Video Tutorials:
1: Liver of Sulfur
2: Dogwood Flower Pendants
3: Frosted Rainbow Beads
4: Mirror Image Heart

Well another month has gone by and the Volume-044 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of January, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-044 Package:

Video-044-1 Liver of Sulfur: You have seen gorgeous antique finishes on Silver, Copper and Bronze jewelry pieces out there… and now you can learn how to get that awesome look for your own creations… quickly and easily using Liver of Sulfur. Although simple to use, there are some tips and precautions to follow, when using any Liver of Sulfur product. You should also choose the best form of the LOS suited for your purposes. This video shows everything you need to know.

Video-044-2 Dogwood Flower Pendants: When you see these dogwood flower pendants in person, you will have a hard time believing they aren’t real! Gorgeously realistic yet simple to make, since these flowers are actually made using a mold. You are going to love the neat tricks I teach you in this tutorial that make these natural beauties come to life!

Video-044-3 Frosted Rainbow Beads:It could be because I was a child of the 60′s, but I definitely have a softness in my heart for rainbows. So it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that I like to also make rainbow colored polymer clay beads. You will too when you see how easy they are to make! So pretty too. You are going to love the neat way the colors are blended and the tricks you will learn, that gives them that frosty look. The technique can be used to make the frilled flower discs I show… or any other bead shape that you desire. It can also be used to mimic sea glass for some beach theme jewelry projects. How ever you decide to use this tutorial, you’re going to treasure the look of these beads!

Video-044-4 Mirror Image Heart: This heart bead tutorial combines two different polymer clay techniques… Mirror Image Beads (aka Natasha Beads); and the Split Heart Bead Shape. The technique is simple but the results are fabulous. And each piece is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind with a new picture revealed in every bead. It is the perfect solution for using up your scrap clay too!

Also included in this Volume-044 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Cedar Cone Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-044 back issue package, click here: Liver of Sulfur | Dogwood Flower Pendants | Frosted Rainbow Beads | Mirror Image Heart

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-044, 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.

Video Tutorials:
1: Snowy Tree Cane Pt-1
2: Snowy Tree Cane Pt-2
3: Poinsettia Charms
4: Fancy Rose Earwires

Well another month (and year) has gone by and the Volume-043 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of December, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-043 Package:

Video-043-1 Snowy Tree Pointillist Cane (Part 1): This amazing cane of a snow covered tree surrounded by a Winter night sky was inspired by the artwork of pointillist arts, Ron (Rogest) Steven. I developed a method for making tiny snakes of different colors of polymer clay and combining them in such a way that a picture is revealed. In this tutorial I will show you how to make the tiny colored snakes in the correct size and color combination for this particular Snowy Tree design, and prepare them for assembly in Part 2.

Video-043-2 Snowy Tree Pointillist Cane (Part 2): In part 2 of this uniquely built cane design, you will take the components created in Part 1, and combine them in such a way that a magical scene will appear from a collection of dots. This process of making a polymer clay cane in the pointillist style can be adapted to create many unique designs of your own.

Video-043-3 Poinsettia Charms: Poinsettia’s have long been associated with the Christmas holiday season. This tutorial will show you how quickly and easily you can create very realistic looking Poinsettia Charms for making jewelry, ornaments and holiday decor.

Video-043-4 Fancy Rose Earwires: Once you get prolific at making polymer clay beads, it’s nice to be able to use them in your own custom jewelry pieces. Nothing says unique like having your own custom earwires to go with your handmade beads. These Fancy Rose Earwires are a fantastic addition to many jewelry making projects. You’ll definitely want to add this wire working skill to your jewelry making bag of tricks!

Also included in this Volume-043 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Semiahmoo Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-043 back issue package, click here: Snowy Tree Cane Pt-1 | Snowy Tree Cane Pt-2 | Poinsettia Charms | Fancy Rose 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-043, 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.

Vid #236: As I create for others, I think about the joy of knowing them. With that there is absolutely no room for thoughts about pain, illness, fears… ~Michele Effing

If you’re new around here and don’t know what the heck a Fifth Friday is… not to worry. Just watch the video at this Studio Tour link, and all will become crystal clear.

Now to set the stage for today’s Fifth Friday “Book Launch” video, please read the following excerpt from a dear member of the community. Her kind and insightful words are a wonderful intro for what I discuss in the video posted further down on this page.

Hi Cindy, my addiction to clay started about a year ago after I was diagnosed with MS and went from a career girl to staying at home going nuts trying to find something to do.

It is funny, but my goal was to network more online and actually talk to the people who share my new passion. Discovering my creative side has had a huge impact on how I deal with my health issues.

Formerly, I was a nurse, so I know all the positive medical aspects of having a “hobby”. But, without sounding corny here, it is more than a hobby to me now.

When I am creating my mind turns to the beauty in life; and as I create for others, I think about the joy of knowing them. With that there is absolutely no room for thoughts about pain, illness, fears of the future.

I tell you, I suggest to everyone to find an art medium now – of course I talk about polymer clay!

I spent much time researching, reading, investing in books, etc. and your lessons by far have been the best tutorials – everything is broken down and made simplistic. And you even incorporate wire work – it is a great, inspiring site! If only I had signed up with you FIRST, the 20lb bag of scrap clay I have would be much, much smaller!

Sorry, this is a long response but I must tell you quickly – I love flower canes! Followed instructions to “T” from books published by other well known polymer clay artists – and they would always look horrible!

So, I recently purchased a back issue of yours, the flower petal cane, turned out perfect – especially your tip on the packing!

This sounds silly, but it is a little exciting – you are famous in my house, I call you my Art Professor! Keep it up! Thanks.

~Michele Effing

Next week we’ll get back to the regular Friday programming, starting with the first video tutorial in Volume-044… AND A BRAND NEW YEAR!!!

But before then, be sure to leave a comment below about how polymer clay has changed your life or that of someone you know.

And for some additional reading, here is a link to where our Polymer Art Therapy Book has been discussed in another thread here at the blog: Beads of Courage

It’s been a wonderful 2011 and I know 2012 is going to be even better!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Video Tutorials:
1: Tinted Photo Transfers
2: Stamped Polymer Bezels
3: Arizona Beads
4: Paper Punched Polymer

Well another month has gone by and the Volume-042 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of November, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-042 Package:

Video-042-1 Tinted Photo Transfers: Don’t you just love the nostalgia of a hand tinted, vintage photo? I sure do. What if you could take that old fashioned technique, and use it with modern materials… like say polymer clay? Wouldn’t that be cool? Of course it would! Well, now you can, using this neat image transfer technique that uses a regular black & white photocopied image and some other simple supplies that you probably already have on hand.

Video-042-2 Stamped Polymer Bezels: You likely have seen many types of stamped polymer clay pendants and charms in the beading magazines by now. They are very popular! Some with inspiring words, little poems or quotes, and others with graphic stamped images. No matter the style, they make awesome focal elements for your handcrafted jewelry designs… and they’re easy and fun to make too! As an added bonus, you’ll learn how to make your own colored glazes that can not only be used for this polymer clay project, but for many other projects as well.

Video-042-3 Arizona Beads: Some of the neatest ideas happen purely by accident… and they are often super simple to replicate as well. This was definitely the case with this polymer clay bead design that I call… Arizona Beads. Named after the craggy and jagged canyons and outcroppings of Arizona, with horizontal stripes not only in the rock faces, but also in the magnificent graphic sunsets and sunrises. These Arizona Beads are as rustic and unique as the Arizona Desert itself. Your polymer clay scraps never looked so good!

Video-042-4 Paper Punched Polymer: The coolest thing about polymer clay is that many of the tools and supplies designed for other craft mediums, can also be used with polymer clay. For example, in this tutorial I’ll show you how to use paper punches for creating cool polymer shapes from thin sheets of clay. Not only are these paper punched polymer pieces (say that three times fast), more durable than card stock for using in your scrap booking projects, but they will also will work great in many beading and jewelry projects. With the variety of paper punches available on the market today, and the number of polymer clay techniques you can use with this tutorial, the possibilities are truly endless!

Also included in this Volume-042 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Chihuly Glass Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-042 back issue package, click here: Tinted Photo Transfers | Stamped Polymer Bezels | Arizona Beads | Paper Punched Polymer

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-042, 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.

Video Tutorials:
1: Pirate Cane (Part 1)
2: Pirate Cane (Part 2)
3: Snowman Beads
4: Beaded Spider Ornament

Well another month has gone by and the Volume-041 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of October, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-041 Package:

Video-041-1 Pirate Cane (Part 1): Ahoy Matey’s!!! Tis finally the hour, t’ be learnin’ me Pirate Cane! This Pirate Cane is a signature cane for me. I never have been able to keep anything I’ve made with the pirate cane for very long. One piece I made using pirate cane beads sold right off my neck! It is a great cane for Beginners and Intermediates because the nature of the design is very forgiving. Which means, any minor mistakes or distortions you may make while learning this cane, only add to the charm of this quirky design!

Video-041-2 Pirate Cane (Part 2): This is where the whole thing comes together! You’ll assemble the components from Part 1 of the Pirate Cane Tutorial, to make a full Skull and Crossbones Picture Cane, using a variety of cool cane making tricks. As a bonus, the unique background packing techniques I teach in this tute, can also be used in many other cane projects as well.

Video-041-3 Snowman Beads: Now you can add these cute little Snowmen Beads to your collection! They’re great for making wintertime accessories such as earrings, bracelets, pendants and even cell phone charms to get you in the holiday spirit. These adorable snowy guys also make awesome Christmas Tree Ornaments, as well as unique handmade embellishments for your special gift wrapped packages.

Video-041-4 Spider Ornament: Perfect for Fall beading projects, this beaded spider ornament can be worked into a Halloween theme, as well as Christmas. Plus, you’ll be able to use up some of your one-of-a-kind orphan polymer clay beads, which is always a good thing. Now, most people understand how spiders and Halloween go together, but did you know that spider ornaments are also part of a Christmas tradition? There is an old German folk story about the Legend of the Christmas Spider, that I’d love to share with you…

Also included in this Volume-041 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Vine Maple Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-041 back issue package, click here: Pirate Cane (Part 1) | Pirate Cane (Part 2) | Snowman Beads | Spider Ornament

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-041, 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.

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Video Tutorials:
1: Diamond Ikat Cane
2: Faux Coral Heishi Beads
3: Purse Shaped Charms
4: Using Bead Cones

Well another month has gone by and the Volume-040 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of September, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-040 Package:

Video-040-1 Diamond Ikat Cane: Some designs are just so darn beautiful that they stand the test of time. Such is the case with Ikat Fabric. Some experts believe Ikat Textiles have been around since the 6th century, and still to this day, they are very popular in fashion and home decor. In this surprising simple cane tutorial, you will learn how to recreate a complex Diamond Ikat Pattern in polymer clay. Useful for so many polymer clay bead and jewelry projects, this cane design also lends itself beautifully to the third tutorial in the Vol-040 series, Purse Shaped Charms. In fact this cane is so versatile, you’re going to want to create several of these fabric canes in tons of different color varieties!

Video-040-2 Faux Coral Heishi Beads: According to many sources online, some of the hottest Jewelry Trends of 2011 are dramatic, layered and earthy. Popular materials include mixed metals, stones, bone, wood, coral, chains and pearls. The colors are both spicy and exotic… as well as soft and cool. The neat thing about polymer clay is that it can mimic just about any material, even organic materials such as Bone, Jade, Wood and even Coral. In this tutorial you will learn to make your own version of Red Coral Beads. And… you will also learn a fast and easy technique for making your own hand cut Heishi Beads from any polymer clay faux technique that you choose. So really this awesome tutorial is a 2 for 1 with thousands of bead possibilities!

Video-040-3 Purse Shaped Charms: Do you love purses and handbags… but your collection is just getting too big? Love shopping and all things fashion? Know a girl with a Barbie that could use a few purses to match her cute outfits? Then this awesome Purse Shaped Charm Tutorial is for you! Now you can make your own mini fashion accessories to match your favorite purses, that you can wear anytime you like. These tiny handbags are so adorable you will want to hang them from bracelets, cell phones, necklaces and even from the momma purses. They are so cute you may want to whip up a few for Barbie and her friends… ‘Cuz honestly, a girl can never have too many purses!

Video-040-4 Using Bead Cones: When making multi-strand jewelry, you need something that’s going to hold everything together neatly. Bead Cones are perfect for the job! There are tricks to using bead cones that give your jewelry a clean and professional look. That’s what this tutorial is all about. How to use Bead Cones in your jewelry making projects. Something that every aspiring jewelry designer needs to know!

Also included in this Volume-040 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Viburnum Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-040 back issue package, click here: Diamond Ikat Cane | Faux Coral Heishi Beads | Purse Shaped Charms | Bead Cones

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-040, 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.

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“Pardon the dust as we do a bit of a makeover to the web site.”
~Doug Lietz

There have been some site upgrades that we have been wanting to do for a while now… and things have finally come together for this to happen over the next few days.

Although the site will have a bit of a different look, all of the components should still pretty much be in the same places… or at least close enough that you shouldn’t feel completely lost.

The most notable upgrade is the new commenting system which should make it easier to keep track of specific conversations that happen at each of the posts.

The plan is to have everything as stable as possible by Wednesday, September 7th. So up until then, don’t be alarmed if certain things don’t appear to be normal. All will get worked out as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience and understanding through this transition. Oh and please do leave comments in this thread to let us know what you think. As everyone here should know by now, constructive suggestions are always appreciated!

~Doug

Vid #219: “Hey, Cindy your tiny little drawers are not LABELED? How do you keep up with what’s in them?” ~Becky-C

Just to keep everyone on their toes, this time we’re flipping the Sept. 5th Friday to the beginning of the month instead of at the end.

What’s that…? You’re new around here and you don’t know what the heck a 5th Friday is? No worries… just watch the video below, and all will become crystal clear.

Also in the video (since so many of you asked), I’ll share how I go about organizing and keeping track of what’s inside all the little storage drawers that I showed in my first Studio Tour Video.

Plus, there’s a cameo appearance that you won’t want to miss… at about about the 2 minute mark. So go ahead and enjoy this latest episode, in what’s sure to become a “best selling” series… ;-)

Next week we’ll get back to the regular Friday programming, starting with the first video tutorial in Volume-040.

But before then, be sure to leave a comment below if you would like to see more of these informal video blogs, like the one shown above.

Also let me know if you have any specific tutorial requests. Or… feel free to share some studio organizing tips of your own!

Doug and I would LOVE to hear from all of you!

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Video #215: “I think you should show us your studio. It would be an inspiration to us all.” ~Bette-L

Well tomorrow is another 5th Friday… which means no new video tutorial posted at the members library… and no  new color recipes either. If you are new around here and don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s a link for more info about how 5th Friday’s work.

But I do have a special presentation to share instead of the regularly scheduled programing. It’s something that several of you have asked me for in the past… a peak into my creative studio space.

So here you go…

Be sure to leave a comment below if you would like to see more of these informal video blogs in the future.

Happy 5th Friday everyone! My regular video and color recipe publishing schedule will start back up again in the first week of August, with Vol-039.

The first video in Volume 39 will focus on a topic that many, many of you have been so patiently waiting for. Here’s a hint…

It starts with Pan… and ends with Dora ;-)

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“She was sewing
and gluing and beading
with glee. In hopes to get
everything under the
tree!” ~Cindy Lietz

First off, I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season, no matter how you celebrate! It has been an extremely busy, creative and productive year for us all. I am so proud of everyone’s accomplishments! The friendships and sharing has been tremendous… and I feel deeply blessed that you all have chosen to be part of this caring polymer clay community.

Now About The 5th Friday…

For those who have been around awhile, you guys will already know how these 5th Friday’s work. But for the benefit of anyone who is new, here’s the scoop.

Each month at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, you receive 4 new video tutorials, and 4 new A-series Color Recipes. Plus, everyone subscribed to my free Guest List Newsletter also receives the weekly B-series color recipes.

Now since some months have an additional Friday, there are several weeks scattered throughout the year, that I don’t publish any videos and recipes. And this month (Dec’2010) happens to have one of those extra 5th Friday’s.

With Christmas just a couple of days away, it made sense to schedule this month’s 5th Friday for tomorrow (Dec 24). I’m sure all of you will be quite busy anyway… with your own holiday festivities and preparations.

But if you need a little something fun to tide you over, here’s a silly Crafty Christmas Poem I wrote a couple of years back. It’s still good for a smile and a giggle.

By the way, things will get back on track next week with the Vol-031-4 Video and Recipes becoming available on December 31st… the last day of the year!!!

So until then… have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Love and Peace to All!

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