Christmas season and a fabulous 2010! Mine will be because of you all. Fondly always, ~Jocelyn-C

I have been here for quite a while now, and have not been disappointed yet Cindy. So anything you want to do, just makes being here better and better for me. I love every minute of it I can get. Even when I'm very busy I try to peek in every day. Just to take a breath and suck in some of the atmosphere of creativity and comraderie here. Hopefully one day I will be able to participate more when I have my own work space done. Until then you all keep me stoked and ready to go the second I am able! Couldn't face a week without a Friday tute and color recipes either. So don't ever stop! XOXO ~Jamie-H

The following Volume-021 tutes will be released each Friday morning throughout the month of February 2010, to help get you excited about spending some fun time on the weekend playing with your polymer clay.

Volume 021-1 Easy Kaleidoscope Canes: This is one technique that many of you have requested over and over again. Kaleidoscope designs look intricate and complicated, which is why many clayers are intimidated by them. But I'm going to show you a way to make these beauties that is simple and easy to follow.

The kaleidoscope canes look amazing! Another nice thing in any lesson are the words "easy to follow" !  Looking forward to this one. ~DJ

Volume 021-2 Inked Butterfly Earrings: These fluttering earrings were originally going to be taught closer to Summer. But since so many of you expressed interest the other day when I introduced them, I've decided to bump this tute into the February line up. The surface techniques that will be demonstrated in this project are quite versatile, and you will end up being able to use them in many different ways. Some advance notice on special materials required, get some Staz-On Ink (or other permanent ink), a background rubberstamp, some translucent clay and a small butterfly shape cutter. If you already have earwires, you can use those. Otherwise, I'll be showing you how to make your own in the last tutorial of the month.

I'd certainly be interested in this surface technique! :) The end result is quite striking and it sounds versatile enough to cater for all tastes from classically feminine to bold and modern. ~Sue-F

Volume 021-3 Inlay Technique: With inlaying, you embed beautiful accent pieces into a sheet of unbaked clay. The third panel in the photo above, shows strips of faux turquoise and crackled gold leaf added to a faux bone sheet of polymer clay that is covering a tin container. Using similar materials and techniques, I will show you how to make a pendant or other jewelry item in this upcoming tutorial.

I also am in for this technique. I have a feel for it but have not been able to completely master it. I know that I will see what I am doing wrong by watching your demo Cindy. Bring it on!!!!! I have a nice bone sheet ready to go. Thanks to your Vol-019-3 faux bone video. ~Illaya-B

Volume 021-4 Handmade Earwires: If you are making your own polymer clay beads, chances are you may want to create a set of earrings or two, every once in awhile. And making your own earwires for your earring sets, is fast, easy and expensive. Plus you can add your own creative voice, using metals that match or compliment the other design elements in your jewelry making projects. I will show you several designs and give you tips on how to come up with some of your own as well.

Yes.. Yes.. Yes.. please Cindy make a video tutorial. I just spent more money at Michaels last night buying earwires as I have lots of beads and clay ideas to make earrings with. I have enjoyed starting to make my own findings to match my clay treasures, it makes the whole process complete. ~Sam-M

I sincerely hope you enjoy all of the new Vol-021 video tutorials. Preview clips of each tutorial will be posted here at the blog, usually by Tuesday each week. Then on Friday's, the full tutorials are posted for paid members at the Polymer Clay Library.

Also don't forget about the great new color recipe palettes that will be available during the month of February:

• Vol-021-A Series (for paid members):
  Blue African Violet Polymer Clay Color Palette (Premo Sculpey)
• Vol-021-B Series (free for everyone):
  Peony Polymer Clay Color Palette (Premo Sculpey)

If you are interested, here's the link to become a member at the Polymer Clay Library. The price is so small, you won't even know it's there :-)  In the following comment, Sue-W says that it would be a bargain at even twice the price or more…

Hi Cindy, Thank you so much for updating my account. I would hate to miss even one of the Friday videos especially since I am now on winter break from my school job and I have time to "carve" away (bad pun :-o ). And Cindy, I want to wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed new year. I am so grateful to have found your site and to have become a member. I can't tell you how impressed I am with the quality of the instruction you provide which is so packed with tips, information and encouragement I wonder how you do it! And the videos are so professionally done! Although I did sign up for your beginners course (which was very helpful), I think anyone could pick up any lesson and be successful with it. And it continues to improve all the time. I was so flattered that you took my suggestion to list the supplies we need for the upcoming video, thank you so much! All that and personal attention to the blog, to our account problems, encouraging the growth of a new community… well I could gush on. Your site membership would be a bargain at twice the price (or more)! Thank you for a wonderful part of my 2009 and I hope, to a long continuing virtual relationship. I look forward to what 2010 will bring! Most sincerely, ~Sue-W

I have said this time and time again, but I will say it again… never get rid of your polymer scrap clay! It will come in handy for making some fabulous looking beads… like these earth-tone tube beads that resemble an Arizona landscape. They were made simply and quickly using leftovers from the Tribal Cane Project.

Whenever you make a polymer clay cane, you will inevitably end up with scrap clay in the form of trimmings. Those scraps are great for lots of different purposes. And sometimes their use just presents itself when you aren't expecting. This is what happened when I made the Arizona beads in the photo above.

I was rolling a chunk of scrap clay from a tribal cane through the pasta machine to mix the colors for another project. But as I passed the clay through the rollers, these lovely, softly blended stripes appeared in the sheet. And along the edges, were the typical crackles of a firm clay.

The sheet of used clay was so pretty just the way it was, I decided to take advantage of serendipity, and capture the lucky accident into beads.

The stripes were running lengthwise, with crackled edges on both sides. Wanting to highlight the crackle, I folded the sheet not quite in half down the length, giving a smooth edge along the bottom and the two crackled edges, one above the other, along the top.

I then cut the strip into four equal lengths and wrapped each strip around a mandrel to create four unique tube beads. I love these beads so much, that I am going to lop off a few more chunks of the cane to make more!

As I said earlier, there are many other uses for polymer clay scraps. Here is a list of articles you may like to read, should you have extra clay lying around that needs a good purpose:

• Making Lentil Beads Using Your Scrap Clay
  
• Polymer Clay Projects Using Scrap Clay
  
• Surprise Lentil Beads from Scrap Polymer Clay
  

I save every little dab of scrap clay. Nothing is wasted. That's one of the things I love about this medium. Everything gets used. Thanks, Cindy, for such a fabulous website. I've learned so much over the past couple of months from visiting here. ~Bonnie-B

So I made watercolour beads today, as usual I had to put my own spin on the technique though! I'm proud that apart from the white and black, everything I used was scrap clay or leftovers from another project. If I'd made a New Year's claying resolution it would have been to try to use as much of my leftover clay as possible rather than just adding it to the (admittedly quite small) scrap pile. Like if I make a particularly nice Skinner blend it seems such a shame to waste the beautiful colours in the trimmings. ~Silverleaf

Now if I can only have enough scrap clay… I am like the others who's post I have read, use up most of my scrap clay making lil earrings and such. ~Nancy-R

I'm trying to find more scrap clay!!!! ~Melinda-H

Vid #139: "For Valentine's Day,
my husband took me shopping for all the polymer clay supplies my little heart desired." ~Bonnie-B

Well it says Valentines Jewelry in the title, but really heart shaped beads can be worn at any time of the year. That is why it is so great to learn how to make this great polymer clay bead shape.

There are so many cool ways to make heart beads too. Coming up on Friday Jaunary 15th at the Polymer Clay Library will be the Heart Shaped Beads video tutorial (Volume-020-2).

In it I will show you how to create two different styled heart beads with tons of variations. You will also learn how to add your own polymer clay cane slices if you want to make a millefiori heart bead, just in time for Valentines Day.

Would love to see more in your valentines series. That combination is an amazing piece for sure. I really like the way you combined those pieces together and came up with a unique, one of kind heart shaped bead. Keep up the great work. ~Drew-G

Hello Cindy. Boy do I look forward to Fridays now thanks to you. I can't wait to see what you will post next. And I'm never disappointed! This week is no exception. Another finger dancin video I must say. Cause you know the minute I see your e-mail in the inbox my fingers start itchin for some clay. And I luuurv your purple heart shaped bead! I'd join the army if they gave me one of those! The Fimo army that is. Only extruder guns here, lol. Do you ever make a bad video? Probably not right? No chance of maybe a hidden blooper reel or two? Just askin, hee hee hee. XOXO ~Jaime-H

Cindy your tips as with all of your posts, are very helpful. I have found that there is no "right" way to do something. It all just depends on how you yourself see it and what is easier for you to handle. Like the heart pin I made. I made it my way and I like it. Thank you and your DH for all that you do for us. ~Linda-G

Love the heart shape beads… they are perfect for giving to the people we really love. ~Jane-L

The following two comments are not specifically about heart beads, but they do make reference to Valentines Day… so I decided to slip them in here too.

I think it is the instant gratification that polymer clay gives me more then any other medium. Although some techniques require hours and sometimes days of effort and concentration, I love to be able to sit down and within minutes become inspired to create something new and unique. For instance, I never create a "Valentines Line" but last week I spent the evening at the clay table just playing with my little girl and the next I know I have more then 20 pieces with a distinct Valentine's Day theme! ~Shannon-L

For Valentine's Day, my husband decided to take me shopping (early) for all the polymer clay supplies my little heart desired. I've been designing jewelry with vintage pieces coupled with new beads… and I stumbled upon the idea for creating my own beads last week.  Been reading all I can find on the process, and came upon your site this evening. My head is pleasantly spinning! I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight! Your work is amazing, Cindy, but even more amazing is your willingness to teach. Your site is better than chocolate. And I really, REALLY like chocolate. ~Bonnie-B

Supplies & Tools: Video-020-2: Heart Shaped Beads:

• Two different colors of polymer clay. I used a half inch ball (13mm) each, of Salmon Pearls and Pale Shrimp recipes from the Salmon Pearls Palette for the first bead. And a slightly larger amount of White Premo for the second bead demo'd in the video.
• Polymer Clay Flower Cane (optional). I used slices from the Gerbera Flower Cane (Vol-015 Back Issue). You can do the same, or you can use slices from any cane you happen to have on hand.
• Clay blade.
• Pasta machine or acrylic roller.
• Cardstock or section of manila file folder.

The full version of the Vid-020-2 Heart Shaped Beads Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday January 15th, 2010. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

Here's That "Link Below" Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the "Heart Shaped Beads" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-020 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Cindy, Thank you so much for the beginners courses. I wasn't going to purchase it as I thought I was probably past that, but there is so much value in your videos that I couldn't take a chance on missing something great. Right now I have my Lortone tumbler going (I bought it for silver clay) using the river rocks I purchased this am after watching your video (several days ago I sanded part of my thumb away and it hasn't healed yet). I'm so happy to find the answers to questions I haven't even thought of yet. The library videos and the blog are a gold mine of information. I hope to buy the remaining ones over the next few months. Thanks again and have a happy holiday. ~Rose-M

The following topics are included in this week's "Heart Shaped Bead" video tutorial:

• See examples of several different heart beads and a pendant done using a combination of different techniques.
• Discussion of the type of clay and colors needed to create a heart bead.
• Learn how to add your own polymer clay cane slices to make millefiori heart beads.
• Cool tips for adding cane slices to beads so there is no gaps between the slices.
• Technique for getting two distinct and great looking heart shaped beads, simply and easily.
  

The full version of the "Heart Shaped Beads" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-020 Back Issue Package.

Here is a simple yet stylish way to make polymer clay jewelry using your own handmade polymer clay beads. These tribal/bohemian styled earrings were created with two faux carved drum beads made using a reddish brown mix of Premo Sculpey clay, and drilled with fairly large holes.

To make the paddle shaped copper link, a two inch length of heavy gauge copper wire was hammered flat at one end and rounded off with a file to remove burrs and sharp edges.

Then a drum bead was slipped onto the wire and the opposite end was then carefully hammered and filed to match the first end.

A small hole, large enough for a small jump ring to pass through was then punched into one of the flattened ends… for the earwires attachment.

Since the best (and cheapest) way to get a unique artisan look for any handmade earrings is to make your own earwires, I continued the copper look by making my own earring hooks with 20 gauge copper wire. An excellent alternative for those who have skin sensitivities would be to use a copper colored anodized Niobium wire instead.

The handmade earwires were then attached to the earrings with a small, 20 gauge copper jump ring, slipped through the hole in the top of the flattened copper paddle with the bead on it.

I love wearing this type of earring. Thee sway and swing along with your movements plus look great with casual and dressy outfits.

This particular pair went to my mom for Christmas, along with several other pendants and polymer clay jewelry pieces.

I've been making jewelry for many years, mostly using metal links and Softflex covered with seed beads, Fireline with woven seed beads, or silk thread to hand-knot pearls. Polymer clay has now introduced me to so many new ideas and ways to make jewelry. I just love this site! ~Linda-K

Since being able to make your own earwires in many different styles and wires is so useful, I was thinking of adding handmade earwires to an upcoming wire tutorial. Let me know if you are interested or not, by leaving a comment below.