“Yay for
mushrooms!!! I
just realized, this starts a
new volume of lessons!!! Is
it Friday yet? ~Koolbraider
On June 1st, I posted an introductory preview clip for my Mushroom Beads Tutorial. Today, the full version of this video lesson is available for viewing at the Polymer Clay Members Library. Here is the direct link: Mushroom Bead Shape with a Colorful Sculpted Flower On Top
For those of you who are not yet paid members, The cost works out to only $3.32 per month, which gives you 24/7 access to the full versions of my Friday video tutorial. Plus you also receive four A-series color recipe cards. This week’s color is: Forget-Me-Not (1A) from the Forget-Me-Not Polymer Clay Color Palette
Cindy: Thank you for teaching me through this blog, for all your encouragement, and for including my work in your spotlight features. I highly recommend your videos and articles to anyone getting started or wanting to improve with polymer clay bead making! You’re the best!!! ~Marsha-N
Wow Cindy! Your Teardrop Method Tutorial is the first of your videos I have watched, and I have to say what a nice job! The camera angles were great and the picture was very bright and clear. Much better than the blurry, dark, jumpy videos I have seen elsewhere. If all your vids are this well done, then what a value your membership really is! Thank you so very much for sharing this one in particular with all of us. I am sure everyone who watches this will be able to use this method easily after watching you do it. Even if they have been intimidated by the skinner blend in the past. What a sweetheart you are to give us all this chance to see it. XOXO ~Jamie-H
If you want to become a paid member, here is the link:
Polymer Clay Video Library
Or if you are brand new to polymer clay, the best place to first learn all of the fundamentals is here: Polymer Clay Beginners Course
To browse other video tutorials that are available for purchase without becoming a subscribing member (in other words… just a one time fee), you can go here: Polymer Clay Video Back Issues
Weekly Wrap Up… Please use the comment sections of these Friday posts to discuss anything you like… from polymer clay challenges that you would like some help with… to success stories about your jewelry creations… to future tute requests for upcoming videos… to general community chit chat. In other words, it’s an open mic :-)
Last week the Friday discussion topics included:
- 4th of July flag cane project.
- Video thumbnail pictures.
- Watch and pause video learning.
- Credit card technique for…
- …Making faux leopard canes.
- Sculpey Super Slicer cutting blade.
- Video closeup shots for seeing details.
- Bake & Bond.
- Amaco tools.
- Studio by Sculpey clay.
- Re-usable ice thingies.
- Michaels.
- JoAnn’s.
- PolymerClayExpress.
- Selling necklaces in Des Moines, IA.
- Giving away too much?
- Japanese Braiding classes.
- Learning from mistakes.
- Waiting too long may cost you.
- Handcrafted bracelet blanks.
- Bonding and glueing clay to metal.
- Rose cane tutorial.
- No cost to be part of the community.
- Teardrop Method – Quick Skinner Blend.
- Mad about not joining sooner.
- A-series color recipes.
- Operating a home day care.
- Unexpected spotlight feature.
- What is a spotlight?
- For the love of jade.
- Teaching piano lessons.
- And much, much more….
If you need to catch up, here is the link to the article where last week’s topics were discussed in detail: Zebra Cane Video
Otherwise, you can use the comment section below to start talking about some new topics and ideas. Happy Friday!!!
I was disappointed not to see the screen grab pictures. Did you decide that they were showing too much to people who aren’t members?
OH wow…. I totally forgot today was Friday!!! Off to watch the video!
I think I like the summary of weekly topics. It helps to look back and check if we missed something in the posts. I’ve got to say the Tear Drop blends look good to learn. Now off to the mushrooms. (Also: looking for those grommets for Pandora style beads. For anyone who’s interested: from what I hear, Pandora made their beads available to jewelers until the bracelets became extremely popular. Then, they sold the exclusive rights to Jarrod’s. Our local jeweler has started carrying a cheaper version of the beads. Now I know why. I got this story from our bead shop owner who found some incredible beads at a great price and she told me that story. I wondered why our jeweler was advertising a different name bead.)
I absolutely LOVE these little mushroom dudes! Can’t wait to try them now that I am the proud owner of another wonderful tut.
Thanks, Cindy & Doug
I have just made a little mushroom after watching the tut, I am going to hang it on my handbag it is so cute and I loved making it
@Ritzs: Can we see a picture, Ritzs? I’ll bet it’s really cute! Happy Friday to you!
And to everyone else, too. –Of course! I’m gonna go watch the video now — the pool people have been here all morning, and I didn’t get a chance. They’re putting the tile on. I can’t believe it’s really looking like a pool now! Not too long now before the water goes in. Can’t decide which I’m more excited about — pool, or polymer? Maybe I need to switch to Ultralight clay. Cindy told us it floats! (Naw, polymer wins in this choice. I just need the jacuzzi on my neck & back to make me feel good enough to clay. Yippee! ~Kat
@Phaedrakat: I will send a pic as soon as its finished I have to bake now but that will be tomorrow its time to clear up and get ready for the night so sweet dreams everyone until tomorrow
I loved this tutorial. The mushroom is so cute and you made it so simple, cindy like you do every teaching video. We’re all lucky to have such a wonderful teacher!
These are adorable. I hope it isn’t too long before I get a chance to make some. I know my granddaughters would love them. Wonder if I can get a couple made before I fly out on the 15th … I’ll try.
This mushroom bead is going to be perfect for me to make with my niece when she visits this weekend!
The mushrooms are so cute and “retro-y”–Some of you will relate ;)
Hey! Is anyone else just overwhelmed with a large variety of beads from experiments, technique trials and “goofing around?” I have a large “cracker jar’s” worth of beads. I need to turn these into jewelry, anyone had luck just digging in and deciding what goes with what and going for it?
@sarahwww: Not yet. I usually don’t have trouble combining beads and making pieces of jewelry, but with my polymer beads I get “stuck” more between baking and finishing! My beads tend to pile up in the “waiting to be sanded pile”. I’m still waiting to find the best deal on a Lortone tumbler (I’ve got a spreadsheet with everything I want/need to figure out what to buy where, so that I can get the best prices from 2 or 3 different places, instead of buying from 10 different places and paying a lot more on shipping.) It’s slow-going, since I’ve had lots of interruptions. I’m overwhelmed with other things, but that’s not what you’re asking about, is it? LOL
Anyway, are your beads completely finished, and ready to be turned into jewelry? If not, the first thing you should do is get your beads sanded and buffed, leaving only the stringing hole left to be drilled (if not already done.) That way when your muse hits, you’re beads are ready. I usually design for certain people, so I kind of know where I’m going when I start making a bracelet, necklace, earrings, etc. From there it’s a matter of what looks best with what I’ve already started. If you have some examples that you need help with, you could post some pictures. Someone did that once on the blog here, and got all kinds of ideas from other members. Alternatively, you could describe some of your beads or pendants, and ask for some inspiration or ideas on what would look good with them. That’s a great thing to do on the weekend, since there’s not as much going on. Point us to your Flickr or Facebook link, and we’ll try to help.
Other suggestions would be to look at finished jewelry on Etsy, magazines, Flickr, etc., and see what excites you. Then grab some of your beads, and let your creativity take over. Sometimes, when your creative muse is “stuck,” it helps to do a project from a magazine or something like FireMountainGems designs. You can follow the project to the letter, and then see where it takes you. Sometimes by forcing yourself to follow exact project directions, it helps your own creative muse come out of hiding. Or, sometimes just the act of looking at others’ designs will give you a place to start, then your own ideas will flow from there.
One last piece of advice is to keep a scrapbook/sketchbook of ideas and things that you really like. Anytime you get stuck, you can refer to it and refocus yourself on what you want to be making! Best of luck~!
@Phaedrakat:
Great tips! Thanks!
I have a Lortone so most have been tumble sanded and buffed, though I probably do need to go back through and send some back through.
If I can get some of them sorted into some kind of order I may post some. Great thought!
I have so many books and magazines I need to go back through them. Thank you for the reminder!
@sarahwww: BTW, it’s nice to see you again. It doesn’t seem like you’ve posted in awhile. (Then again, I was kind of “out of it” for awhile myself! LOL) I’m going to try to find that other post I mentioned. People were giving someone some excellent ideas… If I could just remember “who”, it would be easier to find! ;D Good luck making your beads into jewelry — does anyone else have some tips for Sarahwww?
@sarahwww: I would have to see them to picture what to make with them. I have a baby wipe container full of beads. I’ll drag one or two out every once in a while and do something with it, or let my grand-daughter have them..
Well, I don’t know about anyone else but how the petals were made was totally different from how I thought. I took a look in JoAnn’s and they don’t have the Etch/Pearl thing so I’ll try Michaels. Have GOT to try these! What sweet earrings these would make.
@Koolbraider: I got my Etch N Pearl at Michaels, used my 40% off coupon.
I spent this evening catching up on the messages I haven’t read over the past few days (using the list on the right side of the screen). Anyway, I ended up in the blog on the psychadelic glow-in-the-dark jellyroll cane.
I started thinking that it might be interesting to combine the jellyroll cane (or something like it) with the mushroom, since they are both throwbacks to the 1960s.
@Linda K.: That’s a fun idea! I think a GITD ‘shroom would make a perfectly cool retro project…
I made me some “Mushrooms” they are so… cute… even though I used scrap clay from the zebra cane. I made some with rose buds on top.. Thanks Cindy another great tutorail! You can see them on my blog page. I haven’t glazed them yet they still have powder on them a bit.
@sarahwww: I forgot to say, “you’re so very welcome!” I wish I could help more! :D
@brenda: Cute little ‘shrooms! They’ll be extra cute when they “pop”! I’m lovin’ the zebra stuff, too. What are you going to use the metal headbands for? Are you planning to decorate them, or put the metal to use on a different project? I was just at my local Dollar Tree a few days ago, and they didn’t have those. I would’ve grabbed some up myself. I’m just wondering what your plans for them are… Nosey me!
@Phaedrakat: The headband’s are cute eh” Yes’ I plan on decorating them. I don’t know how but I will figure it out when the time comes *LOL* I bought everyone they had. I figured that I would sell them too. You can’t beat a buck.I might just bake some shrooms on some or butterflies when Cindy teaches us that tute :) oow.. Butterflies on the shrooms or ladybugs.. OMG ! I am a addict of this clay! I’ve got the clay bug bad….. my mind just keeps racing with idea’s.
@Phaedrakat: I know! I can make some extruder designs and cut in strips and weave it in the wire then bake it?
Oh my! it is 12oclock midnight and past my bed time….. See what you did *LOL* I’ll never go to sleep now… Got me thinking about what I am going to do with those headbands. hehehehe. I better grab my notebook and take notes.
@brenda: LOL LOL LOL — Go to bed! What am I saying? I need to get to bed, too! I’m sorry if mentioning the headbands kept you up too late, though. I know you’ll do something amazing with them. I can also see that you DO have the PC bug — but BAD…! Enjoy it, and have fun! ~Kat ;D
@ Brenda – just had a look at your blog. I love the leopard spot beads on the hat. Very, very unique. Your mushrooms are cute too. Once theyre sanded theyll be gorgeous. What metal did you use for the J earrings? You seemed to have got the edges really smooth. Did you file it down?
@Cheryl Hodges: Isn’t the band cut on the hat :) My Daughter like the boots. I wanted show that you can make any time of assessories that you wanted with this stuff. The J earrings, I used the aluminum galv sheets. You can get them at Home Depot they are already precut 4×5 sheets for .59 cents I went out and bought the files Cindy recommended in the tutorial. They were difficult to make. But I won’t stop. I am hooked :)
@brenda: Wow, you really did get those J-earring edges smooth! How very creative; you are making the most of every tutorial, aren’t you? I’m impressed with your work!
@Phaedrakat: Thanks, I am trying to keep up. I didn’t get a chance to make the Johny Jump Up cane yet. My mind kind of races to what ever design that pops in there.. I might try that cane to make flowers for the headbands. I have a question, is weldbond the same as JB Weld?
@brenda: Oooh, the Johnny Jump-up Cane would look pretty on the headbands! I’m sure your creativity will make them beautiful no matter what you decide, though. I’m just so impressed by how quickly you’re getting it all done! I wish I could do that — my back keeps me at a slow pace at the best of times. Who am I kidding, I’ve always been obsessive in trying to perfect every piece of jewelry, even before my back got bad. I’d never make it doing production work. Anytime I have to complete several things at once, it takes so much out of me. It also takes me FOREVER to get them done, since I keep picking at them. They are pretty darn close to perfect, though – LOL!
Anyway, about the Weldbond Glue. Cindy’s article shows what the bottle looks like and tells a bit about it. You can tell from her posts that this is her favorite glue; she uses it for everything. I haven’t tried it yet, since I already have a large stock of glues to use up before adding a new one. I looked up the JB Weld though, and it seems like quite a different product. For one thing, it’s a 2-part mixture (at least their main product is. They might have another that you don’t have to mix.) It’s meant more for metals; they call it a “cold-weld compound.” It does say it can be used on paper, wood, and other porous items, too though, so it might be okay for polymer. You need to be sure there aren’t oils or anything in it that will eat into the clay. Weldbond is inexpensive, and can be found at Michael’s or Walmart. If you already have some of the JB Weld, you might want to test it first before gluing one of your better pieces. Unless someone else has tried this stuff with success? (Sorry I wasn’t more help!)
@Phaedrakat: You are such a big help. I am not much of a reader lately.. I think I need glasses. My eyes have been twitching bad. I try to respond to most of the Questions or answer what has been asked of me. As long as I take my Arthritis Meds I can keep going. Some days are worst than others. I do most of my work on the weekends. My hubby like playing Pc games so he leaves me alone :) My Zebra Bracelet came apart and I broke it trying to fix it.. so back to the drawing board with that one :( I got more glue on me than I did the bracelet. It was a mess. I didn’t relize that I could get the glue form Walmart… I”ll have my hubby pic some up today.. My sister wants every piece I make. Now she wants all the zebra designs. I am going to have to make double or tripple of what I make for now on. When you guys create your peices, do you make a bunch? or one of a kind ?
@brenda: All of the jewelry and beads you’ve been making with the tutorials is fabulous Brenda! You are a talented girl!
As far as gluing a project like that, it is easier to glue only one half at a time. Otherwise it can be really tricky to get it back on in the right position! By the way, I hadn’t mentioned this yet, but I was really touched that you felt open enough with us all that you shared such a personal story about your mom the other day. It means a lot to me that this community is so supportive of one another.
@Cindy Lietz from Mitered Corn Cane: Thank you Cindy. If you noticed I am a silver and gold type girl. I haven’t used much copper yet. I can’t seem to find any thicker that 20 gage. The copper that you use looks thicker. I love the hammered pieces.
HAHA.. I had Chinise for dinner and my fortune cookie said: Your artistic ability will take you far…. I hope so.. because, I love it….
Cindy, My Mother had been gone for 15 years as of the 7th of this month. Sometimes her death seams just like yesterday. This group of ladies and gents are awesome! I feel blessed to have found your site.
@brenda: At Lowe’s and Home Depot you have to ask for the thicker copper wire. It usually is on big rolls that they have to bring down along with other electrical wireing. It generally is not in packages. They bring down the rolls and you tell them how many feet you want and they cut it off a huge roll.
@carolyn: Thanks Carolyn… I have checked with the local Home Depot, the only type they have is the kind with the plastic coating on them. Is that the kind? Boy that would mean a lot of work. What size gauge do I ask for ? 15, 16, 18, ???? They always ask what I need it for. *chuckles* umm… jewelry” . I think it confuses the heck out of them.
@brenda: Ask for bare copper wire … 10 gauge is good. 12 gauge would work also, though it is not as thick. Higher than 10 and it would be pretty hard to work with, though I have used it in the past.
@carolyn: Thanks Carole about the copper.. It seems that the only kind they have here is the kind you have to strip the rubber coating off of.. Thanks for the tip <3
@Everyone – I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what is happening in these “Open Mic” Friday posts. They kind of solve the issue that sometimes comes up about wondering where to post new comments or topics. So now… if ever you’re not quite sure where to say something, just head to the latest “Friday Weekly Wrap Up” post, and yak away :-)
And on that note, I wanted to pass along a link that Jocelyn-C just forwarded to me… The Polymer Clay Superstore is offering a 50% discount on the “Studio Style and Detail Tools” I used in the mushroom bead tutorial. Talk about good timing! Here is the link: polymerclaysuperstore.com/Current-Promo_c_45.html
[sale prices are only good until Jun 16, 2010].
@Freda K: Just wanted to quickly address your comment about the screen grab pictures. There were enough members that felt these thumbnail images were in fact “giving away” too much information… so I went with the popular majority on this issue. Perhaps as Phaedrakat suggested, I may be able to work something into the members-only library site at some point in the future.
I made these mushroom pendants for my niece’s three little girls. They loved them!
@Linda K.: Hey Linda, I had My Tween Day Care Girls to make them as well, One had a caterpillar, a butterfly, and another had a dragon fly. Way too cute!!!! I think I would like the Popcorn Earrings tutorial now :)
@brenda: My 6-year-old niece has gone back home, leaving me thoroughly exhausted. I don’t know how you have the energy to do Day Care!
@Linda K.: *Giggles* The tweens have been coming to my house since they were tiny little tots, Some even babies. They are all girls’ and a big help. They know my routine and are very helpful.. I have a total of ten children in my care :) They are all little Blessings. I really love my job. I have those day’s that you are talking about just like everyone else ;) The Key is having a schedule for them. I use to Golf, But can’t do that no more becuase of my back.