Polymer Clay Survey – Would You Like Some Audio With Those Beads?

Polymer Clay Podcast

A Craft Podcast – Informal and Unpolished. Not Even Sanded! Let Me Know What You Think:

OK, I need your opinion. I’m looking at the possibility of starting up a free audio podcast feature here at the Beads And Beading Blog. Something where you could click on a button and listen to me chat about interesting stuff. Even download the episodes to your iPod for when you are out and about.

Every day I spend tons of time trying out new polymer clay techniques and making bead jewelry. Some of the stuff works, and some of it doesn’t. My idea for the podcast would be to invite you into my studio (in a virtual sort of way), and give you a glimpse of my projects as they happen.

The podcasts would be informal and unpolished… not even sanded LOL. They would be just me getting excited when something works out. Or… you may even hear me get frustrated when things go wrong. Uncut and unrehearsed. This format would definitely give you a chance to “experience” how my creative brain works… and hopefully learn from it.

I could even take some time to answer questions you send in…. and also discuss the goings on of the polymer clay community.

I realize that everyone consumes information differently, so a text transcript would be included with each recording for those who prefer reading over listening. What I’m hoping for today, is to simply find out what your level of interest would be in having access to this sort of audio podcast content.

So please tell me what you think in the comments sections below. Would this audio podcast format work for you? Or do you think it’s a bad idea. Either way, let me know. I really want to hear from as many of you as possible about this. Thanks so much.

Cindy Lietz SignaturePolymer Clay Tutor


  1. Sue Choppers-Wife, 08 January, 2009

    Cindy, although I don’t listen to podcasts on my iPod, I do click on links in sites and listen to them on my computer when the time is right. Dean Koontz does podcasts and I love them. It’s a nice way to get inside an artist’s studio. :)

    (I wish I had a 1/4 of your creative energy…where on earth do you find the time?!)

  2. Cindy Erickson, 08 January, 2009

    Cindy, I listen to many podcasts…especially when I can’t sleep at night! My Ipod is one of my most favorite things! I would definitely listen to your podcast if you had one…in fact, when I first found you, I did look for a podcast by you!!! Bring it on!!!

  3. Sylvie, 09 January, 2009

    I think it’s a good idea for those who can understand english without any problem, but for my part as i’m not american , i’d rather prefer blog written articles. Thks anyway and rgds

  4. Donna Cusatis, 09 January, 2009

    Cindy, I think that would be great!

  5. Kam, 09 January, 2009

    I definatley would think it is worth a try! I think it would be kinda neat!!! Does this mean I have an excuse to buy an iPod??!! Or can it be listened to on the computer too?? Don’t know how this “tecky” thingys work!! (I am impressed that I can leave a comment…that is how “my” skills are!!)

  6. jill, 09 January, 2009

    Hi Cindy. Free podcasts would rock.
    We could all clay along with you.
    LOL I get tired of claying alone.
    Looking forward to them…(fingers crossed)

  7. Marie, 09 January, 2009

    I would love to listen.

    Thanks

  8. Cindy Lietz, 09 January, 2009

    Thanks for your feedback everyone! Sounds like it will be a hit!

    Anyone else want to add their opinion?

  9. Illaya, 10 January, 2009

    Being practically a shut in, having podcasts are a way for me to be able to hear human voices other than mine or my DH. I think this is a great idea, I will look forward to hearing you. Illaya

  10. lynn watts, 10 January, 2009

    I am very excited about that Cindy. I had mentioned before that my creative side has a block and this may be the jumping point that I need. HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lynn

  11. Marsha, 10 January, 2009

    Sounds like a good idea to me too! Thanks!

  12. Cindy Lietz, 10 January, 2009

    @Illaya: Me too! Though I’m not really a shut in I do very rarely stray from the studio, so I don’t have a lot of contact to the outside world either. I’ll pretend I’m talking to you in person and then we’ll both not be lonely! :-)

    @Lynn: Don’t worry, we’ll shove that creative block right out of the way, so you can get back to being yourself!

    @Marsha: That’s good to hear! Can’t wait to get started podcasting!

  13. Anna Sabina, 11 January, 2009

    The pod-cast would be great and the more informal the better I would love to hear you “unsanded” or “uncured”. You are incredibly dedicated to this site. I encourage you to rethink the transcript because part of the joy of a pod-cast is the informality, the sighs and pauses. Okay, the mother in me is kicking in but…..this would be like typing two lesson/blogs per day. Your talent is is your passion which is the creative process with polymer clay and teaching others, I would rather hear a longer pod cast. If you type a transcript what part of family time, fitness center time, or studio time will you be cutting into? Maybe you are a super fast typist or have someone who will type the transcript free. Your site provides a tremendous amount of very valuable information and the cost to us is so minimal and I don’t see the transcript as necessary.

  14. Cindy Lietz, 11 January, 2009

    Anna – thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Regarding the transcripts, my plan is to definitely get some help with that. I think they are going to be important for a couple of reasons:

    (1) So that that non-English speaking readers here at the blog can still benefit, and

    (2) So that the search functionality will continue to be effective for when you are tying to find information on something specific. You see in order for search to work properly, text on the page is still required.

  15. Anna Sabina, 11 January, 2009

    Good points. I did not realize you had non English speaking members. That is good way to attract people from other countries now and in the future.

  16. Lupe Meter, 11 January, 2009

    I would love it! I don’t have an IPOD but I would definitely listen in on my computer.

    I would like to see first hand how your brain works. You come up with great and fun ideas.

  17. Diana Philpott, 11 January, 2009

    I would love to listen to you on my computer since I don’t know how and Ipod works. I would love to see the processes you go through.

  18. Adrienne lindsey, 11 January, 2009

    I think it is a great idea for those of us who have the time or enjoy podcasts. You go girl! :)

  19. Iris Mishly, 12 January, 2009

    I was waiting for a podcast version of your polymer clay posts to amuse me while i am in the Gym, please please cindy! that would be great!!

  20. Cindy Lietz, 13 January, 2009

    @Lupe: LOL You may find my brain races along faster than even I can keep up with!

    @Diana: There will just be a play button at the top of the post so it will be very easy to listen to on your computer. I am looking forward to it!

    @Adrienne: Thank you! I will keep them short and to the point so they should be good, even for those who are busy.

    @Iris: Would you like me to say. “Go Iris Go!” every once in awhile to make sure you’re working hard enough in the gym? ;-)

  21. Silverleaf, 13 January, 2009

    Sounds like a great idea! I don’t really listen to podcasts, but I’d listen to yours.

    I’ve thought about doing some myself for my personal blog, but I have no idea what I’d talk about… plus since my regular job involves recording audio books for blind university students, after a hard day’s recording I might well not feel like recording some more!

    A…xxx

  22. Silverleaf, 13 January, 2009

    I guess so many people just want to hear my English accent! Mind you, the last Canadian lady I spoke to thought I sounded like an Aussie… (I don’t.)

  23. Cindy Lietz, 14 January, 2009

    I would love to hear your voice Silverleaf, bet it sounds cute! I love English accents! Someone the other day talked about my accent, which was funny for me. Never really thought I had one. :-)

  24. Silverleaf, 14 January, 2009

    I think my accent’s fairly neutral because I’ve tried to lose my natural Derbyshire accent. A proper broad Derbyshire accent can be difficult to understand for other English people, never mind people from other countries!

    I didn’t want to be stereotyped on the basis of my accent, so now I just sound vaguely like I’m from somewhere in the middle of England without a real dialect at all. I can still do Derbyshire when I want though.

    I like your accent Cindy, you have a nice rich warm voice. Do you sing at all? I could imagine you as having a good singing voice.

  25. Cindy Lietz, 15 January, 2009

    I actually love to sing. But I’m afraid Simon Cowell wouldn’t think it was a good idea! I once was able to stay on key, but over the last few years I’ve developed some serious pitch problems. Will need to start practicing again. Another excellent reason to play more Rock Band on the Wii! ;-)

  26. lynn watts, 16 January, 2009

    THANK-YOU CINDY FOR WANTING TO KNOCK THAT BLOCK RIGHT UP SIDE THE HEAD AND LET MY CREATIVITY SHINE. WOW WHAT A GREAT FEELING!!!!!!!!!!!!! LYNN BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED FOR THEY LET IN THE LIGHT.

  27. Cindy Lietz, 17 January, 2009

    LOL Lynn!

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