Video #227: “Cute, I have about a million bugle beads so I’ll have to try this.” ~Silverleaf
This is the perfect time of year for a beaded spider project, since it can be worked into a Halloween theme as well as Christmas. Plus, you’ll be able to use up some of your one-of-a-kind ‘orphan’ polymer clay beads, which is always a good thing.
Now, most people understand how spiders and Halloween go together, but did you know that spider ornaments are also part of a part of a Christmas tradition for many people? There is an old German folk story about the Legend of the Christmas Spider, that I’d love to share with you…
The Christmas Spider Legend
A long time ago in Germany, while a mother was busily cleaning house in preparation for Christmas, the spiders that usually stayed on the living room corner, fled upstairs to the attic to escape her sweeping broom.
From the attic they could hear all the excitement down in the living room, as decorations were being made for when Santa was to come on Christmas Eve and bring gifts for the children. Frantic to see the decorated tree, the spiders slowly crept downstairs for a view. Oh, what a beautiful tree!
In their excitement, they scurried up the trunk and out along each branch. They were filled with happiness as they climbed all through the tree to see the glittering beauty. But alas! By the time they were through climbing all over the tree, it was completely shrouded in strands of their dusty-gray spider webs.
When Santa came, he smiled as he saw how happy the spiders were. However, He knew how heart-broken the mother would be if she saw the tree covered with the dusty webs. So He reached out and touched the webs, blessing them and turning them to silver and gold.
Thus, the custom to have a spider ornament amongst all other decorations with tinsel of gold and silver on the Christmas tree, was born.
This is darling! My brother absolutely loves spiders, I see a project coming on! *grin* – and I always have a little spider placed on my Christmas tree, no matter how small or large the tree is. Been doing it since I was a child. I have even carried around the same little homemade spider for many years now, though the poor little dear has become quite fragile. Maybe this year I will retire him with one of these little beauties *smile*. ~SusanAnn-A
Your spider pendant made out of Polymer Clay is unique and awesome looking. I love it! I will send my friends and family to your site. ~Cara-B
Ok so fabulous!!!! Love the spider…. 3 years ago my kids and I made all the decorations for the tree out of salt and flour dough and paint…. it was fabulous and I love them dearly. It was a time in our lives that the money was very tight but the joy was abundant. It will always be a wonderful memory. ~Melinda-H
So… coming up tomorrow (Friday October 28th 2011) in the Vol-041-4 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, we will be having some fun with spiders.
***********************************************************************************************
Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-041-4 Beaded Spider Ornament:
- 3 Beads to be used for the Spider’s Body. Abdomen, Middle and Head. For my examples, I used large (10-24mm) round polymer clay beads for the Abdomens, and smaller (4-12mm) beads (sometimes crystals, pearls or other polymer beads) for the Heads and Middles. Once you see the video, you will know the types of beads and sizes you will need for the project.
- Seed Beads and Bugle beads in a variety of sizes. The options for the seed beads will also be clearer when you see the tutorial. For the demo I used 50 size 11/0 black seed beads, 21 size 6/0 purple metallic seed beads, and 20 9mm black iridescent twisted bugle beads, for the spider and the hanger.
- 18″ (40 cm) 24 gauge Wire for the spider. Any type of wire will work. I used Silver Filled in the demo, as well as Bronze and Colored Enameled Copper in the samples.
- 4-5″ (10-12cm) 20 gauge Wire for Hanger.
- Round Nose Pliers (jewelry grade).
- Flush Cutters (jewelry grade).
- Flat or Chain Nose Pliers (jewelry Grade).
- Ruler.
- Ring Mandrel or Tomato Paste Can (optional).
The full version of the Vol-041-4 Beaded Spider Ornament video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Oct 28, 2011. 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.
The full version of the “Beaded Spider” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-041 Back Issue Pckg.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Hi Cindy – Thanks so much for all your wonderful ideas and tips, tricks and techniques. You have been such a great inspiration, I have used a few of your techniques (new to the site) and I can’t even get the pieces priced or packaged before my teenage daughter and her friends want the new pieces. I always know where to look if I can’t find a particular item. Ha Ha. Again I cant wait to watch the rest of your videos. I have alot of back issues to watch yet. Your Site is the best thing since they invented polymer Clay. I cant tell you enough how much more I have learned, watching you, than I did in the actual class I took and I paid ALOT more. I even showed the instructor your site. She was excited to subscribe also. ~Kelli-N
Cindy – The cost of a subscription to your site is money well spent… so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!!! ~Wendy-B
I really love the way the whole clay community here, shares knowledge and techniques. There are so many drawbacks to the freebies on the net. Often the sound is muffled; important info is left out or you just can’t see properly what is done. I’ve watched some that fail to show what the final result yields! If a small fee saves time; frustration; AND builds a huge library of accessible information, it’s fulfilling an educational need. Not to mention the community that forms because of this commitment to quality. Cindy, your site is also a wonderful way to connect with many other creative people, and offers a great solution to those of us who aren’t able (distance or $$) to attend real life workshops or classes. I think you have such a dedicated following because we sense that dedication in you. ~DJ
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Beaded Spider Ornament video tutorial:
- See examples of beaded spiders in a variety of bead styles.
- Discussion of the tools, materials and techniques needed to make these charming ornaments.
- Find out how simple it is to use up your one-of-a-kind polymer clay beads to make great Halloween and Christmas decorations, as well as cool spider jewelry pieces.
- Learn cool tricks for wiring these beaded spiders so that they not only have a great spider shape, but they are so well put together, that they will be with your family for years to come.
- Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.
The full version of the “Beaded Spider” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-041 Back Issue Pckg.
***********************************
Yeah, I am watching this on my iPad for the first time in weeks. Thanks Doug for all your efforts in switching up your video to accommodate those of us who have been having difficulty. I haven’t tried it on my home computer yet as I am currently at work, but I can’t wait until tomorrow to get the whole version. This looks like so much fun Cindy. Great tutorial. Janet
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I watched the preview on my iPhone with no special apps! Yay! :) I really hope this works for everyone. :)
Yeah, the iPad viewing is awesome!!!!! These are cute spiders. Michaels had one very similar to this but I like the polymer clay beads better. Plus, my husband said their version looked more like a large ant than a spider. I re-did it and used a polymer clay bead instead of a brilolette bead and made it more like Cindy’s. So, I guess Cindy we were on the same page these last few days!!! Love the ornament look and will look forward to hearing all about the Christmas spider!
So that everyone knows, I am testing a new video player this week, which is different from the one that has been used for the last 7 months. I must make a decision on whether to switch to this new player, so I’m very interested to hear everyone’s feedback. I know some of you preferred the very first player I had been using at the very beginning of this year… and to tell you the truth, I really liked it too. But unfortunately, it was not iPad/iPhone friendly, which is a big problem these days. So going back to that very first player is just not going to work.
Let me know… even the PC/Windows people. Does this week’s video play smoother than last weeks? Or do you like the player from last week better?
~Doug
Hey Doug,
The video was not playing well for me. Then I went to the blog and read your post. After watching last weeks again to compare, for me there was no comparrison , last weeks was way better. This weeks seemed like it was almost playing in slow motion at times, I thought it was maybe wanting to buffer and it was blurry and foggy looking. Just not the same clear, crisp, and professional videos Im used to viewing.
As far as the IPhone, I use a 3G and I am not able to get them to play. I get a cannot be viewed message. Now, I’m not sure I may need to have some app I don’t have tho.
Sandy
Hi Sandy – It could be that you happened to hit the player at the same time that a 100 other people were. That is always going to be an issue with any player on the internet.
Here are two work around’s you can try…
1) Try the video again at an off-peak time of the day… Friday mornings are always going to be the worst.
2) When buffering issues do happen, then immediately pause the video and wait a bit for the video to “cache” or “load” in your web browser. Down in the video player control bar (where the pause button is), you will see an “advancing bar graphic” that will let you know when the “video stream” has finished “loading” in the player. When it has fully advanced, then click the play button again.
If you could try what I suggested in my Point 2) work around, and then report back how it worked for you, that would be greatly appreciated.
PS: In regards to your iPhone, most all of me “testers” have reported back that the new player does in fact work for them on there iphones (3G right through to the brand new 4S models). However, on the the older iPhones you may have to update your iOS to at least 4.3.5
WOW, Doug. What a difference in the video quality. No skips, no buffering, just a nice quality video. Plays beautifully on my PC. Thanks.
Now if you could just put all the old problem videos on this player too….
Last week’s video still has problems for me.
Thanks for your feedback, Bette. Once I figure out the right system that’ll work for the majority, the plan is to upgrade all the older videos as well, to the new player. It’s a big job so it won’t happen over night… but at least things are heading in the right direction.
There have been hundreds of people watching the video today… it would really be nice if a few more would post opinions about how the new player worked for you this week. The good, the bad and even the ugly. I’m all ears :-)
plays a lot smoother. really like this player.
Regards
Sandra
Thanks Sandra J… FYI for everyone’s benefit… I posted a bit of a general consensus update about the new player further down in this thread. You can jump down to it by clicking on this link.
Yes, Doug, this one is much better. I view the videos on a PC using Windows XP and the past few months I’ve had problems with the videos locking up. Thanks for all your efforts.
Doug, I have windows 7 and the video played perfectly for me. I made my spider “along” with Cindy with much stopping and starting and going back and there was no problem!
Hi Doug, I had lots of problems with my Vista PC machine watching videos. My son downloaded and installed the Firefox browser and change some settings and everything worked fine after that. I have since been upgraded to Windows 7 but still on the same PC and have watched lots of videos with no problems. I seemed to have less problems using the Firefox browser. I am also on a wireless home network. I hope this helps.
Perfect! Thanks Dixie Ann for sharing that information. Windows Vista has been causing problems for other members as well. So it’s encouraging to know that you eventually got the videos working again on your computer.
I do like those spiders Cindy, very cute! One of the “regulars” from my lovely local bead shop makes very similar spiders with ordinary beads which I always admire when I’m in there. I also love the Christmas spiders story and I’ll definitely be making one for my tree. :)
Those spiders are soooooooooo cute even though I don’t like bugs. I have a whole room full of snowmen which I love. I sent a picture to my sister and she wants me to make a set for the whole family. I’m making boy and girl snowmen. So now my tree is going to be full of snowmen, snow girls and spiders. LOL Lookiing forward to Friday again.
When my jar of orphan beads saw this teaser -they all cried “take me -take me”. They are so excited. teehee
As I have beaded for many years, there’s lots of beads to choose from, sooooooooooooo. What fun these will be to make…………….smile Thanks for such a neat tute -tomorrow…………
Patt, so your beads talk to you too? That’s great!! This tute will make good use of odds and ends beads.
Thanks so much for including the Christmas spider story, this is new to me, but a wonderful tradition to start in my home. I will be making a few of these and including the story for gifts. Fun! Cindy, you are amazing! And thanks to Doug for his electronic expertise!
I have to tell you I HATE spiders and I’ll vacate a room if I see one! However your Christmas spider is cute and I loved the story so maybe I’ll share some space with them. LOL
Jeanne – I can relate. Our daughter HATES spiders. She and a gf, long time ago, scared themselves. So from that time on………well. Let’s say, no spider is safe in her house…………
Me too, at almost 50 years old I still had to get my mom to come and dispose of a huge ( at least 5 inches..ok maybe 5mm) dead spider in the room we were getting ready for my SIL–LOL still makes my backbone creep
ps: I now have an updated pic of Jason and me (I?). In the previous one he was about 18 months … he will be 5 in Dec. Such a sweet little boy and full of love for his tante (aunt). Never got around to play w/ clay this visit, they live in Germany, but they may be able to visit again in March :) . The weather here has just been too beautiful to stay inside!!!
This is just too cute, Cindy. I think there will be an infestation of spiders during these holidays. Love the Christmas Spider Legend.
Hi Cindy
Like Dawn , the story is new to me too, so a new Christmas talking point for the tree! However, I was also thinking that this little Incie-Wincie would look lovely as a brooch……….I’m just off on hols for a week, but will have a go at this when I return. I suppose one of those long lapel pins might work if I threaded the body beads upwards from the bottom spike – then I would need to find a method of ‘stopping’ the beads falling off the bottom when the cap is taken off…if you see what I mean.
Great workshop Cindy – I love the ones that use up all those odd polymer beads – it makes room for some more in the box!
Maybe a crimp or one of those clear rubber earring stops would work for keeping the beads on the wire?
Lovely story and tutorial- quite magical- thank you
I loved the story. Had never heard that one before. Guess I will just have to make one or two of these and tell the story to the grand-children. We don’t celebrate Halloween so much but just cannot give up new Christmas stories.
I love the story! Can’t wait to tell it to my children and make one for our tree.
The spiders are adorable.
Doug, thanks for asking about the video play… mine was not very good, it seemed to beblurry, and it would hesitate and half of the time it would remain static on one frame while the sound continued. If this had been the first video I had watched from you I would not have joined as it was lost most of the time. I do believe I much prefer the previous ones. Should this video been filled with new techniques it would have been pretty hard to get it.
Thanks again for all your hard work trying to make it better for all of us… but this was not good
Karonkay
Karonkay – If you could try what the I suggested to Sandy Triplett above, and then report back how it worked for you, that would be greatly appreciated.
First of all -DOUG- this video did not buffer as much as previous ones. Other wise it was good and clear.
CINDY – I’ve never heard this story before. What a lovely one, I will add a spider to our tree ! What a fun story to tell. You make our clay family so happy when you add -Your Touch !!!
It is always so meaningful to have a background story to anything you make………………smile. Thanks, as usual, for not only a fun tute, but something more……………..
I don’t mind spiders, it gives my cat Bella something to play with. After watching a segment on the Discover Channel I realize how important they were to our ecology. Having said that I don’t care to share my bed with them though. Cindy, your spider is so adorable. I loved the story and am so anxious to make several. I actually have all the makings in my crafts den. Yea! Happy Halloween everyone!
What a cute story! I will be making tons of these! Wouldn’t these be cute to put on a gift? I may run out of extra beads now. But, I will make some with my son’s favorite sport teams colors. Maybe I could try to add wings for a butterfly? This technique could go far! Woo hoo!!
Oh, Doug, I see some people are having some issues viewing the videos. Well, I’m having no problems at all! This is so fun to view on my iPad2! It was worth the wait! Thanks a million!!!
No problem with the video. Very clear and loaded well.
Cindy, thanks for the spider legend. I love the story. Have to get a spider ready for Christmas. We are still settling in – moved two weeks ago and unpacking slowly. I needed to get my kitchen unpacked and music ready for teaching as RCM exams will be comping up January. The next box I open hopefully this weekend will be my jewelry and polymer clay. i went out to Canadian Tire and got the 60 draw unit. It was on sale for $24.99. I have a big space at the foot of the stairs going down to the basement so I plan to set up a little work place there.
Glad you are moved Cherie. I hate moving. Sounds as if you MISS playing with clay ! You have already found your space for your clay, now get busy playing…smile
Wow, you are busy, Cherie! Enjoy your new house! I feel like I’m moving into a new house, too. After re-finishing the hardwood floors all the rooms are slowly coming back to normal. But, at least this time my studio has been my refuge.
I love spiders! The watercolor beads look fantastic as spiders. Spiders really are beneficial to us, and remember, you’re usually never more than 6 feet away from a spider! Really love this one, so cute, can’t wait to make them!
Yes, the new player works well for me too………no pauses for scrolling etc,. Keep up the good work Doug!!!
Thanks to everyone so far, who have taken the time to provide feedback about the new video player that I started testing this week.
I forgot to mention in my previous comments that when you do post your thoughts about how the new video player is working, could you also let me know if you are on a PC, Mac, iPad, etc.
I’m especially interested in hearing how it is working on your SmartPhones, Tablets and other mobile devices. So far, the general consensus is very positive from the iPad/iPhone users, which is awesome!
But I’ve not yet heard from too many people using Android devices. It’s a real balancing act trying to come up with a solution that is going to work cross-platform for the majority. So your input at this stage when I am making changes and improvements is greatly appreciated…
And for those who are experiencing video “buffering” issues… that is something that even at the best of times is going to be a problem if your Internet connection is weak or if there happens to be heavy Internet traffic when you are viewing the video. For tips on how to deal with buffering issues please read my comment above for a quick and easy solution to that problem.
Looking forward to hearing from more of you… especially the Android folks :-)
I have been doing some experimenting myself as I plan on giving myself a Christmas present, either a Samsung Galaxy Tab or an I Pad. Being a PC person for years I have been favoring the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and its Android operating system but found the slow buffering and video quality of last week’s video irritating. No similar problems on my home laptop.
This weeks video on an I pad was unbelievable, even faster and better quality than my home laptop and no buffering problems . I have use of this I Pad for two more days so will check some of the previous videos.
Undecided so far –
Lawrence
Hi Doug,
I’m just seeing this video — been offline for a week or so. I got my hopes up when I saw a ‘different’ player, but unfortunately, I could not watch this at all on my laptop (Windows Vista.) It has a weird “pixelating” problem. It did work, however, on our Desktop PC (which runs XP.) It did not work at all on my Android phone. (Android 1.6 OS.) This is not a new symptom, though — I haven’t been able to watch videos on my phone since you switched players (I can only watch the older ones/original player.)
Since the change last year, I’ve been watching on my Vista laptop, trying to work around the buffering problems by pausing, viewing during off-peak hours, etc. But with this new player, I’m getting a pixelating-like problem — completely unwatchable. I tried to tinker with my laptop a bit, but nothing seems to help with this new player…
By the above comments, it seems like this is working great for iPads/tablets/phones, etc. But PC users seem to favor the old player. Is it too difficult/expensive to offer a choice of player to the user? Thank you for all the hard work you’re doing to make this accessible to so many of us. Please forgive me if I ever sound ungrateful…I know you & Cindy work hard to give us wonderful videos. I must say, I really miss the “ease of use” I had in the “good old days” — that old player was wonderful for me & other PC/Android users. But, I’m learning that it wasn’t great for Apple/Mac users. I’m getting a taste of what they were going through back then!
Best regards, Kat
Kat – I use Firefox and flash player. Does that help ? Hope so………..
Yea!!! My grandson was here … you know how young people are (I’m 83). He showed me what I was doing wrong on my Windows XP computer. I had installed Firefox but did not set it as my main browser.
Now it is and my Adobe Flash has been updated so the videos are working again for me with the new player.
Such a dumb thing to not notice what my browser was… but that was what I was doing wrong. So glad I am back in the fold.
Jeanne
Doug,
My son came yesterday and fixed the problem. I’m now getting Cindy’s videos through firefox. Thank you for your help.
LeeAnn
Thanks Doug, I had the IT department update the flash on my Vista computer at work and so I am up and running once more.
Hi Doug
We have a PC, using XP… the video ran perfectly, no pauses or delays… smooth as a sanded and buffed bead :)
OMG, these are too precious!! I also am hearing rumblin’ and thumpin’ from the depths of the bead orphan bin, each begging to find a home as part of one of these little arachnid beauties. Love the legend!!!
This will be the perfect distraction today from the fact that I am nursing Manny’s “man cold”. As soon as I get the pillows propped, the kleenex within perfect reach. the vaporizer running, the orange juice chilled to the perfect temperature, the chicken soup simmering, the tylenol dosage laid out to be administered at exactly four hour intervals, get my whine tolerance turned up as he laments that he can’t go for his run today, etc. etc. etc., I will be able to escape to my studio for a day of claying. (Just kidding, of course——sort of.)
lol hope he feels better soon….for your sake at least.
Teehee! Hope your big, tough manly Mannie gets well soon. It’s amazing how a cold can turn the strongest into, well…you know. Good luck, nurse Elizabeth! Hope you stay healthy yourself, as the level of “help” isn’t always reciprocated, no matter how good the intentions!
(Just kidding, guys! Forgive me, I’m only speaking from my own experience…)
i have my gs the nest two days…so if they don’t use up my clay on their ‘\projects’ , I’ll be able to try this on monday. too cute…….and pretty.
Cindy, I love this video and the story, which I had never heard before, made it very special. Seeing your peacock spider (it was the peacock cane, wasn’t it?) inspired me to ransack my beads and make a spider that was turquoise, lavender, and peridot green. I hung him on a chain and wore him out to dinner last night.
Every year I make ornaments for my niece’s three little girls. They’ll be getting spider ornies this year for sure!
What lovely spiders! I’m afraid of the real ones (too many running around this year, for some reason.) But these are gorgeous, and a great way to use up those extra/odd-man-out beads. The Legend of the Christmas Spiders is new to me, as well…and I just love it! What fun — I will be sharing it with many this year (and giving credit to YOU!) I’ll also be making plenty of these cute little critters as gifts (perhaps attached to a homemade card, imprinted with “The Legend”.) The kids were coming home from school just as I was reading your story, above. I immediately had to share it with them. They really liked it — especially my “crafty” little neice. My youngest nephew was “grossed out” by one of your spiders, Cindy. But, in his defense, he had a “black widow scare” last week. Hopefully, that will have disappeared from his mind by the time I start making bunches of these cuties…and decorating everything in site!
Thank you, Cindy…this is a terrific project! You’re amazing, putting together out all these cool videos with wonderful ways to put our clay to good use. Such a creative, sharing, and generous gal you are! Please forgive me for not commenting earlier. I’ve been “offline” for a week or so with health issues & trying to get household repairs done (hard to do when you have no money — people don’t like to work for free, go figure–LOL.) ~Hugs, Kat
[FYI, I mentioned above: problems viewing this video on my laptop (Windows Vista.) Looked like a pixelation problem (like I’ve had w/satellite TV in the past.) It was unwatchable…but luckily, it worked fine on the old family desktop PC (runs XP.) That PC is not convenient for me, not to mention, it’s on its last legs. So for me, this new player is bad…it does not work on my laptop NOR Android phone (1.6 OS.)]
My daughter watched this video with me and now can’t wait to make a Christmas Spider!! Thanks so much!
Love, Love ,Love the Spider! Can’t wait to make one for my grandchildren,s tree.
*(Video)
I am experiencing buffering problems too, Also in the spider video it was doing a repeat on certain parts.
Hi Doug
Todays video (tinted photos) ran perfectly too :)
Not a single pause or delay
I’m using a PC w/ XP laptop
thanks Sherry
@Phaedrakat: Thanks for your detailed response. I’ve heard from at least one other member that was having issues with a Vista machine. That particular Windows version was actually one of the more problematic “upgrades” that Microsoft did… which is why it did not last very long in the market place before Windows 7 came out. Androids, especially the older ones, are also having issues for some members. I’m hoping to hear from others that are using newer droids to see if that OS is getting better at being able to show newer video technologies. If we find that to be the case, then getting older devices to work may just require an upgrade of the OS, or the installation of a plugin.
@Brenda: Good to hear from you. What type of computer are you using? And did you try the workout around tips I shared above to address the buffering issue that you are experiencing?
@Tantesherry: Thanks for sharing. It is important to also hear from those who are NOT experiencing difficulties, such as yourself. Usually when technical issues arise, the bulk of the feedback comes from those who are having problems. That’s just human nature. But it can also give a somewhat skewed impression of reality. There are actually 1000’s of people watching these videos… and it is actually good news to see that there are a relatively low number of complaints. It is very likely that many of the specific issues can be solved by doing operating systems updates and adding plugin’s.
Thanks for the reply, Doug. Are you planning to stick with this new player? I worried that you are — disaster for me, unless I can make it work with my Vista PC (which I’m stuck with for now.) No way can I afford new technology, at least for the foreseeable future. What can I do? These last two videos are unwatchable… (Windows Updates are current on my laptop, and I have the latest Flash player. Is there something else I can do that affects the player?)
Regarding my Android phone, you mentioned an upgrade of the OS. I didn’t know that was possible on a phone. Seems like that would cost a lot (especially for me…my phone was nearly free when I joined.) A new, upgraded phone is a year away on my contract. As for a plug-in…do you have any info about that? I tried looking thru the Android store, but I have no idea what type of video you’re using & what to look for to make it work. (I so, SO miss the old player!!!)
Also, you didn’t say anything about my earlier comment (about offering two players.) Is it just too expensive to offer a choice of player…one for PC users & another for iPads/Apple tech that doesn’t support Flash?
Thanks, Kat
The Jury is still out on the player. Still waiting to hear from more members before making any formal decisions.
In regards to double publishing two different versions of the videos every week, unfortunately the extra workload of doing that would be too much for me to be able to manage. Besides, we will be switching over to HD filming soon, which will require player technologies that are right up to date.
Since other members who are using older Vista computers, are in fact able to watch the videos, this brings hope that there is likely a fix that can get you up and running again. If you have gone through all of the tips I’ve outlined in the trouble shooting document, the next thing I would suggest you have a technician look at for you, is updating/configuring the ActiveX controls in your Internet Explorer Browser. When Microsoft released Vista, it was touted as everyone’s answer to multimedia and at that time Active X was a big part of the Microsoft Multimedia experience.
You asked what type the videos files are… they MP4 (rendered using the H.264 codex and they are “very” optimized for playback over the web).
In regards to Androids, the developers of this new player have told me that the OS must be 2.3.3 or higher. What you will need to do is contact the manufacturer of your particular phone and ask them if the OS in your specific model can be upgraded… or if their is a plugin to allow you to view H.264 MP4 video files.
Or talk nice to someone who recently upgraded their iPad, and that might be interested in giving you their downgrade for a song and a dance.
Phaedrakat and anyone else who may be having troubles with the new player on their Window’s Vista computers… I’ve been told that the Google Chrome browser is worth testing out. Apparently it has some unique Flash integration that performs betting with certain types of online video apps. It’s worth a try since the Google Chrome browser is free.
Doug: I saw your comment, and got right on installing Google Chrome…hoping to solve this issue & see the latest videos. Arggh! No luck…same problem. I’ve already tried Firefox, which is the only other “fix” I’ve seen mentioned here re: Vista. I have the latest version of Flash, w/reg. updates. Checked out your video page again just in case, but I’ve done all that. So, what else? If there are settings that need to be changed, what are they? Is there something else I can look for or do myself? This new player is forcing me to change what worked for me just a month ago, so the suggestion of calling in a technician is upsetting. First of all, I don’t know a computer technician. And 2nd, there’s no way I can afford to pay one!
So, I’m stuck. I haven’t been able to watch the last 4 videos. Am I the only one still having problems? Any Vista users have tips to share (besides changing browsers?)
I am getting really depressed about this. I just thought this was a little hiccup at first…never thought a whole month would go by without Cindy vids. I’ve got way too much pain/big problems in my life to have my Cindy access ripped away! Please help!
[I haven’t called Verizon yet regarding your Android suggestions. Been extra busy (& frustrated) without hot water for over a month now — a higher priority, ‘though only slightly (haha.) This water heater situation is crazy complicated. The fix will be insanely expensive, once we find the best solution. (Why is nothing ever simple?…) Anyway, my phone is still under contract w/insurance, so I hope that means tech support will at least help me with those video questions you mentioned. It would sure be nice to watch the latest videos! At least I can re-watch “the oldies” on my phone for a Cindy fix…I’m only 3 shy of having invested in the entire collection…]
I too tried all of the fixes to no avail but hate complaining so have not said anything. Also felt I was pretty much alone out there with issues, so again said nothing. I even bought a new laptop so that the issue would go away but it still stalls and pixelates on me. so I guess I just decided to put up with the issues so that I could still get my clay fix of the week. I am truely addicted.
Karonkay – PLEASE return that computer and get a different one. There is absolutely no reason why a new computer should not play our videos… unless your Interent connection is REALLY slow… which is usually not the case these days.
Phaedrakat,
Sorry this situation is becoming so upsetting for you. I hope you trust that I am doing as much as I possibly can to respond to your concerns and to try and come up with solutions for you.
Here is the latest tech update. At this point there are only 5 or 6 cases that I know of, where Vista users are continuing to have issues with the new player (you being one of them). To put this in perspective, please note that there are literally 1000’s of people who watch these blog and library videos every single week. And when things don’t work, I usually do hear about them pretty quick.
One other point to remember as well, is that the videos are finally working on iPad’s and iPhone’s, which has made quite a few of the other members very happy. But for better or worse, most of the attention on threads like this, ends up getting focused on the “unresolved” situations.
All that being said, please realize that I have not given up on you. The developer of the new video player has agreed to do some “Vista-specific” testing for me. Surprisingly, he has actually gone out and acquired a Vista computer and is bending over backwards to try to figure out possible work-arounds. It is significant (and refreshing) to come across this level of service with a software provider… especially since most everyone gave up on supporting Vista long ago. It simply has been THE most problematic operating system that Microsoft ever released… which is why it did not last very long before Windows7 (thankfully) replaced it.
And with how fast things are changing these days when it comes to Internet video technologies, I am actually feeling very encouraged to have found a developer that is genuinely interested in helping to solve problems that come up for our customers. Trust me… I’ve dealt with enough other vendors that couldn’t care less.
Anyways, the developer needs some computer spec information from ALL of you Vista users that are continuing to experience issues. Actually to establish a baseline, it would also be VERY helpful to get the same information from all Vista users who are NOT having problems. Please use the following instructions to obtain the necessary information from your computer, and then send the details to me (or Cindy), via email…
**************************************************************
On Your Computer…
1) Click Start
2) Right-click on ‘My Computer’
3) Click ‘Properties’ at the bottom of the list
4) Please provide all of the “Basic System” information about which version of Vista you are using; What your Computer CPU speed is; Plus how much RAM you have installed. Sending screen capture images is always the most effective way to do this.
Also, the developer needs to know the specific information about your current web browser version. To do this, it depends on the browser specifically, but usually it’s like this:
1) Open up the browser of choice as normal.
2) Click on the very top Help menu.
3) Click on the ‘About’ link
4) The full version will be listed on the window that pops up. Again Screen capture images are best to send if you can.
**************************************************************
Now in regards to Android Smartphones and Tablet devices… since the Droid operating system is still just “catching-up” with Apple’s iPads and iPhones, I’ve been informed that our new video player can only support Android OS’s from Verion 2.3 and up. That is the very latest release that I noticed isn’t even installed yet on some of the “new” phones currently being sold in the marketplace. So the best advice I can offer on this front, is to contact the manufacturer of your specific hardware to see if it is possible to update the OS on your equipment.
Finally, one last tip if you simply can’t afford any other expenses right now… you can do a search at the freecycle.org website to find a group in your local area. There is likely someone who would be happy to give you their old WindowsXP (doorstop) computer for free. Ironically, the older WindowsXP operating system works fine with our new player… another piece of evidence that shows why the world would have been a better place had Microsoft never even released Windows Vista :-/ — BTW: I’m guessing that WindowsXP computers on Craig’s List can also be picked up for next to nothing, and maybe even free too.
Hope this is helpful. I am seriously trying to help here.
~Doug
Doug, today’s video was perfect on both my MacBook Pro OSx10.7.2 and my iPhone 4S.
I have a Dell PC / vista. The videos are wonderful. Clear as a bell and no buffering. So I am good to go. ;D
Hi Patt,
This video worked for you on a Windows Vista PC? It was unwatchable on my laptop (Vista.) Wonder what the difference is?
FYI: Since this “technical support” thread is getting long, I’m adding a link here, to a comment from further up that Dixie Ann Scott shared. In it, she shares some information about how she was able to get the videos playing on her older Windows Vista machine.
Doug, this week’s Tinted Transfer Video ran very smoothly for me (Windows XP) as did last week’s (Beaded Spider). As I mentioned last week, before that I had several months of videos that kept locking up. This wasn’t just a buffering issue — I’d have to reboot my computer a couple of times to get through them. So I’m very happy with this version you’re using now.
Hi Doug,
Like Linda K., I was having some problems with the videos locking up on me. (I also view them on my PC using Windows XP. Last week’s spider video and this week’s transfer video ran perfectly from start to finish. Thanks for all your hard work to make them available to all of us-it must be frustrating trying to figure out what will work for everyone.
Hi Doug,
It’s 14.30 here in UK and once again the last two videos failed.
I have a Packard Bell EasyNote running Windows XP and can view all back issues in my Library.
( I am not that fussed about not being able to view the beaded Spider as when I was a kid a nest of spiderlings fell on my head and crawled all over my very curly hair. Can still feel them up there while writing this!!) Must have been a million of the little crittars!
I get the still image on screen but when I click the play button the screen turns black??
Was really looking forward to the latest image transfer vid but again, get the still image then after pressing play the screen goes black?
Any advice would be very welcolm as I am no IT expert so up till now been very happy with the easy running of this site ……Thanks xx
Hi Elaine – From all the feedback received so far, the new video player performing well on PC’s running WinXP… so I’m guessing (hoping) all you need to do is update your computer to the latest version of Flash. Here is the link to where instructions are posted: Video Player Trouble Shooting
Hi Doug,
Me again. Did all your trouble -shooting steps and at last was able to watch the two latest tutes. So thanks for help and advice. It’s so good to know we can rely on your brain when ours is a bit rusty!!! Whoops gotta go, timer has gone off so will inspect my latest bunch of snowmen. Then to buy some clay softener as cannot wait to do the toner image transfer, such a neat idea Cindy……..bye………xx
Awesome! Thanks for reporting back. It’s always helpful for me to know when problems get resolved.
Good News from Ireland.
Thank you Doug for all your hard work. I tried on my husband’s older WinXP computer and hey presto! – I had a wonderful morning looking thru Cindy’s last 4 videos.
Many thanks for your kindness and patience.
Regards
Angela
For those of you with VISTA machines, a lot of problems arose with this OS in conjunction with using Anti-virus/malware software. I personally had to remove McAfee, Comodo and the old Roxio software. The only way we finally diagnosed the problem was to remove each one and then check to see if everything else worked.
Some of these programs on a Vista machine will look at the new video player that’s trying to stream to you as an invader and might not allow it to play. It might be worthwhile to look at what you have on your Vista machine and then go online to see if there were any problems associated with that program. McAfee and Roxio were notorious for causing problems. The best solution is of course upgrade to Windows 7 like I did. A lot of Vista machines came with free upgrade to Win 7. You might want to check to see if yours was one of those. That’s how I got mine. I am so lucky to have such a smart son.
Great Advice! Thanks for posting this info.
My computer techy friend tells me that it’s usually a bad idea to run more than one antivirus program, because they tend to conflict with each other. McAfee used to cause me all sorts of problems even with nothing else running, so I ditched it in favour of a free AV that I can’t remember the name of, which was fine. I’m now using Panda Cloud which is also free and tiny, since all the virus definitions are stored online rather than on the computer – it’s working very well for me.
For people who can’t play videos, it may well be worth trying a different antivirus program if you feel confident in switching.
Thanks for your input Silverleaf. I believe the “free AV” antivirus software you referred to goes by the name of AVG and it is available at avg.com
I use it on one of my computers and can verify that it does in fact work with the new video player.
Yeah, that’s the one. I can’t believe I couldn’t remember the name! It worked great for me, but it was a bit “resource-hungry” for my little netbook – that’s the only reason why I switched to Panda Cloud.
Dear Doug and Cindy,
Thank you for your kind and patient help. I could not make Vista work for me so you suggested the “I pad”. Didn’t want to spend that much cash to watch videos so I checked into the “Kindle Fire”. This has a smaller screen but more than large enough to watch your videos. It works beautifully! Thanks for your help and suggestions. By the way, the Kindle Fire is only $199.
Sara
That’s awesome news Sara! I’ve been hearing great things about the Kindle Fire… and now that we know the videos work on this device… even better!
Doug,
Just a quick note, seems I am always complaining these days… so thought I would just say thanks for all your hard work. I watched the color transfer video all the way through tonight on my old Vista computer and the video worked perfectly! no buffering , stalling or blurred images. I did nothing different, so it must be on your end…. So thank you thank you thank you! I realize how difficult it must be for you to try to please all of us all the time. We do so appreciate all your hard work trying to make things run smoothly for all of us. Thanks again for all the time you must put in – Have a Happy and restful Thanksgiving. I know that all of our little group will be thankful for you and Cindy.
Hugs – Karonkay.
Thanks for your kind words Karonkay. That is great news about the videos playing on your Vista computer. Slowly but surely we’re getting there :-) Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
Help! This week’s Paper Punch video does not play for me!
It now plays perfectly, sorry to have panicked but really wanted to know how to do this!
Hi!
Just wondering how the ‘Droid player testing was going. Got an extra 19secs. on last weeks video. I hope y’all are having an awesome Cmas vacation.
Hi Teresa – I just sent you an email link to another test file for you to try on your Galaxy Tab.
Do you need a android cellphone tester?
Hi Claycass – Thanks for offer to help. I’ll put you on the list if we end up needing more testers. With regards to Smart Phones, the new video player is now working with Android OS Ver 2.3 and newer. If you have an older Android device, the first thing you should do is see if you can upgrade your software, and possibly the firmware. This is something you will need to talk with your phone service provider about. Happy New Year to you!
Hello there everyone. Need to stick my two cents in here. LOL. I have had a computer running Windows, and had one with Vista. I, without a doubt hated Vista. So much that the computer (desk top) I just purchased that came with Vista, I changed to Windows 7. That in itself was a nightmare. Some programs I had in the computer were for Vista and some for Windows and oh boy, what a mess. Took me months to get everything working but I did it and have never been happier. I also have a galaxy tab and was very excited to take it into my craft room to watch the videos. I never had a problem with your videos no matter what I did. I always keep my computer cleaned out and updated though. I run AVG (free version) on both. The biggest problem with any of them was the anti virus program. I purchased Norton 360 and will never recommend that to anyone. I talked to a friend who is a computer genius, and he said to download the free version of AVG from filehippo. He said that is all you really need for virus protection. I have not had any problems with anything. I am on my computer everyday from morning to night (ok, sometimes I sneek away to go make something when I am suppose to be working but can you blame me for that? Really?) . Our company has all its files in there and I swear, no virus’s, no issues at all. I was amazed that I did not have to do anything to be able to watch your vidoes on my galaxy tab either. Just opened them up, hit play, and away it went. Not slow or anything. Thanks for always being here when I need my fix. Looking forward to another year of fun and exciting videos. Keep ’em coming please. Just put in for another year. Well worth it. I have made the money back ten times over selling the items I make that I learned from Cindy at craft shows . Did not hessitate to sign up for another year. Good job guys!!!! Yeah Cindy and Doug! So thankful for you both! Have a happy klay day!
Ok, I must not have watched the new videos on my galaxy tab. I just watched a new one and only got 2.48 minutes. Then it just stalled. It must have been the old ones I watched. The new ones work fine on my computer but not on my galaxy tab. I read the comments above and I am not sure about the sollution. Does any one know if this can be changed/fixed? I want to be able to watch them in my craft room and work as Cindy works. Thanks much.
Hi Klay Kisses – There is a know issues with the latest video player on some Galaxy Tab devices. The developers are currently in the process of trying to figure out what is causing the issue. Everything is working great on iPads now (for videos from Vol-042 to current). But with Android tablets, they are newer in the marketplace, and are made by a wide range of competing manufacturers, so they it may take a bit before all the tech bugs are worked out.
A reminder, Christmas is coming and this tute is great!