New polymer clay poll just posted. Your opinion really does matter at this site. Please vote today:
Who are you? The reason I’m asking is because for me to tutor most effectively, I need to know what type of student you are. So far, it appears there are 3 types of visitors coming to this beads and beading blog:
1) Beginner or Newbie: You are fairly new to polymer clay and bead making. Excited and sometimes a little scared to get started. Need information on all the basics, stuff that many teachers skip. All techniques, tools, supplies and terminology are new to you.
2) New-to-Clay Jewelry Maker: You have been making jewelry for a while, but now want to add polymer clay to your repertoire. Polyclay terminology is new to you but the beading info is not. You’re excited about the idea of being able to create custom beads for your specific jewelry projects… instead of the other way around. You need to find out more about the tools, materials and techniques to get you on your way with polymer clay.
3) More Advanced Polymer Clay Enthusiast: You know a thing or two about polymer clay but are always open to learning more. You like to be part of the claying community and to share your knowledge. You are always looking for new ideas about advanced techniques, business info, design and creativity.
So who are you? Please choose one of the options in the right sidebar poll and then click the Vote button. Thanks so much!
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Oh and One more thing…
I’m curious to hear opinions about the length of my articles. Are they too long, too short, just right, too wordy, not wordy enough, the right topics, wrong topics, etc., etc.??? Any input you can share below in the comments section would be greatly appreciated. The more I know about exactly what you want, the better this blog will become as a resource for you.
Please keep the videos coming, Cindy, they’re great fun to watch and just the perfect length. Even as an advanced/intermediate I often find something new to learn.
Looking forward to learning about how to make the dremel tool buffing pads.
Cheers,
Sandy
I can’t see the videos. They’re just a box with an x inside when I get to the screen. So, I’ll be taking my name off the list for those.
So far I love the articles.
Brenda – I’m sorry you have not been able to enjoy the videos. That “X” inside the box where the video is supposed to show indicates that the Flash Player in your web browser software needs to be updated. Here’s a link to some instructions on how to do that: Having Video Problems?
Love the videos. Always look forward to the next installment!
I love your videos. Keep them coming please.
Your videos are great, but I would like to see them a little longer. Thanks.
I have one of these and love it. Glad to hear your going to show us how to make a buffing wheel because I can see how quickly you can go through these. Nice not to have to go to the hardware store all the time. Thanks for all the lovely videos!
Dear Cindy, your articles are great, just the right “size” :) i enjoy reading it and even found some very usefull tips! keep going!
hugs, Iris.
I think the articles are perfect. I especially enjoy the color recipes. Thank you for all your hard work and keep it up, please! ;)
Cindy,
Relaxing on a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and being tutored at the same time…priceless. Thanks for spending your time to help the rest of us become better clayers.I could always watch more video as it feels like an “in house” class, but this amount is perfect as well.
@Sandy: Thank you! The Dremel buffing wheel is an easy thing to make. It will be coming up in the video newsletter a few weeks.
@Lena: That is great to hear!
@Lyn: I will!
@Bev: The free videos are different lengths depending on the idea I’m getting across. You’ll find in the courses they ten to be longer.
@JoJo: You will enjoy making the buffing wheels. The video is coming in a few weeks, so stay tuned!
@Iris: Thank you for your comments! It is fantastic to have you here!
@Diana: Thanks! I will be adding recipes regularly, so watch for those!
@Sam: Thank you! So glad to be part of your morning!
Cindy I love what you are doing. But I have a problem with your videos. If I can watch them at all they are off a little, the voice is not with the pictures. And I always receive an error message about adobe flash player and then get shut down. Is there some other way you could video these? I see by one of the post from Brenda that I am not the only one having trouble. It is really upsetting not to be able to see what you have done becasue you do such a good job. But I do enjoy reading all your posts and the tips you have are great. Please keep doing what you are doing. Linda
@CraftyLinda (and Brenda Anthony):
It pains me to hear that you are having problems viewing the videos :(
As much as the Internet makes it so much easier for us to communicate with each other, it’s not yet perfect.
With streaming Internet video there are so many variables that come into play, including: Your Internet connection speed; The type of web browser you have installed on your computer; The age of your computer; Which operating system you use; The overall number of people trying to view the video at the same; Etc, Etc.
I just took some time to add a bunch more trouble shooting tips to the Video Help Page. Hopefully some of them will get you on track for being able to watch the videos along with everyone else.
I love the videos and look forward to getting them. As soon as I see one I check to see what you will be teaching me this time even if I don’t have time to watch it right then! I have learnt so much from you and really appreciate it!
Hi Cindy:
I love your videos and enjoy hearing from you on a regular basis. You are like a dear friend coming to visit. As I have some experience and have tried many techniques with polymer clay, I would love it if your videos were longer and included more advanced techniques. I love making canes, but am stuck on how to make complex canes or kaleidoscope canes. Can you help with this? Also the dremel polishing pads is something I’ve been looking for a long time. I have read that many artists make their own and I am so excited that you are going to show us how to do it. I look forward to your next visit with me.
Love you tutes ! Ya never can learn enuff !! I am ready for the next one………………Patt
@Sherri: Thank you! That is exciting for me to know you look forward to the videos like that!
@Carol: Aw… that is very sweet. I am currently working on some cane video courses that you may really like, so watch for those when they come available! The buffing wheel video will be coming up in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that as well!
@Patt: Cool! Stick with me and they’ll keep on coming!
And on a completely different subject… the issues that a couple of you have had with not being able to watch the Internet videos got me to thinking about something that has come up before. I’ve had requests from some who would love to receive my Videos On DVD. Anyone else feel the same? Obviously there would be costs involved. Please speak up if this is something that you would like me to look into…
Dear Cindy,
I love your articles and your videos.
Of course I wish your videos were longer…only because I love watching them, and I don’t ever want them to end! In each video you teach each point clearly and thoroughly.
I think your articles are great. They are just the right length to get your point across, yet not so long that the reader feels encumbered. When more info is desired, there is almost always a link to another page, and I really like this!!! (Please continue to add links to other pages!).
Thanks, Cindy Erickson
Thanks Cindy E.! I ‘m glad you like the added links. I do plan on continuing that process. There is lots of information on this site and I want people to be able to find it and absorb it.
More More More,I am now offically a bead junkie.I have to have a daily fix,not only with the clay itself but also a visit here.
Cindy, Love the videos, I would like to see them longer in length. Not enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching them. They are great for all clayers and will pass it on to my clay guild.
I love the videos! I play them several times if the information is new to me and like to use them to refer back to often as I continue to learn “stuff”. I think about 4-5 minutes is right on the videos.
The articles are really just the right length for me. Thanks so much for your dedication to this fabulous art form.
@Andrea: Thanks! It’s nice to know I’m not the only bead junkie around here!
@Cathy Clark: Thanks for your comment Cathy! Any particular topics you would like to see?
@Pamela: You too Pamela… any topic you’d like to see covered?
Hi Cindy,
I love the videos. I save them all so I can go back and watch again.
I wanted to say that I also use a Dremel. I put it in a vice at my work table so both of my hands are free.
It makes it much easier to control the bead.
Thanks.
Cindy — I love your articles and your videos! I have been making jewelry with polymer clay for a couple of years, but I am not able to spend nearly as much time as I would like, so I’m learning VERY slowly. Your videos have been such a great help. Just the right length, tone and subject matter. Please keep up the great work.
Cindy-I look forward to your videos. They have been very informative and helpful. I’ve made a few of the lentl beads and they were quite fun. I’ve made one cane and was very proud of it. (it was a leaf cane) Thank you for providing such informative and helpful videos.
I enjoy your videos, Cindy. I think they are just the right length. I can appreciate the time and effort it takes for you to put them together! I just got a Dremel tool as a gift from my hubby, so I am looking forward to trying it out! :)
I personally LOVE YOUR SITE! I haven’t had as much time as I would have liked to be visiting the past few weeks as we have been prepping for and now have my DH home from his deployment….but I hope to be able to catch up and stay caught up here pretty soon! :) Keep up the GREAT WORK!
K
I would love to see your finished jewelry.. IS there a link to go to to see your jewelry finished????
Hi Cindy,
It has been a long time since I have wrote. I’ve been out of comission for a while due to back surgery of which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I am on the mend and slowly getting BACK(pardon the pun) to my clay work. Your videos are so informative and love the articles. I have been back to California to teach more family members and had the privledge to show the film editor of my son Aarons’s new movie that will be coming out in the near future. Because of your videos, I have gainded much knowledge and I look forward to much more teaching material. Keep up the good work
Christine Maher
Your videos are always a highlight in my week. Please keep them coming! I’m so glad you explained about using a Dremel. I have been thinking about purchasing one for about a year now, but was too afraid to get the wrong thing. Thanks!
Brenda, Don’t give up on the videos if there is a chance it’s just a browser problem. They are worth the effort to troubleshoot the problem. -Lani
I just adore your videos! They are very helpful to me. Today I send my husband to buy me a dremel tool!
Your videos are perfect, don’t change a thing. I am new and bad at making beads and your videos are most helpful.
Thanks for the great video. I look forward to seeing the next one.
Thank you for the videos; I like their length and their content. Makes me want to go buy some better clays now!
Thanks for the video. I am surprised your survey response has been low. I love your videos and PC color recipes; you are very knowledgeable and a very good instructor. I have used PC in the past but am just recently getting more serious about this wonderful product.
Thanks for all of your inspiring info.
Anna
I have just found out about beading clay and find it interesting and I enjoy the videos and color recipes that you send out. They are informative and I am learning from them. Looking forward to working with it more throughout the winter months. Am interested in the caning process if you should have more ideas. Thanks.
Dear Cindy: All of your videos have been super great! Just not long enough. I wish you could put a new one out 3 times a week. You have a pleasant speaking voice and the camera work is good to.The info is complete, easy to follow and entertaining. Thanks for all you do to help those of us who can’t afford to take a class or who are homebound. God bless you from all of us. Love,
Miss Priss (zoe)
@Bunnie: Good idea! It has been a few months since I actually filmed that video and I now have found a vice to put my Dremel in too! It is way easier! When I shoot the next set of videos I will show everyone!
@Sherry: Thank you! :-)
@Ellen: Lentil beads are fun! Thanks for your comments!
@Kim: What a great gift from your Hubby! Enjoy buffing beads with it!
@Keri Lee: How wonderful to have your Husband back! Glad to hear you’ll be getting back to your claying soon! Should never be away from clay for too long! ;-)
@Lisa: If you want to see some of my jewelry pieces go to the Home page of this blog and scroll down through the posts. I’ve posted quite a few pictures of a wide range of pendants, earrings, brooches and necklaces. Thanks for your interest.
@Christine: So glad to hear you’re BACK! So to hear things were grueling for you though. On to healthier days, and lots of clay time!
@Maria: Thank you so much! I am really glad the video was helpful for you!
@Lani: Thank you so much for your comment to Brenda! I really appreciate all your support!
@Oana: Thank you! That is so cool you are getting a Dremel! Have fun with it!
@Barbara: Thank you! I wouldn’t say the videos are exactly perfect, but thanks for saying so! I noticed I talk a lot with my hands and will have to try and slow them down a bit for the next set of videos! :-)
@Joyce: Thank you! Those are the words I love to hear!
@Nancy: Yeah it is worth it to have the better clays! Thank you for your comment!
@Delphina: Winter is the perfect time to learn about bead making! I am currently working on the content for some polymer clay cane making courses that may be of interest to you… so stay tuned for that!
@Anna: Well a few more people have responded now which is great to see… the more the better! It really makes a big difference to the type of content that will end up being on the blog and in the video newsletter. Thank you so much for your comments and input! I means a lot to me!
@Zoe: Thank you so, so much for your sweet comments!
I like the videos, it’s much better for me to see something being done than to just read about it.
Keep the videos coming.
Hi Cindy… I’m so glad you made the video about Dremel tools. I got a brand new one for Christmas and was just waiting for a good reason to use it!
I love all your videos and your articles. I’m waiting till payday to subscribe and I will let you know how I like the rest of the course.
Thanks again for helping all us Newbies,
Suanough
Katy TX
I’m from Holland and we don’t have very much polymer clay information here, so I like your site very much and I would like to see more of your video’s
yours sincerely,
Inge
@Annie: Thank you! I agree video is easier to learn from than books!
@Suanough: Thank you for your comments! Buffing is the perfect thing to start using your Dremel on! You are going to love the course when you get it. Looking forward to getting to know you!
@Inge: Welcome! It is wonderful to have you here! Thank you for your sweet words!
All the videos I have seen have been helpful. Thanks for all the information!
Thank you for your comment Marilyn! I really appreciate it!
Cindy, I just got around to watching the Dremel demo and I can’t wait to try holding the tool in my left hand. I have been working with Sculpey III for years and am just finding out, that it’s not me causing the problems. I am switching to Premo and looking forward to buffing some new beads. Thanks for this video.
You are so welcome Susan! I just popped over to your site and saw that neat Steampunk cuff you made with the faux rivets made of polymer clay… very clever idea!
I wrote an article awhile back about Steampunk jewelry. You can click on the link by name to read it if you like.
Thanks for the videos Cindy. I wish I would have known about this site before. Thanks for the tips on using the dremel Rotary tool. I learned how to properly hold the tool to polish my beads. I agree with everyone else, keep the videos coming.
Thanks,
Lupe
I am so pleased you are here Lupe! Thank you for your lovely comments!
Hi Cindy.
Ive been “lurking” your site for some time now, and I get your newsletter now too(thank you)IMHO I think your articles are all good and never too long. You take the time to explain things completely. Which the experienced like me (have been claying for almost 20 yrs)might not need so much, but the beginner will definitely benefit from. And even with my experience, I find your article fun to read. Dont change a thing. As for topics? Are there any “bad” ones? Sometimes when I find myself uninspired, I cruise around a few sites (yours is now one of those on my list)looking for my errant muses. And your articles never fail to spawn a new idea, or add to one already in progress. You are absolutely a benefit to the polymer clay community here on the web. I believe that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn. So keep up the good work. And write about whatever you think we would enjoy learning. Im sure we will enjoy reading about it.
Thank you
Jamie
What a pleasure it was to read your comment Jamie! Thank you so much! I would love to see some of your work. Do you have any pictures?
Also do pipe in if you have anything you would like to add as far as techniques, and ideas. I am sure after 20 years you have some advice that would be very helpful to everyone here!
Happy Valentines day! You’re quite welcome for the comment. Too many times people find great resources like your site on the web, and take it for granted that it will always be there. Or assume its easy because there are so many. But they don’t bother to say thank you to the person who spends their time to make it possible. And I know that a site like yours takes quite a bit of your time, especially answering all the comments you receive. Not even mentioning all the videos and tutorials you offer. (Do you ever get to just play with your clay?) So let me say Thank you, and ask, where were you when I started playing with clay? LOL. I sure could have used all this info then.
And thank you for asking, but unfortunately, at the moment I don’t have any pictures of my work. Because I usually give or sell most of my pieces as soon as they are done and never even thought to take a picture before. But with the new digital cam I got for Christmas I hope to fix that issue. As soon as I finish my…dare I say it? Studio! The last kid moved out and I get her room all to myself! Hurray! But it needs work to be a place I can work in. Once thats done I will get back to “work” and hope to have lots of pics to share.
In the meantime, I cruise the web getting inspiration (thank you again). And I’m about to bust with ideas. So I’ll be happy to add my 2 cents if I can help someone. Thats the best part of the clay community. Almost everyone is so helpful, and I’m glad to do my part too.
Jamie
Your words mean a lot to me Jamie! Thank you so much!
I too want to take over my daughter’s room for a studio… Only my daughter still lives at home, so switching rooms with her is a little trickier. :-)
She doesn’t mind moving to a smaller room since it is a neater shaped room with a slanted ceiling. But just the effort of getting two rooms redone at the same time is pretty overwhelming, so it could take a while before it gets done.
Glad to have you around here. Always love hearing your 2 cents!
I just wanted to let you know I enjoy all of your articles and tutorials and do not feel any are too long. I am always so anxious to read more and learn more and appreciate so much to time you take to help those of us out there who would otherwise never get any one on one teaching. It is like you are right there and you answer all of my questions without my having to ask.
That was a really nice thing to say Diana! Thank you so much! I do try hard and really appreciate hearing that you enjoy the articles. Makes me feel like I’m writing them for you!
I’m just beginning to enter the polymer clay world and would like to know what pasta machine you recommend.
I would recommend an Atlas Wellness 150 (**Amazon Affiliate Link)