“75% of you
voted against
the lanyard tute.
A clear majority for
the opposition.”
~Cindy-L
The other day I followed my usual approach in asking for votes before deciding whether or not to film the proposed beaded lanyard tute.
Also as usual, I gathered up and re-posted a bunch of member request comments that had already been added here at the blog over the past month or so… comments suggesting that a lanyard tute would in fact be a good topic for the members library.
But what happened next was actually a bit surprising… 75% of you voted against the lanyard tute. A clear majority for the opposition. So the bottom line… no lanyard tute.
This is unfortunate for those who were in favor. But I guess that’s the way the cookie crumbles. When something is put to a vote, there is always going to be a winner and a loser.
Now there is one thing I would like to point out before moving on. And this really is more for those who submitted a “no” vote for reasons that you, “already know enough about making lanyards.”
In my opinion, you can never know everything. Often it is the one little tip or technique you pick up from someone else, that can make a world of difference.
When I first started making lanyards, I ended up having to do a bunch of “warranty work.” That’s what Doug called it (lol), when someone brought back a piece for repairs. This happened because I still had things to learn.
Please realize that as much as possible, I try to inject some of this trial-and-error knowledge into all of the lessons I create for you guys.
To put a value perspective on this, you should realize that my video lessons work out to a cost of only 83 cents each. If you end up gaining just one tidbit of knowledge that saves you from the expense (and embarrassment) of having to do warranty repairs… well that would be worth it don’t you think?
Well, I make lanyards but Cindy has always shown me a new twist, short cut, or improvement between her version and my version of any technique she has been so kind as to show us. I work in a profession in which these are in high demand and I’m always looking for a way to improve mine so the tut would be a plus for me! ~Melinda-H
I still say yes to the lanyard. I also agree with Melinda-H. For those of you who have seen a free tute or already know how, Cindy always has a unique way of making something easier. I could never say NO to one of Cindy’s tutes. By the way, I would also sometime love to see the Zebra bead done as well. I love the Zebra pattern. Uuuuuuuuuuuuggggggss. ~Peggy-B
Alright, so let’s move on. In light of the 75% lack of support for the lanyard tute, what I’ll do instead, is include the zebra cane as the 4th and final episode in Vol-024. You guys made it pretty clear that Zebra’s trump Lanyards :-)
I LOVE the zebra beads in this lanyard! I’ve been begging for zebra for months! I adore these beads, especially with purple cores. Really cute! The lanyard is gorgeous, as well, especially with purple-core’d ZEBRA beads! ~Phaedrakat
I think Phaedrakat had a great idea about the zebra cane! They’re fun and can easily be adapted to tiger canes, so that’s what I’d vote for too. ~Sue-F
Oooh, Cindy, it’s a dream of mine – zebra print canes. Since I haven’t yet made even my first cane this might be a tad ambitious, but I’d love to see it, and have it ready for when my ability catches up with my enthusiasm! Everything you do is wonderful anyway. All the best from Down Under. ~Mary-U
I am very keen on this idea. My #1 request would have to be Zebra print. I have the most awesome zebra rubber stamp. The detail is oh so beautiful. You would swear the eyes are real. It is such a beautiful animal when you really look at the print. Would love some beads to go with my Zebra Pendant. Please with whip cream and a cherry on top as my little Justice says when he really wants something. And I do want this tute. Another great idea Cindy. Uuuuuuuggggs to all. ~Peggy-B
Updated Schedule for the 4-part, May-2010, Volume-024 series:
(1) Cane Making: Leopard Print Cane [confirmed]
(2) Bead Shapes: Ivy Leaf Charm [confirmed]
(3) Clay Techniques: UV Resin Technique [confirmed]
(4) Cane Making: Zebra Print Cane [confirmed]
| ************************************************************************************************** | ||
| ** Did You Know… Members with current subscriptions to the weekly tutorial videos are always entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing 6 or more back issue packages in a single transaction. If you are interested, let me know which back issues you would like and I will send further instructions on how to complete your order. |
||
| ************************************************************************************************** |
Yay! I’ve been wanting to learn a Zebra cane…
~Lisa :)
Cindy, I really feel what you have posted today and the bottom line being that the majority rules. We do get another interesting cane but that could have come a little later. So I am disappointed, probably because I haven’t arrived at the “experienced level” yet and a laynard is a challenge for me. But I will enjoy learning any tut you work so hard to produce for us. You and Doug are the best and there has to be a shower of blessings directly overhead for all your family with what you all give us.
A “Thank You” seems so lacking but know it comes from the heart.
Love and hugs to all the family… Its still happy claying.
Thank you so much Cindy i will really look forward to the zebra cane, and I have just made the jolly jump up cane and very pleased with it to
Thank you Cindy for your graciousness. The zebra cane is lovely, I’m sure I’ll live without lanyard tut. :) All have a great day
Will soak up any teaching from you Cindy and look forward to the animal print canes. However, like Joyce I am disappointed. There are many instructions out there for making lanyards and other items of jewelry but you always make it so much more interesting and give us that extra something. Sometimes I can follow the instructions on the net quite easily and sometimes not- I’m sure a lanyard tutorial with your tips for adapting to other uses and what should be done and not done would have been great; so yes, I am disappointed.
Disappointed Yes, Happy Yes, I wanted the lanyard tute also but have to admit if it needed to be substituted by anything I am very grateful for the Zebra cane. As I said above you have a way of making a technique seem much easier no matter how many times I have done it before. This is why I don’t think I would ever be able to say no to a tute from you. I learned this from the get go when I felt I already knew enough that the beginners course would not benefit me. Yea Right!!. I still to this day go back and review that course and get something new from it every time. There is no such thing about knowing enough when it comes to anything. Certainly not PC. For now I will have to be happy googling the lanyard and finding out what I can about it there. It will not be the same though. THANK YOU Cindy and Doug for any and all you share with us. You need to raise your prices!!!!
Uuuuuuuugggs, Peggy
Oh, I’m really happy it worked out this way! Would much rather have the zebra cane, for sure!
If anyone out there has any suggestions at good sites to go to for learning the lanyard I would be very grateful. I bought a tute on etsy and was very dissapointed. I did not explain the connection part for your tags very well at all more information on getting your beading straight. That is not the part I need the help with. So yes I am kindly asking for any advice someone is willing to give to me. Thanks so much for any help in advance.
Uuuuuuugggs, Peggy
Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen a video tutorial go down to defeat on a vote. I have an idea for Cindy, your life must already be a madhouse trying to keep up with everything on this site, maybe, do the lanyard video and set it up to be sold stand alone to those who want it, while I voted no right now, there may come a day when I would like to learn it sometime in the future and it would be waiting there for purchase.
@Ken H.: That was going to be my suggestion too – I guess if enough people want the lanyard tute Cindy could make it and sell it separately. Or even post it for free to Youtube – saying “here’s how I make the lanyards, now if you want to learn how to make all the awesome beads you’ll need to subscribe to my videos!” or something.
@Ken H.: Love this idea. Although I didn’t vote (my bad) I’d love a lanyard tut. Me, hubby and about 80% of the people I know wear one at work. I’ve been wanting to make them ever since I started with PC. I would most certainly be interested in purchasing a stand alone tut.
Now I feel guilty for saying “no” to the tute – sigh…
I’d happily buy a lanyard tutorial
I aprreciate you listening to the votes from us. And, just cuz we voted “No” now does not mean it is “No’ forever.
Gee Cindy, I didn’t vote either way cause I think the lanyard is something I can figure out but I’m sure you would teach us a better, easier way to do it than I could figure for myself. Maybe by next month there will be a change of heart and EVERYONE will want to learn to make the lanyard. Who knows??!! lol
Maybe you can put this up again for a vote later. I always learn something even if I thought I wouldn’t. To see someone’s unique attempt is enough reason to watch. Even if the end result is the same, the technique can still be worthwhile.
Lanyard Tut
Oh well cant please everyone all the time, and only some people, some of the time.
There is always something to be picked up with every tut even though you’ve done it before.
But as I say I’m happy with whatever Cindy is teaching here .
So there’s always that time in the future, when it can come up again
love
Elizabeth k.
I would most certainly buy a tute from you. I understand you want to do what is best for the majority and are plenty busy keeping up with just that. Up for sale or not if you ever offer it for a later tute or whatever I will be there. I try to always be there. Thank you again Cindy for everything and anything you offer. I love and will love it all.
Uuuuuugggs, Peggy
Judging by the comments above it would seem that you can’t win, LOL, but I for one am very happy with the outcome.
In the past I’ve simply abstained from voting when a suggested topic was not of interest — my impression of the voting system was originally that it was more along the lines of “are enough people interested” rather than “are the majority interested” — but I think I’ll put my $0.02 in a bit more in the future.
I’m glad you put it to a vote. There were other times I voted no but the yes votes ruled and that’s fair. I think lots of times we feel we can’t vote against what we THINK is the majority, so we don’t vote at all. That wasn’t the case this time.
The zebra beads look like a lot of fun to do and then wear….Can’t wait! Thanks Cindy!
Too bad this time, although voting doesn’t always provide the outcome everyone wants it’s the fairest way to arrive at one. My understanding is that both “no” or lack of interest would decide whether a lesson is confirmed. During a vote, say if there were only a handful of responses, a few “yes” votes, but even fewer “no’s, the tute probably won’t make it.
Cindy, I think a separate lesson open to those of us interested in lanyards, would be great, could make things more complicated for you though. Thanks for allowing us the input to shape what we’re learning here.
Cindy, If there is a way that we (those of us who wanted the lanyard tut) could buy this tut separately I too would join in. That’s no matter when. I’m sure you have already put in some hours on this and hopefully it wouldn’t be too much more work. It should be profitable for you though. I think we missed out big time.
When I voted “No” on the tute, I must have been trying to “get the most” out of my 4 monthly videos. Which is pretty ridiculous, since Cindy’s tutorials are extremely inexpensive, and they’ve never disappointed me. But I was thinking I already know how to make a lanyard, so I wanted something else (headpins!) instead. I was being very selfish; I should have thought about others’ wants & needs, too. And I should have been thinking about Cindy, our over-worked Superwoman, and Polymer-Clay Tutor!
Cindy had already received an indication from us that we wanted the tutorial. I’m guessing that by the time she gets to the “vote” stage, it’s mostly a formality; she probably already has her tute ready to film, or at least planned-out. She probably uses the vote-post as a way to get further input, ideas, and questions, so that she can answer them in her video. I feel like I let her down here! She’s such a busy woman, and she does so much for us. Having this massive curveball thrown at her was the last thing she needed!
I can’t even imagine all the work that goes into creating these videos: trying to come up with new & exciting projects every week, and scheduling them so that each month has a variety of topics. Cindy’s tried to maintain a pretty regular pattern for a while now, with 3 PC vids & 1 wire/metal-“other” video each month. This “upset” in the vote probably messed-up that schedule. It’s just my opinion, but Cindy probably wants a break once in a while. IMO, the “other” category probably alleviates some of the pressure of coming up with new PC stuff. Don’t get me wrong, the “other” stuff takes lots of work, & is awesome, too! (Metal bezels, interchangeable pendants, etc.) All of her videos are fantastic & informative, but the “other” category gives her (and us) even a bit more variety. Once we showed interest in the lanyards, Cindy was probably thrilled to teach them to us. She knows they’re a successful product (she told us she sells them) so she slated a video tute for us. She practically gives her tutorials away. So, IMHO, we should be thankful & grateful for every tutorial Cindy offers to create!
Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’M SORRY! I’ve changed my mind. IMO, I think Cindy should just teach us what she wants! It’s not like she’s gonna throw a bunch of junk out there — she delivers! She asks for our opinions, gathers information about our interests, gets feedback, etc. She does it in order to provide tutes that we’ll like, & she does it well! She’s trying to please so many people with totally different tastes. We can’t all have our favorites all the time. She also creates color palettes, writes a daily blog, answers emails & comments, — not to mention still manages being a wife & mother. She offers us so much, at an incredibly low, low price. We should not be taking it (or her) for granted! We’re getting an such an amazing deal. Even if we only liked one of the tutes per month, it would still be a bargain. We get these video tutorials for only 80 cents (or so) each, when artists are selling their written tutorials for the same amount as Cindy’s 90-day membership! **12 videos vs. 1 written tute.** I think at this price we can all watch a video about something we already know how to make. I’m sorry, but can you tell I’m feeling a bit angry at myself for saying, “No?”
Thank you, Cindy, for all that you do for us. I apologize if this lanyard vote has hurt you, or made you feel bad. I’m sorry if it’s thrown-off your schedule. I hope that you know how much you are appreciated! You really are! You’re THE Polymer Clay Tutor — the best!
@Phaedrakat: Your comment is very touching, Phaedrakat. I know it will touch Cindy. I love to read your commentaries, you always have much to offer. Thank you for being part of our community. When I voted “Yes” for the lanyard tote it wasn’t because I couldn’t make one by myself but because I fell in love with what she had accomplished. The beads, the colors and how she had put it all together. In my eyes it is just too beautiful and could be adapted to much more. My searching the net did not come up with anything that comes in miles and miles of what Cindy offered. So maybe another day.
I hope you are taking good care of yourself and there is much sunshine in your life.
@Joyce M: Thank you!
First of all I just want to thank everyone for your heartfelt and honest comments.
@Phaedrakat: Thank you so much for your touching comment. I know how caring and passionate you are about making sure that everyone is well served. So thanks for everything you said!
I also want to thank those who brought up the video quality. Doug really is the mastermind behind the magic there. He is the one that sees what needs to be better defined with the close-ups and different angles.
We’ve all seen what happens out on YouTube with the poor filming, bad lighting, scratchy sound and sometimes even the bad advice that is shared. You have probably even seen great teachers with such poor videos that there is hardly a point in watching them. Without Doug, my videos would be along the same lines, so he is the one to thank there. Except of course for the bad advice part… I would never do that! :-)
So anyways… even though you all have different opinions and different tastes, all of your views are very important to Doug and I. We use your input to make this community and our tutorials as great as we can possibly make them. And if you have been around since the beginning you will know this is true.
Just watch one of our first videos and compare it to the ones you get now… they just keep getting better and better thanks to all of you. So keep those comments and opinions coming.
It’s all good!
@Phaedrakat: Well, I guess I’m with you, Kat. When I said I could go either way I honestly thought that people would mostly vote “yes” for the lanyard tut, so it didn’t matter what I said. Now that it was voted down and I see how many people wanted it badly, I’m sorry I didn’t come out with a definitive “YES.”
I may never wear a lanyard again (sure would have loved one before I retired), but I could sell them or give them to friends who use them. I also would be willing to bet that there would be information on that tutorial that I could use on other projects. I’m one of those people who love eyeglass leashes. I’ve had lots of compliments on the ones I’ve worn over the years, even from young people. :)
It also looks like a lot of people didn’t vote, who would have voted “yes.” Maybe they figured there were so many “no” votes that it wasn’t worth voting.
So, Cindy, I’m sorry, too, that I didn’t vote “Yes.” I know how hard you and Doug work on these tutorials, and it’s true, they are top notch.
Maybe you should take another vote next month–and if you do the rest of us need to VOTE.
I triple that Phaedrakat!!!
The only thing I will add is the fact that Cindy asks us to vote this is what makes Cindy who she is. She is always thinking of us and not herself.
No matter our age we are all like children and sometimes we will dissapoint our Mom but she will keep on loving us and putting us first. That is what a Mom does and that is what Cindy has done for us.
I hope that this idea for a lanyard tutorial will come up again. I’ve looked far and wide online and there is nothing out there that is easily understood or filmed halfway decently. When other people film a clay tutorial, including Lisa Pavelka, why do they not understand the importance of the close up?
And don’t get me started on the sound quality. Anything on YouTube I have to plug speakers into my laptop so I don’t have to lip read. With Cindy, you KNOW you are going to get a professional, easily understood and well thought out lesson with great picture and sound. It’s like Cindy and Doug went to film school. They get it.
@Jill: I agree with you 100%, Jill. It is so frustrating to try to find something online that gives you what you need. The videographers must not be viewing their own products. I’ve said it before “Doug and Cindy are Pros”. We’re so fortunate to have them.
@ Phaedrakat and Jill – I absolutely agree with you. I have searched online too for a lanyard tute. I did find one but it wasn’t very clear with the steps at all. With Cindy’s tutorials you can go along with her every step. I think Cindy should give us what she thinks is best as i’m sure there will always be some who may not be so interested in a particular tutorial. Cindy is so talented and very professional and she would know what are good tutorials for us – what items would sell well etc. AS her tutorials are so inexpensive, I feel she should teach us whatever she she decides and has filmed for us.
I think Linda has a good idea, I’m sure you have thet utorial all ready so maybe you could take another vote or put it up for sale. i would most certainly buy it. I need to make some Lanyards and yours look gorgeous.
Does anyone have instructions for making a ‘Golf counter” I want to make one for my son and his friend. I read that there were a couple of different ways.
@Cheryl: Bonnie & Carolyn are both making them, perhaps they might help you with the directions. Also, I believe Bonnie told Carolyn what type of cord to use in one of the threads. You could try searching for it. If you can’t find it, and/or do not get a response, I’ll try to find it for you later. (I’m playing catch-up — I’ve been feeling pretty ill…) :-)
@Phaedrakat: Cheryl, I bought 2mm cord at Hobby Lobby called Amy Craft Cord. I put it on a large swivel lobster claw and add the beads. On the bottom I put ribbon holders and add beads but I have to warn you, men don’t like stroke counters. I worked at a golf course here for 3 years and they made fun of people who used them but the women love them. Most of the women I golf with wear them on their shorts.
@Cheryl: Hi Cheryl, I don’t have instructions, but I have made some for my golfing friends and I found that when I used a braided rat tail kind of cord that is about the same diameter as the thicker buna cord, the texture on the cord kept the beads from slipping down. I made sure that when I drilled holes into the beads, the drill bit was slightly smaller than the diameter of the cord. I then pushed the cord through with a needle tool as it was a bit of a tight fit. I then attached a clip, similar to the one on the end of a dog leash. My friends loved them, although, I only put 6 beads on, and they are telling me that their golfing ability probably requires more. :0)
Hey Cindy and all, I here by officially change my vote to in favor of the lanyard tutorial. Those that really want it should have it. Just because I have made a lot of them, doesn’t mean that others shouldn’t know how to do it too. I bet you have a trick or two to teach this old dog too. I probably have a trick or two for you also. I’ll see how the tute comes out and add my two cents if I have a trick for you.
If it is already in the works, why not just do it!
I’m sure you won’t get any complaints about it either. :-)
@Bonnie & Carolyn- Could you please help me out with instructions on how to do a golf stroke counter? I did try searching on the net’ it seems there are a couple of different ways. But I couldn’t find easy to follow instructions. Want to make a couple for my son and a his friend.
@Cheryl Hodges: Both Bonnie & Carolyn have blogs, where they show their golf counters. You can try checking those out for info, too. Carolyn learned from Bonnie, so I guess Bonnie’s blog would be the best to try. Carolyn hasn’t posted in a while – I’m getting worried about her! I hope she’s okay~
@Phaedrakat: Phaedrakat, I got your nice message on my blog but couldn’t figure out how to send one back to you. Do you have a blog? You asked about the Magic Glos in the sun. I put my pieces on little tiles or paper plates if the wind isn’t blowing. I do only one or two pieces at a time. I start on the outside and then do the middle. I hold it up to the light to make sure there are no hole or bubbles and then I take it outside and put it on the wall in the sun. It cures in no time. I don’t cover them. If it’s windy I don’t take them out. I usually end up doing 2 or 3 coats on each piece.
@Bonnie Kreger: Thanks for the info! No, I don’t have a blog yet. I have a blog name saved, but there’s no content thus far. Sorry about that! And thanks again, your work is really beautiful!
@Phaedrakat: I think Carolyn may be travelling, Phaedrakat. A while back she was waiting for the weather to clear. I also have been watching for word from her on the blog and hoping she is doing fine and having beautiful weather along the way.
Hi Cindy: Although I did not vote on the lanyard project (I guess I missed that opportunity), the comments left by your members have convinced me that it would be worthwhile project. Many times, I have learned a technique to use it in a different application. Perhaps this is a subject you could reintroduce again at a later time. Did the no vote happen because people are generally not using lanyards? I’ve never actually seen one and don’t know what its purpose is. I’m wondering if I’m not alone in that regard.
To sum things up, I have to agree, that you always show us something that I didn’t know before and that is precisely why I keep coming back.
@Phaedrakat and Joyce: I am worried about Carolyn too. She emailed me last week and said she was ill and may have to go in for tests. That was 1 week ago and I haven’t heard from her since. Keep her in your prayers. We all care very much about her.
@Carol: Beaded lanyards are very popular! Lots of employees need to wear an ID card which is visible as a security issue. (Nurses, teachers, office workers, etc) As well some need to wear a key with easy access. Since there were still many who wanted the tutorial, I plan to make a separate course on making lanyards with polymer clay beads. Thank you for your “…always show us something new” comment. This is something I try very hard to do in every tutorial video. So even if it is on a subject that you already know how to do, I usually have a different way of going about it that you may not have done before. And like you said, there may be some way to use the technique in a different application. So thanks for saying that!
@Cindy Lietz from Making Jewelry Headpins:
I agree about the lanyards…I love the way you took something practical/boring and gave it your twist – whether it’s a pirate bead theme; pretty flower heart or zebra patterns. The practical aspect is what can help with sales, the creative twist is what draws even more people in. That trace of rebel spirit can help change the way things are perceived too. My mission will be to take the “old lady” out of eye glass chains one day!!
@DJ: I myself use the eye glass chains all the time. I also make them for the younger generation to use on their sunglasses. My grandkids ages 4 – 15 wear them girls and boys with the boys using skull and metal beads or black beads. Then all 3 of my daughters in their 30’s wear them on their sunglasses as well. So NO as far as I am concerned they are NOT old lady. So wear them with pride I say.
@Peggy Barnes & DJ: Way to go! I love the enthusiasm, and the ideas! I’ll have to make myself one, then go from there…
@Peggy Barnes: I agree that eyeglass leashes are not “old lady.” Perhaps it’s a regional thing. I made several of them for myself in different colors, and bought one at a craft fair that I loved. I frequently got compliments on all them from women in all age groups. I only stopped using them because my current reading glasses are “frameless” and the arms keep getting loose.
@Peggy Barnes:Wow you’re way ahead on the glasses cords…love the idea for sunglasses and that the guys are wearing them too!!
@Cindy L.: I saw the other post about Carolyn F. I have been praying for her; I’m so worried. Please keep us informed as much as you can, Cindy. Everyone, please mention Carolyn in your prayers. Such a lovely lady, I’m really missing her around here!
I just sent Carolyn an email to find out what’s going on. I usually get a couple emails from her and haven’t heard from her in a while. She might be in Utah visiting her son.
I emailed Carolyn twice regarding PYM – I was on a budget so I wanted to wait till mid April. She hasn’t replied to my emails; I even wrote on her wall on FB – no reply. Hope she is well.
@ Bonnie – Are ribbon holders the same as cord ends? I’ve never seen a swivel lobster clasp – did you get yours at a bead store or online. I’m going to go to your site to take a look maybe it will help me understand it better. Thanks for the tip – maybe I should give it to his girlfriend!
@ Carol – thanks for the information. I hope I succeed with it.
@Cheryl Hodges: Ribbon ends are flat but I guess you could cord ends. I like ribbon ends because I put a little cyanoacrylic glue (super glue) in them to hold them on and then crunch them.
There are pictures and instructions on my blog but you have to go to an older blog.
@Bonnie Kreger: It’s the April 2nd blog. I put pictures and information about the cords and lobster claws.
@Cheryl Hodges: I was in MA last week, where they have real shopping, LOL. I went to a Christmas Tree Shop (northeast chain), where I found a plastic dog leash for 89 cents. I’m going to cut off the swivel clasp and use it to make a golf counter. Unfortunately, it was the last one they had. I don’t want to buy a whole bunch of those clasps and find out that there’s no interest for them in VT.
I’m going to start watching the Dollar Stores for cheap dog leashes, too. I might even go to the Salvation Army and check out purses that have swivel clasps on them. When I think of all the purses I threw out with those swivels, grr.
@Linda K.: Linda, there is a website called Tantalizing Stitches where you can get the swivel lobster clasps. Don’t buy some that are too small or don’t work. They have to fit on the bar on the golf bags. I just finished some put them on my website along with some other things I’ve been doing and a cane I made.
The clasps I use are 1.5 inches/39mm and I use Nickel Finish and Gold finish. the .277 cents a piece and I buy 100 at a time. They are great.
@Bonnie Kreger: Hi Bonnie, Gee you must be psychic…I’ve spent the past couple of hours reading your blog…I’m back to last November right now. You have made some gorgeous beads and I love your wire-wrapping. I also like your woven bead creations. You are truly a talented artist. I went to your blog in April when we first started talking about the golf stroke counters, but I forgot to write down the website information for the swivel clips.
I went back a few weeks ago, right after you lost poor, little, Annie. She was so lucky to be rescued and cared for by people who loved her so much, even if it was only for a few months. Although she was much smaller, she looked a lot like my Daffney. I was so distressed by the news that I had to get out of the blog and I hadn’t been able to bring myself to go back.
Today I went back and read through all your posts for the past several months. I’m so sorry for the sad events in your life. You have a wonderful sense of humor, in spite of those sadnesses.
Anyway, I did check out the Tantalizing Stitches site. It’s definitely the best place to buy the swivel clips. Just one question: do the finishes peel off? My beading budget is somewhat small…and I want a torch, a UV lamp, etc, etc, etc,! I don’t want to buy 100 clips and then find out that nobody in Vermont has any interest in golf stroke counters.
I was a brand-new golfer last year, so I didn’t even realize that my golf bag has a bar, LOL. I haven’t been able to get out golfing yet this spring, but I’ll probably be going this week.
Thanks for telling me the size and finishes you buy. You’re so generous with your knowledge!
@Linda K.: Linda, I’ve never had problems with them. Why don’t you send an email to Tantalizing Stitches and ask if you can buy a smaller amount? By the way, if you go on EBAY and type in UV lamp there are a bunch of cheap ones. There is one from England that is only 15.95. I bought that one and haven’t had any problems with it. Not sure about the watts but check Ebay there are a ton of them. I would also suggest that you make the golf stroke counters and hang them on your bag when you go golfing so people can see them. If you don’t sell them for golf stroke counters they can be used as purse blings or counters for people who walk to keep track of the times they go around. The clasps can also be used to make key chains that attach to purses or brief cases. They can be used as lanyards too. WOW, I think I better get to work. Thank you for the kind thoughts about Annie. My heart broke when she died along with every one else who got to know her. I’ve had a lot of animals and they are bright stars in the night. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
@ Bonnie – I looked at your site. The golf stroke counters are beautiful. I couldn’t make out the wire wrap clearly. Is it the loop for each bead you wrapped or wire around the beads. Do you just string all the beads at one go – I was wondering with use, would they stay in place or fall down? Sorry for asking so many questions but your counters are so beautiful and i have never done any.
@Cheryl Hodges: Cheryl, so far there haven’t been any problems with them staying in place. Some people us them as counters for walking. We have a big track here. I only wire the beads that have a hole that’s a little too big. The wire seems to take up the slack on the cord. I put the beads on the cord and then add the lobster claw and then put the ribbon ends on and add the beads. Don’t worry about the questions, I just hope I get the answers right. LOL
Since I was the one that made the “old lady” comment, I thought I should speak up!
I guess we all have different tastes and styles – for me, glasses cords say “old lady”, but then I also dislike cropped trousers, leggings, anything with a puffy skirt, white trainer/shoes in general, faded black jeans, shoes with pointed toes, novelty neckties with cartoon characters or similar… the list goes on, and I’m sure the majority of people would disagree with me about at least some of these!
And that’s a good thing. Life would be very boring if we all liked the same things. And I can appreciate a piece of jewellery or clothing worn by someone else in a “I like that on you, but there’s no way I’d wear anything like that” kind of way.
@Silverleaf: Just the “faded” black jeans though, right? The dark black ones are okay? (Because I love black jeans, and I couldn’t bear it if you didn’t…) LOL ;-D
@Phaedrakat: I have no problem with black, or faded blue jeans, but to me the faded black ones look awful. Weird, isn’t it? ;)
@Silverleaf: I remember (about ten years ago or so) talking with a friend about corduroys, specifically brown ones. Neither of us were fans of these, especially brown. A few years ago they started making their way in the stores again…and sure enough I’ve got a pair (yup, brown) sitting in my closet :0) Hmmm, maybe you’ll join the dark side someday too…perhaps down the road we’ll see you proudly sporting the most stylin’, funky eye glass chain ever! ;)
I totally get your point on the puffy skirt thing, I think they’re designed by people with no hips!
I love black jeans too and yes they do look awful when they fade. My son likes them that way .
@ Bonnie – What do you mean by wiring the beads? How do you do that? Thanks for being so patient with all my questions.
@Cheryl Hodges: Hey Cheryl, sorry it took me so long to answer. I’ve been at polymer clay class for two days with Debbie Anderson from San Jose. You’ve probably seen her stuff in Polymer Cafe. She’s a great teacher. I’ll be posting some things that we made in the class on my blog but probably not tonight, I’m beat. Anyway, when I wire a bead I wrap the wire through the hole a couple times and make swirls on the outside. That little bit of wire takes up a lot of slack inside the hole if it’s too big.
Oh, Kat, you are too funny. I was thinking the same thing about loving my black jeans. They’re not faded…the darker the better, to disguise the chubby hips, LOL.
Silverleaf, you are absolutely entitled to have your opinions about things. After all, we’re artists, right? We even get to be quirky if we want. :)
@Linda K.: I had a favorite pair of black Levi’s that fit perfectly, and yeah, hid the hips well, LOL. But they were fading. : ( So, I used Rit dye to get them nice and black again. It worked great!
This was a few years back, but anyway, I wore them to a BBQ. The weather was hotter than it was supposed to be that day, and I got pretty sweaty. We were sitting on my friend’s new cream-colored patio furniture. I was mortified when I got up to get a drink, and saw my jeans had “bled” onto the furniture! Later I found it was all over my legs, too (and I had a new GRAY-ish pair of undies!) Thank goodness my friend’s patio furniture was still available. (I was able to to buy just one cushion to replace the one I’d damaged, and keep her “set” complete.) Needless to say, I’m a lot more careful with the fabric dye nowadays! (And where I sit my “hot” boot-ay!)
@Phaedrakat: Now that’s taking textile art to a whole other level!! Too funny (although I’m sure it didn’t seem so at the time), what a great story. Thanks for the laugh…we’ll do anything to hang on to that perfect pair of jeans, hey?
@DJ: Yep, the perfect pair of jeans is hard to come by — you gotta protect them. As for the incident, I was absolutely mortified! Now, with some distance, and the passage of time…I still shudder with embarrassment! ;-)
@Phaedrakat: Oh, no!!! That’s exactly why I’ve never dyed my jeans when they faded in the past…I’m always afraid that the fabric will get wet and the color will run.
I do remember learning years ago…I think it was in a tie-dye class… that after you dye something, you should rinse it it vinegar to set the colors.
Good thing you were able to replace your friend’s cushion.
@Phaedrakat: Oh no! At least you can laugh about it now… well I hope you can!
@DJ: Noooooooo!!! NEVER!! Lol! I wear my glasses all the time anyway so there’s no chance of losing them. ;)
@Linda K.: I LOVE tie-dye! I’ve used cold-water Dylon dyes in the past and they are great. They have a little sachet of dye fixer that you mix in along with some table salt and although you wouldn’t want to wash dyed clothes with your best white shirt, they don’t run much, and not at all after the first couple of washes.
@Silverleaf: Of course, I laugh about it! Good thing, too — my friend still brings it up to embarrass me again from time to time! Actually, I used to dye some of my more “favorite” black clothes fairly regularly — without problems. I’d give them a Rit “color boost” when they started to get faded-looking, and they’d be like new again. I never had bleeding problems like with the jeans. I’m not sure what happened that time, but I never dyed my regular clothes again!
Very excited for the lanyard course!! There was a time when I used to lose my classroom keys at least twice a year. Then, a friend suggested I use a lanyard. I haven’t lost my keys since.
Also worried about Carolyn F. Sending prayers and positive vibes to her and to all the Tutorville citizens!
Just received some news about Carolyn… she has been in the hospital for the last two weeks receiving some treatments. Her pastor said…
“… I saw her yesterday and she finally is feeling a little better. Hopefully she’s on her way back. Despite her sickness her faith and humor never left her. I’ll let her know of your concern.”
So yes, prayers are definitely in order…
Indeed, I will keep her in my prayers.
As I’m not religious I don’t do prayers, but could you let Carolyn know I’m thinking of her and wishing her a speedy recovery please Cindy?
I definitely will pray for Carolyn and put her on our prayer chain at church. She is a wonderful woman who sees the good in everyone and everything. I love her strength in everything she does and especially her faith. She will be so thankful for all who have her in their thoughts and prayers. This community is very important to her and she is a very big part of it. I pray she will be back with us very soon.
Uuuuuuggggs to her and all her friends here, Peggy
Oh no! Poor thing! I will continue to pray for her; and at least now we know what’s going on. Carolyn is a feisty gal, seems she will fight hard against this thing she has. It’s good to know she’s got lots of friends, people who’ll visit her in the hospital and pray for her. She’s involved in her church and so many activities, I know many people are missing and/or looking out for her. I wish there was a way to let her know we’re all thinking of her. I hope she gets to feeling better soon. I know she’s been wanting to hit the road for her cross-country travel plans. Let’s hope this is just a delay, that she’ll be feeling wonderful and up for anything in a couple weeks’ time!
Poor Carolyn. i thought she was travelling when I did not get any replies to my emails. I hope she gets stronger soon. Will definitely keep her in my prayers.
Carolyn is in my prayers, too. I hope she feels well enough SOON to let us know how she is.
I hope and pray Carolyn is feeling better soon. It looks as though many of us were quietly thinking she was just away traveling. I hope too, that all these warm thoughts, prayers and comments will help her in her recovery. We miss you Carolyn…stay strong and come back soon.
I wasn’t a member yet when this all took place, but I’ve just read over the comments and there are quite a few who mentioned they wanted it brought up again. So here it is.. I have absolutely NO idea how to make a lanyard and I would love to know how. I know I could sell them. So what do you all think now?
@Tanya L: I would love a tutorial on how to make a lanyard. I have recently had to start wearing two pairs of glasses, one for reading and another pair for the computer so I would love to have a good-looking lanyard to use so I can switch from one pair to other more easily!
@Susan B: Susan, I obviously didn’t even know what a lanyard was, either. I thought it was one of those thingies that holds and identification card, like for work? But now I really want to learn how, ’cause I have to take my glasses off to see up close and then I NEED my glasses to FIND my glasses!! LOL!!
@Tanya L: They are also for identification cards too — the difference possibly lies in what you do with the clasp at the front. I’m glad I am not alone with shuffling about with different pairs of glasses!
I am adding my name to bring this back as a tut, please. Making one of these correctly is harder than it looks, especially if you make it distinctive (thus heavy, lol). Want to try one that uses that old leather luggage tag look of wrapped wire instead of leather, and make it large enough to hold side by side ID’s…one Drivers License and one business or parking pass. Figure a wire holder could be rigged to hold the contents inside safely, yet let you retrieve one if you want.
I’m still up for a lanyard tut as well. Just a thought, but maybe it can be offered on a 5th Friday for those of us still interested?
The last time Cindy talked about this, it was as an individual video tutorial that she would sell separately. I’m not sure if her thinking is still the same, though…