6 Videos #404 to #409: Tiny intricate mosaics are usually very tedious to make… not these ones!
One of the things you may not know about me, is that once upon a time, I taught many other crafts besides polymer clay.
In fact, back when I was an night school instructor, I didn’t teach anything to do with polymer clay or jewelry making at all!
The classes I taught were in a variety of mediums: paper making, punched tin, card making, painted wine glasses and broken china/tile mosaics. It was a lot of fun. I met many interesting people and learned a lot about the fine art of teaching.
Mosaic work was one of my favorites. In my classes, the students transformed crates of broken dishes and tiny squares of cut glass tiles into wonderful, expressive mosaic artworks.
There are a lot of things you need to learn about traditional mosaic work: Cutting tesserae (mosaic pieces); Creating the design and the flow of the tesserae (known as the opus); Gluing the pieces to your base; Grouting and sealing so that your pieces not only look good, but also last for years to come.
For a while now I have been wanting to do some polymer clay mosaics. There are some wonderful artists who specialize in this art form… like Laurie Mika and Cynthia Toops for example. But I wanted to do something in my own style… different than what has already been been by others.
Then it dawned on me… why don’t I use my original designs from the Glass Mosaic Classes I taught years ago, and shrink them down to micro mosaic size? Who better to copy, than myself, LOL.
So, that is how this Micro Mosaic Polymer Pin Tutorial came to be. I think you are really going to enjoy how much easier it is to do than the more conventional way of doing micro mosaics. And, you’ll be able to transfer the skills to create all sorts of projects of your own.
Posted just below is a Sneak Peak and overview of this months Micro Mosaic Polymer Pins Tutorial. The rest of the 6 part video series will be posted tomorrow (Friday, July 5th, 2013 – Happy US Independence Day Long Weekend), in the Vol-061 section at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library.
BTW, if this Micro Mosaic Polymer Pins Tutorial 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-062-1: Video #404: Introduction: In this 6 part video tutorial series, you will learn techniques and tricks for creating unique and stunning Micro Mosaic Polymer Clay Projects. Use the techniques to make polymer clay pins or brooches, as well as come up with some of your own ideas for jewelry making, scrapbooking, art journals, picture frames, home decor and other great looking polymer clay projects.
Vol-062-2: Video #405:
Extruding the Tiles:
In this video you will learn a little bit about best practice design techniques for creating balanced designs that are aesthetically pleasing to look at. You will also learn how to create your own teeny tiny mosaic pieces using a unique color blend and your ever so versatile extruder tool.
Vol-062-3: Video #406:
Laying in the Tessarae:
In this video you will learn the basics of creating your micro mosaic pin design, learning some of the principals of the flow of mosaic pieces (the opus). As well, you will discover the secret to cutting your micro mosaic ’tiles’ and building your mosaic pin design, with the addition of a small mirror. There are a lot of cool tips in this one!
Vol-062-4: Video #407:
Grouting:
In this video you will be mixing your own custom polymer grout and learning the in’s and out’s of creating a durable polymer clay mosaic pin. It will end up looking like you used real glass tiles, and real sanded grout.
Vol-062-5: Video #408:
Textured Pin Back:
This video you will learn the techniques for adding a pin back and textured polymer clay backing for your brooch, that gives it a professional and durable result. You can use the tricks and tips learned in this section for any polymer clay brooch or pin you like… not just for micro mosaic pins.
Vol-062-6: Video #409:
Finishing Your Polymer Pins:
In this final video of the six part series, you’ll learn how to sand, buff and polish your micro mosaic polymer pin to a gorgeous professional finish. I use Renaissance wax to give the clay a beautiful, classy looking sheen.
Other Supplies:
- Paper Towels.
- Dish of Water with a drop of dish soap.
- Stiff Brush or Toothbrush.
- Rubbing Alcohol.
- Smooth ceramic or glass tile for baking.
- Scissors.
- Old plastic gift card or credit card.
- Soft cloth or fabric for waxing.
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 Micro Mosaic Polymer Pins tutorial described above, is available in Vol-062 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:
Hi All, Love, love, love the Bohemian Beach Bracelet tute. Ideas are just clammering to see who gets top billing! The girls, (Becca & Linda, 16 yr old twins) will be here for Thanksgiving so I’m hoping to get one done for each of them. Might try to build a Texas theme for one and this beach theme for the other will be good too. So, THANK YOU so much, Cindy for caring and sharing with all of us. You are over the top! ~Joyce-F
Wow Cindy! Wonderful Priate cane and once again you solved so many things that I have been struggling with. Thanks. ~Cassie-C
Loved this Kumihimo tutorial – I have always struggled with this technique – you’ve made it sooooo simple – thank you. I will get so much use out of this. It’s wonderful that you are including more of these jewelry finding tutorials. It is a more holistic approach to polymer clay and I absolutely look forward to more. I seem to get it when you explain it even though I have seen it many times before. I guess that is why you are such a great teacher! ~Cara-L
Now if we can just convince all the clayers out there what they are missing by not signing up for your clever, interesting, informative, colorful, adventurous, stimulating and ah-ha moments classes. I’m so lucky I did! ~DixieAnn-S
The full video series for the Micro Mosaic Polymer Clay Pins tutorial described above, is available in Vol-062 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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I love the pins you created. Looking forward to tomorrows tutorials. Oh,
Happy Belated Canada Day !!!
How very cute these pins are!!! They look happy, like the color orange looks happy to me
Looking forward to learning how to make such a professional looking back side ‘the Cindy way’ you know how she breaks things down for us into easy to do, why didn’t I think of that steps…you are so good at that Cindy, it’s part of your claim to fame:)
Thank you for saying such sweet words Sherry! Looking forward to seeing your micro mosaics. It’s funny, I went to make some bookmarks for a friend and every one of them had an Orange bead on it. I didn’t realize I even liked orange that much and here I had made a whole ton of beads in a variety of Oranges. It is such a lovely vibrant color. You’re right, they do look happy!
Thank you Anna!
Happy Independence Day to all our American friends!! Hope you have a wonderful holiday celebrating with your friends and family. Maybe a BBQ and see some fireworks too? Hopefully its not too hot Have fun what ever you do, even if its just sitting on the porch with a glass of Lemonade.
Adult Lemonade called Margaritas. It is a celebration!!I
Loved the micro mosaic technique!!
Wow, I was going this week exactely to try to make mosaic with polymer clay, had the idea but not sure how. Can´t wait to see the videos!!!!
YES YES YES! This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. *does happy dance*
OH…MY…GOSH! These are stunning, I’ve done some faux mosaic work before, but nothing like this. :o)
This is an amazing tutorial! I thought we were going to have to cut up all those little pieces, lol. How in the world did you come up with something soooo clever!! I can see a zillion of these in my future. Thanks.
Hi Cindy, does Canada Day celebrations have fireworks and picnics too?
Happy belated Canada Day to you and the family. It sounded like cannons going off last night in my neighborhood. I absolutely love this new pin tutorial coming tomorrow. I have often thought about trying to do mosaics but always had too many projects in the oven as it was. Now I am going to finally get to work with this technique in one of my favorite mediums….clay. My mind is already racing around for the different designs I could make. I love the mirror accent as I have seen so many sizes of them at Michaels lately. This is going to be an exciting project, thanks so much for bringing us this wonderful, artistic, colorful technique. Not only do we get a new spin on it, we get an added bonus of all your years of teaching expertise.
Yes Dixie Ann, Canada Day is a holiday for us and there are lots of Picnics and Fireworks in the bigger cities.Canadians are a little more low key, with most people choosing to just hang out, rather than do anything big. We were too busy this year to go out to the fireworks. Maybe next year?
Hope you enjoy the tutorial! Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
I love the look of mosaic. I actually have another paid tutorial on making PC mosaic, and though I’ve watched it twice, I haven’t yet made a project! I bet I’ll be creating right away after Cindy’s videos LOL
You just made my day Monique! Sometimes I feel like that now that everyone and their dog is jumping into making tutorials, that I wonder how long I will be able to compete. Your words are very encouraging! It makes me feel like what I am am trying to offer has value for people. That I am actually getting people to DO something with their clay… and not just THINK about doing something with their clay. So thank you very much for saying that!
No matter how many tutes I watch (or occasionally buy), I haven’t found any that match yours for creativity and clarity, Cindy… (plus you leave in some adorable “oops” moments that are painless learning ops for me LOL). AND I don’t feel I need to do EVERY project to get my money’s worth. I don’t comment here very often but I am definitely out there watching and learning!
Jeepers Cindy your tutes are the best. I only buy big tutes from you and one other as I trust you guys implicitly to show all the steps and in doing so make sure we the students get it right and not be frustrated with lack of info. You will be around a lot longer then others I will bet on it.
Thank you Sandra, I certainly plan to be around for a very long time. I appreciate your kind words. Very encouraging to hear you feel that way! :)
Can’t wait to see what you have, Cindy!
Well well well …. just watched the videos …. how extremely cool is that!!! I’d never have thought up this way of doing a mosaic …. thank you so much Cindy, you always inspire!
Another GREAT tutorial from Cindy! Can’t wait to try it! I’ve always been fascinated by mosaics. I’ve wanted to try it in polymer clay but just never seemed to find a tutorial that was as complete and easy as Cindy’s! Love it!
BUT – am I the only one having audio problems with these videos? Ever since you changed to this new video format, the audio is choppy. Before it seemed to be a little choppy until the video loaded – maybe 1 minute – then was fine. However, these seem to be choppy all the way through the video. If it’s just me, I will assume it is my pc. Just wondering.
Hi Gayle – Sorry to hear you are getting choppy audio.
So that everyone knows… last month, starting with Vol-061, I switched to a new video delivery service that really should be improving everyone’s user experience. It is a CloudFront technology that Amazon provides. In non-technical terms… Amazon hosts multiple copies of the same video file on all of there huge web servers all around the world.
This means that when you click to watch one of the videos, that clip “streams” from the server that is geographically closest to you. In theory, you should be having a smoother, faster user experience.
So far, this Amazon CloudFront Service is only set up for Vol-061 and Vol-062. I’m hoping it makes a difference for everyone because it is definitely a more expensive service for us to support.
Hi Doug, in regards to the choppy video just for your info……I watched all 6 between 1:00-3:00 pm Iowa Time USA
No. 2 video had 6 stops between 5 and 10 seconds. All the rest of the videos streamed with no interruptions at all. I watched the intro video (#1) yesterday alone and it was fine. I would say all in all it’s doing a much better job since you switched to Amazon Servers, at least for me here in Iowa. I think it always helps to get feedback.
Doug I thought something was different. The videos use to be choppy here in NZ but I watched all six straight thru no interruptions, brilliant. I hope the rest are like these.
That is great news Sandra! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Doug. Looks like everyone else is getting better streaming. I guess I’ll just have to accept the choppy audio. I’ll try watching it at a different time of day and see if that helps and let you know.
Interesting. I had quite a few problems with Volume 61… I noticed it was delivered differently but didn’t know it was supposed to be better. Earlier recent videos had worked really well, so the only difference the new video delivery service made for me was a strongly negative one! LOL
I haven’t watched Volume 62 yet, but I’ll let you know how that goes compared to Volume 60 and earlier.
Very strange, Sue. Your videos should now be streaming from the Amazon Cloud based servers in Sydney. Here is a link to the news release about Amazon’s move into the Australian market. Btw, I had a an email dialog with another Ozzie member who is now experiencing nice and smooth connectivity with the videos. It could be that your web browser cache needs to be cleared … not sure about that though… or maybe there is a firewall setting issue.
Having trouble too. I’ve always had a bit of a problem with them being choppy but before… I probably don ‘t have the newest computer and think that’s the problem.
Not so strange, actually. That’s one of those things that’s nice in theory but which doesn’t quite work out in practice for everybody.
For the PCT videos specifically, the times when I’d normally be watching them would be off-peak in North America, but close to peak locally. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if content served from relatively idle North American-scale infrastructure outperformed that from relatively loaded Australian-scale infrastructure. I’m sure Amazon have comprehensive load balancing systems in place, but even so, while the pauses in Volume 61’s videos weren’t bad enough for me to give up totally, those videos definitely didn’t stream smoothly like other recent pre-61 PCT videos have done.
[ If I’d wanted to access the videos from Australia at peak North American times — particularly peak *PCT* North American times when new tutorials have just been released — I’d presumably be seeing quite an improvement now compared to the previous system. However I didn’t and don’t, so I personally prefer the previous system. ;) ]
And in general terms, I encounter noticeable performance degradation much more frequently on Australian-hosted web sites across the board than I do on international web sites. Not that it never happens the other way around, but that’s much less common and there are often obvious causes such as damage to key submarine cables or major DDoS attacks. So from my own observations I personally don’t consider local content servers to be a benefit: at best I’m neutral about that.
[ I still haven’t watched the Volume 62 videos for comparison, sorry. I started playing one of them, but had to run off and tackle my (seriously scary) “to do” list. I’ll get to them some time this week. ]
Hi Doug,
I started watching Volume 62… but stopped because there’s another (totally different) thing about the new video player that really gets up my nose, and I got far too frustrated with it to continue.
The problem is that when the browser window with the new video player in it loses focus, the video playback stops. This happens even if the browser window is fully visible.
When I’m watching a video I almost always want to do other things on the computer at the same time, whether it’s taking notes on ideas that occur to me while watching a tutorial, or doing a variety of totally unrelated “stuff”. I can do this easily because my browser windows are sized to occupy a vertical half of a hi-res screen, so I have plenty of space to use other applications at the same time. On some of my systems I have multiple hi-res monitors, in which case a browser window will be sized to occupy half of one monitor, leaving me at least one-and-a-half monitors for doing other things while a web-based video is playing.
The new player doesn’t permit that; if I were to watch one of the new videos all the way through I’d have to be in a room with multiple computers, so I can leave it focused and playing on one computer while I use a second computer for all the stuff I’d normally do at the same time on the same computer. And that workaround is still suboptimal because I don’t have everything in the same field of view any more.
It wasn’t a problem with any of the previous players — I went back and checked to confirm that my recollection was correct — and I’m not sure if there’s anything under your control which would address it, but I really hope there’s a solution because I couldn’t even get through the first member video in Volume 62 without wanting to punch its figurative lights out.
Sorry to be a pain, but that’s today’s $0.02 from me. It takes all kinds, hm? ;D
Sue
(By the way, I did notice this problem with Volume 61 too, but it was stopping periodically even when the browser stayed in focus so I had other issues with it as well.)
Sue – I think I got the “browser focus” issue fixed on Vol-061 and Vol-062 videos. Let me know.
Hi Doug,
Yep, it seems to be fixed now, from brief tests on 3 different systems with various browsers and OS versions.
It was soooooooo annoying — if affected usability for me more than even the very worst buffering and stuttering — so having it fixed is absolutely AWESOME, thanks! :)
I’ll check the streaming aspect after hours and will let you whether it’s smooth or interrupted.
Thanks again,
Sue
OK, I had two buffering pauses when playing the Volume 62 member videos. That’s better than I had with Volume 61, although I watched Volume 61 on its release day when demand would have been higher, compared to watching Volume 62 now nearly a week after its release, so it’s not an ideal comparison. However, this was still not as good for me as Volume 60 and earlier recent videos where I didn’t get any buffering pauses.
Sue: The Video files for Vol-60 and earlier are hosted on a small shared server in Texas that is just not set up for video streaming. We were using them because the price was right. But for the past half year or so, everyone’s viewing activity has been stressing that little Texas server to the point where they couldn’t allow us to continue. They informed us that we would have to graduate to a more robust media solution… which is where AmazonS3 comes in. AmazonS3 is pretty much the standard CDN for small digital publishers like us, in just about every country in the world. So it’s a mystery as to why your user experience has gone down. Not sure what more I can do on this front.
Thanks for your feedback Dixie Ann. The info you provided is very helpful.
Wowww Loved it loved it loved it!!!! well done Cindy, you made a great work findig out for us this awsome way for doing the Mosaic, thank you!!!!
This tutorial is a “WOWSER”! It is so clear and easy -who knew? I too, have done mosaics with glass and broken china. I even covered a bowling ball with mosaics. I taught a class -after I received 6 bowling balls from friends and neighbors.LOL.
This tute brought back memories. What fun -what a mess. This is sooooooooo much easier. You teach so easily – and WELL. You are so clear and your happy voice is just what we need. THANK YOU ……….I will definitely give this a try.
Very nice Cindy. Looking forward to making a pin. I will put the pin backing on vertically so I can wear it as a pendant as well as a pin.
Connie, you can buy special convertible findings to make your pin into a pendant. I found several suppliers on Etsy by searching “Brooch Pin backs with Bail”. I’m sure Amazon would have lots, too. Two-for-one is great fun!
Thank you Monique. I’ll check it out. Seems to me that I just might have a few of them around that I purchased several years ago.
Now Cindy in regards to this latest tutorial, that is one of the slickest methods I have seen for doing Mosaics. You nailed it! I can see the potential for just about any design and color. You never disappoint, I am always so amazed at how you always outdo yourself with each new project you come up with. Thank you for another tutorial that feeds our creative imaginations and inspires us to push ourselves further into this art.
Great set of videos Cindy! (and Doug!) I can’t wait to try it. I’m thinking a little heart would be cute. Maybe even little mosaic wings on either side. LOL!
Hi Everyone:)
I’ve got about 30 min.( while my Micro Mosaic picture frame is in the oven) and had to come back here and say Thank You to our teacher for such an awesome NEW and EZ way of making mosaics!!:D Really Cindy thank you for all you guys go through to bring us these tutorials
I love this. So many ideas, possibilities with this. I always look fwd to the beginning of the month with anticipation as what neat idea u will bring to us. You don’t disappoint. Thanks Cindy and Doug for your wonderful work.
As always, so comprehensive, Cindy… this was a great opportunity for me to focus on your teaching METHOD, and you can’t be beat! I have several ideas already as this is such a great starting point.
I’m going to offer some tips (tools I use regularly) if that is OK, I promise to be vague LOL 1) Flat toothpicks for handling the raw clay and carving; 2) cotton swabs (I think the brand name is Q-tip) for the intermediate cleanup; and 3) I already forgot it LOL good memory but it’s SHORT… the next time I watch it I’ll probably pop back in :)
And Doug, I experienced a short period of video “choppiness” today but only in the second to last video. Yesterday I gave up after about ten minutes because it was so bad. Same computer. I would surmise the problem would be related to the density of the “cloud”?
Re “the density of the cloud” – yes I think even with everything optimized there will still be periods of congestion based on peak usage (Friday’s in our case)… especially in more rural areas where the internet pipelines servicing local towns are often undersized for the level of residential / demands that are put on them.
Thanks for adding in your commentary, Monique :-)
Just realized I claimed to have watched yesterday… NOT. It was very early this AM when I experienced said choppiness LOL
Oh, I love these. I’ve been building polymer clay mosaics in my mind for months. This is the push I need to actually get busy and do them!
Cindy, your teaching is so wonderful. There really isn’t any other Polymer Clay video teachers that do it as well, and I have purchased and searched different teachers and artist and purchased many polymer clay books. They may make wonderful jewelry but are not able to teach how to make it. Thank you so much for your teaching? in such an easy to understand way by actually doing the work, providing us a list of materials and answering our questions. I think you are the only one doing it. Don’t ever stop.
To each and everyone of you
This message comes to say
how much appreciated are your words,
Your prayers and hugs
(and all because of CLAY)
So glad I found you Cindy,
Doug, Fisher, Willow too
You make me smile and sometimes Laugh
So how can I be blue.
Treasure your “family moments”
They will not come again
Enjoy each other’s company
In sunshine or in rain
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Now what’s this latest video?
Micro mosaics are neat
And Cindy’s way’s so sweet.
I’ve been building up my tesserae
One sheet at a time,
Done about 100,( it’s taken quite a time)
Now Cindy’s using that special tool
And bam bam bam it’s done
Who would have thought it
To make them with a GUN.
Whoever wired your brain up Cindy
must have got it right
You must go on for many years
You’ are Very Very bright
(And we all love you for that)
Oh My Goodness, thank you all so much! I came in here to reply to a couple of sweet and glowing comments and there were so many I realized I wouldn’t be able to go do my shopping errands today if I replied to each one individually! I loved reading each of your comments this morning.
Doug and I have been particularly exhausted the last little while with all that we are trying to do, so to see that you are enjoying the tutorials, makes all the hard work worth it.
You all mean a lot to me. Your excitement and input keep those creative wheels whirring. Do you realize just how many things we have learned together? Doug and I just filmed our 427th video the other day!! Holy Dinah that’s a lot of videos! And I just mixed up my 520th color recipe!
It seems like only yesterday we sat down and decided to start shooting videos to put on the web instead of teaching live classes locally. If we had stayed local, we would have never met any of you. We would never be chatting with people from New York or Iowa or every other state and province, and we certainly wouldn’t have fallen in love with the poetry of you Elaine our dear friend in the UK… and felt our hearts break when you lost the love of your life.
I am grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. And for allowing us to be part of your creative journey with polymer clay!!
Hi Cindy and Doug
I guess this is directed at the both of you. First off, all of my videos are really choppy at all times, I stayed up until 2:00 AM to try again when congestion would be less, and have tried at other times throughout the morning. My husband has checked our internet speed and says it is definitely fast enough to bring the videos through. Are there any unresolved issues out there that may clear this up? Now on the other hand.. I DID sit patiently through the stop and start of the videos in excitement to see this SUPER cool mosaic pin tutorial :)
Any advice or hope the videos will speed up soon ?
Thanks and keep up the great work to the both of you !
Susan R
Hi Susan,
Here’s some tips that may be helpful for you and others who may be experiencing choppy videos.
1) Keep in mind that the speed of your internet is just one part of the equation. Here is a link to free online tool that will let you do a speed test on your computer … http://www.speedtest.net/ … make sure you do the test on your own computer. Just because the Internet is running fast on one computer in your house, does not mean that it’s performing the same on all of them.
2) Another common issue that can cause video playback to be choppy, is when the bulk of your computer resources are being used by other processes and programs running in parallel or in the background. Some older computers are terrible at multitasking. In this case, try rebooting your computer and then go straight to the tutorial videos before opening any other programs. However, if your computer is set to automatically start up a bunch of background programs with each re-boot (as many computers are), your solution will be to first figure out how to manage the start-up processes on your system… or have a local computer technician do it for you.
3) Another possible work-around video player trick, is to press pause right away after you press the video play button… and then wait a few minutes to let the video “cache” or load on your system. Then press the play button again. This works as a fix on some computers.
Hope these tips help…
~Doug
Cindy, I am so excited about the micro mosaics, I am going to be making several projects for gifts, I ran out to Michaels and bought several packages of Mirrors. I could not find the Kato Bonding Glue so was wondering if I could use the Kato Poly Paste instead? or if not the paste would any other kind of glue work? Also I have been meaning to ask if you could sometime do a tutorial on a technique called Bargello? I used to do this needlework and after seeing the Mosaics I’m sure it could be adapted for clay. Please, please think about this and maybe put it on your “to do” list. Thanks ever so much.:)
Ooooh, I second your request, Dixie. Bargello is one of those supposedly “easy” techniques that I see lots of artists making, but not always succeeding IMHO. Now we KNOW Cindy can put that unique spin on this beautiful effect!
The glue Cindy recommends is the Lisa Pavelka Polybonder, as it does not lose its bond after baking like most “super glues”, not to mention the problem of fumes being created. This is safe to 300ºF. I bet the Polypaste would work, but not as well, since it needs to cure, unlike the Polybonder which hardens pretty well instantly.
This is a review of LP Polybonder from Craft Test Dummies.
Hi Dixie Ann and Monique, Yeah Kato Poly Paste may be a good solution if you can’t find Pavelka PolyBonder. It would be thicker than the liquid clays and wouldn’t move around so much, though the PolyBonder works perfectly for this technique.
I’ll have to think about a Bargello cane. I know several people are doing tutorials already, but if I can put my own spin on it or make it easier to do, than I would certainly do a tutorial on it. Could be a while till I get to it, but I will definitely put it on this list. If there is a lot of interest in it though, I could bump it up the list a little further. ;)
Hi Dixie
I checked with Joanns they did not have the glue. But went to Michaels and they had it. I almost missed it as it was hanging sort of out of site. I am going to try Hobby Lobby also.
Barb in Kansas
Wow! These are cool!! When I first saw the project I had visions of tweezers and super magnifiers! Also envisioned much tylenol. So delighted to see how it was really done!
” Doug and I just filmed our 427th video the other day!! Holy Dinah that’s a lot of videos! And I just mixed up my 520th color recipe!’ “Holy Dinah?” I have never heard that expression. But…Holy Buckets, that means I should have 520 recipe card and almost 427 examples of what I made. But, I do not, how embarrassing :(
I remember when your began your blog back in February 2008-that is probably the only thing I can remember that far back. I tried to find my first post on your site, but alas no luck. I must have been a silent observer for a while.
There are not many clay artist that can maintain a blog, vlog, tutorials and all the other great things you do. The difference between Cindy and others who “are jumping into video tutorials” is that you are forever coming up with new ideas, new techniques and stretching our creativity.
I would not have stuck with Polymer clay if it were not for the things I learned and continue to learn at your site.
So, I raise my Pasta machine crank handle to Cindy and Doug and give them a great big WHOO HOO!!!!
Here Here !!!
and well said!!:)
Oh Anna’
You crack me up imagining you running around with crank handle held aloft shouting Whoo Hoo. Well Holy Esmerelda and beat my behind with a bunch of nettles (my dads favorite remark) and make sure you don’t let go of that handle so it flies out the window….cheers xx……..
Yikes Elaine!! I wouldn’t want to be beat in the behind with a bunch of nettles! Only the English would say something like that!! LOL
:D
Do you have some Champagne in that pasta machine handle of yours to toast with Anna?! LOL I could go for some sort of celebration right now.
Thank you so much for saying what you said. If it weren’t for members like you who have hung out with us for all this time, we wouldn’t be able to keep going like we have.
It has been good for me to have to constantly come up with new content. I have always been an idea person, but having to be committed to bringing new content every week/month has forced me to make turn my ‘ideas’ into ‘reality’.
I see some artists who are really good at one or two things but they never do much else beyond those few signature moves. I would be bored with that pretty quick! Though sometimes I crave the time to work longer with a technique and explore it further and improve on it, before moving on like I have to. But you guys are free to do that. So that’s good.
I consider you a dear friend Anna. And I do hope that you stay with us for many years to come… even if you haven’t mixed every single color recipe yet!
Oh… and the Holy Dinah thing… I have no idea where that came from. Think my mom and Grandma used to say that. :)
I have never tried beating my kids with nettles. My oldest daughter Kim has ALWAYS been the high maintenance kid. A few years ago in a fit of DRAMA she said, I am like this because of the way YOU raised Me. I responded, “You are absolutely right, I shouldn’t have been so patient with you. I should have beat you instead.” Maybe just one swat with nettles, probably would have landed me in jail but I could use a vacation at that point.
That’s so funny Anna! ….
To get to the point: In light of the above comments, just wanted to add: the videos always work perfectly for me! (and are always lucid, clear and easy to understand, unlike many others – quite apart from the fact that Cindy is always so engaging and entertaining!) …. you’ll always have a huge fanbase Cindy, no matter how many other online tutes appear!
I love this tutorial. I just watched the 3rd video again, and I too am getting very choppy playback.
Hi Michelle – the tech tips I posted above may be helpful for you.
great videos with clear and easy to follow explanation of a tricky technique- highly recommended -thank you
Love this tutorial! I’ve made 2 brooches already and I’m thinking it would look great covering a glass ball ornament!
I’m not sure if I’ll use this one, but still enjoyed watching.
Just a quick question- concerning poly bonder- I have had terrible luck storing this stuff. I have even come home from the store to find that it was totally dried up and useless. Any storing suggestions for the long term?
The bottle I bought was dried up too. It was too late to take it back to the store by the time I realized it . I never bought it again.
Hi Cheryl and Michelle, I had heard that the glue drying up was an issue in the past, I don’t know if that was resolved or not, but both bottles I have bought have been perfect. You may want to ask Lisa about that, if you’re worried it could happen again.
I didn’t think of that. Maybe I’ll ask her on fb what you can do to prevent it from drying out in the bottle. On another note, I’m using this technique on a plaque I’m making and I’m soooooo luvin’ the way it’s turning out. I’m upgrading my phone and maybe getting a new camera for my new job (no more broadcasting – been laid off for six months, but God has met my every need woooohooo!), and I can’t wait to be able to share polymer pics with you guys (BIG HUGE GRIN!) :o)
Cindy, I just finished two small square pins using your wonderful mosaic technique, and for a first try on both, I am thrilled with the way they came out! Used gold/green teardrop blend strips and made borders and spirals, and filled in with little pieces when necessary.
Sure harder when it circles but good for concentration. Ended up finding a flat end screw driver that did the trick for me, instead of the slice of credit card.
I’d sure need to practice more, but see so many wonderful possibilities in these micro mosaics that add both texture and color to ordinary background shapes.
Since I have so many glass ornaments, think I am going to try to add some mosaic pieces to them. Boy, if you use the metallics, the effect buffed is wonderful, so I can sure see them glittering in candlelight. Adding a layer of Ultra Dome would just amplify the mosaic effect.
Cannot wait to see how translucent colors show up as tiles, mosaics of amber, ivory, wood simulations, and also want to try something in a railroad tile effect. If using the aurora borealis tute extrusions would sure think the blue/green or gold/red mosaic tiles of the aurora would be stunning with a black grout?
Jocelyn your mosaics sound wonderful! I sure would love to see some pics. Did you ever get that camera you were talking about? Oh, btw your Peacock Hair Clip finally arrived… thank you! That was so sweet of you to send to me. It is really sparkly and pretty!
Cindy, your tutorials are excellent…there is just something about them that makes you want to stay up all night and do the projects from your tutorials. They are so detailed and eady to follow. You NEVER leave any step in question. I never am scratching my head wondering if You skipped a step cause my project didnt turn out…it is always operator error (me) :). I love this new format with each step/technique broken down into its own video. I always know where I messed up so its easy to go back and review.
This months tutorial is one of my favorites…there are so many gems of information to learn. Your teachings have made me a better artist. Thank you! You are leaps and bounds ahead of the competition! My worry is that one day you are going to want to retire…..please wit 30 or 40 years please! I will never tire of claying!
Oh Laura, how wonderful to read your words today! To hear that I have helped you to become a better artist, means so much to me. I certainly hope that I can keep teaching for many years to come… and it makes it easier to know that I am making a difference. Thank you so much!
Hi Cindy,
This was a wonderful series. You made it so easy to understand that I could feel the pleasure come back through my hands, thank you so much for that! I found the video’s so easy to understand and follow. They made perfect sense to me.
I can’t wait to start my project! I already have my colors conditioned and ready to go!
Thanks so much!
Joy :)
Hi Cindy and Doug, This is way too much fun! I went on YouTube the other night looking for micro mosaics, and bingo, I found you! It’s hard to stay away now. Is there nothing that you can’t do with this stuff? There are all levels of professionalism and you two are the tops! Your neatness level is clearly a 10! Your work area, Doug’s incredible video work, Cindy’s idea’s, voice clarity, well just too much to mention. All I can say is Bravo Cindy and Doug!
Aww thank you so much Joy for saying that! Doug and I are very pleased that you are enjoying your experience here. Thanks for commenting!
I love the turtle shape Katy! Yeah the contrast thing is something that will come with experience. I used to have the same issues when I worked with real tile mosaics. One thing you can do is change the black grout to gray by giving it a color wash with watered down white acrylic paint. Wipe down the tiles so the paint only sits in the grout lines. That would help with the fact that all your colors are dark, including the grout. I would add the paint before resanding though, so you can remove any paint that ends up staying on the tiles. Let us know if you end up trying it. Looks cool the way it is though. It is just a turtle crossing the beach at night… and trying not to be seen by the birds! LOL
oops put this in the wrong spot!
Ok, here’s my turtle. :) The tiles are not as glassy in some places because there was one spot of black grout that stuck up and got all shiny with the tiles and I decided to scratch it up after I buffed him to beautiful shine. But after that it looked weird and I needed to stand that spot and I wrecked my beautiful shine. I’ll have to go back through the whole process all over again, but you get the idea. I definitely think my colors needed to be of a higher contrast because you can’t really see the pattern on his shell very well. But that’s great to know for next time. I really love this technique and this tutorial. The mosaics are so much fun, but I also like how you showed how to get the flawless pinback. What a wonderful way to do that! Thank you so much for another hit tutorial!
I love the turtle shape Katy! Yeah the contrast thing is something that will come with experience. I used to have the same issues when I worked with real tile mosaics. One thing you can do is change the black grout to gray by giving it a color wash with watered down white acrylic paint. Wipe down the tiles so the paint only sits in the grout lines. That would help with the fact that all your colors are dark, including the grout. I would add the paint before resanding though, so you can remove any paint that ends up staying on the tiles. Let us know if you end up trying it. Looks cool the way it is though. It is just a turtle crossing the beach at night… and trying not to be seen by the birds! LOL