Polymer Clay Tutor Bead and Jewelry Making Tutorials

Jewelry Display Cards | Polymer Clay Tutorial

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:21:04 +0000

Video #257: “I absolutely love the jewelry display cards! Will you please share your tips for making them?” ~Jo-B

When making handmade jewelry, sooner or later you will need to package it up in some way… either for presents, or for selling in your Etsy store… at a craft fair… or in a gift shop somewhere.

The RV park here in Fort Bragg wants some of the beach wraps (stones found on the beach, hand polished and wire wrapped) as well as some of my clay and also other wire art for their gift shop. I’ll be here all week and we’ll be working out what they want and I’ll be making as much beach wrap as possible. I’m pretty sure they are going to take some of my lentil beads and some of the faux dichroic as well. I’m really stoked!!!! ~Carolyn-F

I don’t sell a lot of my jewelry because I don’t think it is good enough, but the Museum of Art thought it was and wanted 15 sets for their store. I know I would not have gotten this far without Cindy’s wonderful videos. I am so grateful I finally bit the bullet and decided to join this group. ~DixieAnn-S

One way to give your pieces a professional look that is very unique, is to design your own display cards. These cards not only help to brand your work, but they also give you a place to put your pricing and business contact information.

Depending on what you want your cards to tell your customers, you can add whatever information you want… like company name, artist name, Website, phone number etc. Since these cards have quite a bit of space on them (inside and out), you can also add information such as materials used or special jewelry care instructions, that are specific to your product.

I am hoping to add a bead section to my Etsy shop, I have added a couple canes so far! My designs are now being sold at TWO stores in my town, a gift shop and a beauty salon! Also, a couple of businesses have requested business cards to hand out! One of them is the person to call in my area for clothing alterations (she is really busy right now with formal dresses for high school dances) and the other owns the banquet hall where I’m having my wedding! Hopefully I’ll get some custom wedding jewelry orders there! Thanks for all your help Cindy, I do believe you played a big part in my success! ~Carrie-W

What’s particularly great about the design I am going to show you (IMO ;-), is that I’ve figured out a way for the same card to either hang on a rack… or stand freely on its own. The stand-up approach works wonderfully at craft fairs and in retail display cases where racks man not be the best way to show your designs.

Now you may think that all earring cards and jewelry display cards are created equal. But they’re not, especially when it comes to showcasing larger jewelry pieces such as the Dogwood Flower Pendant or a pair of Iris Flower Earrings. Cards for these bulkier pieces require special engineering to hold up the extra weight.

You can take the basic engineering principals that I teach, and make it your own by choosing papers, shapes and embellishments to suit your jewelry line perfectly. In fact I am excited about seeing how you guys adapt this tutorial to work with your own personalities. It will be fun to see how different all the cards turn out!

By the way… you can make these tags using a die cutting machine, which does speed up the process significantly. But if you don’t have a die cutter, a simple pair of scissors will work too.

I absolutely love the jewelry display cards! Will you please share your tips for making them? I am participating in my first craft fair at my church in July and have been trying to think of a creative, yet inexpensive, way to display some of my pieces. I bought a tall CD rack at the Goodwill to hang my earrings on and it is awesome but I really like your cards for pendants. The cards provide a nice way to hand over the jewelry when someone buys it and, I would think, would help preserve your pieces from rough handling by shoppers. Really enjoy your videos! Thanks. ~Jo-B

Hi Cindy!!! I have used die cutting machines for lots of metal type crafts and leather! The one big WOW that I saw on this tut was the earring cards you made with the die cutters!!!! Those are beautiful!! It’s funny what captures each person’s interest when watching your fabulous tuts, huh!!! ~Denise-P

Love your earring tags, made using your cool new die-cut machine. And the little ribbon bows just set them off beautifully. It would have taken ages to cut those shapes out by hand, what a time saver, plus the fact they look so stunning, and really set off your lovely creations. What a cool tool. ~Elaine-F

I have just bought a cuttlebug (thanks to the member who said her cuttlebug was as good as the bigkick) as it is the easy accessible diecutter to buy here in New Zealand, and am so looking foward to playing with it. I also love your jewelry display cards. I have been wondering for ages how I can make my own (I love figuring out how I can do things without having to buy stuff), but it never occured to me to use a die cutter. ~Sandra-J

So… without any more chit chat, coming up tomorrow (Friday, May 25, 2012) in the Vol-048-4 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I will be teaching all of you how to make your own custom Jewelry Display Cards to bring the professionalism of your handmade jewelry to a whole new level, whether you are selling it or just giving it away for gifts.

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… Please Note: 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 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.

Supplies & Tools: Video-048-4 Jewelry Display Cards:

Card Stock in the color and design of your choice. I used 12″ x 12″ double sided cardstock found in a large pad, in the scrapbooking department of my local craft store. Choose a paper design that suits your personality and compliments your jewelry line. It can be plain or fancy, quiet or bold, but it should be consistent with your brand and who you are as an artist. There are millions of design choices out there. Have fun and don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd!
Die cutting Machine and Dies (optional) I used:

> Sizzix Big Kick Machine, Perwinkle.
> Sizzix Bigz BIGkick/Big Shot Die, Tags No.3 (I actually used set #2 but couldn’t find the link. I got mine at Michaels.

Paper Cutter (optional).
Scissors. These cards can be cut by hand if you prefer not to purchase a die cutting machine. A die cutter will do the job quickly and consistently, but it is not necessary. You’ll see when you watch the video.
Ruler. I like the Tim Holtz Design Ruler because it has a metal edge and easy centering grid, so scoring and marking hole placement is fast and accurate. Any ruler will do for this though.
Bone Folder or other scoring tool. A small ball stylus or an old pen with no ink would also work if need be.
Scrapbooking Adhesive. Glue stick, tape runner, double sided tape, glue runner, etc. Anything that holds paper together well.
Ink Pads (optional).
Hole Punches. It is nice to have a small one for the earring holes (so they don’t fall out too easily) and a larger one for punching the hanging hole at the top if the die doesn’t already do that.
Ribbon (optional).

By the way, many of the “shopping” links I provide for the various tools and supplies used in my tutorials, are “affiliate” resources. That means companies like Amazon and the other suppliers I refer, pay me a small commission if you click on the links and end up making a purchase at their site. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps in keeping the cost of my tutorials so low… at only $3.32 per month. And, the prices for products that you may purchase through my links, are exactly the same as what you would normally pay. So please do feel free to click away whenever you need to pick up a few things for your studio. Thanks so much for supporting this site :-)

Here’s a sneak peak of this week’s tutorial…

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
Polymer Clay Tutorials

The full version of the Jewelry Display Cards preview video shown above, is included in Vol-048 at the Polymer Clay Library [Click Link For More Info On How To Become a Member]. The membership price works out to $3.32 per month (plus a one-time account setup fee)…

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Hi Cindy: Your tutorials are so inspirational to me. They are so informative, gently written for any learning level – well worth anyone’s time and effort! You must be so proud of your students in tow! LOL. You have taught so many things to so many people. You and Doug are a gift to the Polymer Clay World. ~Pauline-D

Dear Cindy – Just wanted to let you know that I think your polymer clay video tutorials are just great! The instructions are very clear. I’m sure any beginner in clay would benefit from watching them. Thanks for the time and care you put into your teaching. ~Sara-T

Cindy, I love your library!! Joining was the best thing I could have done as a newbie at polymer clay. ~Becki-S

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Jewelry DisplayCards video tutorial:

See examples of Polymer Bead earrings, pendants and charms, being displayed on this unique Jewelry Display Cards design.
Learn the reasons why using the right materials and engineering techniques will make or break your display card design.
Find a cool way to make your jewelry designs stand out from the crowd, with your own personalized custom jewelry cards.
Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.

For more information about how to receive the full versions of these weekly polymer clay tutorial videos, for the very minimal cost of just $3.32 per month (plus a setup fee to cover admin costs), click here: Polymer Clay Library

Erv’s Spring Grass Palette | Polymer Color Recipes

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:13:19 +0000

Vol-049-B Series [Premo Sculpey]
1B: Fresh Spring Grass
2B: Golf Greens
3B: Blue Grass
4B: New Shoot

Life here on this planet with all its complicated twists and turns, ups and downs, joys and sorrows… has an incredible simplicity, when it comes right down to it. A new life is born, flourishes and fades away… only for new life to spring forth again in its place.

As many of you already know from last week’s Brandy Rose Color post, Doug’s dad had terminal cancer. Now as a family, we are faced with the sad process of having to let him move on from his life here on earth.

On Thursday, May 17th Erv passed away, with his wife Harriet, son Doug, myself and his grandchildren Willow and Fisher by his side. It was a loving and peaceful experience, the kind that changes your life forever.

Erv died in the same hospital his Daughter Heidi and his Grandson Fisher were born. This very building holds great joy and great sorrow… for not just our family but for many families, as that is the nature of life. A never ending circle of birth, growth and death. A journey that starts simply and finishes simply. And hopefully was filled with a lot of loving memories in between.

The Fresh Spring Grass in the photo Willow took this Spring, as the new shoots broke through the ground and before the first mow, is the perfect example of how the Earth renews itself. Today, I see this grass as a symbol of all that is pure and good about life. The Winter was cold and wet and the grass held no signs of life. But the Earth eventually warmed, the sky cleared and new growth emerged from the soil, ready to begin all over again.

Our hearts are tender right now. But deep inside is our fresh spring grass, waiting to flourish and grow and feel happy again. We love you Erv. You’ve gone to a better place now. The sky is clearing, the air is warming and the grass is starting to grow. Before you know it, you’ll need to get out there and start mowing that lawn… the grass ain’t gonna mow itself, you know! :)

This Spring Grass photo is the inspiration for our next B-Series Recipe Palette. Everyone who is subscribed to my Polymer Clay Guest List will be able to download the recipes free, one per week on Friday mornings during the month of June 2012.

Fresh Spring Grass (Recipe 049-1B)
Golf Greens (Recipe 049-2B)
Blue Grass (Recipe 049-3B)
New Shoot (Recipe 049-4B)

… Fresh Green Grass is the main green color of the grass as it reaches for the warm sun. Golf greens is the deeper shade of green, found in the low lights of each blade. Blue Grass is the blue tint of the sunlight as it warms the blades of the grass. And New Shoot is the lightest and brightest shade of pale green found along the very tips of each new shoot as it emerges from the soil.

The recipes described above are from the Volume-049 B-Series Palette. They are free to download for everyone subscribed to my Polymer Clay Guest List, Friday Email Newsletter.

If you want to see the Volume-049 A-Series Color Palette that paid library members will also receive during the month of June, then click here: Cherry Brandy Palette | Polymer Clay Color Recipes

Dear Cindy. The recipe cards are so nice. I am a painter and didn’t think that I would need the them because I am so used to mixing paint colors together… well… I LOVE THE RECIPE CARDS!!! You have shown me that there are sooooooo many different colors that I can make from my clay! So many different greens, blues, reds, purples, yellows, and even metallic colors and different natural “white” colors. Thank you so much! ~Cindy-E

Beautiful sunny palette, fresh and bright but also soothing. I love the names you give your colors Cindy, so descriptive. ~Cherie-H

You guys are amazing… giving away these color recipes for FREE! I can’t imagine why anyone would pass this up. Why not subscribe to your mailing list to get these recipes? They’re missing out BIG TIME! ~Phaedrakat

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If you would like more information about the Members Library, here are some direct links:

Library Member Benefits and What Others Are Saying
Order Page for Color Recipe and Video Back Issue Packages
Become A Full Member at the Library

Daisy Flowers for Spring | Polymer Clay Tutorial

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:28:39 +0000

Video #256: “Apart from more caning advice, I would love to learn how to make more flowers in the future.” ~Cara-L

Spring is in the air… so this weeks video lesson will show you all how to make some fabulous Daisy Flower pendants and embellishments… made with polymer clay of course.

As is the case with most of my tutorials, you can choose your own colors, sizes and styles. Feel free to come up with your own designs that can be used in all kinds of jewelry and crafting situations. Change the colors from white and yellow, to pink and brown… and you’ll have a Gerbera Daisy. Double up the petals and change the colors to yellow and brown… and you have Sunflowers or Black-Eyed Susan’s. As you can see, there are tons of options for these neat looking flowers.

For inspiration, I’ve included this YouTube video that shows many varieties of live daisy flowers. Enjoy…

Coming up tomorrow (Friday, May 18, 2012) in the Vol-048-3 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I’ll be showing a fun and easy way to create your own Polymer Daisies, no matter what color you decide to use.

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Supplies & Tools: Video-048-3 Polymer Daisies:

Polymer Clay I used

– 5001 White Premo Sculpey Polymer Clay
– 5527 White Translucent Premo Sculpey Accents Polymer Clay
– 5572 Cadmium Yellow Premo Sculpey Polymer Clay

Wilton Gum Paste Flower Cutter Set (or Daisy Cutter Set)
Wilton Flower Impression Set
Wilton Gum-Paste Modeling Tools or Sculpey Style and Detail Tools
Clay Blade
Pasta Machine
Cornstarch and Fluffy Brush
20g Wire
Stepped Bail/Looping Jewelry Pliers or Round Nose Pliers (Jewelry Grade)
Flush Cutters (Jewelry Grade)
Flat Nose Pliers (Jewelry Grade)
Optional Supplies:

– Pearl-Ex Powders
– Alcohol Inks
– Gilder’s Paste
– Playing Cards

Here’s a sneak peak of this week’s tutorial…

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
Polymer Clay Tutorials

The full version of the Polymer Daisies preview video shown above, is included in Vol-048 at the Polymer Clay Library [Click Link For More Info On How To Become a Member]. The membership price works out to $3.32 per month (plus a one-time account setup fee)…

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

What I love the most about your tutorials happened today again as I watched…. you make difficult things simple and easy to understand. You always show and explain what to do and you make me feel like I can accomplish any of the wonderful techniques that I see elsewhere and only wish I could. You make our projects look great. That is the mark of a truly great teacher, your students learn and create marvelous creations that we can be proud of and others who don’t know how are amazed that we could do that “with a little lump or two of clay”! So again, Cindy, thanks for all your great efforts and sharing ability. My mind is already a jumble of I could use this technique for…. this… and this … and that too! Time, can you find more time for me in your Mary Poppins bag of wonderous things? ~Karonkay-C

I’m new to polymer clay creations, and your videos are helping a tremendous amount. You’ve been a great inspiration. Thanks! ~Patricia-R

Hello, dear Cindy: I just wanted to tell you how fantastic YOU are. I was intrigued by an offer from another polymer clay instructor and paid $36 for a 40 minute video… which YOU would have easily, and I mean easily, covered in 9 minutes flat. WOW, what a value YOU offer!!!! Then I tried a PDF lesson, which, fortunately cost “only” $12. Well, maybe I am really stupid, because I was not able to follow the instructions. I think I’ll just stick with YOU! And that’s that! YOU are fabulous, your instructions are clear, precise and to the point and can be easily followed. Thank you and Doug, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!! With very best regards, Gratefully. ~Christl-P

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Polymer Daisies video tutorial:

See examples of components, beads and jewelry projects in a variety of colors, sizes and styles of Daisy Type Flowers.
Find out how simple it is to create this gorgeous component shape, by just following along to the step by step instructional video.
Learn the reasons why you may just want to take a trip down the baking aisle of your local craft store for these awesome tools.
Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.

Cherry Brandy Palette | Polymer Clay Color Recipes

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:18:04 +0000

Vol-049-A Series [Premo Sculpey]
1A: Cherry Brandy
2A: Plum Cordial
3A: Forty Year Old Scotch
4A: Apricot Liqueur

This is one of those posts that I am not too sure how to write. It is about beauty, life and loss. It is of joy and of sorrow.

You see, my husband Doug, whom you have begun to get to know as our cameraman, tech guy and business person extraordinaire, is losing his father Erv to Cancer. It is one of those all too common battles, that comes from out of nowhere and turns your whole world upside down.

Only a few short months ago, our kids’ Grandpa Erv was seemingly healthy and enjoying a good laugh and a fun time, playing games after a cozy Christmas Dinner at our place. We were all together this year, with Doug’s Mom Harriet, along with my parents, Ernie and Susan and of course Willow, Fisher, Doug and I. We played a game called Apples to Apples and everyone had commented the next day, on how the usually quiet and reserved Erv, was particularly funny and outgoing that night. It is one of my most delightful memories of being with Doug’s dad.

It is now May and my father in law who I have known since I was 11 years old (but that is another story for another day), lies in an Hospice bed at the hospital, resting as comfortably as possible, waiting for his journey on this Earth to end. Although cut far shorter than it should have been, he has had a happy and successful life and is making peace with what he has been given as his final chapter.

The reason I tell you all this, is that these incredibly beautiful Roses I’ve chosen as the inspiration for next month’s color palette, are part of this story. In a way they are a symbol of the amazing, yet fleeting beauty that life is. The absolute perfection of health and youth, that inevitably fades, wilts and returns to the Earth. The circle of life.

The Cherry Brandy Roses pictured at the top of the page were a gift that we brought to Erv, when he was first diagnosed with Cancer a couple months ago. Erv has always loved flowers. I remember hearing him say years ago, that he never understood why only women got flowers… men love them too. So of course when we heard he was ill, we brought him roses.

I had never seen a prettier variety of roses in my life, and made sure that Willow photographed them before we brought them out to him. The soft cherry pink outsides of the petals… the warm amber insides… the stunning vase shaped curves of the blooms… Nature’s examples of absolute perfection.

Erv’s gentle smile as we handed him the huge armful of flowers and the cute way he said “Purdy”, will always hold a tender spot in my heart. It was one of those moments in life that was a peaceful, loving, yet deeply sad memory that lingers on and won’t likely ever be forgotten. Not a lot of words were spoken that night, but more than enough was said.

It is times like these that force you to step back and examine what is important in life. What you must grab a hold of right now, while you can. To look around you and drink in the beauty that surrounds you in the people you love and the roses you hold in your arms. To be inspired to live a great life, because you never know how long that life will ultimately be.

The three words, ‘Laugh, Love, Live’ seem so important right now.

I hope that this post and the pretty color palette I have put together for you today, inspire you to Laugh More, Love More and Live More too…

The following Vol-049 A-series Cherry Brandy Rose color palette will be added to the Polymer Clay Members Library during the month of June 2012:

Cherry Brandy (Recipe 049-1A)
Plum Cordial (Recipe 049-2A)
Forty Year Old Scotch (Recipe 049-3A)
Apricot Liqueur (Recipe 049-4A)

… Cherry Brandy the soft cherry pink found on the outsides of this incredibly beautiful Cherry Brandy Rose variety. Plum Cordial is the plum purple color dusted along the outer curves of the rose petals. Forty Year Old Scotch is the warm amber gold of the insides of these perfect petals. And Apricot Liqueur is the soft pale apricot color found in the highlights of the rose buds.

I just finished making all of my color chips and made 2 additional squares, 1 to put with your color palettes and the other to put with it’s color category. Cindy, you are a great teacher and I am trying to encourage my daughter to sign up too. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all.
~Catherine-R

Yes I am also always amazed at how nature puts colours together in such a beautiful ways, nothing ever clashes, and if I am looking for a colour palette, I just have to look at a flower (of course after I have been thru my Cindy recipes). Thanks Cindy, keep em coming, so beautiful. Love to all. ~Elizabeth-K

Do I think the membership is worth it? ABSOLUTELY – the colour palettes alone are worth more to me. And the effect on my (sad, underdeveloped) creativity? PRICELESS.
~Monique-U

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If you would like more information about the Members Library, here are some direct links:

Library Member Benefits and What Others Are Saying
Order Page for Color Recipe and Video Back Issue Packages
Become A Full Member at the Library

Flower Stamen Wire Bails | Polymer Clay Tutorial

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:08:51 +0000

Video #255: “I love that you are incorporating metal tutes alongside Polymer Clay.” ~Elaine-F

You know I love flowers and nature. I also love things that look a little quirky. Well this week I’m mixing those concepts together and adding a bit of flower stamen wire work for the members video tutorial. Hopefully you like the design. But if not, you’ll still learn some basic techniques that may come in handy for other jewelry making projects you have on the go.

What a great idea! Love the flower, but the wire stamens and wrapping make it extra special. Cannot wait for you to teach us how to make these. Be great in flower arrangements because you could bend the wire to make realistic settings. ~Jocelyn-C

Hey Cindy, love love love these earrings you’ve made here, so beautiful. I would like to do some similar ones but I have no clue as to how to do the stamens. What gauge of wire is best to use in this project? Please help! ~Patricia-R

Well… coming up tomorrow (Friday, May 11, 2012) in the Vol-048-2 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I will be teaching all of you how to make awesome flowers (and/or jellyfish) into jewelry pendants earrings and charms, with unique stamen centers that twist and turn into great looking bails.

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Supplies & Tools: Video-048-2 Stamen Bails:

Pre-baked Polymer Clay Flower or Cone Shaped Bead. Some good choices are Bead Cones, Forget-me-not Beads, Poppy Beads, etc.
Balled Head Pins 3-5 inches (7-12cm) long in the gauge and metal of your choice. I used 3 Hand Torched Bronze Headpins approximately 4 inches long in 24 gauge wire for the example. Alternatively you can use the wire of your choice (preferably dead soft) and create different ends as shown in the video. Here is a link to some Silver Plated Ball Head Pins that would work as well.
Crimp Tubes – preferably size 3
Flat or Chain Nose Pliers (Jewelry Grade)
Round Nose Pliers or Stepped Looping Jewelry Pliers (Jewelry Grade)
Flush Cutters (if making you own headpins)
Ruler (Optional)

Here’s a sneak peak of this week’s tutorial…

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
Polymer Clay Tutorials

The full version of the Stamen Bails preview video shown above, is included in Vol-048 at the Polymer Clay Library [Click Link For More Info On How To Become a Member]. The membership price works out to $3.32 per month (plus a one-time account setup fee)…

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

Hi everyone, I just joined this site yesterday and I’m LOVING it!!! I’ve worked a little bit with polymer clay, but I consider myself a beginner. I’ve been looking at different posts and comments, and I think it’s great how everyone works together to problem solve and figure out better ways to use this medium. And everyone seems so friendly. I’m so excited about learning more about polymer clay, and I look forward to getting to know all of you! :-) Happy Claying! ~Kat-W

I was holding off on leaving a reply as I didn’t want to be easily impressed by this site, but.. I am very impressed. I enjoy each lesson so much it inspires me on to creative play. The die cutting one, I did not think would interest me and then once I watched … I’m getting a die cut machine … getting the bigkick on sale via amazon and watching the video many times. I’m enjoying this so much. Thanks Cindy. Keep up the good work. You know how to inspire in short videos. The faux wood and die cut have me so excited to try. Very good. ~Patty-J

This is still the BEST, CARING site and educational. Way to go, EVERYONE! ~Joyce-M

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Stamen Bails video tutorial:

See examples of Polymer Bead earrings, pendants and charms, using this stamen bail design.
Learn the reasons why using a crimp will change this design from frustrating to easy in one easy squeeze.
Find a cool way to make those simple flower and cone beads come alive with dimension and movement, just by twisting a few wire headpins together.
Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.

Rose Garden Earrings – Polymer Clay Rose Petal Jewelry

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:26:58 +0000

Gallery (11 pics): “”Wearing them is like being transported to a sweetly scented rose garden, on a warm Summer’s eve.” ~Cindy Lietz

When creating unique polymer clay jewelry, sometimes all the components just come together as if they were meant for each other. This was very much the case when I was creating these lovely Rose Garden Earrings, in today’s Gallery presentation.

The main beads were made by mixing real rose petals with polymer clay. I think they go perfectly with with the intricately designed silver plated caps, and antiqued silver-filled twisted rose ear wires. Then to round out the colors and the rose theme, a softly colored rose quartz dagger bead sways gently down under each of the earrings.

Wearing them is like being transported to a sweetly scented rose garden, on a warm Summer’s eve.

Below are some photos that Willow photographed for your enjoyment. Plus, the earrings pictured are available for purchase if anyone is interested.

Rose Garden Earrings (11 pics):

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The Rose Garden Earrings are 2 1/4″ long (5cm) and the earwires are made using high quality nickel free Silver-Filled wire which is suitable for anyone who can wear Sterling Silver Earrings. They are displayed on a hand handcrafted custom jewelry card which has been signed by the artist… me, Cindy Lietz :)
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Price: $45 (US): Rose Garden Earrings – If you are interested in purchasing the earrings shown in today’s gallery post, then please contact us. Be sure to include your full mailing address so we can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions.

By the way, if you did not get a chance to see the last special Gallery feature, here is a direct link: Orlando Area Polymer Clay Guild Fandango Retreat

Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.

Etching Premo Sculpey | Polymer Clay Tutorial

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:17:28 +0000

Video #254: “Years later… I finally figured out the missing steps!” ~Cindy Lietz

Years ago I read an article in a jewelry magazine (can’t remember which one), where the artist etched polymer clay and combined it with a metal clay project. It was gorgeous! Instructions were included, so I decided to give it a go. Well for the life of me, I just couldn’t figure it out.

The article had provided a lot of detail for some of the steps, but then completely skipped others. I’m guessing that the publisher only had a limited amount of room to work with… but at the time, I remember feeling like a complete idiot for not being able to wrap my head around the idea.

Now after having gained so much more experience with clay, I finally figured out the missing steps. And… I also came up with a bonus technique (sort of a 2 for 1) that I think you’re going to enjoy.

I love books and am always buying new ones. But much of the time I read them and say, “What the heck are they talking about?” With your videos, Cindy, there’s no ambiguity. After viewing your videos, I can go back to my books and usually figure out what the confusing sections are about. For those of you who don’t know this, articles and how-to’s in magazines are edited… and sometimes important steps or explanations are left out. This is also true in books, but I don’t think to the extent that it happens in magazines. ~Linda-K

Those “missing steps” Linda mentioned — so true! There ARE lots of gaps in those books and magazines! Cindy fills them with her step-by-step tutes… we get to see every move she makes, so we know what to expect, and how to deal with any problems that might occur. And of course, she’s here to answer questions if we have them. You never get that with books, magazines, or DVD’s! I’m very fortunate to have the ability to follow directions /instructions easily. I don’t usually need video to understand how to do a technique. BUT, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it! When I saw Cindy’s videos, I became a convert. It was so nice to have it all made so simple (and her tutorials are SO inexpensive!) I haven’t bought a book in a long while, because Cindy’s videos and the inspiration I get here at the blog offer a LONG list of ideas. The new Facebook Gallery adds even more, and really spurs creativity. I still “cheat” occasionally, LOL. I browse the web, and skim through books and mags to see what inspires me. And I would never ‘toss’ my old books. In fact, I now have a better understanding of the written techniques that did have “holes” or “gaps” in them — and that’s because of all the great things I’ve learned here. One last thing Cindy teaches you, is that it’s okay to make mistakes (but you’ll make fewer ones after watching her videos!) She gives you the confidence to practice actually open up that bar of clay… and play with it — you end up learning even more. A big “Thank you!” to Cindy Lietz! ~Phaedrakat

Coming up tomorrow (Friday, May 4, 2012) in the Polymer Clay Tutor Library (Video-048-1), I’ll be showing a fun and easy way to etch polymer clay.

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Supplies & Tools: Video-048-1 Etching Polymer Clay:

Polymer Clay I used:

- 5001 White Premo Sculpey Polymer Clay
- 5042 Black Premo Sculpey Polymer Clay
- 5527 White Translucent Premo Sculpey Accents Polymer Clay

Toner Based Image. A photocopy that used toner ink or that was printed on a laser print. Inkjet prints will not work.
Pasta Machine (optional)
Bone Folder (optional)
Choices of Colored Mediums:

- Acrylic Paints
- Pigment Ink Pads
- Alcohol Inks
- Gilder’s Paste
- Antiquing Medium
- Colored Glazes
- Shoe Polish
- Oil Pints (Should be heat set)

Miscellaneous Supplies:

- Brush for applying medium
- Paper Towels
- Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol for removing excess non-water based mediums like alcohol inks or Gilder’s Paste.

Here’s a sneak peak of this week’s tutorial…

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
Polymer Clay Tutorials

The full version of the Etching Polymer Clay preview video shown above, is included in Vol-048 at the Polymer Clay Library [Click Link For More Info On How To Become a Member]. The membership price works out to $3.32 per month (plus a one-time account setup fee)…

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

The price you charge for your membership fee is almost free for what you offer. I still can’t understand how you can offer so much and charge so little for it… I like that you are innovative and forward-thinking because you help me see things in a different light. Growing is always a good thing and you definitely help me to grow in my polyclay endeavors. ~Angela-M

Cindy, I have seldom come across better teaching combined with creativity than yours. And, believe me, as a former teacher I know how hard that is. You are straight to the point, succinct and extremely down to earth in your presentations. And, just as important: You show great empathy and encouragement, and an ability to include everyone, not make anyone feel small. That is the art of teaching in a nutshell. I appreciate your blog and your tutorials immensely, and will continue to follow them closely. Thank you from Norway! ~Mette-S

Couldn’t live without your totally awesome valued tutorials, both inexpensive and expertise!~Denise-P

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Etching Polymer Clay video tutorial:

See examples of components, beads and jewelry projects using the Etching Polymer Clay Technique in a variety of designs, shapes, colors and finishes.
Find out how simple it is to create this gorgeous technique, by just following along to the step by step instructional video.
Learn the reasons why you will want to follow the time limit suggestion in the video, so that you don’t run into the problems as discussed in the video.
Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.

Vol-047 Apr’2012 Back Issues | Polymer Clay Library

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:38:13 +0000

Video Tutorials:
1: Polymer Bead Cones
2: Rose Brain Cane
3: Forget-me-not Beads
4: Embossed Metal

Well another month has gone by and the Volume-047 Back Issue Videos have now been added to the Polymer Clay Library. If you missed your chance to see these tutorials as they were released each Friday during the month of April, now is your chance to add them to your collection as a convenient bundled package.

Today’s photo above, shows thumbnail images for the 4 videos included in this Vol-047 Package:

Video-047-1 Polymer Clay Bead Cones: Bead cones are findings that really should be in everyone’s jewelry making toolkit. They are usually made of metal, and often used for finishing both single and multi-strand necklace cord ends, as demonstrated in the Vol-040-4 Bead Cones Tutorial. Now in this Vol-047-1 lesson, you will learn how to create your own custom polymer bead cones that can be used in a variety of cool jewelry projects. Make them any size, shape and color… so you’ll always have the perfect design for custom creations.

Video-047-2 Rose Brain Cane: Sometimes the best ideas are very simple… such as with this cool looking Polymer Clay Rose Cane, based on the Brain Cane concept. Yes I know that sentence sounded complicated, but the technique for creating this flower cane, actually is super easy. So easy you are going to want to make up an entire rose garden of these special polymer cane designs.

Video-047-3 Forget-me-not Beads: Is there a sweeter or more darling little flower than the Forget-Me-Not? The teeny, tiny size, delicate color, and charming name, make it a naturally romantic symbol of everlasting love. That is why you will find the Forget-me-not flower used in Spring Weddings, Baby Showers and of course jewelry designs. Learn to make these little darlings using special flower cutters and molds that will have you creating unique flower jewelry in no time!

Video-047-4 Embossed Metal: Just like Peanut Butter and Jelly or Macaroni and Cheese, some things just go together… like Metal and Polymer Clay. Learn how to use the latest tools for embossing metal that makes creating your own custom metal components and findings for your polymer clay jewelry products, simple, easy and fast. And once you’ve invested in the tools and materials, you can make them inexpensively too! Plus use the same machine for other mixed media projects such as Die Cutting Polymer Clay, cloth, leather, plastics, paper and metal foils. You’re going to love all the cool things you can do with this machine!

Also included in this Volume-047 back issue package, are the A-Series recipe cards from the Grape Hyacinth Color Palette.

To read feedback from members who have already benefited from the videos and recipes in this Vol-047 back issue package, click here: Polymer Clay Bead Cones | Rose Brain Cane | Forget-me-not Beads | Embossed Metal

And, Sneak Peak Preview Clips are available for viewing here:
Polymer Clay Tutorials [Videos]

… If anyone else would like to add a review for any of the videos or color recipes in Volume-047, I would love to hear from you. Or if you have not yet purchased this back issue and have a question, ask away. In either case, use the comments section below.

Embossed Metal Jewelry Findings | Polymer Clay Tutorial

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:28:05 +0000

Video #253: “LOVE the look of that metal clasp, it would be so cool to make my own… if only I knew how.” ~Lesley-S

Just like Peanut Butter and Jelly or Macaroni and Cheese (I must be hungry… better go make lunch soon), some things just go together. This includes, Metal and Polymer Clay.

Now since many of you have already purchased a die cutting machine (or are perhaps planning to buy one), based on last month’s Volume-046-4 video tutorial (Die Cutting Polymer Clay), I thought it would be fun to demonstrate how you can multi-purpose the same tool to emboss and etch metal charms, clasps and other findings. They go so beautifully with many polymer clay jewelry designs.

Loved the glimpse you showed us, CINDY of your metal embossed clasp [in the Rose Brain Cane Tutorial ]. Not sure if I can wait for my birthday to get a cuttlebug or similar. ~Elaine-F

Oh, a diecutter is most certainly on my most-wanted list! I don’t mind there being videos here that include using some equipment I don’t have yet, as there is always something I learn from them which is very useful to my claying around. In fact, something I see in those videos can actually take off on a tangent to something entirely different! Funny how the old brain works! ~Rebecca-C

Wow what a fascinating machine! Thanks for showing us how they work – I had NO idea about the internal workings of a die cutter. ~Tantesherry

I have just bought a cuttlebug (thanks to the member who said her cuttlebug was as good as the bigkick), as it is the easy accessible diecutter to buy here in New Zealand, and am so looking foward to playing with it… I love figuring out how I can do things without having to buy stuff. I also can’t beleive how time flies. I have been a member now for 3 years, and I love, love everything about this site. I take my hat off to you and Doug, Cindy, for the wonderful work you are doing. ~Sandra-J

Coming up tomorrow (Friday, April 27, 2012) in the Vol-047-4 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I will be teaching you how to make your own gorgeous embossed metal accents and findings… so that you don’t always have to buy them from a specialty supplier.

Of course you can also use your die cutting machine to cut paper for earring cards and display props or tags… but that will be a tutorial for another day.

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Supplies & Tools: Video-047-4 Embossed Metal:

Metal for embossing. You can use precut metal charms / pendants or sheet metal (a soft metal such as copper, brass, bronze, nickel or aluminum 24g or thinner). Don’t try to emboss steel or tin because you could damage your embossing folders and die cutting machine.
Die Cutting Machine and Vintaj Metal Embossing / Etching Dies. I used the Blue Sizzix BigKick, but Vintaj just teamed up with BigKick and designed a cool looking Vintaj BigKick that is great looking. Same machine, different look. As far as the embossing folders and etching plates go, Vintaj makes several designs specific to embossing / etching metal.
Deluxe Kit Sizzix BIGkick Die Cut Machine With 10 Etching/Embossing Dies – Vintaj Edition.
Sizzix BIGkick Die Cut Machine Vintaj Special Edition – Cut, Emboss, And Etch!
4 Pack Vintaj DecoEtch Die Set For Sizzix Bigkick Machine (1 Set).
6 Pack Vintaj DecoEmboss Die Set For Sizzix Bigkick Machine (1 Set).

Optional Supplies:

Here’s a sneak peak of this week’s tutorial…

Here’s That “Link Below” Referred To at End of the Video
Polymer Clay Tutorials

The full version of the “Embossed Metal” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-047 Back Issue Package.

Customer Feedback About Membership Value:

I must admit to thinking, “Oh no, another tute I can’t use because I can’t justify buying an expensive bit of kit,” when you announced this one Cindy. However I was intrigued enough to check out prices for second-hand (die cutting) machines on eBay and hopefully by tomorrow I’ll have won one for cheap. I love how your pieces look and the flat resined effect is definitely my style. I haven’t bought the flower moulds/cutters because although I like what you’ve done with them I can’t justify that kind of expense for something I’ll realistically use to make a few pendants before my eye is caught by another project and I move on to a new obsession. Especially as craft stuff’s so expensive here in the UK! That said, I appreciate that your tutes are so cheap that it totally doesn’t matter if I don’t love every single one. You make enough that I’m truly excited about to make it worth my while. ~Silverleaf

It is so gratifying to see all the comments from so many clayers, Cindy, you, Doug, and Willow have enlightened so many people with your clear, concise and wonderfully presented tutorials. It is no wonder that so many have joined us in our pursuit of polymer clay. PC is so satisfying to so many people. It is a wonderful product. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Lets continue on for many years!!!! ~Patt-W

Cindy, We just recently got new credit cards and it didn’t dawn on me that the old one was attached to my membership with with you! I have updated the information as you advised. NO NO NO I do NOT want to ever be taken off the membership. I LOVE your tutorials and SO look forward to Fridays when the new one comes. Thanks for making my life a bit richer and happier!!! ~Carol-T

The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Embossed Metal video tutorial:

See examples of embossed metal charms, clasps and findings made using a variety of metals and patterns.
Find out how simple it is to create these gorgeous intricately textured metal accent pieces.
Learn information on the proper way to use the tools and materials for best success and to avoid damage to your equipment.
Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with other unique designs of your own.

The full version of the “Embossed Metal” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-047 Back Issue Package.

Currant Bud Palette | Polymer Clay Color Recipes

Polymer Clay Tutor Doug Lietz — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:18:33 +0000

Vol-048-B Series [Premo Sculpey]
1B: Currant Bud
2B: Blush Pink
3B: Raffia
4B: Dusty Lilac

Isn’t Spring just the most fabulous thing? All the fresh green, or should I say red, buds bursting their way through the skins of the winter bare branches.

These tiny buds from a flowering currant bush that Willow photographed, look so warm and cozy with their fur collars. To me they look like a couple of best friends heading out for an afternoon walk. Of course, my imagination is acting up again!

I choose this Spring photo as the inspiration for our next B-Series Recipe Palette. Everyone who is subscribed to my Polymer Clay Guest List will be able to download the recipes free, one per week on Friday mornings during the month of May 2012.

Currant Bud (Recipe 048-1B)
Blush Pink (Recipe 048-2B)
Raffia (Recipe 048-3B)
Dusty Lilac (Recipe 048-4B)

… Currant Bud is the most lovely shade of currant pink that I’ve ever seen. It represents the main color of this flowering currant bud. Blush Pink is a soft baby pink with hints of Ecru and is found in the highlights of the budding branch. Raffia is the soft straw color of the hairy collar at the base of each bud. And Dusty Lilac is the smoky lilac purple of the branch of this flowering currant bush.

The recipes described above are from the Volume-048 B-Series Palette. They are free to download for everyone subscribed to my Polymer Clay Guest List, Friday Email Newsletter.

If you want to see the Volume-048 A-Series Color Palette that paid library members will also receive during the month of May, then click here: Crocus Palette | Polymer Clay Color Recipes

I just wanted to thank you for making the B color recipes free each week. Thanks from all the people who can’t afford to get them any other way. ~Deni-L

I’m still new at mixing colors. I have a few colors to work with and then I see another one in the recipe I don’t have so that’s frustrating when I am ready to mix my colors for a bead. Some day I will have all the basic ones. Thanks for the recipe it helps so much. ~Brenda-E

I absolutely love the color recipe cards!! Just wanted to say thank you to you and your hubby for going to such lengths to teach and mentor all of us. I always get so much inspiration here. ~Tanya-L

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If you would like more information about the Members Library, here are some direct links:

Library Member Benefits and What Others Are Saying
Order Page for Color Recipe and Video Back Issue Packages
Become A Full Member at the Library