“There are five
Friday’s this month,
so this week is a little
different than most.”
~Cindy Lietz
If you did not realize it, July is one of those months in the year with five weeks instead of four. And since the members library is based on a four week publishing schedule, it means I have to come up with something a little different for this upcoming Friday (July 30th).
Monday July 26: 10:25am: Has it been brought up that this is a 5th Friday so there will be no Tute. I have been out of the loop for a week with my grandaughter and haven’t caught up yet so curious to see if anything else has been planned?? Uuuugggs. ~Peggy-B
Monday July 26: 10:40am: Peggy brought this up on another post … and I hadn’t heard it mentioned yet … this is a 5 Friday month … and this Friday is the 5th. No tutorial, right, Cindy? ~Carolyn-F
Monday July 26: 11:15am: Carolyn this is a 5th Friday so no bomb dropped yet. Cindy needs her time off. Now she is back to blogging on the weekends. I’m not sure what happened there. I hope she didn’t start getting more emails at home? Her and Doug give us so much I wish there was a way we could give them something special for all they do. We need to make her take some time off even when we don’t want her to. Uuuuuggggs. ~Peggy-B
To tell you the truth, it’s been an insanely busy week, and at this point I don’t have any special bonus videos prepared or anything like that. So I think I’ll keep it simple for the upcoming Friday post, if everyone is OK with that.
And just so everyone knows now, the weekly Email Newsletter WILL still go out. I made the mistake of not communicating properly on one of the 5th Fridays a while back. And it actually created more work for me with all the messages that had to be returned… letting everyone know that I had in fact, NOT dropped off the face of the earth. It was stressful and flattering all at the same time, LOL.
Peggy… you said “… I wish there was a way we could give (Cindy and Doug) something special for all they do.”
Well, maybe there is Peggy. As most of you know, lately a strong focus has been put on getting the new Polymer Clay Facebook Contest up and running smoothly. I’m very pleased with how it is going.
As I write, there are currently 1471 polymer clayers who have chosen to “like” the https://www.facebook.com/polymerclay page. And 167 beautiful project photos have been uploaded. This is super awesome… but I know we can do even better.
Perhaps on Friday, there could be a concerted effort to have as many members as possible uploading their pictures to the new Facebook Photo Gallery. That would qualify as doing something special for Doug and I :-)
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Great idea!! I’m in.
Enjoy your 5th Friday, they come along so infrequently. :)
This gives us time to think about what pics we want to put up and get them ready.
Friday: “And now, for something completely different…!”
We should spread the word as much as possible, too. The more people know about our fabulous polymer clay tutor, the more members we’ll have. If enough people joined or bought videos, perhaps Cindy and Doug could even afford an assistant so they could actually take a vacation, or at least “really” take the weekends off.
When you post your pics and put your links, make your write ups intriguing, inviting, and say some extra words about how great these video tutorials and the membership really is. We all enjoy our memberships, so our descriptions and write-up’s should give off that vibe. That way those who read them will know the truth—that Cindy, the Polymer Clay Tutor, Rocks! Let’s share that with others!
@Phaedrakat:How I have missed you!
@Phaedrakat: Kat, we’ve missed you around here. Nice to see you’re back!
It’s not that I don’t love y’all dearly but I don’t think I’ll even be on the computer for 5th Friday, Friday is the 3rd anniversary of my 39th Birthday :), I’ll finish my new project before Fri. and post photos either Sat or Sun.
@Ken H: Lol, have a fabulous birthday!!! I’ve turned 29 a couple times now and will never make it to 39. MUUAAAHHH!
This is a great idea and I will work on uploading as many pictures as I can!
@Ken H: I don’t believe it! 3rd anniv. of your 29th maybe! Have a great one, Ken. You’re a real special guy and I am honored and pleased to have been able to meet you and spend a little time with you. I wear my faux jade bracelet every Sunday to church. It is so special I don’t want to wear it every day. It is one of my pieces of jewelry that will go with me on my upcoming motorhome trip. Thank you again and have a wonderful B’day!
Thanks to all of you who said such nice things about me! The welcome back is wonderful! I’m so happy to be back online, with the modem/router working fine. Other good news—today I got my car fixed! I couldn’t afford to fix the AC; it’s way too expensive. I’ll have to save up for that. But I’ll manage; I’m just happy that I don’t have to rely on anyone for rides—NOT fun! Thanks again to all of you—such a warm welcome feels mighty good! XOXO ~Kat
@Ken H: Happy upcoming anniversary of your 39th Birthday! I gave up on trying to pass myself off as 39. I think I’ll try Cindy & Catalina’s method instead!
@Cindy Lietz: Thanks, Cindy. I just know how busy you guys seem, and I thought if we spread the word about how much we love this place, it might make it easier for you guys. You’ve mentioned hiring an assistant before, so I figured money must be the issue. There are lots of us now, and I think we can make a difference if we set our minds to it. We just need to mention this site when we post messages on our blogs or FB, or even on other artist’s blogs, websites, FaceBook, photo-sharing sites, etc. I really hope it all works out for you guys!
@Ken H: Hey Ken, Happy Birthday. I hope you have something special planned.
Anna has been trying to get me to post some pictures so for Cindy and Doug I will try my best to see what I can do. I am not good with cameras and even worse with computers so this will be interesting. I will break down and ask my husband for some help this weekend. He is so busy right now kind of like Cindy and Doug. My husband took an early retirement and is now even busier but with things he enjoys doing much more. Church, He works 2 days a week but is just as devoted as working full time, Volunteers for VVA and is secretary and spends as many hours in the air as he can flying his powered parachute. If there is no wind and I mean NO WIND I sometimes will fly with him. It is beautiful flying over the Mississippi. So hopefully my health will hold out and clay, camera, computer, husband and I will play together this weekend. I owe you both Cindy and Doug a whole lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MANY MANY MANY UUUUUUUGGGGS, PEGGY
I should be mixing recipes instead of chatting, but I couldn’t resist!
@Ken H: Happy Birthday!!! Have a great one! I could be celebrating my 39th for the 5th time this August but I prefer to go the other way and add years instead. If I tell people I’m turning 60 they will think… Dang the girl looks great for 60!!! If I say I’m 39 they’ll just think I must be really tired!! LOL :-D
@Peggy Barnes: Flying in a motorized parachute?!!! Holy cow you are so brave!! What a neat thing to learn about you and your husband!
@Elizabeth S.: I totally agree… things just are not the same when Phaedrakat is not around. It’s so great to have you back Kat!
@Cindy Lietz from Mixed Media Earrings: Cindy, just catching up, home from surgery tonight. It went well and I’m doing fine. Just wanted to say I tell people the same thing-about the age. If I tell people I’m ten years older they think I look great! Glad you think like me!
@ Ken, happy b-day!
@ Kat, missed ya sister! I hope things get better for you! You are an awesome friend!
@Catalina: Oh, so good to see you here. This was unexpected since you spent last night in the hospital. You must be feeling a whole lot better … prayers answered. Love you!
@Catalina: I am so sorry I missed your statement. I was away from the computer for 5 days playing with my granddaughter Liberty, we were so busy I didn’t have time to check in so I have been reading way to fast. I apologize to you for this. God is so good. Please do not forget to take care of yourself. Carolyn is right you will land on your keister and that is a bummer when you are getting better then BAM you have to add a couple days back on. We don’t want that to happen to a sweetie like you or any one else.We all care so much about each other here.
For all of you who love flying come and give me a visit in the summer. The weather does have to be fairly good. That has been hard to find in Iowa this year. It does come around sometimes and my husband does have a flying license so he can give rides. Not sure what the website is but you can google it under Destiny Powered Parachute Machine Two Seater. He sales rides but I am sure I could get you a free ride for visiting me. heheheheh Seriously when he first got it I told him I didn’t care if he bought it my daughters and I had horses growing up riding all the time the youngest was the only one who took real interest in them but my husband has a ruptured disc and it hurts when he rides. He just can’t chance doing further damage. I’m not sure why landing this machine doesn’t bother him but I am glad for him it doesn’t. I told him if he was getting it with intentions for both of us to ride together all the time not to get it because I get motion sickness very easy. So this is why I have to have a very calm night to go. But if it is calm I can’t tell you how relaxing and beautiful everything is. Different than an airplane because you can see all around you. The deer and all the ponds that people have it is just memorizing. Everyone should try it at least once. I wish there was a way you could all come visit and my husband could take all of you for a ride. Oh how I love to dream!!!!!!
Love and Uuuuugggggs, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: Peggy, I looked up the Destiny Powered Parachute Machine Two Seater.. WOW! It looks awesome! Oh yeah, told the hubby we’re going to Iowa to go flying. :D
@Peggy Barnes: wow, I love to fly! Oh, may be not. I chicken out too easy! Hights and speed don’t mix with me! But, would love to watch. You’ll have to video tape everyone who comes and visit so we can partake in the adventures, too! And I’ll try to take care of myself and not over do.
Thank You Carolyn and Melinda, but I think you “flatter” just a little. The photo I use for the gravatar is at least 6yrs old, don’t remember when it was taken.
The project is what I made from the extruder flower cane experiments in trying to get the WHE to work, for a first attempt it went well.
@Ken H: In case you are not here Friday let me add my happiest birthday wishes,too. I hope there is a special celebration planned.
@ Ken – Happy Birthday!!! hope it’s a great one!
@ Kat – You were really missed!
@ Peggy – I wish I could be that brave! I’ve still got to learn to swim ; I love the water but hate getting my face in- just makes me claustrophobic.
@Cheryl Hodges:
Wish I could teach you to swim – but I guess it’s not one of those ‘distance learning’ things.
WellingtonsMum
@Cheryl Hodges: I. am not brave I trust my husband and my Lord. If you have a friend who knows how to swim and they are willing why don’t you ask if they will take you to a pool or somewhere close so you can try to learn to swim. It is such a wonderful feeling going through the water letting it hit your face. I prefer a clean pool but some people prefer ponds and rivers. It might have to be whatever is available to you. Just give it a try. I really do think you will love it. Where are you from Cheryl??
Uuuuuuggggs from Iowa, Peggy
@Cheryl Hodges: My mom has never been swimming in her entire life. I think when she was very young she decided she hated the way the water felt on her face and in her eyes, and she’s avoided it for 60 plus years! Now that there’s a pool in the back yard, she’s discovered how nicely “noodles” keep you afloat. My sister got her started in the jacuzzi, then moved her to a raft, and now my mom is paddling around the pool supported only by two 99 ¢ foam noodles. I never thought I’d see the day, but she’s doing it and loving it! It keeps her face completely out of the water, but she’s able to use her arms and legs to move about, so she’s getting exercise (which is soooo important!) She’s diabetic, has heart problems, and has several other health issues. This pool has already helped her lose some weight, and become stronger. It’s so wonderful, and I hope that you can try this, too. You do not have to put your face underwater to reap the benefits! Find a pool or water and give it a try! Best of luck, ~Kat :D
@Catalina: I’m sorry to hear about the headaches and soreness. They’ll probably both go away quickly, but as everyone else has said, don’t wait too long to call about the headaches if they continue much longer. I’m so sorry they couldn’t do both surgeries at the same time so you didn’t have to go through it all twice. That seems unnecessarily brutal, but then again, the medical system’s priorities are all messed-up! I hope you are able to keep yourself calm and entertained so you can get through these 3 weeks without too much pain and anguish. We are all still praying for you; our prayers will get you through this! Hugs, Kat
@patt: Can’t wait to see your beads! Yay, for DH’s! They sure are handy, aren’t they? (Sometimes I wish I had kept mine around—he was a keeper, although I didn’t realize it at the time…) ;S
@Tanya L: You can put pics of your experiments up, as long as they were inspired by a Cindy tut or post. They photos do not have to be of finished jewelry. You could put an “in process” photo of something, explaining what you’re doing… A reward system might be just the thing. Just be careful what you use as a reward—I’ve created new problems for myself by using food or expensive accessories as rewards & had to pay dearly… &nbsl; ~Kat ;D
@Peggy Barnes: Oh, how I wish I could come visit you! That would be so nice to meet such a lovely lady! And to fly like that would be amazing. I guess I wouldn’t be able to, though, with my bad back and neck. I saw the fantastic pictures at the website–so gorgeous. It must be amazing to see the countryside from that viewpoint! Would I be able to ride in the Destiny Powered Parachute if the weather was calm (with my back/neck probs?) If I could, and I had the money, I’d buy the plane fare lickety-split! :D
I’ve always loved thrill rides at amusement parks, and I had plans to try things like bungee jumping, parachuting, etc. as soon as I got back to the states. But, I could never quite work it into my schedule. Then my back got worse and I had to write off all of those “fun things”! It kills me every time they put in a new roller coaster at Six Flags Mgc. Mtn. and I can’t go check it out. I always used to go during the first week, trying to be one of the first to ride the newly-opened coasters! Thanks, ~Kat :D
Also… based on a couple of other points that were made above, I just wanted to say a couple more things about our upcoming 5th Friday Facebook Day…
@Phaedrakat: You are SO perceptive. Thank you very much for saying what you said. Hiring an assistant is exactly what Doug and I need. One of the big goals of this Facebook Photo Gallery initiative is to help show the rest of the Polymer Clay World how much much value $3 to $4 a month can actually buy. Having current members doing Show ‘n Tell with projects based on the tutes offered here, will hopefully go a long ways to getting the membership to the level where we can justify hiring that (much needed) assistant.
There are a huge number of clayers that feel it is not right to charge for any information online… that money should only be spent on buying materials and supplies. Unfortunately, there is probably nothing we can do for that camp. It’s a mindset thing that is near impossible to reverse.
Then there are those who figure that all online videos should be free… just because YouTube doesn’t charge anything. Sure there are some good free videos out there. But for the most part, they are few and far between. IMO, “investing” $3 to $4 a month is a small price to pay for having high quality video tutes delivered direct to your in box, each (and almost) every Friday morning of the year. And the level of support that comes along with each video, from me and everyone else here in the Polymer Clay Tutor community, is something that you simply will not find on YouTube.
Unfortunately, there are also some misleading videos on YouTube that can end up costing you a LOT more than $3 or $4 in wasted material costs. Or worse, they can cause so much frustration for new clayers that they end up throwing in the towel. That is very sad thing for me to see happen :-(
From the very start, Doug and I wanted to keep the price for the library at a point where it really should not even be an issue. A while back, Jessica-M said, “Your site is a bargain in today’s world of the $5 coffee.” That is a great way of looking at it… especially now that we are starting to see more and more paid sites offering video tutorials at much higher costs. Just recently in another forum, I saw several clayers objecting to one offer in particular, where videos are being sold for $45 each… AND they do not even come with 24/7 access. After a certain number of views, you would actually have to buy the lesson again at full price. Ouch!
I’ll get off the soapbox now. But the points I covered above are just a few of the things I would LOVE for the rest of the Polymer Clay World to hear about… hint, hint :-)
@Peggy Barnes: Whatever you do, please don’t lose sleep over the upcoming 5th Friday Facebook project. Definitely don’t let it add stress to your life. If you are not able to figure out your camera for uploading pictures of your work, the other thing you can do that would be just as helpful, is to simply add supportive comments at the Facebook Gallery page underneath the photos from other members. Clicking on lots of those little “like” links is a good thing too.
Well that internet is free thing most likely dates back to the birth of the internet, there were some who thought E-Commerce would destroy the internet, so you probably right about not changing the mindset of that group, we need to focus on the rest and point out the super high production standards you and Doug follow as opposed to the blurry/shaky/grainy videos I first watched BC (before Cindy, if anybody’s missed the reference lately)
It’s mind boggling to think there are people out there that don’t realize your site is the BEST out there. Your videos are clear and very informative. I own Polymer Clay books, although I have learned from them they don’t even come close to what I’ve learned from watching your tutorials.
The other great reason for being a member is the fact that you are constantly trying new products such as the Micromesh pads, Ultra Dome etc. that keeps us on the top of the Polymer Clay world. With out you and Doug, life as a clayer would be so mundane. You encourage all of us to explore all possibilities and push the envelope to be creative.
The cost to be a member is so minimal for what we get. We definitely get a bang for our buck!! Besides there aren’t any other sites where you can state a clay problem your having and get so much helpful suggestions. Everyone here has been there done that so as a newcomer everyone takes you under their wings to help you to bloom in the new and wonderful craft of claying.
With all that said, Ken I hope you have a great birthday. And Cindy you and Doug have a happy 5th Friday!
@Jeanne Collins:You summed it up so well, Jeanne. It’s funny you mentioned your pc books-I have them, too, bunches of them. I pulled one out the other day to look something up and realized how dusty they have become. My books are and will always be treasures but I think my learning style meshes so well with Cindy’s teaching style that I depend less on written info. I’ve said it before but I love that I can plunk down in front of the computer, for the whole day if I want to and work on learning something new.
This is gonna be a fun week-end!
I forgot to ask, I have some unmounted rubber stamps that I would like to glue on to some wood that my husband cut and sanded for me. Is it necessary to have the rubber cushion between the stamp and the wood?
Any advice would be appreciated.
@Jeanne Collins: Hi, Jeanne … first off give your hubby and great big extra hug for cutting and sanding the wood for you. How I miss those little things that Don used to do for me. Fortunately, though he is gone, many of the things he made to help me with my jewelry are still around and I can still use them and love him and yes, miss him. I’m sometimes so jealous. He’s with the Lord and has no more worries … no more mundane tasks that need doing … and I could go on and on ……… but, you asked about the padding on the stamps …
It is a good idea to have some type of padding between the stamp and the wood, otherwise the stamp would be too ‘stiff’. Also, without that padding you could easily end up pressing the wood onto your clay without intending to. That being said, I don’t know where you would find that dense foam type padding. I wish you well on this.
I am humbled by all the sweet comments from you all. It really is a labour of love and I am so glad you can all see that. Let’s make this the biggest, most helpful polymer clay site on the net!
@Jeanne Collins: An idea popped into my head about the padding for your rubber stamps. What if you used and old mouse pad? That might work.
@Cindy Lietz from Polymer Clay Color Recipes, Snap Dragon Palette: Brilliant idea, Cindy. Jeanne … if you don’t have an old mouse pad or two, ask Cindy to send me your mailing address and I’ll send you a couple. But you’d have to get on this right away because I will not have access to them after Friday of this week.
@carolyn:Thanks Carolyn my hubby found one in his desk, it looks a little thick so I think the next time I’m at Michaels I’ll see if I can find something there. You’re so thoughtful. Hugs.
Carrie, 9 days!! Wow you’ll be exhausted. At the end of a 2 day show I’m done in, I hope you’re going to have help. Where’s the show? I’m with Carolyn take as much as you can. It’s hard to know from one year to another what sales are going to be. When is the show?
Elizabeth, I also love my books and will occasionally look through them but find some of them are beyond my skills. I’m finding I’m more inspired by seeing everyones work here on the blog.
@Jeanne Collins: I wonder if the colorful kiddie craft foam would work for your stamps? It comes in different thicknesses, some even have adhesive on them…
@Catalina: Wow Cat, I’m surprised to see you here! I’m thrilled you’re out of the hospital and “doing fine”. Did they do both surgeries, or just the one? I’ve been so worried about you! Thanks for saying such sweet things—you’re an awesome friend, too! You’re also incredibly nice; I hope you’re feeling wonderful soon, instead of just “fine”. I just want you to heal very quickly so you can be free of all this pain! Hugs, “sister Kat”!
@Phaedrakat: Kat, yes,I’m home but very sore. I have headaches too. Don’t know what that’s about. It could be the meds doing it. I just take my iPad to bed to try to pass the time and keep up. Only the one surgery the other one in three weeks. I’m dreading it though.
@Carolyn your prayer are like gold! You and everyone else that prayed for me! What an awesome community!
@Catalina: Don’t put up with those headaches too long. If this is something new for you then call the Dr. to let them know. You might need a different med. You could be allergic to this one and that isn’t anything to mess with. We all just want the best for you. That is what those Doctors and nurses are there for to help you and they are happy to do that. Sending many more Uuuugggs and prayers your way, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: I got a call into the doc about changing the pain meds. Hopefully that will help! I get a lot of headaches but this was different.
@Catalina: Sometimes anesthesia causes headaches, but if they continue be sure to let your doctor know about it. There could be some chemical reactions going on that the doc should know about. Love you and am continuing to pray for you. You are so special to me. Remember always … you are not alone … the Lord is with you … even when you go into surgery!
@carolyn: I have a hard time with anesthesia and they knew about it. But, I guess it didn’t help much. I never made out of the second recovery area. It was three hours since surgery and I wasn’t awake yet. I know my husband was fricken’ out. By 8:00 they said they were keeping me another night. Love you, too, and appreciate all the support. How have you been? You aren’t overdoing it are ya?
@Catalina: At least you stay out during surgery. I’m the opposite … I wake up too soon, like when they were hammering the metal straw into my back so they could pump up the vertebra and fill it with bone cement. Not pleasant! Or when they were not quite finished operating on my knees … no fun! I’d much rather stay out a bit long than wake up early.
@Catalina: I’m so sorry you had problems with anesthesia. I’m sure your husband WAS freaking out! That must have been so scary. I’m glad that you are back at home now, and I hope that the headaches have gone. I’ll check the other posts and Facebook to see if there’s and “update” on your condition. .. Best of luck, get well soon! Hugs, Kat
@Jeanne Collins: Yes Jeanne you do have a sweetie for a husband. Mine made some wood for some I had that I wanted to use on scrapbooking. I had a couple of old neoprene knee braces my daughter wore on her knee when she was much smaller but there was enough for 7 stamps and it worked great. I prefer not to have the wood back on the ones I use on my polymer I do the finger dance on the back of the stamp. I think Lisa Pavelka uses that term”finger dance” If you have any heavy neoprene material it should work or the mouse pad as Cindy mentioned. Good Luck and many Uuuuuggggs, Peggy
@Ken H: Hope you have a fantastic birthday Ken, enjoy!! Thirty nine is such a good year =)
Welcome back Kat…..Happy B’day Ken……I hope to do some catching up on trying some of our new techniques.
Andrea
I really love the way the whole clay community shares knowledge and techniques, but there are so many drawbacks to the freebies on the net. Often the sound is muffled; important info is left out or you just can’t see properly what is done. I’ve watched some that fail to show what the final result yields!
If a small fee saves time; frustration; AND builds a huge library of accessible information, it’s fulfilling an educational need. Not to mention the community that forms because of this commitment to quality. Cindy, your site is also a wonderful way to connect with many other creative people and offers a great solution to those of us who aren’t able (distance or $$) to attend real life workshops or classes. I think you have such a dedicated following because we sense that dedication in you.
Hi Carolyn, I can’t wait till I get my textured sheets from Hobby Lobby, thanks again for giving me the info.
My UV oven and supplies came in from Ultra Dome. I had fun trying it and it work great, cured the resin in 20 minutes. I also bought the inkseal, used to seal photos before applying the resin and that worked perfect!
I can’t even imagine what it’s like to lose a spouse. I know I would also be devastated as my hubby and are such good friends. You just have to remember Don will always be there for you in your heart.
I had gone on line this morning and you can order the backing for rubber stamps but it’s a bit pricey, especially when you add in the shipping cost.
Cindy, what a great idea! I bet that would work. The funny thing is 2 weeks ago I cleaned out my desk and threw one away that I had gotten free with my Fire Mountain order…Go Figure :)
Cindy- Honestly, I would be willing to pay a lot more for my membership! You have so many innovative, creative, and time saving tips that are such a great help! Most of my best selling jewelry has been, in one way or another, inspired by at least one of your videos!
It is true that everything out there is so expensive. An example is the PDF tutes you can find on Etsy. I recently bought two of them ($30 for 2 or $19 each) however, I do feel that I will get soo much use from them. I love flower canes and so one tute I bought was how to backgroundless canes. It includes instruction on 6 different petal types, so I can’t wait to get started playing with that! I am currently working on a HUGE order of 100 bracelets and working to get ready for a really big show.
Which bring me to a question I would love everyones opinions on. This show is 9 days with over a million visitors annually. How much inventory should I take???? My mind is boggled at this question, I’m trying to take into consideration sales at past shows but they have all been tiny! I just don’t know how to even guess an amount for something this size! HELP!!!
@Carrie W.: Take as much as you have and/or can make between now and then. You are going to need tons of stuff for a 9 day show with that many visitors! And best wishes for great success!
@Carrie W.: A 9-day show, that’s a lot of inventory! I’m sorry, but I have no idea how to calculate something like that—I just have no experience with it. Wish I did. I hope you’re able to get it figured out, but in the meantime, make lots of stuff to sell at the smaller fairs or online, and see what your popular pieces are. At least then you’ll know what to make the most of. Good luck!
@Peggy Barnes: That is soooo cool that you are able to fly with your husband! It’s wonderful that he’s retired and able to do something he enjoys so much. I’m glad you are able to do it too—when there’s no wind, of course. How beautiful that must be! I hope you are feeling great this weekend so you’ll be able to post pictures and do some claying (basically anything fun that you want to do!) I know I already commented on this, but I’m just so excited about it!
Happy Birthday Ken..I hope you have a wonderful day full of hugs and smiles..I am going to upload some of my photos Friday to face book. I need to go back and read to find out how to do the links to Cindy’s tutorials though. I have not figured that one out yet. I know there are comments and posts on how to do it. I just have to read up. I have never added a link to anything before.
Thank You all for the Birthday wishes, the actual number this year is 42 but I refused to cross the 40 number so hence the 3rd anniversary of my 39th birthday. Yep me and Jack Benny.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN. no matter what the hope it is a safe and happy one.
Kat sorry to hear you had problems with your computer,but so happy you are back and the 2 of you are of and running again.
Has anyone heard how Catalina’s surgery went. She is in my prayers and I hope your as well.
Missed you all
Many Uuuuuuuuggggggs, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: Peggy … see Catalina’s comment above. I know I was shocked to see her here today since she was still in the hospital over night. But she’s doing well … but I should have told her not to try to do too much or she’s end up on her kiester. Uuuuuuuggggggggggggggs to you, dear Peggy!
I won’t be ready for the show this year, it is every October. I’m planning ahead for next year so I can go ahead and book my booth space. Yes, I have help, my mom and my brothers girlfriend will help me. Gonna be hard though, my dad is a farmer and we’re arguing over who needs my mom more that week! Lol! The show is a festival in Indiana. The Covered Bridge Festival, it spans over all of Parke County. The “epicenter” of the Festival is in a teeny town called Mansfield. They have a great website called mansfieldrestoration.com and they have some great aerial photos of the festival. Two years ago my mom and I did our christmas shopping there and we walked for 8 hours and didn’t even see half of it!
Diana, good to see you back and wish you the quickest recovery. Kat, same to you! It’s funny how vunerable we get with this equipment, just one thing goes, and there goes your entire social life and business!!
Happy Birthday Ken!
@Jocelyn: You are so right—I’ve been so vulnerable without my online “life.” It’s ironic though, that now that I’m back online, my real life has become super busy. I’m trying to catch up on all I’ve missed around here,and people keep coming over, and other things keep happening that take me away from my laptop! (I wanna say, “Go away, everybody, I wanna hang with my friends at Cindy’s!”) :D
Sure can identify with the computer stuff. BAD withdrawl pains ! Glad you all are back on line. We miss you -as you can plainly see….. Phadrakat was my first contact when I joined -she rocks……..hugs
@pattw: Thanks, Patt—you ROCK, too! I can’t wait to see your beads on Facebook. Actually, I haven’t been over there for over a week, I’ve been sooooo busy since by ‘net has been back up. Take Cindy’s advice and show us just beads at first. That way, you’re taking the plunge and you won’t be nervous about showing us your work! I’m gonna head over there as soon as our “company” leaves. It’s amazing how popular a pool in your backyard makes you… ;D
Hugs, Kat
Oops -sorry Ken. I really meant to include you in the above -happy happy dance for your b’day. Nice to have a real friend like Carolyn to chat with. See every one Friday on Face book. Now I will really have to make some of the goodies I’ve learned to add to fb. Have to quit experimenting and produce……lol
@pattw: It’s no problem , there’s so many of us here that help out when we can, it’s easy to forget, and BTW I think I had a “Cindy Inspration” moment last night, it was a most fascinating experience to say the least, it may be a week or so while I see if it’ll work out so thats all I’m going to say right now.
@Ken H: Happy Birthday Ken.. I Hope you have a Wonderful 39th ;) Birthday! Eat a piece of cake for me too… I”ll have the Icecream Just bought some :p
@Cat: Glad your surgery went well :) So how are you feeling??? Is your Pain gone? Or is it too soon to tell?
@Cindy & Doug: Enjoy your 5th Fridays. You deserve them. Ken is right. You two have came a long way on your videos they are very crisp now. Your technic of teaching is surperb! I feel blessed to have found your site, and have made many new friends.
@pattw: Regarding the Facebook photo gallery, I just wanted to point out that the photos don’t have to be of finished jewelry pieces. You can just upload photos of your beads as well.
@Catalina: So glad to see you are back home from the hospital safe and sound. I hope you are feeling well. Be sure to take care of yourself.
@Ken H: Can’t wait to see / hear about your new inspiration. I love the build up. It’s like watching a good TV mini-series drama… “Tune in next week as the saga unfolds for Ken’s amazing Polymer Clay Adventure. To be continued…” LOL.
Well, I’m not sure if it would work, it could fall apart or look pooie yuckie ca-ca it wouldn’t be worth showing. But I was sitting at the kitchen table last night and out of the blue the idea came to me and I was thinking.. ok if I use this portion of this technique for this, and a portion of another for that….etc, so I have some experimenting to do. :)
@Ken H: Happy Birthday Ken! Hope you enjoy your 39th again. :) And we all know you love us.. What’s not to love? LOL! And I’m excited to see your new work too.
@Peggy Barnes: Ohmygosh, Peggy, how lucky are you?? I LOVE flying! I’ll pray for perfect conditions all the way around for you for this weekend. And you think of me while you’re high in the sky!
@Cindy Lietz from Mixed Media Earrings: I tell people I’m pushing 50 (I’ll hit that next year) – gives me another excuse for being forgetful, LOL! And I want to chime in here and say I think $3 to $4 a month for the extremely high quality videos, the personalized help, the recipe cards, free tuts, the 24/7 access, and the list goes on.. is a bargain! All the work you and Doug do that saves US money is worth way more than that. I’m always singing your praises and telling people this is where I get my information and learn the things I do.
@Carrie W.: Holy cow Carrie! Wow, I hope you make out really well at the show. Let us know how you do afterwards. When I hear that people do well, either with an Etsy store or at shows it really inspires me to hopefully do the same one day. We have an “extravaganza” coming to a local flea market in October. My girlfriend is pushing me to have a bunch of stuff made up to sell by then. I’m still trying to buy things I need to really get into it so I’m kind of limited on what I can make that’s of good enough quality to sell, and I’m trying to organize a work room so I can find everything, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hopefully we’ll both do well!
@Catalina: Thanks for letting us know how you are, Catalina! I’m praying you have a quick and easy recovery, and keep us posted!
@Phaedrakat: Hi Kat. So glad you got your car fixed and you don’t have to rely on anyone else anymore. Glad your computer’s fixed, too. It’s great seeing all the Kat comments lined up on the right side of the screen! Too bad you can’t get your AC fixed yet, but I’ll pray that you get some money saved quickly so you can do that too. I know I need it. I get sick from the heat because of some of the medications I have to take. I think you may have the same issues, so take it easy until you have it back. Well, take it easy then, too, but you know what I mean!
@Tanya L: Thanks, Tanya! Fortunately, my AC works fine in my house—it’s just my car AC that’s out. I’ll have to use the California AC (rolled-down window) until I can afford to fix it. I’m just such a wimp in the heat. I always have been, and then add in the meds and the occasional hot flashes–whew! I hope that you do make a bunch of inventory and take part in the “extravaganza!” That would be fun, and possibly quite lucrative! You can make some absolutely fantastic pieces with just the basics—polymer clay, something to sand with, and very basic stringing supplies and/or wire wrapping tools. You don’t have to have everything to make excellent, show-stopping jewelry! Best of luck with it!~Kat
PS: I’m envious of Peggy’s flying, too!
@Phaedrakat: Hahaha, Kat! I have to use the California AC in my old Tahoe for the same reason, and I live in PA! Glad to know it’s not the AC in your house, though. Oh, yeah, I forgot to add the heat flashes. Those are funny (NOT!). Everyone can see when I’m gettin’ one – I turn red! Not good when it’s 90 to over 100 outside and humid to boot. I tend to plan any running I’ve gotta do around the weather forcast. “Sorry, honey, no milk til next week when the temps back down to 87”. LOL!
@Phaedrakat: Oh, and thanks for the advice. I’ll try to remember to do just what you said so I actually get things made, but it’s so much fun experimenting! Guess I’ll have to put myself on a reward system. If I make so many items I can play for a day. Hhmmm, I like that. Ok, I’m off to work!
@Tanya L: I will think of you when I am up high. Thanks and Uuuugggs, Peggy
Thanks Kat -I do have beads. I’ll get my DH to photo them.. On my way -tah dah Lol
@ Judy – Thanks ! Thats so sweet of you.
@ Catalina- It’s wonderful you’re back home. I hope you heal real soon. hugs. – Cheryl
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN. Have a great day !!!!!! Kat, where were you? It sounds like computer problems. Thank God you weren’t down and out in pain. I’m so glad you have a pool, now. It’s good for your back and neck. We always had a pool and always had tons of company and great fun. The Jacuzzi is great for your pain, too, but it does take you away from claying. I vote to have you hired as an assistant for Cindy on line. You’re great at everything……….Catalina…Glad to have you back and doing OK but why do you have to go back? I usually got headaches from the anestisia but check it out anyway……..Peggy Barnes…That flying sounds breathtaking. It must put you in a different place. If you’re up to it, GO, BABY, GO…….Carolyn, my heart still breaks everytime I see you.Thank God you keep so busy, but that doesn’t always work. Stay well, Luv…….I still don’t have anything on Facebook yet and I feel so guilty. I would do anything for Cindy and Doug but I just can”t figure it out. I know I,m not on the computer enough. My husband is always on it playing bejeweled, and my back hurts when I sit too long. Anyway, every time I get up my husband steals the computer back. I have the computer for the whole day today so I’ll try to figure it out…..Nobody on the web beats Cindy and Doug’s Polymer Clay Tutor Web Site……They are THE BEST….Best price, best videos, best people, best of everything…Take Care Everyone…..Luv Honey
@Honey Sperring: Hi Honey, thanks for asking about me—yes, I was gone for a little over a week due to my internet being down. I WAS having lots of increased neck/back problems prior to that, and then right before the net problem we had family visiting. All that made it hard to use the computer. Since the ‘net has been back up, we’ve had lots of friends dropping by. My sister got a bit overzealous inviting people over while the pool was being built. I kept telling her to wait, but she kept telling people, “Oh, come over and swim any time you want!” Sure, that’s nice and friendly, but when you’ve got a bunch of people over (who then get thirsty, hungry, want to shower & use the facilities, etc.,) it starts getting expensive. I’m on a very limited income.
But the pool IS good for my neck and back. I am starting to see some increased strength and flexibility. But I’m so dead tired afterwards that I’m not getting anything done! I’m going to cut back some, and just stay in my room when the “repeat visitors” come over. Otherwise I’ll never get back to claying again! And that’s what I really want to be doing—especially so I can make some extra money to save up for the things I really need…
I hope that you are able to get some pictures up on Facebook. Let me know if you have trouble doing it, and I’ll try to help. I’ll send you a message tomorrow on Facebook so you’ll know where to reply to if you run into problems. Watch out for my message (my name’s Gianna Spelling, and my icon is the same as the one I use here for my Gravatar—the one with the two cats…)
Hope you had a Happy Birthday, Ken!
@HONEY SPERRING I Love Bejeweled too……