“Polymer clay
has become a
passion – an addiction.
Never before have I been so
engrossed in a craft.”
~Hanne-R
These “Spot” features are for you guys to display your accomplishments, share stories of inspiration and even ask for assistance with challenges that you may be experiencing. The projects are based on techniques learned from articles here at the blog, as well as from tutorials at the Polymer Clay Video Library. My hope is for these “Show and Tell” features to help everyone get to know each other a bit better, thanks to this wonderfully artistic medium of polymer clay. And… by participating, you can win some beads too!
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If you are interested in sharing pictures of your polymer clay projects with the community, please follow these 2 simple steps:
1) Email several of your photos to me as attachments. My email address is shown in the “From” line of the weekly Polymer Clay Newsletter that gets sent out each and every Friday morning.
2) Include a description and/or story about your pieces, being sure to reference the tutorial(s) or blog article(s) that provided at least some level of inspiration for your work.
Don’t be shy. Everyone is VERY friendly here.
In the comment section below, please do compliment each other; Offer encouragement; Ask questions about the techniques used; And in general… be social. This is your community! It’s up to you to make it a fun and supportive place to hang out. All of you are amazing and it’s wonderful to have everyone here!
I used to look forward to Fridays for payday now I look forward to Fridays for clay day. ~Sandy-T
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| ** Did You Know… Members with current subscriptions to the weekly tutorial videos are always entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing 6 or more back issue packages in a single transaction. If you are interested, let me know which back issues you would like and I will send further instructions on how to complete your order. |
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Hanne –
Your work is absolutely stunning and beautifully done! Thank you so much for sharing and for the inspiration! I especially like the hint about painting onto a plastic bag and then transferring and will have to try that.
I’ve seen variations of the “peephole” into beads and wondered how it’s done… seems like a great idea for tute, Cindy!
wow what an emagination you are awsome at your beads you see the passion in your work keep up good fun thanks
PS to Cindy: A friend wants me to try to make pentagrams roe necklaces earrings and such and astroligy signs is it possaible if you cam make a viedo i will buy it
@connie: What kind of astrology beads are you looking for? Did you want to learn how to make canes for the different astrological signs (and make beads from them,) or do you want sculptural pieces for each bead? Just trying to get an idea about how you want these to look. ~Kat Riverside, CA, USA —Where are you from?
Oh my gosh! Absolutely beautiful! I have never seen anything like this but now want to add the tecnique to
my never ending list of things I want to learn. Thank you so much for sharing.
Cindy, as Laura said, seems like a perfect idea for a tut.
Please?
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL TECHNIQUE!!!! lOVE WHAT YOU DID HERE.
Beautiful work, Hanne! :)
I particularly like the puffy round with the cutout at the top of the article, and transferring paint “shapes” from plastic bags is a neat idea too!
Hanne, these are amazing! And to think that you’ve been claying for less than a year! I definitely identify with your statement that polymer clay is a passion and an addiction. Since I started claying last November I have no time for painting, which I have loved for about 20 years.
Thanks for the tip about painting on a plastic bag. I have a question about the white bead with the three stones. Did you stamp the Lumiere paints before or after baking?
Cindy, I vote for a tut on these “peephole” beads.
My computer is so messed up. It posted my comment before I was done just a few minutes ago. Then jumped to a different screen before I was finished with this part. I want to ask if you saw this technique done somewhere else or did you just try this yourself. Cindy if this is a technique you could teach us I would definitely say YES PLEASE YES. Don’t want anyone to get there toes stepped on either.
Cindy and Doug I just want to let the 2 of you know I enjoy coming to this blog more and more every day. You don’t know what you are going to find but you do know it will be more that what we have paid for.
Thank you both for giving your all and more.
Love and Super Uuuuuuuggggggggs, Peggy
Hanne, your beads are gorgeous. Wish I could tell you that in Danish. My grandmother was 100% Danish.
What kind of sanding pads were you talking about? I hate sanding.
Hanne, they are all beautiful so much talent, I to would like to no what are the pads you mentioned like Bonnie I hate sanding. I also would love a video on the cut out beads p l e a s e Cindy.
Hanne – my jaw dropped when I saw these. Absolutely stunning! Please Cindy, a tutorial!
WOW!! Absolutely fabulous! So pretty and different. I love your creativity!
Hanne-R in her May 24 article mentionss “Sanding and buffing really turned me off, but the pads make it so much easier!” What kind of pads are they. I have challenges with with sanding and buffing.
Thank you.
Oooh, ahhhhh, these are way cool!! Would love to learn more about these. Hanne, there are beautiful. What a fun thing you have done with them.
I love what you did.. Puffy beads are not my favorite.. Now that I seen this technic, I will have to see. How did you cut the star and the circles without damaging the shape?
Wow what an amazing selection. So many great ideas! Thank you for showing us.
@Hanne: Very beautiful! Your work is lovely and well-done. The mica shift with windows to the shavings are cool, and the painting tip is very creative. I’m happy to be reminded about my Lumiere paints, too (they’re just sitting around & need to be put to work!) Add me to the list of peeps wanting info on sanding pads — I’m on the lookout for some right now, as it happens. I was about to buy some from a certain online store, but I’ll wait & see if yours are better!
I have the same question as Brenda– how did you cut the little shapes into the puffy beads? It seems like you would have to partially cure the Puffy Bead, then make the little cutouts. (Naw, that would smoosh the bead.) Or maybe you left the top in the cutter and baked for a bit (like Cindy showed us in the video.) Then make the cutout, and press it to the backing. ?? Or maybe you….? Hmmm….please tell, or I’ll be guessing all day! LOL Anyway, they’re awesome. Thank you for sharing such exciting pieces! ~Kat
@Cindy: This is the kind of thing I was asking about when I mentioned a “windows” tute. I guess peepholes is a better way of describing it. This is a very “hot” trend right now, at least according to Polymer Clay Daily. And there are so many different ways to do it. Hanne’s are so pretty! I’d love to see what our Polymer Clay Tutor can do with this idea. Knowing how talented you are, I’ll bet you’ve already dabbled with this and have a project already going. Thanks for letting people send in their projects & ideas with these Spotlights. It’s always fun and inspirational, seeing what the other members are creating. Thanks, Cindy!
wow what an eyeopener these beads are ,so stylish and different .please add me to the rest in wanting to know how to do them.
Also i would like to know about the sanding pads and if they are available in England.Thanks again for showing these,. you have such talent poly clay realy suits you ,please show us anything else you come up with Hanne.
Wow! You are very creative! You must share you techniques! Beautiful choice of colors.
Hanne – You have taken Cindy’s tutorial to new heights of elegance! These are absolutely stunning. I had to ‘come out of hiding’ to compliment you on your work.
And since I am here …
To all of you praying claying folks – don’t stop just ’cause I actually got to my computer and Cindy’s blog. I can’t thank you enough for all your love and support. I know I scared some of you … frankly, this scared my kids also. They tell me now that they were not sure that first week whether I would make it or not. Obviously, I survived! ;-} I am doing ever so much better. Prayer is VERY powerful. Ladies from church have been providing my meals. Gaining weight is probably the #1 priority right now and they are fixing some superb dinners for me.
Ken H ~ I will be in Philly from June 16th thru the 28th. No I am not driving this time – I was able to get a free flight with my United miles. I hope we can meet up while I am there. I’ll be completing my recuperation at my son’s house in the heart of Philly. Where are you?
I have truly missed our interaction here in Cindy’s blog. I have a lot of catching up to do, but decided to just pick up with this latest and try to keep up from here on. Love you all lots, ~Carolyn
@carolyn: Welcome back Carolyn! We missed you! :)
@carolyn: Carolyn welcome back! It’s such good news to hear you’re home feeling better along with some lovely meals sent to help increase your strength. Take care…hoping your appetite grows each day.
@carolyn: I’m in Northeast Philly, in Holmesburg section. I’ll ask Cindy if she can send you my email address so we can talk with each other directly, about meeting up. And for anyone interested in the performing part of my life you can look me up on FaceBook, I’ll hopefully have the new videos up from the most recent show I did. Right now they’re still in the camera waiting to be transfered to the computer.
I too like these beads, and if a video is being considered, count me in, in the Yes column.
Oh Carolyn,
I just opened the blog for an update and saw your beautiful picture. It made my day as I have missed you. My prayers continue for your complete recovery.
So happy to see you around Carolyn!!! Warms my heart to know you are improving!
Samone, I have some micro mesh sanding pads that are fabulous and make sanding a little easier and buffs the beads up to a nice sheen without actually “buffing” them. Perhaps that is what she meant…
@Melinda Herron: Hi Melinda, What type of micro mesh pads do you use, and where did you get them? (Or are they all the same?) I’ve seen “micro mesh pads” in a couple places, but there’s no brand listed. They go up to very high grit #’s — are those the same ones you’re talking about? I’ve been looking for some good sanding pads/sponges. I was trying to decide between 3M sanding sponges & Kemper sanding pads. I had thought the micro-mesh were more for metal clay. But if you say that they’re “fabulous”, I believe you! ;D Do the pads last very long? Thanks, Kat
I’ve been using regular wet/dry sandpaper all this time, and of course I detest sanding, too! I’m finally buying a Lortone tumbler this week, as well as lots of other polymer clay supplies. I want to consolidate my purchases as much as possible, to save on shipping where I can. I’m trying to find the best place(s) to buy the Lortone, as well as a UV lamp, etc. Any purchasing advice is welcome! I also have to buy more river rocks (didn’t get enough good ones in the bag I bought.) I’m buying wire, solder, a new jewelry saw, and a whole bunch of other odds & ends, too.
I might wait on the UV Lamp, unless I find a fantastic price on a 36W. Someone might have success building their own! I’ve got lots of sunlight in the meantime, anyway. I’d hate to spend $60/70 bucks on a lamp and then find out I could make one myself on the cheap. Well, thanks for any help you can give me regarding the best “sanding” pads or sponges, or any other shopping information. Thanks!
I actually thought that the spotlight bead was a ball type bead not a puffy bead. Beautiful!! I kept thinking*how did she get that ball in there??? :)
Carolyn, it’s wonderful to see you back here! We were so worried about you.
Carolyn, I am sure you will have a wonderful visit with you son and everyone from church will be checking on you often. We have all missed you so very much. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and on our prayer chain at church until you have made a full recovery. I thank the Lord you are doing better and praise Jesus for the beautiful smile on your face in your new picture.
God be with you and yours.
Love and lots of Uuuuuuggggggs, Peggy
p.s. don’t forget to rest when needed.
I wish I could remember where I got my Lortone. It may have been from Connie Fox’s site (Jatayu is part of the site’s name, but just Google her name and you’ll find her). Her prices are usually the best around.
@Koolbraider & Cheryl H.: Thanks for the tips on where to get a Lortone; I checked-out both places. Jatayu’s price is a little lower, but it’s about the same as Fire Mtn. Gems. I need a bunch of other things, too, which I can buy there as well. So, that’s where I’ll place the order. I just wish they had UV resin & lamps! Anyway, thanks again for your help! :~)
@ Hanne
Your beads are simply beautiful. I love the round one. Is it a ball or a puffy bead? Great idea painting on a plastic bag and then tansferring on to the clay – must try it some time. I love the white pendant with the metallic paints too; quite a unique pendant. Hanne, please tell us about the sanding pads; I too have a bit of a problem with the sanding part because of the pain I get in my hands.
@ Phaedrakat – I got my Lortone from Canadian Treasure seekers. They had a good price on it.
@ Carolyn – so good to see you back and smiling. Do rest and take it easy and will keep you in my prayers.
Wow Hanne, these are so pretty and clever! I love the way you’ve combined your painting techniques too, the shapes and colors are lovely…the white metallic painted one is my fave. Thanks for sharing the plastic technique as well!
Hanne, your beads are absolutely beautiful! Hearts are my favorite shapes and yours are wonderful! Thank you!
Hanne, these are beautiful. Very creative. Thanks for sending the pics.
Hanne, your beads are absolutely spectacular! I love what you did with the paint too, very creative. They are so unique and very beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful beads.
Wow! Thanks for your fantastic feedback everyone. This was my first ‘show and tell’ – so to speak. I’m walking on air LOL!
Now in answer to your questions.
Yes they are all puffy beads.
I cut out the hole while the clay for the cover is still flat on the table – and I trim the hole at that point, because later after baking it’s easy to damage the bottom/inside. Then I just follow Cindy’s as always clear and excellent instructions – easy ;-)!
One more thing about the ‘acrylic filigree’: I use food grade plastic bag and smear some sewing machine oil on and then I start painting with the acrylics. When it’s dry I look for patterns I like and put it on unbaked clay – it will need a varnish afterwards, but is really surprisingly sturdy. I’ve never seen this anywhere before – maybe I’ve discovered a new technique ;-) LOL
The Lumier was put on before baking and needs no varnish.
I found some sanding pads from a woodturner shop – 9 different grades – great for relatively flat things, but I couldn’t get into corners or some concave shapes. I found out that they had the same but on cloth, where I can rap it around my finger or lay it on a sponge. I’ve just had them for a month or so, but they look like they can last a long time. The last 3 grades are the ones that make all the difference!
Specifics: Micro-Mesh Sheet Variety Packs
Micro-Mesh™ Regular, 1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3600, 4000, 6000, 8000, 12000 – 9 sheets total, 1 per grade. Primary Use: Softer wood, plastics, paint
url: micro-surface.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=87
For my fellow Europeans: I wrote the US company and got a reply from a Swedish distributor within a few days(what service!) – that’s where I bought them.
I have a Lortone tumbler – but I don’t seem to get very good results. Even following Cindy’s advice and other advice on the internet. Any ideas are welcome.
Thank you again! You made my day/week…
@Hanne-R: You’re awesome, Hanne! Thanks for the tips on painting, and how to get the windows in the puff beads. Again, your work is lovely! Thanks for the sanding cloth info. Cindy mentioned something yesterday that sent me looking for different ideas, and I came across a similar product. I followed the url you gave — I’ll give these a try! Seems like there are lots of “woodturner” sanding products that might be good for our precious polymer. To say I’m tired of the ol’ wet/dry sandpaper is an understatement. I’m eager to try something new, and better! Thanks so much, and I’m happy you’re enjoying your debut!
@ Hanne – Thanks for the instructions. You said you cut out the windows when the clay is still flat; does it hold that shape and kind of not sink in around the window when you press it into the cookie cutter?
@Cheryl Hodges: If the clay isn’t too thin. I used a thickness 3 or 4 (1 is thickest on my Atlas machine). And with a little coaching it works fine. I do have to watch out that the cookie cutter doesn’t make unwanted marks while I’m ‘puffing’ the clay into the cutter or I’ll have a lot of sanding to do!
@Hanne-R: Hi Hanne, did you see Marsha’s Spotlight earlier this week (or was that last week?) The one with the gorgeous mirror tiles?
Anyway, she had a tip to wrap electrical tape around the edge of the cutter where the edges meet so you don’t get that little mark in the side. But perhaps those aren’t the marks you’re talking about…? Anyway, it might help you. And thanks so much for all of your help. I’m very happy about the sanding papers that I’m ordering. Can’t wait for something that works better!
@Hanne-R: oh my… I was playing around with this technic and decided to fill the cavity with rezin. Pow!!! does it magnify that little print inside. You will have to try.. it is so…………… Pretty! Thanks for turning us on to this bead work :)
@Brenda: Hi Brenda, Sounds fascinating. Did you fill the whole cavity or just a layer on top of the inside clay? I’m waiting for some sunshine here in Denmark so I can try out the resin – or maybe I’ll just have to invest in a lamp:-)
@Hanne-R: I filled the cavity. I am sure it will be awhile before it cures. I tried it on a black puffy beed with the leapard background.. Nothing fancy. The resin that I am using is the kind that you mix. I aways have some left.. What a great way to use it up.. The sun works great! I sit mine in the window during the day. By night time they are cured.
@Brenda: Brenda you say you cure your resin in the window – does that mean that I could set mine out under a glass bowl and it would cure(and be safe from rain and such)? Because I thought it had to have direct sunlight with nothing in between. This would save me the cost of a UV light ;-))
@Hanne-R: I am using a two part epoxy.I don’t know the name of it. I threw the box out. It was a blue colored box. You can find it at Micheals. There is no need of using the lamp. I am sure that it would make it harden faster. But no need. I don’t cover mine. I just set them up in the window and check them in the morning. so they sit all night. Check out my blog spot and you will see some of my work that I have used it on. I decided not to set up at the farmers market.. Not too many peeps going to it. So’ I am going to go to check into the local flee markets. We have tons here in Fl.
@brenda: WOW! Beautiful leopard jewelry!
Do you also put resin on the lentil bead bracelet? Do you do both sides and how do you do that? Good luck at the flea markets!
@Hanne-R: No, no… resin on the lentils would be so… messy. I use future polish on them. I really love how the leapard turned out. My Brother uses the epoxy on his custom made fishing poles. he is the one who hooked me up with using it. I made my sisters for Christmas a personal photo pendant using the resin, but back then I didn’t know about using heat to burst the bubbles. I found the tiny little ceramic jewelry boxes at the dollartree store that has mother Mary holding baby Jesus on the lid and put the pendant in it. So when my sisters opened it they would be touched. :) it worked.. They said that it was the best gift they ever gotten. My older sister never takes hers off. I will upload a photo of it and put it on my blog. It was personal gift, because my mother took her life back in 97.It was a very hard thing for all of us. There are five of us girls and three boys. I want to make something for my brothers with my mothers photo on it but haven’t yet. Perhaps a mug? I thought about a keychain.
@brenda: I can’t imagine how sorrowfilled it must have been – and is – for you and your siblings! It must be a big help to have each other!
@Hanne-R: Yes’ it was very difficult thing to go through. Some took it harder than others. Having the grace of God on my side helped.
@brenda: I saw the gift on your blog — very nice! Your sisters must have been overwhelmed when they saw it. Hard to imagine what you all went through. I pray that you all get comfort from each other. I can’t think what to make for your brothers, though. Bookmark, keychain, or something to hang on a gymbag, backpack, something like that? Not vey good at gifts for guys (as my own bro will attest to.)
@Phaedrakat: Thank you.. It was very hard. We have since moved on in our own lives. All I can say is that, I found Christ, and he has worked mericals in my life. He continues too everyday. I don’t want to overstep my boundries on this blog, but I feel that there are spirital friends here :) and feel comfy in expressing myself.
I would like to see more items to make for men if you have any Cindy :) I am waiting to hear from my son on the trible necklace I made him for his birthday..
@brenda: Remember the inlaid box that Cindy made for her Dad. This might be just the thing for your brothers, with the photo piece inside. Guys need to empty their pockets.
@carolyn: Ah” yes that is a good one thanks.
@carolyn: Great idea!
@brenda: I’m so happy about the miracles in your life. After such an impossibly hard thing, it was necessary for you and your siblings. I know what you mean; this is a very friendly place here. Everyone seems very tolerant of each other’s beliefs. As long as no one takes it too far. We don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable. I think this is a wonderful group of people, and such a community that Cindy’s created!
I find it difficult finding/creating things for men. Luckily (I guess ;D ) I don’t have many to buy for. If anyone has other men’s gift ideas, please mention ’em here!
@Phaedrakat: Hi clay people. If you are looking for clay things to make for men, try Boston Clay Works. They sell secret compartment key chains that you can cover in clay. Men can put their pills or toothpicks in them and they can be made very manly. My brother has 4 of them that I made because of his toothpicks. You can also cover pens for them. Boston Clay Works has some twist together pens that you can cover. Men love them if you make them manly. Another thing you can do is go to the Abercrombie and Fitch website and look at their men’s jewlery to see what the young guys are wearing. They like leather and wood.
@Bonnie Kreger: OMG.. What is it with men and toothpicks LOL thats a great one Bonnie. My husband is forever picking his teeth… Sorry didn’t mean to gross you all out, but we all know how men are *giggles*
these are fantastic, thanks for sharing.so many lovely things to try so little time !
Wow what a great discussion with some fabulous ideas!! Thanks everyone for all the excited comments and questions you asked to Hanne. She has done a wonderful job of sharing, hasn’t she?!
Thank you to you too Hanne for sending in your wonderful photos and descriptions. I think the cutouts and the paint techniques are excellent concepts. Very creative and very well done!
@Cindy Lietz from Zebra Cane Tutorial: Cindy and all of you. Your comments and praise warm my heart! Smiling from ear to ear :)))))
Woops.. No pund intended to you men.. I am just trying to be funny :[=]
@Brenda – I’m so happy for you too. i t must hav ebeen so hard. I’ve had miracles in my life too specially with my youngest baby who is now 16. i had lost her twin and there were so many complications and things wrong they told us she wouldn’t last the night. later she had a respiratory and circulatory collapse while being transfused. Then they said she wouldnt walk. Today she is a gifted singer/pianist and writer and loves to dance.
Thanks Bonnie for the helpful sites. yes, boxes, key chains, pens would be great gifts for men also guy bracelets – leather or cord??
@Cheryl Hodges: Cheryl, what a traumatic thing to go through. I’m so happy that you are blessed with such a gifted, beautiful daughter. She is indeed a miracle, and it sounds like she’s making the most of her life. Your story made me cry, both in sadness at your loss, and with happiness at your daughter’s miraculous recovery. You are a strong woman, who’s been through something that’s impossible to imagine. Thank you for sharing that — it’s very powerful, and reminds me of the truly important things in this world. Thank you, and bless you and yours!
thank you for your kind words Phaedrakat. yes, it was a vey traumatic time and more so becaus emy husband ( he used to work on a ship) was away and my daughter had to be transferred to another hospital that had the special intensive care neo natal unit. My mother who suffered with very high blood pressure was in between hospitals seeing me and the baby. i did not see my baby for 6 days. She went home after two months and dressings came off after 4 months. By that time my 4 yr old son had developed a psychosomatic bronchial problems too. And after a year i had cysts, fibroids and pains all over. So the pain I hav enow maybe related to the fall and severe stress. i am hopeful they will be able to help me manage it with physio and massages.