Vid #135: “Oh Yeah! The more of a project I can do without going to the store for something, the better.” ~Ken-H
It’s pretty much a given that when you make your own polymer clay beads and pendants, that you’ll also want to create finished jewelry pieces with them at some point. And in order to make polymer clay jewelry, you will need to have some jewelry findings.
But findings can be expensive. And sometimes it’s hard to source them in the size or metal color that you want for a particular jewelry project.
That is why it is so nice to be able to make some of your findings right there at your work table…. in the exact size and color that you want… for just the cost of a few pennies each.
So coming up on Friday December 11th in the polymer clay library (Volume-019-2), I will be teaching you how to make your own versatile wire cord ends in the weekly members tutorial video.
Would really love to learn how to make the cord ends. They are so expensive to purchase and sometimes even hard to find in the color of wire you want. I am very interested in any jewelry findings you could help me with. That is an area I will take all the help I can get. Cindy as far as I am concerned anything you want to teach will be more than worth learning. I don’t think that talented imagination of yours knows how to come up with something people wouldn’t love to learn. Count me in YOU TEACH AND I WILL TRY MY BEST TO LEARN IT!!!!!!!! ~Peggy-B
Please please please do a tutorial on cord ends! I have 4 sons and they all love surf bracelets just like you have shown. I would love the opportunity to make something for them and this is the only jewellery item that they would wear. It is getting very hot here (Australia) and surf bracelets made with polymer clay and embellished with Bali silver beads would be the perfect gifts at Christmas! Look forward to the tutorial. ~Cara-L
Yes please, a video!! … Now off to Home Depot for some copper wire :) ~Lisa-W
I too would like a vid. As much as I love your clay videos, I also would like help in the areas of jewelry findings and design. ~Carrie-W
I know how to make wire cord ends however I think you should do a tutorial on it so everyone knows. I find it an invaluable thing to know! ~Melinda-H
Amassing so many beads that I’m really going to have to brush up on my jewellery making skills … Must admit to be struggling with all the different types of cording, cord ends and clasps and which wire goes with which. ~Polyanya
My biggest problem is figuring out how to put beads together in a finished project which is why I end up with “more beads and more beads and more beads”, they seem to multiply-Who new!!! ~Anna-S
Supplies List: Video-019-2: Wire Cord Ends:
General:
- Wire in the metal of your choice (19 – 21 gauge). In the video I show examples of Copper, Brass and Steel wire sourced from a hardware store. They are rated as half hard even though it does not say so on the hardware store packaging. If you are buying wire from a jewelry supplier, make sure the wire is Half Hard and not Dead Soft. Dead Soft will not hold its’ shape for making these wire cord ends.
- Jewelry cord, faux leather strips, ribbon or what ever you are using to make your jewelry projects.
Tools:
- Chain Nose Pliers.
- Flush Cutters.
- Round Mandrel or dowel in same diameter as the jewelry cord you are using. In the video I show a variety options including crochet hooks, mandrels and heavy gauge wire. You can also use small knitting needles, art paint brush handles and BBQ skewers.
The full version of the Vid-019-2 Wire Cord Ends Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday December 11th, 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.
Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the “Wire Cord Ends” 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:
Like I’ve said before so many ideas so little time. Once I purchased the subscription videos and seeing what you get with them, it really was easy to justify going back and acquiring the full set of back issues in the members library. ~Ken-H
The following topics are included in this week’s “Wire Cord Ends” video tutorial:
- See examples of several different cord ends in different sizes and colors of metal.
- Discussion of the type and hardness of wire needed to make these useful findings.
- Demonstration on how to create the cord ends and how to attach them to your jewelry projects.
- Learn how to adjust and fix any mistakes you may make.
- Ideas for how to use the cord ends in completed projects.
The full version of the “Wire Cord Ends” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-019 Back Issue Package.
Friday, please come fast!!!
BTW, I absolutely LOVE seeing the faces of our pc family. More, please. I’m the least techno-savvy human on the planet and I easily managed to navigate my way through the instructions.
Just in time! I was trying to find some cord ends at the bead store last week. They didn’t have anything that would work, plus everything was so expensive. Can’t wait for Friday!
I’m looking forward to this!
I’m excited to see this. Plus, when the video’s available, it means exams are done and I’ll be at home! Knitting needles work very well as mandrels. Haven’t had to buy jump rings since I started making my own (my poor knitting needles… they’re getting used more for jewelry than knitting lately).
Cindy, you must be a mind reader. I have been making golf stroke counters and I can never decide what to end the bottoms of the cords with. I like putting little beads or dangles on them on the wire cord ends would be perfect. I use shoelaces to make my cords but then cut off the plastic ends and there are no wire cord ends that fit on them.
The ones you made in the short video look awesome. You are a genius besides being a mind reader.
Can’t wait until Friday, I’ve got an idea for something for myself just from watching the preview video.
Friday just can’t come quick enough..! :)
~Lisa
Just what I need my local craft shop only stocks one size roll on Friday
Josie.
Had the flu last couple days so hope I feel good enough and can find time to make some of these Friday.
Cindy, Cara L. mentions surf bracelets just like you have shown. Can you direct me so I can go see one of these bracelets. I have 3 teenage grandsons who might like these bracelets also. I don’t remember seeing it before. Also Bonnie mentioned a golf stroke counter. I have golfers in the family but as for myself I will stick with polymer clay thank you. What is it?? Always looking for new gift ideas that I can make myself. Looking forward to your class on Friday. Wait a minute this is how tired I am it is Friday. I better get back to bed so I can get back up and fall in love with your video.
See you in a few hours I hope. Might not have the strength or time to make them right now but I will watch the lesson first chance I get.
Thanks for a great video to come Cindy.
Love the tutorial, Cindy! I always thought that the whole spiral was supposed to be flattened down…no wonder it never looked right!!! Thanks much for explaining this so well :)
Hugs and warm slipper wishes to you!
Cindy E.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I never knew it was so easy! Now I can make those surf bracelets for my sons and their friends also!! God knows I’ve made enough beads over the months and now they will have a purpose. Your tutorial is so clear and easy to follow as usual.
All the best
Cara
To Peggy: the surf bracelets are shown in the bead blog- october 31st. I know it seems strange talking about surf bracelets when Canada is having freezing weather and snow, but here in Australia we are having some of our hottest temperatures recorded for this time of the year and the beach and swimming is the place to be.
all the best
cara
Hi Cindy,
Brilliant video. I’ve been doing wirework for a couple of years but have never run across instructions for cord ends. Had no idea they were so simple to do. Thanks so much. You’re a great teacher.
Thanks Cindy, as usual you are the one that explains things in a way that we can understand. I had a silver jewelry person tell me that you were suppose to crimp the the whole cord end, and it looked terrible. You just saved me a lot of money with this tip. I will be one of your followers for another 20 years. I love using ribbon as well, but could never find a good way to secure it. You solved this for me too. Thanks again, you are the highlight of my Fridays.
Hi Cindy that is an awesome Video, Just seeing how to cut and tuck those wire ends in is so great, and knowing I can make any size and as many as I want is just so inspiring. Will be using this a lot.
But as usual have to find the right size wire, so its off to the H/W store again. Seems I am always in there for something to do with Polyclay, and trying to explain why I want something for a different reason than what they think their products are for. You should have seen the girl there when I pulled out my Makins Extruder for the O rings (tap washers to them! Laugh. It was a case of really LOL Bye and thanks again XXX E.
You showed an interchangeable bead pendant. Did you make this in one of your past videos? If so, which one. If not, how do you make one?
You can also make cones by wrapping the wires around the tapered part of a pen or mechanical pencil or other cone shaped items. I’ve done this to make ends for my wire knit pieces and they come out very nice.
Wow! Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments! I hope you have fun with this tutorial and make lots of great jewelry with it!
@cara: Thank you so much for helping out Peggy by pointing her to the surf bracelet post. That is what I love to see at this blog. You all helping one another!
@Carolyn: I plan on doing a tutorial on the interchangeable pendant in January, so stay tuned for that. Also, thank you for the tip on making cones. That is an excellent idea!
Hi Cindy,
Can you tell me who makes King Chain Wire or HTR wire? My Home Depot doesn’t carry it. Can anyone else in Washington State find it?
Thanks!
This tutorial is the reason I signed up. I like the freedom of being able to make my own findings. The tutorial was very good – I wondered how you’d make it work with ribbon. Thank you.
@JoAnne: I looked on the packaging of the products you are referring to and found a couple of web sites that you could follow up with if you like. They are both large importers that distribute products to large stores like Home Depot, so it is very unlikely you will be to buy from them. But they should be able to give you locations for the retail stores they sell to:
King Chain Wire: Imported from China by mibro.com
HTR Wire: Imported from China by royalinternational.com
@Rose: So glad to hear you liked the wire cord end tutorial. Welcome to the community.
Well the flu still has a hold on me but I finally felt well enough to watch the video and all I can say is WOW Thanks again Cindy you have the technique to take something and explain it in a way everyone can understand. I am so grateful for you and this family we all have here.
The smaller hook on the ribbon I would love to learn how to make it sometime soon. Looks like the hook itself has been doubled somehow??
Also Thank you Cara for the surf bracelet info. Everyone is so kind and also Carolyn the idea for cones is fantastic they can also get costly and the idea to match with the rest of the wire or mix match I can’t wait to get better and back to my jewelry corner.
Cindy as much as I love your videos I hope you will be taking Christmas day off. You and you family so deserve it and I’m sure we can survive thru the withdraw just fine. Maybe instead of a lesson we could all take a few moments to tell you about our favorite lesson of the year or something funny or special that has happened to us with polymer clay. Just a moment to share and be Thankful for the Holiday Season. Just an idea.
Warm thoughts for everyone, Peggy
Thanks Peggy for kind words. In regards to Christmas Day… yes I’ll be taking it off to spend time with my family. And New Years Day too. Both of those days happen to land on a Friday, which as you know, is the day that new videos are typically released at the members library.
BUT… you needn’t worry. I’ll make sure that everyone gets their 4 videos n both December and January. The (non-Friday) schedule changes will be announced here at the blog in advance of the revised tutorial release dates.
PS: I really like your idea of having you guys post comments about your favorite lessons over the past year. Will probably take you up on that idea :-)
I’m glad you liked my idea and double happy you will be taking both Fridays off. Yes I would miss your videos if you skipped them but everyone deserves time off. I don’t think anyone would mind if you didn’t make it up on another day. This is what makes you so good you are so dedicated to all of us you go the extra mile and leave us all with a smile on our face at the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010
Once again THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!!!!!!!
Cindy, Not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question. On the enamel copper wire do you have trouble leaving marks from your tools on the wire? I purchased a liquid coating you can dip your tools in that is suppose to help with this. It says it won’t harm your tools and when you are ready to remove it you can just peel it right off. Do you or anyone else have any experience with this product?? Any help would be dearly appreciated. It might just be my tools. I still use the very first ones I bought and they didn’t cost very much. Could it be I just need some better tools? Also any suggestions on tools what kind, prices etc.
Thanks
Peggy – I have used ‘Tool Magic’ on some of my wire working tools – it is great! Another tip is to use some of that fine grit sand paper and sand the edges of your tools. Always use as light a grip as possible and do not slide your pliers on the coated wires as this might strip off the coating.
Yes, better tools are better but they can get very pricey. A set of Lindstrom tools would run about $160. These are top of the line tools, but you can get a decent set of new pliers for less than $50. If you are going to invest in new pliers, look for ones that have ergonomic handles and be sure to get ones that have some type of spring mechanism.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your sweet comment Peggy! To answer your questions Carolyn is right (thank you for helping Peggy btw!) The tool Magic would help. You can also wrap a little tape around the tips as well to help prevent scratches in your wire. Ritzs’ husband came up with an awesome solution which I linked to by my name. You can try that as well!
I have a set of EuroTools that I am quite pleased with. They were about $8 a piece and are quite well made for the price. The edges are not too sharp either which is not the case for most inexpensive pliers and tools. They line up nicely and are quite strong as well so I really think they were a good deal.
Maybe someday I’ll get some Lindstrom ones, but for now I am fine with the ones I have.
Thank you both for the advice and Cindy I had forgotton about Ritzs’ husbands smart idea. I think I will try these ideas before investing in any other tools.
Much appreciation to the both of you.
Hi Cindy,
I’m a new member, as of a few days ago. I am so impressed with your website, your videos, and your teaching expertise. I’m a fairly new clayer, but have been making jewelry for about 20 years. I was planning to join after the holidays, but when I saw that you had a video on making cord endings, I joined on the spot. You see, I had already made a pendant and strung it on a satin ribbon. I made the adjustable closing out of knots in the ribbon, but when I pulled them to shorten the necklace to the length I wanted, the “tabs” stuck out on both sides of my neck. Your cord endings are SO perfect and so easy! I am now very proud of my first completed piece of polymer clay jewelry.
Linda
WONDERFUL!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this feedback. I love it!!! If you want to send a picture of your “first completed piece of polymer clay Jewelry,” I’d be happy to post it for you here. A close up shot of your cord ends would be great too. Welcome to the library!!! It is great to have you as a member. ~Cindy
ADDED NOTE: Linda did send photos which are posted further down on this page.
I can see the video of this week, but I don’t know if I will remember all of it. Is there a way that I can save it? I’m not able to back issues of the videos.
I just became a member even though I really can’t afford to spend much money since I am on a small Social Security check each month. I think that your videos are great and easily understood. There is so much to absorb on your site, I don’t know if I am really getting to every area. Thank you for your help and for this valuable service.
Hi Dorothy,
Welcome to the library. It’s great to have you as a member! And yes you are correct about there being lots of information to absorb. Here are some tips for you…
All of your member videos are saved in your personal library account at the Polymer Clay Members library Site. The link by my name will take you directly to the library. Simply log in with your username and password (the log in form is at the top of the right sidebar at the members library site), and you will be able to see and watch your videos as often as you like.
The other place to spend some time is here at the blog (that is where you are at right now). There are 100’s of articles and 1000’s of helpful comments for you to learn from… and all of this blog information is free. In other words, there is no log in or password required here at the blog.
Check back daily here at the home page to read the latest posts. And to find archived information, type in keywords using the the search box at the top of the home page.
Hopefully this helps.
Thank you!!
Hi Cindy,
Here are the photos of my cord ends and necklace. Other than the class I took to learn how to cover a pen about 15 years ago, this was my first real polymer clay creation.
One of the knots was too big to pull down into the cord end, but it did not bother me so I didn’t fix it.
I also didn’t really sand and buff this pendant because I stupidly glued the crystals on first and I didn’t want to scratch them.
Linda
@Linda K: Hi Linda K. your necklace is just so beautiful .I love the colours too.
i had not seen it til now ,hence my late reply.
Cindy is so good with her help for a project, and so good to put our efforts in here.
It is always nice to see what others make of the videos. Keep up your nice work, and keep putting the pics in.
Love E.
Thanks for sharing your photos Linda. Wonderful cord ends! They are extremely professional looking. Looks to me like you even gave them a patina with Liver of Sulfur and polished them with a tumbler or something. They look awesome!
And to follow up with our email discussion regarding constructive feedback about your polymer clay work, here are a few pointers. They are meant to be helpful and not to be critical, so hopefully that comes across.
You are right about the sanding being a problem with the crystals. Next time what you can do is push the crystals into the clay without glue, but then pop them out after baking. Then you can sand and buff the piece without scratching them. Krazy glue or Weldbond works to secure the crystals after your finishing work is all done.
I think sanding would make a big difference here to add professionalism to your piece, especially in the black background area. Starting with 320 grit, to 400, to 600, to 800 and the to 1200 and 2000 (if you can find it). Finish off by buffing with a Dremel tool or cloth to make it look like stone or glass. Without this level of finishing, polymer clay can often end up looking “PlayDoh-ee” … which is usually not the look you would see in a high end jewelry boutique.
I’ve actually made many pieces that did not look that great before finishing, but then shined up really nice and professional like, after a bit of elbow grease.
Now I am not a huge fan of twisted rope clay bezels. It is very difficult to get them even. They always seem to look a bit too wonky for my taste. However, I do like your color choices. They tie the overall look of your pendant together nicely.
An alternative to doing a twisted rope bezel is to roll the bezel color in the pasta machine and cut a strip that could be wrapped around the perimeter of your pendant. Care would need to be given where the strips end so that there was no visible join. You could cut the width of the strip just a little wider than the thickness of your pendant, and then sand it even after baking.
One last thing, I think the cording could be a little heavier to visually balance the weight and size of your pendant. Another ribbon could be added or a darker color cord like a black leather or rubber, a section of chain could work or even a steel cable, to give the eye a sense of balance. Lots of room for style preferences here.
Other than those things (which you will get super good at fast btw) I think your design is interesting and colorful and could work very well if it was finished professionally. I also really like the the unusual shape. I think it is a fantastic first attempt and you should be very proud.
I hope that you found my suggestions helpful and constructive. You have great potential and I can see lots of stunning polymer clay pieces in your future.
Wow, Cindy! Thank you so much for the detailed feedback on my necklace. I’ve learned so much from you.
The necklace was one continuous experiment on my part. I found some black craft wire in my stash so that is what I used to make the cord ends. There was no patina and I don’t have a tumbler, although that’s one of the things on my wish list.
I might try to pry those crystals off so that I can sand and polish the pendant and glue them back on later. It’s made from Sculpey III, so I don’t know how shiny it will get from polishing.
I currently have 320, 600, and 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper. I recently realized that I need to move up more gradually to get a proper shine. I do have a Dremel and have made a buffing attachment for it out of an old flannel nightgown.
The bezel was made from my first (failed) attempt at Mokume Gane. I didn’t actually twist it, but after I played with it awhile and rolled it into a snake, that’s how it looked. I have since used my extruder to make a bezel, but your method is so much easier! The blobs that ended up looking sort of like rosebuds after I used the texture sheet were also taken from that same mix of clay.
I agree that the ribbon is too fine for the heavy pendant, but it was what I had. I decided to string some crystals on the ribbon to bring out the crystals on the pendant–I must be crazy because it took me about 2 hours to get 6 of them on there. After all that work, there’s no way I’m not using that ribbon. :) I might add more ribbon to it to balance it off–or maybe I’ll string a strand or two of seed beads. I’ll have to play around and see what looks good.
The shape of the pendant arose from my lack of tools. I didn’t know how to make it symetrical, so I just cut it into five uneven sides. Linda K.
You’re welcome! Thanks for coming back with more details. I totally get the reasoning behind keeping the ribbon after investing all that time getting the crystals on! (I can relate. Done that sort of thing so many times myself I can’t count!)
Love having you around the blog with your positive and supportive voice. I hope that this new year is a fun and creative one for you! :-)
I love being able to make these coil ends, thank you! Is there a tutorial on how to make the hook? If not, I would reaalllly love to see one!
If you are referring to the hammered copper hook, that tutorial is available in the Volume-012 back issue. See link by my name
Sorry Cindy, I was referring to the other hook. ; )
Ok I know which one you mean now Malinda! I’ll add it to the list. :-)
Great! Thanks Cindy. I’m still working on trying to get a lentil bead to swirl, you make everything look so easy!
MalindaJ,
Cindy’s video’s are the best, nothing can replace them. I know her “list” must be getting pretty long, though. If you are in a hurry, there are some written tut’s out there for hook clasps. While most of them look pretty flimsy, I did find one at ravensrings.com that looked similar to the one above. Do a google search for “hook clasp tutorial.” (The one I’m talking about was the first result.)
As an experienced wire artist I am always interested in Cindy’s presentations. She does a wonderful (and valuable) job of teaching and demonstrating. Now, in Vol. 12 – Hammered Copper Wire – there’s a superb clasp tutorial; in Vol. 16 she covers the S-Hook Clasp; and in Vol. 18 she does wire wraps + loops. What more could we ask for – at least as far as clasps. Now we can look forward to her great earwire tutorials!
Carolyn: I agree, Cindy does a fantastic job teaching – her videos are the best I’ve seen! Her demonstrations are so clear & easy to follow.
Just so you know, I was only trying to help Malinda with the other clasp. I figured she might need it right away (& I had seen written tut’s for it, so…) Looking back, though, what she was probably doing was “voting” for what she wanted in a video. I certainly wasn’t trying to steer anyone away from this great site. I want everyone to be able to enjoy Cindy’s wonderful tutorials. The community on this blog is helpful and sharing – I was just trying to do that.
Speaking of wirework, Carolyn, yours is great! Your website has some very beautiful things. Your polymer is gorgeous, too (your Blue Torn Watercolor necklace – so pretty!) I can see Cindy’s influence in your work, like the tribal cane in your purse charm, & the petal cane used in your “Hearts & Flower Fantasy” bracelet. (I see Cindy everywhere! LOL) I really love the pretty dove tags on your pieces, makes them unique & elegant. It’s a good bet that you’ll do well at your Church Sale this Sunday. Even so, I wish you best of luck!
Anyway, I guess I’ll get back. I am looking forward to this month’s videos. Although I usually crave polymer tutorials, I know I will love the upcoming earwires video. I really love homemade earwires. They give your earrings that unique, one-of-a-kind look, and make for some standout jewelry! Can’t wait!
@Phaedrakat: Cindy is not only a great teacher, she is also a mentor – at least she is mine. Helen Goga (there’s a link to her site on my links page) was my wire art mentor. Soon I will have a link to Cindy on my links page.
@Phaedrakat, oh yes! Thank you so much for those directions, I really did need that particular style clasp and you saved Cindy a tic on her list, lol! I can’t wait till the next tut either. Fridays just can’t come fast enough can they!
I am still struggling, every technique I’ve tried has pretty poor results. I’m still waiting for anyone (pleez!) to give some advise as to what I might be doing wrong on the lentil beads. I can make the shape perfectly but can’t get the colors to swirl!
Thanks again for your help Phaed…in the spirit of Cindy asking us to help one another!
@MalindaJ: I had troubles at first also and I think the problem was pressing down too hard. Lentils don’t need pressure, they just need that round motion. Some take quite a while to get the swirl you want – just keep going in that round motion, but keep it light.
Hi Cindy – I just wanted to say that I would have never even started polymer claying if I hadn’t taken your beginning Tutorial class. I had no idea where to start. The price was incredibly low! Michael’s offers no classes in my area (suburban Chicago, Il) and even if they did, they would not begin to include all the information you teach in your Tutorials. I learned everything I needed to know to get started. Then I wasn’t afraid to dig in and GO! The videos are very clear and concise and you presented them so well that I know exactly what to do. I have since purchased many books (second hand from Amazon marketplace) and their instructions are very unclear, although I have been able to learn and see many new things from them. But your instructions are A#1! And your price is unbelievable! Thank you Cindy, for providing such wonderful tutorials! I learned so much and I have since purchased almost all of the back issues of the library videos and have joined the club too! I continue to learn everyday and play with the clay almost every day.
Love the helpfulness happening hear!!! Thanks gals for being there for each other.
@Coberue – WOW!!! Thank you so much for saying what’s on your mind. I am blushing and feeling proud that my course videos and library tutorials have allowed you to “Dig in and Go” with your polymer clay!
@MalindaJ – Regarding your lentil bead woes… here’s an idea. Why don’t you shoot a quickie video clip of yourself (or at least your hands) in action. Most cameras and cell phones have video filming features these days. Then post it up on YouTube (free) so we all can see what’s going on with your technique. I’ll betcha it’s something simple that can be corrected fairly quickly if we could get a visual.
LOL! Cindy, I’ll try that when I’m totally desperate ; ) Right now I’m going to give it a couple more shots trying to ensure a very light touch as Carolyn suggested. Thanks so much to you both!!
Hi MalindaJ: You’re so welcome. I had just seen that clasp, and thought I’d tell you about it, just in case. I wish you luck with your Lentil Swirlies; hopefully the tips from Cindy & Carolyn do the trick. I know it took me a while to get that technique down. It took lots of practice, especially since I didn’t have Cindy’s helpful video at the time to help me.
Hi Carolyn: I agree, Cindy is a mentor for so many. As I catch up on all of the wonderful articles here at the blog, I find beginners (and experienced clayers, too) who have been transformed by Cindy’s teachings. The community here is one-of-a-kind, and the video demonstrations can’t be beat. Although I discovered polymer clay through TV craft shows (Carol Duvall on HGTV – today’s topic! – & DIY Jewelry Making,) Cindy Lietz is my mentor!
Cindy (and the community she’s created) has reignited my inspiration to clay. I had everything packed away in boxes after my surgeries, and with the exception of a few little projects, it all stayed there. Now, I’ve unpacked it all. I’ve been baking & even sanding and buffing some items. (Love that glossy shine and feel.) I’ve made new canes, and have Valentine’s projects in various stages of completion. I owe it to Cindy! It’s not only the great lessons – she also taught me to “just do it!” I’ve always had a problem with trying to make everything too perfect. I would nit-pick over everything until it’s flawless. Now that I am limited physically, I didn’t even want to attempt anything, knowing my body wasn’t up to my old elaborate routine. But now I’m working with my polymer at least two times a week. I clay a little, then lay down and rest in-between steps. Then I get up and try to clay some more! I TRY not to worry about correcting every little thing. I just DO, so that my hands learn what my brain already knows (cuz Cindy’s taught me!) Thanks again, Cindy! Making me put my hands back in the clay has made me so happy!
@ Elizabeth K: Thank you so much!
I just realized that the cord ends at the top of the page have been shown on another post. Someone asked about how to make the black hook set at the top; well, Cindy did an article using these Copper Jewelry Hooks in a convertible necklace to hang Polymer Clay Bead Pendants.
Finally! I’ve got comments on this page already, but I’ve only just seen the video! I wish I could just buy all the back issues, but my (extremely small) budget won’t allow it. I just got the Vol-019 back issues, though, and I am really enjoying these videos. This cord ends tutorial is excellent, and so well-suited for polymer clay beads. Lots of us tend to make pendants, which look very good on all kinds of cord (leather, faux suede, satin, rubber, etc.) When you make a necklace, you need something on the ends so you can add a closure. These cord ends fit the bill!
They’re the perfect finish for a ribbon/cord necklace or bracelet; & they work perfectly! I just made a couple quite quickly (it’s something I can do w/o getting out of bed & hurting my back!) They work as advertised. Now if I can get back to making my polymer beads, I’ll be in business. I’m thinking maybe I should leave the other 2 videos for another day, so that I’ll keep my promise to myself to make the extruder flower cane tomorrow, whether it hurts my back or not! Hmmm, can I stay away from Cindy’s videos, when they’re sitting there — ready to be watched…?
What diameter cording was used in the video?
@Ken H: If you are talking about the leather cording Ken, it is 2mm diameter. Hope that helps!
@Cindy Lietz from Studio by Sculpey Glaze: Yes I was and it does, that was the largest I could get at Michaels the other day so I’m good, I’ve got everything to make the first project out of the beads I got from Carolyn during our visit. Will post photos when complete.
@Ken H: Can’t wait to see what you make with your gift Ken. With your talent and Carolyn’s beads I am sure Awesome, beautiful, inspirational, artistic, just in ahhh of your work will all fit in there somewhere.
Uuuuugggs, Peggy
Hi Cindy! Many thanks for all the work you put into your presentations, newsletters and email responses. My question pertains to the Pandora-like bead video. You used a thin barrel clasp that fit thru the Pandora center. I have Googled High and Low for something like that and came up with a big fat NOTHING. Please help, Cindy! Can you tell me where you got them? Much appreciation!
Mary Clare
Thank you for your sweet words Mary! Unfortunately I bought those barrel clasps at a bead store close out, so I can’t point you in the right direction for finding more. I will keep an eye out for something similar and let you know if I find it.