Comments on: Hidden Treasures to be Discovered in Your Scrap Polymer Clay

By: Becky C.

Becky C. — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:24:44 +0000

I agree with the others, above, too. I have made some beautiful beads and other items from “mistakes” that were supposed to be something else, usually a kaleidoscope cane gone awry! Also, I have dug out a piece of scrap clay to roll into a ball to be covered by another project only to find that the totally random and odd-colored scraps are simply gorgeous when rolled or run through the pasta machine, so much so that they just had to be used on their own. I love this about working with polymer clay. So little waste and so many happy “accidents” to be found. I love your bail idea, Cindy, and cannot wait to try it. Another lovely turtorial to add to our arsenal!

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:18:21 +0000

@Jaime: I love your novella! It’s interesting to read about someone’s crafty roots. I found myself smiling as you described the scrounging for bits of material, remembering my own searches for objects to craft with as a child. I only had to compete with 3 other kids, and as the oldest, I got the best bits! Even though we were poor, my mom managed a children’s craft mag. subscription — and it was MY name on label (I felt so important!) We poured over those issues every month and made all kinds of fun stuff with the treasures we’d find.

As for playing with a newly opened bar of clay, well it’s the same for me. Difficult. Even though I know I won’t be “wasting” it, I still feel compelled to utilize every bit of clay to its fullest potential. What I said above about forcing ourselves to just grab the new clay & play? About creating our own “Happy Accidents”? That’s one of those “easier said than done” things. It was quite easy to say. But have I done it? ….not yet.

I agree with you on another point (besides the wonder & inspiration of scrap clay.) Giving feels amazing, like a fabulous “high.” A mixture of pride & joy, knowing I’ve made someone feel pretty, special, happy! Seeing a loved one’s eyes light up when I give them something I put my heart into making — it’s extremely rewarding.

I must admit though, I’m sometimes reluctant to part with certain extra-special pieces. But that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from giving, allows me to let my pieces go, and let someone else love them. (It’s okay, anyway. If they don’t take care of the piece properly, I just activate the installed GPS & track them down.) Isn’t clay fun? ;-)

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:46:56 +0000

@Cara: Play on, girl! I’ll bet you’re creating some beautiful stuff. And if not, scrap (which will be gorgeous later in another project!)

By: Cindy Lietz@Lentil Beads from Scrap Polymer Clay

Cindy Lietz@Lentil Beads from Scrap Polymer Clay — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:06:16 +0000

I don’t think anyone minds your novella’s Jaime. I for one always enjoy reading what you have to say!

By: Jamie

Jamie — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:36:11 +0000

No worries Phaedrakat, I know what you mean. And I have often wished I could do just that. But it seems when I am sitting at my table faced with a brand new block of clay? And I want to just dig in and do something completely new. I just cant bring myself to do it. Because I see all the practical things that need doing.(spacer beads always need made etc..) Or I think of the projects Im committed to that that block of clay could make. And I cant “waste” it. But when I look in my scrap container it just seems to invite me to play. Maybe as you said, it is the accidental combination of colors or techniques that seems to inspire me. Or maybe it is just knowing that there is nothing to do with the leftovers that “needs” to be done, and finding their hidden potential that gets me excited. I like the challenge. But I think it is also a large dose of being 1 of 7 children, and the fact that most of my early materials were scraps from my crafty mom’s and gramma’s projects. My creative roots began while sitting under their sewing machines or craft tables, scrounging bits of material and spare buttons etc..and then figuring out what to make with them. I had a whole box full of mini animals and dolls that I made. Until I finally had to start giving some away. And thats when I found the real reward for me in making things. Giving them to others. So I guess playing with “scraps” is just in my crafty blood. But one of these days Im gonna try to just sit down and “play” with all my materials. At the worst, I’ll just end up with a whole pile of “scraps” to play with! Hee hee hee. XOXO Jamie

PS Sorry for the novella Cindy!

By: Cara

Cara — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:54:54 +0000

@Phaedrakat: Good thinking. I am in a really playful place right now, trying new things and it is great fun. And scrap is always useful ;)

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:22:40 +0000

I just read back my above comment, and I hope no one thinks I’m talking about them! Jaime, I wasn’t disputing being frugal with clay! :D (I’m all for it, and very thrifty myself.) In fact, that’s what I love about Cindy’s tutorials, that you can make a small cane, and make sure you like something before you plan a big project. I was merely trying to suggest that we (and by that I mean ME) should just grab some clay and go for it once in awhile. Perhaps we can make our own Happy Accidents if we try…!

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:13:42 +0000

I’ve heard so many people say that some of their favorite or popular pieces are made with scrap clay. I’ve wondered why that is? Is it because they came from color/pattern mixes that we don’t think of on our own? Happy accidents? Or is it because of that freedom to play with “free” clay? If it’s the latter, that’s a shame!

Polymer clay is really inexpensive when you think about it. Expecially compared to other mediums. Perhaps we shouldn’t wait for scrap clay to play around and experiment. Just grab small amounts of different colors and play. If you’ve purchased your clay at a 99 cent sale or used a coupon, you’re still only playing with a buck or two. And the possibilities are well worth that! And of course, the same thing applies — if it doesn’t work out, there are countless ways to use it…

By: Cara

Cara — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:25:49 +0000

@Jamie: I know what you mean about the freedom of playing with scrap – if it goes wrong it’s still just scrap (perhaps a more muddy mix of colours but hey we’ll still find a use for it).

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:01:04 +0000

P.S. LOVE the pendant Cindy! The colors remind me of rainbow sherbet, and the bail suits it perfectly! My favorite metal to work with is copper and I like that you are including the wire and metal tutorials now. Thanks for sharing with us. Jamie