Polymer Clay Tutorial | Faux Agate, Domed Coin Beads [Video]

Beautiful! I can’t wait for the video tutorial for these beautiful Faux Agates! I love the polymer clay rings, too, they look gorgeous! I can’t decide which one I liked best! I think it’s the one that wire-wraps the entire “stone”, although the other ring’s daintier, which would probably look better on my own fingers. Hmmm, if you’ll make us a ring tutorial for these, then I could make both kinds and make an informed decision…(I’m just sayin’!) ;D

Thanks, Cindy! Can’t wait for Friday!

You think the bar has to quit rising, until you get to know Cindy and Doug. What a pleasure that is. They give us nothing but the best and ask for so very little back. I don’t think Cindy or Doug will ever quit rising. You can tell they enjoy what they do for us everyday. Now I have another Friday I will be on pins and needles waiting for. It is going to be great learning another fantastic technique. WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thank you Cindy and Thank you Doug.
many Uuuuuuuugggggggs to all, Peggy

PS. – How about a tute on showing us how to make one of those beautiful agates into a ring. This is something I have never done and would love to learn from you. Just a suggestion. Anyone else like to learn how besides me?

A yes from me too for the ring tutorial. I did make a wire wrapped ring with an aqumarine stone but I’d never say no to a tutorial from Cindy. It’s always simpler and special . Can’t wait for Friday .

Oh boy! I didn’t know we were going to get this Agate tutorial so soon. I know I’m gonna love this one!

Cool! Looks good Cindy! By coincidence I’ve just learned to make rings like that, but I’m not very good at it yet and haven’t made anything I’d be happy selling so more tips would definitely be appreciated.

I just love techniques that use translucent clay (magic stuff, in my opinion) and mica powder. Hooray for Friday!

Love the agate coin beads! And I would love to learn how to make the rings!!!! Looking forward to these tutes!!! (at least I hope we get a ring tute!)

~Lisa :)

Great tutorial!!! Cindy is it possible to have a ring tutorial? I have watched other people do it – but you seem to have the knack to make things easier and these wire wrapped rings suit polymer so well.

I just watched the video.. Nice , nice, nice… I love the natural look of the bead.

What a fun day I am going to have. Thanks, Cindy & Doug.
P.S. Sorry about the misplaced comment.

@Koolbraider: Yes, I did. Cindy’s video tutes always give me ah-ha moments. Now if my puppies would just stay asleep long enough (recovering from surgery, and not with the best behavior), I might actually get to try this sometime.

Neat! :D

I couldn’t resist giving it a quick try, and the results look pretty good even though I haven’t had time to sand and buff them yet.

I made rounds because I rarely use the coin shape, but I’m going to deliberately distort the clay slightly before rolling them for my next go because the nicest beads from my first batch came from the end pieces.

I am soooo glad I have time to clay tomorrow! :)

Wire wrap rings, wire wrap rings, wire wrap rings!!! Try saying that 3 times fast. Teach us soon Please Cindy & Doug!

@Phaedrakat: Well, the stinkin’ auditor didn’t show up and now everyone is up tight about next week. Big boss will be on vacation and I might be gone as well. Still didn’t hear from the doc about the test results. But, I’m feelin’ a little bit better. I wish I could play with my clay but my niece has her graduation party tomorrow and Father’s Day is Sunday and we pick up the new puppy! Maybe Monday! :)

@Judy: Another dog lover? Cool! I have a rescued Maltese but my husband is getting a Chihuahua puppy for Father’s Day. I hope he will let me play with my clay in peace like my Art Director, Princess Daisy. she can sit for hours on my desk! But a Chihuahua? I’m not too sure he could do the same.
No tests results yet!! I’ll have to wait till Monday – boo!

@Phaedrakat: Hi, sister Kat! I wish Daisy could teach Bubby some new tricks but I actually agreed to get Bubby so HE can TEACH her some new tricks! She is a puppy mill rescue and needs a stable dog to “show” her how to be a dog. She is not too socialable and needs to learn the good doggie manners.

@Linda K.: Well, Princess Daisy was not very hospitable. She snubbed him! He wanted to cuddle up with her and got out of her bed and left him alone! He wanted to play with her but she wanted that “gnat” to go away! LOL! I’m sure she will be more open with him as they get used to each other. At least, there is no growling or fighting! We took him to OH to visit my parents for Father’s Day (50 mile trip one way) and he was exhausted! He was able to meet my brother’s beagle. His dog wanted to play soooo bad but but she scared Bubby and he growled at her!!! He even tried to nip her! I got my work cut out! But, he is using the puppy pads!!! I showed him once and he got it!

@Linda K.: I had initially thought of getting a Yorkie because a good friend has one and I really like her dog. Now I’m thinking a mix breed would probably be better. I’m not going to jump into this, but will take my time. I’m sure when I come across the ‘right’ pup I’ll know it!

@Linda K.: I just noticed this thread…Linda great points to keep in mind when considering rescue adoptions. I’m a huge fan (we have 2 dogs and a cat). The kitty was from the SPCA and Charlie is a shelter puppy… well he’s fifteen now. He was adopted about two and a half years ago (he had the saddest little cocker spaniel face, scars and rarely wagged his tail). Now he’s always smiling – it still gives me a thrill to see his little stump of a tail go back and forth. Carolyn, I think whatever breed you choose will likely adapt happily to “motorhome adventures”, sounds like dog heaven to be out on the road like that!!

@carolyn:That is a good attitude to have! Sometimes the dog adopts you! Bubby, is very mild manner considering he is a Chihuahua. He has yet to use his bark. He has cried a bit, but he just wants to be picked up. Plus, dogs are good for your health!

@Jocelyn: Your post was surprising, I hadn’t thought about the pictures that way. It makes sense, though. I completely sympathize with you & your predicament. I know exactly what you mean. I have a HUGE problem with motivating myself, my clay is out of my hands right now, too. I’ve got family standing in my way, too — it’s not only pain (although that’s enough, isn’t it?) Please don’t call yourself a disabled chimp! It sounds too much like me! *wince* I really want you to be inspired, and to have those endorphins pumping.

I guess Cindy will post the occasional picture within the thread, but I think they’re really slowing that down. She said she’ll post a weekly group of photos (or maybe links to photos?) but it sounds like it’s up to us to go and look at others’ photos if we want to see all of them. The whole idea is that it’s becoming too much work (and takes up so much space) for them, I guess.

Have you clicked around to some of the member’s blogs? Lots of photos being posted. Also, you might want to join Facebook if you haven’t already. Photos are readily accessible (that’s the first place some people put their photos.) Do you need help finding the other blogs and stuff? I’ll be happy to help. I know it’s so difficult to push through and complete things when you’re in pain all the time. Please let me know, and I’ll be more than glad to help you. I would take a look at Brenda’s blog first. She’s done just about every tute lately. I don’t think the girl is even sleeping! Just click on her name, and it will take you to her blog. (Lots of members are redoing their blogs, so it’s really easy to go directly to them now.) Let me know how it goes. Also, let me know if I’ve got the wrong idea. I want to help if I can! ~Kat

So glad to hear everyone loved this Faux Agate Tute. Just as some of you have said in the comments above, I also had some “Aha” moments in the process of creating this video tutorial for you guys. As most of you should be seeing by now, what I always try to do is make things simple. So often I see techniques being taught in a way that is just too darn complex, when it really does not have to be that way.

Now in regards to me continuing to post pictures here at the blog…

Even though the gears are shifting a bit with how photos and the bead giveaway contest is working (see link by my name for more info), I will also continue to post pictures here at the blog. One of the big benefits of having you guys post “off-site” pictures as well, is that it allows you to present more shots of your creations (different angles, multiple projects, larger images, etc.)… than what I am able to do for you here at my site.

@pattw: Dentist – ouch! …Peggy knows…

@Peggy Barnes: Hey Peggy, how are you? Are you feeling better after the root canals, and are they ready to finish the crown? You deserve a crown, since you’re a clay queen! (Oh, dear, did I just write that? *groan*) I hope you’re all done with your dental work now. FYI, I’ve been extra careful to swish more water through my teeth during the day — & that’s besides the gallons of water I drink! I’ve taken your advice to heed…

I’m a little late getting to this tutorial, but I had to pipe in. I love it! (I knew I would.) Hubby is on vacation this week and grandchildren coming to visit, so I probably won’t be able to try it out for another week. :(

@carolyn: You should get a dog! But, get a rescue! You can find so many pure breeds at shelters and home rescues. Princess Daisy is a pure breed Maltese from a puppy mill. All she did for six years was have one litter after another in a tiny box! My mother-in-law breeds Chihuahuas so that is how we got Bubby! But, check rescues first and then make sure you have them fixed! Let us know if you decide to get a dog. We can exchange doggie stories!! LOL!!

@Antonia: I’m not that familiar with Granitex, is it polymer clay? If so, you would be able to mix them together, but be careful with baking (use the lower recommended pkg. temp, but bake longer to account for the difference.) Granitex might have inclusions that are hard on your pasta machine, blade, cutters, and other tools. Avoid scratching them by using older tools, hand rollers, etc.

There are probably other things to beware of, but I wanted to throw this out there! One other thing, you probably wouldn’t want to use this in a cane, since all clays in a cane should be the same consistency for proper reduction. Good luck, and write back if you need more info from Cindy or someone who’s actually used this clay! :D

@Antonia: Sure you can mix Granitex with other clays. It is basically just a regular polymer clay made by Sculpey that has little granular bits in it. The bits aren’t hard like sand though so they are fine for your machine and blades. Because of the softness of the clay and the fibrous nature of the granular bits in the clay, it is not a good clay for cane work. I used the Granitex for one of my more rustic looking Mushroom bead samples in the Mushroom Bead Tutorial a couple of weeks back (see link by my name).

If you were thinking of using it as one of the veins in a faux agate, that would be a great idea! Would work just fine with the other clays!

@carolyn: That humidity is rough! I spent a lot of time in Philly quite a few years back. Great place, but the humidity could get pretty bad.

@Cindy: Thanks for the Granitex info. Sounds perfect for faux stone app’s like Faux Agates! I’ll have to try some…

@brenda: I saw those bits, and wondered. Cool effect!

@GinaT: Welcome, Gina! So happy to have you here! Please let me know if you have any questions — I’ll be happy to help with anything I can! Actually, you can ask just about anyone; they’re all are quite friendly and helpful! Enjoy yourself! ~Kat
BTW, I’m from Riverside, CA US — where are you from?

@GinaT: Yes, the videos are super … best in the world! This is also a group of very caring individuals. We all love polymer clay but are not in the least bit selfish with out tips and ideas. Everyone seems willing to share for the good of all. Cindy has fostered this wonderful attitude and keeps us going. It is truly a great place to be.

@Elizabeth K.: WOW! Your faux agates are fabulous! I especially like the more jagged lines of the ones with the red crystals … so very much like the real banded agate that I love so much and go into the fields searching for!

Great video and lesson. I am new to clay beads but I can’t wait to get started. So much fun in store.

hi Sue
i too live near Tacoma
and have been trying forever to find a mentor/group to get started creating with polymer clay
Can you tell me where you go for classes/assistance?
Thank you!
Gerri

I loved this video and I am looking forward to making some of these beads. I do have a question. How I save the video to my computer? As a example will all the videos build up as I view them without doing a save? Thanks for any help.

I agree, this lesson was fabulous!! Welcome Sue and Gina, hope you enjoy it here as much as I do. There’s so much info and sharing to catch up on….the time spent here is well worth it – LOTS of inspiration, ideas and information gathering.

@Sue C: Bare bones would include: blocks (2 ounce each) of clay [red, yellow, blue, black, white and transluscent is a good start] (Cindy usually uses Premo! by Sculpey which is available at most Michael’s Craft Stores, but is also available from several sources on line.) Acrylic rod for rolling the clay; oven thermometer; oven (it is good to have a craft or toaster oven dedicated to clay … or else you need to clean your household oven after each clay baking. It is good to have an extruder … a good choice for this would be a Makin’s extruder. Again, that is what Cindy uses. If possible it would be good to have pasta machine – here it really is important that it be used ONLY for clay. You can get decent hand crank pasta machines at craft stores in the clay aisle for not too much money. You should have a solid work service … like a large glass cutting board … do not work on wood. The clay could damage the wood and the wood would leave unwanted markings on your clay. You should use Glad products for storage of your clay. Cindy has tried quite a few products and Glad, since it has no polymers, she has found to be the best for maintaining the stability of the clay.

Like I said, this is the bare bones. There are lots of tools, cutters, molds, etc. that you can splurge on once you determine that polymer clay is really for you. And clay comes is lots of different types and colors. Watch for sales on the clay and stock up when you can.

I’m sure others will weigh in with their ideas of what is essential … there are probably some obvious things that I’ve overlooked.

@Sue C: Welcome, Sue! Happy to have you here! Carolyn’s given you a good list of materials you need to start. The only other “essentials” I though of were a blade to cut the clay, wet/dry sandpaper to smooth your baked beads, and a needle tool to pierce holes in your beads (and pop air bubbles, etc.) You can make your own needle tool or use things like knitting needles, skewers, etc. It’s a good idea to have alcohol on hand for clean up and/or baby wipes (I use both.) You’ll probably want some cornstarch, which can be used for a variety of reasons. Cindy has videos about this great product. One last “essential”, plain, glossy, smooth floor tiles from a hardware/home improvement store. These are great to bake on, clay on, and leave in the bottom of your oven to help keep the temperature even. You can get a variety of sizes — most cost less than $1 at Home Depot.

There are other items you’ll need, but now that you have Cindy’s course, that will all be covered! You’ll find there are items you WANT to add, like tools that make things easier. And you’ll definitely want some decorative supplies to add bling to your clay, like mica powders, metal leaf, alcohol inks, and glaze or resin. Cindy has articles on all of these things, which give you advice, followed by comments and tips from other members. You can find them easily using the search box. After you watch the videos and start to play with your clay, you’ll probably have specific questions. If you can’t find the info you need by doing a search, someone in this friendly & helpful group will be happy to answer!

I feel confident you’re going to love it here. Welcome again, and have fun!
~Kat, Riverside, CA, USA (Where are you from?)

@Sue C: At the top of this page … in the bar just below Cindy’s picture … click on Polymer Clay Basics Course.

@Sue C: Welcome to the course! I’m so glad you decided to go that route. The beginners course videos will help you tremendously, as they already have for many others (see link by my name).

I just emailed you with info about how to get your password for the course. If you need further help with password stuff, please email me directly. Thanks.

@Linda B.: Great advice! Not many beginner’s would think to check their clay to see if it had been accidentally cured en route to the shop. That’s great to let them know about the clay sales & coupons, too. That’s cool that you live near Gina — how fantastic if you two had the opportunity to meet up!

Once Sue views her course, starts to play, and becomes thoroughly hooked (Muuaaah-ha-ha- *evil laugh*,) she’ll be jonesin’ for a meet with someone who shares her new addiction, too. Hopefully she’ll share where she’s from. That would be amazing if she has a neighbor from Cindy’s, too!

Have fun! ~Kat

@Jocelyn: Thank you, Jocelyn, you are so sweet to say that. You are so sweet period! I wish that you could have that perfect 65° every day of the year. (If you find it, I wanna come, too! I’m a big sissy about the heat!) I pray that you come close, at least—I hate for you to have your MS worsened by the temperature. Of course we can’t control the weather, but it seems terribly unfair for it to have such an affect your health & the way you feel!

I just want you to know that you are appreciated, too. Especially when I’m creeping around the blog late at night. It used to be a bit scary with no one around. Now that I know it’s you “following me”, it feels like you’ve got my back—no more fear! ;D

Hugs to you! ~Kat

@Judy: I like black labs, but I want to get a small dog that will be able to travel with me in my rather small motorhome. I had thought of a Yorkie or a Yorkie/Maltese, but I might be better off getting a ‘mutt’ – if I can find a small one and we can bond with each other. I understand that they have less health issues than purebred dogs. I don’t know. I’ll just have to start looking once I get back home and see if a dog picks me … or I fall in love with one.

@carolyn: The advantage to getting a named breed or hybrid is that you have a good idea what sort of character, exercise requirements and potential future health problems your new dog is likely to have. Mutts are great and can be wonderful dogs but you don’t always know what’s in their ancestry so it can be a bit of a gamble.

I’d definitely do some research first – there are loads of dog breed selector tools where you can fill in your requirements like size, coat type, how much exercise you’re willing to give, how “trainable” you want the dog to be, etc, and it tells you which breeds you should consider. Try some of the pet food websites like Eukanuba, Purina and Iams, they all have these.

I love gundogs myself – intelligent, easy to train, don’t chase and kill things and are generally very easy-going – if I was going to get a small dog I’d consider something like a Cavalier King Charles spaniel as I’m not into the yappy toy dog type. They do have associated health problems though like most pure breeds. My friend kept Cavs for years and recently got a Cavachon (Cav x bichon frise) who is an awesome little dog. Poodles are nice dogs too if they’re not spoilt!

I can’t remember if it was in this post or not, but I think you asked about litter training? Most dogs prefer to go outside, because they are essentially clean animals that don’t like making a mess in the area where they eat and sleep – even with your motor home it would be easy to find a grass verge or gutter or something for your dog to use, especially if you trained it to eliminate on command. My parents often take my dog on holiday in their touring caravan (trailer) and she spends her time in the awning (my mum doesn’t want Summer sleeping in the caravan with them) on a long leash on a spike in the ground – when she needs to go she moves as far away as the leash will allow before she does her business.

@Judy: I had a problem with some roses I made and couldn’t keep them from spinning. I ended up gluing them in place and to the beads next to each other. Also, placing the hole off center can help too. It doesn’t have to be off too much to work. So, your design won’t be compromised. Let us know if that works for you.

@Judy: I love my black Lab too! She’s lovely. :)

As for bead flipping, you could try piercing TWO parallel holes – then when you string them they’ll be much more likely to lie the right way round.

@Jocelyn: Thanks, Jocelyn. I looked. I bet they are really adorable, but too many potential health issues.

Cindy or others, do you think it would be possible to make coin bead molds to use for this clay? How would you do it?

My hands can only go so far, and wet, tiny crimping and repitition seem to be the kill factors. Do you think softer clay is needed for the agate if it must be molded?

Love the coin look, and they shine up easily in the Lortone or by hand. Folks who buy them love the substantial chunky feel and weight of the piece. One antied up that she inserted weights in her beads internally so that they mimicked or surpassed the weight of similar stone. She said they automatically sold for more, heavier substance. Hmmmm.

If you set these using strong glue to magnets, you could keep a scarf accented and arranged, or a pocketbook adornment.

@Carlee N: Just what do you use in your tumbler? I’ve heard all sorts of suggestions but since this works for you I’d like to know what you use. I’m thinking of using the grits that I use on rocks. I’m just chicken to try.

@carolyn: I use river rock in my tumbler. I think one of the reasons I am so addicted to the faux agates technique right now, is using the moulds, they come out so smooth initially that it is very easy to get a nice finish. Plus is is another use for scraps which I love!

@Carlee N: Hi Carlee, I couldn’t figure out what kind of pegs you were talking about, but then I did an image search and found mug pegs. Is that what you used? They look like the right shape to make awesome coin bead molds… Well, I guess even if I’m wrong, they should still work the same way! Thanks so much for the cool tip! :D

Hi Cindy,

I just watched a preview of your agate beads, so so cool. Would it be possible to do a video of the ring you made with it. I think it’s really neat.

Thanks in advance.
Deborah E.

@Linda K.: Thanks, Linda, it is good to hear all sides. I would imagine that to litter box or not to litter box depends on what the pup is raised with.

Right now I’m having enough trouble handling me without thinking more about getting a puppy. My health is kicking me around quite a bit. Today has been one for the worst pain in a long while … low pressure system over Lake Tahoe … and bad news from osteoporosis doc had me in tears. This too shall pass. I know the Lord is with me, but His trials and tests are sometimes hard to handle. I’m sure He is working on strengthening me for a reason … for a season.

@carolyn: Well, then you need to slow down and take care of yourself. Did you know that dogs are good medicine?

@Phaedrakat: OK, I’m a bad girl!

@Tanya L: Thank you so much, Tanya. I am in need of a great deal of prayer. I’m going through a rather rough period in my life and feel so helpless and so overwhelmed by life and its problems. How I miss my dear husband. I guess I never realized how many problems he just quietly solved without my knowing there even was a problem. He was very talented … there never was anything that he couldn’t fix … at least not that I know of. To those of you who have spouses, enjoy and appreciate each moment that you have together. I did, but our time was just too short … we only had 43 years together. Now my health, my house, and my motorhome all have problems … some fixable and others will just take time and creativity and lots of prayer. My goodness, I did get kind of carried away, didn’t I. I do want to thank all of you who have and continue to prayer for me. Please don’t stop.

@carolyn: I feel for you sweetie. Tanya’s right, there is no reason to feel like you’re getting carried away, when you’re reaching out to us for support. It will take time and readjusting to figure out your new life. It has only been a year. Take a moment at a time. A project at a time and a task at a time. Maybe sit down and make a plan for yourself. What you want from your life. What you don’t want and how things fit into it. It will all come together once you decide what you want and what you need. We are all here for you. You are going to be OK.

Carolyn, you just hang in there and everything will work out for the best. Felt like you twice in my life, the first time after divorcing a cheating spouse, and the second, when give the permanent and total pain disability diagnosis.

Felt like I was walking around in a fog both times. Faith helps, pulled back in some of the devote Roman Catholic training. Grace, dignity, kindness, all that stuff.

Eventually, the issues fall from you like concrete blocks, and you are free and reborn. Getting to that point tests you.

You will though. Putting my money on you as a winner. And a soon to be great polymer clay artist…..

Hi Gerri – I noticed that you are not subscribed at my Polymer Clay Tutor Video Library to receive the weekly video classes/assistance each Friday. If you are interested in more info about this option, follow the link by my name. It will take you to a comment that outlines both the free resources available here, as well as the (very reasonably priced :-) paid content. Hope this helps, ~Cindy

You probably did it right Justine. All Translucent clays can darken a bit. Regular Premo Translucent tends to go a little yellow and Sculpey Translucent can go a slight brownish color, especially if it gets too hot. Premo White Translucent formally known as Frost and Fimo Classic Translucent, tend not to darken as much and stay whiter. Tenting with cardstock can also help. (Type ‘tenting’ into the search box at the top of the page to learn more about that.) Even if the clay darkens a bit, it is still pretty for faux stones like these, so don’t worry. Glad you are having fun. Love hearing from you!