Vid #200: “Cindy, your Teardrop technique has brought a wonderful and sudden change in my way of working with color blends.” ~Debbie-G
I’ve got something very exciting to share today… about a quick and easy way to shift the colors in your Teardrop Blends (or Skinner Blends), like you’ve probably never seen before.
It will have more than a few of you doing that forehead smack thing… just like what happened when I first announced my super simple Teardrop Method way back in February 2009.
Cindy, you are a genius! It’s like one of those “why didn’t I think of that” moments when you smack your head and say “duh.” As soon as I saw the pictures in your article of the teardrops is was so clear! You rock! ~Lindsay-W
Yes! Quick and Easy Skinner blends! And small Skinner Blend trial sizes!! Brilliant! My hands have been in polymer clay for 8 years. Your Teardrop technique has brought a wonderful and sudden change in my way of working with color blends. Thank you so much for sharing! ~Debbie-G
Hi Cindy, Have really been impressed with many of your new techniques… THE LIETZ TEARDROP BLEND IS AWESOME! Believe you should refer to the method as such. YOU HAVE EARNED THE RECOGNITION!!! ~MJ
I’ve come to realize over the years of working with different art mediums, that sometimes the most revolutionary ideas come in the simplest forms. In fact some ideas are so simple, the only reason they were not discovered earlier, is that us humans tend to over complicate things. Especially artists!
Have you ever tried to read one of those color theory text books with the templates and the formulas… only to have your eyes glaze over in confusion? I know I have… and I’m absolutely passionate about color.
As most of you know by now, my personal approach is to always keep things as simple as possible. Judith Skinner did that when she invented the Skinner Blend in the first place. Up until she came along, artists had been separately mixing up increments of color, and then placing those mixes side by side to create gradient sheets of clay. It was painstakingly tedious work. Judith tapped into her scientific brain to simplify the process by using triangles of clay that resulted in smoother, faster blends. Simply Brilliant!
The Lietz Teardrop Method for blending colors, is still based on the triangle principles that Judith originally identified and built upon. But my approach simplifies the process even more by eliminating all of the measuring and cutting that is required when making traditional Skinner Blends.
I actually came up with the Teardrop Blend, purely by accident. It was one of those head slapping moments like Lindsay-W described above, when you say Duh and can’t believe it was that easy. (The phrase “Duh… Winning!” comes to mind right now, but that’s a whole ‘nother story! LOL)
Anyway, the thing is, I recently had another one of those ‘Aha Moments’ with another technique that I’ll refer to as a Teardrop Blend Shift. It is so simple that I didn’t even realize the value of it at first. I mean, shouldn’t making an unlimited number of shades and color ways from a single color blend, be a complicated process? The end result sure looks complicated.
And heck, if it really is that simple, then surely someone else would have already thought of it!? Who knows, maybe they already have. But I’ve certainly not seen anyone talking about it. I guess it takes a simple mind to come up with such simple ideas. Aren’t you glad I am so simple minded!? :-)
With a polymer clay idea this versatile… this cool… and this easy… every polymer clay artist and crafter really should know how to do it. In fact, for many of my upcoming cane making videos, it will be a prerequisite technique you’ll need to know how to do.
So… coming up tomorrow (Friday April 15th, 2011) in the Vol-035-3 Teardrop Blend Shift video at the Polymer Clay Library, I will share with you all my tips and tricks for creating this amazingly simple and beautiful color shift technique… which takes blending to a whole new level!
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Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-035-3 Teardrop Blend Shift:
- Conditioned Polymer Clay. You can use this technique to blend and shift any color combination of your choice. For the video I used approximately one section each of the following Premo colors: Red Pearl (or Magenta Pearl), Gold, Green Pearl (or Light Green Pearl), Blue Pearl and a small amount of White.
- Pasta Machine. In theory you can use an acrylic roller, but it will be way more work.
- Clay Blade.
- Additional reading resources if you are interested:
Lietz Teardrop Blend Articles
The full version of the Vid-035-3 Teardrop Blend Color Shift video, will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday April 15th, 2011. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
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The full version of the “Teardrop Blend Shift” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-035 Back Issue Pckg.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Wow! I agree with Laurel… Cindy’s a hooker! I mean, her videos hook me in, too! Sorry… just kidding with my choice of words there… :D I can’t imagine ever letting Cindy go… I’m always afraid she’ll leave ME (afraid she’ll wise-up and realize she’s practically giving her video tutes away! LOL) She always has something cool to show us. BUT, even if I only liked 1 of the 4 tutes each month, I’d only be out 3 bucks. That never happens, though – I always love ’em all. Once in awhile she’ll show a technique I already know… but she puts her own spin on it, and I end up learning a trick or two (or more!) Cindy always finds a way to teach something amazing, and stretch our creativity and imagination. I place a high value on my membership… it’s more than worth the small fee, which I barely miss even on my low income. ~Phaedrakat
Cindy, your tutes are worth a lot more than what you are charging for them. Thanks to you and Doug for all you do for us for so very little. Can’t get this kind of quality tute for this kind of money anywhere else, and we should have to pay more, even here. Many Uuuuggggggggss. ~Peggy-B
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 at her take on the ‘skinner’ blend! ~Cara-L
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Teardrop Blend Color Shift video tutorial:
- See examples of several Beads and jewelry projects made using a variety of different Lietz Teardrop Shifted Blends.
- Discussion of the tools and materials needed to create your own beautiful Teardrop Blend Shifts.
- Learn how to get that perfect blend quickly and easily, plus learn how to get unlimited variations on your blends with a simple color shifting technique.
- And of course, tips on how to use this technique to get exactly the unique look you want!
The full version of the “Teardrop Blend Shift” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-035 Back Issue Pckg.
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I love this. I have been looking at polymer clay artist’s work both in books and online lately, and I think that a lot of the items pictured may use a similar technique to this, though probably not as quick and easy as Cindy’s. I think the addition of this shift technique to our arsenals will add some sophistication and pizazz! Can’t wait!
really enjoyed this. Simple and yet intricate.
Actually, clay artists’, lol. I hate to make a typo.
Oooooo, having a can’t wait till Friday moment!!!!!!
Becky, I agree wholeheartedly! I, too can see how knowing how to do this will take our work to a new level of beauty and sophistication.
Cindy, the pieces you included in the preview are so awesome!! Can’t wait to learn this.
I agree with Elizabeth. I love the pieces you show in the preview. Looking forward to it.
Oh my ! Additions to the Lietz Tear Drop Blend. Couldn’t ask for more. You certainly get my creative juices going………
Wow!!! I thought the tear drop blend was the best thing I learned but now I see the shift and my head is spinning with ideas. Another, can’t wait for friday ….
Looking forward to the many new creative ideas to come from this tutorial! You’re amazing!! :)
Very much pining for Friday. I cannot think of one single thing that has changed my overall work in polymer as being exposed and learning to use Cindy’s Teardrop Blend.
I know routinely profile small bits of blends and finding I like color. Now I need to get a box of magnets and make something similar to Silverleaf’s innovating color chips.
Think this tut will find more places on the board.
Beautiful shimmery, gorgeous. wish I were going to be home this weekend to play. Love the examples you have on the teaser. sooo pretty.
Can’t wait to see the rest of it!
To imagine the people who miss out on the beauty of this. My son-in-law is color blind and I never even realized how awful that can be till just now. Those colors are remarkable. This is going to be one good tute but when aren’t they?
Cindy I don’t believe for one minute there is anything simple about your mind or life. You are a remarkable artist and look how busy you are. Then Doug oh no nothing simple about either one of you. Not when he captures the beauty of your art and his surroundings the way he does.
Absolutely Remarkable, Thank you for being the both of you. Nothing close to SIMPLE!!!
Many Uuuuuuggggs, Peggy
Cool, I’m SO looking forward to seeing this “colorful” video! Love the pieces shown in the intro…the “shifted” stripe tube bead, the pretty modern flower, the checkerboard bezel pendant, the cute little “fabric” charm…AND the leaf dangle pendant (luv it!) The bar w/embedded loops is such a clever way to keep it all together — what a great idea. I think it would make lovely earrings, too (use small dangles for the “chandelier-shy”, maybe? LOL) Way to go, Cindy…awesome jewelry stuff!
@Peggy Barnes: How sad for your SIL! For people without sight, it’s impossible to even explain what the colors ARE, much less how beautiful they are. Reminds us how fortunate we are…
I agree with you…Cindy may like to think of herself as a “simple gal”, and show us “simple” ways to work. But she’s definitely not simple-minded! She’s a smarty…how else could she keep showing us fantastic new techniques & inspirational videos week after week…not to mention all the other glorious stuff she does for us. Naw, the Leitz’s are quite sharp, and quite the hardworking couple — they have to be in order to handle this great site (and the unseen side of the business, family life, “regular life”, etc….)
I’m so thankful for all Cindy & Doug do. Yay! Now it’s less than 2 hours ’til I get to see Cindy’s new color shift ideas. Whoo-hoo!
Thank you so much Cindy! What a brilliant video to come home to after my vacation. This opens up so many possibilities, and so simple! Thank you for always looking for quick new ways to view things, lateral thinking at its best!
Hi Cindy and all,
Wow Cindy this colour shift using the Lietz Teardrop Blend is a wonderful extention of the original Teardrop blend you had taught us earlier.
I just love it and was fascinated by it, and can see so many possibilities to use it.
I have some times included one of the colours that had got lost, but never ever thought to chang, or as you say shift the blend. Wow thats great. Loved the pastel version. Thanks for another Friday night fun video. You come up with such new and interesting lessons every week, just dont know how you do it, but thats what makes you the great teacher that you are. Thanks again Cindy and Doug, you’ve made my day
XXX
Elizabeth K.
Video #200…quite a landmark! You’ve really been busy, Cindy! So many great videos, and this one no exception. While I’ve thought about trying a couple things mentioned here (& added trans to my blends on occasion,) I never realized how far you can take this “shift your blend” idea! This technique has so many uses…shifting the blend, or just parts of it, will give some gorgeous new colors/shades to play with, and super-cool effects when used together or recombining. Thanks, Cindy, for this smart technique…it’s “simply” wonderful! (I feel so inspired…!)
Wow, didn’t even notice this was your 200th video! Congratulations! To you, and to us, lol. We are the lucky ones. I just loved this video and can imagine all sorts of beautiful and colorful things to do with the varied results! Thanks again!
BRILLIANT!!!!
All I can say is: WOW! Yes! This is soooo simple and so versatile! I’m so behind but I want to try this tute!
After my 97 year old grandma passing away and my husband’s 22 years old cousin passing away – very suddendly, and a dear family friend passing away! Also, my store under going the “Store of the Future” and the re-trainning I have to undertake and inventory – and a slight cold – first one in three years!! (Please knock on wood!) Plus, a craft show and estate sale and the help in planning the ClayStock trip in Chicago in June!! I will survive! Just at a slower pace. Polymer clay take me away!!!! :)
@catalina: Hang in there, girl! Things WILL get better
Cindy & Doug. How can you top this ? The tutes just get better and better. You both are so wonderful to share all these ideas with us ! This is a stunning addition to the Lietz Tear Drop Blend. Thank you,thank you, thank you
@catalina: Hugs and prayers, my friend. I am sure looking forward to Claystock and meeting you in Chicago.
@Elizabeth S.: I can’t wait to meet you, too! I hope to finalize the times at the Chicago store soon. I’m getting the new iPad 2 in a couple of weeks!! I will then be able to Skype right from our Claystock gathering! I hope to get the times down pat so we can get as many people to join us. We may have to do more than one session. We will be posting pics on the FB page, too! Having a busy day, it’s the hubby b-day!!!
@catalina: So sorry for your losses, Catalina.
Cindy, this tutorial is terrific. Your original Teardrop Blend was a great timesaver, but this is a HUGE timesaver. Love the pastels.
@catalina: I’m so sorry to hear things have been so difficult for you Catalina, I hope things will lighten for you soon.
Cindy, thank you for another great tutorial. I can see this working with some of the old Studio clay that I have. I make a lot of flower canes with Skinner blends and this will help change the colors a little at a time.
Catalina, you wore me out reading your note. Good luck girl. Sorry about your grandma.
This is so terrific I’m speechless…….a not normal occurance. The mind reels !!
Catalina: I’m so sorry for all your heatache and troubles. We’re here for you and I’ll say and extra prayer that you’ll get through it all.
This was a fabulous tutorial Cindy… Like always, simple and to the point. easy ,easy tips to follow. You rock!
Congratulations on 200 videos. This is a very cool technique. Can’t wait to have some time to try it.
Cindy, how many is our membership now?
Did you all ever Sykpe?
Wow!!! Guess I had better get a bigger board for my color chips. I LOVE this!!!!! Thank you! Thank you!
As an aside, I attended a pc class recently and patiently watched, and watched and watched as the instructor did a multi-color Skinner Blend for one of the projects. I smugly thought to myself, “I could sure show you a quicker way to do that”. I didn’t, of course, but it got me to thinking about what a revolutionary variation the Lietz Blend techniques really are. Out of curiosity, Cindy, does Judith Skinner know about the Lietz Blend? She would have to be impressed with the awesomely creative knowledge you have added to the pc world. Love it!
Wow that was great. Now I can find out what a Scientist feels like when he is in his lab experimenting. Because I am going to go do some of that myself with all those colors oooolala. This was Awesome!!! Thank you both for a great tute.
Many Uuuugggs, Peggy
Wonderfull tutorial. It is worth every single penny!!
Thanks Cindy.
Monica
Oh Cindy– I’m so tickled to be here–at last! YAY
Having so many new videos to watch is a blast
but does make settling on ‘one’ project a happy problem
I’ve been reading your site for years—I feel like I already know
so many of you—this is the friendliest place on earth
Tante is german for aunt–my brother married a wonderful lady from east germany and four years ago gave us a nephew named Jason
til later Sherry
@Tantesherry: Welcome Sherry!!! How wonderful to have a new friend to chat with and share ideas. Post often!
@Tantesherry: Welcome Tantesherry, it’s so nice to see a new name here on the blog! This place is just filled with wonderful, helpful people…that’s why I joined too (over a year ago now!) =0)
Hey everyone,
I have to post some wonderful news about a member of our family. In the latest issue of “Polymer Cafe”, Lupe Meter was named as a runner-up for the creation she submitted in the steampunk challenge. She created an awesome plaque called “Bless This Studio”. I just love it when something like this happens! I’ve had the chance to tell Lupe in person that I am one of her biggest fans-her pieces are so beautiful and inspiring so it isn’t surprising at all to me that she received this honor. Way to go, Lupe. If she hasn’t already, maybe we can urge her to post a pic on Facebook so those who do not subscribe to the magazine can see it.
@Elizabeth S.: I stopped by the facebook page earlier….Lupe’s piece is amazing! Thanks for highlighting it here for us Elizabeth =) Lupe, once again we’re inspired by your talent!! Congratulations!
First of all, thank you Cindy for your tear drop method and now adding to it! I love this method and use it all the time and I love the different color shifts obtained with this method. It is so easy!
Elizabeth…thank you, thank you for your kind words! I have been so busy lately, that I have slacked off on reading a lot of blog posts. I was stunned to hear that I got runner-up! My friend Bonnie actually emailed me your comment. This has absolutely made my day today! Now I can show it off! I will certainly post the pix on FB! I actually have to wait to get my hands on a copy since I usually wait till it hits the stands before buying it.
Congrats, Lupe! Well done! We would love to see your winning piece. Your work is so inspiring!
Cindy I have never successfully made the mica shift or spiral shell. I did not see them in your back issues.
Congrats Lupe. Could you link us up with a pic?
Cindy I just have to tell you that this technique is a wonderful addition to your teaching. Beautiful and it looks easy for a technique that at first seemed intimidating. One other thing I want to say. I just purchased a video from another publisher about resin work. The artist is quite well known, as well as the company. However, the quality of the video was no where comparable to your videos. You and your husband do such a wonderful job producing your videos that it is the standard from which I judge others…and I have yet to find any that don’t come up short! Your instructions are clear, the photography is excellent, and the boxed close ups are so valuable. You do beautiful work, and provide a great value too. I look forward to each Friday!
Thanks everyone for your kind comments! I am so glad that the Teardrop Blend is making the process of color blending so much easier and more creative for so many of you! Be sure to upload photos of your work at the Facebook Photo Gallery page. I am so looking forward to seeing how you guys use this blending technique.
@Phaedrakat & Others: Thanks for noticing and mentioning the 200 milestone… I can’t believe it’s actually been that many… and we are only in 1st gear :-)
@Jocelyn: Our family is growing nicely but there is room for MANY more :-)
@Elizabeth S.: To tell you the truth, I actually don’t know if Judith Skinner knows about my Teardrop technique. Hopefully she gets a chance to read this thread and comment. It would be wonderful to hear from her, wouldn’t it!?
@catalina: Knocking on wood for you. So sorry to hear about all the losses and trials and tribulations :-(
@Tantesherry: Welcome, Welcome Tantesherry! It is fun to hear that you have come out of the shadows and are happily learning with the rest of us. Have fun and like Elizabeth said, post often. We’d love to hear what you have to say!
@Lupe Meter: Congratulations Lupe!!! That is so exciting to have a member of our family, out there representing! Can’t wait to see your project. Also glad to hear you’ve been using the teardrop blend in your projects. Music to my ears :-)
@Alice Frei: The mica shift video is in Volume 18. And the other one you mentioned is my spiral shell tute in Volume 8.
@Sue Werner: Wow Sue, what you said really touched me. It means a lot to hear that you are getting such good value from our tutorials. Doug and I have worked so hard to bring you all the best information and in the best format we possibly can. We try our hardest to see it from your eyes and continue to improve the videos as we go along. That means keeping the content clear, simple, quick and easy, while keeping it up close and personal. We want you to feel like you and I are a couple of friends sitting together, learning about polymer clay. I can tell you it has not been easy, but we keep on doing what we can because we love it. Thank you for being part of our clay family. We couldn’t do it without members like you!
@Cindy Lietz from Photos of Some of Lupe’s Creations: Thanks. I don’t know how I missed them.
This lesson is amazing!! I agree with all of the comments about your Lietz Teardrop Blend, it’s simple, quick, the results are beautiful – and this new twist offers the same with a bunch more possibilities. We’ve been spoiled again over the last several weeks with so many cool, new techniques. Thank you Cindy and Doug for such quality…Fridays are always a treat!!
Thank you all for the well wishes. Things are getting better. But, my Mother-in-law is not doing well and back in hospital. This blog keeps me positive. Love all the wonderful feedback and group encouragement!
I loved that pendant with the messy wire-wrap using the melted copper head-pins, I have got to try to make one of those! Those ecru- and white-shifted blends are gorgeous too, can’t wait to start some projects!
K, asking again. Such a pest, lol. How many are card carrying members? How many guest hit the site?
Hi Jocelyn: I responded to your original question in my April 17 comment above. The safe answer is… our family is growing nicely, but there is always room for MANY more members to come on board.
There are literally 1000’s and 1000’s of clayers who read this blog. The best way to get more of them to come out of the woodwork so to speak, is to initiate engaging discussions here in the comment threads… as so many of you regulars are already doing.
Sharing ideas… answering each others questions… offering encouragement… talking about accomplishments… disappointments… solving problems… all of these types of conversations really do help with encouraging the shy people (aka “lurkers” in Internet speak), to feel comfortable enough to participate as well.
As with any community, it’s what you make of it. I love it that so many of you have chosen to hang out here and talk shop. Keep it up!
Happy Easter weekend to all!
Most impaired poster left a comment back elsewhere. Good luck finding it, I can’t…….
Time for some TV.
Back from TV.
Cindy, one little trick equals tremendous time savings. Thanks for the hand done sheet stretching to eliminate bubbles. It’s magic. I use it all the time now, and it works perfectly.
Thanks!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the teardrop method of doing skinner blends and not only that but you’ve told us how to do the shifts with the blends!!! Those are wayyyy cool. I spent 4-5 hours playing around with that the first night and more time since. I’m learning alot thanks to you, Cindy. Thank you again for sharing your wealth of information and giving us new inspirations. I GOTTA buy CLAY!!! Just can’t get enough of it right now with the lastest boost from you.
Thank you again and I’ll see you in the library he he he !!! Your polymer clay student. Bonnie
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for showing us.
You are a great tutor.
Thank you.
Warm regards.
Rita.
Thank you Cindy for this tuto to make schift with skiner will be so magic and thank you also for giving us the information and inpiration.
Just a question:when can you came to france to teatch us some of you lovely lessons?
Thank you Cindy, excellent video. Great inspiration to explore.
Thank you, Cindy, for this generous sharing!
it’s really an efficient way of creating blends, and I liked the shift idea as well.
What a great tutorial on a faster and easy way to create a rainbow blend! The instructions were easy to follow and the camera person did a great job of getting close up shots when needed. I’ve never really thought about adding white or black or a color to a blend besides adding gold metallic to a Skinner blend once in a workshop I took. Thank you for providing this video free of charge. Your voice was at a good volume and clear and the quality was fabulous!
Thank you!
Dear Cindy,
Brilliant new blend technique! Thanks ever so much for sharing this complementary video on the web. It will save a lot of time and I cannot wait to start creating new colour mixtures. Thanks again. Best, Thessa
Hi Cindy – a lovely, clear tutorial, you explain everything so well. I can’t wait to try this blend and use it, I have ideas playing around in my head. When I come back from my holiday I must sign up for your tutorials – I just know from this snippet that they will help me enormously. We are in our infancy with Polymer Clay here in England and every little thing helps. Lynne from England
This is a great video and you have come up with a technique that is time saving specially in blending colors.
Thank You Cindy, your video was great.
Hi Cindy,
I am not a member yet, but am certain I will be as soon as I can devote the time to “polymering.”
I thank you so much for sharing the new technique with everyone. I have worked with poly clay, but have not gotten into making beads etc… yet.
I love the idea of the “Lietz Teardrop.” The way you have put the colors together to blend them is an innovation. It seems the colors wouldn’t be uniform as stripes, but they are. I like the idea that they stay that way throughout the process and look just the way you would want them to. I suppose if you want a wider stripe you could add another tear? It is going to be fun to try and I for one really appreciate someone like you who seems to be constantly looking for new ways to improve, enhance and expedite our ravenous hunger for this wonderful art medium.
I can’t wait to get started working on jewelry projects. There are so many fabulous artists out there. And just looking at your work along with theirs makes me want to start in. I just know that when I start, I won’t want to do any other projects…but I’m almost ready.
Thank you again for sharing your talent, your life with all of us. Georgette
Hi Cindi Thank you for all info on how to blend and design the different colors of polymer clay. I find that the tutes to be most helpful in giving me ideas on what I can put together and how to achieve the different colors and blends. It is amazing how much one can learn thru you tutes in a short time. This is Brilliant, Thank you. BJ
As if the two of you are not generous enough already. Now this how thoughtful to share this with everyone. I have told all my friends I have been trying to convince they need to try Polymer Clay. If this doesn’t convince them nothing will. There Loss. I have tried just about every medium and craft there is out there and this is the best by far and You and Doug are a very BIG reason for that. I have come a long way since that first video. I have them all from the beginners on. I suggest anyone who joins even if you have clayed for awhile purchase the beginners video. I still refer to it from time to time. Cindy your tutorials are worth there weight in gold and I value you them just that much. Anyone out there thinking about joining don’t think just do it join today the cost is $3 something a month and you get 4 tutes a month. I don’t even know where you can get one tutorial for that amount do you?????? To beat that if you have any questions about it they will get answered by Cindy or one of your fellow clayers. We are one big family here all ready to help each other when we can. You won’t find anything better out there.
Thanks again Cindy and Doug. Many Uuuuggggs, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: I couldn’t have said that any better!! Best community on the Net!!
If you are in the Chicago area on June 24-25 stop by Michaels, 3131 N. Clark St, Chicago for ClayStock 2011!!! And meet some of Cindy’s students as they meet for the first time and play and share some clay time! Can’t make it?Skype with us! Details to follow. Happy claying!
What a neat idea. You have to love anything that is going to make blending a skinner quicker.
Thanks for exploring this further. I just wish the Daylight Savings fairy would give me some time back to play more.
Thanks so much for sharing this technique. So simple, and such beautiful results. I may have to do a bit of experimenting today!
Hey
It is a super video, i think i would love your teardrop way to make skinnerblends. It look´s much easy´er to do – i will try right away.
Thanks!
You are very generous Cindy in sharing your video. Thank you so much. I will encourage my students to visit your site and see everything that you have to offer. kind regards,
Pam in Western Australia
great tute! thanks for the hints and shortcuts.
Thanks for sharing your blending approach. Barbara McGuire also recommends less “structured” caning and color shifting in several of her books. It’s a very useful technique for creating blends of complementary colors without moving to mud when a color which blends well with two complementaries is used in the middle. Jeff Dever frequently uses this to make beautiful shifts from colors like purple to orange with cream in the middle. Happy claying. I’ve beem playing for more than twenty years and still have not become bored!
Clever and so flexible. I’ve moved away from shaded blends for a while, but this will bring me back as I explore tonal variants and create patterns with them. Excited to try! Thanks for sharing!
Cindy,
What a wonderful technique you have come up with! Thank you so much for sharing with everyone.
Peggy Dieu
PegsClayGround
Cindy, I love your teardrop blend technique! I was very impressed with the quality of your video and your clear and concise verbal instructions. Well done!
Great video!
Thanks for sharing it with us.
I love your weekly newsletter and learned a lot from.
Greetings from Swizerland, nina
Hi Cindy, I love this way of making a skinner blend and will never go back to doing it the traditional way. Thank you so much for sharing your techniques and making it so much easier for beginner students such as myself.
I loved it!! Great demonstration. Very easy; I will deffinitely try it.
Thank you very much for this tutorial. Looking forward to others…
Never to disappoint….you have followed through again. Wonderful, clear, lesson (both visually and verbally). Thank you! This is a short comment because I must go and try the Teardrop Blend Shift immediately. :)
THANKS, REALLY USEFUL FOR A NEWBIE!
Wow! Really beautiful. I love polymer clay but I do not feel as proficient as I’d like to. This video is must try. And I need my husband, who also likes to work with polymer, to watch it.
Thank you so much for this video, c’était super, je vais essayer, c’était fantastique ! Merci, merci !!!!!!! Dominique
Thank you for the wonderful lesson.
Thank you so much for making this video available. It was very informative and easy to understand. Great technique with many possibilities!
Two very useful techniques! Thank you for sharing them.
Thanks, Cindy, for making this video available. I’ve always hated making Skinner blends but your teardrop method has changed my way of thinking! So simple and so beautiful. And the shift technique is a wonderful bonus.
Ernie Hendrix
Thank you for giving us your complete video…I tried your tear drop before but the idea of putting another color on the back is great….I think you are terrific. Another addition could be Dan Cormier’s Shark to hold the blend in place.
That was a very good thing u did giving us the free video! I would like to join! please let me know how many videos we receive a month.
More importantly how will i store them. I am not very adept with the computer.
I shall send this email to a few friends as they might be interested in joining if the cost is not prohibitive to them. Thank you that was quite exciting!
@Lynne N: Hi Lynne! Forgive me, I just want to mention something… you might not want to wait to sign up for Cindy’s tutes. As a member, they end up costing about $0.83 each, but if you wait to buy them as a back issue, it’s more like $2.49. I mention this because I was sorry I waited to join (I had lurked around Cindy’s site for a few months before finally joining…) I realized I could have saved money if I’d only joined sooner. Anyway, have fun on your holiday! BTW, there are lots of members from the UK here, so you’ll have some new friends (who like to get together from time to time… see this post about a Manchester Meet-up.)
@Georgette Robertson: Hi Georgette! Just as I said to Lynne above: you may not want to wait! :D The videos will always be there, available for watching (and can be seen over & over as much as you like!) Like when you’re less busy…and have time to “polymerize, or “play clay!”
And it really IS cool how it works out, huh? As for having a “wider stripe” of one color, you can just start with a larger ball of clay for one of the teardrops (and shape it to fit.) That’s one of the coolest things about the teardrop method…you don’t have to measure exactly & it can be adjusted so easily. Like in the video, where Cindy adds just a small amount of red clay at the end of the rainbow blend to make purple. You could do the opposite, making larger teardrops!
@Anthea Barry: Hi Anthea! You receive 4 videos per month. They aren’t stored on your PC…they are always available at Cindy’s website (in your own personal “library” of tutorials!) So it makes it easy for you…just follow the link in the weekly newsletter to each week’s new video!
@Cindy: Thanks again for your wonderful videos! I’ve been a member for over a year now, and I am always thrilled with the fantastic value I get, and the amazing techniques you come up with! Your instructions are always clear & easy to follow…and the videos are top-notch productions! (They’re done by Cindy’s husband, Doug — he’s awesome, right?)
It’s cool seeing so many new voices here — hello & welcome, everyone!
Thanks everyone for all of your wonderful responses and support. If you haven’t yet tried the technique, I know that you are really going to enjoy its simplicity. No matter how many colors you want to blend, it is easy to do!
@Mary P: All the information about becoming a member, etc. was answered in a comment by me up above. You can go straight there, by clicking the link by my name.
@Johanne Doucet: Yes I have tons of information and tutorials about finishing your beads and jewelry projects in a professional way. If you type in the words ‘sanding’ or ‘finishes’ into the search box at the top of the page, you should be able to find what you need. If you need more help, just ask and either myself or another member here will help.
@Mrs Rainbow: That would be a fun experiment, you should try it. I am thinking because of all the colors of the rainbow are used, flipping them like that could cause a lot of mud colors in the mix, but you won’t know until you try.
@Sue I and Catalina: Isn’t that so great that the videos now work on your iPad and other portable devices! That is one of the cool benefits of us switching to the new uQast video player.
@Phaedrakat: Thank you sweetie for helping to answer questions for me! As you probably see, comments have been flying in here faster than I can keep up with, and I really appreciate your help!
@Cindy Lietz from How the Membrship Works: Yes, I love how the videos play on the iPad now! Only thing is I noticed that only the last four videos work. Will you have to re-post the earlier videos to get them to work? I’m always going back to the older videos to re-watch them and refresh my memory.
P.S. Don’t wait folks! You’ll be missing a lot of fun and information!
Great video – very inspiring. Thanks for the new technique – it really simplifies things.
Dear Cindy,
Total clarity seems to be what you are all about! Your instructions and demonstrations are crystal clear, the photography is ‘true’ and somehow in all of this you manage to infuse a confidence that is sometimes hard to come by. The Lietz Teardrop Blend is totally efficient. Not a second wasted and it makes perfect sense. I know you will have a lot of converts to your technique. Thank you for the introduction to your tutorials.
Audrey
What a nice, simple technique! Wonderful ideas–thanks for making them available for free. You’re right, every clayer should know this! And, I agree with another poster–I had always hated making skinner blends because of the time it took, but the teardrops seem quick and easy.
What a teacher you are! Great job! I found your color shifting technique most informative. Thank you so much for sharing with us and for all the time you will save me in the future.
Cindy — I have used your teardrop blend method for years now, and just love the new color shift idea you have now added! You are a genius. Thanks so much for the free share.
Thank you for refresher …. one tends to forget the basics.
Cindy, Thank you for the freebie view of the teardrop blend method. I am a totally newbie (I’m still waiting on my first order of clay and the pasta machine!!) and I really appreciate learning a short cut before I even get started. The quality was superb, keep up the great work.
I want to thank you for the full video of the teardrop blend method. You have make it look so easy and you explain so it’s easy to understand. As soon as I can, I am going to become a member so I have full access to your other videos. Thank you so much.
I loved seing it.Thank you very much!
Thank you. I’m for anything that saves time and work. Leaves more time for creating.
Cindy, this is really fantastic, another Polymer Clay Miracle Technique! You should call it the LIETZ BLEND!! I really believe, Polymer Clay, “playing” and creating with it, is the most versatile, creative, fun and happy medium in the entire Art World! Thank you for opening up this exciting window for so many of us HAPPY CLAYERS!
Thank you for the video. I have tried your blend before and I prefer your technique. I didn’t think about rolling it but I will try this also. Also thank you for the shift technique to change the hues. I love it.
Thank you so much for the video! I can’t wait to try this technique.
Wow! Excellent video! These instructions were perfectly done! Thank you very much!
Thank you for making this available – I really like the idea of rolling and smushing the blend – as my skinner blends usually end up too big for my clay machine!! Off to try it out now :-)
Have been trying to play this for hours, but it just won’t play for me. Maybe because so many people are watching it right now? Thanks for any hints on how to make it play. I haven’t had any trouble with any of your video previews. Thanks for posting this, Cindy!
I love your videos they are clear and to the point with out leaving me with questions about any parts of the process at the end. Thanks so much for making this available
Thank You. Now I understand the different color blend’s.
I will try this the afternoon.
Sue
Fabulous! Thank you for sharing your wonderful experiments – opens up some new doors for me.
Cindy, this was very informative. Very good instructions, easy to understand and will give me so much variety in so much less time. Thank you so much for the chance to view the tutorial in full.
thanks for sharing – I am not a newbie, but learned some new tricks – many thanks
Cindy, Thank you for the free skinner blend video. Your an inspiration to all of us. Holly A
Hi Cindy! Thankyou so much for the video – I shall enjoy trying that!
Your video was well lit…easy to see…easy to understand. Nice job.
Cindy,
I have been a student and a teacher of gold techniques. Your teardrop blend video shares all the requirements. You have given simple yet detailed information without confusing the viewer. I tip my hat !!
Wow! That is a great technique. Thanks for letting us see it!! It has revitalized my interest in working with polymer clay.
Hi Cindy,
Rather than trying to contain the size of my clay with my fingers on both sides of the clay, I purchased two strong magnetic paper clips from the office supply store and placed them on the pasta machine. I just move them in as far as I like to get the size I want. It really works well.
Hi Cindy! your video was wonderful,very easy &simple way of teaching TearDrop blend method.Thanks very much for sharing such excellent videos.
Cindy,
Amei o seu video. Muito Obrigado pela oportunidade de aprender com você, pois sou iniciante nestas técnicas.Quero saber mais. Obrigada!!!!!!!!!!! Brasil
Thank you so much for sharing this informative technique. You are a great teacher.
Hi again Cindy and all – Being new to the group I’m soo excited about all I’m learning. I’ve lurked on the site for awhile but couldn’t stand not being a part of it any longer! Again – I’m visualizing so many new projects that stem from your teardrop blend shift that all I think of is GOTTA GET MORE CLAY!! I’ve been working on the Skinner blends for awhile now and ALWAYS have problems (too wide/too short and wide) but you have helped me fix it all and it’s sooo much easier. Thanks again and am looking forward to whatever you have in store for us. (Your videos are done very nicely, clear and concise but friendly.)
Bonnie H.
BDangles
Hi again – I was just thinking that if there is anyone out there that is lurking and can’t decide if they want to join in – JUST DO IT! It is sooo worth the money and I don’t know of anywhere else you get all the info that’s available to us for the small monthly fee or the support and encouragement we get from Cindy.
Just do it!!!
BDangles
Hi Cindy:
Excellent video. I have used the same “shift” technique when I want to add the pearl to a blend that has colours that don’t have the metallic flake in them. I really like the way you set up a display sheet to show the different variations.
Barbara
I’ve upgraded my Adobe Flash Player – no go. I’ve gone from Firefox to IE – still no go. Does anyone know what I should do next to make it play? Thanks for any ideas.
Wonderful tutorial, very easy to understand. Thank you for sharing it. I am not a member yet but hope one day to be, so it is especially nice for me. Thanks again.
Hi Cindy!
thanks for sharing. In a few minutes I learned so much! great technique!
Nili
Now, I see that I can’t play any of Cindy’s videos. They are coming from a site called uqast – is this new for Cindy? I can play YouTube videos with no problemo. Hummmm… I have tried rebooting and even tried to play them on Safari.
Good video, bit long though.
Ifound your method easy enough to take away the fear of the triangle method for blending colors. I think that I will try it really soon
Thank you so much
Cindy, awesome. You rock girl.
Thanks,
Lorrene
Great video, Cindy. I can’t wait to try your blend method and especially the color shifts. Thank you for sharing!
What a great (and easy!) way to increase the color range of a single blend. Thanks for sharing this, Cindy.
I did enjoy this vidio. It is easy to learn new ideas and gives me a few of my own. Thanks much!
Thanks so much for this!!! It is so much easier than the Skinner Method. I can’t wait to make my own!!
Wow Cindy. You make this so easy. I am just getting into clay and must say I am getting some great ideas from your sight. Thank you so much.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU everyone for the enthusiast support! I so appreciate hearing from all of you and am really happy to to know that my Teardrop Blend video is providing value!!!!
For anyone who just happens to land here from Google or something, and is wondering what all the buzz is about, please click the link by my name just above, for info about how to gain free access to my Teardrop Blend Shift Technique video (Limited Time Offer).
@GAULTIER: You asked if I would come to France and teach… that is definitely on my “bucket” list :-) Just waiting for the right opportunity :-) :-)
@Kay: Sorry you are having troubles playing the video. The uQast player is in fact new. We are beta-testing it because the company is about to come out with some really nifty video features… one of which is a tip jar (it is VERY cool :-).
But first we need to make sure the player is going to work for everyone. The good news… out of the many 100’s of views the Teardrop video received this morning, there were only 2 reports of potential issues… you being one of them, Kay. Don’t you feel special !:~?
We would like to look into this matter further for you. Please use this Contact Cindy link to email all the details about your specific situation (i.e type of computer, age, operating system, internet connection speed, browser version, etc., etc.). I will get the info to Doug so that he can hopefully get to the bottom of this for you.
@Cindy Lietz from Teardrop Blend Shift Video (Complimentary Access): Cindy, thanks again so much for following up on this. I’ve sent you an email re my computer specifics, as requested. Do hope that this can be solved. I previously went to the uQast site to see if I could download something, but I didn’t find anything. Yes, I do feel special :-/ but glad that only two of us are missing out on this cool video. Hugs, Kay
As usual for you, Cindy, it was a great video!! I have learned so much from you and enjoy being a part of your group. Thanks for all the help you have been to me. You are a real asset to the world of polymer clay.
The other thing I need to address is all of the questions that are coming in via email as well as above, about how to become a member at my Polymer Clay Tutor Library… and how to buy other tutorial videos I have available. So here is some info that will hopefully be helpful for some of you guys…
———————————————————————————————————————–
Thanks for you interest in my videos. If you are new to polymer clay, I would highly recommend that you go through my beginners course. The small investment of $37 for the 39 videos in this course, will definitely provide you with a ton of cost-saving advice all in one place, about what tools and supplies to start out with. The course will also help you to avoid making common “trial & error” mistakes that can get expensive if you decide to learn everything on your own… not to mention the frustrations when your pieces don’t turn out quite like you were hoping they would.
If you have time, take a look at some of the
course feedback comments posted at this link:
http://www.beadvideos.com/category/benefits/feedback/
And here is the link where you can purchase
the course if you feel it is right for you:
http://www.beadsandbeading.com/crse/01-more.html
I’ve also got an ongoing tutorial support program that picks up where the course leaves off. The cost works out to only $3.32 per month (plus an initial one-time $9.95 set up fee) and the program provides weekly video lessons that allow you to advance beyond the basics.
Here is the link for more info if you are interested in building
a library of follow up tutorials at a deep discount:
http://www.beadvideos.com/become-a-member/
And here is a link to what other’s are
saying about the value they are receiving:
http://www.beadvideos.com/category/benefits/
Or if you just want training on something specific,
you can check out the back issues here:
http://www.beadvideos.com/back-issues/
Very much looking forward to hearing more about
how your beads and jewelry projects are coming along.
All the Best, Cindy Lietz
PS: Sign up for my Polymer Clay Tutor E