Let this polymer clay sunflower color palette inspire your jewelry bead making creativity:
The photo was taken from our garden last year and it inspired me to create a mix of Premo recipes just for you. With a pinch of this and a dash of that, you’ll end up with some brilliant yellow clay tones that any respectable sun flower would be more than proud to emulate. Add in the sky blue backdrop, a bright leaf green color burst and some muted crimson petal accents. Are you starting to see visions of sunflower jewelry and beads dancing around in your head?
Just as I did with the Spring Polymer Clay Color Series, there will be future articles to follow up with this Summer theme as well. But first, try your hand at mixing up the following clay color recipes for yourself:
 The recipes that were previously posted in this space [Sky Blue, Sunflower Leaf (Bright), Sunflower Leaf (Dark), Sunflower Petal (Bright), Sunflower Petal (Dark)] have been re-formated onto convenient downloadable index cards like the sample pictured above. The actual size of each recipe card is 4″ x 6″.
Two recipe cards are now published every week. The A-Series cards are included with the weekly video membership option at my Polymer Clay Tutor Library (Very Affordable Pricing :) And the B-Series (Bonus Recipes) are available for FREE to everyone who subscribes to my Polymer Clay Tutor Guest List (Weekly Email Newsletter). |
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Treasure Hunt Contest
Clue #1 >> Baking Polymer Clay |
For specific tips on using cookie cutters for measuring out the above listed recipe ‘parts’ and proportions, read this article: Polymer Clay Color Mixing Instructions
This comment just came in via email from Nancy: "Cindy – I totally love your website. I was looking for color recipes for my teapots and your website came up. Keep up the great information. Thank you so much."
It warms my heart to hear your kind comments Nancy. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I didn’t realize my site was being found by teapot designers too. Very cool!
Cindy’s last blog post..Gold Leaf Polymer Clay versus Gold Foil – What’s the Difference
I love that working with clay is only limited by your imagination just like working with food.-lani
Thanks for the recipes Cindy! Getting a tried and true recipe for a certain colour is a real time-saver, no guess work or experimenting required. Not that experimental colours don’t come in handy, but if you want that ‘just so’ colour, recipes are so appreciated.
As a new polymer addict, it’s interesting to learn how custom colors are mixed. I’m learning that colors are mixed just as they are in a traditional painter’s palette, which is coming as quite a surprise. Still don’t understand the translucent clay, but I’m sure that I eventually will.
I love these colors, how u put so much effort into them, making them so accurate. i love how the blues bring out the yellow and orange, and no so much the greens, which makes the flower look more prominent. i tried making a few, and although i didn’t have all the colors that were required, i was able to substitute, and i can pretty close. this really saves alot of time, and no weird heap poo colored clay at the end which u aren’t able to do nothing much with.
I love those colors! Looking at that picture I can see myself using a toothpick or a piercing tool to make little holes to represent the center of the sunflower. Or even over laping some of the colors to before making holes to bring out more then one color.
I love the colors!!! They are so bright,alive and scream
“SUMMER IS HERE”. Thank you so much for the recipes. Cheryl
Great articles on color mixing. Premo is such a versitile clay adn mixing all the combos will be fun
Love this article on mixing colors. I am brand new in polymer clay (not just mixing but polymer clay in general). I have been totally confused and not sure at all about what I am doing with it. Just reading this color mixing, to me, has been like finding a treasure chest! How creative and artistic you must be, to be able to figure out these color combinations. I only hope I will have the gift of combining and knowing how to figure out the ‘right recipe’ for this fun stuff!.
Thanks,
Karen
I have often looked at the “natural palette” of the Rocky Mountains where I live – azure sky, forest greens and deep clay reds – and thought that the combination was inspiring…but I didn’t let it inspire ME to actually reflect these hues in a piece of art. I am very new to polymer clay, but mixing colors and learning to select meaningful palettes for my bead projects are first and second on my list. I hope to keep an open mind to unexpected color combinations, but also to look to nature for some “tried and true” ideas. Thanks!
I LOVE receipes….because I can’t really make up colours in my head yet. I am very new to polymer clay!! And frankly don’t want to waste my money on making ugly colours!! So it is nice to have that work done for me…gives me more time to play.
Color mixing to me is like Christmas, the WOW! factor comes into play. Not knowing what the end result will be is half the fun. My end result is to work with learning how to cane. I would like to add dimension and design using color as the driving force to my work, is something I am striving for.The spaces of nature is for ever changing and it can give you that one of a kind piece that no one else can duplicate. So if you want to WOW! Yourself everyday play with color.
Recipes that someone has already taken the time to figure out are WONDERFUL! Thank you Cindy.
I do have a question though. Say you wanted to get that reddish brown color for the center to mix with the yellow. What would you mix to get that?
Ooops…I was so excited to find it, I forgot to read the article…hold on….Ok, I’m back!
Not being a “flower” person, the thing that I want to say about this article is THANKS for the recipes, I am so so tired to mud brown (luckly it does make OK dragons :)
I really enjoy reading your articles
when I read it the first time i was like
O_o omg she used the brand name,, wats’er face did not
that’s so helpful!!!! ^-^
THANK YOU!!!!
I am going from just “playing” with the clay to an art
I love the two shades of green. It really brings more dimension to a piece when I can emulate light and shadow.
How very useful…thank you! I confess to only recently beginning to use my own colour mixes. I just was never brave enough before…your mixes make life even more easy…and less stressful…and now i feel even braver ;)
Dear Cindy,
There you go again…teaching us how to smile and work happily with our artistic muse (I think she is you!), and taking the frustration out of working with polymer clay! You are such a natural, clear and precise teacher! Thank you so much for that.
Your sunflower picture and color recipes are making me burst with excitement!!! I will be trying the new color combinations this evening (who knows what lovelies I will come up with now!). You have really inspired me, and I have tons of ideas running through my mind now that I see how combining colors from the clay packages creates COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES!!! :)
You are teaching me that working with color in PC is very similar to working with color in other mediums. I have been painting with oils, water colors, and acrylics for years, and got really excited about polymer clay when I just happened to run across your blog. Since then, my painting is on the back burner while I excitedly follow your examples with my new found love…polymer clay!!!
Thank you from the bottom of 1/2 part white, 1/2 part translucent, and 1/8 part alizarin crimson heart :)
Sincerely, Cindy Erickson
Hi guys!!! Isn’t this treasure hunt so exciting! I can hardly get in here to comment with all the activity!
Thank you to Lani, Krsta, Tina, tk, Shirley, Cheryl, Kriss, Karen, Sue, Kam, Sandra, Kim, Angela, Alli, Kimberlee, Julz, and Cindy so far!!! Your comments are all so fantastic, I find I am getting very inspired by them!
Cindy’s last post..Itsy Bitsy Spider Jewelry and Beads Made with Polymer Clay Canes
Kim C. as far as mixing that brown you want, it’s pretty tricky to answer. Custom color mixing comes from a lot of experience and experimenting. If you start practicing color mixing by making the recipes I give you, plus the color mixing techniques I teach on this blog and in my courses you will eventually learn how to get the expected results you want.
Try mixing a little of these above recipes together and see what kind of browns you can make with them. Try adding a pinch of red that might work too!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Itsy Bitsy Spider Jewelry Made with Polymer Clay Canes
I didn’t try these colors, but I did learn how to make other colors and how to measure them so that I can recreate the recipe.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for posting some recipes for all of us to share. For those of use who really don’t have an easy time figuring out how to arrive at just the right color yet, these recipes are a real helper!
Hello Cindy,
Your recipes for different colors are priceless and such a time saver. I took index cards, printed the color and recipe on them then clued a baked sample on the card. Now when I need that just so color I can just find it on my index card and whip it up with out the waste and mistakes of finding just what one I need. Fantastic!!
thanks,
Color mixing is one of my biggest challenges. Your recipes are fantastic and I print them all out and keep them in a binder for future reference. I have done the Maggie Maggio course but still have trouble “seeing” which color to use to match a particular palatte. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. Hugs, Sue C
Hi I have been doing polymer clay for awhile now and have seen a few color charts but I thik yours is the best I have seen. Not only the yellows, greeen and blues of this article but also the purples you had juny 14th. I found that really useful as I was doin violets at the time. I was having a hard time figuring out hou to get the purple I wanted and then I seen your blog. A friend of mine had sent me the link to your videos and I have enjoyed every one of them so far. Thanks for being such a great person. Linda
You’re welcome all of you!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the comments!
Yvonne that was a good idea you had to glue baked samples of these recipes on a recipe card! Brings a whole new purpose for the family recipe box!
Last post..Jewellery Making Beads Using Blue Gingham Polymer Clay Cane Designs
I just finished some spring colored votives (even though I know it’s summer but spring colors are my favorite!) but they where just eastery colors & now reading your article I have to make new ones that have a more vibrant color choice which will make my votives more visually appealing because I’ll be able to inlay sunflowers on them. I’m definitely visualizing sunflowers now!!
Thank you
Abby
Thank you for the receipies. These will come in handy in the future when I want to mix those exact colors for another project perhaps.
I’m just glad I’m not the only one with poo colored clay!!
And KUDO’S to your DH for all of the wonderful pictures!!!
@Abby: That sounds beautiful!
@Darleen: You’re Welcome!
@Pepper: Hehehehe! PS. Doug says thanks!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..A Polymer Clay How To Tip for Making Beads Using White Fimo Clay
I love the color recipe. I just made a sunflower cane and the next one will have your recipe.
Jeanie, I’d love to see your sunflower cane!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Millefiori Beads by Polymer Clay Cane Artist Iris Mishly [Israel]
Cindy,
The recipes are inspiring and most appreciated. Am fascinated with color and am anxious to start mixing them in PC. Hope to be able to duplicate some of the fabrics I have used in quilts.
If the cards that Yvonne suggested take up to much room, one could use a fine Sharpie and write the recipe on the back of the sample while still allowing sanding and polishing on the front.
Thank you very much for the recipes. I save them in a special folder for inspiration. I love experimenting with colors and also making flower canes. These color recipes help me to get started.
@MJ: Great idea! Thanks for sharing it with every one!
@Marijke: You are very welcome! I would love to see some of your canework!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Dragonfly Pendant Jewelry Necklace – Fimo Rubber Stamping Techniques
The colors are so reminiscent of Provence.
If I were to mix up the clays, and then take small dabs of clay and smear them onto a bakeable surface, I could create my own little Van Gogh, with the perfect colors and texture! Maybe it would save my sanity from trying to recreate these colors on my own, and save an ear or two.
I am very new to polymer clay and one of the scariest things to me was mixing my own colors.
Your recipe has really spelled it out for me..and makes me less intimidated to try it, now I have the gusto to give it a go and I am really enthused about it.
My husband wants to know if you give cooking lessons too… since I am so excited about clay recipes now, he wants me to be this excited about being in the kitchen.
Hugs
Lisa
Pulling colors from nature just fascinates me. Thank you for the recipes, by copying and working with those we can start to develop or own “eye” for later experiments.
@Kody: Cool idea! The new squishy Premos would be perfect for that technique!
@Lisa: Cute comment! I’m glad they are of help for you! Feed your poor husband… You wouldn’t want him to discourage you from spending lots more time learning about polymer clay!
@Sarah: You’re right… that is exactly how you learn to mix colors!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Tube Beads for Jewelry Making using Gold Leaf and Fimo Polymer Clay
Shivering here in the aussie winter with a broken heater, your yummy bright sunflowers are warming my soul and making me look forward to summer. Thanks for a fabulous website and sharing your knowledge, it’s great.
When I finish the treasure hunt, I think I’ll warm up with rolling and baking some clay and try out the above recipes.
I love your description of the sunflower against the blue sky. As a Kansas born girl, well, old lady now!, I know that sunflowers are the lifeblood for people – especially women. Where ever I have gone, moving across the Good ol’ United States, I have planted sunflowers and provided black oil sunflowers for the birds. The color palette for the petals is brilliant and so creative. Your experience in mixing the clay colors is desperately needed by me – an old lady beginner! Now i want to figure out a design incorporating the black oil sunflowers . . . so the birds have something to eat as well. Thanks for the best website on polymer clay i have ever found. At last – I am learning something. And the treasure hunt is just plain fun, although winning would be even better!
@Linda: It is so cool to have you here from half way around the world! Kinda hot today here, hard to relate to shivering! :-) Hope you warm up with a little bead baking!
@Pamela: Old lady beginner!! How cute is that! I am so happy you’re here! Thanks for the comment!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Faux Turquoise Jewelry Bracelet – Polymer Clay Bead Making Projects
I love the color mixing info. and I can’t believe how perfect my sunflower beads turned out. they look so real thanks for the mix recipe
Daisy I would love to see what you made! Why don’t you email me pictures, OK?
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Cool Polymer Clay Tutorial – A Fimo and Sculpey Cane Making Tip
I’m useless at colour mixing so it’s brilliant that you guide us through.
I have to share with you that this article gave me the confidence to really commit to experimenting with mixing colors. I’m using your little pill sample technique and I’m so happy with the results! Plus my experimentation has led me to find a beautiful shade of purple that is just perfect for making beads to support my local university team. Fancy that! Plus it’s just a pretty purple! Thanks for instilling confidence and providing some really great recipes. I think the best part about these recipes is the way the translucent works to enhance the quality of the color. Kinda makes it POP!
@Andrea: Well you won’t be useless for long!… Just keep mixing these recipes and before you know it you’ll be tweaking them to suit your own taste! Then you’ll be making your own recipes and sending them here to share with all the others who think they are useless at mixing colors! It will be quicker than you think!!
@Kimberlee: You’re welcome Kimberlee! I am very proud of you. Here you are mixing your own colors, trying new techniques and having the confidence to start selling your things on Etsy and for fundraisers! That is fantastic! Hey… if you wrote down the recipe for that pretty purple you’re talking about, why don’t you send it to me and I’ll post it! I’ll give you full credit of course!
Cindy Lietz’s last blog post..Make Polymer Clay Bathroom Knobs | Glass Beads | Clay Color Mixing
Hello Cindy
Call off the hounds! Lol. I put a question about a peach color mix that I wanted in today’s live broadcast comment sections. I forgot that I printed out all of the tutorials, and I found two potential peaches in no time flat. So no need to add that question to your pile.
Thanks for all you do
Karen
Sorry Karen for the super slow response! Good thing there were no hounds to be called off, cuz it would be too late by now! :) Glad you remember the printed out sheets. There are just too many recipes to find easily on the blog now. Good thing the new system will be better!
Hi Cindy
No worries, I know that you are one busy lady! Looking forward to the new website :-). I’m sure it will be worth the wait. Have a great weekend.
Karen