“Very, very nice!
Thanks again Cindy
for always broadening my
polymer clay horizon!”
~Hobokenmary
On August 31st, I posted an introductory preview clip for the Polymer Clay Art Sheet tutorial. Today, the full version of this video lesson (Vol-028-1) is available for viewing at the Polymer Clay Members Library. Here is the link: Express Yourself with Mixed-Media Polymer Clay Art Sheets
For anyone who is not yet a paid member, if you did not know, the cost works out to only $3.32 per month. This gives you 24/7 access to the full versions of my Friday video tutes. Plus you also receive four A-series color recipe cards. This week’s color is: Fresh Turned Soil (1A) from the Autumn Sunflower Polymer Clay Color Palette.
Cindy, you have a way of making a technique seem much easier no matter how many times I have done it before. This is why I don’t think I would ever be able to say no to a tute from you. I learned this from the get go when I felt I already knew enough that the beginners course would not benefit me. Yea Right!!. I still to this day go back and review that course and get something new from it every time. There is no such thing about knowing enough when it comes to anything. Certainly not Polymer Clay. THANK YOU Cindy and Doug for any and all you share with us. You need to raise your prices!!!! ~Peggy-B
Cindy’s video’s are the best, nothing can replace them. ~Phaedrakat
It took me a long time to join because I wasn’t sure I would want to pay for a video that I couldn’t “hold in my hand” to keep. After I joined I was sorry I hadn’t joined sooner. The videos are so well done. Even though what I do isn’t as precise as Cindy’s, it is good enough for me. The enjoyment of having these lessons available whenever I want them is stupendous. ~Freda-K
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
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Open Mic… Please use the comment sections of these Friday posts to discuss polymer clay challenges that you need some help with… success stories about your bead and jewelry projects… requests for upcoming video tutorials. In other words, it’s an open mic :-) .
Listed below are the topics that were discussed in the last Friday’s Open Mic comments:
- Playing with cutters.
- Shhhh, don’t tell my mom!
- Pasta machine took a dive.
- Somebody got older… or make that wiser.
- Solving a roadblock.
- Thought it would be a no-brainer, but…
- A whole bunch of aha moments!
- Just cramming all the pieces… not.
- Too busy doing yard work :-(
- Fits together just like a jigsaw puzzle.
- Pyramid shaped beads.
- From easy to difficult and back to easy again.
- The Mangy Woolly Mammoth song :-)
- The Cut… saving time and angst.
- 12 for the price 1.
- If at first you don’t succeed…
… You can always make lentil beads. - The benefits of failing.
- If you need a magnifying glass…
… Then you probably reduced it too small. - Virgo’s.
- And more…
If you need to catch up, here is the link to the article where last week’s topics were discussed in detail: Cookie Cutter Canes
Otherwise, you can use the comment section below to start talking about some new topics and ideas. Happy Friday!!!
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It seems as if all I ever say anymore is WOW! But that pretty much sums it up on this technique. It was like a refresher course of the techniques of the past few months, I was waiting to see the translucent clay get thinned with the file folder before it was put on the other layers. You and Doug have done it again.
Happy Friday everyone!
I’m with Ken WOW! I can see all kinds of possibilities. I can’t wait to try this. The wheels are turning. :)
YUM! Where to start ? Going to grab a handful of stuff and begin -this will be a blast ! So many colors and patterns -what fun…Can’t wait. Thanks you again Cindy and Doug. You make this look so easy. Gotta go experiment………
Forgot this was a holiday weekend and I have to find a different park to stay in for the next couple days. Instead of spending all my time beach combing I have to try this technique. You really have my wheels spinning!
NOTE: Polymer Clay Superstore has a 1/2 price sale this weekend only. Not everything is on sale but select clays are. Among others they have Premo! Pearl and GITD.
Okay, that’s it! Michaels, here I come. Need Stazon, much more expensive than the others but you get what you paid for (cheap=not much ink), and some foil. Carolyn, think I’ll hop on over to the polymer Clay Superstore just to make a wish list. Cindy, this is fantastic. So many ideas, so many colors, not enough time in the day!
I posted to the wrong page! I’m so sorry… Why didn’t I see this post this morning? Oh, maybe because it was 4 am EST, so it may not have been here yet?
OHHHHHHHHH! I’m at a loss for words and as you know from all my usual nonsense it doesn’t happen very often.
Another great tute. Hmmmm the wheels are turning.
Awesome tute, Cindy. I love anything with cursive writing on it. There’s just something about the combo of layers, writing and gold/silver leaf that makes my heart beat faster :) Can’t wait to try this technique. Many thanks for a great video.
I bought Lisa Pavelkas new book today! I can’t wait to curl up in bed with it later! Just skimming through it though, I can tell it will spark loads of new ideas in my head!
Beautiful. I love this technique. Good thing I have a 3-day weekend to play! Thanks again Cindy and Doug.
Simply beautiful! I’d like to get a cursive writing stamp, any suggestions where I could get this? I don’t recall seeing anything in Michaels.
@Cheryl Hodges: I found one at Michael’s today. It was $12.99 though. Lucky I had a 50% off coupon! Hope this helps you…
~Lisa :)
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Just A Quick FYI… there is currently a technical bug happening with the “Reply” function here at the blog. When you use it, your comments are temporarily held in the moderation queue, pending approval. This is not supposed to happen, and it will be fixed (hopefully) soon. But for now, it would be helpful if everyone could refrain from clicking on that little “Reply” link. Instead, you can simply reference others by manually typing their name… like @Cheryl Hodges [or] @Lida Whitham [or] @Cindy: [etc, etc.]. This way your comments will post in real time, without any delay. Thank you all. ~Doug
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@Cheryl Hodges: Have you tried JoAnne Fabrics? They have a pretty good collection…then there is always online…
Cindy just proved, that you can never have enough supplies around for making her beautiful beads. Back to the store I go, I need more rubber stamps :) Love them Cindy :)
I really enjoyed this tutorial and hope that I have time to give it a try this long weekend. T
I tried this last night (was in desperate need of clay time after this week and packing last week). I learned: silver ink and alcohol ink do interesting things when you put them together. Try it sometime. My sheet (the first of many, I imagine) is hanging out waiting to become pendants, earrings, and beads.
Silver ink? Also, does anyone recommend one foil above others?
Carrie, which Lisa P’s book did you get? I have been thinking of buying a clay book but would like some help.
Other question: due to the fantastic array of different colors and textures, would the streaks of clay from a dirty clay machine (belonging to someone else, of course!!) make problems?
The weather has finally cooled, so today is clay day!!
Watched this a couple of times now, and am amazed at how many techniques you combine and information you share in 12 min. Really fun to watch, too.
I can add two more….when you get to the scrap stage, pile them and slice mokume gane style, and of course…do a couple of lentil beads. Anyone else?
I love that I can use a whole cane or sheet of fabric clay to the max based on everything I’ve learned here. Before, I did one thing and walked away…now, the table is piled with experiments!
@Koolbraider – Those streaks of ‘dirty’ clay could change the color of what you are working on, especially if it is a light color clay you are using. One thought I had was that you might want to run translucent clay through and let it pick up the ‘dirty’ clay … and then use that for faux agates.
Also – Rather than investing in books, get everything Cindy has in her library. You’d be much better off. The videos are always better than print and pictures. And Cindy’s prices can’t be beat. She is the best … wish I had found her before I invested in books that now just sit on the shelf.
Thanks soooo much everyone! I’m am ‘pleased as punch’ (like my Grandma used to say) that you all are loving this technique. It is such a fun one with so many possibilities! I was thinking today that it would be fun to try with Glow-in-the-dark clay, fluorescent colored clay and some graphic print like polka dots or fat flowers. Would have a completely different look altogether.
@Cheryl: I got that stamp in a Tim Holtz Set from Michaels.
@Carolyn: Thank you for saying what you said! When you look at the price we charge and what most books cost, there is no comparison for the value you get here. For 1 years worth of our tutorials it will cost you about $40 and you will get 48 videos, 48 color recipes (96 recipes if you’re smart ;-), help with your questions and interaction with a great bunch of friends. Try getting that much from a book!
Carolyn, you’re absolutely right. I’m an impulse buyer trying to kick the habit. it helps to wait for a while to get input from others. I have to say that Cindy’s videos have been the best buy ever, and I have NO regrets about buying them. Have spent today watching a couple. I’ll try the translucent clay before running the art sheet through. Does that mean I have to stay away from Michaels??? Nah!
@ Jocelyn You are so right about the experiments! I find I’ll start with one thing in mind and one thing leads to another and another – then I’m off on a whole new path. Not so good if I need to focus on a specific skill, but great for creating stuff!! What I love is that whatever is being taught here also encourages us go further beyond just what is covered in the lesson. I think there’s a Buzz Lightyear quote in there …to infinity and beyond!” ;0)
It’s a true compliment to Cindy that the lessons open up our ideas, not simply limit everyone to only tutorials. Can’t wait to try this technique!!
@ Koolbraider – I had bought a book when I first decided to do some claying but believe me did not do much with it. After signing up with Cindy, I have tried so many techniques and am really happy and confident with myself now. I love the way my pieces turn out. What you get with cindy’s video’s you will never get in a book; trust me. She teaches so well, the photography is excellent from all angles so you can see every step she does clearly and she breaks it down to make even something complicated ‘doable’ that once you’ve tried it it becomes ‘easy’.
@ Cindy – Thanks for the info on the stamp. will get to Michaels next week with a coupon.
Sorry, accidentally hit the submit button – i’m dying to try this technique out and have a few ideas floating around. Can’t wait to try it out.
This was so much fun. I can’t wait to try another Art Sheet piece. I posted pics of my creations on Polymer Clay Tutorial Facebook Page, and on my blog. Hope you will take a peek.
I haven’t bought a book since I subscribed to this site (and I was a book junkie). Tell you something?
@Elizabeth: LOL, me, too! I bought books left and right, but not a one since I’ve been a member here. Cindy’s videos have cured me…
@DJ: I agree — this tute could definitely use Buzz Lightyear’s quote as a tagline! The combinations of media and ways to create with this technique are truly beyond infinity…
Agree with Cheryl, too…
@Loretta: I posted about your work on the ‘teaser video’ page…it’s gorgeous!
@Katie: You said silver ink — are you talking about the Metallic Mixatives? I bought some of that, but haven’t given it a try yet. Please let me know if that’s what you meant… :D
Wow, this is the most exciting technique yet! And that’s really saying something… Thanks, Cindy!
On books versus videos, I think it depends on your preferred learning style, how much depth you want to go into with various techniques, whether there are specific things you particularly want to explore in specific timeframes, how focused (or not!) your interests are, your level of experience versus the level that Cindy’s videos are targeted at, and so on. For me, Cindy’s videos supplement rather than replace other resources. In the time I’ve been a member I would have added at least 3 books, 9 written tutorials and 5 DVDs to my polymer clay reference collection, plus a fair number on other subjects.
I personally prefer printed material to video, and I also think a good book can cover much more material than even a multi-hour video. The other advantage for me, as someone who already has a decent handle on working with polymer clay, is that when selecting books I can make sure the entire book, or at least the vast majority of it, is of interest. I’m not in the main target audience for Cindy’s videos, so while I love many of Cindy’s original techniques such as the crackled faux raku, faux agate, blend and switch, and these art sheets, and think the colour palettes are fun too, on average there’s only one video a month that I’m interested in. (The subscription cost is so low that it’s still worth it, however.)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy with my subscription to Cindy’s videos, but I’d give up my DVDs and all forms of video before I ever gave up my books!
Grew up immersed in books…picture books, reference books, how to and craft books, history…you name it.
Followed the clay wagon now for 20 years, and in the beginning there were a couple of pamphlets and a great book by Nan Roche. Then Carol DuVal. Then more polymer clay books than I could ever shake a stick at. Same with VHS and CD instructions, and now the web is loaded with tuts and tutors.
Would I willingly give back a single one? No way. More for the historical trigger of the memories and skills learned and applied while I read or watched.
However, just based on what I have seen hear with my own eyes, this is the best site for the money to improve your polymer skills. Cindy’s videos are editted for all essencial information, as is her blog, her tweets, and her emails, lol. She’s a busy lady, and doesn’t inundate you with information, just culls the best.
If you master the skills she’s taught so far (and you have to work at it to get the planning, attention to detail and finishing down) your work is marketable. After only two and a half years of weekly blogs and videos, that’s an exceptional deal.
Plus you get a great network of folks here who cheer you on and inspire you.
@Cindy, I absolutely LOVE this technique!!! I haven’t branched off into my own colors yet, but I’m in the process of making my second sheet in your colors.(With gold leaf/foil instead.)I used up my first sheet in no time. *grin*
Thanks once again for teaching us something so cool..!!
Clay On,
~Lisa :)
On the “book” theme, I am a loyal subscriber to the weekly Vids (and will continue to be so), but as someone said about her anticipation on thumbing through a new book she had aquired, I agree, you never know what creative spark something in a book might inspire. Since I don’t have the brilliantlly creative flashes like Cindy does, sometimes I NEED a little something to get the “ball” rolling so to speak. Thanks again Cindy for sharing your insights with us in the videos.
@Ken- you said it! I get lots of inspiration from just looking at the pics of finished pieces in books, not to mention the actual techniques shown.
@Koolbraider- It is a new one that was just released this year. I don’t have it next to me right now but the cover is pink. I’m about halfway through reading it( and marking everything I want to try)! The best thing about it is that for every technique that is covered in the book Lisa shows several variations on how to do them. Like Mokume Gane- she shows 4 or 5 methods to do it. Same on image transfers.
I too love Cindys videos, but I buy everything I can get my hands on, Tutes, videos, dvds, books… You never know where there may be something to inspire you!
@Everyone: I have been thinking a lot about what everyone has said here in regards to books. I may have given the wrong impression the other day. It is not that I don’t like books. That is far from the truth. My home is filled with books. Every room in our house (including one of the bathrooms) has a bookshelf stuffed with books. All kinds of them from reference, to picture, to how-to’s and story books. Probably have over a thousand books!
I guess what I was trying to get across is my frustration sometimes, when someone new to polymer clay, goes out to buy an expensive book and then doesn’t buy my beginners course or my weekly videos. … when I know they would be far better off in their learning development if they purchased my stuff first. I’m sure for those of you who do not have my info, that statement sounds awfully self-serving and perhaps even snobbish. But that really is not in my heart. I had to learn the hard way, though books and whatever I could find. And I know from that experience of making mistakes, that most of them can easily be avoided, with the proper instructions. That is why I put together the demonstration videos in the first place. To help other beginners have a smoother go of it.
Books are wonderful… In fact I have plans to publish a few of them myself, so saying they’re bad is not what I intended to do. I think they are a fantastic ADDITION to a good strong foundation of skills. They make great sources for inspiration and new ideas added to your knowledge base.
I just wish more of you would start with my videos and then move to the books. You would be better off in the long run.
Thank you to everyone who has said such supportive and wonderful comments here on the blog. It is fantastic to have all the different opinions expressed and the sharing of knowledge and friendship. Keep it up. You all mean the world to me!
Cindy, you are absolutely right about your videos being the foundation. I love books and am always buying new ones. But much of the time I read them and say, “What the heck are they talking about?” With your videos, there’s no ambiguity. After viewing your videos, I can go back to my books and usually figure out what the confusing sections are about.
For those of you who don’t know this, articles and how-to’s in magazines are edited…and sometimes important steps or explanations are left out. This is also true in books, but I don’t think to the extent that it happens in magazines.
@ Cindy – Unforutnatly, we buy a book or two before we discover your site and tutorials, once I completed my set of Vids ( beginners through whatever back issues I was missing at the time) I went back, as Linda said and re-read the one book I had brought (mine was Carol Blackburn’s, has many beads on the cover, and many techniques inside) and want AHA that’s what she was talking about, I would NEVER trade my tutorial membership with you for anything, so unless we all (as in Cindy’s faithful Legions) stake out the craft store book departments and direct the beginers to you before they buy a book that they won’t understand, we’re (as in beginner PC’ers) forced to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Being somewhat new to claying, I too went out and bought many books, reading each with awe and excitement. Being a “google” expert from way back, I also tried to find everything I could on line about clay techniques, especially free videos. I agree with Ken, I don’t regret having the books, and will always use them for refreshing or spots of inspiration. When I first started out, I looked at several sites to “buy” tutorials, and admit I ran across Cindy’s site months ago. I was hesitant to purchase, at the time, thinking it would be an expense I couldn’t afford and not really knowing what I would get. I must say I wish I knew then what I know now!! I think it’s great that you are planning a book Cindy, and think it will be a good way to promote your tutorials. Even my 12yo likes to see them and has made a butterfly cane. We look forward to each week to see what’s new. As everyone has said, Thanks Cindy, for all you contribute to our learning!
Me too, Jan…I did the same thing! I’m also thrilled to hear Cindy’s planning to publish books. It’s wonderful news…I agree that it will help get the ‘word out’ about her amazing video tutorials. And, of course, I’m sure the books themselves will be fabulous. (But don’t ever stop your weekly videos, though — please Cindy!) I’m looking forward to seeing what Cindy decides to write about…the basics, or more in-depth instruction on certain claying techniques…or both?
I’m always hoping that other clayers or interested beginners will find Cindy. I always try to spread the word…so they can discover what she has to offer for themselves. I admit, I was a little ‘unsettled’ yesterday, worried that someone might get the wrong idea — that books are a better way to start out with clay. No way! Cindy is the way to go, for SO many reasons…and it’s especially true for beginning/intermediate clayers…they can really benefit from the foundation of knowledge Cindy offers. Not to mention her unique teaching style…makes it all so simple. Read this blog…you’ll see that ‘before Cindy’ (BC…there’s even an acronym for it!) many of us bought materials we didn’t need. Many of us were doing things the wrong way — because we were using books or “free” tutes that ended up costing more in wasted clay and materials.
Those “missing steps” Linda mentioned — so true! There are lots of gaps in those books and magazines! Cindy fills them with her step-by-step tutes…we get to see every move she makes, so we know what to expect, and how to deal with any problems that might occur. And of course, she’s here to answer questions if we have them. You never get that with books, magazines, or DVD’s!
I’m very fortunate to have the ability to follow directions/instructions easily. I don’t usually need video to understand how to do a technique. BUT, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it! When I saw Cindy’s videos, I became a convert. It was so nice to have it all made so simple (and her tutorials are SO inexpensive!) I haven’t bought a book in a long while, because Cindy’s videos and the inspiration I get here at the blog offer a LONG list of ideas. The new Facebook Gallery adds even more, and really spurs creativity. I still “cheat” occasionally, LOL. I browse the web, & skim through books & mags to see what inspires me. And I would never ‘toss’ my old books. In fact, I now have a better understanding of the written techniques that did have “holes” or “gaps” in them — and that’s because of all the great things I’ve learned here. One last thing Cindy teaches you, is that it’s okay to make mistakes (but you’ll make fewer ones after watching her videos!) She gives you the confidence to practice & actually open up that bar of clay…and play with it — you end up learning even more. A big “Thank you!” to Cindy Lietz!
Here’s some of my history with PC. Way back, I saw Cindy’s site – it was free.But I wasn’t REALLY interested that much. So,years roll by.
Bought a bunch of books. I had back surgery -and decided to get as many tutes on line as I could. While recovering, I couldn’t do much . So – I downloaded A WHOLE REAM of tutes. Then I re-discovered Cindy Leitz -Polymer Clay Tutor. WELL, I finally joined and the paper tutes went by the wayside !! I am a visual learner -so the videos are MY best way to learn. I am a Cindy JUNKY !!!! I do love anything about polymer clay, though, so I will continue my journey with all I can learn. I will never give up Polymer Clay Tutor ! So, Cindy -bring on your books………
Well, to my two cents worth into this topic I have to admit I was going crazy at first. I couldn’t find good videos, dvd’s, or books that were an arm and a leg in cost. Plus, there was always something missing. When I stubbled on Cindy’s Polymer Clay Tutor, before she charged for her videos, I couldn’t believe the Jack Pot I found!
Her slogan: “I have learned by making mistakes….so you don’t have too!” was just what I was looking for! I couldn’t believe she was doing this for FREE. Thank goodness she decided that only $3.33 a month would make it easier to keep the videos and color recipes coming! We all know the time and resources needed to make this project succeed is NOT cheap! The time she saves us by breaking down the steps is worth a ton! I would gladly pay $10 a month! So, to say this membership only costs me $9.99 every 3 months is insane!! Can’t thank you enough, Cindy and Doug!
I think I may need to start a new group called: PCA or Polymer Clay Anonymous!! Because I can’t stop playing with my clay!!!!!
Wow Catalina and Gang! Thanks for saying that! It has sure been a pleasure having many of you around since the very beginning! You all feel like family now.
I am so glad you are enjoying the video tutorials. Makes me very happy to be contributing to all of your ‘clay addictions’!
I just saw that you’re planning to publish books and now I have a big smile! :) When I started claying more than 10 years ago, I learned by myself and by making mistakes too lol, I googled and bought a book or two… I’m more serious about claying since I joined here, and I really improved. There’s a big difference between a video and photos in a book, but I like both videos and books, for differents reasons.
By the way, Cindy, you were the first ever to leave me a comment on my blog, and I want to thank you for that!:)
It’s that personal touch (like leaving the very 1st message at Cindy G’s blog) that makes Cindy & this website we call home even MORE special — if that’s possible. She does so much for us, and works so very hard to give us the absolute best PC videos possible! Having & maintaining a website like this really isn’t cheap, so the small, small fee she charges us really is “insane” — like Catalina said above. We can stop the insanity a bit, or actually, we can help Cindy…to perhaps make a little profit instead of just covering expenses. The best way to do that–I can think of–is to let others know just how great this site really is. Most of us have a blog, Facebook, website, or all of them — spread the word, and remind people now and again how great this woman (and her videos) really is. Others will get the same benefit we have (fantastic video tutorials & more,) and maybe Cindy will finally get enough of those tiny $3 fees so she can enlist some help with the day-to-day, behind the scenes tasks. Then she’ll hopefully have time to actually sit down and write those books…and make more videos, too — of course!
I second what Kat said. Actually, what we do,by linking back to Cindy’s tutes, is the best type of praise. Word of mouth is always the best information. And we all do that. SOOOOOOO, Cindy, we all hope you do reap the benefits! You and Doug have done so much. Karma comes around. We all love you guys. Thanks so much..
The words I’ve been longing to hear from Cindy – she has plans to write books! I’d often wondered why she hadn’t done this already, apart from the fact that we’ve figured out she must be getting no more than 20 minutes sleep a night! So, joyful news, team – and WRITE ON, Cindy!! Can’t wait to see you in print.
@Mary: My goodness, woman, where have you been? Hmmm? LOL! I’ve missed you…you and that beautiful frangipani… It’s none of my business, I know! I just wanted you to know I’m happy to see you…or at least see your name. Yay, Mary’s back! I hope everything was fine while you were away… :D ~Kat
@Cheryl: I also searched for a cursive stamp, & my local Michael’s/JoAnn’s do not have any “good” ones. They have cursive stamps that say dumb or inappropriate things (for my purposes,) or they have perfect or at least passable sayings in print that’s too large or in a weird font. I’m going to have to visit this scrapbooking store that has a larger inventory, although it’s kind of far away from my house. I’ll have to venture out that way the next time I feel good enough. Hmmm, maybe next month, LOL. Otherwise, I’ll be looking online, too. BTW, I saw that PearlLustre Embossing Powder you bought. It’s not like Pearl Ex, but the set I saw had gorgeous colors. If that’s what you have, they would make pretty inclusion beads…just mix some into trans clay, roll into beads & bake…
Best of luck with the stamp! :D ~Kat