Polymer Clay Tutorial | Super Easy Extruder Flower Cane [VIDEO]

Polymer Clay Extruder Flower Cane

Vid #134: “I’d like more ideas about what to do with my extruder! Thanks, Cindy!” ~Maria-C

This will probably be the easiest Flower Cane you will ever make! As far as I have been able to deternine, the original idea for the technique came from Nathalie in France at the Parole de Pate site. A modified version was then presented by Galina Grebennikora from Russia. You can read more about these international polymer clay artists at this link: A New Clay Extruder Technique

It was on November 14, 2009 when I first asked if you guys would be interested in having a video tutorial to demonstrate this very cool technique. The response was overwhelmingly positive…

Love the extruder flower cane beads! They look like they have a 3-D effect. I hope you’ll make a video for us. I bought a good extruder so I would love any projects you can teach us. Thank you for everything you do for us. ~Jeanne-C

I would love a video! I saw the technique on Parole de Pâte a while ago but I wasn’t sure I understood it. ~Cindy-G

Went to Parole de pate went through kind of fast don’t have a lot of time right now. I hit the translation and was WOWED what absolute beautiful beads. Thank you for the site Cindy. I can not say this enough Cindy you are fantastic in every way. Again please yes to the video I know you will teach us in a way we will be making those beads by the dozens in no time. Thank you for being you, Your parents must be glowing with pride!! ~Peggy-B

Cindy, This is a “must have” technique I think. Hopefully many others will say the same. Looks like so many possibilities I may have to eat once a week! I hope everyone will visit the two sites you highlighted, “Parole de pate”, this puts the little French I know to the test, what fun! and be sure to click on “blog”, things are beyond anything I have seen. Didn’t have much time at “Galina” but will return there soon. What marvelous clay artists are in our world only to be discovered by a click of a mouse key. Thanks for this inclusion today. We’re going to have to find a way to stretch these 24 hr. days. ~Joyce-M

I looked at Galina’s website and am so happy that you are going to do this video. I was really intrigued by this process and started looking for the special extruder disk, but don’t know where to find them. The method of doing the process without the special disk really interests me. I want to try it soon. Thanks Cindy, for all your experimentation on our behalf. You are the greatest! ~Bette-B

I am especially interested in how to get the effect of a core without having a core die – that would be *so* helpful! I’ve been trying to decide whether or not to invest in the core dies and/or finding out where to get a set that will interface with my Makin’s extruder. This would be an excellent tute and I hope it’s pretty high on the list! ~Edie-E

Very interesting! I went to the site and looked around. I noticed down the list on the left hand side there is a translation option. I wrote and asked for the translation (just to see how it would work). But even better would be to see a video by Cindy! Yes add it to the list! I think you may have to start doing videos more than once a week to keep up with all the ideas! lol ~Maureen-G

Canes are fabulous and I love them all….. however top of my list is that extruder flower cane…. yeah, I had to try it because… well because I just needed to and I definately had a few snags… I solved most of them but I would like to see how you solved them…. you always have fabulous ideas and are so good at that problem solving! ~Melinda-H

Absolutely, count me in! I agree these have a lot of potential, thanks Cindy for so many fresh, fun ideas to look forward to. Can hardly wait ;0) ~DJ

Oh yes Cindy, add it to your growing list. Yay, more ways to use my extruder! :) The 3-D effect is cool. ~Lisa-W

Thankfully, I was given permission by Galina to film her version of this extruder technique. So be sure to show her some appreciation in the comments section at the end of this post.

Supplies List: Video-019-1: Extruder Flower Cane:

Polymer Clay:

  • Well conditioned polymer clay in 2 or more colors. I used Premo Sculpey Clay in Fuchsia, Turquoise and White. Clay must be soft and not crumbly.

Tools:

  • In this video tutorial I use a Makins Ultimate Professional Clay Extruder. Other extruder brands will work too, as long as you find comparable discs to the ones I show in the video, as well as the right size of rubber o-ring.
  • Rubber Ring – An extra rubber ring meant for the Makins plunger comes with the extruder when you buy it. Use that.
  • 7 hole Spaghetti Extruder Disc. Extruder’s usually come with this one as a standard accessory. See video for comparison.
  • Small Hexagonal Extruder Disk. This one is also commonly included with extruder’s. A square hole disc can also be used, although it does not produce as consistent a result IMO.
  • Pasta Machine or Acrylic Roller.
  • Clay Blade.

The full version of the Vid-019-1 Extruder Flower Cane Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday December 4th, 2009. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.

Cindy Lietz SignaturePolymer Clay Tutor


 

 

 

Click Video Play Button

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the “Extruder Flower Cane” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-019 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Cindy – I have spent the whole weekend “with” you and your videos. I don’t think I have ever gotten more value from a purchase. I feel as though I know you and we are friends. Your teaching style is so warm and genuine. I have learned so much already and still have a long way to go. I will probably be watching some of the videos many times. I don’t want to ramble on and on but thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity. I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. PS – who does your camera work? They are very good and the editing – insets, etc. – are excellent! Love, ~Beverle-S

The following topics are included in this week’s “Extruder Flower Cane” video tutorial:

  • See examples of several different beads using the extruder flower cane and different colors.
  • Discussion of the type and consistency of clay you will need to do this technique properly.
  • Demonstration on how to combine extruder disks and the rubber ring to get this cool cane to extrude in the shape of little mod flower designs.
  • Learn how to create the cane with the least amount of breaks and problems.
  • Techniques for how to use your extruder flower canes in bead designs.

The full version of the “Extruder Flower Cane” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-019 Back Issue Package.


  1. Silverleaf, 01 December, 2009

    Looks cool Cindy… I really have to invest in a decent extruder.

    And by the way, did you mean a hexagonal disc? Because you show a hexagonal one in the video.

  2. Cindy Lietz, 01 December, 2009

    Thanks for catching that disc reference. You are correct… it is hexagonal. I’ve made the correction in the supplies list.

  3. Susan, 01 December, 2009

    I am really looking forward to seeing this because I don’t think I am making as much use of my extruder as I could. My only worry is that I don’t think I have the rubber ring anymore! I, for one, am very grateful to both Nathalie, and especially, to Galina for allowing you to show us this technique.

  4. Ritzs, 01 December, 2009

    I just cant wait, anything to do with making flower canes is a bonus for me thanks Cindy.

  5. illaya, 01 December, 2009

    Cindy; Thank you for showing this technique to all of us. I want to thank Galina and Natalie for granting permission to you to post this technique.

    I could not work in clay without my extruder so seeing how others are utilizing this tool is always a “good thing” (thank you Martha). I am looking forward to see the full video on this, thank you Cindy for being here for all of us.

  6. Peggy, 01 December, 2009

    I have to get a new extruder. I have the first one without the pin to turn the clay out. I don’t care how soft my clay is I can’t budge any of it through the discs. I just put it up an quit trying. I’m going to donate it to my guild that is if they will take it. I hope to find a new extruder at Hobby Lobby so I can use my 40% off coupon. Those coupons are a lifesaver for me. Many thanks to everyone who has made this video possible. It is going to be a blast of flowers and fun.
    Many thanks Cindy, you just keep a plugging to give us the best with much success.
    Extrudingly excited for Friday

  7. Lawrence, 02 December, 2009

    Thanks for doing this video Cindy. I am really looking forward to correcting some of the problems I have had with Nathalie’s technique using the adapter. Great big THANKS to both Nathalie and Galina as well for sharing this with the PC world.

  8. Ken H., 02 December, 2009

    @ Peggy

    Is your extruder silver and has a handle attached to the plunger (no threaded handle)? I’ve heard of a way to “rig” a caulking gun to hold this other type of extruder (non makins type), I just can’t seem to find where I found the instructions for it though.

  9. Shelly Neal, 03 December, 2009

    Hi Cindy,

    In the article above, Edie-E was wondering where to get a core adapter for a Makins extruder. I just purchased one from the Clay Factory here in Escondido. The Clay Factory is run by Marie Segal and she is a member of the San Diego Polymer Clay Guild that I am also in. I believe the adapters come in 3 sizes. Hope this helps.

    Shelly

  10. edie, 04 December, 2009

    @Shelly Neal: Thanks, Shelly! I’m off to buy a set now ;-)

    edie

  11. cara letho, 04 December, 2009

    OMG- i can’t believe this method! i have been mucking around doing it the old way and not having the variety of this fantastic technique. Thank you to all involved, but especially to you Cindy- your explanation is very clear and precise and you are extremely generous! karen lewis uses many of these little flowers to embellish her beautiful beads, but her way is very labour intensive-now i can embellish to my hearts content- many thanks again
    cara

  12. Edie E, 04 December, 2009

    This flower extruder cane technique is just too cool! It’s a smack on the side of the head thing ;-)

    One thing I need to know – does anyone know what the actual size of the O ring is? I have to go and get some more and there are dozens of sizes and thicknesses at the hardware store, and because they’re prepackaged it is hard for me to hold up the old one and match it. I’m also not sure that it hasn’t stretched a bit from wear –

    edie
    off from night shift, going to take a nap then load up my extruder!

  13. Polyanya, 04 December, 2009

    Thank you Cindy, I’ve admired these easy canes but thought I needed some more equipment, I shall have a go this pm.

    Anna – any chance of receiving the long awaited beads from the swap???

  14. Rosita Cortes, 04 December, 2009

    Cindy
    Could you please help me? I bought a pasta machine that doen¨t have number of setting. I bought it becasuse I found it was very wide, so could do a wider mix of polymer clay. I bougth it before I knew how to work polymer clay. The thing is thatI would like to know. how many mm are setting 1, setting 2, setting 3 … and.so on.
    Thank you

  15. Cindy Graveline, 04 December, 2009

    I’ve tried it before, could’nt wait for the video lol and I had problems, it kept crackeling like in the video when you stopped turning the handle… Gonna try it again now! :)

  16. Cindy Graveline, 04 December, 2009

    Well I just tried it again, and it worked perfectly this time! :)

  17. Catalina, 04 December, 2009

    Wow! What a time saver! Just when you think you saw it all! Can’t wait to try it!!

  18. Ritzs, 04 December, 2009

    I made some extruder canes today coverd some old beads and i love it, it was so easy i just wanted to go on and on making more, If makins made a very large exruder wow could we have fun lol. Thank you Cindy and also a big thank you to Galina for allowing you to show us how it was done.

  19. Joyce R, 30 January, 2010

    @Ritzs:

    You said “If makins made a very large exruder wow could we have fun lol.”

    I’m wondering if a cookie press would work? Hmmm…I have a cookie press that doesn’t get used, I may try it, LOL.

  20. Jocelyn, 04 December, 2009

    Cindy

    The first time I watched this extruder video my mouth was open the whole time and I think I actually drooled a little, LOL!

    The second time, I wanted to be in a gallery of all of us here, standing, cheering, clapping, and screaming “you GO, girl.”

    Outstanding video, so easy to do and understand thanks to your expertise and teaching style. I cannot wait to try this!!!! Thank you so much!!

    Special thanks and kudos for taking the time to credit all who started the process of this particular cane. Feel like I have a case of ADHD running from link to link to watch all the noted folks, and back to read the comments here, hee hee.

    You do it better than anyone, and this is the best investment and site I have found in this medium. Cannot wait to see pics of what others here come up with as a result of this tut.

    Blessings to you, sweet lady.

    K, time for the third viewing……..”bye for now”!

    Jocelyn

  21. carolyn, 04 December, 2009

    I purchased a Makin’s Professional Ultimate Clay Extruder. It did not come with a rubber ring. How can I get one?

  22. Jocelyn, 04 December, 2009

    Might want to try the local hardware store for ring replacements on extruders. They usually have tons of different types and styles of “O Rings.” Would definitely bring the extruder with you, and a description of the ring so they can help you get an exact match.

    Best of luck.

  23. carolyn, 04 December, 2009

    @Jocelyn: I found it! The extra rubber ring was ‘hiding’ under one of the disks. I had gone on the Makin’s site and saw it – went to my workbench and found it. Thanks for the tip, though, I may need it if this one ever wears out.

  24. Bette L, 04 December, 2009

    Yeah! I’ve been gone all day so what a treat awaited me when I got home!
    I’m going to try this tonight. Thank you so much for doing this video. I’m now standing beside Jocelyn, cheering and clapping along with everyone else, at least in my mind’s eye:)

  25. carolyn, 05 December, 2009

    This works great! I used Sculpey III since you said it should be soft. I then had to stick the canes in the freezer for a few minutes so they would not flatten when I cut them. I used black, orange and my own turquoise mix so that I could get a Southwestern look. It did just what I wanted it to. Your videos are absolutely super! Thanks much!

  26. Tina Adams, 05 December, 2009

    OH I am in LOVE with this clay extruder technique! I have read the other 2 blogs and mine never came out, you do indeed make everything so nice and clear, I know what I will be doing on Sunday! Thanks Cindy !

  27. Cindy Erickson, 05 December, 2009

    Wow, Cindy! Thanks Galena!!! This is way cool!!! :)

    Cindy E.

  28. Elizabeth K., 08 December, 2009

    Hi Cindy – Well thanks for that very clear lesson on the Extruder flowers. As usual I did not have the ring to go into my Makins Extruder. Don’t know if I ever had one.

    Extruder Flower Canes by Elizabeth Kerr

    Anyway, as necessity is the Mother of invention, and because I am always having to find ways of doing things, I found that a piece of Buna cord 4-1/4″ long, wrapped around twice in place of the ring, worked for me. My circles might be a bit wonky compared to yours Cindy, but I’m happy til I get the right rubber ring. What do you think? Love E. MERRY XMAS from Australia XXXX

  29. Elizabeth K., 09 December, 2009

    Hi all
    I found some tap washers at our hardware store (Bunnings) for the Aus gals here.
    You just cant buy one, but a selection of 10 diff size($2 60), and I got at least 6 out of 10 in the packet that are the right size that work, so I will be abe to extrude for ever,. My extrudxer flowers will go on all things. Am going to make some of the bead books with flower covers. think that will be nice.
    love
    E.

  30. Cindy Lietz, 09 December, 2009

    Thanks everyone for your great comments! So glad that you had fun with the technique and that the video helped you with any problems you may have had!

    @Rosita: That is difficult since all pasta machines are different. My machine has 7 settings, with #1 being less than 1mm, #4 being a little more than 1mm, and #7 being a little more than 2mm. I am sorry but I can’t measure the thicknesses better than that.

    @carolyn: I am glad you found your rubber ring. Makin’s site says you can just buy extras at the hardware store. Unfortunately they don’t say the size. My measurements were 18mm OD (Outside Diameter) and 13mm ID (Inside Diameter). Hope that helps.

    @Elizabeth: Very nice! Thanks so much for sending in your photos. Also thanks for letting people know about where you found the replacement O-rings. There are fair number of readers from Australia here, and I’m sure they will appreciate your input.

  31. Elizabeth K., 09 December, 2009

    Thanks Cindy for all your great help.
    XXX E.

  32. MJ, 11 December, 2009

    Cindy,

    I e-mailed Makin’s about the O-ring size and received this answer:

    OD= Approx 1.8cm
    ID= Approx 1.3cm
    Thickness= Approx 0.2cm

    Move the decimal point 1 to the right for mm.

    Hope this info helps.

    MJ

  33. Cindy Lietz, 11 December, 2009

    Excellent! Thanks MJ for taking the time to get that O-ring information from Makins. Those numbers correspond perfectly with the measurements I posted earlier.

  34. Bonnie, 04 January, 2010

    Hi Cindy,

    Extruder Flower Can beads by Bonnie Kreger

    These are the beads I made with your flower cane technique and my Makin’s Clay Extruder.

    I love this idea, it’s so much fun.

    Thanks,

    Bonnie

  35. Cindy Lietz, 04 January, 2010

    Beautiful work Bonnie! I like the extruder flower cane done in black and white. It looks really modern!

  36. Bonnie, 04 January, 2010

    Thanks Cindy. A couple times I got a long string in the middle of the flower cane that came out of the extruder (because I didn’t listen when you said don’t use too much clay for this cane) and when I looked at it, it looked liked a teeny star so I sliced that and used it on the beads also. That’s what the black spots with the white circles are on some of the beads. I didn’t roll the cane pieces into the beads, I left them sitting on top for depth so you could see the white bead underneath. You were very accurate in your video about making sure the clay is conditioned really well.
    Good thing I can keep replaying your videos, once is not enough to pick up all the things that you say that are so important.

  37. carolyn, 30 January, 2010

    Can’t wait to hear how the cookie press works! I have one also that has just been taking up space in a kitchen drawer. At least I’ve been able to recycle my cookie cutters for clay!

  38. Tina Adams, 05 February, 2010

    Cindy, I have tired this one several time and each time my clay will stat splitting half way thru the extrusion… can anyone tell me why this is, I am using premo and thought I was conditioning it enough. Thanks !

  39. Cindy Lietz, 17 February, 2010

    @Tina Adams and Susan B: In the Q&A part of today’s post about Hammered Hoop Earrings, I provided some feedback regarding the clay splitting issues that can happen with the extruder flower cane technique.

    The link by my name will take you to today’s blog post. Once you are there, scroll down the page a bit to see the Q&A feedback I provided.

  40. Brenda, 10 February, 2010

    I have to share….. I got my extruder in the mail on Monday and I have not put it down. I have blisters on my thumbs from working the wire that I use on my beads that I made. I love this stuff………….

  41. Phaedrakat, 11 February, 2010

    @Brenda: You have some gorgeous pieces at your website! I am planning to order an extruder — where did you get yours? I’ve seen them several places, I’m just looking for the best deal…

  42. Brenda, 11 February, 2010

    @Phaedrakat: Good Morning, Thank you for the nice comment. I got my extruder at sunshinecrafts.com. The peaces that I have online are not made with the extruder. I will be updating soon. I was wondering do you anyof you have a vendor that sells your peaces, or do you do craft shows? I have had a couple of offers from some people. Where do you get tags?

  43. carolyn, 11 February, 2010

    @Brenda: I get tags from Fire Mountain Gems.

  44. Susan B, 11 February, 2010

    @Tina Adams

    I find that sometimes it splits and sometimes it doesn’t even when using one lump of conditioned clay that has been divided into two parts. I keep a constant movement on the handle of the extruder. Although it is a great shame to loose the extruded flower I did discover that the stripes inside the outer coating are beautiful and I made a lovely pendant with it. But if someone knows why this happens I too would love to hear it. I use Cernit.

  45. Phaedrakat, 12 February, 2010

    The latest on my extruder saga (I’ve been looking around for the best price on a Makin’s Ultimate.) I finally settled on ordering online from JoAnn’s (using online 40% coupon.) I had it in my ‘shopping cart’ & was headed for checkout. Wouldn’t you know, it’s “unavailable” at this time (whatever that means.) Not backordered, but unavailable. So, I’m re-evaluating my choices. Sunshine crafts, recommended by Brenda, does have good prices. Fire Mountain Gems has a good price, too (if I order the gazillion things on my “wish list” at the same time.) But it’s like the Gods have frowned upon me, not wanting me to extrude with ease… ;~o

  46. Brenda, 12 February, 2010

    @Phaedrakat: Are you here in Jax, Fl? I’ve been to every craft store you can imagine here and they have no professional tools here. Ha”.. now Michaels had the little end pieces but no extruder. They told me that they would no longer be carrying the Makin product. What is so strange I’ve been their store many times and never saw the makins extruder. Don’t get the tiny one that you push with your fingers it hurts.

  47. Bonnie, 12 February, 2010

    Phaedrakat: you can order one from Dick Blick on the internet for $21.18 or check Amazon. Sometimes they have deals on there.

  48. Catalina, 12 February, 2010

    @Brenda, you can try to get it at FireMountainGem.com if you like. The more you the more you save. They have tier pricing. But, If you have a Hobby Lobby near you they also carry it. They have 40% coupons and take competitor’s coupons, too.

  49. Brenda, 12 February, 2010

    @Catalina: I do have a Hobby Lobby but they didn’t have it either. I ordered mine off line. thanks

  50. Brenda, 18 February, 2010

    @Catalina: Sorry for the late post :) I have my extruder already. Every week I find myself adding to my collection.

  51. Phaedrakat, 13 February, 2010

    @Brenda: No, I’m on the other coast (Riverside, CA.) We don’t have Hobby Lobby’s here.

    @Bonnie: Cool, I’ll check out Dick Blick, as well. That is looking like the best price at the moment.

    They used to carry Makin’s stuff at Michael’s — looks like they’re phasing it out. They carried the actual extruder at JoAnn’s (online only) but the “unavailable” message I got must mean they’re getting rid of it. I will check Amazon for the latest price (it was higher a few days ago, so I decided on JoAnn–go figure.) If Amazon is still high, I’ll have to decide if I want to buy a bunch of stuff (from my online wishlist) to get the adjustable pricing at Fire Mtn. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll order from one of the suggestions from you two. I was hoping to get it locally (I hate paying for shipping,) but looks like this is the way its gotta be.

    Thanks for your help, guys! There are lots of places to order things online, but you never know who’s trustworthy. I feel alot safer ordering from a shop that has been recommended…

  52. Kat, 17 March, 2010

    Whew! I’m so glad I finally have this back issue. This is such a cool video tutorial — such a cool technique! I can’t wait to try it. I’m gonna condition some clay really well, and give this a go tomorrow. I may be sorry afterwards (my back still hurts terribly!) but I think it will be worth it. These adorable little flowers are beckoning to me. Thanks, Cindy, for making this technique so easy to understand!

    @Brenda: I know what you mean. Even though you can create with polymer with very few tools, it’s so much fun with all of the “extras”!

  53. Silverleaf, 17 March, 2010

    @Kat: You’ll love it, the results are so pretty! I made one the other day using translucent, with thinner discs of white, pearl and GITD to create a kind of “ghost” flower cane – hopefully if I apply it to brightly coloured cores I’ll get some nice beads.

  54. Brenda, 17 March, 2010

    @Silverleaf: Please let us know how it turns out.. I noticed that the clay mixes when it goes through the extruder. I am curious if the translucent stays clear…. It sounds very Pretty. I love this site and my new claying friends ;)

  55. Kat, 24 March, 2010

    @Silverleaf: Have you tried making your beads yet? (With your glowing “ghost” extruder cane?) I just came back to this page and remembered. Also, the things you describe making always sound so good! LOL about your “army” being on strike… (My back & most of my body’s on strike — I need to find a way to cross the picket line!) Sorry, that last bit was pretty stupid…hehehe

  56. Silverleaf, 25 March, 2010

    @Kat: I made the beads but they haven’t got to the oven yet! I have a whole bunch of raw beads waiting for me to smooth and pierce and bake them – I’m often so busy trying new techniques that it takes a while to get back finishing off the last one.

    I’ll try and get them done ASAP! :)

  57. Bette L, 25 March, 2010

    @Silverleaf: I went back to your original comment about the cane you wanted to try. I had some translucent left over from another project, so I put together the colors you used and made the extruded flower cane. The cane, when sliced thin and applied over ultramarine blue, looked like lace!. I left some of the dark blue showing between slices on some beads and covered the others completely. They look great! Thanks Silverleaf for adding your take on this method.

  58. carolyn, 25 March, 2010

    @Bette L: What were those colors that you used in the extruder? I don’t know where to look for Silverleaf’s original comment.

  59. Bette L, 25 March, 2010

    @carolyn:The comment date for Silverleaf’s original post is March 17.

  60. Silverleaf, 25 March, 2010

    @Bette L: Thanks, I was just about to step in and let Carolyn: know what I’d used, and found you’d already done it for me! :)

  61. Phaedrakat, 17 March, 2010

    That sounds gorgeous, Silverleaf! When you make some beads, you’ll have to post some pictures! I know I’m going to love this, I’ve wanted to do it for quite a while, but I didn’t have the extruder — just the little metal kind that you need an army to help you squeeze! Even if I altered a caulking-gun or something to help extrude, I’d still need a grommet or something (actually, I think Galina shows a way around that part, too!) Anyway, I’ve got my extruder now, I just need my back to cooperate, and I’m good to go. I’ll keep my fingers crossed ’til then (that means no more typing for me!)

  62. Silverleaf, 18 March, 2010

    @Phaedrakat: I had one of those too! No wonder I hardly every used it, lol, my army’s been on strike for a while. ;)

    So glad my boyfriend got me the Makin’s one for Christmas. :)

    @Brenda The clay just looks mixed from the outside, if you cut through it the lines are very clear. I’ve used trans in the extruder before – I made a square mod cane with thick disks of trans and thin discs of coloured clay, which I combined to make a 4×4 cane of coloured circles and squares with a trans background. Looks very cool.

  63. Cindy Lietz, 24 March, 2010

    NEW PHOTOS ADDED:

    Polymer Clay Projects

    Hello to Everyone,

    Some new Spotlight project pictures that relate to the topic of this page (Extruder Flower Cane), have just been added in another post. They were submitted by Bonnie-K. The link by my name will take you to where you can see them, along with a bit of a write up. Hopefully they will inspire you to achieve great things with your own polymer clay projects.

    BTW: Thanks to everyone above, who took the time to comment. Your feedback, support and fun conversations are always such a wonderful part of my day. Although I don’t get a chance to address each of your comments individually, please know that I do read them all. ~Cindy

  64. Cindy Lietz, 25 March, 2010

    NEW PHOTOS ADDED:

    Polymer Clay Projects

    Hello to Everyone,

    Some new Spotlight project pictures that relate to the topic of this page (Super Easy Flower Canes), have just been added in another post. They were submitted by Priscilla-L. The link by my name will take you to where you can see them, along with a bit of a write up. Hopefully they will inspire you to achieve great things with your own polymer clay projects.

  65. Bette L, 25 March, 2010

    This December 1, 2009 Extruder flower cane video post has Silverleaf’s colors. She used translucent, with thinner disks of white, pearl and GITD.

  66. carolyn, 25 March, 2010

    Thanks to both of you! I really want to try this … and it could be used over any color … how cool is that!!!!!

  67. Brenda, 26 March, 2010

    What is GITD? Thanks

  68. Catalina, 26 March, 2010

    @Brenda: I think it means Glow In The Dark clay.

  69. Brenda, 26 March, 2010

    @Catalina: Thanks. Sometimes my head is up in the clouds and my brain just doesn’t want to work.

  70. Catalina, 26 March, 2010

    @Brenda: Well, welcome to the CLUB!! :)

  71. Phaedrakat, 26 March, 2010

    @Brenda: GITD isn’t really intuitive, so no wonder it didn’t make sense. But the reason everyone’s using it is because of last month’s tute. The Glowing Jellyroll Cane got talked about so much, as well as the Glow-in-the-Dark clay used in it, that it got shortened to GITD for ease of typing. Just thought I’d explain…: D

  72. Deborah Erstling, 23 June, 2010

    This is about the Makin’s clay extruder flower cane. First of all, I think it’s a really cool cane. My first attempt was not successful because I was using a very dry sort of clay which basically just shredded, so I plan to switch to Premo for my next attempt. Also, you mentioned in your video the website Parole de pate and I went to it to look at how she does this cane with the coring tool. I really like the effect of this flower also and would like to try it but I don’t read French and in looking at the disks she is putting in the extruder, they look different from the disks that came with my Makin’s extruder. Would you by any chance know what disks she is using and what order she puts them in the clay extruder? I would appreciate it if you could let me know.

    I’ve been enjoying your videos. You do an excellent job of explaining what you are doing and they are recorded very well. Thanks so much.

    Deborah

  73. Phaedrakat, 24 June, 2010

    @Deborah Erstling: Hi Deborah, I love this technique, too! It’s so very cool. I wanted to mention, in case you weren’t aware, that you can translate the info at Parole de Pate. Using Google’s Language Tools, you can translate the entire page, or just a few words. It’s not perfect—the translation from French to English turns “canes” into “ducks” and “beads” into “pearls”! But they do help (and they’re comical.) With the photos guiding you, the directions aren’t too hard to figure out.

    As for the Makin’s Clay Core Adapters—they’re sold separately from the Makin’s extruder. They come in different sizes, but the site tells you which one you need (it says the smallest, or 1 mm) for the technique. I think the camera angle makes the discs look a bit different in the photos, but I’m pretty sure they’re Makin’s discs. If you look at an image of the core adapter by itself (good photos on the Rio Grande site,) you’ll be able to picture them just like on Parole de Pate. As for the order, just follow the pictures (and the words, if you’ve tried Google Translate.) The disc order is simply the Clay Core Adapter, then the hexagon disc.

    Best of luck! Let us know how your beads turn out…
    ~Kat, Riverside, CA USA (Where are you from?)

  74. Jocelyn, 03 July, 2010

    This is just too much fun to do, have one of those mad scientist grins from ear to ear while I am extruuuuuuding.

    Has anyone taken this further? New combo’s with the two rings? Thicker O rings? Anxious to hear…suspects the sky is the limit with this approach.

    Also find softening the clay by adding drops of mineral oil in a food processor or grinder helps the process and doesn’t seem to affect the product. It slides better, doesn’t crack as much, and is easier on the hands, while twisting.

    Follow Cindy’s advice to bake for an hour and haven’t been able to tell the thinned from the out of the package softened clay.

  75. Phaedrakat, 05 July, 2010

    @Deborah Erstling: Hi again Deborah! What “special little tool” are you talking about? The clay core adapter? If so, I’d love to see how your’s turned out using that tool — they really look cool on Parole de Pate.

    @Jocelyn: You mad, MAD scientist, you. Your tip about softening the clay, along with Deborah’s about using a S3/Premo combo, makes me want to try using a softer mixture myself. Sounds like that’s the way to go for a smoother extruuude w/this technique. Haven’t taken it further by using new disc combos, but it sounds like fun. And keep us posted on the happenings in your lab, yeah? Thanks! ;D

  76. Bonnie Kreger, 05 July, 2010

    @Phaedrakat: Hey Kat, got your comment on my blog, thank you. I’m getting the information for you about the cutters. My friend that ordered them will be back today and I’ll be gone till tomorrow night. Can you get me your email so I can give you the information. I know the lady’s name is Valerie and she’s in the U.K. It takes a while to get them because they are all hand made and sodered so there is very little cut line when you use them for clay. She has a website and I’ll send it to you.

  77. Deborah Erstling, 04 July, 2010

    Hi Cindy,

    My first couple of tries with this didn’t work out so well, then I decided to mix Sculpey III and Premo and got much better results. I also tried Natalie’s method with that special little tool she uses (I found it on Amazon.com) and that works great too.

    I love canes, especially flower canes, but right now I’m feeling pretty stressed and just don’t want to go through that whole process, so when I saw your extruder flower cane I was so intrigued. You have explained it wonderfully and I spent the afternoon having so much fun with this technique.

    I just wanted to share that with you. These canes really make very pretty little beads.

    All the best to you,

    Deborah

  78. Deborah E., 05 July, 2010

    Cindy,

    I had a brainstorm last night about the extruder flower cane. I thought, what if I sprayed some Armorall on the spaghetti disk since I thought this would allow the clay to come out much easier. I tried it a few minutes ago and had great success. I wanted to pass this along to the others working on this particular extruder cane. I also sprayed a little Armorall on the rubber ring, but not on the hexagonal disk. It also makes clean-up much easier.

    I just had to pass this along to you.

    Deborah E.

  79. Jocelyn, 05 July, 2010

    @ Kat Hey, I believe in enjoying my hobby time, LOL! Another note. Some folks seem to get excellent results using Soft clays, but, to me, they break down in finishing. Cannot seem to get the same luster as with the Premo, and it holds up so much better. Due to MS, everything in this house gets the drop test. Those softer clays chip, or break, or scar. The good hard clays seem to hold up better.

    Someone’s husband here came up with a genius device to put on the end of the Makins Extruder to make the turning easier. What a blessing, urge all you folks to try this technique. Very easy to construct and holds up great! I’ll go find the link…..

    Welp, put “extruder” in the search and got back 10 pages of Google topic pages here. Another great money saver! Going to take me awhile to read through this, lol.

  80. Phaedrakat, 09 July, 2010

    @Jocelyn: I vaguely remember that handle, I think it was Anna or Aims, maybe? Try putting more words in the search to narrow the results down. Try “extruder, handle, husband” or something along those lines…

  81. Cindy Lietz, 09 July, 2010

    @Phaedrakat & Jocelyn: It was Ritzs. See link by my name.

  82. Jocelyn, 05 July, 2010

    Great tip, Deborah. Wonder if WD-40 spray would achieve the same?

  83. Deborah E., 06 July, 2010

    Since I had suggested using Armorall on the disks, I thought I should write an update. Actually, it has not worked consistently for me and definitely do not get it on the rubber ring or it will cause it to twist. It does make clean up easier though, but use it sparingly. I have had trouble getting this technique to work today when I earlier had success with mixing Sculpey III and Premo. I ordered the adapter that Natalie uses and while that technique is much more reliable, I like Galina’s flowers better so I’m going to keep trying. Also with Natalie’s technique, it is really quite difficult to extrude the clay so if you don’t have a lot of strength in your hands this could be a problem. I plan to keep working on this because I really love it.

  84. Deborah Erstling, 25 August, 2010

    Hi Cindy,

    I’ve been using my Makins Ultimate Clay Extruder to make the little flower canes using the core adapter tool. I am having a problem now in that it has become impossible to extrude the clay out with the core adapter in place (I am using the hexagonal disk with it to make the flowers). Do you think this could have anything to do with the O ring? I tried to replace it but can’t get it out thinking that might help, but can’t get it out.

    Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    Sincerely,
    Deborah Erstling

  85. carolyn, 25 August, 2010

    Deborah – You really do need to be taking apart and cleaning your extruder frequently. Here’s a link to a blog of Cindy’s about care and maintenance of your extruder. Sure hope this helps. It is possible that clay has built up around your rubber ring and it is going to take some futzing to get it out.

  86. Deborah Erstling, 26 August, 2010

    I clean my extruder after each use and there is no clay build up whatsoever so that is obviously not the problem, but thanks anyway.

  87. carolyn, 26 August, 2010

    Hmmm! Now that we have that out of the way … I’m sorry, I don’t have any other ideas as to why you can’t get the rubber ring off. You do take it off when you clean the extruder, right? This one has me stumped. Maybe someone else can weigh in on this and give you more help.

  88. Brenda, 26 August, 2010

    I use WD-40 to clean mine. I don’t see any reason to remov the inner ring. You might end up stretching it. Just spray a little WD on it and wipe it clean. But the end cap and the other rubb ring I spayed really good to get the dry clay off. I let it sit for about an hour then went back and cleaned it. I hope this helps….

  89. Cindy Lietz, 26 August, 2010

    Deborah: I’m not totally sure what the problem is. Are you saying that you’ve made the canes in the past and now it’s not working? Also are you talking about the o-ring on the plunger or the one between the discs? Because you don’t use the ring between the discs when you use the core adapter.

  90. Deborah Erstling, 01 September, 2010

    @Cindy: Yes, I have made the flower canes in the past and now there is so much resistance to turning the handle the clay just won’t extrude. Also, I am not using the O ring, just the extruder adapter and hexagonal disk, but I was wondering if any of this resistance had to do with needing to replace the O ring that is on the extruder, but that was just a guess. Thanks for writing back, I appreciate it.

  91. Brenda, 26 August, 2010

    Cindy: Ok hun you got me confused on this statement;
    “Because you don’t use the ring between the discs when you use the core adapter.” What is the core adaptor? wouldn’t that depend on what she was making? LOL I am still learning here.

    BTW: why are you on here on your Birthday? you should be partying! And don’t say your too old. NOT!

  92. pattw, 26 August, 2010

    I had trouble with the extrusion -it splayed out all over the place. But I separated all the round pieces, mashed them together, twisted them into a long piece – just perfect for flower centers !! Don’ throw anything away. Then I made some more with the rubber ring in place -duh, got to ALL the parts ………Still not pretty as Cindy’s, but getting there

  93. Phaedrakat, 27 August, 2010

    @Brenda: Hi, just wanted to mention…the “core adapter” is an Makin’s extruder part — can be used for techniques like Natalie’s (in the French blog, Parole de Pate.) Follow the link in the article above and you’ll understand… :)
    I’m typing on my phone…to hard to check. ;-) I think the link above goes to the previous post…then that post will have the link to Natalie’s tute at Parole de Pate. Check it out…also cool! If you do not read French see my Jun. 24 comment above. Have fun!

    @Deborah: I am curious, as well, which ring you’re talking about. You asked me the order of the disks (back in June) and I only mentioned the adapter tool (forgot that part of the question.) If you have been making the core adapter technique work with the O-ring between — you might have gotten some unique results! Also, the O-ring might just be worn out from all that pressure & maybe the WD-40. You might just need to replace it…

    Hope this helps, ~Kat

  94. Phaedrakat, 27 August, 2010

    @Deborah: Ooops, I meant Armorall! Sorry…I hope you’re able to get to the bottom of this issue…Good luck, and please let us know how it’s going…! :~D

    @Patt: Lots of people have mentioned having that same problem…but it sounds like you’re putting the splayed or split parts to good use! I read a comment on someone’s personal blog…they said they like the stripes they get from the inside of the extrusion even more than the little flowers. Can’t remember who it was, but she had some cool beads/pendants wrapped in those stripes! (Sorry, I can’t remember…whoever that was!)

    Cindy did post some additional tips/info for this tute in her Hammered Hoop Earrings…[Q & A] article. The ‘Q & A’ is the 2nd of this 2-part article…and there’s a line drawn between the ‘Hammered Hoops’ post & the ‘Extruded Flower Tute — Clay Splitting‘ question.

    Hope that helps! ~Kat :D

  95. Bette L, 27 August, 2010

    Hi everyone,
    I have had the splittting problem also. It was because I was using the 7 hole disk and a too large hexagonal disk. I changed to the smallest hexagonal disk and it was fine after the usual funny extrusion of the first couple of inches. I found this out by accident when trying to show someone else how to do the technique. I have not tried it with the small hexagonal and and any of the other multi holed disks.

    What is everyone else using for this technique? Do other combinations work?

    The core adaptors have only 4 holes, so the flowers will be different and have a hole in the center instead of a solid center. Nice for a tube bead though.

  96. Bonnie Kreger, 27 August, 2010

    Hey Kat, I did a blog post on May 4th about these beads. When the clay splits, I lay it flat and cut it sideways so it comes off in tiny circles and I lay them on a raw bead that I’ve already made, it really turns out nice depending on the colors. Some I made with Studio Clay so they were kind of muted. Keeping your finger on the opening of the barrell in the beginning while you are extruding makes a big difference and so does not stopping while you are turning. Cindy explained that in her video and it really makes a difference. So using small quantities of clay makes it easier. The other thing that really makes a difference is having well conditioned clay. I find that Premo works the best because it is softer.

  97. Brenda, 27 August, 2010

    @Kat: That is what I thought. The disc has a knot(metal piece) in the middle right? I purchased some of those a while back. So we don’t use the O-ring with that? I thought we did. I’ll check out Nats site. Thanks Your a Doll ;)

  98. Jocelyn, 28 August, 2010

    Googled Makins Extruder and found this site which has a stainless steel version and more adapters and disks than I’ve seen anywhere else.

    clayfactory.net/makins/makinsprotools.htm

    No rubber gaskets though. Want to try a few different thicknesses of gasket to see what happens (if anything, lol).

  99. Ken H, 01 September, 2010

    @Deborah Erstling

    Just a shot in the dark, since it seems the extruder was working before, could the plunger be somehow misaligned in the extruder tube, I’m assuming that when you clean it you remove the plunger all the way out. It may or may not be the problem but it’s a thought. Good luck on this.

  100. Cindy Lietz, 01 September, 2010

    @Deborah: The things that can make it difficult to extrude can be … too hard of clay, sticky o-ring on plunger (clean and lubricate with WD40), misaligned plunger as Ken suggested or damaged threads on screw in handle. Check these things, it might be something simple to fix.

  101. Deborah E., 02 September, 2010

    I wanted to thank everybody for their input regarding my extruder problems. I have taken it apart and don’t see that anything is bent or that there is clay on any of the parts. I think the problem is that the threads have been damaged by the force of extruding the clay with the 1 mm adapter in place. I wonder if there is some way to prevent this from happening.

  102. Cheryl B, 20 May, 2011

    I have a Walnut Hollow extruder. I don’t know if all extruders are about the same but I have to change the o-ring every couple times I extrude otherwise I get scoring in the tube. Is this normal? Does the Makin extruder do the same thing? I went to get some new o-rings and although they look right they are too big – I’m assuming that the extruder o-rings are imperial and as I live in Australia we have metric. I don’t mind buying another brand extruder if I’m going to get better results.

    On another note, I joined your group about 6 weeks ago and I have learnt so much in that short time. I feel like I am getting my money’s worth as I get something out of every tutorial.

  103. Cindy Lietz, 22 May, 2011

    @Deborah E.: I am so sorry Deborah, looks like I missed this one. The best thing to avoid damaging the threads on your extruder is to make sure that the clay is very soft and well conditioned before putting into the barrel. Also never ‘force’ the clay. If you have to use excessive pressure to get the clay out, the clay is too hard. You should be able to squeeze the clay out fairly easily, no matter what size the die is.

    @Cheryl B: That doesn’t sound too good about your extuder! I haven’t actually tried the Walnut Hollow Extruder yet, so I can’t give you much advice there. I do know you shouldn’t have to be replacing the o-ring every couple of times. I have never changed my Makin’s Extruder o-rings yet and I’ve had it for a few years now.

    Thank you for saying that about about my tutorials. It makes me very happy to know you are getting good value for your time and money. :-)

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