Comments on: Vol-021 Feb’2010 Back Issues Now Posted in Polymer Clay Library

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Beginners Course

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Beginners Course — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:48:36 +0000

Hi Cherie – Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about the videos. Sharing feedback like this really gives others great insight about what they can expect from the Beginners Course as well as the weekly library video tutorials. I truly appreciate your help.

By: Cherie

Cherie — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:38:50 +0000

Hi Cindy,

I just wanted to let you know that your Polymer Clay Beginners Course is very informative… a lot is basics but still those basics are very important to get a product that is a lasting one. As with all your videos, very concise with no frills and time consuming talk that is just not necessary. I do love your videos.

Cherie

By: Cindy Lietz@Jewelry Findings - Head Pins and Eye Screws

Cindy Lietz@Jewelry Findings - Head Pins and Eye Screws — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:34:31 +0000

Well it looks like the the topic of making your own headpins needs to be bumped up a bit on the priority list for filming. Thanks all for posting your thoughts on this topic. The tutorial videos I create are for you guys. So it's important to always be letting me know what you want to learn about next... just as Carolyn-K, Phaedrakat and Rose-M have done in this thread. Stay tuned... and please do keep those requests and suggestions coming!

By: rose m

rose m — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:45:05 +0000

I have tried making headpins & have had limited success with fine silver & no success with copper. I have vision problems & think I just can’t see to get the wire centered correctly in the flame. Anything you can say or show to help line up the wire & flame would be much appreciated. I took a workshop where the instructor said that getting copper to ball up is more difficult. So…since you’re having success, it must have to do with the type of copper wire that you use (as well as your method) or maybe the torch. I’m using one of the small kitchen type torches. Also, I’d like to learn what you do to harden them after the wire has made them soft (do you use your rock tumbler with stainless steel shot?). I would love to make my own with different sized balls at the end. I’ve been buying copper headpins thru etsy, but the ball at the end is smaller than I’d like.

By: Cindy Lietz@How to Make Headpins

Cindy Lietz@How to Make Headpins — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:36:12 +0000

Thank you so much for the kind words Phaedrakat. It is so rewarding for me to hear that the videos are working so well for you.

I just remembered I had written another article about headpins where there was a lot of follow up commenting as well. See link by my name.

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:15:21 +0000

@Cindy: That is one wire technique I would be really happy to learn! Usually when it comes to videos, I would prefer to have “all polymer, all the time” (lol). You can learn wire techniques all over the web, books, magazines, etc. It’s the polymer techniques that are harder to come by. But when you throw a torch into the mix, I think I need a bit of video guidance. Although I did come across some, I always prefer a Cindy-video, since your tutorials are the best! Every video you produce is so well done. You cover every aspect of the technique, and throw in tips, tricks, money-saving ideas, etc. That’s why I’d put my faith in you when playin’ with fire!

By: Cindy Lietz@Pear Beads with Leaf Shaped Copper Bails

Cindy Lietz@Pear Beads with Leaf Shaped Copper Bails — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:50:41 +0000

@Carolyn Keller: I have put headpins on the list but I haven't pushed it forward yet because I wasn't sure if there was enough interest. I've linked my name to an article where others were requesting this tute. I think it is a very handy thing to be able to do and if enough people are for it, I'll teach it. @Phaedrakat: Thanks for passing this info along to Carolyn, Phaedrakat! You are exactly right in the advice you gave. Making your own head pins is not only a great way to save money on headpins, but I also think they look a lot cooler than the store bought ones. Much more artsy! Which is a nice touch for your handmade beads!

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:44:17 +0000

@Carolyn K.: I did a google search to get some info. Looks like you can also make the headpins with sterling, copper, and even gold filled wire, but they end up with firescale. So, you have to clean them with steel wool or use a pickling solution to get rid of it. Apparently with the fine silver, they ball up easier, and they come out nice and shiny after torching, with no need for the extra step. The only other (optional) step is to work-harden them in a tumbler — or you could use another method.

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:46:06 +0000

@Carolyn Keller: Ooooh, that sounds interesting. It would be a lot cheaper not to have to buy headpins. I think you can only do it with certain “pure” metals. Like fine silver instead of sterling. I wonder about copper. Hmmm, I think I’ll research this, thanks for bringing it up! If Cindy did a video on it, with cheap ways to make headpins, I’d be for it!

By: Carolyn Keller

Carolyn Keller — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:52:40 +0000

Hi Cindy,

I have been a member since November 2009. I am enjoying all the projects you have brought to all of us. I have a request…would you teach us how to put a ball at the end of wire. It would be nice to be able to use it as a stopper on the bottom of a bead when you attach it to a bracelet or earrings. I understand you need a butane torch or something like it. Just a suggestion. I am very interested. Thanks.

Carolyn