Vid #129: “My grandson and his sister are coming today for a play day. So as usual your timing is perfect with this topic.” ~Illaya-B
The comment above from Illaya was actually in reference to the faux pebble bead tutorial. But I figured if her grandchildren get excited about making polymer clay pebbles, they may also have fun creating Harry Potter, eye of newt polymer canes.
My grandson last night thrilled me by asking if he could make jewelry. He and his sister are coming today for a play day. So as usual your timing is perfect with this topic. I am so gifted on this special day to have you for inspiration and guidance. Thank you Cindy. ~Illaya-B
Today’s post contains a special video presentation that Harry Potter fans especially, are going to love. It features some polymer clay wizardry, potions and Hogwarts props… a perfect tie in for this week’s Halloween theme. You will also get a chance to see the Luna Lovegood radish earrings from this Halloween Jewelry Ideas article.
Heck, there is even a Christmas gift giving reference in the video, a topic that has come up on more than one occasion here at the blog over the last few weeks.
If you subscribe to my Polymer Clay Newsletter, you will already know that today’s free video is my way of addressing the 5th Friday issue that comes up every once in a while.
You see, library members receive 4 polymer clay tutorial videos every month, on Fridays. But on months that have 5 Fridays instead of 4 (like this one), I try to come up with a special video to tide everyone over until the next Volume begins.
And the good news for non-members is, that these 5th Friday videos are free to watch. No log-in required. So without further adieu, here’s the clip…
PS: There is a second video you can watch this week as well.
It’s one of the more popular tutorial videos from the paid members library that I have opened up for free access in the past. And for a limited period of time, I am doing it again:
Lietz Teardrop Method For Creating Super Quick and Easy Skinner Blends
AMAZED again, your mind probably never stops spinning. Where do you come up with these great ideas. I bet you were a blast as a kid to play with. Imagination creates the most fun for children. I am going to have to put my mind to work to see what I can come up with for my grandkids. They are too young for Harry Potter at least the youngest. But I can take a childrens book with a different topic and come up with something. My Grandaughter (6) loves anything to do with Disney Princesses and my Grandson (3) loves Dinosaurs. I’m going to give myself a challenge to come up with something for Christmas. Let you know later what it is. Thanks again Cindy for giving me some much needed motivation.
Great project. You are guaranteed to be be the Favorite Aunt this year!!
I wish you would adopt me. Your voice is full of excitement when describing the book. Maybe you will have to make another book for yourself.
Thanks for the extra videos, you know how this group is and we and would be going through withdrawl without one this week.
Anna-Des Moines, Iowa
Thanks for the vid. Cindy. There was no Harry Potter when I was a child, but I would have loved a book like that! :) I never had any children but I adore this idea. I think your nephew will be tickled to pieces to get that book!! Cool Cindy, very cool…
~Lisa
Very cool, I know my boys would love that so your nephew will too! I love your creativity will all these found objects that you make into treasures. Fabulous!!!
The book is awesome! :)
Thanks guys! You should see all the cool stuff inside! There’s a tiny Marauder’s Map, a wand, a quill, Dragon’s Eyelashes (Peacock feather strands), Floo Powder (ashes and sand), Phoenix Tears (water with blue food coloring), Eye of Newt (polymer clay eyeballs), a bunch of different magical herbs (regular herbs like mint and sage), a Time Turner (strange little brass ornament with dangle that I found), a Hippogriff Scale (thin piece of shell from a lampshade), disappearing ink (water and lemon juice) and a few other miscellaneous magical items! I think he’s going to love it!
Hi Cindy,
Just want to say thanks for your repeat of the Tear drop blend this week. Even tho I have watched it so many times I really found some little points I had missed. So it is probably a good thing to jog our memories by going over things.
I do this some times with my few students who by the way at least one of maybe two have taken out a subscription with you from my telling them how good your site is, I think that is great. We are learning so much that some things get left behind.
Anyway thank you for this weeks videos. I am not a Harry Potter person but admired your altered book and the little treasures you had hidden in there and think the kids will be just gobsmacked. Has even given me ideas to do something similar with other things. So if I get going will be sending you pics soon.
All my love,
ElizabethK
Cindy, I love your altered book! What a clever, clever idea to use an old gardening tome, and the secret compartment in the back is pure genius. My DGS would love something similar, although I don’t think that my crafting skills are up to your level. Would you share with us how you made the nifty secret compartment in the back? I’ve never altered a book (long family history of “books are precious, NEVER do anything to them!” that isn’t current anymore) and have no idea where to start. Thanks very much.
Sue
p.s. Adored the newt’s eyes. Brilliant!
@Elizabeth – glad the teardrop video was a good refresher for you. And thanks for referring your students to my site.
@Sue – rather than me explaining how to make that secret compartment, follow the link by my name for a step by step outline.
Cindy, thanks so much. Who knew there was already a tutorial available?! The net is amazing. Thanks again.
Sue
How amazing… I’m so intrigued by the hollow book!!!
I picked up a fantastic old-looking book on a flea market a few months ago because I wanted to make a hollow book – for myself! Just haven’t done it yet.
Your Harry Potter book is awesome by the way! Love all the detail and thought that’s gone into it and I imagine it will give so much pleasure.
Hi Cindy and all
wow there I am in person. Found the Avatar place Cindy was telling us about, it works . So try it we will see more of each other and faces to names. What a good idea.
Also a great Video on the Hollow book. Love it.
Makes my job easier now
Cindy is always coming up with geat ideas and teaching us more that just the Poly Clay.
Thank you cindy. XXX
E.
How can I write on clay? Should I write (engrave) and then rub in paint??
Thanks guys!
It’s great to see your face Elizabeth! Way more personal than the sideways G! Thanks for setting up your Avatar!
@Cheryl: Yes you can just scratch the clay with a needle or something, then rub in paint. Another option is to use rubber stamps. Whatever works for your project.
What a great gift you’re giving the kids there. So unique. I’ll bet they had (are still having) a ball with it, casting spells. That’s the kind of gift that a child remembers. I also wanted to say how realistic your Luna Lovegood earrings are. They’re perfect radishes, and adorable earrings. Not my style exactly (I’d go for one of the darker Harry Potter characters’ look for myself,) but I would exclaim with joy if I saw someone wearing those earrings! So cute!