1: Poppy Beads
2: Spliced Flower Cane
3: Faux Leather
4: Chandelier Wirework
Once again it’s time to let all of you know which video tutorials are scheduled to be posted in the Polymer Clay Library during the month of October, in Volume-017. These videos are released on Friday mornings to help get you in the mood for a spending some fun time on the weekend playing with your polymer clay.
Hi Cindy, I’m really enjoying the weekly lessons, and have learned a great deal in a short time and have made lots of bead. Thanks. ~Judith-S
Here’s What’s Coming up in October (Volume-017):
Volume 017-1 Poppy Beads: This funky and modern shaped flower bead is ranked low on the difficulty scale (i.e. it’s easy to do), and high on style! You’re going to enjoy making these sturdy little beads as much as you enjoy using them in your jewelry designs. For a larger photo of my poppy bead bracelet, click here: Poppy Beads and Copper Findings
Volume 017-2 Spliced Flower Cane: Another polymer clay cane making project to add to your repertoire. This one is beautifully shaded and can be done in any contrasting color combination you choose. Looks fabulous in black and white too! Larger photo here: Making Silverware Jewelry with Polymer Clay Canes
Volume 017-3 Faux Leather: Learn how to create the look of leather in your beads and pendants with these cool and simple techniques. Great for Unisex and Earthy looking jewelry styles. A larger sample photo is posted here: Polymer Clay Faux Leather Projects
Volume 017-4 Chandelier Wire Working: This neat technique can be done in several sizes that can be used to make large pendants or smaller earrings. It all depends on the gauge size of the wire you use. The components can be used separately in several different jewelry applications and are perfect for showcasing your handmade polymer clay beads! Here’s an example: Copper Wire Chandelier Pendant
I hope you enjoy the new Volume-017 video tutorials! Preview clips of each tutorial will be posted here at the blog, usually on Monday or Tuesday in advance of the Full Friday release date.
Your site is the best! I am a newbie and have learned so much from your tutorials. I said a loud “yes” when I saw that you would be doing the Gerbera Daisy which was on the top of my list for learning. Thanks again for all the time and hard work that goes into keeping us all so happy! I, too, can’t wait until Fridays now. ~Catherine-R
Also don’t forget about the great new color recipe palettes that will be available during the month of October:
- Vol-017-A Series (for paid members):
Polymer Clay Color Recipes | Siberian Wallflower (Premo) - Vol-017-B Series (free for everyone):
Polymer Clay Color Recipes | Alpine Succulent Flower (Premo)
Here’s the link to Become a member at the Polymer Clay Library if you are interested. It’s very, very inexpensive.
Cindy, that was great [she is referencing one of the last polymer clay wire working video tutorials]. Will be doing this for a while, just need a bigger anvil. I feel sorry for the people who don’t subscribe to your website, they are really missing out. ~Bonnie-K
Wow you have a great line-up for October, can’t wait for the tutorials!
Very nice line-up. Will be a fabulous month!
Looks like great fun ahead, Cindy. Are the owl and HP book in the lineup soon?
Hi Cindy,
I would like to inquire about setting up an account for your online membership classes I do not have a credit or direct debit card as I usually don’t buy things over the internet and when I do, I use a visa gift card. Do you do direct debit from bank accounts? I love your free stuff that you post each week,but I would like to be able to go further with learning more about polymer clay. thanks from Natasja (ps. I’m from Australia and I’m not sure of the exchange rates $)
Hi Natasja,
Thanks for your interest in becoming a member at the library. I use PayPal to process all of the online transactions. They are an International company with a presence in just about every country around the world.
When you sign up for a membership, the process takes you to the secure PayPal site where you can set up your personal PayPal account. There is no cost to set up this PayPal account and it will allow you to pay with credit card, debit card or direct banking (they call it eCheck). There are many members in Australia that have been able to successfully sign up through the PayPal system, so I’m sure it will work for you too.
If you have any further questions, just let me know. Looking forward having you as a member.
Well after a little bit of a break from doing my clay, I am back. I should say, My wife and I are both back.
After getting the oven heat setting straightened out months ago, I now have this issue with burning again. All colors I use say to bake at 275 F for 30 mins. I use a white cermic tile (bought a Home Depot) for base platform for my baking (fits the exact size of the little oven rack. I place the flat items, decorative side up, pre-heat the oven for 20 mins with the tile in. Then I lay my pieces on the tile as described above and then place another tile on top of them to keep them from curling.
Some of the white color turns brownish and the yellows are anything but yellow. AND on top of that all of the surfaces that touch the bottom tile (always the back, non-decorative side of my pieces) get very shiney.
I always clean both the top and bottom tiles after each baking and meticulously monitor the temperature during the baking.
You have mentioned a tent many times, but I figure with the top tile there is no need for a tent.
Thoughts?
Doug & Cynthia Kelly
Blairsville, GA
Cindy,
Loved the Dogwood flower cane. The dogwood flowers we see here in North Georgia are either white or pink – and they are the most beautiful trees when in bloom. Next year I’ll get some pictures for you if I remember.
Doug Kelly
Blairsville GA
Hi Doug nice to see you back. As far as your scorching, you’re doing everything thing right. The only thing I can suggest is cutting the temp back. Your oven is probably still spiking even though it doesn’t show on the thermometer. (Probably cools down quick too and takes too long for your thermometer to catch up.) You won’t need to tent when you’re using the tiles, so it’s not that. Make sure you’re not using Sculpey III because it always scorches and discolors even if you’re doing everything right! Akkk! See the link by my name.
Thanks for the comment about the dogwood cane. I know the colors aren’t right, (artistic license on my part) but the petal shape is. We have a white dogwood across the street but with all the rain we usually get, the petals brown and wilt too quickly. I would love to see photos of your Dogwoods. Maybe it would inspire a new cane?
No on the Sculpey III – we use Premo.
Didn’t mean anything by the comment about your dogwood colors. Artistic license is what we all live to use.
We experimented with flower canes this past weekend. I find it odd how the transparent outer wrapper blends into with some colors when baked and not so much with others. Blue (I forget the exact color) was the worst offender – I used solid colors then shaved the thinnest of slices off the cane to lay on top of the raw, solid background (earring base). The I used a roller to just blend, ever so lightly, the cane into the base.
I guess we have to keep experimenting. Cynthia made a beautiful set by using all the scrap flower pieces and some grooving into a Skinner blend of green and yellow. That woman rocks!
That’s OK I knew what you meant. :-)
It is weird how the transparent doesn’t disappear on some of the colors. Black is really bad too. That is why having no backgrounds is nice, though they come with their own set of problems.
Experimenting in what works for you, is always the best way to go. So nice to see that you are back playing with your clay again!
Cindy – I am really learning a lot about polymer clay from your videos and wish I had found your web site sooner. Cheryl
Good to hear Cheryl – It’ s wonderful to have you as part of the community.
Hi Cindy,
My subscription was canceled in error. I think due to the fact that my credit card on file with paypal expired on June 30. I’ve since updated my card on paypal. I would love it if you could reinstate it. Your site is way to valuable to me to cancel! Keep up the good work!!!
Tressa