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October 7, 2026 Replay
Table of Contents for October 7, 2026 Video:
0:01:58 – Jewelry or decorative pieces: what viewers prefer making
0:05:57 – Drilling holes through resin-coated clay: skittering bits, thicker pieces and jump ring problems
0:08:17 – Why resin should be added after baking, and when to drill the hole
0:10:06 – Drilling before vs. after resin: how the finished hole changes
0:12:20 – Avoiding lifted resin and chipped backs when drilling from either side
0:14:27 – Pin vises, tapered burs and simple tools for starting clean holes
0:18:38 – Demonstration: making a pilot hole and enlarging it cleanly from both sides
0:23:31 – Choosing a larger jump ring and hole after adding resin
0:27:04 – Follow-up on Christina’s California coast painting and finished frame
0:31:15 – Why Cindy is leaning toward sculptural, home décor and functional pieces
0:33:38 – Polymer clay as a “chameleon” medium: creative uses and practical limitations
0:38:03 – Covering soap dispensers and Pringles cans for functional clay projects
0:40:11 – A 2011 American Craft feature on polymer clay’s breakthrough as an art medium
0:44:32 – Rocker-bead necklaces: Cindy’s understated piece and Monica’s statement necklace
0:51:41 – Faux dichroic glass, butterfly wing and rolled mokume gane pendants, plus a simple wire bail
0:56:00 – Why making your own silver findings can improve quality and lower long-term cost
Links & Resources:
- Vol-024 Tutorial Bundle [Ivy Leaf Charm | Leopard Cane | UV Epoxy Resin | Zebra Cane] $9.95
- Vol-026 Tutorial Bundle [Butterfly Wing Cane | Rocker Beads | Faux Dichroic Glass | Micromesh Abrasives] $9.95
- Vol-036 Tutorial Bundle [Faux Metal Mokume Gane | Rolled Mokume | Wire Leaf Charms | Add Clay To Leaf Charms] $9.95
- Vol-033 Tutorial Bundle [Aurora Technique | Metal Bracelet Blanks | Bracelet Blanks Adding Clay | Mixing Color Recipes] $9.95
- Vol-019 Tutorial Bundle [Extruder Flower Cane | Wire Cord Ends | Faux Bone or Ivory | Faux Carved Beads] $9.95
- Drilling or Piercing Holes in Polymer Clay (Raw Vs Baked) (YouTube)
September 30, 2026 Replay
Table of Contents for September 30, 2026 Video:
0:00:20 – How to tell when a polymer clay piece is truly finished
0:04:13 – Question of the week: When do you consider a piece finished?
0:07:51 – Christine Pascal’s textured landscape painting: glass base and chopped-color depth
0:17:11 – Cleaning up square edges to make detailed work look more finished
0:20:34 – Using a flat microplane to square and smooth polymer clay edges
0:25:53 – When to stop working—and why baked does not always mean finished
0:33:03 – Stepping away from a piece to avoid overworking it
0:35:41 – Finished vs. unfinished buttons: spotting the last details that affect quality
0:40:40 – Keeping matte or glossy surfaces while still sanding away flaws
0:46:01 – Choosing wax, resin, varnish, or no coating for protection and enhancement
0:50:45 – Matching the finish to the intended look, texture, and feel of a piece
0:55:54 – Revisiting Christine’s painting: squaring the base and wrapping details intentionally
0:59:17 – Cindy and Monica’s jewelry choices: blue-green earrings and a floral-plaid necklace
1:03:55 – Faux labradorite earrings: layered construction, sanding, buffing, and niobium ear wires
Links & Resources:
- Microplane Zester (**affiliate link)
- Vol-057 Faux Labradorite Pendant Tutorial $9.95
- Vol-022 Tutorial Bundle [Glowing Jelly Roll Cane | Polymer Clay Buttons | Faux Opals | Silver Spoon Bail] $9.95
September 23, 2026 Replay
Table of Contents for September 23, 2026 Video:
0:00:18 – How high-gloss and matte finishes can change the look of a piece
0:06:15 – Rebecca’s Fig and Rue polymer clay painting: techniques and finish problem
0:08:48 – How high-gloss Brite-Tone created distracting reflections on the painting
0:12:50 – Building a polymer clay painting over a photograph under glass
0:16:37 – Why polymer clay does not need a sealer—and how gloss can expose surface flaws
0:21:35 – Removing an unwanted acrylic finish with rubbing alcohol
0:25:15 – When a finish is worth adding for protection or visual enhancement
0:27:05 – Salvaging a project after a finishing mistake instead of overworking it
0:30:30 – Choosing the right sheen for the technique, clay, and overall aesthetic
0:34:57 – Sanded vs. unsanded metallic clay: how sheen changes depth and color
0:37:51 – Matching high-gloss, satin, and matte finishes to different project styles
0:41:39 – Matching faux stone, leather, and metal finishes to the material being imitated
0:46:07 – Faux knitting buttons: why too much buffing can look plasticky
0:48:49 – DuraClear varnishes: sheen options and why matte finishes need thorough stirring
0:53:39 – Clear-finish alternatives using liquid clay and Cosclay Gloss Coat
0:57:42 – The tactile difference between sanded and buffed polymer clay and resin
Links & Resources:
- Vol-036 Tutorial Bundle [Faux Metal Mokume Gane | Rolled Mokume | Wire Leaf Charms | Add Clay To Leaf Charms] $9.95
- Vol-078 Faux Raku Macrame Bracelet Tutorial $9.95
- Vol-064 Owl Charm Necklace Tutorial $9.95
- Vol-024 Tutorial Bundle [Ivy Leaf Charm | Leopard Cane | UV Epoxy Resin | Zebra Cane] $9.95
- Vol-074 Reptile Hollow Lentil Bead Neckwire Tutorial $9.95
- Vol-018 Tutorial Bundle [Holly & Berry Canes | Book Beads | Mica Shift Technique | Wire Wraps & Loops] $9.95
- Vol-032 Tutorial Bundle [Polymerized Cloth | Knitting Polymer Clay | Polymerized Fabric Rose | Shaded Rose Cane] $9.95
- Vol-056 Faux Flaking Rust Bracelet Tutorial $9.95
September 16, 2026 Replay
Table of Contents for September 16, 2026 Video:
0:04:58 – Mel DarkDeer’s “Creating in Between the Lines” projects inspired by dolphins, sunsets, tropical fruit and tapa cloth
0:14:31 – Vancouver Island photo tour: coastlines, lakes, forests, flowers and yard textures
0:19:16 – How to translate inspiration photos into polymer clay using shapes, textures, colors and values
0:23:36 – Turning a beach watercolor and collected sand into polymer clay earrings
0:26:02 – Comparing realistic, impressionistic and abstract beach-inspired jewelry
0:32:22 – Building a clay color palette from a photograph instead of package colors
0:35:33 – Dead daisies as inspiration for wildflower silhouettes and natural textures
0:38:02 – Revisiting older project ideas with improved skills, tools and design sense
0:41:23 – Using a tutorial technique as a stepping stone to completely different projects
0:42:33 – How fantasy pieces still draw on real-world imagery and creative connections
0:47:41 – Polymer clay paintings inspired by local landscape photographs
0:49:09 – Translating photographs into clay paintings using glass, mosaics and layered clay
0:52:30 – Cradle boards versus canvas boards and why canvas boards can warp
0:55:04 – Mini canvas examples using liquid clay, sculpting, glued clay and paint-pour effects
0:58:26 – Why cane making can be challenging and what to include when asking for cane feedback
1:00:23 – Training yourself to be more patient with caning and other creative work
Links & Resources:
Boerne,Texas
Nice to meet you Gwen from Texas!
Hi Cindy, I wasn’t sure how to post a comment so I’m typing here but I wanted to say hi, my name is grace I’m 26 & live in AZ! And your videos have been such an inspiration that I’ve went out and brought so many different clays and tools and I’m so exciting to get crafting & I ordered a Oven thermometer too just waiting for it right now. I’ve gotten to a point where if I’m not sure about something I go back and re watch your YouTube videos or see if you made any videos about what I’m searching. I don’t know, I’m just really excited and happy I found you.
One of my questions I have is… fimo ? I know that it seems like most clays bake at 275 and I know to ignore the 30mins and shoot for an hour or longer ( you taught me that, so thank you) but fimo says 265. Should I go for the 265 or can I just go up to the 275. Will it make a big difference ?
I really am trying to work with premo and soufflé mostly but the stores are running out or are short on clay and fimo had some fun colors so I wannna mix stuff together and I’m just thinking if I put all of it at 275 will a few degrees be a bad thing ?!
you are awesome girl! Cheers :)
Hi Grace thank you for the kind words! In regards to baking temps, I bake clay at the recommended temp on the package and for extended time. Now if you’re mixing two brands together you will need to play with the temps a bit to see what is the perfect temp for your mix. I would make some small test strips and try baking them at the 275F first to see how they do. If they are strong and don’t discolor too much then it should be fine. If they do scorch just drop the temp a tiny bit and test again. Good luck!
Holy Kmoly! I gotta get out more (modern technology speaking). I had no idea you were doing such cool things on Facebook (I have booked marked now). Great answers. The Lucy Clay Squirrel? Did I hear that right? LOL
You heard right! I think those guys must have been watching the movie Ice Age… naming their products Mammoth and Squirrel! A Squirrel that size would definitely have to be prehistoric!! :)
Great idea, this Q & A session.
One hour feels perfect for me; probably long enough for you too.
I learn so much from all you videos, I cant thank you enough.
You keep inspiring me.
Thanks
Thank you so much Nancy for your input! I am pleased that this format will be helpful for you! :)
Cindy, if I condition blocks of clay, can I store them in a looseleaf binder using plastic page protectors? I just got a Never Knead and have been playing with it and have lots of conditioned clay.
Hi Janet, I’ll be answering your question and showing examples in tomorrow’s Live Q&A at 11AM PST on Facebook. Hope to see you there!
This was so nice! Keep up the great work. Very interesting and informative. Thanks so much. Looking forward to more.
I am happy you are enjoying this format Patricia! Thank for letting us know!
Hi Cindy, I have a question for next week’s live video. I had an operation a few months ago and wasn’t able to do pretty much anything. Now that I am better I want to get back into my clay work but I can’t get my creative mind going again. I sit for hours on pinterest and youtube etc but everytime I sit down to do something my mind just goes blank, and anything I have made I haven’t been happy with. Has this ever happened to you? Do you have any tips to help me get back into it.
Hi Sarah, I answered your question in the July 5th Broadcast posted above.
Hi looking for help with cutting the canes and shaping it.. also some tips on filigree embroidery.
Hi Ranjani, I answered your question in the July 5th Broadcast posted above.
I have a question for you Cindy. If I add some polymer clay accents to the outside of a coffee mug, would I be able to microwave it (heat up cold coffee)? After it was completely cured I mean. Thanks a lot!
Thanks Dawn for your question, I put it on the list!
I answered this question in the July 5th Broadcast posted above.
I did a search under “Radiant Pearls” but came up empty. Have you tried them with polymer clay? (It’s a mica powder paint.) They may be discontinued, but I just found mine from card-making years ago. If you have tested them, can you tell me which video? If you haven’t, I’ll test it myself, but why reinvent the wheel? Thanks.
Hi Lynn, I addressed your question in the July 5th Broadcast posted above.
Thanks for your question and answer new format. I’ve tried PYM II a couple of times. After drying it seems the surface of the clay is rough, not at all how it feels when I sand and buff. Am I doing something wrong or is that just how it is?
Hi Candice, I answered your question in the July 5th Broadcast posted above.
premo (is the brand of polymer clay I use)
Thank you for your input Linda!
Hy Cindy
Once more I enjoyed your weekly post so much.
Your are my muse in the polymer clay haeven, my lighthouse on the PC ocean.
– I follow your from Belgium
– I first used Fimo, most common brand here, then switched partly to Premo and now to Cernit.
I banned Fimo soft is totally; however children like it most.
-Ever since your review avout Glad press and seal, I try to find it, here, and in France or Spain during holidays. Never found it. On the internet I recently found a Dutch company, usgroceries.nl selling it. They were tready to send over even 1 roll of it. Now I will be able to store sheets, skinner blends etc. Sealing them first and then in an ordenr as suggested in last Q & A session. Perhaps you can help others with this info.
Keep going, love you
Nancy
Hi Nancy, I have added your question to my list!
From Quebec!
Hello Hermine!
OMG! I have definitely seen a marshmallow heated in the microwave! Glad I asked! I won’t be decorating any coffee mugs with polymer clay. Thanks so much Cindy. Very valuable info.
You are more than welcome Dawn!
Do you do more advanced polymer clay canes? I see canes in my every day. Be it clothing, bedding, or in nature. I see a lot of beautiful work online.
Hi Stacy, I have added your question to the list!
Hi
Found your videos on youtube to be very informative and was hoping maybe you could point me in the right direction for my project.
I want to make a spiral out of polymer clay like a lemon peel around a shape that is like an hourglass. so from thick to skinny to thick.
The clay needs to be really hard and the shape im wrapping is made of wood.
Do you have any tips for how to go about this?
Watching your video about the different clays i was thinkng the koto clay for hardness. but wen it is wrapped around the wood is it ok to have in the oven or is it possible to dry in the sun? also how to go about getting the spiral off the shape and is it ok to rebake if i cut a seem and put some more clay to combine them again.
Would be amazing to hear your thoughts! Thank you for the videos!
Cheers
Ross
Hi Ross, I have added your question to the list!
Hi Cindy,
I love your videos on YouTube and find them very informative. I am a newbie with polymer clay having spent many years working with fondant. I have made my first cake toppers and wondered I feel you could give me some advice about an issue? I have used navy blue polymer clay and after baking it has developed a white powdery looking bloom on it. I thought it was just baby powder but after using a kitchen wipe on it the bloom won’t budge. What do you think I have done wrong?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Julie, I have added your question to the list!
What would you recommend if I wanted to purchase a pre-made buffing wheel for a Dremel?
Hi Bev, I have added your question to the list!
I have been designing & making jewelry for over 6 years. 1/2 my business is fundraisers & I have helped raise over $17,000 in the past 6 years. I was afraid to go to polymer clay, but one day I found the courage. I will be using it to make beads with non-profit logos, or a memorial print for a loved one that may have passed, or any other request they have made. I love doing my fundraisers & have really spent a lot of time watching yours (which are wonderful). One video I’m still confused on……after I finish a bead, which coating for matt or gloss or anything type of coating you recommend would be the best to use. I have never had one bracelet break or any beads, so I want to make sure I keep that reputation. Please help! TY for taking the time as I respect your busy busy schedule.
Hi Debbie, I have added your question to the list!
Hi Cindy
A great Q&A session again.
I have 2 questions about baking.
1. what to do best after baking: let cool off in the oven, out of the oven or put the pieces/beads in icewater?
2. I have pieces that are baked at a too low temperature; some I used in a bracelet, completely finished. Can I bake the complete bracelet again with the finding and all?
Your my champion. Thank you
Nancy
Hi Nancy, I have added your question to the blog!
Hi Cindy,
Enjoyed greatly the Live Q & A. I’ve been pondering on the issue of baking and thermometers, I’m not having any problems in the area of baking, but it suddenly occurred to me during the last Q & A that when we speak about the thermometer that only tells us how hot the oven is rather than keeping it at a steady required heat. I just wondered if you have to adjust the heat say up the temperature do you have to allow extra time in the baking whilst it reaches the required temp.
Thanks for all yours and Doug’s hard work in helping us.
marie,
my oven, one made for clay, is all over the place in temp…altho it is getting better with age…I do keep two thermometers in it, and the way I do it is, ( yep, silly, I know), I put the clay in on tiles (no preheat), and the oven is lined with them (tiles)…while it is off.. I turn the oven all the way up to max, watching closely, with the clay in it, takes about ten minutes up to twenty…when it is nearly up to temp…I turn it between 250/300…and watch…that seems to be the sweet spot…and turn the timer back to half an hr…then add more to bring it to an hr….the clay comes out able to do the u turn and doesn’t break….tough little dudes they are…I always put a little translucent in every color I mix, so upon taking the clay out, it goes in ice water…hope this helps…all I can say is it works for me…good luck….and why the devil, cant they make an accurate oven??? I waste, well, not really, so much time babysitting the temp. on it…Linda
Hi Marie and Linda, I have added this to the list of things to discuss in a future Q&A. Thanks for sharing!
Hello, I’m new to bead making. I was wondering if imitation gold foil is okay to use in bead making or should I use real gold leaf.
Thank you, Peggy
Hi Peggy, I have added your question to the list for a future LIVE Q&A Broadcast. Make sure to attend the broadcasts LIVE or to watch the Re-Play’s here to see when your question is answered. Thanks!
Hi Cindy, love the tutorials.
I know video on teeny tiny cutters was a year ago but still cannot find on Etsy.
Any recent info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cecilia
Hi Cecelia, I have added your question to the list for a future LIVE Q&A Broadcast. Make sure to attend the broadcasts LIVE or to watch the Re-Play’s here to see when your question is answered. Thanks!
You say oil based minwax polycrylic gloss finish in baked polymer clay. But what about MINWAX Water-Based Polycrylic Clear Gloss Finish? Thank you.
Hi Joanie, I added your question to the list!
Hello Cindy,
My daughter has just discovered making her favorite characters out of modeling clay and I am in need of some assistance (if only you had a dollar for every time you heard that!)
She’s using Sculpy III and making 3D figures, so thickest part is usually the head at about 1 to 1.5″ we tried baking one today and it went pancake, expanded to 2.5 to 3x size. Can you provide a quick how to (especially with baking) to help ensure success.
A few notes that may influence your response: Our desired result is same size 3D figure, she’s found knack for these.
We baked at 275 for approx. 12 mins,lowering to 265 for last 4-5 mins. removed from oven at about 16-17 mins bc of shock at flattening and residue left (a waxy yellow substance)
We are in the mountains – Salt Lake City, thus altitude is a consideration
Do we stand or lay flat for baking, is there a “proper” way? also if purchasing / dedicating a specific- use pan, do you recommend glass or metal?
Thank you in advance for your time and accessibility, it is very much appreciated.
B/Rgds,
Joe
Hi Joe, I have added your question to the list!
I have heard you say on your FB live that you have a blog on tips on how to condition your clay however I can’t find your blog. I have trouble getting my yellow clay soften up. I mean do get it soften but it takes more time than others.
Hi Billy, I added your question to the list!
Hola! Cindy I’M very happy watching your videos. Please could you help me to get the appropriate resin for my jewelry. I”m doing rose petal jewelry, but the resin I use take more than 24 hrs to cure. According to your video the UltraDome is the best? Please could you help me, I contact the company, I haven’t had answer yet. I went to their web and I coudn’t see the UltraDome. I appreciate your help.
Hi Nydia, I have added your question to the list!
Hello again. I’ve missed seeing new tutorials on YouTube. You are so passionate, and forgiving about your clay and projects, it’s always fun to watch.
This is my question: like many amateurs, I only get to play with clay a few hours on the weekend. It doesn’t take me long to produce an oven full of pieces that need to be baked. But, I want to know if it is absolutely necessary to let the pieces stay in the oven while it cools down. I have seen a video where you quench, but I want to make sure I’m okay taking my pieces out of the oven before I turn it off so I can put the next batch in. A one hour bake turns into a two hour bake if I start with a cold oven and then have to let the oven go cold before I remove my pieces.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
A Beatrice Travis
Hi Beatrice, I added your question to the list!
This is July of 2017 and I just watched your videos of the polyslicer and polysander. I cannot find either one listed to buy. Please tell me how I can get these tools. I think they would be so helpful. I do like all of your videos. Keep making them.
Hi Mary, I have added your question to the list!
Cindy,
I got a Cook’s Signature Toaster, Rotisserie CONVECTION OVEN, the instructions say that it AS A GENERAL RULE CONVECTION Cooking Requires A LOWER TEMPERATURE BY 25 DEGREES, FAHRENHEIT AND A SHORTER COOKING TIME. IS THIS TRUE FOR BAKING POLYMER CLAY? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANSWERING THIS QUESTION, SO I CAN START BAKING MY POLYMER CLAY.
RESPECTFULLY & BLESS YOU,
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, I added your question to the list!
Cindy,
I wasn’t able to be there to participate in today’s Live Q&A, and even though I watched the entire Replay, I didn’t hear an answer to my question. That is to say, that I still haven’t been able to bake my first piece of Polymer Clay because I cannot afford to waste all the time, effort, and supplies by just trying to bake it without an answer from you, which is to say I cannot afford to risk ruining my very first piece of Polymer Clay work, by over or under baking and ruining it. So will you please send me the answer to my question, as I cannot bear waiting another week to find out how to compensate for the difference between my Convection Oven, and a regular one, so will please send me the answer?
Respectfully Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, I understand that convection ovens can bake differently when you are baking something like a cookie but in regards to baking polymer clay in a convection oven, you won’t need to bake it any differently than you would bake in a regular oven. Just make sure to use an oven thermometer, preheat your oven to the temp for your brand (Premo is 275F), place in a lined pan with a tinfoil lid and bake for one hour. Make sure to watch the baking videos I have at this blog web site (search box is in the upper right corner of every post), and you should be fine. Good luck!
Cindy,
Thank you very much :)
Hello Cindy,
Hope you are doing good. I am writing to you with a lot of hope that you will be able to help me with the major issue that I am facing with baking of my polymer clay pendants that some of them are chipping off and breaking after baking:( This mostly happening with the bigger sized ones that I make but rarely with the smaller ones too.
I am using Premo and baking them at 130 for upto 1 hour mostly and the thickness of them are mostly 1/4 inch. The last one I baked is around 7.5 cm*7.5cm in size.
Pls let me know if you could help me in anyways as it is heart breaking to see so much of effort going down the drain.
Hi Shimmy I added your question to the list!
in the you Tube using the UV cure epoxy…you used a hand held lighter device… can you please tell me the name/make/ model number of it? would like to fine the same and cant locate after many google attempts….you used it to get the bubbles out before curing…I really thank you in advance for your assist! love all that you do…
best Yvonne
Hi Yvonne, I have added your question to the list!
First of all you are truly one in a million and you are fantastic. I stumbled upon your you-tube channel by chance about a week ago and I am totally hooked. My go to hobby/ past-time is cake designing and decorating and I am eager to try out your ideas and techniques with modeling chocolate and fondant. But I would also like to give polymer a try. The thing is that I live in Israel and the only polymer product that I have found is Fimo which doesn’t seem to be at the top of anyone’s list. I am looking in to purchasing a very first order from Polymer Superstore and would appreciate your advice on which would be better for a very first orderr: either a small 12 color sampler of Souffle or about 5 colors of Primo 2 oz each. I would probably be interested in trying to make bracelets or pendants. So for a beginner which would be better the Souffle or the Primo? Sorry for being so long winded. Best wishes, Francine
Hi Francine, I have added your question to the list!
Hi,
Is it possible to make my modeling clay figures firm without baking? If yes, how?
Thank you in advance.
Kinga
Hi Kinga, I have added your question to the list!
Hi again from Israel.
I was just wondering if the inner cardboard of a toilet paper roll could be used as a form for a cuff bracelet, and if so would anything have to be placed between the cardboard and the polymer clay to prevent sticking, such as parchment paper?
Thank you for your help.
Francine
Thank you for your question Francine. It has been added to the list!
I am facing an issue with my big polymer clay pendants that they are chipping off and breaking:( The details of my work is given below.
a. I have been baking pendants which are slightly big in size, for example, 7*9 cm size rectangles or 8cm diameter circles.
b. I have been doing image transfers on them before baking.
c. Thickness is mostly 1/4 inches
d. I have been using Premo clay and was baking them at the temperature specified on the cover for 1 hour.
e. I believe I have conditioned them enough that I was able to work with (please let me know how do I know for sure if the conditioning was sufficient).
f. I have been inserting eye pin hooks to the pendant and mostly the places where the hooks are inserted, they chip off and the hook comes out. Also there are lines of breaks on the pendant after I work on them for a little, say for example when I attach beads or after wearing them for sometime, the hooks chip off and the chain comes off broken:(
g. I have been baking them in an OTG and kept them on baking trays which come with the oven and kept them at the middle rack and covered them with aluminium foil while baking for 1 hour.
I leave them to cool before I work on them.
Could you please let me know where I could be going wrong and how I may be able to fix this issue as at the moment I am not sure how I could proceed with this issue.
Thank You So Much In Advance
Thank you for your question Shimmy. It has been added to the list!
I am making a pin for a friend. Part of the design is a pod with peas. When I baked it, I let it cool in the toaster (convection) oven. I used Liquid poly clay as a glue. The pod broke when I tested it and it also came away from the glue. Did I use the wrong product as glue? Did I not bake at the right temp? Please.
Thank you for your question Hope. It has been added to the list!
Just catching up on the August 9 video. Wanted to say I absolutely love the necklace you’re wearing. Looks like I have a clay play project for the weekend!
Thanks Dawn!
Hello Cindy, sorry for bothering you. I have watched the replay videos of last two weeks and could not see the mention of my question. I am sure you are catching up on the list but I was just wondering if you could answer the question here as I have an urgent delivery this week and I am still not sure as to why the big clay pendants are chipping and breaking. I can not afford to make another mistake this time and would really appreciate if you could answer the question here.
Thank you so much in advance
Hi Shimmy, your question has been put on the list and will be answered in the order that it came in. Since the new LIVE Q&A Broadcasts have become so popular, it can take awhile for your questions to get answered. With the level indepth answers everyone is getting, it is taking time to get through them all. We have a plan in the works for a paid group tutoring program that would get your questions answered much quicker, but for now you will need to wait until your question comes up. Thanks for understanding.
Hi
I’m still learning all about Polymer Clay bead making.
All your videos are so helpful, but I keep coming across more issues.
I bake the beads at about 130% for 60 mins due to your advice. Which works better.
I have the bead roller which makes perfect balls.
I prefer to drill my holes after because I always put it out of shame putting the pin in.
The problem is after baking on an oven tray with parchment paper on, I end up with a slight dent where the ball has been sat.
How can I get away from the dent where it sat on the tray?
Thank you.
Debbie.
Thank you Debbie for your question! It has been added to the list!
Hello, l was wondering where l could find a clay extruder and other polymer clay utensils in Australia – and clay etc please.
Alison.
Thanks Alison for your Question it has been added to the list!
Hello, I recently just started using this clay to make a mask for a costume. I finally got around to baking it and when I checked on it the center had started to crave and crack. I watched a couple of your tutorials to make sure it was at a proper temperature and in a baking pan with a top. Was my project too big or was it air pocketed?
Thank you Ashley, your question has been added to the list!
Hi
I am new to polymer clay and still learning.
ive been trying to make a pendant but when I put it through the thickest pasta machine to make it flat and smooth it’s still too thin.
So I do another layer and glue them together with fimo liquid glue.
What I don’t like is the gap I get i between each layer.
Have you got a better way of making a thick solid pendant without the gap?
Thank you
Debbie.
Thanks for your question Debbie, it has been added to the list!
Hi Cindy, I watch a lot of your videos on you tube, thank you for the great information. I am brand new to polymer clay and making fairy gardens. I am addicted I am learning how to make fairys and other things to. My question is this, In your opinion how do you think a electric nail drill and buffer would work for sanding and smoothing. Sometimes my dolls need a little help after I bake them .What do you think? Have you tried this? Sometimes a leg might look a little lumpy it to thick. It is a less exspensive way to go. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks Julie
Thank you Julie, I have added your question to the list!
Hi Cindy I love your hair in your last video. ?
Question: Is their a pasta machine that rolls out 6mm (1/4″) thickness?
Mine rolls out to 3mm at the thickest.
Thank you. X
I thought a thicker one would be easier so I don’t have to roll out 2 layers to sculpey glue together to make a pendant. X
Your questions are on the list Debbie!
SKIP this question: Hi Cindy you can skip this question because u have already answered this for me.
Thank you.
Ok will do!
Hello Cindy. Sorry to bother you as I know you are a busy lady. I try to fathom things out for myself and have taught myself loads thanks to your u tube. But I cannot work out how to put a horizontal hole in a large flat bead, say like one shaped like a large coin so that it can be threaded with wire and other beads. Any help would be very much appreciated
Thanks in anticipation
Sue Clarke
Hi Susan, your question has been added to the list!
Hi! I am looking at convection ovens, and am wondering if it matters if it also says toaster oven? I cannot find one that is just a convection oven (looking at Walmart and Amazon) , can you let me know where I should be looking?
Thanks for your youtube vids-they are very helpful!
Sincerely,
Kristina
Hi Kristina, I have added your question to the list!
Hi,
I would like to ask Your advice. I am planning to make polymer clay dolls for the little ones ( from 3-4 ). I would like to paint them . Two things are important for me- be safe but long lasting as well. Which paints and varnish can you recommend? ( I just recently read that one artist used to paint her ooak dolls with ” Genesis oil ” paint. But I also heard that the oil paint is drying very very slow so not the best to use on polymer clay. ) Please let me know your opinion.
Thank you for your kind attention!
Kind regards, Berta
Hi Berta I have added your question to the list!
Hi Cindy – I’ve watched a few of your videos and they are great (especially loved the Mandala molds), but I am not interested in making clay jewelry, I am wondering if clay can be used to make a top/bail of sorts, for natural stones pendants and I figured you were the best person to ask!
I make natural stone bracelets, and my husband works with metals. Often I find natural stone specimens, that I wish I could just hang off a chain, or piece of leather, but they don’t have drilled holes, so you have to find a way to attach them to the chains.
I am terrible at wire wrapping and can’t wrap with leather. However, I just found another artist, who is finishing her pendants, in a way I’ve never seen, so I am wondering if she is using clay, to do so? She works with super HUGE stones (3-5″ long) and has some sort of “product” that she is using on the top, that adheres to the stones, and in which she puts jump rings.
I work with much smaller stones.
I thought liquid rubber at first? Then I figured it had to be clay, of some sort, but I don’t know if the clay would adhere to the stone, on its own, or if you would have to use glue or resin, in addition to the clay?
Thanks so much in advance.
Mj
Question: Are polymer clay pieces compatible with acrylic painted surfaces long term? I want to use them in mixed media pieces.
Your question has been added to the list Joy!
Hello!
I am about to try another clay bake (been making mistakes and learning for a couple years now) and I have a question —
Do you put your clay into the oven BEFORE preheating? Normally I place a thermometer inside, wait till temp is reached, open door, put in clay, then wait for the thermometer to register correct temp again (this can take 15-20 minutes) and then start timing the clay bake. But – if it won’t hurt the clay to be in the oven as it is heating up, it would save me so much time and trouble. is it ok to do that?
thank you!
Melanie
Hi Melanie
I thought I would help you out because if takes 2 – 3 weeks to get an answer because Cindy is so busy with other answers.
I think it would be ok to put it in oven while pre-heating as long as it’s in oven for the full hour or more at the right temperature.
I’ve had mine in for an hour and a half before by mistake and it came out good still.
Make sure you use a thermometer though.
Good luck.
Thank you for helping Melanie, Debbie! I appreciate the help!
No problem, I like to help out when I can. ? X
Everything I bake turns really dark. I have a thermometer in my oven, I cover it. Then I sand and sand but it does not come off. What am I doing wrong. I hope to be great like you someday. Love your videos. Thank you
Your question was added to the list Karen, thanks for participating!
Question:
Hey Cindy! Thanks for all your great expertise.
I have applied Gilders Paste to some round beads and then glued them to already baked clay and then put the whole thing in the oven and baked at 275 for over an hour. Once cool and after several days, I could pry the beads out of the clay. Am I not using Gilders Paste properly?
Thank you Hope for your question! It has been added to the list.
I am a beginner and have been watching your video’s. The first item I baked was a little witches hat I make to put on a cork for a stopper. I had place a metal screw inside a piece clay that attached to the hat, so I could insert into cork. First question, I bake it per instructions and let it cool in oven, and it took 15 minutes to bake and 45 minutes to cool down. I am still not sure it is completely baked inside,
can I put it back in the oven and rebake it ? this time longer, will it continue to harden the plastic molecules you say must melt.
Also, my little hats for corks have that extended piece of clay with screw inside, I put it on the rack
with tin foil under it so the extention piece would dangle and not bend hat, do you have another suggestion in making pieces like this
Thank you Lydia for your question. It has been added to the list!
Your question has been added to the list Karen! Thank you fro participating!
Hi Cindy!
Can’t wait for the 27th!
I have a BIG Q but I offer an answer first.
Why the bubbles in acrylic coating from last week: its the brush! I went through this forever until I found the solution from my art store: ask for “Princeton Select ANGULAR Shader – 5/8”
My question relates to pieces I sell.
I participate in a weekly Sunday outdoors. I use a canopy that covers all my pieces from the direct sun, but at some point during the day they do get exposed.
I bake at all right thicknesses, temps, conditioning etc. new clays too.
A piece will be just fine for many weeks or days. I will look at it or show a customer and it is just fine. Then half an hour later I look down and it has cracked in half. Or this never happens at all.
This does not seem to be dependent on the age or finish of the piece.
Your thoughts? I depend on these for a living or mostly I just love them. Help?
Marilyn, your question has been already added to the list!
Curious if you have any experience making molds from cornstarch and 100%silicone from the hardware store? I have made a couple and they work great for plaster of paris. But I was wondering if I could also use the sculptey clay which requires baking? what do you think?
Hi Carrie, I added your question to the list!
Hello!
I have watched some videos but can’t find the answer to this question: how long do you bake thicker pieces of polymer clay? I read on one blog article — 30 minutes per 1/4″ thickness, BUT — in one video you baked a super thin piece for an hour to make it strong and bendy. So, how long do you typically bake your thicker pieces — 1/4-1/2″ thick — Two hours?
thank you!!
Melanie
Thank you for your question Melanie! It has been added to the list.
Hi Cindy!
I posted this for the 27th. I thought I should at least offer an answer to a Q that another follower had as a “Thank You”!
Can’t wait for the 27th!
I have a BIG Q but I offer an answer first.
Q as to:
Why the bubbles in acrylic coating from last week: its the brush! I went through this issue forever until I found the solution from my art store: ask for “Princeton Select ANGULAR Shader – 5/8”
My question relates to pieces I sell.
I participate in a weekly Sunday outdoors. I use a canopy that covers all my pieces from the direct sun, but at some point during the day they do get exposed.
I bake at all right thicknesses, temps, conditioning etc. new clays too.
A piece will be just fine for many weeks or days. I will look at it or show a customer and it is just fine. Then half an hour later I look down and it has cracked in half. Or this never happens at all.
This does not seem to be dependent on the age or finish of the piece.
Your thoughts? I depend on these for a living or mostly I just love them. Help?
Hi Marilyn, like I said before, your question has been added to the list. I am sorry that it is taking so long to answer, but there are many questions ahead of yours. If you ask the same question in multiple locations and using different last names, it just adds to the confusion. I do promise to get to your question as soon as it comes up in the queue. Thanks!
Your tutorials are awesome! I have been trying to think of a way to make a bead for a necklace where there are 2 holes at the top and come down at an angle to meet as one at the bottom…like a Y or V-shape. I can’t seem to find them ready made here in the US, although I have seen them in sterling silver on a website in Greece. They are about $14.00 and the shipping is about the same. Doesn’t make sense for me to buy them. I have not done any polymer clay, so I need an expert opinion. Would polymer clay be sturdy enough? I assume I would poke the holes before baking. Would the holes shrink during the baking process? I would love to hear your thought on this.
Thank you Debbie for your question! I have added it to the list.
Watching today’s rebroadcast. My favorite technique is canes! It’s like magic. I’ll take a Wednesday off sometime soon so I can join you live.
That would be lovely Dawn! (Don’t tell your boss it’s my fault you’re not working though!) :)
Hi, Please can you help me. I would like to make xmas tree decorations with the words, Joy, Love, Hope etc pressed into the clay. How can I put glitter only in the words and not on the rest of the ornament. Also can I put the glitter on after I baked the ornament or would it be better to bake it with the glitter.I did try but I made such a mess. Your reply will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Vivienne – South Africa
Hi Vivienne,
You won’t get a reply for about 2 – 3 wks so I read your comment and thought I would give my opinion.
I would cut out the words of your polymer clay piece with either your cutter or how you do it.
Roll another thin layer of spare polymer clay (spare / any scrap) . Cut out the same words again. Then lay it on top of the thin / scrap layer, But make sure you put cornflower or similar on bottom first so it only temporarily lies on.
Scatter your glitter all over but aiming for inside the words only.
When your happy, remove the top layer and the bake in over for an hour as normal.
Good luck. X
Thank you Debbie for helping Vivienne out! You are right that it can take a few weeks to get a verbal answer from me. It is very helpful for you to share your knowledge and help others!
I have added your question to the list.
Sounds great Dawn! Thanks for your input!
Hi Cindy,
I absolutely love your videos, you are very talented and an excellent teacher. You really inspired me to try polymer clay. I just bought Bake Shop Sculpey to practice with because I’ve never used clay before. Do you think it’s strong enough to use for jewelry? I bent a piece and it broke even though it was almost 1/4 ” thick. it was conditioned a lot and baked according to the directions.How thick does it have to be? I live in NFLD and Clay is not cheap to buy here or to have shipped here. Would you know the least expensive place for me to get it? Michael’s is expensive too.
Thanks.
Thank you Karen for your Question! I have added it to the list!
Thanks and Blessings for all your terrific tutorials! I would much appreciate assistance on a piece…I’m concerned about the viability of proper baking of a hand on a forearm with a second hand resting on the forearm. The second hand acts as somewhat of a second layer to that forearm and I’m wondering if it needs to be baked separately. My concern is that it will lose the natural grace that it has now as one piece. It seems safer to bake it in two pieces but I’m nervous that it won’t fit over the forearm properly. The fingers are modeled to organically lay over that forearm perfectly if it should shrink even a little bit it’s not going to do what it’s supposed to do. I’m constructing it over a wire armature filled in with Wire Foam Mesh with a first coat of Avis Apoxie before the Premo layer. I’ve studied up on using cornstarch, tenting, tiling if I use my toaster oven and I would use it in corn starch inside a baking bag im kitchen oven as I don’t care to use my regular oven for clay. The piece is 8″ end to end, the hand in question is 3 1/2 “, the other a bit smaller; the forearm is 1″ thick, the forearm + the overlaid hand is 2” thick. Have you any wisdom for me? I do hope so since this is a beautiful piece with much love, cash and effort invested! Thank you so very much! With love, Nancy D
Dear Cindy, remembered one more question…
should I run out of the Aves do you think it would be ok to use an industrial epoxy just as long as they’re in different sections of the piece? These products are getting good reviews on sculpture blogs and they’re cheap. Downside is they harden very fast but if I could use one of these on the ‘simple’ parts and save the Aves for the more complicated areas that would help. OK, thanks again, you are The Best! Nancy D
Hi Nancy, thanks so much for your questions! I have now added them to my list!
I’ve been watching your videos and noticed your latest YouTube video is 5 months old.
Please make more YouTube videos I like the way you demonstrate products,compare products,show different techniques and much more.
Please post more videos your effort and videos are much appreciated. ?
Hi Barbra, we will get back to making YouTube videos as soon as possible. There are only so many hours in the day, and with Doug spending all his time working on the new website, he is not able to film the YouTube videos that you like so much. To tide everyone over, I am filming these LIVE Q&A myself with my cellphone. This format is great for learning as well and getting to know the other viewers from around the world. Hope you enjoy them!
Hi there,
I have recently subscribed to your YouTube channel. I am a beginner to polymer clay. I saw you did a tutorial on inserting eye pins and head pins into unbaked clay. Your piece in the tutorial though didn’t seem to bend or lose shape even though the you bent the pin before pushing it through the piece. When I try to do it the piece bends due to the resistance and I lose shape!
How to remedy this?
I was thinking of placing the piece in the fridge to harden it a little before inserting the pin, but then it might also make the pin harder to insert with the crook on the end.
Hope you can help! Thank you for your awesome channel and information.
Ange
Hi Ange, I have added your question to the list. Thanks!
Dear Cindy & Doug,
Hope all is well. I/m new at the whole clay business but wanted to try a DIY necklace i saw online. The tutorial says to use FIMO clay but here in Malta, we only have Sculpey. Do you recommend I get the Fimo clay from online or should I go ahead and buy the Sculpey?
The necklace is a straight cylinder kind of necklace.
Thanks!
Corene Gatt
Hi Corene, I have added your question to the list. Thank you for commenting!
Hello Cindy,
I am a new poly clayer and a have a question if you can help. I am making mug design from clay and painting some details will make job much nicer and easier . But I’m wondering will it wash off the paint?
Thank you,
Lulia
Hello Lulia, I have added your question to the list. Thanks so much!
Hello Lulia, I have added your question to the list. Thanks so much!
Hi Cindy, Just caught up on the latest live broadcast. An answer to your Christmas polymer clay question. A co-worker had a baby a few years ago. I made her a tree ornament. A little baby in pajamas with pink flowers (from your polymer clay fabric sheet tutorial – something like that) and a Santa hat with her name. It was an unusually spelled name, so I think it was appreciated that she had a “baby’s first Christmas” ornament with her daughter’s name spelled correctly. Also, instead of holding a blanket or teddy bear, she was holding a tiny gingerbread man.
Awww Dawn that sounds so sweet! My children have unusual names as well Willow and Fisher, so there aren’t many personalized items out there with their names on them. I understand how special it is to have something made by hands with their names on them. That was a nice thing to make your co-worker’s baby! They will treasure it forever!
Greetings…. Cindy, it seems you are the Queen of Polymer Clay! Thanks for being available to answer questions. I do mosaic work and am working on a large donor wall mural and would like to include polymer clay elements within the mosaic to add dimension and texture. One area of the mosaic will have the Tree of Life. In lieu of ceramic c