Vid #147: “My
friend at work
keeps suggesting that I
try making buttons and cufflinks.” ~Susan-B
Buttons are one of those things you can never have too many of. In fact, they are often collected and passed on from generation to generation. My mom has already given me several jars of buttons that her mom left for her.
Besides their obvious use in sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting, buttons can also can be added to scrapbook pages, and even worked into jewelry designs.
With polymer clay, you can make your own custom buttons in an unlimited variety of styles to suit any creative project you happen to be working on.
Listed below are some of the many “Tutorial Yes Votes” that were originally posted at this article: Making Polymer Clay Buttons for Sewing, Knitting and Scrapbooking
My friend at work, with whom I share an office, keeps suggesting that I try making buttons and cufflinks with the small disk beads that I use for necklaces. So a tutorial from you on buttons would be simply wonderful! My vote is “YES”! ~Susan-B
Buttons? Yes! It’s one of the items on my to-do list. I’d love a video. ~Rose-M
Oh, me too for the tut!! On a related note I would love to hear about people’s experiences selling at bead (and button) shows. I placed my beads at a church bazaar late last year and they sold well. I also sold some (on consignment) in a shop here in El Paso with good results. I am now thinking of doing a larger (and expensive) bead show later this year. It makes sense to me that pc beads ought to sell like hotcakes, being so beautifully unique and different from the usual bead show fare, but then I wonder if people would be willing to pay for their worth. (Cindy, knowing that people offer single buttons for $38 is encouraging). Anyway, any and all advice, feedback, recommendations would be most appreciated. As I am jewelry design challenged, bead shows make more sense for me. Thank you. ~Elizabeth-S
I’ve always loved sorting through button collections. Count me in, I’d love to see how these are made. I’ve been curious, but wasn’t sure how or if the buttons would hold up strength-wise. $38 for a button, wow! ~DJ
Hi Cindy and all, I have made buttons before, some flowers and some with a crystal in the centre. I was very pleased with the results, although matching the colour with shop buttons was a problem. I only used them on hand wash garments. How good if we could use them in the washing machine I don’t see why not on a cool wash. I vote yes please for a video tutorial. ~Ritzs
I vote yes on buttons… Looks pretty interesting to me!
~Lisa-W
I recently approached local shops about selling my jewelry. Their initial concern was they already sell so much jewelry; yes indeed it all looks alike. After seeing what I made they decided this was A LOT different and want in in their store. I want to continue exploring other projects to expand my offerings. Button sounds like a great idea. ~Anna-S
Wow! I just recently turned my interest to buttons and have made a few sets now. I would love pointers on making buttons and I’m going to have to try out these buttons that I have already made for durability. ~Melinda-H
Yes, please, a tut on buttons. I’ve also been wondering how sturdy polyclay buttons would be. ~Linda-K
YES, YES… I am also interested in this Tut. Greetings from Germany. ~Janine-K
You get a big YES from me, Cindy. You might even throw in how you made the button card! Presentation seems to be everything in the sales game. ~Carolyn-F
WOW! I was just thinking about making some buttons! This sounds awesome! I know there is quite an interest in custom made buttons. Can’t wait!! ~Catalina
With such a clear ‘Yes’ vote, I am happy to say that the Polymer Clay Buttons Tutorial has now been filmed and will be available in the Polymer Clay Library (Vol-022-2) on Friday March 12th, 2010.
Supplies & Tools: Video-022-2: Polymer Clay Buttons:
- Strong Polymer Clay. I used Premo but you could also use Fimo or Kato.
- Polymer Clay Canes (optional). I used a striped cane in the video but also show examples of buttons made with kaleidoscope canes.
- Pasta Machine.
- Small Shape Cutters. I used some Makin’s Cutters.
- Parchment Paper (optional).
- Glad Cling Wrap.
- Piercing Tool.
- Small two hole or four hole button.
- Sanding and Buffing Supplies.
The full version of the Vid-022-2 “Polymer Clay Buttons” Video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday March 12, 2010. 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.
Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “Polymer Clay Buttons” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-022 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Hi Cindy: I watch your videos with interest, because, even though I may have tried a particular technique before, you always seem to give a fresh approach to ideas I have seen before. You continually inspire me again, and again.
~Carol-C
Dear Cindy, just watched the video – so easy and so impressive – so many techniques now to try and not enough hours in the day! Imagine our repertoire after a a few years of your lessons – I don’t think there is anywhere else where you can get this ongoing tuition in polymer clay. I do believe it will have a big influence in raising the artistic status of polymer clay in the community. Cheers. ~Cara-L
Cindy, that video was great… I feel sorry for the people who don’t subscribe to your website. They are really missing out. ~Bonnie-K
The following topics are included in this week’s “Polymer Clay Buttons” video tutorial:
- See examples of several different buttons in a variety of patterns and shapes.
- Discussion of the types of clay needed to make strong, durable buttons.
- Learn a simple trick for getting beautiful beveled edges on your buttons.
- Tips on how to get the perfect placement and sized holes for your handmade buttons.
- Find out just how easy it really is to make professional looking buttons.
- I will also show you a great way to display, protect and keep your buttons organized on cards.
The full version of the “Polymer Clay Buttons” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-022 Back Issue Package.
I love these buttons! I have to admit, I wasn’t a firm YES on having a tut for these. I thought they’d be too easy — “cut a shape, poke a couple of holes, done.” But after reading your article, and seeing the preview video, I realize that there’s more to it. You’re providing important know-how so we can create a sturdy, durable product. I’m really excited about this video now — great job on making all these cute examples, too, including the adorable hearts at the top! And the presentation cards are the icing~
Cindy, these buttons are beautiful and I can’t wait to add this skill to my world of possibilities. Thank you so much for continuing to help us grow creatively.
I love, love, love the cards you display your buttons on. I’m always looking for easy, attractive ways to present my work. I don’t sell much as I don’t like to make multiples, but when I do sell something, I always want to present it well & usually with a little something extra. I’m looking forward to making some buttons – I especially like the striped ones, so guess I need to make some canes.
I have been making some felt brooches for people recently decorated with tiny shop bought buttons. I am already dreaming of the possibilities of making my own far more interesting buttons.
Oh, I’m feeling like Lucy in the chocolate factory–how’s that for an old TV reference! I want to do everything Cindy teaches us and the ideas of all the things I want to make are jumping around in my head. I can’t keep up!!! I have never been so creative before in my life and I thank Cindy for all that inspiration.
I have three grandnieces under the age of 6 and I think it would be very cute to make buttons to decorate matching Tshirts for them. I wish I had known how to make clay buttons when I used to sew my own clothes.
@Cindy–I was asked to do a presentation for my local Arts Guild next week. They thought I would do another painting presentation, but I decided to do my presentation on polymer clay basics instead. You’ve given me confidence to take this on.
@Linda K.: I’m trying to picture you as Lucy in the chocolate factory, except trying to keep up with the clay, as well as the ideas – funny! (I LOVE Lucy~) Auntie Linda’s T-shirts are going to be adorable, I’ll bet. I also wish I’d known about polymer clay & these buttons back when I used to sew! Good for you — demonstrating polymer & spreading the good word! ;-)
Cindy, you make every single technique look so exciting and such fun and I know this will give me the nudge that I needed to go ahead and make some buttons. My friend, amongst others, will be delighted!
Can’t wait! But I guess I have to. And, yes, buttons do get passed down. I have lots of old buttons but most of them are just pain ones that were used on men’s shirts. I’m sending cindy a photo, though, of a button bracelet that my grandmother made for me over 50 years ago – well maybe 60 but who’s counting! It has meant so much to me that I still have it all this while later. And, not only did I still have it … I was actually able to find it fairly easily!
@carolyn: Ah, what a lovely momento, Carolyn. Love the different style buttons. The underneath showing in the picture looks like it might be an interesting way to put this together.
Is it elastic? Was it crocheted? Very inspirational. The girls may love this idea. May start a new craze in middle school come fall. Thanks for sharing.
@JoyceM: Yes, the bracelet is elastic. It really looks like she took some gold elastic and crocheted it. Then each button is tied on individually. A few buttons have been lost over the years. I’m just so thankful that I have this … such wonderful memories!
@carolyn: Thanks Carolyn, love those memories, so precious. Hope to make some with the granddaughters when they come this summer. Maybe use up some leftover gold or silver elastic from some time ago.
Here is the photo of the button bracelet that Carolyn just emailed to me.
@Carolyn – How wonderful to have such a precious heirloom keepsake from your grandmother – I would cherish something like that too.
I’m so glad to hear that you all are excited about this polymer clay button making tutorial. The enthusiasm that everyone brings to these blog comment threads is so wonderful to see. And Linda-K… that is AWESOME about your upcoming Polymer Clay presentation at your local Arts Guild. You go Girl!
If anyone has other ideas about button displays, storage, presentation, jewelry design, bead and button show selling tips, etc, … please do share your thoughts below. Let’s turn this post and all of your comments, into a must-read, polymer clay button resource that other clayers can come to for inspiration and ideas.
In the past, I’ve used buttons as closures for my bead-woven (stitched) bracelets. I’ve spent too much money on “vintage” buttons at bead stores, when I could have made much more interesting ones with polymer clay! I’ve also made entire bracelets out of buttons, now I can rethink those techniques using PC buttons.
Carolyn, how cool is it to have that bracelet made by your grandmother! That’s amazing – what a treasure!
I’d forgotten – my Grandma’s sewing items (& buttons) are still in storage. I am going to dig them out, since they can be used to make molds, for another type of PC button (as well as for beads or just texture!) Thanks for reminding me, Cindy & Carolyn!
I am so excited for this one. More and more as my mind twirls. I have some dinosaur molds that will make awesome buttons for my youngest grandson and girls well circles, flowers, hearts you know what I mean. I am just like I always am in the middle of the week, on pins and needles. Thank you again Cindy for another Shazam!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m headed out to my studio for some organizing and if up to it later I am going to work with some clay!!! Thank you Lord.
I am so very blessed to be a part of this wonderful adventure we all take with Cindy and Doug every Friday.
Thank you both for this hands on continuous road trip. It is the perfect everyday vacation all PC’ers need.
Uuuuugggggggggs (the painless hug) to all
@Peggy Barnes: I pray that you’re up to claying, Peggy. A painless hug to you!
After I posted my comment about making buttons for my grandnieces’ T-shirts, I remembered a news story I heard a couple of weeks ago. Our girls are 5, 3, and 2 years old.
There are doctors who are condoning changing the shape of hot dogs, because small children can choke on them. What makes them so dangerous is that the diameter of a hot dog is the size of a small child’s windpipe…
So I will be very careful to make the buttons either much bigger or much smaller than a hot dog slice, especially for the 2 and 3 year old. I’ll also be very careful to anchor them well to the T-shirts.
@ Peggy Barnes: I’m joining Phaedracat in praying that you are feeling better.
@Carolyn: What a wonderful heirloom you have in that bracelet!
@ Phaedracat: Yes, I’ll definitely be telling my audience about Cindy and her wonderful videos. I’m feeling a little less “Lucy” tonight because I was able to test out my computer with the library’s projector this afternoon. I’ve made a PowerPoint slide show which will help me remember what I want to say. Now that I know it works, I can relax.
@Linda K.: Hi Linda, I wasn’t just meaning Cindy’s “word” but also spreading the knowledge of polymer clay in general. This wonderful medium we all love is still not very well-known, especially as an art form! Anyway, I’m glad you’re all ready to go with a working PowerPoint. Now you can take a deep breath, relax, and do us proud! You’re gonna be great :-D
Thanks for reminding us about taking care when we make things for the little ones. What an unimaginable horror to make a cute PC button & have a toddler choke on it! Makes me glad my nieces & nephews are past that “putting things in their mouth” stage.
AWESOME TUTE – I can not wait to make some buttons. All of my younger grandchildren love making T-shirts with paint stamps. Some homemade PC buttons are just what they need to top them off. Next time kids are over I think we will be making buttons to put on our shirts. Thank you Cindy you are fantastic and Doug too!!
Uuuuuggggggs to all, Peggy
Thanks, Cindy! Now I’ll have to make lots of buttons in all sorts of colors and sizes for those button bracelets. Besides the bracelets, I do have a Q about your button cards … do you just use one sheet of cardstock? … how do you do the edges? Sorry, guess that’s 2 Qs.
@carolyn: Hi Carolyn, I just woke up early – still haven’t seen the video. What am I waiting for? I just saw your question, though, and I remembered I’ve seen her post about her cards before. This shows how she does her Earring Display cards on heavy cardstock. I imagine she does the button ones about the same way. She applies ink on the edges. She also has a post about her cool hang tags for jewelry.
Off to see the video! TGIF!
I want to thank everyone for your prayers it has helped God Bless all of you for all your kind words. I have been in my studio a couple times now. Still no clay work I had some items to put away and reorganize then the next thing I know I am re-doing my whole PC corner. Silly me. But I intend to get some clay fun in The next couple of days. Watch out clay here I come ready, willing and thank God very much able.
SPECIAL UUUUGGGGGS TO ALL CLAYERS
@Peggy Barnes: Peggy, so wonderful to hear you are feeling better. Prayers are so powerful, now for the “Thank Yous”. Happy claying….
Joyce M
Hi Cindy. Again’ another great tut…… I Love Fridays!!!!!
I think this is my favorite video – nice & simple but full of possibilities for making polymer clay buttons.
Did you guys have trouble opening the button tut? I can’t get it to open.
The button tut opened just fine for me about 5 minutes ago. This is a wonderfully simple tut which is choc-a-bloc full of helpful hints. The buttons look great on your presentation cards! I have always held the drill bits in my fingers or with a pair of pliers and liked the look of your drill-bit holder. Could you possibly tell me if it has a specific name or the make because I would love to get one? Many thanks once again….I LOVE Fridays even more than I used to!!
@Susan B: An alternative to buying a drill bit holder is making your own. Cindy has an article that shows how to make your own Polymer Clay Drill Bit Handles, as well as a video. I have a pin vise I was using for my drill bits, but I hated having to change them out each time. It’s so much easier now to just reach for the correct size baked into its own holder. You can make them long or short, depending on how you like to hold them.
Hi Cindy and all, I love the button tut.Thanks for the inspiring ideas you bring us Cindy
Great idea to keep them on a card as easier to find that way or to sell.
I must make some as pressies for my patchworking friends, as I can see how they would love them, and what a great thing not having to buy buttons again.
I don’t really use many buttons but i am going to find uses for them just for the fun of it.
Peggy hope you are able to get going n your poly claying soon, and a big hug to everyone else. bye
E XXX
Another wonderful tut!! Cindy, I love how you continuously reinvent and expand on the uses for this wonderful medium. I have said it before, but I am growing artistically more than I could have previously imagined and I thank you so much for that. What a fun day I am about to have making polymer clay buttons.
Kat, I was wondering about the cards, too. Thanks for the link. The display cards look so professonal and finished.
Peggy, it sounds like you are on the comeback trail and I couldn’t be happier for you. (A painless hug from me, too).
I finally got the tut to open. It’s great. I made 200 buttons in February for our clay guilds swap and I made some glow in the dark butterflies and put them on some pieces that I used a texture sheet on. I didn’t think I would ever want to make more buttons after that but now Cindy’s got me thinking about buttons again.
Someone asked about the drill bit holder. Ace Hardware sells little drill bits that have what looks like a handle on it that are made for quick change drills. I bought a whole set and they are wonderful for reaming beads and buttons. If you would like a picture of what I am talking about let me know and I’ll send you an email with the picture.
@Bonnie
I asked about the drill bit holder and it would be great if you could send me a picture. Any idea how I can send you my email without it appearing here? Can I contact you directly through your blog (which is lots of fun by the way!)?
Give me 10 minutes and I’ll post a picture of those things on my blog for you and I made some little ones with clay for handles with teeny tiny drill bits in them. I’ll take a picture of those also.
@Bonnie: Bonnie, thanks so much for posting those pictures. I was also interested and checked at my Ace Hardware. Not in stock at the moment but expected within the week.
I’ll have to get handles on my mini set. Love your blog. You have such beautiful items. Thanks again. So everyone, do stop by and visit Bonnie.
@Bonnie
Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing the pictures soon.
@Kat
Great idea I will take a look at this too!
Susan B, I put the pictures up on the blog for you of the drill bits I was talking about. You will love them because you don’t have to keep changing bits in a vise.
@Bonnie: Bonnie, those are cool-looking drill bits, alright! And the ones you made handles for are very pretty, love the smooth metallic clay you chose. It’s no wonder your clay-mates try to run off with them!
Bonnie I took a look and this is just great — what wonderfully useful tools! I will definitely have a go at making my own handles for the tiny drill bits that I use most often and look into the drill bits from Ace Hardware. Thank you so much for showing me these.
Susan,once you get them and make some, you will wonder how you ever lived without them. I’m having a clay day at my house today with 3 of my friends and they are always trying to confiscate my tools. Another thing I did was buy some quilting needles (which are really long and heavier) and made polymer clay handles for those and they make wonderful carving tools and bead reamers. They also work good when you spill 100,000 no hole beads in your clay pieces and have to dig them out :0).
Cindy,
FYI
The problem (in your ‘button’ video) with the base you were working on slipping and sliding around. I have found if I put a square of ‘non skid shelf covering’ under it, you won’t have that problem and your work base will be stable.
Great Video by they way… loved the button tutorial.
Once again, Cindy, I started yapping before I complimented you on your extremely wonderful video! Besides enjoying your perfect teaching method, I love all the little buttons you’ve made, too. So very cute & creative. I had a question about the thing you used to poke the initial holes—is that from the Etch & Pearl set (Studio by Sculpey?) I’ve been wondering about the ‘pearl’ ends of this set. Do they work, like making a nice rounded shape on a sheet of clay?
Anyway, I now have ideas rolling around my head, not only for jewelry, but also for home items like the Joan D’s pillows. I’m going to spruce up my Mom’s bedroom & kitchen. Her ‘plain’ curtains would benefit from some pretty tie-backs using some slightly bigger/thicker PC buttons. I’ve got the perfect idea for her decor. I’ll have to send some pictures when I’ve finished…
Her kitchen needs hangable dish towels (from oven door, fridge door, drawer pull, etc.; I’m going to sew fabric to the tops of a few of them, in a fold-over shape with a you-know-what kind of button. My mom will be so happy, she hates to decorate, but loves when someone surprises her with decorative items. I’ve got even more items in mind, as well.
Dang it, Cindy! I’ve had my sewing machine safely packed away for years so that I would not be called upon to make every Halloween costume or ‘special blouse’ repair. Right before I packed it away (before my surgery,) I taught my sister to sew, & got her a new sewing machine. She’s been the family seamstress since I’ve been down. But now, I feel compelled to dig mine out, so I can make these decorative items. Along with the beautiful PC buttons you taught us to make, of course. You are TOO inspirational, Cindy! I’ve got so many projects I want to do—where to begin? Oh, poor me, my creativity overfloweth… ;~o
@ Cindy: Great button tut with some excellent tips! I might just have to start sewing again!
@ Maria: Oh, yes, LOL. My husband says that I “hoard” my jewelry. I’m solving this problem by making two…one for me, one for sale. This is working out really well for me because I wear/model my jewelry whenever I go out. As I get compliments on my jewelry, I explain that it’s my design and it’s for sale (or I have a duplicate for sale). I’m starting to get orders this way.
This also works out because I usually am not satisfied with my first try. So I keep the prototype and know what mistakes to avoid the next time I make it.
Of course, this doesn’t work with One-of-a-kind
Thank you Cindy and Doug. The buttons are made even more special by sewing them on the cards. I would love some further discussion about displaying your wares tastefully for a sale. (I know you did talk about this before). I have some ideas, but somehow in the rush to get the items finished, I neglect the presentation portion of it – I’m just so glad to get the pieces done on time! :) Too late for me this weekend but would be nice for next time.
Also throwing this out for discussion: does anyone else have my problem? You work hard for a sale on jewelry and fall in love with some of your pieces. Then you can’t bear to part with them and hope they aren’t sold – kind of defeats the purpose of trying to sell, eh?
@Maria: I have a HUGE problem with this. I tend to undercharge for my work, first of all. Then I can’t bear to let it go, since I spent so much time on it and poured my heart into it. Maybe upping the price tag a bit will help, so you’re getting a really good financial incentive to part with the creation you love.
@Maria: Some pieces I just won’t sell … like the green and gold filled dichroic pendant on my blog. Most of my pieces are photographed since I post them on my website. At least that way, when they are sold, I still have the picture.
@Maria: I know just how you feel about not being able to part with some of the pieces I have made and in fact, I have kept several for myself! I do find, however, that seeing my necklaces being worn by my friends and colleagues at work is VERY satisfying so perhaps the trick is just to sell to people you are going to see a lot of!! (Not very sound business advice I know!!)
@Susan B: I love to see people wearing my pieces. The sense of pride is like, almost like “it’s my baby!” I also have to bite my tongue if I see that someone isn’t caring for my jewelry properly, even after they’ve already purchased it! (My sister is really bad about this—leaving bracelets laying around where they can get knocked to the floor & stepped on, or losing one of a pair of earrings I spent hours sanding & polishing!)
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels so “connected” to her jewelry!
@Linda: I hoard my stuff, too. I admit it. Making duplicates is a great idea! And of course, wearing your jewelry is fantastic advertising…
@Loretta: Your purses sound lovely. Matching polymer buttons are going to add even more to your design! Do you have any of your bags on your blog? I’d love to see one…
Hi Cindy, Love, Love, Love the this video. One question. Can these buttons be put on a shirt and put in the washing machine? Look so forward to Fridays when your new videos come out. Keep them coming.
I love the button tut, Cindy. I make knitted purses out of batik cotton, and I usually buy very large buttons as closures. How fun to be able to make any size I need and to coordinate them with the purse. Thanks for sharing your talents.
I Noticed that Cindy had an army looking pattern. I would love to know how to do that one.. My son enlaw is over sea’s right now. The colors are of sand though not green.
@Brenda: Yeah, desert khaki would be cool, too, wouldn’t it?
@Everyone: Thank you SO MUCH for the great feedback in this thread! Your enthusiasm is contagious!
@Louise Traylor: Thanks for the tip. Great idea!
@Phaedrakat: Yes that is an etch and pearl. I really like the tool. You can get some neat effects with it. I used it in my Poppy Bead Tutorial.
@Bonnie: The drill bit idea is fab! Thanks for sharing!
@Maria: I just used card stock for the button cards. I’ll have to talk more about ideas like this in future posts. I too often have trouble “Letting go” of my creations. That is why it is so nice to still have pictures of them here at the blog!
@Marie Schwab: Yes you can use the buttons on a shirt and throw in the washing machine. As long as you make them like I said and don’t use a finish on them. My beads bake for more than an hour, so you know the heat won’t bother them and they often go in the rock tumbler for 12 hours with some pebbles and soapy water, so you know the washer won’t hurt them!
@Brenda: That pattern I used was just a Kaleidoscope cane that ended up looking like camo when it was cut out. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to make a camo cane though. Bet there are a lot of people with family in the military that would like special beads from home.
@Brenda: While I haven’t seen or attempted to make a camouflage cane, I stumbled across a tutorial for putting a camouflage pattern on a bead or surface at Parole de Pate a little while ago.
The link to the original article at the Paroledepate web site.
Where are you guys selling at? I would love to start selling. I have sold a a few pieces to my clients (I am a CC Director) I also had a nurse come buy from the Dr.s office and purchase $60. worth. My first big sale :) I would love to be able to open shop somewhere. I have so much invested in this I would love to get my moneys worth and some back out of it. Even better; being able to retire from CC would be great!!!!
@Brenda: Hi Brenda, a lot of the ladies have websites, blogs, etsy shops, etc. where they sell their jewelry. I only sell to family, friends, or have them sell things for me.
Congratulations on your first big sale! It’s so cool the first time that you realize someone really VALUES your work. #1 rule is to always wear your stuff, that way people see it and often want to buy it right off of you! Also, if you’re allowed, keep some displayed at your work, as well. Some people try selling at craft shows/fairs, to see how their stuff sells to make sure they’re on the right track with their designs.
Someone, help Brenda with her jewelry selling ideas!
Phaedrakat
yes, I do have a couple of links to some of my shag knitted purses. This one doesn’t include a button:
designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/2009/12/red-black-shag-purse.html
This one does:
designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/2009/11/hand-knitted-purse.html
Button is about 2 1/4″ at the widest, so this should be fun to create out of polymer.
@Loretta: Your purses are lovely! I love the ‘shag’ look, really fun! Not that they need anything extra (they’re gorgeous!) but adding a matching polymer button will be fun, too. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Joyce, thanks for the comments about my blog. When you said everyone should stop by, did you mean the blog or my house? I’ll have to make sure the maid comes if you guys are coming over :0). The maid has been doing so much clay she doesn’t have time to clean the house, tee hee hee.
@Bonnie:OMgosh, Bonnie, what mischief leaving an important word could create. Blog, blog, blog, ladies. However, in case someone slips through, have the “maid” close the curtains/drapes, douse the lights and light the candles, a lady named Rita, in a time management sit com several years ago said it creates atmosphere and noone will be the wiser. Happy claying. lol.
Thank you ladies for the info.. “camouflage cane ” I will check that out. I just set up a site to sell. I just ordered some busts and a bracelet holder. I am going to try and attempt to have a jewelry party at my sister en-laws house.. When I do, I will let you know how it goes. I found out that in order to sell at the art show I need a peddlers lic :( I guess the city wants there part as always.
@Brenda: Bummer, someone always wants their cut, don’t they? Good luck with your jewelry party; hopefully your SIL doesn’t want a cut? (Maybe a hostess gift?)
That camouflage technique is interesting, you just take your three colors of thin clay snakes, and braid them together. Then you wind the braid around a bead, pendant, etc. Finally, you roll it in your hands, or use a tool to “smoosh” the braid. It ends up looking like a camo-pattern. I’ll bet that technique was born from an accident gone GOOD. Regardless – smart idea!
@Phaedrakat: Thanks for that tip… I can vision that working for the camo cane.. Smart Idea indeed :)
I am sure sil will want something.
I wanted to update on the camo-cane. It turned out awesome. I will send Cindy a picture when I finish this piece for my daughter. Thanks..
@Brenda: Did someone post the instructions to that? I can’t remember. Is it the one where you braid the clay and then roll it out?
Can’t wait to see your pictures.
Never mind, I see where Phaedrakat explained it but is there a website where it shows that or a book?
I added the link to my name..
@Brenda: Thank you so much, what a difference a picture makes. Did you look on the Desiree McCrory sight? She does a cane like that but a big one. I don’t know how you added the link to your name but that was cool. You must be a computer guru.
I did mine like the Kaleidoscope Cane. That way the pattern got bigger.
@Brenda: That sounds neat, did you send pictures? I would like to see it.
@Bonnie & Brenda: Hi guys! I just want to make sure Sue F. gets the credit for providing the original link to the camo technique–in this comment.
Sometimes I feel too lazy to copy/paste links into my browser. Thinking others might feel the same way, I decided to quickly summarize the technique (a fairly simple method.) I thought if it sounded interesting, someone could then go to the website to see the pictures. Anyway, I was just trying to help–not steal Sue’s idea! Just wanted to be clear on that…
Brenda, I’d love to see your cane, too! I hope you’ll send pictures.
Bonnie, I’m jealous of your Arizona Clay Day! How fun would that be to clay with friends? I’ve got to find some kind of guild or group of “polymer people” to join in my area. (Riverside, CA)
Have fun, ladies!
@Kat: In the back of the Polymer Cafe is a list of all clay guild in the USA and some International. I know the South Bay Polymer Clay has a bunch of well known artists that belong to that. Are you close to San Diego, there is one there too. Actually, my friends that I do clay with live in the retirement community here and the four of us just happen to get along really well. We share a lot which is a great education for all of us.
@Bonnie: That’s wonderful that you’re able to enjoy claying with your friends. Sharing ideas & helping each other sounds fantastic, you are fortunate to have that. I honestly don’t know anyone even familiar with polymer clay! Thank goodness for Cindy & all of you!
Thanks for the info–I checked my magazine, as well as the South Bay PCG website. San Jose is too far (I can’t travel with my back,) but you’re right about the exciting artists! Wow, how fun would that be? There are several Calif guilds, but they’re all at least 2 hours away (San Diego, LA, Orange County.) Still, if there was a big event, I could figure out a way to go. I could stay in a hotel room or something, so I could rest & not have to travel the same day. I think I’ll do some investigating. Perhaps one of these guilds knows people in my area looking for members to join a new group. Thanks again!
@Kat: What is wrong with your back? Let me know if you find a guild.
@Bonnie: “Where do I start” I have Hemangiolam Tumors on the T2- T10 Tspine, DDD in the L5/S1, Bulging in the L4/L5, Bone Spurs L5/S1, A Tarlov Cyst in the S2 and perm nerve damage that causes be a great deal of pain in my righ leg. On top of that I found out that I have chronic arthritis in my right knee. So I hurt like all the time. I am on pain management. I just had surgery in Nov. Hysta :) So I am almost recovered from that. I would retire, but you know how that goes..
@Brenda: You poor baby. Boy oh boy is all I can say. Back pain is the worst, it’s great that you can still do clay. I give you a lot of credit. Where do you live? Do they have great medical services there? Did the hysta help?
@Bonnie:* Laughs* Yes’ back in 08 I went under a Dr.s care. The pain was so bad back then that I couldn’t hardly walk. But now I can get around. I Got put on Arthritis Meds because my ankles where swelling really big. Yes’ the hysta was the best thing I ever did. I am only 42 but feel 80 at times. I hate it.
Ok” I added a link to all of my pendants. In there you will see one made out of the Camo-Cane :) Let me know what you all think :)
@Brenda: Wowsa! Gorgeous pendants, beautifully wire-wrapped! I can’t decide on a favorite; they’re all awesome! You didn’t use the braid method for the camo though, right? How’d you do it? Turned out great (with perfect colors…) I have a feeling your jewelry party will turn out well~
@Kat: Thanks Kat. Yes’ I used my son in-laws uniform to define the colors. I did braid them, but did not do the same as on the other site. I made a cane then took slices. I just sold three more tonight after posting this set. They will be in the mail tomorrow. My Daughter sent a link out to all the military wives. She is taking orders for me. hehehehe……… I am tickled pink.
@Brenda: So you did the braid thing, and then put several lengths of braids together in a cane? Is that how you did it? It turned out fabulous! I can see how that would go over so well with the military wives. I was in the Air Force. I would have loved some camo jewelry for when I was off duty. (I wish I had known about jewelry making & polymer clay back then.)
I fell in love with your other pendants, too. I like that they’re big (at least they looked good-sized, sometimes it’s hard to tell from a pic.) Congratulations on the sales/orders. Hopefully no one can take their “cut” out of these? ; D
@Brenda: Your pendants are beautiful and I love the wire wrapping.
I love your camo pendant. I live near Luke Air Force Base and I should make some for the wives over there.
Yes, I braided then sliced in halve, put that together then sliced again and put that together. Like the Kaleidoscope cane. As far as the colors *LOL I just kept mixing until I got what I needed. I Love it as well. The pendant sizes are as big as a silver dollar or smaller. I used a tiny Bust for the photo shoot to enhance the pendant. It also gives the buyer an Idea of what it might look like on. ;) I”ve been doing some reading & learning.
NEW PHOTOS ADDED:
Hello to Everyone,
Some new Spotlight project pictures that relate to the topic of this page (Polymer Clay Buttons), 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
NEW PHOTOS JUST ADDED:
Hello to Everyone,
Some new Spotlight project pictures that relate to the topic of this page (Polymer Clay Kaleidoscope Buttons), have just been added in another post. They were submitted by Carole Holt. 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
One trick you reveal in this video has totally enhanced my claying, both enjoyment and skill wise.
The cut through the cling wrap is the BEST ever. The whole sequence of setting the clay on paper, cutting, then removing is so easy using this approach. Cannot say how many I fumbled due to wrong set up, but, I sure want them all back now.
@Jocelyn: LOL! I know, Cindy’s nifty “time & effort-saving tips” leave a person going, “Darn, I wish___” (and fill in the blank, something to do with wasted time or effort in the past!) Cindy not only knows how to figure out the best method for accomplishing tasks, but she also knows how to explain the steps so well. The woman is just GOOD.
So since my baby is coming very very soon, my mom came to Alaska from NY and she’s been knitting non-stop. She offered to put some buttons on her creations and then I thought to myself, “why not make some because I just watched Cindy’s video”. :) They came out pretty neat (for a first set anyway) :) I’m very excited about this. Thought I’d share.
@Rada – How exciting. Is this your first baby? I love Alaska – have been there a few times and may try motorhoming up there one of these years. Anyway, could you possibly photo the buttons for the baby’s ‘wardrobe’ and share them on Cindy’s Facebook? facebook.com/polymerclay?v=wall
@Rada, Congratulations on both counts, the new baby coming and the accomplishment of making the buttons to make these item even more memorable one day. Remembering the items I’ve made and are in storage for my granddaughters when they are ready to claim them….happy trails ahead….
Thank you Carolyn and Joyce. Yes, it’s my first baby, I’m so happy that I can do something hand-made for her, as I never thought of myself as a “crafty” kind of gal hehe. Cindy does make it easy. I will go ahead and post the pix on facebook.
@Rada: Rada, saw your pictures…your baby’s beautiful! And the buttons turned out wonderful, making the cutest knitwear. You’re doing great…congratulations again! :D
BTW, I’m so happy that the “reply” button is working again. It took me awhile to notice, as I’d missed Cindy’s announcement. So I’m mentioning it here, just in case. Poor Cindy & Doug…that certainly put them out. Thank goodness it’s over now — Yay!
Hi Cindy… I had the most amazing experience last night… met a lady that has subscribed to your videos and makes the most beautiful buttons. She sews them on handmade felted wool mittens that her daughter makes. She gave me your name and I watched the 3 free videos. I have been a scrapbooker, card maker, paper bead maker and am now looking to learn another craft. I am a mother of 8 grown children and didn’t start crafting until a few years ago… I am 69 yrs. old and love to make beautiful things. I do need to have instruction A-Z as I learn differently than most. I am thinking about subscribing to your videos for $37 but not sure how to go about it. Money is a definite issue (I should say a “lack of it”) so I will have to go about this new venture slowly. Maybe after viewing all the videos I will have a better idea if this is for me. Thanks for the opportunity to learn about polymer clay.
Wonderful to hear from Jan,
The $37 beginners course is definitely the place to start if you have not yet done anything with polymer clay. The 39 videos will provide you with a ton of cost-saving advice all in one place, about what tools and supplies to start out with. The course will also help you to avoid making common “trial & error” mistakes that can get expensive if you decide to learn everything on your own… not to mention the frustrations when your pieces don’t turn out quite like you were hoping they would.
If you have time, take a look at some of the course feedback comments posted at this link:
What Others Are Saying About the Polymer Clay Tutor Beginners Course
And here is the link where you can purchase the course if you feel it is right for you:
Polymer Clay Tutor Beginners Course
I look forward to getting to know you better.
~Cindy
I am so aggravated! Whenever I attempt to make a piece that is thin it turns brittle and breaks. I’m careful about temperatures and time but can not make anything like a button. HELP please!
What kind of clay are you using? I had the same problem when I first started working with polymer clay. I tried to make golf markers–they’re about the size of a US quarter–with Sculpey clay. They were brittle and broke before I could even use them. Premo is a much better choice. If you used Premo, did you condition it completely?
Thank you Linda for coming in to help! It is very much appreciated! <3