Member Benefits 044-4: Techniques Tools

Cindy – I just wanted to thank you for all the wonderful work you do. It seems like every day when I’m doing clay, something I learned from you jumps up into what I’m doing to make whatever it is easier and better, and naturally I have to think about you. Thanks again, you really make this fun. ~Bonnie-K >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Techniques

This is a great point. As much as I try to add meaning to my clay work, I sometimes forget that the best, most finely executed ideas didn’t just happen. They came from periods of time where simply playing, getting a feel for the clay, making mistakes, changing a technique and so forth were the bulk of time spent at the clay table. Thank you for reminding me! ~Shannon-L >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Making Polymer Clay Beads

You are simply stunning, Cindy. Ever since my parents gave me an opal as a present when I was 10 years old, I have loved these stones. I have always worn it around my neck, since then. I read every article about making fake ones, that I stumbled upon un till now and I never ever saw one that even came close to how the real stones look. But your faux opals really capture the deepness and the shimmering layers. I would love to see the tutorial and try it out :D ~Angelghost >> This comment was originally posted at this link: How To Make Beautiful Faux Opals

Thanks Cindy, Another great Tut! I found a catalog and started making my own earwires from it this past week. But, Your tips to use a permanent marker is great. I kept wondering how in the world did they get so round, Just the simplest things. ~Brenda-M >> This comment was originally posted at this link: How to Make Handmade Ear Wires

I love inlays and would have not thought that it is so easy to make. Thank you Cindy for sharing. ~Ileana-B >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Inlay Technique

I ordered the Ultradome UV Resin sample, and have a feeling this is going to be exactly what I need being as my current method of finishing my cufflinks is leaving me with it not curing completely. *absolutely frustrating!* … I love reading what Cindy has tried, it’s so helpful to find someone who has tested it and can let you know if it works. @Terry Morris: I am sure since Cindy’s review, you have jumped thousand fold with orders. And from what I am reading and have heard. I will totally recommend your Ultradome product! Being as it’s easier on the pocket and us small time business owners/crafters, this is exactly what we need. ~Sara-G >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Resin for Polymer Clay Jewelry

I just started with the mica shift since watching the video. I tried to use the Fimo Effects and they don’t work like the Premo pearls do. Great technique and great tips Cindy. ~Jeanie-B >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Mica Shift Technique

Wow! What a time saver! Just when you think you saw it all! ~Catalina >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Extruder Flower Canes

Just in time!  I was trying to find some cord ends at the bead store last week. They didn’t have anything that would work, plus everything was so expensive. Can’t wait for Friday! ~Darlene-N >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Making Cord End Findings

Yesterday I tried my first transfer onto clay. It was semi-successful but I learned and it will be easier next time. Today I was just messing around and began tearing pieces of the clay that had the image transfer and randomly applied them to some other clay sitting on my work table. Then I decided to see what they would look like if I swirled them. They are turning out beyond cool. I love them!! I guess that is what excites me most… the fun of being able to go in another direction entirely if the first choice doesn’t work and still end up with something wonderful. ~Elizabeth-S >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Beads

I love this video in which you show how to make the hearts, they’re FABULOUS!!!!!!!! Beautiful!!!! Can’t wait to try them. THANK YOU!!!! ~Julie-W >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Making Heart Shaped Beads

There are a lot of things I like about this site, but today it’s all about TGIF and… today I have something totally different to do – something easy, pretty, and wearable. Thank you, Cindy. ~Rose-M >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Lace and Ink Technique

Great job, Cindy. I had it pretty much figured out from your photos, but you did a wonderful job explaining this wire technique. So, you have some Lindstroms too! One thing to note: When you are holding the top circles (the bale wires) with the round nose pliers – don’t hold them any more than is necessary. Round nose pliers do leave marks on the wire. It is great that you showed all the different pendants. And we could make interchangeable earrings to match – just make them small to go with the little beads that we make when we make bigger ones – at least I do. I’m always thinking “sets”. If I can make a big one for a pendant, I should be able to make small ones for matching earrings. ~Carolyn-F >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Interchangeable Focal Bead Pendant

I’d certainly be interested in this surface technique! The end result is quite striking and it sounds versatile enough to cater for all tastes from classically feminine to bold and modern. ~Sue-F >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Inked Polymer Clay

The Jupiter Beads. I had trouble getting my clay to crackle, so I ran my extruded clay through the pasta machine on setting 3 (1 being the thinnest, 7 the thickest) and wow did I have the crackles! I love the Jupiter Beads, they are just so interesting! I made a couple dozen of these and took pictures of my 4 favorites. My Mom likes them too – I gave her a necklace made with one and she turned around and bought 3 more necklaces from me! She gave one to a friend who put it on a sterling chain and wears it all the time. What a confidence booster!! ~Lisa-W >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Bead Giveaway Contest

Very clever use of the light bulb Cindy, in this inked butterfly tute! ~Michelle-C >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Tutorials

Hi Cindy. I love the Polymer Clay Faux Opal Pendent with Hammered Copper Jewelry Bail. I would love to see a video on how to make this bail. I tried to make faux opal from someone on the net but did not turn out very well. I think maybe the direction may not have been clear enough, as yours are. I look forward to starting my day reading the news letter with a hot cup of coffee. ~Barb-C >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Polymer Clay Videos

Cindy, I’m for anything you want to teach us. Although I wouldn’t normally be likely to use galvanized steel in my jewelry, the hammering makes it look as if it could be sterling. Even if I decide not to use this technique, as Mary said, one thing sets off a creativity spark for something else. ~Linda-K >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Hammered Metal Bezels

I have been making some felt brooches for people recently decorated with tiny shop bought buttons. I am already dreaming of the possibilities of making my own far more interesting buttons. ~Cara-H >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Making Your Own Custom Buttons

Here is a picture of my faux opal pendant. I’ve gotten so many compliments… thank you! The picture really doesn’t do the piece justice as compared to seeing it in person, but I thought I’d send this along anyway! In the sunlight the pendant and ring is absolutely amazing. I use Patera bezels from Nunn Design. They are a bit expensive but the end result proves worth it. I also made a ring and earrings in the fopal and instead of the Buffalo Snow flakes which I couldn’t find I found some iridescent decorating shred (or Easter basket grass) and cut that up instead. ~Hobokenmary >> This comment was originally posted at this link: Faux Opal Bake and Bond Technique

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Cedar Bark ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Calyx >> Polymer Clay Tutorials VIDEO: Valentines Mirror Image Heart Shaped Beads