6 Videos #457 to #462: Making a bracelet is the focus for this tutorial series… but don’t stop there!
If you are looking to learn a polymer clay jewelry project that’s lets you easily add your own unique style to it… this is it!
This Faux Enamel Viking Knit Bracelet Tutorial can be created in so many different colors, designs, patterns, finishes and metals, that the number of options will truly have your head spinning with creative ideas!
But don’t worry… I’ll hold your hand through the whole project… teaching you all the tips and tricks for creating an amazing dimensional Faux Enamel Polymer Clay Technique… perfect for making gorgeous bracelet components, pendants, earrings and tile beads.
Plus I will teach you the ancient wire chain making art of Viking Knit… only using a cool new modern tool that makes the process simple to do. The Viking Knit cord can be made using just about any type of metal wire, including copper, bronze, silver and gold… as well as the less expensive permanently coated wires such as Artistic Wire. So you won’t have to use up all your “good” wire when practicing this fun and addictive technique.
You can also create the Viking knit cording in any length you desire, and a variety of different thicknesses too. Based on what you learn in this tutorial, you will be able to make necklaces and earrings, in addition to the bracelet design I share in this tutorial.
Posted just below is a Sneak Peak and overview of my Faux Enamel & Viking Knit Tutorial. The rest of the 6 part video series will be posted tomorrow (Friday, December 6, 2013) in Vol-067 at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library.
BTW, if this Faux Enamel & Viking Knit tutorial looks exciting to you, please do click that YouTube Like button. Many of you have been giving the Thumbs Up to the weekly YouTube videos, which is great… Thank You! However, these monthly intro clips need some love as well. When they don’t get as many likes, it makes it look like they are not appreciated as much… which surely can’t be true with all the nice comments you all leave :)
Vol-067-1: Video #457: Introduction: In this 6 part video tutorial series, you will learn how to create a versatile faux enamel polymer clay technique using stencils and liquid polymer clay. You will also learn how to do the ancient wire chain making art of Viking Knit. The ideas and techniques can not only be used for the projects I demonstrate in this tutorial series, but also for other home decor and jewelry projects as well.
Vol-067-2: Video #458:
Polymer Faux Enamel Technique:
In this video, I show how to make your bracelet component using a faux enamel polymer clay technique. You will learn about the huge number of options for creating your own unique piece. Depending on the colors, the stencil patterns, the shapes and the sizes chosen for your design, you can create an unlimited variety of jewelry designs from this one single technique.
Vol-067-3: Video #459:
Baking and Finishing:
In this video, I demonstrate the simple techniques and tools needed to bake and finish your polymer clay bracelet component to achieve professional looking results. I’ll be teaching you a neat little trick for making curved baking forms as well as how to drill your polymer clay focal piece, to work perfectly in your bracelet design. The information you learn in this video will cross over to many other polymer clay projects as well.
Vol-067-4: Video #460:
Viking Knit:
In this video, I show you how to use the Lazee Daizee Viking Knit Wire Weaving Tool to create gorgeous wire weave cording that you’ll be able to use for making the bracelet in this tutorial. You will also be able to use this new wireworking skill to make many other jewelry items including necklaces, earrings and any other place that a thick decorative cording is needed. It is a great look for both women and men’s jewelry designs.
Vol-067-5: Video #461:
Drawing Down the Viking Knit:
In this video, I teach how to draw down the Viking Knit weave into a more condensed, smaller diameter, flexible cording… by using a draw plate. Included are all kinds of tips and tricks for making this process easier. I also will discuss the different options for your bracelet design so that you can customize the piece to exactly what you are looking for.
Vol-067-6: Video #462:
Assembling the Bracelet:
In this video, you will learn the finishing tricks that will take your polymer clay and viking knit bracelet from a pile of components to a one-of-a-kind art jewelry piece. I will show you how to custom size your design, and also share a few wire working tricks for making your own clasps and wire wrapped loops. All in all you will learn many techniques that can be used throughout your jewelry making journey… and they are easier than you may think!
Supplies Available At Rings & Things:
- Kato Liquid Polyclay
- Lazee Daizee Viking Knit Tool
- Lazee Daizee Viking Draw Plate
- Or… here is an Amazon Link for Lazee Daizee
Products.
- Artistic Wire 24g
- Cord Ends
- Renaissance Wax
- 3M Polishing Papers (for sanding)
Other Suggested Supplies:
- Paper Towels
- Small metal spatula
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Soft cloth or fabric for waxing
- Felt for buffing
- Tile for baking on
- File Folder or Cardstock for tenting
- Empty Cardboard Tube from Roll of Packing Tape
- Plain Office Paper and Tape
By the way, many of the “shopping” links I provide for the various tools and supplies used in my tutorials, are “affiliate” resources. That means companies like Amazon and the other suppliers I refer, pay me a small commission if you click on the links and end up making a purchase at their site. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps in keeping the cost of my tutorials down. And, the prices for products that you may purchase through my links, are exactly the same as what you would normally pay, even if it is a “sale” price. So please feel free to click whenever you need to pick up a few things for your studio. Thanks so much for your support.
The full video series for the Faux Enamel & Viking Knit tutorial described above, is available in Vol-067 at the Polymer Clay Library.
If you would like to receive 3 free beginner videos right now, plus some free color recipes that get sent out each week in my Friday email newsletter, please click this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials
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… Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my monthly library 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, 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.
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Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
I am new to polymer clay and love the way you do your videos, they are the best I’ve seen on the net. ~Tracy-B
Great advise! Craftsmanship should be a priority when creating jewelry, art, or any craft. It will make all the difference. I still hate sanding but that makes all the difference, too! Just glad I found you Cindy! I have never received bad advise, bad information, or incomplete instructions from you. You are well informed and easy to follow. ~Catalina-L
Watched the video… genius is all I can say, it does solve a roadblock in something I had been thinking of doing, so thank you very much Cindy and Doug. ~Ken-H
Wow – I finally joined and became a member after months of reading blogs and going back and fourth realizing the biggest mistake I made was not joining right away. Cindy is WONDERFUL. The day I joined I was having trouble with pay pal and my purchases did not go through for some back videos I wanted. Everthing showed up ok on my end but some how Cindy knew before I did about the problem and was on top of it emailing me and contacting pay pal before I knew what was wrong. She spent 3 days making sure everything was taken care of and I was pleased with the outcome. I received emails as early as 4:31AM and as late as 2:07AM. She always sounds so peppy and energetic I don’t know when she sleeps. But I don’t think you will find anyone more dedicated to their customers than Cindy. Polymer Clay brings out the best in people and it definately brought out the best then much more in Cindy. I can’t say enough good things about her. She will answer any and all questions and do what ever she possibly can for anyone she knows. I just love her and all the work she has put into these videos I am truly amazed with each new one I see. She is a talented artist with a huge heart willing to help anyone who needs help. I now have a new friend I can count on for any help I might ever need with polymer clay. Thank you for everything Cindy. I will try to return some of that dedication back to you someday with pictures of my work with polymer clay. Now for all of you who were not sure about becoming a member. Join NOW! TODAY! Dont waste time like I did. Polymer friend. ~Peggy-B
That’s one of the things that make this whole ‘community’ so special. We are a community of artists, at all different levels of experience. We are not competing with one another but are willing to share our ideas and our questions without fear of being taken advantage of, or being laughed at. Cindy, you’ve brought us together, and are helping us to grow, but it is up to us to do our part too. If we want you to continue producing the great videos, we have to help wherever and whenever we can. ~Carolyn-F
The full video series for the Faux Enamel & Viking Knit tutorial described above, is available in Vol-067 at the Polymer Clay Library.
If you would like to receive 3 free beginner videos right now, plus some free color recipes that get sent out each week in my Friday email newsletter, please click this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials
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Wow Cindy – talk about getting a ‘bang for your buck’ !! YES! So happy that you are covering this technique **happyhappyhappy… :)
ohhh so looking fwd to this! (doing a happy dance)
I really like this one. Thank you Cindy for all the great projects.
Sitting in the Jury Room this morning, with Viking Knit tool in hand, waiting to see if I would be impaneled on my 4th jury. Had people around me ask “what is that?” Showed them a sample of finished knit and got a couple of Ooos and Ahhhs. Then I turned on my iPhone and thought I’ll just open my browser and check if there is anything new on Cindy’s site. Who said there are no coincidences? :-)
So you can imagine I am really looking forward to this tutorial! I love the idea of the magnetic clasps and the hooks. And I can only guess at some of your technique but I’m hoping it will go well with some goodies I just ordered.
PS. My jury group was excused so I got to leave and I finished watching the preview at home!
Cindy this tute is wonderful. Your instructions for the viking knit is much more indepth than what you would find on youtube.
Me again, my brain has gone to sleep, so im asking a dumb question. what can you use instead of stencils for this technique. they are impossible to find here in nz
Hi Sandra,
Why don’t you make your own stencil?
You need a very sharp craft knife, some rigid clear plastic (I use cut up recycled gift boxes) A repeating pattern, not too complicated, try looking at gift wrap there are some great designs. A Sharpie pen (fine point) and lots of concentration. Draw your design on the plastic ( tape your gift wrap underneath to copy ) Then put plastic on a cutting mat taking off the gift wrap and cut carefully round the drawn design. If you make a mistake use a piece of masking tape sticking down very firmly and correct your mistake.
About ten years ago a commission I had was to cut out a pair of fighting tigers nearly life-size for the customer’s wall. It took me three weeks of evenings to cut out the stencils. Then her other half decided he wanted exotic wallpaper instead! So the tigers were never used and have been rolled up on top of a cupboard ever since. Next year they will adorn my hallway!
Or you can always look in the kiddies section of a big store, I found a set of six different designs for a dollar. I just love stencils…………….cheers xx……
Thanks Elaine. The thought had crossed my mind. I did make a stencil years ago when quilting. The design is too big for clay (even if i could find it). The ones here in the kiddie section are big and kiddish and expensive around NZ$20-30. I yet might have a go at making another stencil. At the moment in the too hard basket.
Hi Dixie
Thanks for that quick response. Did you buy your viking knit tool an amazon… Did the hole board come with it . Did you get the 1/4 dowel or the 1/2 one.. Cindy did not say what size she was using.LOL back to you
I went to Rings & Things but they were out of it so I found it on Etsy. You have to buy the knit tool and the board seperately. I think Cindy did mention it was the 1/4″ with 6 holes. The 1/2″ is much bigger and has 12 holes. I was so excited after watching the video I could not wait for Rings&Things to get them in stock as it might take up to 2 months. They do have the best price though but I only ended up paying a couple of dollars more on Etsy.
This idea came to me while browsing some metal components made by a company here in the US. In fact, they call their pieces with cutouts stencils. So maybe metal or wood filigree would work, too? Not as easy as sheets but if you need a substitute . . . .
Find some pieces that are too tarnished or stained to be used in jewellery or craft but are still intact. Something that you might have around the house already or can find cheaply in secondhand shops? I also considered lace but you can guess the reason that may not work. (I’m trying to prompt ideas without giving away too much of the tutorial.)
Bertha, just keep in mind that whatever you use, it has to make contact with the clay well enough so that it doesn’t get under the non-design parts but yet not leave a heavy impression in the clay. This is probably why plastic stencils work so well. Good luck and have fun!
I wonder if you could use a metal decorative candle sleeve. I am not sure if you have those in NZ but they are in a lot of stores here for the christmas holiday. They look similar to Cindy’s stencil but are like a round soup can shape. Maybe you could cut them and flatten the metal. I have many that are not very expensive and my guess is they will be on sale after the holidays.
Hi
I tried using a metal stencil I got at Amazing Savings and as long as you wet it first it works fine. Made two particle ones and they came out great
Watching the tute I began to wonder if heavy cardstock would work. I promptly went to my cameo silhouette to try it out. I cut out a lacy design. It works wonderfully!! The possibilities are endless with this technique. (Thanks Cindy!)
will try the heavy card idea. sounds easier than cutting plastic.
Wow..this video is great. My friend has been doing Viking knit jewelry for awhile and we had been doing shows together ..it looked so complicated but you make it so easy.. Can’t wait to buy the tools… She made her own by using a dowel Nd a lard with holes drilled in it for the sizing…. It’s an alternative to buying one….. Not sure which way I will go .
When my friend , Ani, made the Viking knit ,she placed beads inside the coil before she finished it off. Can you image how beautiful that would be with our polymer clay accent bead in the middle of a plain Viking knit bracelet .or several beads…
Thanks again for this great tut…..also any other suggestions on stencils to use that would be less expensive … The shipping is crazy
When did she put the beads in? I was thinking of doing that too. I’ve done some Viking Knit; sold a bracelet made from fine silver wire.
She pushed the beads into the viking knitted chain before she put on the end caps… She pushed them through to were she wanted them placed .. Good luck with yours
Have wanted to learn this from way back when I bought the draw plate. A BIG THANKS Cindy.My trip to the wet-lands of Florida was awesome, but due to tropical storms we spent a lot of time in retail therapy! (Well that was my excuse)
Too wet to meet up on Miami beach to visit with my lovely niece, we got caught in the storm and had to turn back, so will just have to return next year.
Got the tools I had been craving for and took advantage of the discount vouchers in Michael’s store. Ten days was just not enough. We went to West Palm Beach where my very talented nephew had an exhibition and painted two grand pianos. One to look like a crocodile, the other a jazz theme. Then when we got back to his home he called me to come and watch the T.V. as his art-work was featured on the local news. I am so proud of him and all my extended family. Hopefully will be catching up with another nephew who lives in Germany soon. I am just making some tiny beaded bracelets to send to his two girls, so had better get busy as only a few more days left to post off all my gifts across the world……..cheers xx
Hi Elaine, do you have photos of these pianos? would love to see them
Hi Sandra J
I am really rubbish at photography but if you want to see all 18 pianos,( and sorry Frank for calling it a Crocodile), as he painted the one he named “Charlie The Alligator”, and also the one dedicated to the late baseball player “Gary Carter”.
Frank (my nephew) was the only artist that painted 2 pianos for this worthy cause, as the pianos will be given to local children’s charities when the event is over
I just googled West Palm Beach painted piano exhibition then went to Key to the Cities photo/video gallery. People off the street were encouraged to play the pianos and there are some great shots of kids enjoying doing just that. Have a look it will make you smile………………..cheers xx………….
Cindy Lietz makes the ‘scary’ part So Easy – She breaks down each little step and her husband Doug is great at all the close ups so we don’t miss anything.
Cindy, only you could get me this excited about learning the Viking Knit. I had absolutely no interest before watching your video. I thought it looked to hard and complicated as I had watched a video on youtube and was thoroughly confused when It was over. Oh my gosh have you made it easy! Your step by step close up shots of doing this special technique just blew me away. I am immediately ordering the required tools and wire ends and cannot wait to start making my own wire viking knits for my jewely creations. Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial. It certainly was a lot of bang for my buck! Because of your skilled teaching and the ease of learning your tutorials I have been commissioned to create several necklaces and bracelets that will be gifts to women in China early next year!
Wishing you and the family a most wonderful blessed Christmas!
Dixie Ann I am so excited to here you say that! I love making the Viking Knit and people are so impressed when you say that you weaved it yourself. It really looks like something that would be extremely difficult to do, but just like I showed you in the video, there are some tricks that make it easy to do.
When we were on the roadtrip this summer, I always had some viking knit going. Finished a nice long chain sitting with Willow in the truck waiting for Doug and Fisher to come out of the Verizon store. (They were having issues getting the portable WiFi system working.) Working on that chain was the only thing keeping from being frustrated about the wait, which ended up being almost 3hrs long!! Well at least a nice long chain came out of the deal! (The silver necklace I hung the purple pendant on in the video.)
Any who… Congratulations on your jewelry commission! You should be proud of yourself. You have come a long way over this past year and I see good things for you in the future!
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
Wow! You hit it out of the ball park, Cindy! This is a tool that I never thought would interest me in the slightest! As I was painting some of my ceramic Christmas ornaments (snow babies, too cute to stop doing my ceramics for), I thought to myself, I have this beautiful necklace that really needs a copper chain or something to highlight it, and voila! The mad scientist/ Polymer Clay Guru strikes again! So many thanks to you, and your ideas that keep one inspired……
Viking Knit would look great with Polymer clay.
Thanks, Cindy.
A great way for me to use up all the Viking knit pieces that I have made!
You make it look so much easier than I thought it would be!
Hugs….
This sounds like a great project for a snowed in weekend. I initially thought a making the Viking knit would not be my “thing” but comments here encouraged me to give it a try.
I have made 4 viking knit chains, one out of single 28 gauge wire, too soft i found, one out of double 28 gauge, a little bit better, one using 26 and one using 22. I am now using 24 and this is by the far the nicest wire to use. it doesn’t get stuck or kink, the 28 wire kinked really badly as it was so soft.
This is such a great technique. I “knit” while watching tv, stops me from snacking, :)
Love the faux enameling technique!
For those seeking stencils, this istencils online shop is incredible and reasonable.
You have done it again Jocelyn – what a great site – loved their All Over Repeat ones – Thanks for the link
(spent way too much time there lol)
This is such a wonderful tutorial. I feel like I have taken so much of everyone’s time on here lately I hesitated to write this. Just had to let you know that I am loving the viking knit. It is very relaxing and fun once you get the hang of it. Thanks for the fun.
I’ll have to try this on my next round of claying. I’ve been doing viking knitting for several years now. If you’re not sure if you’ll like it or not without picking up the tool, I wanted to share this tutorial I learned with, for starting it on a dowel.
Cindy, for the clay pieces, would embedded links work if they were put in at the right time? I like to use thicker clasps for my bracelets and the embedded links worked great last year for a coconut shaped locket commission.
Sure Katie, you could definitely add embedded links if you want. You would just have to decide which stage it would be easiest for you to add them in. I’d love to see your pieces when their done!
I just got my first bracelet made with the Lazee Daizee kit I got from Bead FX in Canada! It was the best deal I saw, and they had or still have a 25% off sale going on. The kit came with the 6-loop easy start head insert, 1/4″ rod, pin tool, draw plate, draw chart, conditioning fabric, travel pouch, wire clipper, practice wire, and step by step instructions. They include 25 feet of 26ga. copper wire plus 5 feet of 20ga. All in all, I found this kit a good deal at $54.95, then I got 25% off! I almost forgot that they also have a crank coiling tool in there to make coiled bead caps, if that’s what you like. I found it very easy once I got the hang of it. I will try to do it in 24 ga. now. Thank you, Cindy! Your instructions made it even easier to make, I love it!
Thank you, Cindy! Every tutorial I watch, I say, wow, she’s good! So helpful and thorough!
Cindy, I have a question on the 24 ga. for the viking knit. I know you recommend “Dead Soft” wire and I can’t seem to find any in a silver or gold color. Would Soft Flex wire be soft enough to work with the Daizee Tool? What about the copper wire we buy at the hardware store in 24 gauge. Is that dead soft also or is it half hard? I have a lot of Artistic wire but it does not feel dead soft. Most packages don’t say if its HH or DS. How can one tell?
Hi Dixie Ann, the Artistic Wire is soft enough, if you want to use that. Hardware store wire tends to be half hard though, since people are generally using it to bind things together and not make jewelry with it. You could anal it easy enough though. Places like Wire-Sculpture and now FireMountainGems, tell you whether the wire is dead soft, half hard, full hard or spring hard, though most of those stores carry mostly dead soft and half hard. Craft stores like Michaels don’t tend to carry much wire other than the artistic wire and some beadalon stuff. Rings and Things also carries the Artistic Wire but not much in the way of silver filled or gold filled. Hope that helps a little! :)
That helps some, what about This Soft Flex wire? Would it be suitable to use? I know you have used the Trio Soft Flex before as it was in one of your videos. I just don’t want to have to use copper all the time and want some variation.
Oops sorry I missed the Soft Flex Question Dixie Ann… You might be able to use it to make the Viking Knit. I know that you can use Soft Flex wire for other styles of knitted cord, but I am not sure if it would reduce down to a denser chain. It may just want to stay the original size you made it. It would be fun to try it though. Why don’t you test it and let us know how it goes?
I know of a couple of other people who said they have used beading wire for viking knit, though I don’t know specifically which brand or size or flexibility (# of strands). As 49-strand is considered the one with the most drape, I suspect it would be more flexible than 19-strand, which should be more flexible than 7-strand. This is something I plan to try myself.
Also Rio Grande is a good source for buying better quality wire as you can buy as much as you want, after certain minimums. They carry silver-filled which is better than silver plated but not as pricey as sterling.
Dixie
I like your new hair do
Natalie
Thanks Doll, it’s really getting long. You should put your photo on the blog so we can see you too. You can go to http://www.gravatar.com and upload a photo. Would love to see you.
Cindy, I had often seen Viking Knit taught at bead shows, but this, by far, is the clearest one ever. Thank you so much cuz now I need to go to Michael’s or JoAnn’s to see if they carry the two implements……yum! marilyn
Thanks Marilyn! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial. If you can’t find the Lazee Daizee at either of those two places, Rings&Things does carry it online. Have fun with it!
Micheals does not carry it
Cindy, have been doing a lot of research on wire hardness and found the following information I thought I would share with
everyone. Wire hardness is rated from 0 to 4. We are talking mostly about Craft Wire. Here are the Numbers I found.
0 = Dead Soft – DS
1 = Soft – S
2 = Half Hard – HH
3 = Hard – H
4 = Spring Hard – SH (Memory Wire)
Artistic, BeadSmith, Parawire and most copper wire is 0 to 1 depending on the coating they use. For example Parawire has a Silver Plated 24 gauge wire that is rated a No. 1 but some of their color coated wire is rated 0 and some of it is rated as an S. Artistic wire is rated between a 0 and a 1. BeadSmith rates it wire at 0 also but after digging out a spool I had, it does feel more like between a 0 and a 1. Brass coated wire tends to be a teeny bit harder and is rated between a 1 and a 2. Copper and Sterling Silver wire is rated Dead Soft unless it states a different hardness from the Vendor. All of this information is rated for ROUND wire only.
Square wire, twisted wire, half round wire or other alternatives will usually be noted by the vendor where you purchase it. There are so many wire vendors out there who don’t know what hardness of wire they are selling but if they are a good source, they will find out for you. Most of our craft wire is manufactured in the US. There are only about a half dozen manufacturers of wire so most of it comes from the same source but is labeled differently. Wire Sculpture, Rings &Things, Artistic and Parawire are some of the top selling online stores. I hope this info helps those of us who were in the dark about buying wire. I know it did me and thanks to you Cindy for your expertise in leading me to become an inquiring mind.
Thank you Dixie Ann for sharing what you found here. I was aware of the names for the different tempers of wire, but not of the numbering system,.. that was very informative!
Hi
I have been checking out the price of the viking knit tool and they run about $21 for the me you use. I am going to try and have my hubby make one from dowels that he has…he said that he could make for hole in the shaft so that I could put the wire through….I am going to try and make a disk with 5 holes around it and some sort of screw that can be screwed into the top of the dowel … It should work keep you fingers crossed…. If it doesn’t I will have to just buy it but since I have just spent money on a website through godaddy I am trying to keep expenses down…
One good thing . I got my $10. Coupon for ACMoore .. Took it with a 50% off coupon for Micheals and bought the deluxe Wire jig that would have cost me $18.99 and off it for free… Wasn’t sure to get the plastic version but knowing me. I would probably drop it and step on it an break it….. Now I can make some of my own clasps . Also picked up some artisan wire- 20 gauge – 12 pack with Latter that day with a 50% off coupon… Is 20 gauge a good one for making clasps and wire jewelry with the wire jig ?all suggestions welcome…
Oh Dixie I trying to get a picture up of me
Hi Natalie, sure hope your handy hubby can make you a knit tool. The technique is really easy and I made my first knit wire. Mine was 7.5 inches long and when I drew it through the holes it got 11.5″ in length at the 3/32 hole. The 24 gauge wire works best with the viking knit like Cindy suggested. If your working with a Jig, I think you can use anything from 16 gauge through 26. 20 is a nice gauge to use. I personally use 16 and 18 gauge to make my clasps and then I work harden them with a chasing hammer. Ok back to my knitting! LOL
Thank you so much Dixie Ann for posting your pre and post measurements — I was sure my math was off but it seems to be along the same lines as yours
I’m wanting to make a necklace – so far I have a pre-drawn measure at 8 1/4 inch- So…back at it;)
You go girl. I am still at it. Have made many different sizes and am using the Soft Flex right now and it is coming out just beautiful. It does a nice job of drawing down too so am doing the happy dance!
Natalie, my hubby also made mine… used a washer for the daisy part and a plastic tube we had for the rod. Then made one from a dowel and a washer. The draw plate is made from a nylon cutting board that we had. Hope you have as good of luck as we did.
C a you send me a picture of what your hubby made so mine can get a visual idea He seems to think there is no need to have the flat 5 sides he wants to do only one flat side. The tubing sound good but is it stiff enough… What type of tubbing did he use and what size wash so that he could drill the hole for the wire. Thanks for all your suggestion. Once I get the picture and
Y hubby makes it I will post a picture of it. He said he can make the draw pull … He has plenty of beautiful scrape wood from his woodworking projects …. Gives him something to do with them
PVC thin piping might make a good to for the shaft…I’m going to make that suggest to my hubby
email failed to go through. could you send me a PM with your address again please.
sent the pictures hope they help. I am loving this tutorial. good luck on making these. You will have lots of fun.
What size plastic tube did you use …. Did not have my hubby make it get….bought a French knitting spool at ACMoore made by clover with 3 interchangeable heads… $13 but used my 55% off coupon …… Quicker than asking my hubby to make this one…… Practiced using embrodery thread with the 6 pins … Did two different stitches… Can add beads as you go… Then I particed using nylon thread 11/2 com using the basic stitch and it comes out like a knitted tube. .. I used grey so I am going to see on some beads that I made and make a bracelet …v
Cindy. Were do get your bead caps… And what size do you use for the viking knit
Hi Nathalie, the link for the Cord Ends is up above in the Supply List. The ones listed there at Rings & Things that I used in the tutorial are 8.5mm x 8mm. The size you need, really depends on how small you end up drawing your knit down to.
Still enjoying your videos! Even though I’ve been working with polymer clay for almost 15 years now, it seems like there is always something else to learn. Thank you for your time and talent!
Had not thought of PVC . the tube we used is clear…. just one I had in the stash of maybe I can use it for something box. I will send you pictures in a few minutes.
Thanks for another great tute Cindy! Have been working all week on my viking knit and my pendants. Merry Christmas!!!
Hi Cindy, wow, I’ve been so busy this month, as I’m sure we all have been, that I’m just now getting to my tutorial. It’s amazing as always. I just made a piece with a rose on it using liquid Polyclay, alcohol inks, and some embossing powder. It looked soooooo cool going into the oven. I hope it turns OK. I hope that you and your family, and all of my fellow PCT members had a very Merry Christmas.
Hi Cindy, I’m having trouble finding a bead cap similar to the ones you used for the Viking knit tutorial. Could you let me know where you got them. Thanks.
Hi Candace, I thought I did mention it in the tutorial somewhere, but I got those bead caps (cord ends) at Rings & Things. The link is up above in the supply list.
Hi everyone – back on Feb ’14 new color recipe post today I mentioned I had rcvd my wire and was ready to tackle this Viking Knit tutorial — well I did it:) and with Cindy’s way of teaching us each and every step — and Doug’s close up shots that showed exactly what Cindy’s talking about — It Was A Lot Easier than I had a right to expect — love that pause button;) Video tutorial are great — thank you guys:)
THANK YOU Sherry for saying that! It has gotten a lot quieter around the blog over that last while… more people than ever in the community… just less people leaving comments here on the blog, since there are so many places now to get our info (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.). SO having you say those words here, means a lot, now more than ever. I appreciate hearing what you have to say!
A couple of things… before I forget again!
I want to thank Ken H for the suggesting to Cindy that they do a tutorial on Viking Knit – of course I had no idea what he was talking about, but when I looked it up and saw how beautiful it was – I was all for it ! Thank You So Much Ken!!
A week ago I started my 1st real piece (not the practice one) — this time I had a plan – I wanted the final chain to be 24″ long – started working on it from Sunday Jan. 26th and by Wen Jan. 29th I had 25.5″ after using the draw plate
It took 10 – five foot lengths of 24ga DS copper — the pre-drawn length was 15 3/4″ —- btw my draw plate is a bit different (but it was only $1.49 on clearance at Michaels) the width of my chain is 5.6mm.
I’ll post a picture on Cindy’s Facebook soon — it is still just the chain part, I’ve not decided about the bale, clasp or focal yet…but that will come;)
Thank you Cindy and Doug for making this So Doable :D
I checked out your Viking Knit and it turned out great Sherry! Thanks for giving us these details on how much wire it took for your project. It will give others a better idea how much wore they will need should they do a longer piece like this. Now you know why the ones done in Sterling Silver are so expensive. Not only does it take a fair aunt of time to do, but it takes a ton of wire. Worth it if you make one for yourself though. Just picked up some Sterling wire myself. May just make myself one!
This was a really great tutorial. Thank you for sharing this with us all. It sure makes you think about all the different projects you can start after watching it.
If ever I get lonely, or not feeling well, or just need a wonderful alternative to TV I love to watch Cindy’s tutorials. I’m at the point where I have a nice library built up that I have usually forgotten stuff… advantage of aging and memory loss. I can go to my library and get stimulated to do a project. She has so many neat videos. I wish I had a business card of hers that I can take to any craft store and lay them about. they are good stores for youngsters just starting out. They are classic videos. I promise. thank you Doug and Cindy for your patience….. I ABS LOVE YOUR SITE. patty
Patty dear, you don’t need a business card from Cindy to spread the word. You can spread it on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc; or do like I do. Whenever I go to Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Joann’s I leave a note with PCT.com website address and an invitation to visit the No. 1 site for all your PC questions, answers and tutorials. I stick them in between the bars of Polymer Clay. No one has ever objected from any of the stores. Also once in awhile I will leave “A FInd Charm” and hopefully make someone smile.
:) Thank you girls!!
faux Viking knit bracelet
I would like to know who the supplier is for the findings with the magnets that allow you to interchange the piece on your bracelet? Thanks
Hi Nancy, I got those years ago, but I think I may have bought them at Rings and Things. Either them or FireMountainGems or ArtBeads. One of those guys.
I am so pleased to have learned Viking knit. It’s the first hobby I’ve ever had that was incredibly portable!
I am having trouble finding bead cones at a reasonable price in the right colors and sizes, so I wrapped the ends with wire with mixed results. However, you have a video on polymer bead cones. Is there a reason they wouldn’t work? If they would, I could tailor them to each bracelet perfectly.
Thanks for teaching me an actual new skill. What a bonus!
Hi Lynn, yes you certainly could use polymer clay bead cones for you Kumihimo cords. Just make sure that they are baked well so they are strong and you can make them in whatever size, color and style you like.
For those of you who are familiar with the tutorial Lynn is talking about, here is a link to it:
Making Your Own Bead Cones
Hi!
I’ve been revisiting Cindy’s beautiful faux enamel technique, and decided to try using alcohol inks to color my TLS. The colors I got are a bit paler, pastel shades; and the TLS seems to dilute a bit when adding the alcohol inks, but it worked fine and did not bubble when cooked. But the best results came when I added some mica powders to the colored TLS! The colors come out a bit more opaque and shiny.
I’m having a lot of fun with this tutorial even years after I first tried it! :)
Malena, sorry to take so long to respond to your wonderful comment! I am sooo happy to hear you say that! These tutorials really are timeless and you can get so much out of revisiting them, even if you have done them in the past. Your new more experienced eyes will come up with new ways to approach the technique… just like you did here with adding the PearlEx powders and alcohol inks! I bet the skill level of your latest use of the tutorial has greatly improved too! Thank you so much for sharing. I would encourage you to revisit many of the other tutorials you have done in the past as well. Who knows you may have a lot of fun with them too!