“Really looking forward to this… I
love animal prints, and I
love the simple but striking
pairing of black and
white!” ~Sue-F
On May 25th, I posted an introductory preview clip for my Zebra Cane Tutorial. Today, the full version of this video lesson is available for viewing at the Polymer Clay Members Library. Here is the direct link:
Getting Your Zebra Canes to Look Like Authentic Animal Prints
For those of you who are not yet paid members, I’ve posted a few screen grab images below, from this week’s Zebra Cane Video. Hopefully they will give you a bit of an idea as to what you can expect should you decide to come on board.
The cost works out to only $3.32 per month, which gives you 24/7 access to the full versions of my Friday video tutorial. Plus you also receive four A-series color recipe cards. This week’s color is:
Lime Wedge from the Stargazer Lily Palette
Zebra Cane Video, Screen Grab Images…
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| Well there you have it… a small taste of what you will receive in the full version of the Zebra Cane Tutorial.
If you want to become a paid member, here is the link: Or if you are brand new to polymer clay, the best place to first learn all of the fundamentals is here: Polymer Clay Beginners Course To browse other video tutorials that are available for purchase without becoming a subscribing member (in other words… just a one time fee), you can go here: Polymer Clay Video Back Issues |
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| Weekly Wrap Up… Please use the comment sections of these Friday posts to discuss anything you like… from polymer clay challenges that you would like some help with… to success stories about your jewelry creations… to future tute requests for upcoming videos… to general community chit chat. In other words, it’s an open mic :-)
Last week the Friday discussion topics included:
If you need to catch up, here is the link to the article where last week’s topics were discussed in detail: UV Resin Technique Otherwise, you can use the comment section below to start talking about some new topics and ideas. Happy Friday!!! |
 
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I love this cane…and love the Faux Leopard Cane too. Thanks so much Cindy! Any chance we can learn a flag type cane for July? That would be sooo cool…
~Lisa :)
Putting the pictures of the steps in the cane are a great help when I go to the basement to work on the cane. Thanks.
Just finished watching the tut. Awesome!! I can see why you warned us that it is more challenging than one would think. This is one of those that I will try the first time in front of the computer. I just love that I can do that–watch a step, pause the video, try the step, watch the step again after I screw it up, try the step again, etc. etc. etc. Thanks, cindy & Doug for my next learning opportunity.
Elizabeth
I was ready to see a variation of the leopard spot canes using credit cards to create lines some how. I would never have guessed how to do this. Gotta question (and did a bit of searching but couldn’t find the answer): Cindy, what is the blade you use? It doesn’t look like any I’ve seen.
Thanks guys! I’m glad you liked the tute!
@Koolbraider: The blade used in that video is the Super Slicers by Sculpey. Mine are the Studio by Sculpey ones but they are now packaged under the Sculpey brand. They come with snap on handles and several blades. I like to put only one handle on the blade so I can draw it through a cane when I’m cutting. I’ve linked the post where I talked about them by my name.
@Cindy Lietz from Polymer Clay Tools: I was wondering, when using the the handcrafted bracelet blanks, do you recommend using B&B to adhire the clay on before baking it? I am worried that when trying to put the cuff on that the slightest bend will pop it loose from the blank. Does this make sence?
@brenda: I know you weren’t asking me, but if you’re adding clay to just the top of the bracelet blank, you’ll need glue of some sort. Clay doesn’t bond with metal. If the clay wraps around the blank to the other side, though, you’ll have a better connection, and the clay cannot “pop loose.” There are different ways to do this — I’m sure Cindy will be teaching us how to do this pretty soon (since she’s been teasing us with her pretty creations!)
@Phaedrakat: I have attemped the blank before and didn’t like how it turned out… and the comment of Cindy giving too much info away. I think she did in these pics. I am a hands on type person and can figure most things out on my own. I thought the Blog site was private for members only util I asked about people being able to comment on the spotlight photos. I am correct ? I feel truly blessed to have the the money to pay for the lessons. I want the rose cane lesson so………….. bad, but can get it right now.. My clientel is down in my home business. I know God will send me the perfect clients soon, then maybe then I can get the tutorial.
@brenda: Hi Brenda, your work is so gorgeous, I sure hope you get those clients soon. They don’t know what they’re missing! I really want you to be able to get the Rose Tutorial. I don’t have that one yet, either. It sure looks beautiful! I was the same way with Cindy’s “Teardrop Blend” Tute — I couldn’t wait, I was driven to get that tute!
As for the blog, you’re right, anyone can participate. But the videos and A-list color palettes are for members only. I think non-members can purchase single back issues (I need to double-check that.) But yes, we’re fortunate to be members. I think there are lots of people out there who want to join but they keep putting it off, not sure if it’s as good as we always talk about. Once I joined, I was so mad at myself for taking so long. I realized I missed out on so many good tutes, and that if I wanted them now I had to pay back-issue prices. If I had joined when I first noticed the site I could have had them for the cheap member’s price of $0.87 a tute. I mean, $3 bucks a month isn’t that hard to scrounge together, even in this economy. Especially for a crafter (we’re used to finding ways to put things together, even money!)
As for the bracelet blanks, what kind of trouble did you have? Was it hard getting it smooth and even, or ? Anyway, talk to ya later~
@Phaedrakat: I operate a Home Daycare. I have for 14 years. Sometimes I have to let clients go because of Non-payments or their childs behavior. I always push my limits to see if I can work it out with the child first. 9 time out of 10 I have more trouble out of the parents. I am a very understanding person. I have been blessed though through these hard times, And have wonderful (clients) parents. I’ll have to blog about that one day :)
As far as the blanks go.. When placing the cuff on, the clay came loose from the metal. I didn’t care for the way it turned out anyhow. I am looking forward to learning Cindy’s technic. Her cuffs are beautiful.
@brenda: Hey girl, do you know you’re the Spotlight today?
@Phaedrakat: NO WAY!!!! I’ll have to go see…
@Koolbraider: This is one of my favorite places to shop online. The prices are reasonable and the shipping is fast.
polymerclayexpress.com —- all the different sections are listed on the bottom of the page. The blades your all are talking about are under “Studio by Sculpey Products” and then they have a whole section of blades under tools. It is by far my favorite online shop for polymer clay. It took a little while for me to figure out how to navigate it but now it’s my first online stop. Of course, I do like to support my community so I look for what I need in town first then I go online!
Cindy, thanks. I haven’t seen these in my area but now I know what to look for on line when the time comes.
@Koolbraider: Hiya, they carried these at JoAnn’s for awhile, now they’ve got them in the new packaging at Michael’s. (Not sure which craft stores you have in your area.) Here’s a link to the blades at Amazon: amazon.com/Studio-By-Sculpey-Super-Slicer/dp/B001GS10IG. I have these, too, and I love them. I use the handles separately like Cindy — it IS easier to slice that way. You can use one handle for your “main” blade, and use the other/change it around as suits your needs. Very handy!
Hi Cindy,
I love Fridays and I love how easy to understand your videos are. You explain everything so well and the photography gets up really close so I can really see what you are doing. Thanks!!!
Dorothy Hjermstad
Phaedrakat, we have a Michaels about 30 miles away. I keep checking to see what they have. So far they don’t carry Bake & Bond. I seem to remember some Studio things but mostly see Amaco tools. Thanks for the link for Amazon. I’ve bought so many different things from them, only had to return one item, and they made it easy to do that. I know I really need a better blade than I’m using now. Wouldn’t you know, JoAnn’s stopped carrying the Studio clay a month or so before the ivy leaf tutorial!! I think our Michaels does carry that so I’ll be checking for the clay as well. (We have a JoAnn’s right in town.)
The weather has turned a bit cooler for a few days so I’m looking forward to some claying. It gets very sticky at about 90 deg. I’m going to try using a re-usable ice thingie (can’t think of the term right now) when it gets warmer to cool the clay between handlings.
Hey Cindy,
I sold 2 more of my heart necklaces at the Store in Des Moines (Squiggles); that is a total of 4. That is pretty exciting for me! I still have both checks and am going to make a copy for my clay room.
I am so glad you are taking weekends off, it helps me get caught up with posts during the week. The Zebra cane tut was great.
I was wondering if you are going to continue with the screen grabber images. They are good to catch clayers attention and get new people to subscribe. My only comment is I think you are putting too many up and giving away the technique.
What does everyone else think about this? Is Cindy giving away too much by showing too many of those little thumbnail pictures?
@Anna Sabina: I think so too, Anna. I didn’t want to say anything about it. The first couple were okay, but I think the Zebra pics were too much of a giveaway. Even though Cindy’s membership is incredibly cheap, people will not even pay the simple 87 cents or whatever it is per video if they get the info for free.
I know before I joined, I scrutinized every blog post & everyone’s comments for clues to how the video projects were made. There are probably others who, like me, are trying to save every penny. I just hope that they, like me, join up anyway, because they will find that the membership is so great, and so very inexpensive! I barely notice the $9.95 every 3 months. I’m sooooo glad I joined! But yes, I think the pictures do giveaway too much. Maybe she should do one of these once a month or something. But not every week. There are people who are very good at this stuff. All they need are a couple peeks at the work in progress, and they can figure out how to make it. They will not get the extra tips Cindy teaches, but they don’t know what they’re missing!
I don’t think she is giving away too much. I like having them. Anyone who is really interested is going to join.
Well, I know, after seeing the video, that one important step can only be shown by doing and isn’t in the thumbnails. I suppose you might wind up with the same result but, in my opinion, it would take quite a deal of trial and error (and experience). I have some experience with clay (read: love the colors and know enough not to eat it, LOL!!!) I teach a jewelry class in kumihimo (Japanese braiding, for four years now, hence the name “Koolbraider”) and some things can only be shown and explained in the doing, which reads like Cindy’s motto: “I learned by making mistakes…” Clayers of every level of experience are here so I’m thinking seeing the thumbnails will help you to get set but the video shows you what to do with the materials.
Congratulations on your hearts sales, too. Looks like you will have an entire wall soon!
I have to admit I agree with Anna, Cindy should cut back on what she shows. I just don’t understand why anyone who spends money on Polymer Clay, would not spend what little amount Cindy asks for her tutes. You just can not and will not beat this offer anywhere else. I know a lot of it is “oh I will just wait till next week”. Don’t make the same mistake I did. I have one huge regret. I wish I had joined the first time I ran across Cindy’s blog. Just give it a try. Cindy gives way more than she asks. Has done this from the beginning and would bet she will keep giving more and more and more and more…………. I don’t think anyone would ever regret becoming a member.
Uuuuuuggggs to all, Peggy
p.s. Cindy you and Doug need to quit being so nice and definitely way way to generous.
As for having screenshots for people to refer to while they’re working, maybe Cindy can still do the pictures like this, but put them in the members library. That way those who want to refer to them while they work still can, but Cindy’s not giving away too much of her project for free.
What is the Spotlight?
@Dorothy: When you send pictures of your work based on Cindy’s tutorials, Cindy can do a Spotlight Article of your work. Prizes are given out, too, in a contest that’s been going on. Brenda’s spotlight is called For the Love of Jade! ~Kat
Thank you everyone for your comments and feedback in regards to the tutorial and also about the thumbnail images I have been posting. I will be taking everything you guys have mentioned into consideration. Thank you Anna for bringing this up. Your opinions are very valuable to us all!
In regards to the bracelet blank. I am still working on the best design for the blanks as well the easiest way to cover them with clay before I make up the tutorials. They are definitely a cool way to make polymer clay bangles, that’s for sure!
For those of you who are not too clear what is for members only and for free, I have linked my name to a comment I made some time ago, on how this community works that may clear things up for you.
Thanks again everyone for all the supportive and helpful comments you all contribute to this community. It means a lot to me and by the sounds of it, to all of you as well! :-)
@ Brenda – I understand what you’re going through with the Home Day care. I teach piano from home and I have similar problems. Sometimes its the parents that want them to learn and the kids have absolutely no interest so it can get very frustrating for me. I love the kids that go on to do the Royal Conservatory exams though because they realise they have to practice and it pushes and challenges them. when they finish an exam, they feel more confident and are ready to tackle even more challenging stuff. At the moment two of my really good students wil be leaving. they’ve ben with me a few years, gone through exams but they are graduating high school and will be going away to university. I lost two other students too when their dad lost his job. it’s been kind of hard these last couple of months so I have to budget everything. I have some jewelry ready so I hope I sell enough.
Having fun with the Zebra cane. Here are some earrings that I completed.
See them at designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/2010/06/zebra-cane-earrings.html. I am working on a bangle bracelet right now and will post that on the site later.
@Loretta: Cool earrings! Can’t wait to see your bangle, too. I’m not sure if you noticed, but clicking on your name takes us straight to your blog’s homepage, or to your latest post (which in this case is your earrings.) So to point out something new at your blog, just tell us, “Click by my name — I’ve added my Cool Zebra Heart Earrings!” (Or something like that, instead of having to bother leaving an address…) If you’re showing us something older at your blog, then just tell us the month and year, so we can navigate to it.
Another thing, now that the next phase of the contest has started. If you add a link to your Zebra Earrings picture, pointing to this page, it could be used for the contest. Read the directions on today’s post for complete directions, but you’ll have to add the name of the tutorial to your link, then send an email to Cindy telling her where the link is, etc. You could probably do the same thing for your leopard earrings, too! Sorry if you already knew all this. Just didn’t want you to miss out… Have a great day, and thanks for sharing your beautiful work! ~Kat
Excellent advice Phaedrakat. And you are correct about Loretta being able to add links to her Leopard Earrings to increase her chances of winning the contest. The opportunity applies to anyone with any project/photo pages they have published to date. Feel free to help me spread the word on this if you like. I know that many members have already posted pictures in the past. Now all they have to do is go back and add the appropriate links and then send me an email.
@Cindy Lietz: That is what I am doing Now. I just figured it out.. Its going to be some work going back and forth between sites, but I will get through it… I didn’t realize that I could acually post in the section where the pictures are on my blog. I am so used to using a program to edit mypages on my pc, and using a ftp program to export into my site.
Brenda, you seem so productive. Share some tips! Do you work on one project from start to finish or do you group activities (and if so, which ones?)? Do you work in silence and off to do lists, or does it vary?
Getting stuff ready and out the door sold is a time challenge and you seem to have it mastered. Sure would like to watch you work for a day.
@Jocelyn: Sorry it has taken me so long to get to your post. I’ve been on the road traveling to visit family members all week. I am pooped out…
As far as getting my items made so quickly. I always make sure to have items on hand for upcoming tutorials. I try to think about what I might make as well. The day of, I watch the video then that night “if I feel up to it” I will make the cane. As for what I make, I do start right away not giving the cane time to harden. If I feel it is too soft, I place it in the fridge for about 30 mins. I have several projects started as I speak. Just haven’t had the time to put them together. Cindy is a big inspiration though. Just watching the intro video’s get me all worked up.. BUt not this week. I need rest from my vacation :)
Rest. Sorry about Mom, too.
As I suspected you are organized from start to finish. Best way to be productive. Clears your mind, and speeds you up when doing repeditive items, you find short cuts.
You also stage stuff, like I do.
Thanks for the share, great to hear about your work style.