Video #240: “Would love to see more in your valentines series… and unique one of a kind heart shaped beads.” ~Drew-G
With Valentines just around the corner, it is time for another Heart Bead Tutorial. I’ve already posted a couple of different video tutorials on how to make heart shaped beads in previous Back Issue Volumes at the PcT Members Libary. And there’s also several relevant blog articles you can look up by using apprpriate keywords in the search box (i.e. hearts, heart beads, valentines, etc.).
This week’s heart bead tutorial combines two different polymer clay techniques… Mirror Image Beads (aka Natasha Beads); and the Split Heart Bead Shape.
I made some really cool Natasha beads with scraps. Since they’re like the Rorschach Inkblots on four sides, it’s fun to show them to people and see what “pictures” they see. ~Tanya-L
I love the Natasha Beads too – I can’t wait to “reveal” what is inside… like a present! ~Michele-N
For Valentine’s Day, my husband decided to take me shopping (early) for all the polymer clay supplies my little heart desired. ~Bonnie-B
So… without further ado, coming up tomorrow (Friday, Jan 27, 2012) in the Vol-044-4 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I will demonstrate how to make unique heart bead shape that not only is cool looking, but different every single time. So every bead you make in this style is a one-of-a-kind!
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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-044-4 Mirror Heart Beads:
- 5101 Pearl Premo Sculpey Accents
Polymer Clay & 5001 White Premo Sculpey
- 5303 Gold Premo Sculpey Accents
- 5067 Copper Premo Sculpey Accents
- 5020 Blush Premo Sculpey
- 5007 Spanish Olive Premo Sculpey
Polymer Clay
- Clay Blade
- Amaco Bead Rack Piercing Wires
- Cornstarch (optional)
- Glue on Bails (optional)
By the way, if you did not already know, some of those “shopping” links I provided above for the various tools and supplies, are “affiliate” links. That means companies like Amazon 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 bit helps in keeping the cost of my tutorials so low… at only $3.32 per month ;-)
The full version of the Vol-044-4 Mirror Image Heart Beads video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday January 27, 2012.
Here’s a sneak peak…
The full version of the “Mirror Image Heart” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-044 Back Issue Pkg.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Hello, I have been a member on Cindy’s site since September of 2008, and I love it! First of all, Cindy Lietz is a real sweetheart. She really appreciates all her members and even those who just stop by for a visit. She has created a vast library of information and adds to it every week. A great deal of her instruction and information is Free, no cost. Her videos are well done: she shows you close-up angles, details, and tapes at a speed that is easy to follow. But my goodness, for $3.32 per month, how can you go wrong! I feel very fortunate to have discovered her site. I have found nothing else online to compare with what she offers. Also her blog has great commentary from Cindy and other Poly artists. Polymer clay lovers… I highly recommend this wonderful site! ~Debbie-M
Hiya Cindy, Your tutorials are the best Cindy, and with your tute’s I have so little scrap clay and I always am able to find a use for the scraps. And I’m very glad your tute’s are so affordable. I learn so much from you. And thanks to Doug too – his video’s and photography are fantastic! Thank you both for all you do for us, your students!!! One of your many grateful students. ~Lisa-W
Cindy – Thank you so very much for your beautiful rose tutorial. I can use it on my valentine cards. I just want to thank you for all the tutorials you have given us in the past and all the ones you will be giving to us in the future because I know I will love them all. The two of you put everything you have into your tutorials. With all the sadness going on in the world and money worries, I can come here and forget about the sadness if just for awhile and no money worries because the cost well you have taken care of that also buy charging next to nothing (a little over 3 dollars a month). So again thank you for all you have given, give and will continue to give. The Lietz team is by far the best pc tutor club in the world!!! I might fight my illnesses a lot of the time and not found a cure yet. But by far Cindy and Doug Lietz the polymer clay tutor is the best medicine and least costing one I have found by far. It heals what ails you. Many uuuuuugggggggs to all, love. ~Peggy-B
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Valentines Mirror Image Heart Bead video tutorial:
- See examples of beads and pendants made in a variety of sizes and color combinations.
- Find out how simple it is to create unique heart bead shape that has a one of a kind mirror image revealed inside.
- Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.
The full version of the “Mirror Image Heart” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-044 Back Issue Pckg.
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Oh my gosh!!! These are wonderful. Love the color combinations.
Another “scrap” tute. We all have lots of left-overs, so this is another way to use them. Hearts are always welcome. Looking forward to the whole tute tomorrow !
Very pretty and intriguing. Have never made Natasha Beads.
These little hearts represent what I love the most about Cindy’s ongoing video series. Just as with flowers, hearts and other (to my mind) “frilly stuff” have never been my cuppa tea. Well, I have learned to expect pleasant surprise here at PCT! I just “let it happen”… the videos that initially have me raising an eyebrow invariably become my faves. I guess it’s a chance for this old tomboy to relive my girlhood in a more feminine style! LOL (I am a little late in commenting on this post, but I was so caught up in all the other interesting streams since coming online today.)
Funny…the first time I made a Natasha bead, I messed-up the shape while trimming. Instead of removing even more clay, I popped it into a heart mold…making sure to keep the center aligned properly. So, my first “mirror image” bead was in a heart shape! I guess that’s not all that strange, as hearts are a very popular shape, and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Can’t wait to see what clever tricks Cindy’s come up with for this video — no doubt I’ll be inspired, and learn something new, as usual! (Unfortunately, I can’t see it yet…video’s still not working on my Vista PC.)
Thank you! ~Kat
Hi Cindy and all,
I make Natasha beads and so seeing this as another way , making a heart is great. I do use bails like the one in the video, so am familiar with those.
I think this is a better way than even using a heart mold, quicker and easier,and a great way to use up the scrap clay, amazing the designs that come up.
The tear drop bead has done a lot for us, using it in all kinds of ways.
Thanks again Cindy for another nice Friday tutorial.
Bye
Love
Elizabeth K.
Hi Cindy,
It’s 4;10 AM and I coulld not sleep( I m on the coach when I heard the.bling that I got an email just what I needed a fantastic tut form my guru . Absolutely love his new tut… I make a lot of heart beads ans bookmarks and I love your easy way of making mirror image…neve heard of them called Natasha wads…..can’t wait for my hubby to pick up my supplies. It this is one that I can do. With out all my fancy stuff …. don’t need my pasta machine Thsnks for making thing so easy to follow… XTo may clay tuts have way to Many steps that I get frustrated and just give up….especially if the are tooooo wordy with few pixs …..can’t thank ldoug enough for his great videos of you…you guys are a great test
Natalie aka Safti.also. Soled twinkle toes by my Son( he thinks he’s funny)
I meant great team… This iPod touch key board is sooooo small. … Not great for spelling words correctly….. Can’t wait to be ableto it up Anthony on the computer!!!!!!
Natalie aka Safti ( twinkle toes…..ha ha on me)
Will be trying this really soon. Is there any reason you couldn’t use the food processor to chop the clay, like you do in some faux turquoise techniques?
You can, but those suckers work fast. More than not, you’d end up with a granite looking blend. Hand control gives you big and little.
I agree with Jocelyn. The processor may be a bit of an overkill on this technique.
Hi Cindy, just watched the new video for the mirror image heart shaped beads, or natasha beads.. Another very cool tute, I guess I have been with you on here close to a year now. I can’t really remember when I signed up, but it feels like forever.. :) That’s how easy and fun you make it, you never cease to amaze and inspire me.. I just want to say Thank you all so much for sharing your talent and making this wonderful website possible.. You, Doug and Willow are all so talented, Thank You, Thank You from the very bottom of my heart.. :)
Patricia you are so sweet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is your joy and kindness that is the reason why I love to teach. Thanks again for your comment!
Love it! Thank you. Is there anything special we need to know if we want to make a shape other than a heart?
Now you have me thinking Kathy… I have done the ‘normal’ rectangular shape 4 sided Natasha bead many times and of course the heart, but haven’t attempted any other shape. The only thing that I can think of that would be special about any shape you tried, is that one side should be straight so that you can match the center line, to get that mirror image. But then again, why not break the rules? Will have to play around with the concept and see if there are any other shapes that could be made with the mirror image concept. Now you’ve got me curious!
What a lovely project!
Only wish I had my nieces back at six seven eight……because the ooooo’s and ahhhh’s that would have resulted when the teardrop sliced into the heart would have been wonderful.
Still good for me, and I’m in my late fifties, lol.
Also commend you for really providing good ideas for the use of scrap clay.
I wish all of you a happy heart day.
Unfortunately I can not watch the video, but is only two minutes
Hi Doug
sorry to bug you but
this is the 1st time I’ve ever had any kind of video problem
tried 3 times to watch it and every time at 3m 52s it just freezes up
so I would log out and try again…
I’m using a laptop w/ xp just like always
thanks-sherry
Nwna and Tantesherry: I had the same problem earlier today, was thinking it was just high traffic from everyone viewing at once. But I clicked on the “Video Problem” tab at the top of the page (under the header) and followed Doug’s instructions to clear my cache. I also restarted my computer (I do that whenever I don’t really know what I’m doing, which is often LOL). The video works perfectly now! And it looks like an addictive bead. too. Thanks Cindy and Doug!!
thanks Monique off to try that now
YES
thank you hon it worked!!
What a wonderful spin on a tech that I’ve done for years
Lovely heart shaped result
You are Awesome Monique! Thanks for chiming in on the tech issue. You have no idea how much it helps for you guys to help one another out like this.
Since web browsers have so many moving parts, it is not uncommon for video issues to crop up for individual members. Fortunately, most of the problems are easily solved by following the posted trouble shooting tips… just as you suggested Monique. Again, thank you!
I had video problem earlier also. I followed the suggestions…[went against my nature…..lol.] and was able to see the whole thing. Wow Love this tute. Can’t wait to try this one. I like it better when it’s not chopped too fine. Just personal preference.
My younger gs and I made these tonight. Boy, did they turn out pretty. He’d seven and very proud of himself. I just gave instructions and he did all the work. Now he has presents for his mom and step mom. When he goes home tomorrow I will attempt some cause I really like how they look.
Pollyanna: It’s great that you let him “do his own thing”. I find it hard not to “help”, when all the little ones really want is to do it themselves. You are like his own personal Polymer Clay Tutor LOL
Hi Cindy,
This looks like a great project even I could do as a beginner.
I do have a question though about Fimo clay.
I found some old packets of Fimo clay in a cupboard which I must have bought when I was going to try polymer clay before. They are probably quite old but I’m not sure what they are.
The packet just says Fimo. Not classic or soft.
There is also one packet of Fimo Soft which I must have bought at the same time.
Can I assume that this is probably Fimo Classic?
It does seem quite hard, but that could also be age.
There are several colours which will be nice for me to use.
Many Thanks
Linda H
Hi Linda, I would also like to add my warm welcome to our clay family! I am so glad that Jocelyn came in to say hi. It is always nice to hear from others, isn’t it?
You can definitely use up that old Fimo, like Jocelyn suggested. Use the search box as she suggested to find articles on how to soften hard clay. There are absolutely tons of helpful articles on the topic. Try and read the comments in these threads as well, since there are often great suggestions added from our members. You can almost always get an old clay to ‘come around again’ if you follow the tips. Sometimes it can take some work though. :)
If by off chance the clay is so hard that it just crumbles no matter what you do, then it could be partially cured, by being stored somewhere warm. In that case, you can still use it by chopping or grating it up fine, for techniques like faux rocks or pebbles, faux jade, faux granite or even this mirror image heart. Never throw out clay, good or bad. It can always be used for something!
Have fun searching, reading and making friends around the blog. Let us know if you need any help!
Linda, welcome and good luck with your first project. You can mix the Fimos. But you may find it a challenge to work with the old clay, depending on how it was stored.
Go to the search facility and request topics like
conditioning clay
old clay
Fimo
reconstituting clay
leaching clay
and certainly gift yourself with Cindy and Doug’s entry to polymer clay course. This is a fun and satisfying craft, hope you love it as much as I.
H i Jocelyn,
Thank you for your kind welcome.
Polymer Clay is something I’ve been wanting to try for many years, but life always seemed to get in the way. However after battling Cancer for the past year, I have decided not to wait any longer!
I did purchase the Beginner’s Course as well as subscribing to the monthly offerings, and I’m hoping to buy some of the back issues as well.
I’m at the collecting stage at the moment. As I said I found these old packets and I also have some Sculpey III which is all I can find locally (I don’t live in a major town). Still it will be okay for me to learn the basics with.
I purchased a cheap Halogen Cooker last week and have already checked the temperature. It seems to hold it very well, and I bought a Pyrex chopping board that already has circles and measurements marked on it. Perfect I thought.
So, I’m just about ready to go.
I have been enjoying reading the comments as there is so much information there, and everybody seems so helpful.
Linda H
Sorry, Linda, if I hurt your feelings.
I’m a jr chemist myself, reconstituting stuff I’ve picked up on sale and in bargain bins for years, stockpiling for the future, lol.
I always seem to err on the side of too soft and need to leach out the excess…but, thanks to all of Cindy’s inspirational scrap based tuts, I can find uses for even the hardest bits.
It’s a noisy hobby here…..the food processor/grinder, the pasta machine motor, the Dremel, and the rock tumbler and vibrator. The next door neighbor says she loves my work……hmmmmm.
Oh Jocelyn,
You didn’t hurt my feelings. I’m sorry if you got that impression.
I was really pleased that someone replied, and I was just giving some background so you could see where I was at. Probably too much information!
You certainly seem to be well equiped.
I noticed that you have a tumbler and a vibrator, do they do different things?
Linda H
Yep. LOL. One runs to do rough stuff (Lortone) and the vibrating tumbler does fine finish.
Cindy,
Do you think one hour baking is enough time for the Mirror Image Hearts?
Yes Suzanne, I think 1 hour should be fine unless you make enormous hearts. You can always bake them for longer if you are worried. Just make sure that the temp stays between 265F and 275F for Premo and you should have no problem baking for as long as you want.