Comments on: Making Polymer Clay Flower Beads For Your Spring Jewelry Projects

By: Cindy Lietz@Baking Beads

Cindy Lietz@Baking Beads — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:19:44 +0000

It’s not a crazy question Mary Ellen… Baking polymer clay is not like baking a food item in the oven. It takes a certain amount of time at the proper temp for the polymers to change and bond with each other.

The problem is that most ovens don’t hold their temp for very long. They heat up and cool down, then heat up and cool down again. Baking every piece for one hour, even when thin, makes sure that it has cured long enough. Some artists will bake thick pieces (like dolls heads) for 2 or more hours!

By: Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 04:12:50 +0000

This might be a crazy question but why does the flower take 1 hour? Is it thicker than what you get putting it through the pasta machine?

By: Cindy Lietz@Trumpet Flower Bead Tutorial

Cindy Lietz@Trumpet Flower Bead Tutorial — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:38:52 +0000

@Miss Charlene: Thanks for your sweet comments! I will be getting to some flower cane videos soon. You will be surprised that when you take it a step at a time, a flower cane cane be as easy as a checkerboard cane!

@Anna: I have tried a heat gun for pre-curing beads but find it a hassle. You have to hold it for along time and since it is not properly set yet they can slump in the oven anyways. I find the cornstarch to be a lot easier and to give it more support. There may be time when a heat gun would be better but not most of the times.

By: Anna Sabina

Anna Sabina — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:59:40 +0000

Your video tutorial on this was really good and suggestion about the corn stach was also helpful. i have heard of some PCers using a heat gun (not a hair dryer) to pre-cure delicate clay before baking. Anyone tried this technique?

By: Miss Charlene of the Caribbean

Miss Charlene of the Caribbean — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:09:41 +0000

Hi Cindy,
Your videos are always so inspiring! I get up especially early on Fridays just to see what video you have sent and I sit down with my coffee and watch. As you know, I am new to polymer clay, but I have watched your videos as much as I can and I am a fast learner, but I was wondering where I can find the patten for making flower cans such as the one you used in the video today. I have already tried a mod cane and a checkered cane, but the flower cane looks so daunting to me.
Thanks so much,
Miss Charlene of the Caribbean Islands

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Sculpture Flower Beads

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Sculpture Flower Beads — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:35:07 +0000

Thanks Cindy! I do hope to be filming that video tomorrow for posting in library very soon!

By: Cindy Erickson

Cindy Erickson — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:26:42 +0000

Very very pretty, Cindy!!!

I too would love to see a video on how to make this bead! It would also help to see how you use the corn starch to bake it as well.

Thanks much :)

Cindy E.

By: Cindy Lietz@Tear Drop Method - Quickest Skinner Blend You'll Ever Make

Cindy Lietz@Tear Drop Method - Quickest Skinner Blend You'll Ever Make — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:19:54 +0000

Thank you Maria for your kind words! I’ve been thinking of doing a video for this technique, so it is nice to hear you would like to see one. Stay tuned I’ll be doing one shortly.

By: Maria Casey

Maria Casey — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:58:54 +0000

Cindy – this flower is breathtaking! I would love to see a video on how to make it as I’m a visual learner. I have tried a couple of times to make beads like this, but have always been discouraged as they come out looking thick and clumsy. I will try the “brush technique” with the cornstarch. Thanks again!