Coming Up In Volume-018 at the Polymer Clay Library… Mica Shift

Volume-018 Polymer Clay Tutorials 1: Holly & Berry Canes
2: Book Beads
3: Mica Shift Technique
4: Wire Loops and Links

It’s always kind of fun to know what’s going to be happening in the future. So in today’s post, I’ll tell you what video tutorials are coming up in Volume-018 at the Polymer Clay Library, during the month of November.

These tutes are always released on Friday mornings to help get you in the mood for spending some fun time on the weekend playing with your polymer clay.

I think I will make Fridays a no eating day I will be too busy to cook. Better not tell my husband that though. I can’t wait. ~Ritzs

Here’s What’s Coming up in November (Volume-018):

Volume 018-1 Holly and Berry Canes: These two holiday canes are easy to make and very versatile. They can be used separately in various sizes to create interesting backgrounds, embellishments on charms and wonderful focal or millefiori style beads. Click the following link to see a close-up example of a lovely Holly Berry Focal Bead.

Volume 018-2 Book Beads: This fun book shaped bead is ideal for adding to bookmarks, as a gift for people who love to read. I will show you how to shape the book bead and how to personalize it with a monogram if you choose. I will even show you how to get the look of a linen hardcover to give it more realism. You can see a book bead this link: Harry Potter Book Charms

Volume 018-3 Mica Shift Technique: Oh the elusive mica shift! This beautiful technique uses the mica filled pearl clays and stamps to create the look of an image embossed in the clay, but is perfectly smooth to the touch. The technique is often perceived as tricky-to-do, but I’ll do my best to make it easy for you guys to master. See the 3rd thumbnail image above, for an example of a dragon fly mica shift pendant.

Volume 018-4 Wire Loops and Links: These simple wireworking techniques are important and very useful for all jewelry makers. By learning how to make loops and links (simple, wrapped and messy wrapped), you can easily turn your polymer clay beads into charms and beaded links for bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rosaries and more. You can see an example of some polymer clay beads linked together using wrapped wire loops at this recent blog post: Rosary Beads Made From Dogwood Flower Cane

I hope you enjoy the new Volume-018 video tutorials! Preview clips of each tutorial will be posted here at the blog, usually on Monday or Tuesday in advance of the Full Friday release date.

Yea! This is going to be fun. Love that little book bead!! ~Dawn-B

Oh yes Cindy, please add it to the list… I really love the way the wire wrapping looks with your beads!!! ~Lisa-W

I can’t wait for vol 18… Holiday canes yes, yes, yes.. ~Ken-H

Love the holly necklace and drool every time I look at it. One thing I really like about all your designs is that we can substitute other colors for different seasons of the year.  You have good judgment on how much of any theme to share with us. You also provide us videos on things we cannot find elsewhere. ~Anna-S

Also don’t forget about the great new color recipe palettes that will be available during the month of November:

Here’s the link to Become a member at the Polymer Clay Library if you are interested. It’s really, really great value :-)

Hi Cindy. Geesh I’m all blushing and stuff that you used my comments in this article. Thank you. But every word I wrote is the truth. If I was asked right now what tools you would need to get started in polymer clay? I would have to say that besides the pasta machine and some clay. The best tool you could have, and the best value for your money, would be a membership to the Polymer Clay Tutor and your wonderful tutorial library. I can’t say it enough. Where were you 20 years ago when I started with this stuff? LOL. You’ve even taught this “old dog” a few tricks. Gotta love that! XOXO ~Jamie-H

Cindy Lietz SignaturePolymer Clay Tutor


  1. DawnB, 27 October, 2009

    And, mica shift! You must have been reading my mind. I’ve been playing around with this technique lately. I’ll be so happy to get your tips on it.

  2. Melinda, 27 October, 2009

    I have also been playing with mica shift….. fabulous!

  3. Lynda Dunham-Watkins, 27 October, 2009

    I’m Late…I’m Late…getting more behind on all of this but looking forward to Friday and the Holly and Berry canes!!!

  4. Lisa Whitham, 27 October, 2009

    November is gonna be one fun month..!!! :)

    ~Lisa

  5. Melinda, 27 October, 2009

    Oh, a dreadful thought just popped into my mind…. what are we doing this Friday? Is it another 5 Friday month so soon????
    .

  6. Silverleaf, 27 October, 2009

    Awesome, I love mica shift. I assume you’ve used Premo Red Pearl there – I have 5 packs of that which I’ve promised myself I won’t open until I’ve used up all my old Fimo, but I might well be breaking that promise…

    Oh and my birthday is on Friday Nov 13th so hooray! I’m a bit of a bookworm as well so the book beads will be a nice present to console myself – I’m having a birthday with a zero in it and still not quite come to terms with it yet!

  7. Cindy Lietz, 27 October, 2009

    @All – Thanks for responding to this thread and showing your enthusiasm for the upcoming November tutorials. Reading all of your comments every morning is so fun for me.

    @Silverleaf – Ahhh my chance to get ahead of the curve for once… HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (usually I’m belated with birthday stuff).

    @Melinda – I was wondering who was going to bring that up. Bonus points to you! I was shocked as well, that another 5th Friday came so quickly. Not to worry though. I’ve got a little something to tide you guys over until Vol-018 starts up in November. Watch your email in box for the details.

    PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Ken has added his handsome profile picture to the blog. Now whenever he speaks, we can put a face to the name. Yay! Follow the link by my name (and picture) to see what I am talking about. Here’s hoping a few more of you follow his lead by adding your photo as well. Having your pictures beside your comments would make things feel so much more comfortable around here.

  8. Cindy Lietz, 27 October, 2009

    Melinda is in the house! Nice to SEE you girlfriend. The nice thing about these “Gravatar” photos is that your picture will automatically update for all of the previous comments you have made as well.

    Keep those pictures coming guys. They look way better than all of of those generic G logo images flipped on their sides!!!

  9. Peggy B, 28 October, 2009

    Thank you once again Cindy. When I read Melinda’s comment about the 5th Friday, my mouth dropped right into my lap. I am amazed how forward I look towards my Fridays. I might not have a chance to try each lesson until the next week, but watching them just starts the wheels a spinning in my head. So when I went on to read your comment Cindy, I felt much better and you can count on me watching my email for that special something to tide us over. Cindy you are made up of solid kindness. I wish I could give you a big hug right now so I will just have to send a hug to you as my grandkids do me uuhhgggggggggggggggggs to you Cindy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Thanks for being you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. Cindy Lietz, 28 October, 2009

    uuhhgggggggggggs back to you Peggy [BIG SMILE].

    Funny you should mention your grandkids, because the item I’ll be showing in this Friday’s video has everything to do with kids and playing. Being that this Friday is the day before all of the adorable little trick or treaters show up on our doorsteps, the video will also have something to do with Halloween (and Harry Potter).

  11. Bette, 30 October, 2009

    I just joined = when will Vol 18 be available? Will I receive an e-mail notice when I can access my first issue? Thanks, Bette

  12. Cindy Lietz, 30 October, 2009

    Welcome to th library Bette. It’s great to have you as part of the community. The Volume-018 content is released on Friday’s throughout the month of November. If you are subscribed to my Polymer Clay Newsletter, you will receive an email with links to the videos and recipes first thing on Friday mornings. The link by my name will take you to the sign up form for the newsletter if you have not already been there.

  13. Laurel, 03 November, 2009

    Whew!! The daughter’s wedding is over and life is settling down a little. I have also got very behind on the blog but I have made some cool polymer clay pendants and hearts. I also got to go to a workshop here in Denver that Lisa Pavelka did. It was great!

    Cindy, I am excited too about the mica shift. I have read about it and tentatively tried it but it will be great to see a video demonstrating it. Thanks for all your help and for always seeming to be able to read our minds. :)

  14. Cindy Lietz, 12 November, 2009

    Congrats on your Daughter’s wedding Laurel! That must have been exciting and exhausting all at the same time!

    Lucky you, to get to see Lisa Pavelka in person. She seems like she is a very nice person and all her work is so beautiful.

    I just finished filming the Mica Shift video today actually. Doug still needs to do the editing and get it ready for the library next week but it won’t be long now. I think you’re going to like it!

Copyright © Polymer Clay Tutor Bead and Jewelry Making Tutorials