April 9, 2008
Making Polymer Clay Canes with the Checkerboard Cane Pattern
Tip #43: Making Checkerboard Pattern, Polymer Clay Canes:
There's a quick way to increase the number of checkers in any checkerboard cane. Simply cut your original cane into 4 shorter pieces that are roughly the same length. Then combine these four shorter lengths together so that the cross section of the new cane has 4 times the number of checkers showing. Finally, reduce and lengthen the new cane as required.
>> Making Polymer Clay Canes <<
"Checkerboard Cane (Slab Method)" Video Description: The full version of this tutorial is available in my Beads and Beading Membership Club. I walk through the steps of transforming a simple beginners striped cane into a funky looking checkboard pattern. This technique is often referred to as the slab method for making polymer clay canes using the checkerboard pattern.
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Filed under 02: Tools, 07: Cane Work by Cindy Lietz
Comments on Making Polymer Clay Canes with the Checkerboard Cane Pattern »
If you haven't yet seen the video on making a striped cane, you will need to watch it first: Striped Cane - An Easy Polymer Clay Cane Project For Beginners
Also note that the slices from the striped cane should be about the same thickness as the width of the stripes if you want the squares to line up geometrically on your checkerboard pattern. But then again if you want a more random look, cut the slices into whatever thicknesses you desire.
As you can see, there is a lot of flexibility in working with polymer clay. You can make a lot of your own rules based on what you like.
Cindy's last post..Lentil Beads From Scrap Polymer Clay will Suprise You Everytime
The checkerboard cane has to be the prettiest simple cane that cane be made - so distintive!
Thank you for the comment Lindy! The checkerboard is a classic which has many uses and yes it is pretty too!
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Faux Turquoise Jewelry Bracelet - Polymer Clay Bead Making Projects