Polymer Clay Tutorial | Faux Raku (Pt1) Smooth Surface Technique

Vid #114: "Oh my God, the Faux Raku videos are coming for real? I'm a little delirious right now, you'd be too if…"

One of the greatest attributes of polymer clay, is its ability to 'become' or imitate just about any material you can imagine. That is why it is such a popular medium for creating faux ceramic and stone effects.

An excellent example of a faux technique that can be done in polymer clay, is Faux Raku. And starting on Friday July 10, 2009 in the member's library (Volume-014), I'll be posting a two part Faux Raku series that I think you are going to enjoy.

The first part (Video-014-2) is the smooth version. It is the technique that many other polymer clay artists do… although I throw in a few twists that you may not have seen before. At the end of Part 1, you'll be able to make beads similar to the ones in the photo above, plus create several other variations.

What you learn in Part 1 will then be expanded on in Part 2 (Video-014-3). This second part will be available for viewing in the members library on July 17, 2009. It will focus on my exclusive deep crackle method for making Faux Raku beads and jewelry.

These faux raku beads are exquisite!!! I can't wait to learn this technique!! In response to your request for feedback from existing members, I'll repeat once again that I feel as if I have been given a gift in discovering this site. I have been working with polymer clay for some time and was constantly trolling the web for information that would enhance my learning. Granted, there are some I found useful but finding yours resulted in a shift in how I do so many things. For me, though, in addition to the amazing techniques you teach us, it's how you teach that has made the difference. I love that I can actually sit in front of the computer and rewind the video as many times as I need to until I learn a particular step. I love that I can watch how you hold your hands to form a particular shape or about how much embossing powder to dump on translucent clay to create a d'anjou pear (thanks to you, mine turned out so cute I can't stand it). Bottom line… I have never found a resource like this. (I just reread this and fear it might be a bit sappy but I am submitting it anyway with the hope that you will be able to glean from it my joy and appreciation.) Gotta go now-I'm sitting here with a blend of Studio Sculpey and need to rerun the rose cane, part 2. ~Elizabeth

I don't think it is sappy Elizabeth. I feel the same way and it is hard to express deep appreciation. I agree with you 200 %. GOD BLESS YOU, CINDY LIETZ!!! I have been waiting for this video but knew you would only share it when the technique was perfected. Cuz, that's how you are. You make the mistakes so we don't have to. For anyone who has not joined as a member, this is something you definitely should do. The monthly fee is minimal and you will save that amount in aggravation. ~Anna

Looking forward to the videos. I'd like to second the comment about value for money. Your videos are great information. Thanks so much, Cindy. ~Sue

Oh my God, they are coming for real? The faux raku videos I mean. I'm so excited about these new lessons. As I see above, I'm not the only one jumping for joy and waiting for time to pass faster. The smooth raku technique seems wonderful, but the deep crackle raku technique must be heaven!!! By the way, I'm the brand new member. And I couldn't resist to subscribe starting with the volume 013, because those little Anjou pear beads from last week looked so perfect that convinced me it was really the time to subscribe. The four videos I've watched until now are simply so good. You are teaching a beginner how to make something new and also teaching an intermediate how to make something right. And you are giving everyone who's watching one of your videos the desire to try that project. I'm a little delirious right now, you'd be too if you were a member at the library knowing the deep crackle faux raku secrets are coming your way in a couple of weeks! Cindy, thank you so much for sharing this innovation with us! ~Squash

If you want to see a preview video clip of the Part 1 Smooth a faux Raku segment, click here, or just scroll down a bit to the video player below.

Information about how to get signed up at the members library, is posted further down on the page (under the video player). I hope you can join me and the many other students who have already enrolled.

Here's That "Link Below" Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the "Faux Raku" preview video shown above, is available for purchase at my Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Volume-014 Back Issue Package.

The following topics are covered in Part 1 (Vol-014-2: Smooth Faux Raku) of this 2 part mini series:

• How to create a mottled color surface on polymer clay beads using alcohol ink and water.
• Techniques for adding a metallic sheen to the clay surface using mica powders (Pearl Ex).
• Discussion of how the base color of your clay affects the look of your finished faux raku beads.
• Using drywall screen to texture the surface of your beads to simulate the look of certain types of real raku surfaces.
• Preparing a faux raku sheet that will get used in deep crackle part 2 tutorial of this mini series.
• Several examples and variations of the smooth raku technique are shown to give you endless design options.
• What to use as a protective finishing coat to give them a professional looking shine.

Topics covered in Part 2 (Vol-014-3: Crackled Faux Raku) of this 2 part mini series:

• How to crackle the faux raku sheet of polymer clay that you created in Part 1.
• The secrets to getting the right crackle and how to check when your clay is ready.
• What do with stubborn pieces of crackled clay that don't always do what you want them to do.
• Options for using different colors of clay, alcohol inks, mica powders and background clays to achieve a wide variety of different looks.
• How to how to use your deep crackled clay to create tube beads, round beads and many other designs.