“It blows my
mind how you can
keep coming up with
ideas! Best videos on the
web, hands down.”
~Sandy-T
On June 29th, I posted an introductory preview clip for my Butterfly Wing Cane tutorial. Today, the full version of this video lesson (Vol-026-1) is available for viewing at the Polymer Clay Members Library. Here is the link: Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Cane for Making Earrings and Pendants
For anyone who is not yet a paid member, if you did not know, the cost works out to only $3.32 per month. This gives you 24/7 access to the full versions of my Friday video tutes. Plus you also receive four A-series color recipe cards. This week’s color is: Straw (1A) from the Marsh Reed Polymer Clay Color Palette.
I know I have saved at least $3.32 in clay and aggrevation by watching the Videos. Lord knows I have enough scap clay already !!! When you consider the cost of a PC book, these videos are a bargain. Let’s say a PC book with 15 projects is $26.00 (US); you may not even like all the projects in the book. For $26.56 you get an 8 month membership with 32 videos, plus color recipes!! I am not a math person but it makes sense to me. What I like about the video library is that I can go back and watch the videos later. Sometimes I may not be doing a particular project at the time but want to use that technique a couple months later. ~Anna-S
Thanks Cindy, as usual you are the one that explains things in a way that we can understand. I had a silver jewelry person tell me that you were suppose to crimp the the whole cord end, and it looked terrible. You just saved me a lot of money with this tip. I will be one of your followers for another 20 years. I love using ribbon as well, but could never find a good way to secure it. You solved this for me too. Thanks again, you are the highlight of my Fridays. ~Bonnie-K
To have a resource on tap for all those late night problems is amazing. I only have to refer to the back log of videos and I have the answer. What is even better about this library of video instruction is the price. I can’t believe it is so inexpensive. I would never discontinue this weekly service. Besides Cindy has this uncanny knack of taking a complex technique and simplifying it. Just look her take on the skinner blend!~Cara-L
If you want to become a paid member, here is the link:
Polymer Clay Video Library
Or if you are brand new to polymer clay, the best place to first learn all of the fundamentals is here: Polymer Clay Beginners Course
To browse other video tutorials that are available for purchase without becoming a subscribing member (in other words… just a one time fee), you can go here: Polymer Clay Video Back Issues
Weekly Wrap Up… Please use the comment sections of these Friday posts to discuss anything you like… from polymer clay challenges that you need some help with… to success stories about your jewelry creations… to requests for upcoming video tutorials… to general community chit chat. In other words, it’s an open mic :-)
Last week the Friday discussion topics included:
- Jewelry making with your dil.
- Lobster hooks for swapping dangle beads.
- Half hard wire discussion.
- Hardware store copper wire.
- Hubby retiring after 23 years
… finally able to finish craft room project
- Giving away heart necklaces… oops!
- Husbands can make good bloggers.
- Toaster ovens.
- Using thermometers to get the temp just right.
- Making bangles clasps that are easier to use.
- Bead caps tutorial request.
- Making molds out of polymer clay.
- Jewelry display stuff.
- Convection oven solves hot spot issues.
- Goodwill hunting.
- How to subscribe to blog comments.
- Receive blog articles via daily emails.
- Polymer Clay Tutor Newsletter.
- Nuwave ovens.
- Text on clay packaging too small to read.
- Sending letters to Polyform.
- Recovering from spinal surgery.
- It was like having hired help without paying.
- Beans and wienies and wiener wraps.
- LIfe is short so don’t waster a minute of it.
- Chronic pain.
- New car shopping.
- Drilling beads after they are baked.
- Jewelry supplies from the tractor supply store.
- Home Depot wire shopping… getting funny looks.
- And much, much more…
If you need to catch up, here is the link to the article where last week’s topics were discussed in detail: Copper Bangle Video
Otherwise, you can use the comment section below to start talking about some new topics and ideas. Happy Friday!!!
Oh and Happy Canada Day (yesterday) to all the canucks who follow this blog. And Happy 4th of July to those of you in US.
WOW ! This much easier than I thought -Love Cindy’s way KISS (keep it simple stoopid). No wonder we keep coming back for MORE. I would like to climb in Cindy’s mind LOL. I would never leave………Thanks to Cindy and Doug for these wonderful tutes…….Patt
Thanks again for a super video. The possibilities are endless as you could use any colour combinations that you choose.
Hi, I really appreciate all I’ve learned being a video subscriber. I have 2 questions.
1. What do you do to the back and sides of a piece that you apply resin to?
2. I took the recommendation from this site and use future floor polish as a finish to my jewelry pieces. I have sold many pieces and found out today that future yellows over time. This concerns me and I am wondering if anyone has experienced future yellowing.
Thanks for any input.
@Laura:Wow, Laura,
I am so glad you brought this up (future yellowing, I mean. I haven’t heard of it but my pieces probably have not been “futured” long enough for yellowing to occur. Can you expand a little on what you learned about this? It seems like very important info for all of us. It got me thinking-my bare floors are tile and therefore I don’t apply finish to them, but I remember my mother complaining about having to strip her floors periodically because of the finish yellowing. Now, this was eons ago and I know the products are vastly improved, but still, if there is even the slightest chance of pieces turning yellow–yikes!
@Elizabeth S.: Hi Elizabeth, I read it in a discussion list today. It was the first I heard of it and it kinda freaked me out, since I’ve been selling my pieces. They said, “Some people caution that Future may yellow with time. Also, prolonged contact with water or high humidity may cause the Future to cloud or turn sticky. Future isn’t quite as permanent as some other finishes, but many people are thoroughly satisfied with the results it gives.”
So I was wondering what others have encountered.
Laura
@Laura:Thanks for the quick response- I, too, hope others will add to the discussion.
@Elizabeth S.: When they say “may yellow with time,” it’s pretty vague. May yellow, and how much time are we talking about.” They don’t say “my stuff has yellowed.”
The future bottle says it doesn’t yellow, so I’m trying to find out more.
@Laura:Yeah, I guess if it doesn’t yellow for a hundred years we’re good (lol).
@Laura: I haven’t worked with the future floor finish yet, but I’ve read both opinions on it from others over time (mostly here on Cindy’s site) about yellowing as well as it standing up well and maintaining clarity after many years. I wonder if baking the finish again, once applied and dried to baked clay – has anything to do with the different opinions on this? Maybe the unbaked ones yellow, while the baked ones don’t?? Or the other way around? Hmmm……
@DJ: Lisa Pavelka indicated that baking pieces after applying her Magic Glos could cause them to yellow. Maybe this is true with Future also.
@Laura: Hi Laura, just realized your first question was not answered. I like to sand and buff the sides and back of my pendants and charms and add a little Studio by Sculpey Gloss Glaze if it needs it. Sometimes if the piece is really thin and I need the strength or the piece will be seen on both sides, I will use the resin on both the front and the back and just glaze the sides. Hope that helps!
@Cindy Lietz from Studio by Sculpey Glaze: Thank you for answering my question. That makes perfect sense!
Just got home and watched the video. it’s stunning and as always made so simple for all of us to follow. I have your pendant Cindy so I am going to try and make earrings.
To one Commonwealth member country from another: Happy Canada Day! O Canada, hope you’re celebrating with all stops out. Simply gorgeous butterfly cane lesson, thanks Cindy. I love to watch those lovely little hands working, making it look so easy.
Where can I get a UV curing lighting system?
@Rafael Hernandez:
I think your best bet to find a UV curing lamp is online because I’ve yet to see anything like it in a craft store or Walmart (at least in my area which is Montana). Although I have turtles which need UV lights that I buy at the pet store…. I’ve been thinking about testing out how they work with the UV curing resin but I haven’t gotten around to it yet!
@Rafael Hernandez: Rafael, I found mine on Ebay when I searched for “UV nail lamp”. There are many listed, rather than bid I chose the buy now option and paid $35, no delivery charge. It took a long time to arrive, and one of the 4 lights doesn’t work…but for the price and for my purposes it will do. Be sure to find one that has a shut off for the timer and can be used for extended periods.
Good luck in your search!
@Rafael Hernandez:
I don’t have a “system” but I have a setup that works very well. I had an “under the cabinet” type light that uses florescent bulbs. I took the regular light out and replaced it with a florescent “black light” from WalMart. When I need to use it, I put my piece(s)on a tile, sit the lighting fixture on two small boxes on each end so that it sits about 4 inches above the piece(s) I’m wanting to cure resin on. This works beautifully with Lisa Pavelka’s glazing medium. I haven’t tried it with any other brands but it should work.
@Arlene Harrison: Ken H is asking about this
This is a repeat of a comment I posted on the other day as a suggestion to give us a project on the weekend while Cindy is enjoying her family. I am re posting it in hopes it will be seen by more who will want to participate. There are several member who have shared a short bio with us already. Just go back to June 29th blog and you can catch up on the ones from the beginning. Please all think about sharing a little of you with all of us. ——- Just a comment for all the members. Since Cindy is no longer posting on the weekends I was wondering if we could take the time with in the next couple of weekends for everyone to post a comment about themselves. Where you live, age if you want, family just a small write up.
Peggy Sue Barnes, 52, live in Fort Madison, Iowa – USA, Married to a wonderful man for 33 years. 2 step daughters, 1 daughter, 9 grandchildren. A strong loving Mother and 3 sisters and 1 lovable puppy dog. I am a religious woman who loves my Lord and excepts Jesus as my saviour. I love my family they are the world to me. Of course my favorite hobby PC and love spending time on this wonderful blog with all of you. I hope to learn a little about each one of you. I send Uuuuuugggggs instead of hugs because my grandchildren and I just throw an Uuuuuggg to each other when I am in too much pain for a real Hug. My 7 yr. old granddaughter came up with this 3 yrs ago. She calls it the painless hug.
So many Uuuuuugggggs to all of you, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: This is a delightful idea which allows us to get to know each other a little better. I am 48 years old, was born in England but have lived for the past 26 years in Florence, Italy. Very happily married to an Italian man. We have two boys (14 and 12 years old) who are completely bilingual. My two younger boys often play with me while I am making something and my older “boy” is always coming up with ideas about marketing and style. I am SO happy to have discovered polymer clay, Cindy Lietz, and all of you!
OK Peggy,
Here I go-I love this idea of expanding the depth of the friendships generated here.
I’m Elizabeth Schydlower. I live in El Paso, TX, USA; married to the man of my dreams for almost 42 years; mother of two sons and a daughter; grandmother of 6 1/2 cutie pies, the 1/2 is a little boy coming this fall.
I’m a retired marriage/family therapist. Currently I work very part time as a “Standardized Patient” at the medical school here, meaning that we are given scripts to play for the medical students and residents depicting various conditions which they then have to figure out using interview and examination. This is a tiny synopsis of the job description but it’s kinda cool to watch them grow in their assessment skills. There is always either a faculty member in the room or the session is monitored on camera to ensure proper procedure, but nonetheless, we have all had to get comfortable in our own skin. Anyway, that is a very long drawn out way of talking about how I support my Hobby Lobby habit.
I love to read, cook and garden. I hate technical stuff, especially computers because it makes me feel dumb (or dumber, I’m not sure, but in other areas of my life I’ve been pretty successful so I think that maybe they are just out to get me). I’m a bit of a gym rat unless I find something more interesting to do (happens often). I have to do something with pc every day. I’m happy and healthy love to laugh. I hate flying when it’s bumpy. I hate hot flashes (do they EVER stop?). I’m blessed.
Cindy and Doug, love the summaries…each day this blog improves. Thanks to the both of you, hope you enjoy our national holiday with some fireworks in Canada!
Well here goes! I am happily married to my soul mate -55yrs plus. I JUST LOVE POLYMER CLAY. 3 Grown kids, 3 grandkids that we adore. Live in hot ole Tucson Az -18 plus years.From Texas -via California( Berkeley). Have a crazy yellow Labrador, Connor. Have taught dog obedience for over 40 years ( retired in 2010). Have bred, trained, shown Labs forever, and lost them too. I have been doing PC for about 5 years. I even went to Cindy’s site before -when it was free TeeHee. Can’t believe the wonderful tutes here, sure wish I had joined a loooong time ago , what I have missed, oh well, catching up NOW. Do aquarobics twice a week, just love to outside( except in the summer time -today 109 -ugh).In a nut shell -love life………patt -ps did I say I love PC ?
Hello, my name is…Sue Daigle and I am addicted to polyclay! Was married for 24 years and husband walked out three days before our 25th!! But that was probably the best thing that has happened to me for ages because I now have more energy for other things (stress sucks the life out of you). I have a son, 24, and a daughter, 21, and a wonderful son-in-law. No grandchildren yet, I promised not to bug them for two years and they have one year left. I live up here in the wilds of Maine. Getting connected to others on sites like this has been a Godsend, believe me. Oddly enough, it was only after joining the Maine Etsy team I found out all the incredible diversity of creative talent up here! But the distances between everyone makes me appreciate these posts more than ever. The weather is a gorgeous 80+ with a lovely breeze, the sun is shining and my roses are blooming here in my new garden and the laundry is flapping. For fun I love to watch my two cats stalk and chase each other around the house. The funny thing is: if they lay in wait for too long they fall asleep…
And I gotta say there has to be a magic spell on the faux ivory tute because stuff sells like crazy. Here’s a question: what color do you folks like to use on it? I’ve tried brown and a spice brown (which turned out too red and the brown was too black). I’ll be trying an ochre soon.
As for Future yellowing: I know that if layers build up on floors it does yellow and needs to be stripped but that takes years. The only time I’ve seen that happen is on white linoleum floors; not sure what it would look like on darker colors. Cindy recommended Sculpey’s Studio Glossy Glaze; said that it seems to sink into the clay a bit. I haven’t used it yet but am interested to see what happens. I find that Future gets sticky in humid weather; buffing helps. And a Dremel is definitely in my future (pun??).
A little about me….
I am a 32 year old mom of 2 boys and married to my best friend. I love my family, my life and my Lord. I’m a nurse by profession and an artist in my heart. My friends call me a workaholic. I usually never sit down long enough to even watch a movie all the way through, unless of course I’m claying…. PC has been my grounding, renewing, soul-refreshing time…. it’s usually the only “me time” I get in the week and I truly savor it!!!
Hi all! I am getting sooo tired of bed rest, but I still have until the22nd before I know if I can start putting pressure on my left leg. Gosh thats a long time from now. Ok enough whining.
Cindy, I am not sure where I saw this technique (I’ve been on every polyclay site there is) but I saw where you can use regular playdough to put in the crevices of your cane before reducing. Then you reduce as normal, but the playdugh won’t stick to the polymer clay, and you can remove fairly easy with your hans and some water. Anyway the end result is supposed to look like there is no filler, makinf things look more realistic. Have you heard of this or tried it?
Hope everyone has a great 4th of july weekend!!! Watch the fireworks for me.
@Tiffany:
I’ve used the play dough method to reduce canes before…. it works pretty well but you should wrap a sheet of scrap clay around the packed play dough. It takes a little practice but it’s quite effective with flowers. There is a draw back… the play dough tends to be more squishing then the polymer clay and it doesn’t always reduce like it would with translucent clay but I did made some fabulous flower beads with the technique.
@Tiffany:
Clarification: You should wrap a sheet of scrap clay around the entire cane after packing it with play dough.
@Tiffany: Hi Tiffany sorry to hear you are confined to bed. What did you do to your leg? I will put you in my prayers till I know you are doing much better. I hope that is soon.
The technique you were talking about with the Play Doh was created by Idit Zoota. You can go to polyclayplay website and go to to artists tutorials. Yonat did a free tute on Idit’s technique. I think it might also be on you tube. Let us know what you think about this technique and send us a few pictures if you can. Best of Luck on your clay work and your recovery.
Many Uuuuuuggggggs, Peggy
@Tiffany: Tiffany,
I just want to add my prayers and best wishes for speedy healing of your leg. You’ll just have to let us keep you company until you are up and around and back to your life.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
I am in a polymer clay e-group and they are going to have a swap. We are to make 10 tiles to swap with others. They are supposed to be able to be used in a bracelet or a necklace. They are not to be drilled. Do you think that I could make a tile with your faux raku crackled? I would love to try it. Do you think that would make a good tile? Should I use PYMII on it or Future? I haven’t purchased any PYMII yet, but plan to. Thank you for any suggestions that you can give me.
@Dorothy Hjermstad: Sounds like a fun swap and Raku makes very nice tiles for a bracelet or pendant. I have used PYMII and like it a lot. Easy to use but it does have a strong odor so I try to spray outside on days when it isn’t windy and you can use it on so many things. This is only my opinion but I say go for it. Please share a picture of whatever you do so we can see it. Oh ya I forgot the PYM dries fast so you can have 2-3 coats on in less time than 1 coat of future.
Good Luck and Uuuuggggs, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: Just an FYI: Doug and Donna Shepherd addressed the strong odor and have reduced it in their newest formulation. If interested in buying, check my blog or website: dovedesigns.blogspot.com or lordstreasures.com.
@Dorothy Hjermstad:Hi Dorothy,
I have made small tiles for a mirror surround using the faux raku method and they turned out well. One thing I would have done differently had I known then, was to place glad wrap over them before I cut them out. It would have given me a much nicer beveled edge. I second the request for pictures of what you make.
@Elizabeth S.: Thanks for the tip, Elizabeth (and Peggy).
WOW!!!!!!! This is amazing, I love the response getting to know each other just a little bit better has made me feel like I have known some of you for a very long time.
Thank you all so much for doing this. Don’t forget Carolyn F’s idea of saving them into a separate file. I am going to give this a try and I think I can do it all on my own too. Elizabeth I am very much like you when it comes to my competition with the computer. It so
often wins most of our battles. This is why I haven’t tried to do any thing with Cindy’s newest contest. I need to ask my husband for some of his help and he has been so very busy doing summer jobs for family and friends. He does so much for me already and I know he would drop what he was doing just to help me. I will just have to wait and see if he starts to slow down any before the contest is over.
I hope we keep getting more bios, I love reading about each and every one of you.
pattw – HOW BLESSED 55 YEARS OF MARRIAGE –
Elizabeth – 6 1/2 cutie pies Now that is 6 blessings and a half.
Sue D. – You took a tragedy and turned it into something great, what strength, Congratulations and a great son-in-law that is a definite plus.
Everyone of you are so special in so many ways. Never forget that.
I am so honored to be a part of this wonderful family.
Love and Uuuuuuuuuuugggggs to all, Peggy
Well here I go…I think most of you will remember me from my sad story of losing the love of my life. I think about posting on here every day..I have had a hard time of letting anyone in to help me get through this. But as I read your post everyday..All I can think is what a wonderful group of people. So here is the rest of my story..I am the Mom of three wonderful kids, My son leaves in 2 weeks for the Army..I am so proud of him..I know it will be tough to see him go. I will have my baby who is 16 still at home with me. For now I just pray to get through each day. I have wonderful friends and family that help. Its been almost 10 months now since my Vance passed away. I still miss him a lot. He was my inspiration when it came to my Polymer clay. Now that he is gone I have had to dig deep inside myself to find that inspiration. I want to let everyone know that just reading your post and seeing how everyone tries to help each other with their problems is a comforting thing in this world to see. I have been preparing for my first showing of my jewelry. I am scared to death, I have not tried to do this before. Close to my home we have what is called the Savvy Moms Sale. I will be attending this later on this month. So with my fingers crossed I am hoping this will be a turning point for me. I think now I am ready to become more involved in this great community of wonderful people. Thanks again Cindy for the wonderful work that you do for all of us.
@Jackie: I am so glad you decided to share more of your life with all of us. It is a blessing you have God in your life. Sounds like he has blessed you with 3 wonderful children. Wow Savvy Mom’s Sale, sounds like someone has come up with a terrific idea to help out a lot of Moms. I will put you in my prayers and I hope you find the strength and encouragement to have a wonderful successful day with all the Savvy Moms. As said before the money is just an added bonus to something that could get you started in a great direction to this new part of your life. Go get them Savvy Mommy!!
Many, Many Uuuuuugggggs, Peggy
@Jackie: Jackie, I remember how lovely your pieces were, I just know you’ll do well at your sale. I understand about letting people in to help, it really is hard when you’re used to being in control that way. I slowly found that it helps the ones close to us cope too…they feel helpless by not being able to do anything. And then creating things makes us open up too, again hard when you feel vulnerable already.
This is a brave step for you, keep us posted (although I feel in my heart the outcome will be positive!!).
@Jackie: I somehow missed getting all the responses to Peggy’s great idea of bios … until today, so I’m playing catch up. Jackie, you won’t believe this, but I was thinking of you just yesterday and wondering how you are doing. It had been such a long time since we heard from you. I felt a kinship for a long time since we are both recent widows. How wonderful for you to still have sons at home. That’s the hardest for me … this empty house that cries out for Don every time I turn around. There are no real distractions … and no one else to cook for. There are really more good days than bad, though even on the good days there is that ache of missing my Don. There are times it knifes right through me. And then there are the times when I just feel so blessed to have had him by my side for 43 years. I’m also very thankful that he is no longer suffering. God is good and it is so freeing to know that I will be with him again one day.
@carolyn: Hi Carolyn..i know what you mean by good days and bad days. I am glad that I have my boys here, It would have probably been hard to be here alone. I am looking forward to having more good days than bad days, and I know in time it will happen. I try to stay busy with my clay to keep my mind occupied. I am sure I will have this ache in my heart for a really long time, but I just keep telling myself that I am one of the lucky ones..There are a lot of people that will never know the feeling of being loved like that. I am glad you had that also with Don..and it is like you said we will be together again one day..Well 10 days and counting..guess I better get back to working on my jewelry..Take care.
@Jackie: I pray the sale will be rewarding for you … financially, but mostly emotionally. We new widows need all the emotional boosts we can get! Blessings on you!
Jackie, I wish you the best of luck on your sale. Post as much as you want and discuss whatever you need to to… this place is perfect for sharing all of you, not just the clay. Cindy has managed to create a site and forums that encourage friendship and bonding, as well as excellent instructions.
Earlier, Cindy made a remark somewhere about how happy she was to see this group come together, and I agree!
Party’s at Cindy’s!!!!!!
Thank you Jocelyn..I will need some luck..I also wanted to share a tip I found somewhere. I can’t remember where I read it and as crazy as it seems it really works. I am sure everyone has got some clay that is hard as a brick..Try this. Put it in a gallon zip lock bag. Then put that bag inside of another bag. Go outside and put it under the wheel of your tire. Drive over it about 10 times. When you take it out of the bag it will be soft again. I know crazy huh? But it works.
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More Discussion On this Topic Here:
Running Over Your Clay With Your Car
And Here:
Donna Kato Does It Too!
And for even more unorthodox ideas to about how to condition ornery and cantankerous clay, use “jana whack” as the keyword phrase in the search box at the top of the page.
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@Jackie: lol ….I sometimes wonder how people coime up with these ideas but then figure it”s neccesitiy…..lol. I think that would work. Should I do it at night so the neighbors aren’t watching? Thanks for the Tip!!!
Andrea
I know what you mean the first time someone caught me doing it. The look on their face was priceless. They thought I had lost my mind…lol I assured them I had not.
@Jackie: Ah, the things pcers are willing to do for the life of their clay, right? I wish I could have been hidden somewhere watching those who were watching you. Priceless!
Also, let me add my best wishes for success at your show. I recognize that this is a big big step on so many levels and that the meaning of success in this case will encompass more than just sales.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
@Elizabeth S.: Thank you Elizabeth..You are so right. This sale is not just about the money..Its about building my confidence.
@Jackie:Whoops, my last comment was meant for you, Jackie (forgot to hit the reply button).
I’ll just say it again-I am so honored that you are letting us be a part of this journey.
@Jackie: This is almost as bad as the things we ask for at Home Depot!
p.s. forgot to say that my name is Susan Bates and another very important member of the family is our cat Clooney!
hi everyone i might as well add my fivepennorth also
I live in England in a place called Cleckheaton nr Bradford West Yorkshire.
We moved here to our bungalow when we got married in 1963 we had to be no more than 3 minuets away from the fire station as he was also on call
after he finished his regular hour’s.Its so convenient( near to town and bus station )that we have never moved.
I have been retired now for 5 years and love every minuit .
We have two sons and five grandchildren. Three of them live close by and stay over night on alternate weekends (the other they stay with their other grandparents.)the girls are 12 and 10 and love to get their hands on my crafting stuff especially my clay Charlie is just turned 4 and
is a little hand full .he has the attention span of a nat.he is not into crafting yet just likes to run and shout and play outside .
We all like to go to the park on the Saturday and its something for all ages as often its difficult finding things that suits them all.
I am afraid i am not very interesting as i have not done much in the way of a carear the last job i had before i retired was working in the Bakery at Tesco’s.
@Carole Holt:Carole,
I love your story! It could be mine with your description of grandchildren spending the night on week-ends etc. There is something universal about grandparenting, isn’t there?
@Carole Holt: Not interesting because you have not done much in the way of a career. It is no small task being married and raising children. Don’t you let anyone tell you any different. Not only is it the hardest work you won’t get any training for the job and there is no job duty lists or manuals to help you either. I think it is the most rewarding job anyone can ever have. So don’t short change yourself of one of the greatest accomplishments a woman can achieve. I was a stay at home Mom and housewife until our youngest daughter went to school. I use to always tell my husband that this job had the best of benefits but the weekly wages needed to be raised. I can also speak from the wonderful gift you made me for the buffalo snow what a very talented and accomplished artist you are. I have received many wonderful compliments on my beautiful faux opal necklace you made me.
You are an interesting, talented person with a very big heart.
Love and Uuuuuggggs, Peggy
Hi everyone – feels like family, right? It is so nice to get to know you all. What a gift !! Happy 4th of July -hope you have a safe and grand ole time !
I have never enjoyed a “chat” site so much – keep it going……….patt
I’m honored that you are letting us be a part of this.
Carole H: you are interesting. Sounds like you have created a loving family and that’s probably one of life’s hardest jobs. I love the idea of you all spending time in your park. What fun it must be to have your grandchildren work with clay. Maybe you have future clay artists-in-the-making.
Granddaughter of Irish dairymen and German grocers, and love polymer clay. Disabled, single, though was lucky to find my child “Tasja” who amazes me constantly. Here, in the Connecticut River Valley we mine emeralds, garnet, all colors of tourmaline, and the lovely Compass Stone…blue corundum or iolite, and enjoy the green wooded hills and mighty river system and watershed. Samual Clemens called this place home, and now, I truly can see why, and never want to leave.
Hi all,
This has been wonderful, reading and getting to know everyone a little bit better!
I live in Vancouver, BC (Richmond) but I was born in Alberta (Canada). I’ve been extremely blessed to have a loving mom and dad that let us climb trees, encouraged tolerance and allowed us to explore.
I’m trained in graphic design and illustration. I worked “in the field” and had interesting freelance projects, but I later had a difficult time finding steady work during the downturn in the 90’s. I also needed computer training for a field I was beginning to question. I loved the creative part, but the business and advertising aspect was hard for me….something I struggled with for years. I settled in Vancouver 12 years ago (lived in Montreal and Toronto before that). I met Dean and my amazing two year old stepson a year later and in 2003, married the best person I know. We travelled, camped, juggled work and experienced as much as we could in a few short years because Dean was diagnosed at 39 yrs., with ALS – a terminal disease – in ’01. Even though it’s been challenging we strive each day to laugh, stay connected to friends and family and move forward, appreciating the things we can with one another, our son, 2 dogs and 1 cat.
I miss creative stuff, but during the past year I learned I had a passion for polymer clay jewelry along with digital photo collage and look forward to learning more about these down the road.
@DJ: I am so glad you found pc and even happier you found Cindy and your clay family. It must be very hard for you at times. Thank God you have your step son. I bet he is crazy about you. Does he enjoy working with the pc with you. If ever there is anything any of us can do for you please let us know. We are here for each other. I know this is how the majority of us feel. Cindy and Doug have created the worlds best blog and tutorials and with all that talent a wonderful family of clayers has emerged. I don’t think anyone would argue this fact. What would we all do without the dream team of Cindy and Doug. You and your family are in my prayers.
God be with you. Uuuuuuuuggggggs, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: Thank you for your kind words Peggy, you’re such a sweetheart. Your warmth and compassion is one of the many reasons this place is so special!
I feel really fortunate to have a good relationship with my stepson. We did try polymer clay years ago, he was about 6 or so and loved it. Now he’s 13 (yikes!!)- not quite as interested in crafts, although he did like the pc/chord bracelet I made him (one for him, and one for his dad) on Father’s Day :)
A question about finishing. On my sculpy pieces, I have been trying to add a matte or glossy finish. I have used Delta Ceramcoat interior varnish in both matte and gloss. Some of these pieces end up sticky after the finish has dried, but other do not. Why don’t all of them come out sticky? Have you ever dealt with this problem? Love the website; keep it coming!
@Jackie: I just wanted to say to you and all those who have been sharing their story here, how proud I am that you feel so at home here. I think sometimes we all just need someone to reach out to. Who understand our passion to create and express ourselves through our art.
The wonderful thing about polymer clay is that it is very patient. If something comes up in our lives, an illness a distraction of some sort, it will wait for us. We can start a project and then come back to it as we can. Not all creative mediums with such an extent of possibilities can do that.
I am very pleased you have the strength to come back to us Jackie. Hope to see lots more of you around these parts!
@Laura: As far as your pieces yellowing, I wouldn’t worry about that too much. It would take a fair amount of time to notice any amount of yellowing and even then it would just give it a warm glow. To tell you the truth though I haven’t been using a lot of finishes like Future on my beads lately unless they absolutely need it for protection like mica powders on the surface, etc.
Except for UV Resin on flat items and PYMII on dimensional or unsandable items, I think the best, most professional finish you can give your beads is a well done sanding and buffing. No streaks, no yellowing, no drips, no cost… just shine.
Now I’m sure there’s a lot of groaning out there, but truly its the best finish. I have been waiting for a new sanding product that should help ease the time spent which I will show you all once I get it. I’ll let you know once I’ve tried it.
@Martha L: Don’t use the Delta Varnish. It is probably reacting with the plasicizers in the clay. If you need a matte finish use the Studio by Sculpey Glaze. It is compatible with polymer clay.
@Cindy Lietz from Butterfly Wing Cane Tutorial Now Playing in Library: Aren’t you suppose to be taking the weekend off. Weekend = Saturday and Sunday. Take your time off and get some rest. Or do you know what rest is?
Love and Uuuuuggggs, Peggy
@Cindy Lietz from Studio by Sculpey Glaze: Thank you for responding about future and yellowing. I changed to verathane, but it streaks on the pieces no matter what I do, brush or q-tip. I sand my pieces, but don’t have a dremel, so they have a sort of dull shine, not a glass-like shine like with the future.
@Cindy Lietz from Studio by Sculpey Glaze:Cindy, Thank you for your kind words.. 16 days and counting before the big sale..I absolutely love your butterfly wing tutorial. I have been working on those for the past few days..Pendants, Pins, Hair barrettes..the possibilities are endless because of your wonderful ability to teach. I have also made dragonfly’s from the same cane. I was so amazed at how easy it was. I would love to show pictures as soon as I have them finished. I think I will probably post some on my face book page. Thanks again everyone for your encouragement it means the world to me.
I thought I’d share a link I came across today, about Future Finish yellowing over time. It’s a model enthusiast’s site and raises some interesting points about what may cause yellowing – UV exposure is a main cause – regardless of finish. Hope it helps a little… = )
Maybe that’s why my beads are so sticky. I used the Ceramcoat. I hated to use them in a bracelet but kept them because they came out so nicely. Maybe I’ll give them a bit of a sanding and just buff. Now I’m on pins and needles waiting for that new sanding product!!
(Hey, wasn’t Cindy supposed to be taking weekends off? LOL)
Hi there. I have a question, and as the most straightforward person I have found on the net on polymer clay usage, I have come to you, Cindy. Hope you don’t mind.
Yesterday I tried my hand at clay canes for my miniature scenes. I could only get my hands on Fimo Soft or Sculpey III, so I chose to have a go at the Fimo. Surprisingly, first time I made the most gorgeous canes, lime and lemon and grapefruit and a heap of candy ones, as well as tiny fruits, even a lime with some of the cane through the middle, so when I cut it, there was a teensy cut lime looking fabulous. I was so impressed with myself I could hardly stand it. Even my hubby was quiet amazed at my luckiness as a first-timer. I did not expect to have much luck with Fimo Soft.
So the problem? Well, I should note, I used nothing but the clay, as is from the sealed packets. I worked on a piece of baking paper that I taped down on my worktable to protect it from dies, I used a razer blade and a stronger craft knife for cutting, a teeny bit of cornflour on a glass jar for rolling, and that is IT. I put my creations on a cookie tray lined with a few sheets of baking paper to protect them from scorching, and placed into an oven set all the way down at 100degreesC. And about 60seconds after the tray went into the oven, the whole lot was on fire.
So, after seeing the warnings about toxicity on your site somewhere, I switched the oven off and got the kids (2yrs and 6yrs) and hubby out and called the fire brigade, and after they had been and put my kitchen out and cleared the house for entry again, the big question was: WHAT HAPPENED? I deliberately set my oven to the lowest temp I could because my pieces were so tiny, and I am not exaggerating with the time it took to catch. I put them in the oven, walked out of the kitchen and walked with my youngest down the hall to her room, and just as I sat on the bed, the smoke alarm went off, and I ran back to the kitchen and the entire oven was on fire!
So, what did I do wrong? The Fimo was a little hard, but I didn’t add anything to it, I worked it with my hands until it was manageable. No chemicals or anything came into contact with the Fimo, my oven had not been recently cleaned, so no cleaning chemicals, but it was not dirty either, there was no grease clinging to the walls or anything, the tray was clean and rinsed with hot water, the baking paper is what I have cooked my cookies on for the last ten years, it was all on the middle shelf and well away from the elements, in fact, there is no damage to the elements at all, so I know that nothing touched them. But all I have to show for all my hard work is a tray of charcoal! I cannot fathom what I have done wrong!!
I guess it is just driving me crazy, now that I have done cleaning. BTW, if Fimo catches on fire, the smoke gets EVERYWHERE -no matter how far away from the fire it was, or even if the door was shut- and leaves greasy black residue on porcelain, paper and card, and plastic surfaces. For some reason it didn’t really adhere to any walls except the kitchen, and not on wood or glass, or I would have had even more cleaning to do. Also, the smoke billows up fast, our whole house was filled with thick black smoke in minutes, and it is not good to inhale, and you cannot see through it, so we are lucky that the kitchen is close to the door, and we were even closer. Otherwise we would have been lost trying to get out. So I fully endorse this whole, put your toaster oven outside thing!! Lol.
Could you shed any light on things? I am never going to be allowed near anything of the sort again unless I figure out what happened- I have already been temporarily banned from all craft, including origami, for the safety of my family, lol. At least we can laugh about it. And as it is, if I do try polymer clay again? I think I may stick to the boiling technique!
Confuzzied, Bewildered and Bemused,
Branny
@Branny: Hi Branny — Wow, sounds like you had quite the scare! I’m sorry that this happened to you, especially after having such a wonderful first try with your canes! It’s good you can laugh it off.
Your stuff sure went up fast — it does seem like something must be wrong with your oven, like Koolbraider suggested. Still, since your stuff is so little, it wouldn’t take very long to burn them if the oven was waaay too hot. Most ovens are off at least a little bit — yours could be more extreme. Pick up an oven thermometer at a dollar store, or in the kitchen section at the grocery or discount store. It will help you determine the temperature of your toaster oven. Granted, the temperature fluctuates quite a bit in a toaster oven, so you really need to watch it carefully. Did you preheat your oven when you had “the incident”? It could’ve been spiking, or blasting heat trying to reach temperature — those tiny little slices would burn up fast if the oven was that hot.
Check everything out, and see what you learn about your oven. Let us know what you find out, so we can get to the bottom of this problem and get you on to making beautiful polymer clay miniatures! Best of luck, Kat Riverside, CA, USA (Where are you from?)
PS: FYI, There are dozens of articles filled with baking information here at the blog, too. You can search for additional info using the box at the top left. Baking problems are the #1 issue, so there are quite a few articles on this topic to be found, all with comments & answers underneath. A search will find them, along with great baking tips & tricks from Cindy and members, too. I wish you luck with this, and please leave another comment so we know how it’s going! :D
@Branny: I’m really sorry to hear your pieces burned like that. I’m fairly new to clay too, but there was one thing I was wondering about. Is there any chance the slices may have had rubbing alchohol or something similiar on them? I’ve read that the rubbing alchohol needs to be completely dry before baking. Sure hope this is your last experience with burning clay, it does not sound pleasant at all :(
Branny, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this happening anywhere and while I’ve only been working with clay for 5 years I have done a lot of research when needed. Was your oven gas or electric? And you mean that you put your pieces in the oven on paper. Does this mean you didn’t transfer the paper with tape on it to the cookie sheet and then cover with more paper? (What I mean is: did you remove the pieces from the original paper, removed the tape, and put them on new paper before puting them in the oven?) Do you know exactly where the fire started? Did you have it inspected by a fire marshal? And your oven is maybe ten years old? I’d be tempted to say the fire was due to the oven rather than the clay (I do the cooking on card stock/corn starch/cover with parchment paper in my tiny toaster oven several times a week. My recommendation: have soemone, either a fire marshall or an appliance repairman (better, both) to check your oven. Given the number of clayers out there I’m thinking we would have heard of this happening before now.
Most clayers would also tell you not to use this oven to cook food anymore. Actually, if you ever want to use your regular oven for clay you should be using a covered pan, like a turkey roaster so that the clay fumes don’t go through into the rest of the oven. That’s why most of use use a dedicated toaster or convection oven for clay.
I got the impression that Branny was using her regular oven since she mentioned a middle shelf, which toaster ovens don’t usually have. That’s why I mentioned that baking clay shouldn’t be done in the same oven you cook food in unless you seal the clay so no fumes get loose. It’s along the same lines as using the pasta machine that’s dedicated to just clay and NEVER using it for food purposes.
Some things about myself. I have three daughters who are married to wonderful guys, seven grandchildren (4 boys, 3 girls), the oldest four are married to great spouses, and one great-grandchild. My husband and I live in the country outside a small town in NE Ohio in the same house we bought just before our oldest child was born.
We took the oldest grandchildren on week-long camping vacations when they were younger and now take the younger three on shorter vacations. We are older now so we stay in hotels that have a swimming pool. These grandchildren are siblings and don’t get along as well as cousins.
I still have one client from my home business of word processing, but he only wants occasional work from me.
My oldest daughter also makes jewelry, but she works with lampwork beads. We have done shows together in the past, but she moved recently so I don’t think that will happen much now. The other two daughters and their families live nearby and we get together at our house for Sunday night suppers. Picnics in the summer.
I love to read and sometimes that takes time away from pc work. :-)
This forum is great to “talk” and pick each other’s brains. So much helpfulness.
Wow, this has been a fun afternoon reading all these bios and discussions. I try to set Sundays aside as days to enjoy and not to work … though some things like gardening are work to some people, but I enjoy it … same with cleaning my motorhome to get it ready for this year’s jaunts. That’s fun and not work. Sitting here reading this blog has been most enjoyable and freeing. The only problem was that I got so engrossed that I sat here in one spot for too long and had a hard time getting back up. The most recent word on arthritis is to keep in gentle motion. That’s probably why working with PC helps to keep my hands limber … this is true also of my wire working. I just haven’t figured out a good way to sit at my computer and still stay in motion. I’m sure I’ll figure something out. Anyway, I say thanks to all of you for a most enjoyable afternoon. Blessings!