Polymer Clay Tutorial | Heart Shaped Beads for Valentine Jewelry
Vid #139: "For Valentine's Day,
my husband took me shopping for all the polymer clay supplies my little heart desired." ~Bonnie-B
Well it says Valentines Jewelry in the title, but really heart shaped beads can be worn at any time of the year. That is why it is so great to learn how to make this great polymer clay bead shape.
There are so many cool ways to make heart beads too. Coming up on Friday Jaunary 15th at the Polymer Clay Library will be the Heart Shaped Beads video tutorial (Volume-020-2).
In it I will show you how to create two different styled heart beads with tons of variations. You will also learn how to add your own polymer clay cane slices if you want to make a millefiori heart bead, just in time for Valentines Day.
Would love to see more in your valentines series. That combination is an amazing piece for sure. I really like the way you combined those pieces together and came up with a unique, one of kind heart shaped bead. Keep up the great work. ~Drew-G
Hello Cindy. Boy do I look forward to Fridays now thanks to you. I can't wait to see what you will post next. And I'm never disappointed! This week is no exception. Another finger dancin video I must say. Cause you know the minute I see your e-mail in the inbox my fingers start itchin for some clay. And I luuurv your purple heart shaped bead! I'd join the army if they gave me one of those! The Fimo army that is. Only extruder guns here, lol. Do you ever make a bad video? Probably not right? No chance of maybe a hidden blooper reel or two? Just askin, hee hee hee. XOXO ~Jaime-H
Cindy your tips as with all of your posts, are very helpful. I have found that there is no "right" way to do something. It all just depends on how you yourself see it and what is easier for you to handle. Like the heart pin I made. I made it my way and I like it. Thank you and your DH for all that you do for us. ~Linda-G
Love the heart shape beads… they are perfect for giving to the people we really love. ~Jane-L
The following two comments are not specifically about heart beads, but they do make reference to Valentines Day… so I decided to slip them in here too.
I think it is the instant gratification that polymer clay gives me more then any other medium. Although some techniques require hours and sometimes days of effort and concentration, I love to be able to sit down and within minutes become inspired to create something new and unique. For instance, I never create a "Valentines Line" but last week I spent the evening at the clay table just playing with my little girl and the next I know I have more then 20 pieces with a distinct Valentine's Day theme! ~Shannon-L
For Valentine's Day, my husband decided to take me shopping (early) for all the polymer clay supplies my little heart desired. I've been designing jewelry with vintage pieces coupled with new beads… and I stumbled upon the idea for creating my own beads last week. Been reading all I can find on the process, and came upon your site this evening. My head is pleasantly spinning! I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight! Your work is amazing, Cindy, but even more amazing is your willingness to teach. Your site is better than chocolate. And I really, REALLY like chocolate. ~Bonnie-B
Supplies & Tools: Video-020-2: Heart Shaped Beads:
- Two different colors of polymer clay. I used a half inch ball (13mm) each, of Salmon Pearls and Pale Shrimp recipes from the Salmon Pearls Palette for the first bead. And a slightly larger amount of White Premo for the second bead demo'd in the video.
- Polymer Clay Flower Cane (optional). I used slices from the Gerbera Flower Cane (Vol-015 Back Issue). You can do the same, or you can use slices from any cane you happen to have on hand.
- Clay blade.
- Pasta machine or acrylic roller.
- Cardstock or section of manila file folder.
The full version of the Vid-020-2 Heart Shaped Beads Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday January 15th, 2010. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
Here's That "Link Below" Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the "Heart Shaped Beads" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-020 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Cindy, Thank you so much for the beginners courses. I wasn't going to purchase it as I thought I was probably past that, but there is so much value in your videos that I couldn't take a chance on missing something great. Right now I have my Lortone tumbler going (I bought it for silver clay) using the river rocks I purchased this am after watching your video (several days ago I sanded part of my thumb away and it hasn't healed yet). I'm so happy to find the answers to questions I haven't even thought of yet. The library videos and the blog are a gold mine of information. I hope to buy the remaining ones over the next few months. Thanks again and have a happy holiday. ~Rose-M
The following topics are included in this week's "Heart Shaped Bead" video tutorial:
- See examples of several different heart beads and a pendant done using a combination of different techniques.
- Discussion of the type of clay and colors needed to create a heart bead.
- Learn how to add your own polymer clay cane slices to make millefiori heart beads.
- Cool tips for adding cane slices to beads so there is no gaps between the slices.
- Technique for getting two distinct and great looking heart shaped beads, simply and easily.
The full version of the "Heart Shaped Beads" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-020 Back Issue Package.
Filed Under: 06: Bead Shapes, 15: Promotions by Comment. 
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Comments on Polymer Clay Tutorial | Heart Shaped Beads for Valentine Jewelry
7:15 am
For years Friday was the favorite day of the week because it was the last day of my work week. Then I got ill and had to quit working so half the time I didn't know what day of the week it was. Thanks to Cindy I am even more excited now about Fridays then when I was working.
Luv the heart beads and will need to make sure I have a few canes ready for friday. Bonnie B. said it this site is better than chocolate. Any chance you might show us how to make some chocolate candy someday. If it wouldn't be stepping on anyones toes I would love how to make a box of polymer chocolates.
See you Friday CIndy
Love and Uuuuuuuuuuugggggggggggs, Peggy
7:59 am
See the sliced version as a broken heart. Sweet but like viewing underwear, lol.
8:13 am
My brothers girlfriend makes homemade soap and I use one of her mold to make heart pendants! I make two and then fit them together. Here is a link to a picture at my Etsy shop: etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29832131
9:23 am
@Peggy – Here's to Fridays! May all of yours be happy and bright. You can click on the link by my name to see some chocolate bonbon earrings. Someone appears to be nibbling on them so hopefully they have not been completely devoured by the time you get over there. The photo of my miniature chocolates is posted at an article about scenting polymer clay. Be sure to read all of the comments there for some really great tips!
@Jocelyn – I like to think of my sliced heart more as an open heart, rather than a broken heart :-) Now as for the underwear reference, that's a new one on me. Just goes to show, art is in the eye of the beholder :-) :-)
@Carrie – I love your beautiful little heart pendant. Happy Valentines!
@All – Here's a fun little challenge for ya. When you click through to Carrie's Etsy store (FYI: her name link above, will take you there directly), see how many techniques you can identify that she is applying from the weekly library tutorials. Carrie does a wonderful job of creatively adapting what she learns. If someone wants to report back here with a list of all the "inspired" techniques you see at Carrie's Etsy shop… well now that would be kinda fun. Hint, hint.
10:51 am
This is extra timely for me as I am preparing to hold a sale at my church on February 7th. I'm thinking of trying to make some 'manly' heart key fobs as well as incorporating hearts in the purse charms. Will the PC hearts hold up to 'banging around' in a guy's pocket? I think key fobs and purse charms would be a good way to use up some of those addictive lentil beads. Always so much I want to do and try…
Can we get a sneak preview of the Pale Shrimp recipe or do we have to wait to mix this clay until the newsletter comes out?
5:37 am
LOL! In retrospect, I guess I feel the same way about the open heart as I did wandering into my nieces' bedrooms strewn with naked dolls.
Very provocative shape, and perhaps, just a hint of lace tucked somewhere in the junction could warm it up and make those flesh pinks more of a party.
5:19 am
Cindy thank for the link and tips for the bonbon earrings. My misspelling of bom bom now I know bonbon, tells you how many I have eaten -0-. Have you ever used a color recipe for chocolates. I looked and didn't see anything but I have missed things before. Also I know you have had several ideas sent to you but I would love to know how to make some chocolates. Anyone else interested?? I have researched and can't find anything on how to make chocolates and even have some books on miniture foods (no chocolates) Just an idea. Your bonbon earrings are so tasty looking. My goal is to make a box of chocolates for a valentine gift.
Thanks again Cindy
Love and Uuuuuuuuuuggggggggs, Peggy
12:59 am
Simply wonderful and once again with a brilliant tip about squaring everything up to avoid unsightly gaps between the cane slices! That is really simple and really clever. Thank you once again Cindy.
1:27 am
Another Grand Slam. You always have that special little secret that just makes everything come to life so much easier. I have covered many heart beads with canes and never once thought about shaping it into a square to make it so much easier and elegant. You have made another fantastic video that will help me to accomplish more professional looking beads.
Thank you again for being you.
8:45 am
I noticed that Cindy mentioned she baked Premo clay at 265 degrees. Why is that? On my packages of Premo it recommends 275 degrees.
8:56 am
Thanks girls! Glad you liked the tips!
@Dorthy: Premo used to say 265F on their packaging and just recently upped it to 275F. I guess it is just habit to say 265F. If you bake somewhere between the two you won't have any problems. Just make sure you don't go much higher or your clay will burn.
10:36 am
Brilliant!! I was trying to anticipate how you were going to put the cane on the heart (thinking it was in heart shape form first) and the way you square it first then add and meld, well, I was really surprised. Thanks again!!
1:24 pm
What a great little tutorial. Fabulous tip about the squaring up, never even occurred to me. Im learning a lot from your videos, thanks so much.
1:37 pm
Thank you! I have been doing the 275 and have had some things burn. I think I will lower my temp.
3:04 pm
WOW! Cool idea about squaring up the ball to apply cane slices! I never would have thought to do that on my own so thank you for sharing that tidbit.
I love the interchangeable pendant thingamajig. Can you show us how to make that sometime? It looks very complicated but I'm sure you can make it all look very simple. :)
I just love Fridays!
Jayne
4:11 pm
Thank you everyone, figured you might like that tip! :-)
@Peggy: Just realized I missed a question of yours. As far as offering tutorials on sculpting miniature food, please read the link by my name. You will see that the general consensus at that time, was against the idea. But I am always open to hearing new opinions and would be happy to do those kinds of tutes if there is enough interest.
@Haffina: Welcome to the blog! It is great to have you here!
@Jayne: I added the link in your comment that will take you to information about when interchangeable pendant thingie tutorial is coming up. You won't have to wait long :-)
8:27 pm
Glad to know the interchangeable pendant thingie is coming up soon . . . I must be psychic. lol
10:52 am
@Jayne: You must be! :-)
@Carolyn: I just realized I missed one of your questions. Sorry about that. Yes, the heart beads would be durable enough to use as key chain charms. Just make sure to use a strong clay like Premo, Fimo or Kato and bake them for an hour. They are also a nice rounded shape that is comfortable in the pocket if the size isn't too big.
7:45 pm
I love this video in which you show how to make the hearts, they're FABULOUS!!!!!!!! Beautiful!!!! Can't wait to try them. THANK YOU!!!!
1:46 am
I just became a new member, and I'm so happy with my first videos! I love these hearts, as well as the tip for applying the cane slices–so smart! Thanks, Cindy. I wish I had joined months ago (I am mad at myself for stalling…)
I have a question about mixing the color pink. I have not played with color mixing much. Due to back problems, I have to minimize time sitting/standing at my work area. (So I try to do my "laying down/laptop" research first!) I have a lot of Red Fimo glitter clay. Does anyone know if it makes a nice pink when mixed with white? I am trying to get some pretty pink shades for Valentine's Day. I have this month's color recipes using Premo–will I need to add the same color types to the red glitter Fimo or something else?
7:43 pm
@Julie: Thank you so much! That feels great to hear you say that! :-)
@Phaedrakat: Thank you, I am glad you are enjoying the videos! As far as mixing your own pink, sure… go for it! This kind of project lends itself nicely to mixing your own colors. You could mix two different shades by adding more white to one shade and less to the other, if you wish to do the two toned bead. This would give a nice contrast. The sparkles will also look pretty. It will be perfect for Valentines Day!
8:09 am
Cindy I understand why you wouldn't want to do a tut on chocolates now. Maybe later others might change their minds and want to try it. Any chance you might use in your color recipe sometime a milk chocolate and a dark chocolate? Yummy colors you think?????
Thanks for all you have given me, Peggy
2:26 pm
I may just do that Peggy! In the mean time Burnt Umber (Premo) makes a great chocolate color. You can add a tiny amount of Ecru (Premo) to get Milk Chocolate or a tiny amount of Black (Premo) to get Dark Chocolate. Geez I'm craving chocolate right now… I wonder why? :-)
12:48 pm
Hello Cindy!
I'm enjoying all the videos. I've been 'clayin' for years and have done numerous techniques, tutes, canes, projects, etc. I considered myself pretty rounded in 'creating' with polymer clay. BUT when I saw you add square cane slices to a prepared CUBE bead, then roll it into a heart shape bead, I thought "Why Didn't I Think Of That?????" Of course ……. add square slices to a square bead, and shape it into whatever shape you want after that!!!! Thank you, Cindy, for making it easier to add slices to a bead and saving me some time in the process!
Mary Clare
1:22 pm
Thank you so much for your comment Mary. I get many emails every week, from experienced clayers who have been around for awhile, asking if it would be worth it for them to become paid members at the Polymer Clay Library.
It is comments like yours Mary, that help these people see what the $3 member dues can provide them with. So again, thank you for saying what you said. I really appreciate it.
12:10 pm
OMG, I just watched this video and I have to echo what has already been said here many times – too clever to use a cube to add the slices, then make into whatever shape you want! Why didn't I think of that?
And I have to add that I am learning so many things, WELL WORTH the membership fee!
3:35 pm
Really liked the tip about squaring off before rolling into a ball ! I have been away to long, you have some great tuts I need to catch up on !
11:16 pm
Wow, there's so much enthusiasm about "The Tip," isn't there? Maybe it should be called the "Lietz Cube Method" for attaching cane slices, or something like that…
hehehe. I'm joking, but the last time I saw this much enthusiasm on a page, Cindy had revamped the skinner blend, so, I'm just sayin'!