Comments on: New Premo Formula a Problem for Beginners Making Polymer Clay Canes

By: Cindy Lietz@How to Firm Up Too Soft Polymer Clay

Cindy Lietz@How to Firm Up Too Soft Polymer Clay — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:05:15 +0000

Thank you so much for your comments! Cool sculptures BTW!! Love your style!

I have heard that they have 'tweaked' the recipe a little and the new stuff is coming out better than it was. I have some of the older new stuff that is super soft and have found it not too bad if it is leached of the excess plasticizers. You're right about putting in the fridge, that can really help!

Thanks for your tips, I'm sure they are helpful for everyone trying to use that mushy stuff!

By: Dan Brooks

Dan Brooks — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:12:12 +0000

i find the new premo to be vastly inferior to the old phthalate-based stuff.its less dense and has this elasticity to it thats just awful..and its softer, which is a problem..and for people who's canes get all smushed when they try to cut them, i have a solution that works very well. stick them in the freezer first for about 20 minutes. using a kato nu blade the canes should come out very nice indeed. and for shaping using a very firm smooth surface is best..i use a pane of glass myself. hope that helped a little. i may not make canes regularly but im as familiar with premo as anyone can be..i know this stuff inside and out as ive been working with it for about 15 years.

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Bead Basics Course

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Bead Basics Course — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:17:31 +0000

Kimberlee, what a special comment I agree about how nice it is to be building a polymer clay community here on the blog. Believe it or not, even though I am in the city my situation is very similar to yours. None of my friends work in polymer clay. The only way to buy clay is online or at Michaels (I'm in Canada so that could be the reason). And no one is in the clay aisles there either. To learn how to make polymer clay beads I had to search the net, read books and experiment. My crafty background was helpful but it took a lot of time. That is why I made the courses. I figured there were lots of people like you and me struggling out there. My husband is good at filming and we thought videos and a blog would be the way to teach people. I am so proud to be on this polymer clay journey with you and everyone else here on this blog! Cindy Lietz's last blog post..What's Better than Receiving Beaded Polymer Clay Jewelry as a Gift

By: Kimberlee

Kimberlee — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:39:35 +0000

I learn so much from you, Cindy! I did think it was me. Until recently I was using Sculpey III and Premo, sometimes together. I quickly realized Sculpey III wouldn't do for caning, and I got excited that Premo would be my answer. Alas, I think I got into claying after they changed their formula, because Premo did not save the caning day! My simple canes were mushy and twisty, and complex canes–you can forget it! And I almost had until this article informed me I might not be the problem. I will stay tuned to find out if Premo firms up the product. Until then I will try leaching and ice packs again. (I tried them last night, but unfortunately, I had some Sculpey III snakes in there that ruined the fun for everyone.) I am going to save my goofs and make the best of it. And never again will I buy Sculpey III! From now on, it is Dollar Day Premo for me. (and maybe Dollar Day Fimo…)

It is so nice to have a clay community developing around your blog. What a great way to share ideas and get some support throughout the learning process! I feel like a lone clayer in my town. None of my friends clay (though they like what I make) and I don't think I've ever seen anyone in the clay section of our Michael's! I live in a rural city where the only place for clay supplies is the one Michael's store. So thanks for encouraging us to participate more through this wonderful treasure hunt! I'm still crossing my fingers that I could win it, because as you said, having solid knowledge and skills with the basics gives a much stronger foundation on which to work. And I would love to continue to learn from you in your video courses!

By: Cindy Lietz@Bead Basics in Polymer Clay

Cindy Lietz@Bead Basics in Polymer Clay — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:32:26 +0000

@daisy: Awww what a sweet story! What you figured out by accident is how to leach polymer clay! Way to go! I do it between two sheets of white paper and roll them through my pasta machine. Be careful when you use newspaper though, because the ink will transfer onto the clay! @Andrea: Of course you should do polymer clay! :-) It is way cheaper and easier to get set up and the learning curve isn't as steep. Try polymer clay and add glass later. There is no reason that you couldn't do both! Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Make Pendant Spoon Jewelry using Polymer Clay Mokume Gane Techniques

By: Andrea Dimmick

Andrea Dimmick — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:56:13 +0000

I am still trying to decide between learning to make glass beads or fimo,the latter being the cheapest to set up.I think I will have a look now on ebay[since you mentioned it]& get a few colours to try.As a beginner,I wondered if the newer soft type would be of help or hindrence,so reading your tips should help smooth out[excuse the pun]my enital trials.This realy has been a site full of info.

By: daisy

daisy — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:52:15 +0000

i have been running into this problem alot with white sculpey I bought 4 pounds of white sculpey at walmart and it getts so soft that items I make will fall over or almost melt alittle I found that useing baby wipes (dryed out) and newpaper putting to clay in the center and rolling it out while between the papers will firm it up quit a bit. I found this on acident my 3 year old son got ahold of some of my clay and hid it I found it to days later under his matress wrapped in a baby wipe ( he was saving it) when I took it out and needed it I noticed it was alot firmer.

By: Cindy Lietz@Making Polymer Clay Beads Primer Course

Cindy Lietz@Making Polymer Clay Beads Primer Course — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:25:12 +0000

@Kody: That is a great way of looking at things! Coming up with new techniques instead of worrying about the problems! @LisaG: Don't be intimidated by the canes. When my caning classes come out they will be so well explained that even a beginner will have success with them. @Linda: Yes, it is only fair that a dragon should be able to stand proud! @Pamela: Great question! I will answer that in a future Q+A post. (Type in Q+A in the search box to look for those posts.) Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Faux Turquoise Jewelry Bracelet - Polymer Clay Bead Making Projects

By: Pamela Reader

Pamela Reader — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:29:18 +0000

This is the best. I was just wondering what the difference was between the different types of clay, where to use them, when to mix them and what to use for sculpture or canes. I could use an article on each of the clays and suggestions on type of art projects to use them for. Glad you got a good buy on e-bay and glad I have your articles! I have moved my way through the treasure hunt – in hopes of winning – and now I am going back to finish reading all the articles. In the process of hunting treasure I have learned so much, which is the most important thing! Thank you for all your creative energy from the articles, to the ideas, to the videos and the hunt! Let the bead making begin.

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:43:35 +0000

Thanks for the warning on this one. With your advice maybe those poor dejected dragons will again stand up and breathe fire.
Have absolutely loved this treasure hunt and as I have already said am very inspired to get the equipment out and have a go at beads, canes and that lovely mokume gane.
Reading all the other comments has been enlightening too, this was a wonderful idea, Cindy.