These "Spot" features are for you guys to display your accomplishments and share stories of inspiration. The projects are based on techniques learned from articles here at the blog, as well as from tutorials at the Polymer Clay Video Library. My hope is for these "Show and Tell" features to help you guys get to know each other better through your wonderful creations. I am soooo… proud of everyone's work!

	Hi Cindy. I just had to show you these pictures. I was doing a Mica Shift pendant and having made too much clay (used Sculpey Pearl and a tiny amount of Cornflower Blue), I decided to make some of the torn paper beads which I love to make. But that's not why I sent these pictures. I had a ball of the mica clay leftover, and after rolling it in my hand as one does wondering what to do with it, I noticed the mica lines. So I wondered if it would swirl. And to my surprise, it did (see large round bead photo). I love it! Has anyone else ever done this before? By the way, the paper beads have not been sanded yet. ~Ritzs

If you are interested in sharing pictures of your polymer clay projects with the community, please follow these 2 simple steps:

1) Email several of your photos to me as attachments. My email address is shown in the "From" line of the weekly Polymer Clay Newsletter that gets sent out each and every Friday morning.

2) Include a description and/or story about your pieces, being sure to reference the tutorial(s) or blog article(s) that provided at least some level of inspiration for your work.

Don't be shy. Everyone is VERY friendly here.

In the comment section below, please do compliment each other; Offer encouragement; Ask questions about the techniques used; And in general… be social. This is your community! It's up to you to make it a fun and supportive place to hang out. All of you are amazing and it's wonderful to have everyone here!

PC is such a wonderful medium, but it still has a long way to go before the average person recognizes what it is. I'm always amazed when I meet someone who says, "Polymer what?" (or something to that effect.) I've embarrassed my family several times by whipping out a cane for guests, wanting to show everyone the cool reduction properties of polymer (don't worry, I don't do it at dinner or anything…) Actually, people are pretty impressed (it's just that my family gets a bit tired of MY polymer addiction…) I long for a day when every man/woman/child is familiar with PC and its fantastic artistic properties. What a happy, beautiful world that would be! Hehe – Polymer Peace on Earth! ~Phaedrkat

This polymer clay opal tutorial seems like it has been a long time coming… primarily because we started talking about it back around Christmas time of last year. Well I finally came up with my own version of faux opals that has more depth than any other  polymer clay "fopals" you have ever seen before.

Listed below are several of the "Tutorial Yes Votes" that were originally posted at this article: Using Iridescent Buffalo Snow Flakes to Make Beautiful Faux Opals

Just two days ago I came across my package of iridescent buffalo snow while looking for something else and wondered if the time to use it was near. That's a little spooky for me, Cindy. I am ready to go with it. Looks to be a wonderful and never ending technique. ~Joyce-M

Oh man, I've been waiting for this one!! My big ole bag of Buffalo Snow is begging to be opened and transformed into something gorgeous. The pendant in the photo is stunning! Can't wait! Can't wait! Can't wait! ~Elizabeth-S

Like Elizabeth S. I ran into my Buffalo snow this past week and was hoping that your tutorial would be coming out soon. I am ready to learn how to do this Cindy. I call action for the camera crew! ~Illaya-B

Yes, definitely! I'm mostly interested in the pale milky white ones. Looking forward to it! ~Laura-B

That's funny, I was just looking at some "Christmas-ey" stuff that didn't make it into the Holiday put-away gear. Good thing, I would have been reluctant to get it out of the garage. Actually, that's not true. I would have braved the very crowded garage in order to make these beautiful opals! The ones shown on this page are gorgeous! I'm looking forward to making them. ~Phaedrakat

Count me in too, Cindy… been wanting to make these little sparklies. ~Lupe-M

Faux gemstones are fun in their own right as well as for the things you can do with them that are just not practical with the real deal. I haven't made faux opal before although I've seen a few ways of doing it, so it will be great to see Cindy's approach too. ~Sue-F

I have been waiting for the opal tutorial. I love fire opals with the red and orange colors. I'm ready to go. ~Linda-B

If you didn't pick up some Buffalo Snow at Christmas time, I think the Arnold Grummer flakes are similar to it. They would be more expensive but I don't think too bad. I'm looking forward to the tutorial. ~Freda-K

I'm ready!  I got 2 bags of Buffalo Snow and when I was organizing my studio the other day, I was hoping this tut was coming soon. ~Linda-K

I have been waiting for this tutorial also! Really looking forward to it, Cindy! ~Marsha-N

Peggy Barnes – That is so very sweet of you to offer to send some Buffalo Snow Flakes to those who were not able to get to find any. You are another example of how wonderful the people in this community are! Someone else has already generously offered to send me some (thru Cindy – thanks again!!!). So I'm all set. There may be others in need though and I hope they take you up on your thoughtful offer. These Faux Opal beads are just to beautiful for anyone to miss out on. Thanks again Peggy! ~Lisa-W

I would love to make the opals…this is my birthstone.
~Loretta-C

Hi Cindy. I love the Polymer Clay Faux Opal Pendent with Hammered Copper Jewelry Bail. I would love to see a video on how to make this bail. I tried to make faux opal from someone on the net but did not turn out very well. I think maybe the direction may not have been clear enough, as yours are. I look forward to starting my day reading the news letter with a hot cup of coffee. ~Barb-C

You are simply stunning, Cindy. Ever since my parents gave me an opal as a present when I was 10 years old, I have loved these stones. I have always worn it around my neck, since then. I read every article about making fake ones, that I stumbled upon until now and I never ever saw one that even came close to how the real stones look. But your faux opals really capture the deepness and the shimmering layers. I would love to see the tutorial and try it out :D ~Angelghost

With such a clear Yes vote, I am happy to say that the Polymer Clay Faux Opals Tutorial has now been filmed and will be available in the Polymer Clay Library (Vol-022-3) on Friday March 19th, 2010.

Supplies & Tools: Video-022-3: Polymer Clay Faux Opals:

• Translucent Polymer Clay plus another color for your choice as a base. I used a 50:50 mix of Translucent and White Premo Sculpey.
• Buffalo Snow or other brand of large flaked Iridescent Glitter.
• Alcohol Ink (Optional).
• Studio by Sculpey Bake and Bond or Translucent Liquid Sculpey (TLS). Although TLS is easier to apply, it is much more rubbery than the Bake and Bond. I prefer the Bake and Bond over the TLS because it is much easier to sand after baking and gives a nicer overall finish.
• Parchment Paper.
• Wet/Dry Sanding Kit.
• High Gloss Finish such as Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze (Optional) .

The full version of the Vid-022-3 "Polymer Clay Faux Opals" Video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday March 19, 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 "Faux Opals" preview video shown above, is included in Vol-023 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:

Thanks for the welcome! I have been poking around this blog for months now. I am kicking myself for not joining sooner. I see now that I could have had access to the last few months of videos for a third the price, but I thought I knew enough that I didn't "need" the subscription. But, after watching my first 2 member videos, I can see that it would have been soooo worth it. I have learned some new things already, and I'm sure there are many more great things in store for me. You are a great teacher, and you have such a supportive group of people here at your blog. I'm glad I finally made it to member status! (If only there was a way to wind back the clock and get Vol. 14 to 19 for $3.32 each instead of $9.95! What a dummy I am!). Sorry, I tend to be long-winded. Thanks again for such a great place to visit! I think I'm going to like it here. :) ~Phaedrakat

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

• See examples of several different Faux Opals in a variety of color choices.
• Discussion of the supplies needed to create these beautiful stone replicas.
• Learn a new trick for getting incredible depth in your faux opals. Way beyond what has been done before with polymer clay.
• Tips on how to get the perfect finish on your faux opals so it's hard to tell it from the real thing.
• I will also show you a great way to use the left-overs from the process for other polymer clay projects such as the inlay technique.

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

Making faux stones using polymer clay is very popular since polymer is so good at mimicking the real thing. Faux Jade is an excellent stone to start out with. It is not only simple to do, but also turns out very authentic looking.

My faux jade recipes use alcohol ink and embossing powders for creating the look of the naturally occurring stone. As you can see in the photo above, these faux beauties can be made in several different color variations, including greens, yellows, pinks, purples and reds. Faux Jade can also be molded, stamped  or impressioned to simulate some fun carved effects.

I realize that Faux Jade has been taught elsewhere. But since it is such a crowd pleaser, I figured I had better add my version of this popular tutorial to the members library. It is such a versatile technique, and every polymer clay bead maker should have it in their bag of tricks.

BTW, I love your green tribal guy backed by a "Ridiculously Awesome Hammered Metal Bezel." Cool! ~Phaedrakat

@Phaedrakat: Yes, absolutely dead cool! Does anyone remember "Hawaiian Eye" (Connie Stevens, Robert Conrad), on TV yonks ago? Cindy's green mask sent me right back to the Shell Bar (where Cricket sang) and similar ornaments around that set. Thinks: hmmm, Hawaiian theme pendant? I see how this creative thing works – it's contagious, isn't it? Sparks fly from one to another. How wonderful to discover such a thing at this stage of my life. Thanks, everyone. Oh, and imagine that Green Man in GITD! What a stir he'd cause. ~Mary-U

I strung up (very quickly) a multi jade bracelet to show my friends and I've already gotten five requests for a bracelet. I am so excited, this is the first time that a hobby has become self sufficient (WOW!). ~Ken-H

I'm so into the faux's. Of the two designs I've created so far, the faux jade has sold infinitely more than my first. ~Ken-H

As long as the general consensus is positive, I'll include a faux jade tutorial in next month's Volume-023 line up. After Jade has been covered, we can move on to some more complicated faux stones in future tutorials.

So far, here is how the 4-part, April-2010, Volume-023 series is shaping up:

(1) Cane Making: [to be determined]
(2) Clay Techniques: Faux Jade [proposed]
(3) Wire/Metal: Hammered Copper Bezel [confirmed]
(4) Bead Shapes: Hollow "Puffy" Beads [confirmed]

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.

I can't believe how fast time flies when you're having fun. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing about what's coming up in the Volume-021 video series at the Polymer Clay Library. But now a month later, here I'm talking about Volume-022.

As this polymer clay community grows, I'm always on the lookout for how you guys describe your experiences here. It helps me to determine what makes this site different or unique, so that I can keep giving you more of the stuff that seems to be providing the most value. For example…

Cindy, I want to crawl inside your brain just for a day, you continue to bring us such fun, gorgeous, original and truly wearable designs. I have looked through some books and thought oh my, why would anyone even consider wearing that? It just looks like sculptures you would see in an art show. You however bring us ideas and designs that are wearable and make us feel so good about having done it ourselves!! I know I have said it before, but I'll say it again – Cindy, you rock!!! I wanna be just like you when I grow up!!! ~Tiffany-M

I can’t tell you all how much I am enjoying polymer clay since I found Cindy – I am totally obsessed! The new pieces of jewelry that I’ve made with polymer clay beads have gotten quite a bit of attention when I wear them. I used to get a few compliments on my jewelry. Now, my jewelry causes a commotion! ~Linda-K

Thank you Tiffany and Linda for sharing this type of feedback. I feel so blessed to know that my tutorials are helping each of you in such a positive way.

And speaking of tutes, the following Volume-022 lessons will be released each Friday morning throughout the month of March 2010, to help get you excited about spending some fun time on the weekends playing with your polymer clay.

Volume-022-1 Psychedelic 60's Cane : This funky cane is my twist on the popular Rainbow Jellyroll Cane. It is the way cooler cousin to this cane for a few reasons. First it glows in the dark! Second, it is done using alcohol inks and a super easy, yet extremely awesome blending technique, which gives the cane a unique painterly look. And thirdly, It glows in the dark!

A glow-in-the-dark, psychedelic, jelly roll cane? I've died and gone to heaven. Roll on March and Video 22! ~Mary-U

Volume-022-2 Polymer Clay Buttons: Whether you sew, knit, crochet, scrapbook, or make jewelry with them, polymer clay buttons make for one of a kind projects! Because they need to be durable and professional looking, there are a few easy tricks you can learn about making them. I know you are going to enjoy the prospects of being able to make your own cool custom polymer clay buttons.

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

Volume-022-3 Faux Opals: This is one of those techniques that has drawn people into working with polymer clay in the first place. People look at the faux opals and say, "You made that with polymer clay? It looks so real!" I am not the first to make opals from polymer clay, but I do have a few twists on the technique that you are going to enjoy!

I just love opal. I have a gold ring with a large Jelly opal and it is beautiful when the light shines on it. I would love to make a pendant and earrings in faux opal bring it on Cindy woopee! ~Ritzs

Volume-022-4 Silver Spoon Bail: Making polymer clay beads and pendants leads to making polymer clay jewelry, which in turn leads to needing great looking findings. What could be better than bails and pendants made with real vintage silver spoons and cutlery? You can even give your jewelry extra meaning by using silverware from the family set or a precious baby spoon keepsake.

Definitely a YES, Cindy. I would love to learn how to do this. I have been admiring your spoon bails for awhile now. I love vintage anything and I would like incorporate that somehow into my polymer clay pieces. Your dogwood clay flower is just beautiful! ~Lupe-M

I sincerely hope you enjoy all of the new Vol-022 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 March:

• Vol-022-A Series (for paid members):
  Rocks and Minerals Polymer Clay Color Palette (Premo Sculpey)
• Vol-022-B Series (free for everyone):
  Lakeside Polymer Clay Color Palette (Premo Sculpey)

If you are interested, here's the link to become a member at the Polymer Clay Library. Chances are you'll experience some pleasant, and even unexpected discoveries along the way…

WOW! I can't believe how simple this is! Before your video, I was trying to picture how you were going to do it, but I never pictured what you showed us today! If anyone is on the fence about subscribing, let me tell you, it is well worth it! ~Joyce-R

Remember way back at the end of Nov last year, I suggested that everyone pick up a bag of Buffalo Snow to get ready for my 2010 faux opal tutorial?

That super duper advance notice was because those iridescent buffalo snow flakes are much easier to find cheap in retail stores, during the Christmas holiday shopping season.

Well hopefully many of you had success getting your hands on some, because my plan is to include a faux opal tutorial in the upcoming Vol-022 video series during the month of March.

Wow the faux opal is very pretty, would love to learn the technique. I've never heard of "buffalo snow. ~Jeanne-C

I really like these opal beads, Cindy! I love incorporating inclusions into translucent clay!! :) I'll be looking for the Buffalo Snow and your tutorial. ~Marsha-N

The faux opal looks beautiful. I can't wait to try it. I don't think I've seen many opals in polymer clay. I love glitter and I might already have Buffalo Snow. I've never heard the name Buffalo Snow before. Should be fun though.
~Helen-S

You have a lot of good ideas for future videos, but I'm still waiting for the faux opal using the Buffalo snow or iridescent flakes that you promised us before Christmas.
~Freda-K

Am I living on another planet? I've never heard of Buffalo Snow! (Is it like buffalo dandruff or something?) I guess I'm going to have to go out into the world and see what it looks like and grab me some! ~Aims

Now as most of you know by now, I like to get feedback ("votes") from everyone before actually filming a project… just in case the topic is not that big of a hit.

But judging from all the positive comments that have already come in, I honestly don't think there will be a problem in my going ahead with the faux opal lesson.

Making faux opals is what first got me interested in polymer clay. I'm super excited about your faux opal technique. Can't wait for the video! ~Sue-W

Oh Cindy this faux opal is absolutely stunning!!! I can clearly see the depth of the layers from the photo. Sure hope you feel ready to teach it soon. ~Elizabeth-S

I can't wait for the tutorial on the faux opals. I am thankful that I found all of you. You all are so giving. ~Linda-B

WOW!! what can I say? I love the way hammered copper complements well with your faux opal pendant… can't wait for your tutorial on this one. Many thanks. ~Meredith-F

What a gorgeous pendant – another amazing technique to learn and look forward to! ~DJ

My mom and I have made faux opal in the past, it was actually on glass ornaments, but I would love to see your technique as that cabochon is spectacular! ~Shannon-L

Thanks for the heads up about the Buffalo Snow. The opal looks great and I love the way it is on top of a diamond shape, the copper looks great with it all. ~Anna-S

So is everyone still on board with the idea of learning how to make some amazingly authentic looking faux opals? Is there anything specific about opal making techniques that you have always been wondering about? Any one got an good opal stories to share? Let me know in the comments section below.

Just the other day my daughter Willow, mentioned that she would like to have a pair of large hoop earrings. Well that was motivation enough for me to get out the copper wire for a fun session of hammering and bending.

Dangling from the hoops in the photo above, are some funky Mokume Gane patterned, Polymer Clay Disc Beads.

Now since Willow is not able to wear copper because of her sensitive ears, those earrings up there actually ended up in my jewelry box. But you can be sure I'll be making another set for her using Niobium wire.

Learning the wire work for me has become a natural extension of what I do with polymer clay. Unique findings like the ones you created here, Cindy,  accent the beauty of the beads. Just think how different these beads would look with plain ole store bought (and probably expensive) findings! ~Elizabeth-S

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.

Cindy, I have tired this one several times and each time my clay will start splitting half way thru the extrusion… can anyone tell me why this is, I am using Premo and thought I was conditioning it enough. Thanks! ~Tina-A

That is a very common problem with this technique Tina, so don't feel too bad! In the Extruder Flower Cane Video [Vol-019-1 at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library] I stress three important aspects to extruding the flower cane so that you end up with as few breaks as possible.

First the clay needs to be soft and well conditioned, which it sounds like you did.

Next, you need to hold the extruder high off the table, with the  opening pointing down, so the clay can come straight out with as little bending as possible.

And finally, the full amount of clay needs to be extruded in one smooth even 'push' with no stops. As soon as you stop turning the handle and start again, the clay extrusion will break, which is my guess as to where the problem is happening for you.

Hopefully this answers the question for you Tina and anyone else having this problem!

Special mention and a BIG thank you to Susan-B for the response she provided to Tina-A on 2010-02-11. Please everyone follow Susan's lead and take the opportunity to help each other out whenever possible. Everyone sharing ideas is what makes this community such a great place to hang out.

@Tina Adams – I find that sometimes it splits and sometimes it doesn't even when using one lump of conditioned clay that has been divided into two parts.  I keep a constant movement on the handle of the extruder.  Although it is a great shame to loose the extruded flower I did discover that the stripes inside the outer coating are beautiful and I made a lovely pendant with it.  But if someone knows why this happens I too would love to hear it.  I use Cernit. ~Susan-B

If anyone else has other ideas, answers, tips or stories to share in regards to the questions above, definitely add them to the comment section below.

I know that they are many of you intermediate and experienced clayers lurking about here at the blog, that have pearls of wisdom you could share with us all. So please do.

Even if you are a complete beginner, please know you are welcome to join into the conversations that happen here. There are so many different ways to work with polymer clay, and everyone's input is appreciated.

Like I've said a gazillion times before, it always amazes me how many different things you can do with polymer clay. The unique topic for today focuses on inlaying.

This simple polymer clay technique allows you to utilize scraps and trimmings, by embedding selected bits and pieces into a pendant sized base of soft clay.

The project will end up looking as if you have spent hours intricately carving and inserting inlaid bone chips, stone and/or wood fragments. When in actuality, you were able to do everything quite quickly and easily without a lot of fuss.

On Friday Feb 19th in the Polymer Clay Video Library (Vol-021-3), you will learn everything necessary to get started creating beautiful pendants adorned with unique inlaid patterns and designs.

Inlay is something I've always wanted to try. ~Jakie-M

Cindy, the inlay technique was very high on my list of learning so it is great that it is coming soon. Your piece is lovely, as usual, and will surely inspire us. ~Joyce-M

I'm in… inlays can be used in so many different ways. ~DJ

Oh, be still my heart! It's so beautiful with the inlays. I sure hope the votes are for an inlay video. Mine sure is! ~Elizabeth-S

Yes! yes! yes! I would love to see how it's made. Cindy, your videos help me to go where this woman has never gone before. ~Sandra-G

Cindy, I'd love to see the inlay technique. The instruction in your videos is very clear and easy to follow. ~Sharon-F

What a beautiful technique! That does look incredibly real–so glossy and gorgeous! I can't wait to learn it. I have quite a few polymer clay books that show various inlays and fauxs, but I never tackled them. I'm so happy this will be in the February videos. I know Cindy will simplify this so that I will actually do it! ~Phaedrakat

Well today you all get to see the sneak peek of the Inlay Technique video. Then, coming up on Friday Feb 19th, the full tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library as Volume-021-3.

Supplies & Tools: Video-021-3: Inlay Technique:

• Small thin baked pieces of clay and cuttings left overs from your other polymer clay projects. I used pieces from my  Crackled Gold Leaf and Ink technique, slices from a a Faux Turquoise Cane and strips of red and black clay. One thing to keep in mind about the clay pieces you choose to use for your inlay project, is that they must be sand-able. This will become more clear once you get a chance to watch the video.
• Sheet of clay rolled at thickest setting on your pasta machine to use for the base. I used some Sahara colored Studio by Sculpey in the video demonstration, but I also show pendant examples using Faux Bone and other colors of Premo clay.
• Single sided razor blade (optional).
• Clay Blade and/or ripple blade cutter.
• Pasta Machine and/or Acrylic Roller.
• Sanding and Buffing Supplies.
• Antiquing Medium – I used Studio by Sculpey in Chocolate Brown.

The full version of the Vid-021-3 Inlay Technique Video Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Feb 19th, 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 "Inlay Technique" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-021 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

First of all, I want to thank you Cindy again for all the help you gave me and how patient you were when I had some trouble with my username and password. Well I'm all squared away now and very happy with my membership. The videos and color recipes are definitely useful. I encourage everyone who hasn't signed up yet to do so – it really is a great deal. Plus Cindy is very prompt at answering one's questions/concerns about this addictive medium. ~Maria-C

The following topics are included in this week's "Inlay Technique" video tutorial:

• See examples of three different pendants utilizing the inlay technique.
• Discussion of the types of clay needed for inlaying into your pendant.
• Learn a simple trick for using up scraps from previous polymer clay projects. Nothing is ever wasted with polymer clay!
• Tips on how to cut the baked pieces to be inlaid and get them exactly the right size for your design.
• Find out just how easy it really is to get that look of carefully carved and inset pieces of stone and other materials in your jewelry pieces.
• Learn the importance of proper finishing, to get the professional look your pieces deserve

The full version of the "Inlay Technique" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-021 Back Issue Package.

Imagine this pair of delicate inked butterflies, fluttering from your ears on a fresh sunny day! Well now you can learn to make them yourself, by watching the upcoming Vol-021-2 tutorial that will be posted in the Polymer Clay Video Library on Friday Feb 12th.

When I first introduced the idea, the following Yes Votes are just a few that were posted in favor of making this tutorial available at the library…

These are super cute earrings! I love the butterflies, and I love the cool earwires! I love how earrings like this hang on my ears — I'll bet they really do feel light and airy. As far as sales go, these would stand out from others in a shop. I would need to get my hands on some cutters like that, though. Unless there's a trick I could use with one of my other cutters? Phaedrakat

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

Dearest Cindy, please TUT those ASAP. I am a butterfly girl, oh, and a shoe girl, oh and a cat girl, blah, blah,blah. I love those earrings. You are incredible. They are beautiful. I'll be waiting with my butterfly cutters in hand till you TUT that. Please hurry. ~Bonnie-K

There goes that genius creative brain of yours again! Oh how I wish playing with my polymer clay would result in something like this. TUT PLEASE!!!! ~Elizabeth-S

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

Cindy, I love butterflies, they make me happy! They're so delicate and colorful. I paint them with inks so yes, definitely, I would love to be able to do them in polymer clay. ~Cheryl-H

I like the butterflies! I vote yes for the butterfly earrings and the different styles of earwires too… I like the idea of making my own earwires in copper. ~Lisa-W

I love the inked butterfly earrings and would love a video on them. Thanks for all the great tips and ideas. I also really want to thank you for your generosity in promoting other artists. I look forward to Fridays to see what new project you've thought up for us. Thanks! ~Beverly-L

Hi Cindy and all. Love those Inked butterfly earrings  and can't wait til you put the video in here. I am a butterfly gal too and was just deciding to try to do some B/F earrings so this is timely. March on Cindy the Army is at your command!! LOL Love, ~Elizabeth-K

Hi Cindy, I would love to learn the butterfly earrings. ~Loretta-C

I also would love to learn this ink technique on the butterfly earrings. Cindy your colors and your ideas all are grand slam good. Count me in for a big 200% YES!!!! ~Peggy-B

Well today you all get to see the sneak peek of the Inked Butterfly Technique video. Then, coming up on Friday February 12th, the full tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library as Volume-021-2.

Supplies & Tools: Video-021-2: Inked Butterfly Technique:

• Teardrop Blend. I used a teardrop blend going from Purple (Premo) to Ecru (Premo) to Turquoise (Premo). You could use any colors including a plain unblended sheet, if you wish.
• Translucent Clay. I used regular Premo Translucent.

• Pasta Machine or Acrylic Roller.

• Clay Blade.

• Staz-On Ink Pad Jet Black. Or other solvent based ink pad.

• Background Rubber Stamps in any pattern you like.

• Clay Cutter. I used a small 4 petaled flower, Makin's cutter that looks a lot like a butterfly. You can use your own butterfly cutter or any other shape of your choice.

• Old Burnt Out Incandescent Light Bulb.

• Oven Proof Dish filled with cornstarch.

The full version of the Vid-021-2 Inked Butterfly Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Feb 12th, 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 "Inked Butterflies" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-021 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

I just want to say thanks for a wonderful month of videos. They are absolutely wonderful. These were my first as a new member, and so very worth it. For just $3, I got four amazing videos and a beautiful color palette of amazing recipes! For anyone who's been thinking they might want to join but they're not sure – do it! Believe me, it is such an good deal – an incredible value. You'll be so happy you joined! ~Phaedrakat

The following topics are included in this week's "Inked Butterfly Technique" video tutorial:

• See examples of several different earrings and beads using the inking technique.
• Discussion of the types of clay, ink and stamps you will need to do the technique.
• Learn a simple trick for getting the inked look on your clay and still be able to sand the image to a glossy shine without damaging the ink patterns.
• Tips on how to cut, bake and finish your butterflies and other shapes for creating beautiful polymer clay jewelry

The full version of the "Inked Butterflies" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-021 Back Issue Package.

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.