Vid #265: There isn’t a department or aisle in any Michael’s or Hobby Lobby that we wouldn’t explore…
As a follow up to last weeks video about our PcT Roadtrip Virtual Petition, we wanted to post another clip… this time to say thank you for all the generous support that’s been pouring in. Doug, the kids and I have been overwhelmed with the love that you all have shown us towards this crazy big idea! Your hearts are huge!
Geez, I knew that you guys were buying some of the goodies I recommend in the tutorials… but seeing all of your lists actually written out, really drives it home.
I bet there are many potential sponsors that don’t (yet) have a clue how dedicated our community is to this incredibly diverse medium. There isn’t a department or isle in any Michael’s or Hobby Lobby that we wouldn’t explore… in search of super fun stuff to fulfill our mixed media addictions.
Today’s video also marks a couple of “firsts” I’d like to point out…
1) Doug got a new camera… which means that soon, you’ll be seeing all of our future videos in the more popular HD Wide Screen format. There are some software updates that have to be done in addition to the hardware upgrades, so our target for having everything switched over is August (starting with Vol-051). But today, you get to see a sneak peak of the new look. Let us know what you think.
2) Once the new camera equipment and editing software programs are fully upgraded, our plan is to also start vlogging more (Vlog = Video Blog, for those over 40 :). Again, today’s post provides a glimpse of what you can expect more of in the near future.
Any ways… before going on too long, I should let you get to the video so you can see for yourselves…
Like I mentioned in the video above, we are currently pinning locations on the PcT Roadtrip Map, so if you don’t want us to “pass by you” without stopping, make sure to leave a comment with your location (name of city or town).
And as I also mentioned in today’s video, we are not the only ones taking their business on the road. Here’s a quick intro video from Sean and Kristy at LongLongHoneymoon.com, that’ll give you an idea of how work and travel can go together like a marriage made in heaven.
If you’re thinking of doing any RV’ing yourself, Sean and Kristy have some awesome travel tip videos, that are definitely worth watching.
Also… if you know of anyone else who has taken their business out on the road, especially in an RV, let us know about it in the comments section below. We’d love to connect with them, and learn a few tricks to get started on the right foot with our PcT Road Trip adventure.
Thanks for being here with us on this exciting journey! We can’t wait to meet up with you guys in person.
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I went to Long Long Honeymoon and learned a lot for our camping this summer!!! I pray you and Doug will study these videos, especially the one about Surviving a Zombie Attack in a RV. Zombies in national parks—-WHO KNEW !!!
I made my first post before the Video loaded, so thanks for mentioning me!! I truly appreciate how your site has grown and continues to provide so many great tuts . I found your site shortly after beginning Polymer Clay and would not have developed so many skills without Polymer Clay Tutor. Lot less frustration in learning new techniques because I just rewind the video when I get stuck. So thanks for all of you hard work.
Oh, there have never been any Zombies reported in Iowa so you are safe here !!!
Anna-Des Moines, Iowa
That is so good to hear Anna! Maybe we should camouflage the trailer anyway just in case Zombies drift into your state before we can get there? LOL
Cindy
Loved your follow-up video..boy do reach PCers all over the USA. If it were not for finding your blog/ website..I would not have become a PC addict..Just want to mention that the sound and the video somehow are not in sinc..not sure if its my computer…but I did understand everything that you said…On a different note…one PCer mentioned that Micheal’s has bead instructors..I don’t think that is true for all of them and I don’t really think that it would cut into the instructors business…if nothing else..it would encourage more people to use PC and go to their classes..having someone as special ( talent wise and personality wise) doing a guest instructional class would increase their sales in all their department since PCers use items from a variety of departments in Michael’s as well as ACMoore…..so don’t let that comment cancel any plans that come up to do demos in a craft store.
Natalie Herbin aka Safti of saftiscreations in New Jersey…
Oh I forgot to mention that since I do not have enough inventory to do a spot of my own at a flea/craft market near my summer home..I talked to one of the crafters there and worked out deal to rent space( size of a card table) from her spot …she has the awning…she doe not do PC so it will work nicely..I told her I would sell my pendants and let them buy the cord chains.etc from her..this way we complement each other…I showed her a picture of the french barrettes I make with PC..she said no one there sells barrettes…so I know what I have to work on…only have about 15 done…..I use a variety of the techniques that I learned from you to give my barrettes that personal and unique touch..I think you would be proud of me…not bad for a senior citizen.!!
Natalie Herbin
Thank you Natalie for your comment. I am very proud of you! I think it is wonderful that are are taking your new found love for polymer clay and figuring out a way to make some money with it. BTW, as far as that comment… don’t worry, I would never let a comment cancel my big plans… besides, Doug or the kids would never allow that to happen either!
Natalie – in regards to the sound being out of sync… that can happen if you have a slow computer and/or slow internet connection. In the lower control bar of the YouTube Video Player, is a circular icon that kind of looks like a gear. It will allow you to dial down the quality setting to work better on older computers. The video will probably go more grainy looking for you… but at least the sound will match up.
Doug
Thanks for that quick response.. My computer at our summer house is old but I was able to understand Cindy …look for that icon you talked about
Natalie Herbin
Hi Cindy,
Since I signed up with you, I haven’t had the chance to follow any blogs as of yet, but this idea has hooked me in for now. I have two little ones under 3 years old; any personal time is limited.
I am hoping that you can make a stop in my area during your tour. I am in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I also can receive you at my home as I have a large lot in a country cottage feeling setting. Only 20 minutes away from 3 Micheal’s stores. If you plan to stop, I will organize a group of people to attend. I would make it part of a course that I am giving or something. Or simly just a gathering. I personally would love to chat with you in regards to giving some classes. I seem to be one of the only ones giving polymer clay classes in my city and there has been lots of interest.
Anyway, hopefully we can meet during your tour. I can not contribute money at this time, but if you stop I will contribute with a spot to park your RV and help out with some food for the group.
Happy planning!
Will you still be doing Friday instructional videos? I sure hope so!
Don’t worry Toni, you will still be getting your instructional videos!
Hello Cindy and family
Just pass by to let you know that i.am from Portugal-Sobreda, so i wacth you across the atlantic, maybe someday you can come here and have a portuguese meal with me and family.
Can wait to see the videos, don,t forghet to show us the sites.
Regards cristinao.
Nice to hear from Cristina. In my younger days I had the opportunity to travel to Portugal and have very fond memories of how nice the people are in your country. It would be very nice to visit again.
Love the wide screen, Cindy & Doug! Your videos were already the clearest I know of, but this will make them even better! Thank you for always trying to find ways of helping your ‘class’!
Marion
Thanks for noticing Marion… appreciate the feedback :-)
Hi Cindy and Doug, I am in Cedar Rapids Iowa and would love to see you guys in the future and I am sure there are others in the state as well. Cindy you are my guiding light and I have come so far in clay making since joining your tutorials because like a lot of others, trying to make sense of things from books or half cooked videos just was not doing it for me.
You are affordable (so very important for seniors on fixed incomes) your video recordings are clear, concise, and always work so well, (thanks to Doug) and you are such a good teacher, everything is so clearly spelled out and you always have such amazing samples to show. I admit I am a
clayaholic but am so proud to be part of this family. I guess you could take anyone of the lists you have received and just simple put my name on it because I too am an avid Michaels, JoAnns, and Internet shopper. As soon as you present a new item to use, I am already online or out the door with a coupon to get it! I love sharing whatever I can with other clayers and I guess you are the ultimate Pied Piper because we follow you everywhere into this wonderful and fascinating world of polymer clay.
The spreadsheet Doug set up is really excellent and I am adding more suppliers from the lists you have been getting and I’m sure Jocelyn is too. I know it takes a lot of planning to start an endeavor such as your road trip but you have us all fired up and excited now and I sincerely hope that all goes well with the Leitz Family Trips. We love you guys and are so happy you have let us into your lives.
Jocelyn will be moving her posterior on that soon, unfortunately the weather here is hot but not humid, so I can do a little outside, and am……..pulled down a huge grapevine a few days ago and slowing have been shaping some wreaths, and I am going to figure out some way to adorn them with polymer clay objects.
Maybe a jewelry display wreath?
You go, Dixie!
Great Vlog CINDY,
Love the HD multi strand piece you are wearing, looks great on you!
HD = Heavenly Design………….Glad you are heading down to Florida NEXT YEAR, just hope my family are still there by then, as are all Artists in varios ways and wit their Latin blood they would probabl hold a Feista in your honour which would last about three days, so be warned, nobody gets much sleep when they get together……………………..cheers xx…………………………………………
Hi Cindy & Doug, My name is Carla and Im new at doing polymer clay. I do wire wrapping jewlery and want to work Polymer clay into my projects. I do mostly earrings for now. I would really love to learn more. I live in Phillipsburg Ks. out in the middle of no mans land. Nearest Hobby Lobby is a hour North or South from us. I found your site and I love it. Thank you for your time. And Blessings to you and your Family Carla
Welcome to the community Carla. If you would like some helpful info about all of the resources available here, the link by my name just above, will take you to a previous comment that with links to more detailed explanations.
Hi Carla, glad you are checking in at the Polymer Clay Tutor. If you are wanting to learn polymer clay you have come to the right place. Cindy is a fantastic teacher, her projects are just wonderful and she comes up with the neatest techniques. I hope you become a member because once you do you will never look back. Wire wrapping and polymer clay go hand in hand and you will soon realize the value of the terrific tutorials.
So welcome Carla, I wish you much success and hope to see you in the Members lineup.
Hi Clara,
Welcome to the greatest polymer clay family around. Cindy and Doug are tops. Cindy’s talent always surprises us with new and interesting challenges. Maybe you can give some insights on wire wrapping to us…. but either way… a Big Welcome! …you will never regret it.
Natalie Herbin. aka Safti of saftscreations
….I am just starting to practice more wire wrapping …any suggestions on tools would be welcome.
Hi Cindy,
I live in Hervey Bay, Queensland. AUSTRALIA. Hervey Bay is the Whale Watching Capital of Australia, It’s where the Females come to give birth and Mate again. It would be fantastic for you and Your Family to Visit us Down-Under. I will even offer FREE accommodation at my House with personally Hosted tours around our Beautiful State. :) :) :)
I Love what I’ve learn’t from you over the last 2 years, You remain a guiding light in my endeavour to learn as much as possible about/with Polymer Clay.
Regards and With Much Thanks,
Sue
… saw your Facebook Post and couldn’t resist sharing a copy of the whale “picture cane” project you are currently working on…
Thanks so much for your offer to have us stay with you in Hervey Bay. Being from the West Coast of BC, whale watching is definitely right up our alley. One more (compelling) reason to make sure our Roadtrip concept ends up with some International Ports of Call on the itinerary :-)
What a beautiful cane… thanks for sharing here. I don’t get to FB much.
Love your happy smile, Cindy.
One thing that drew me to your site was the fact you were from Canada. There seem to be so few creative entrepreneurs.
Please don’t forget to stop by Three Hills, AB. It’s not too far from your home. We have a lovely campground right here in town. We have a General Store that promotes home based businesses. They have several jewelry businesses there already. But none of them use polymer clay. I’d like to call my business “Copper and Clay”–my two favorite things.
I’m just new to polymer clay and don’t know anyone else in my town who is interested. I’m in the process of setting up my studio.
Your videos have been very helpful and I’m adding to my collection of tools and clay almost weekly! My husband is expecially supportive of all the interesting tools involved. smile He insisted in purchasing a BigKick several weeks ago. We also got a clay excruder, but I’ll be returning it and getting the one you recommended–besides being a better tool, it’s much less expensive.Can’t beat that.
Can’t wait till Friday.
BTW You mentioned in one (or more) of your videos of making your own headpins from copper wire. How do you do that? I would love to know.
Thanks, Sylvia
Hi Cindy! There are some of us in Wyoming who love your videos. We are moving to North Dakota in September so keep in mind that we are out here. Thanks!
Hi Cindy, Doug and family! I’m from Sykesville, Maryland. Maryland has the best of all worlds; mountains, farm land, ocean… plus we are close to Washington D.C., Gettysburg, Harper’s Ferry, Camp David, the list goes on and on. It would be very neat to meet you in person. I use Micheal’s and Polymer Clay Express for most of my supplies, will also use JoAnn’s, Walmart and A.C. Moore. Many supplies are used; Premo clay, Wilton molds, Adirondak Inks, Pearl-ex powder.
For supplies – Lisa Pavelka stamps, DreamMachine for rolling clay, TLS, cutters – sorry, I can’t remember the names of all the different cutter’s and blades I have purchased, micro-mesh sanding pads, Dremel and Ryobi buffers, Future wax, gosh, I am getting a brain freeze! Anyway, hope to see you in my neck of the woods, and, safe traveling!
Cindy, sure hope you will be selling some of your work while on the road?
I want to make sure if you pass through Montana you know I’m here! Helena, MT to be exact. I’d love to see you guys. My house isn’t huge but you are welcome to park in my yard and hang out in my studio and shop in my town.
Hi Cindy and family!
On your road trip, we would love to see you in Huntsville, AL! Your 5th Friday video showing your studio was just the extra push I needed to turn my youngest daughter’s bedroom into my workroom/studio! It had been a discussion for quite a long time, but after showing my husband, Jimmy the video, he was on board that day, and we started changing things around THAT day. My website is a work in progress, having just started it. Truly, the hardest step to doing anything is the first one!
We have loads of talented crafters in Huntsville, and what an opportunity it would be for all of us to meet you.
Again, we hope to see you in Huntsville, AL! You are always welcome to park in our driveway, use our back yard, etc., etc. As long as you don’t mind 3 cats and a dog! :)
Thank you for doing what you love, to help us keep doing what we love.
Amy
Thank you so much Amy for your awesome comment!! We would love to come see you and your friends in Huntsville! We have never been to Alabama. Would be very cool. Thank you as well for your offer to park in your driveway. That is very generous. We may just have to take you up on that!
Cindy, we would be proud for you and your family to hang out in our driveway! Why, you could even come in the house and hang out if you like… ha ha… I make a great homemade chicken enchilada that will knock your socks off…and a sheet apple pie for dessert….so consider yourselves always welcome at our house.
My husband, Jimmy sat down this evening with me and watched your tutorial series on Sweet Pea Earrings, and he was just amazed how something that looks so intricate could be so easy (or at least semi-easy) to create. I told him that you work out all the bumps & lumps so that it’s alot smoother for all of us when we create the project. He is so awesome- I would be proud for you to meet him. He is so supportive of my “passion-addiction”… And I can’t wait to try the sweet pea earrings! They are lovely.
Are you planning to travel back home in between excursions? Or will you just continue on to the next section of your family’s journey? Willow and Fisher are so cute, and the outtakes on the video are sweet and funny. Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us….when will you be able to pry the camera out of Doug’s hand so we can see him on the other side of the camera?
Take care Cindy!
All the best to you and yours-
Amy
Mmmm I love Chicken Enchilada’s!! Thanks so much for the invite. Yes we will be be coming home between trips. This won’t be a full time thing. The kids are still in highschool. Some trips will be shorter like our first trip into Washington, Oregon and Idaho. But traveling the almost 3000 miles from here to Florida will obviously take more time. I guess we will play things by ear.
Hi, Cindy — I have not had time to keep up with all of your videos this summer, so I only just saw the video regarding the Virtual Petition. What wonderful ideas you have about how to help fund your roadtrip, and how delightful it is that you can offer your kids this opportunity of a lifetime to meet your neighbors to the south.
I wish you the best, and I hope that some day you will be traveling over my way to New York. I would certainly set aside some time to have coffee with you in your RV. I am looking forward to seeing more vlogs as you go along. One of my dreams is to buy an RV and travel all over the U.S., claying inside the vehicle and selling my wares at craft fairs across the country, so I couldn’t be more excited for you (and for me, since I will be reading all about it every week).
Happy travels!
Sherry Laird
I didn’t leave a message previously because I figured I was just tooooooo far away! However, as you have had other foreign requests…. I decided why not. COME TO LAPLAND, FINLAND! Come and see Santa! :D (…and ME!) x
My dear Mrs. Rainbow, the world has gotten so much smaller now that we have the Internet. If none of us can be in Finland in person, we can be there in our hearts as I am right now. Thanks doll for “Liking Me”
even though you didn’t click on a button, the thought was there!
Hi DOUG
Now you have completed your first family roadtrip just want to ask if you n CINDY shared the driving? Are there things you would do/not do on your second trip? We are all eagerly looking forward to seeing future epidodes of your amazing adventure.
A few years ago my DH and I decided to try and visit some of the islands surrounding Great Britain, there are 7,747 of them (not all inhabited)
We stayed on some of the larger ones and sailed round some of the smaller ones (like Puffin Island). We loved to do this and to whet your appitite (when you eventually visit the UK) thought you would like to know of a couple (Tracy + Daniel Calder) who are doing just that (Although not using a RV as some of the places are for foot passengers only). Just along the coast from us is a privately owned island that you can rent for private parties, weddings etc thought it would make a great polymer clay retreat!! but would have to get about 1000 sponsers to afford to rent it for a week, but who knows, if enough PC addicts were interested!!
It used to have a private clinic and many famous stars went there for rehab. Now it is a holiday retreat with hotel and holiday cottages (no pubs)
So far in the last 3 years Tracy + Daniel have visited 486 islands and have some amazing photo footage and write-ups, one in particular reminded me of your shot of your Dad,s favourite beach at sunset. If you look for it I am sure you will agree as the colours are just the same as your shot, stunning
If you have the time and want to chill then go to their site, think you will appreciate it……. A British Island Adventure 2009-2012 ……. cheers xx …….
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for the Tracy & Daniel Link. Kudos to them for the taking the time to document their expeditions. I can only imagine that you and your husband had fun exploring some of the British islands as well… sailing from cove to cove sounds like an awesome way to go.
Island hopping is definitely an activity that is right up my alley (and Cindy’s and the kids too). Growing up in British Columbia, it’s something that I’ve done a lot over the years. According to Wikipedia, our BC coastline has over 40,000 islands of varying sizes. Wow… I would have never known that factoid had I not looked it up. I kind of don’t think we’ll be able to get to them all within our lifetime, especially now that we have officially begun our ongoing PcT Roadtrip excursions.
In regards to your question about Cindy sharing with some of the driving… she was not comfortable towing such a big rig… so it looks like that responsibility will rest on me.
And… the main “do/do not do” things we learned on this first PcT trip, were to do with technology… (1) Having a good GPS on board is critical (we ended up buying one en route)… and (2) You can’t depend on the internet wifi that RV parks provide. They are TERRIBLE… especially when the rest of the campers are all downloading the latest Netflix movie for their evening entertainment schedule!!! On the next trip, we will need to find a WAY better solution for staying connected.
Hi DOUG,
I was going to ask about navigating and if you had a good GPS. Glad you’ve now got one.
Our island trips were road trips too but staying at log cabins, caravans or B+B places.We went to some islands by ferry or plane if they were further away. Some of our roads here in UK are just too small for a heavy rig like yours. We have a 4 x 4 and have had to sleep in it when couldn’t get overnight accomodation or got lost!
As to staying in touch on the web the only solution I can come up with is to go to bed early, set your alarm for about 3.30am and hope that all the other campers are snoring in their beds so the airways are a little clearer………………………cheers xx…………………………………………..
Getting up early to get a stronger wifi signal was exactly what we had to do on this trip :-)
Hey Cindy enjoyed videos of all your stops and all those wonderful artist in our community of polymer clay.
Thank you thank you thank you once again for all you do for all of us. You’re a treasure. If you ever find yourself in Kollweiler, Germany, you and your husband have a place to stay.
I have really enjoyed your videos. Unfortunately, my budget wont let me buy all the old videos but I am really looking forward to future videos over the next year. If you ever make it to Commerce, GA or even the Atlanta area I would love to have you visit and talk polymer clay with a relative clay newbie
Oh my gosh Beth we would love to visit you if we get down that way! Thanks so much for the invite. Hopefully we’ll get to meet you one day!