Comments on: How to Make Polymer Clay Pendants with a Silver Spoon http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/ "I learned by making mistakes... Now you don't have to." Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:03:14 -0700 hourly 1 By: Phaedrakat http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36149 Phaedrakat Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:15:50 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36149 These pendant instructions are great, showing how Cindy made this beautiful piece with a silver spoon as a bail/bezel. But to make things easier, Cindy has created a <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/polymer-clay-tutorial-silver-spoon-bails-jewelry-video/9055/">Polymer Clay Video Tutorial</a> — Silver Spoon Bails for Jewelry [VIDEO]. The link will take you to a video preview of the tutorial, as well as comments and feedback on it from members. There are discussions about where to find spoons, how to bend them, and some beautiful examples, as well. Check it out, if you haven't already. And have a fun and happy day! These pendant instructions are great, showing how Cindy made this beautiful piece with a silver spoon as a bail/bezel. But to make things easier, Cindy has created a Polymer Clay Video Tutorial — Silver Spoon Bails for Jewelry [VIDEO].

The link will take you to a video preview of the tutorial, as well as comments and feedback on it from members. There are discussions about where to find spoons, how to bend them, and some beautiful examples, as well. Check it out, if you haven't already. And have a fun and happy day!

]]> By: Phaedrakat http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36148 Phaedrakat Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:12:15 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36148 @<a href="#comment-36136">Cindy Lietz from Polymer Clay Library - Vol-024 Videos</a>: Thanks, Cindy! I think <i>you da bomb,</i> too! :D I feel quite happy -- it feels good to be appreciated. I sure hope you feel that way, Cindy. Because you are! Have a super day! @Cindy Lietz from Polymer Clay Library – Vol-024 Videos: Thanks, Cindy! I think you da bomb, too! :D I feel quite happy — it feels good to be appreciated. I sure hope you feel that way, Cindy. Because you are! Have a super day!

]]> By: Phaedrakat http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36147 Phaedrakat Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:09:49 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36147 @<a href="#comment-36127">noha</a>: You're so welcome! That makes me feel wonderful to know that I was able to help you some. (Made my day!) I hope you continue to learn and enjoy your clay -- it's such a wonderful medium, and there's so many techniques that you'll never tire of it! Cindy can help you get better and better, so as soon as you have $10 to spare, become a member. You'll be so glad you did. You only have to pay $9.95 for a 90-day membership, and you'll get 12 of the most current videos for that low price. It's less than a buck a video, and so worth it. The Basics/Fundamentals course is worth it, too, when you are able to do it. Thanks for letting me know you understood, again -- that makes me happy! Leave a question if you need any other help. Have a great day! @noha: You're so welcome! That makes me feel wonderful to know that I was able to help you some. (Made my day!) I hope you continue to learn and enjoy your clay — it's such a wonderful medium, and there's so many techniques that you'll never tire of it! Cindy can help you get better and better, so as soon as you have $10 to spare, become a member. You'll be so glad you did. You only have to pay $9.95 for a 90-day membership, and you'll get 12 of the most current videos for that low price. It's less than a buck a video, and so worth it. The Basics/Fundamentals course is worth it, too, when you are able to do it.

Thanks for letting me know you understood, again — that makes me happy! Leave a question if you need any other help. Have a great day!

]]> By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Library - Vol-024 Videos http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36136 Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Library - Vol-024 Videos Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:16:42 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36136 I agree with you, noha... As Randy from American Idol would say... <em>"Phaedrakat is the bomb."</em> Thanks Kat for all that you do. And thanks Noha for taking the time to say such nice things about Kat's helpfulness. This is so great to see!!! I agree with you, noha… As Randy from American Idol would say… "Phaedrakat is the bomb."

Thanks Kat for all that you do. And thanks Noha for taking the time to say such nice things about Kat's helpfulness. This is so great to see!!!

]]> By: noha http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36127 noha Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:17:39 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-36127 @Phaedrakat: I can't thank you enough for your tips, seriously :) Very informative, to the point and the best thing is that I actually understood -i'm a visual learner so usually unless there's a picture explaining every single word, nothing!!!- but u explained in a way that made me visualize the tips, thank you thank you thank you :) I watched the three free video (many times) but unfortunately I won't be able to get the other ones right now, but they're on my list- that's for sure! thanks for search box tip, too. I totally didn't see it before. I'm off to apply the great tips and search for that plastic wrap pendant :D @Phaedrakat: I can't thank you enough for your tips, seriously :) Very informative, to the point and the best thing is that I actually understood -i'm a visual learner so usually unless there's a picture explaining every single word, nothing!!!- but u explained in a way that made me visualize the tips, thank you thank you thank you :)
I watched the three free video (many times) but unfortunately I won't be able to get the other ones right now, but they're on my list- that's for sure!
thanks for search box tip, too. I totally didn't see it before. I'm off to apply the great tips and search for that plastic wrap pendant :D

]]> By: Phaedrakat http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-35976 Phaedrakat Mon, 31 May 2010 21:11:45 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-35976 @<a href="#comment-35936">noha</a>: Hi Noha! When adding cane slices to round beads, we usually roll the bead in our hands. This allows the slices to melt into the bead, due to the pressure we're applying, and the warmth of our hands. For a flat bead/pendant, we can't do it that way -- we can only use pressure (from fingers, roller, shaping tool, etc.) to blend the slices into the clay. This article about <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/tutorial-adding-polymer-canes-to-baked-premo-sculpey-fimo-beads/451/">Adding Polymer Canes</a> has a few tips about how to do this, as well as how to avoid fingerprints. The article at the top of this post mentions how Cindy took slices of the cane and used a roller to blend the seams into the background. You can do the same thing on a sheet of background clay BEFORE you cut it to pendant-size. That way you can get your pattern just right, without worrying about distorting the shape, pressing too hard, or making it too thin. Use your roller or other tool to get the slices to melt into the background, until the seams are gone and it's nice & smooth. Then take this background sheet and stack it on top of scrap clay, or onto another sheet (that will be the back of the pendant,) then cut through all layers to make the shape of your pendant. Another name for this type of background sheet is "polymer clay <i>faux fabric</i>". Cindy calls it a <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/polymer-clay-tutorial-cane-slices-make-pattern-backgrounds/3668/">Patterned Background Sheet</a>, and she has a video tutorial on the technique. The link will take you to the article (which has some tips to read) and the video preview, which shows an example of the "faux fabric". For this technique, you add your cane slices all over a solid color clay sheet, then use your pasta machine to blend and smooth the sheet. (The video has more tips and instructions.) It's important to rotate your sheet 90 degrees each time it goes through the machine, so your pattern doesn't get distorted too much. Then you use your "patterned background sheet" for the front and/or back of your pendants. I hope this helps you understand how to work with your cane slices. There are quite a few articles here at the blog that can help you with any other info you're interested in. Use the search box at the top left of the page, typing in things like "adding cane slices" or "baking flat pendants". If you haven't already, you should sign up for Cindy's Polymer Clay Newsletter (link at top of the page.) You'll get 3 free videos and weekly color recipes! It's a great way to learn more about how things work around here & see the latest projects. Cindy also has a Polymer Clay Basics Course (link above.) It's a great deal, with 39 short-and-to-the-point videos that teach you all the basics, as well as excellent tips that save you time and trouble, to help you avoid making mistakes (that we all make as beginners!) One last tip, when you add your background sheets to each other, smooth them with your roller to gently push out any air. You don't want any trapped air bubbles inside. When you cut out your pendant, try using the "plastic wrap pendant" trick. (This is a great way to try out the search box, LOL!) Good luck on your projects! Read up on the articles, and if you find you have still have questions, leave another comment. Someone will be happy to help! Have fun~ Kat, Riverside, CA US @noha: Hi Noha! When adding cane slices to round beads, we usually roll the bead in our hands. This allows the slices to melt into the bead, due to the pressure we're applying, and the warmth of our hands. For a flat bead/pendant, we can't do it that way — we can only use pressure (from fingers, roller, shaping tool, etc.) to blend the slices into the clay.

This article about Adding Polymer Canes has a few tips about how to do this, as well as how to avoid fingerprints. The article at the top of this post mentions how Cindy took slices of the cane and used a roller to blend the seams into the background.

You can do the same thing on a sheet of background clay BEFORE you cut it to pendant-size. That way you can get your pattern just right, without worrying about distorting the shape, pressing too hard, or making it too thin. Use your roller or other tool to get the slices to melt into the background, until the seams are gone and it's nice & smooth. Then take this background sheet and stack it on top of scrap clay, or onto another sheet (that will be the back of the pendant,) then cut through all layers to make the shape of your pendant.

Another name for this type of background sheet is "polymer clay faux fabric". Cindy calls it a Patterned Background Sheet, and she has a video tutorial on the technique. The link will take you to the article (which has some tips to read) and the video preview, which shows an example of the "faux fabric". For this technique, you add your cane slices all over a solid color clay sheet, then use your pasta machine to blend and smooth the sheet. (The video has more tips and instructions.) It's important to rotate your sheet 90 degrees each time it goes through the machine, so your pattern doesn't get distorted too much. Then you use your "patterned background sheet" for the front and/or back of your pendants.

I hope this helps you understand how to work with your cane slices. There are quite a few articles here at the blog that can help you with any other info you're interested in. Use the search box at the top left of the page, typing in things like "adding cane slices" or "baking flat pendants". If you haven't already, you should sign up for Cindy's Polymer Clay Newsletter (link at top of the page.) You'll get 3 free videos and weekly color recipes! It's a great way to learn more about how things work around here & see the latest projects. Cindy also has a Polymer Clay Basics Course (link above.) It's a great deal, with 39 short-and-to-the-point videos that teach you all the basics, as well as excellent tips that save you time and trouble, to help you avoid making mistakes (that we all make as beginners!)

One last tip, when you add your background sheets to each other, smooth them with your roller to gently push out any air. You don't want any trapped air bubbles inside. When you cut out your pendant, try using the "plastic wrap pendant" trick. (This is a great way to try out the search box, LOL!) Good luck on your projects! Read up on the articles, and if you find you have still have questions, leave another comment. Someone will be happy to help! Have fun~ Kat, Riverside, CA US

]]> By: noha http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-35936 noha Sun, 30 May 2010 22:50:09 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-35936 thank you very much for this amazing website, i learned a lot from you. i'm fairly new to polymer clay so i have a question (that is hopefully not too silly :)). i have made several canes, and i can only manage to add them to rounded scrap clay (to make a ball-shaped pendant) but i just can't get how to add the slices to a flat surface (i wanted to make a rectangular millefiore pendant that looks different on each side) but i just cant seem to do it- i tried starting with a ball of clay then flatten it but it just doesn't seem to work !! is it too much to ask for help as this is my first post here? thanks :) thank you very much for this amazing website, i learned a lot from you. i'm fairly new to polymer clay so i have a question (that is hopefully not too silly :)). i have made several canes, and i can only manage to add them to rounded scrap clay (to make a ball-shaped pendant) but i just can't get how to add the slices to a flat surface (i wanted to make a rectangular millefiore pendant that looks different on each side) but i just cant seem to do it- i tried starting with a ball of clay then flatten it but it just doesn't seem to work !!
is it too much to ask for help as this is my first post here?
thanks :)

]]> By: Phaedrakat http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-31992 Phaedrakat Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:59:47 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-31992 Oooh, just two more weeks until your spoons video. Well, <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/buffalo-snow-flakes-faux-opals/8672/">Faux Opals</a> next week, then <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/silverware-jewelry-pendant-polymer-clay-dogwood-flower/8481/">Spoon Pendants/Bails</a> the following Friday. This is a wonderful tut month so far, and promises to continue it's greatness... I just got "led" here by following a link from your <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/fimo-nail-art-designs-making-polymer-clay-canes-fingernails/174/">Fimo Nail Art Designs</a> post. It's amazing how the cane you used above can be reduced so tiny for Nail Art. I love that cane; it was in the first back issue I bought! (<a href="http://www.beadvideos.com/back-issues-01/#vol-015">Vol-015</a>) Oooh, just two more weeks until your spoons video. Well, Faux Opals next week, then Spoon Pendants/Bails the following Friday. This is a wonderful tut month so far, and promises to continue it's greatness…

I just got "led" here by following a link from your Fimo Nail Art Designs post. It's amazing how the cane you used above can be reduced so tiny for Nail Art. I love that cane; it was in the first back issue I bought! (Vol-015)

]]> By: Phaedrakat http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-30670 Phaedrakat Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:36:20 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-30670 I'm so glad this tutorial is coming up next month. If I wasn't already a member, I would be joining up now so that I could get the tutorial at the great member price! This is going to be exciting! Just looking at all the things you can do with this <a href="http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/spoon-jewelry-using-vintage-silverware-polymer-clay-canes/4630/">spoon jewelry technique</a> has got the inspiration gears a-turnin'! I'm so glad this tutorial is coming up next month. If I wasn't already a member, I would be joining up now so that I could get the tutorial at the great member price! This is going to be exciting! Just looking at all the things you can do with this spoon jewelry technique has got the inspiration gears a-turnin'!

]]> By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Creative Art Therapy http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-28108 Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Creative Art Therapy Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:36:01 +0000 http://www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/how-to-make-polymer-clay-pendants/94/#comment-28108 <strong>**PHOTOS ADDED:</strong> I just posted the pictures that June emailed to me of her polymer clay spoon jewelry. You can click on the "Polymer Clay creative Art Therapy" link by my name to have a look. **PHOTOS ADDED: I just posted the pictures that June emailed to me of her polymer clay spoon jewelry. You can click on the "Polymer Clay creative Art Therapy" link by my name to have a look.

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