{"id":12644,"date":"2011-02-24T03:24:35","date_gmt":"2011-02-24T11:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beadsandbeading.com\/blog\/?p=12644"},"modified":"2011-02-17T18:01:07","modified_gmt":"2011-02-18T02:01:07","slug":"mixing-custom-color-recipes-polymer-clay-tutorial-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beadsandbeading.com\/blog\/mixing-custom-color-recipes-polymer-clay-tutorial-video\/12644\/","title":{"rendered":"Mixing Custom Color Recipes | Polymer Clay Tutorial [Video]"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MixingVid #193:<\/span> <\/span><\/strong>“Can you say
MUD!!?<\/em> I’ve had my fair
share of mixing the wrong
colors together but thanks to
your color recipes I’m doing a
lot better now!” ~Katina-K<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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One of the great things about polymer clay is the many wonderful colors that come already pre-mixed and packaged by the various clay manufacturers. However, since there are also millions of other colors out in the world to inspire us all, it is important to be able to mix up custom recipes as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Color mixing is an art form in itself, that can sometimes be tricky. Each brand of polymer clay has its own color formula. Some of the colors are very complex and don’t always mix how you would expect. One of the reasons I have always liked Premo Clay, is because it uses many of the artist based colors which tend to yield more predictable results. If you have ever worked with acrylic or oil paints, you will know what I am talking about.<\/span><\/p>\n

But…<\/em> if you don’t have an artists’ background… or if color mixing just doesn’t come naturally for you… than you may experience some difficulty in being able to create your own custom palettes. In fact, often times you will end up with a whole lot of mud<\/em> before arriving at the color you desire.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

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Can you say MUD!!?<\/em> I have had my fair share of mixing the wrong colors together. I have never had a course in color theory and learned pretty quickly that is difficult to always get the desired result. But thanks to your color recipes I’m doing a lot better now! <\/span><\/span> <\/span>~Katina-K<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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One would think anything would work with pearl \/ silver \/ white \/ black, but you would be surprised at how many of my colour combinations that seemed logical have ended up looking like mud or baby poo! <\/span>~Suzanne-C<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As a teacher I completely understand the challenges many of you may be facing with the color mixing process. That is why I have created my color recipe card series. They provide you with two new and original designer palettes per month, based on inspirational photos from nature, flowers, landscapes and even architectural shots. <\/span><\/p>\n

All that’s required is to mix up the recipes as presented, and you will end up with beautiful color palettes every time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The A-Series Recipes<\/a> are available to paid subscribers. And I also have monthly B-series Palettes<\/a> for anyone and everyone who is subscribed to my free weekly email newsletter. The recipe cards can be downloaded to your computer and printed out for use as a valuable resource right in your own studio.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now one of the most common questions that comes up about my color palettes, is in regards to measuring out the parts or proportions for each of the clay recipes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hi, Cindy, I don’t know for sure if you have told us about what the “parts” mean in the color recipes. How would I make parts verses the way the Fimo and the Premo is scored? Thanks.<\/span><\/span> <\/span>~Stephanie-J<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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I know I dislike recipes that will call for a smidge of a color. I guess I am more literal and way to Virgo to be able to accept a smidge.<\/span><\/span> <\/span>~Illaya-B<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Is there a video that shows how MUCH clay to use for a recipe or a project? I don’t like to condition more than I will use, so is there a way to measure, like using a half block, quarter block or something like that? I mean using Premo of course. However with the Studio Sculpey, it does have those nice little squares. I notice you use just enough in your videos with very little left over. I am totally lost when it comes to measuring clay. The color cards says for instance, 1 part this or 2 parts that. Any tips would be appreciated.<\/span><\/span> <\/span>~Ifama-J<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Over the last few years, I have streamlined (refined, simplified) <\/em>the way I mix the palettes. So in tomorrow’s Vol-033 video tutorial (Friday February 25 at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library<\/a>), I figured it would be a good time to share my tips and tricks for mixing, cataloging and storing the color recipes. Even if you have already been successfully mixing these recipes for a while now, I think you will still find this lesson to be useful and handy.
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Please Note:<\/strong><\/span> A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course<\/a> will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Supplies & Tools: Video-033-4 Mixing Color Recipes:
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