What a great story! I love getting kids involved in the clay. My husbands siblings (a 12 year old boy, a 14 year old girl, and a 16 year old girl) spend the night with us and working with clay is the first thing they ask to do when they walk in the door. I am especially close with the 14 year old and she has gotten good enough at it that she helps me on most of my projects, and she goes to festivals and shows with me! My cousin also hired me to come to her daughters 8th birthday and help her and all her friends make bracelets! ~Carrie-N >> This comment was originally posted here: Children and Polymer Clay

Cindy and Doug Thank you for the wonderful gift. I feel this weeks tute was so much more than just a lesson. It was a learning experience not to forget you can take a beautiful piece of art and with a tweak here and a change of color there you have a similar piece of jewelry that is now working for many woman of different ages and tastes enjoying the same technique. Now that is not only Awesome but PURE GENIUS!!! Many Many Uuuuugggss. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Faux Dichroic Glass

Hi Cindy, I love your tutorials – they’ve expanded my horizons about what I can do with polymer clay. I also really admire that you are a working artist! As a current college student thinking about career options, I think that it’s amazing that you can make a living through artistic endeavors. Thanks. ~Vierra-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Library

Elizabeth, I know just what you mean about grandkids and clay. I have two boys here, 7 and 4 years old, and that’s what we were doing today. They opened about 7 packs of clay before I had the heart to stop them. I loved every minute of it. We’re having a long sleep over (maybe a week) before school starts. They even have a 2 year old brother but three is too much for me. He’s a wild child but so cute and adorable. Anyway, I gave them small cutters and they made small flowers for Mom. Tomorrow I’ll let them glue magnets on the back and Mom can use them on the refrigerator. Thank goodness I have two pasta machines – one for each. They also love putting all the colors together, but its fun. ~Helen-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Blend and Switch Technique

Cindy, Just a quick note to again say thank you for all you do.I LOVE the new order system!!!! Easy to order more than one back issue at a time and easy to check out! NO more cancels from paypal. I love it. By the way , my son is now doing clay as well so I am Very excited to see the pleasure that he is getting from playing with clay and gives us one more thing that we can do together. So again thank you for all your hard work and worrying about us and the paypal system. Hugs. ~Karon-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Image Transfer Technique

I like this idea and love a lot of stuff from the 60′s art era.I think this would be great to make for the teen in my home and or for others too. ~Stephanie-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Jellyroll Cane with a Psychedelic Twist

Congratulations on your beautiful beads. I love the way you personalized Cindy’s technique. Will make notes from your take on this. Aren’t hubbys wonderful? He has such pride in you that he is willing to share. It was awesome for you to share a heart with that little granddaughter. We would probably all be in tears if she could share just what it means to her. The best to you in this venture, it is deserving. Ah, to have such a pea sized brain… you are a fine gem in this community. Thanks so much for sharing. ~Joyce-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Carved Bone

I made these mushroom pendants for my niece’s three little girls. They loved them! ~Linda-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Mushroom Beads

Wow, your Blushing Pansy Palette is gorgeous! I love pinks and purples… they’ll come in mighty handy for Valentine’s jewelry. Plus, my nieces love girly-girl colors (as long as I mix ‘em with other “funky” colors, too.) I’m inspired to get started on “hearts” and “I love you” stuff — pronto! Thanks Cindy, for the lovely color palette… and Doug, for your beautiful photography — as always! ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Color Recipes

Another awesome idea for my grandkids and me to use. I have several rolls of copper tape, in different widths. Have only used it on glass pieces. With Polymer Clay – never thought of it. I learn so much from this site!!! ~Dianne-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Pendants Wrapped with Copper Foil

What a great video, especially because it combines so many techniques taught previously, and allows use of scrap clay due to the smallness of the object. Can’t wait to see the reaction of a group of kids to this one, perfect introduction! ~Jocelyn-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Sculptural Birdhouse Beads

Interesting! The wired leaf charms with the polymer clay remind me of the fun art projects I used to do with my artsy grandmother in my childhood. We’d take wire bent into a similar shape like Cindy’s and dip it into this gooey stuff that then dried and became translucent. ~Maria-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Mixed Media Wire Leaf Charms

Oh Cindy, you’ve made an old woman very happy! A dream come true, a peacock cane! I too have always adored peacocks, their feathers, their unbelievable shimmering colours, their strutting  -well how could they help it-  and I even love their haunting calls. In the ancient literature they’re the symbol of immortality so your choice of gorgeous wedding colours was very wise as well as highly original, very Cindy-and-Doug-ish. And no need to tell you, your marriage is lookin’ good, absolutely imperishable! (I’ve noticed that my peacock feathers, standing in a vase for years and years, still look fresh and lovely, so maybe there’s something in that).  Anyway, this is a challenge which I will take up and persist with until it comes out like your cane.  Let’s see, I’ll be 163 by then …  Never mind, I’ll press on. Practice, practice (or practice, if you spell the American way) should help. What fun! Thanks a million, Cindy. ~Mary-U >> This comment was originally posted here: Peacock Cane Project

Had my tear drop blends all ready to go yesterday, and then my grandaughter arrived (babysitting duty for grandma!) but I refused to let it stop me. She had a ball starting and stopping the video and helping to “smush” as she said (already getting into PC slang and she is only 4) the clay and then layer the slices. This was a fantastic tute, well worth the price, and another of your and Doug’s marvelous efforts. Thank you! ~Marlene-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Peacock Feather Cane

Cindy, Those little bits of yummy stuff are so cute. I often wondered how to make icing. Although I am not a PC foodie, these would be so cute for a charm bracelet for my granddaughter. ~Bette-L >> This comment was originally posted here: Miniature Cupcake Beads

I have been making and selling a variety of different crafts for years and only discovered polymer clay on a visit to US to look after my granddaughter. Together we sat at the kitchen table and played with clay. It was not until I stumbled upon “CINDY” that I realized how wonderful this stuff really is. I have made many PC gifts for family and friends but never attempted to sell any. Well at the end of September I will attend my first craft-fair selling my polymer clay creations. I’m getting really excited just thinking about it. Because there are already three people selling jewelry I said to the organizer I wouldn’t be selling jewelry. So I have three note books stuffed with alternative PC items, but all using “Cindy’s wonderful recipes, canes, wire-work etc. I’ve already had pre-orders for hook-marks and buttons using “Cindy” techniques, so THANK YOU Cindy, do you realize that you are changing “MY WORLD” I’m having so much fun and look forward to each amazing new idea that you pull from the hat!! So if anyone is reading this and wondering if they should sign up to become a member – “just do it” and as “Dell-Boy” says “You know it makes sense”. :} xx cheers. ~Elaine-F >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Recipes

What a nice flashback to my childhood. ALOOOOOOOOOOONG time ago LOL. As Ken wrote – this tute has lots of possibilities. Fun to experiment, huh?. Also, thanks for the heads up on the Frost vs. White Translucent. Glad to know they are the same. Thanks – as always – for such an interesting tute -smile! ~Patt-W >> This comment was originally posted here: Dandelion Ghost Cane

SOOO cute!! My Granddaughters would love a charm bracelet made with the mini purses ~Jeanne-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Purse Shaped Charms and Beads

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Vine Maple ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Verdigris> Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: Pirate Cane Project (Part 1) for Halloween Jewelry

Wow…another hit!!!  My grandson is staying over tonight. He might like helping gram do some druzys. Thanks for another mind opening tute. They do get gray matter working…..lol. ~Pollyanna >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tutorials

Cindy, I would like to tell you a story and let you know how much you have touched my life and the lives of 4 “special needs” children: a 1st grader with autism, a 3rd grader with downs, and a 4th grader and 5th grader with learning disabilities. After 18 years working at a major communications company here in the states, I got laid off 6 years ago. Four years ago I was fortunate to find a job at an elementary school. It is the best job I have ever had – absolutely no stress! I’m a mom to 35 teachers and a grandma to 600+ kids. Last year I was able to show the “special needs” class how to make lentil beads and cut them into different shapes. We made pendants and earrings for their moms for Mother’s Day. They chose 3 colors, we made snakes and then twisted the snakes together. We made balls and then swirled the ball into lentils.  After pressing the lentils down, the kids then used cutters to make shapes if they wanted to. This year we made photo frames for their dads for Father’s Day. The kids did almost everything. They conditioned the clay. We made jellyroll canes and bulls eye canes and cut out basic shapes. They even tried to turn the extruder and made snakes. They decorated the frames and I took them home and baked them. Then, with baby wipes and waxed paper in hand, we put Future Floor Wax on the frames. When the frames dried the kids were so excited. My eyes fill with tears at their beauty and my heart was filled with pride at their accomplishments. The process took over a week at about an hour a day. It was worth every minute. Thank you again for all you (and your whole family) do.  You have given your heart and soul to all of us. You are so loved and so blessed. ~Linda-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Special Needs Children and Polymer Clay

Dear Cindy – Just wanted to say… you make Friday’s special. I shall miss your e-mails over the next 2 Fridays when I am on holidays. It’s not often that I am happy to get home again after a holiday, but this is definitely one time I will!  I hope you are well and enjoying your projects. You are certainly bringing a lot of pleasure to one pensioner! Best wishes. ~Marion-R >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Passion

This is great!  I read online somewhere on how to make hollow beads but nothing this easy! This will give my grand-daughter and I something to do together… I am traveling up to NC tonight to get her…  Another great Tut Cindy and Doug ;) ~Brenda-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Puffy Beads

I finally caved in to buying this video. Now, I am going to use the colors I have and create something cool! I am thinking of using the cane as a background to some alphabet letters. I’m in a co-ed fraternity and having a cute zebra patterned bracelet with my Greek letters as an inlay sounds cool. Only if I can find a how to in making the letters. Thanks for this! I was looking all over for something simple too. ~Cynthia-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Zebra Cane Animal Prints

My grandchildren will spend hours in my craft room. I love this contrast to the world of electronic games so I pretty much give them freedom to choose whichever clay they want to use in their creations.  They are not too good at keeping colors separate, etc. so I always end up with significant additions to my scrap pile. It’s a small price to pay for the joy of watching them in their endeavors. However, I’m always a little sad to see that ever growing pile of scrap. Yesterday afternoon I decided to start pulling completely random chunks of scrap and then conditioned them together to see if I would get anything besides mud, and I did-I got some really cool colors. Needless to say I won’t ever be able to recreate the colors but they will serve as nice additions to the recipes as long as they last. Now, I know I haven’t discovered the secret to the universe here, but it was a fun afternoon. ~Elisabeth-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Blend and Switch Technique

I haven’t been around for a while. My Grandkids 7, 5, and 2 years old have been keeping me very happily busy (all boys) Between this great clay site, all the great people here, and my great grandkids… well, whose got it better than me???????  They’re growing so fast and I don’t want to miss anything. They come up with some surprising clay pieces too  ~Helen-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Kids

Love this tutorial….easy and a cute effect. My little grand-daughter has been joining me in my workshop and is fascinated by what she can do with pc. She covered a glass ball and made a Christmas ornament for her Dad and made heart charms for her Mum and herself. I’m sure she’ll love the gingham canes. I’ve already made purple, blue, red and black gingham… I LOVE them! Thanks again. ~Isabel-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tutorials

I vote for the glow-in-the-dark beads! I use the beads I make as good behavior incentives in my first grade classroom. A bead like this would be a huge hit!! So yes, yes, and yes! ~Jill-V >> This comment was originally posted here: Glow in the Dark Polymer Clay

Cindy, kudos again, girl! That is one fabulous technique! My Godmother always purchased the makeup kits for us from the good department stores and I have boxes of fantastic mica based eye powders to use finally!!! Cannot wait to try this, even love the results plain without the gloss. Easy to do for kids too, eye popping results. ~Jocelyn-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Dichroic Glass

Jayne, I love your idea of making something with a torn, faded denim look. It would probably sell like hotcakes! I just know my teenage granddaughters would love such an item if it can be made and would love to learn to make this for their friends. A variety of shapes for the pendants that could be reduced for earrings might work wonders. Well, Cindy, I’ll be looking and hoping that you come up with something to satisfy Jayne and send us all scurrying back to our clay areas. There is just no end to possibilities here, such fun. Good fortune. ~Joyce-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Canes

The timing for this mushroom tutorial is perfect for me. A week from Friday my 6-year-old grandniece is coming to spend the weekend with me. She loves to paint with me in my studio, but this time I’m going to teach her about polymer clay. I think the mushroom might be fun for her to try. ~Linda-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Sculpted Mushroom Beads

Liberty my 7 yr. old grandaughter was here by herself for 6 days last week and she kept me going. She worked on PC of some kind every day and made seed bead bracelets and ankle bracelets for herself and friends everyday. Choice of toggle clasp so I was very busy with the crimp beads and crimp bead pliers. I thought my hands were going to fall off before we were done. But the smile on here face made it all worth it. She has a close friend who lives 2 doors behind them and is moving to another state on the 30th so she made her sister and her a necklace and bracelet set very nice work she is quite talented. She has asked me if I will show her how to do her own crimp beads next time she stays by herself. She is only 7 but she is ready. She will be teaching me before long. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Art Jewelry

What a great gift you’re giving the kids there. So unique. I’ll bet they had (are still having) a ball with it, casting spells. That’s the kind of gift that a child remembers. I also wanted to say how realistic your Luna Lovegood earrings are. They’re perfect radishes, and adorable earrings. Not my style exactly (I’d go for one of the darker Harry Potter characters’ look for myself,) but I would exclaim with joy if I saw someone wearing those earrings! So cute! ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Harry Potter Polymer Clay

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Grape Jelly ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Adobe Hut > Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: How To Add Polymer Clay To Your Metal Bracelet Blanks

I can’t wait to have a go at this extruder flower cane – you make it look so easy! Many thanks for yet another wonderful technique so clearly explained. ~Susan-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Extruder Flower Mod Canes

Wow! This is terrific! They did an amazing job! Polymer clay is so fitting for all ages. I hope this makes their self confidence fly high! You do have the best job in the world!! :) ~Catalina >> This comment was originally posted here: Special Needs Children and Polymer Clay

Oh, I’m feeling like Lucy in the chocolate factory – how’s that for an old TV reference! I want to do everything Cindy teaches us and the ideas of all the things I want to make are jumping around in my head. I can’t keep up!!! I have never been so creative before in my life and I thank Cindy for all that inspiration. I have three grandnieces under the age of 6 and I think it would be very cute to make buttons to decorate matching T-shirts for them. I wish I had known how to make clay buttons when I used to sew my own clothes. @Cindy – I was asked to do a presentation for my local Arts Guild next week. They thought I would do another painting presentation, but I decided to do my presentation on polymer clay basics instead. You’ve given me confidence to take this on. ~Linda-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Making Polymer Clay Buttons

So many little (maybe even not so little) girls I know would love these popcorn earrings and I’d really like to see Cindy’s technique for this cane. What a brain that woman has – she could just about rule the world! Love the wire wrapped agate rings too. So much to learn. Rock on, Cindy! ~Mary-U >> This comment was originally posted here: Popcorn Polymer Clay Earrings

AMAZED again, your mind probably never stops spinning. Where do you come up with these great ideas. I bet you were a blast as a kid to play with. Imagination creates the most fun for children. I am going to have to put my mind to work to see what I can come up with for my grandkids. They are too young for Harry Potter at least the youngest. But I can take a children’s book with a different topic and come up with something. My Grandaughter (6) loves anything to do with Disney Princesses and my Grandson (3) loves Dinosaurs. I’m going to give myself a challenge to come up with something for Christmas. Let you know later what it is. Thanks again Cindy for giving me some much needed motivation. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Harry Potter Polymer Clay

Thanks, Cindy, for some very good information about working with kids and polymer clay. I have 7 nieces and nephews, and they are pretty fascinated with my work (now that I have got it all out of the storage boxes again.) We’ve only had a couple of “play” sessions so far, but you are right about so many things in this article. It’s amazing how creative they are — my 7-year old niece “invented” a fantastic surface technique just by playing around. I plan to use it for my own creations, as well. I should soon have a good permanent work area set up. Then I will use your advice above and let the kids teach me some new techniques! ;-) Thanks again! ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Kids Craft Projects

I started making jewelry when I retired a few years ago. Then I “found” polymer clay and decided I wanted to make my own beads. I do sell my jewelry to friends so I want it to be extra nice. I just joined and subscribed to your blog and am hoping to learn how to make more  “sellable” beads and jewelry. I still have a lot to learn but am enjoying it so far. I would like to make simple but pretty beads. ~Maureen-G >> This comment was originally posted here: Making Polymer Clay Beads

The faux pebble beads are a great addition to all your other ideas, Cindy. I think the granddaughters will have fun with this and why not a “pink” rock if they so choose? This also gives them an idea for later on or maybe even now to make for Dad to bring back to Texas in August. Wouldn’t he be impressed? Will have to think of something else in your repertoire for Mom. Going to be quite the summer vacation for them and me, Nana. Thanks, Cindy. ~Joyce-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Dog Tags Jewelry for Boys

I have to let you know that right now making miniature food is great fun!!! Though I do not have a dollhouse, my 13-year-old daughter and her friends LOVE my mini food jewelry! And it’s not just the kids…I know of many people that look forward to my latest “recipes”.  It’s probably not something you wear everyday but great fun!!! ~Betty-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Miniature Polymer Clay

Cindy, that was a great idea, I have so many beads that I don’t know what to do with and don’t want to put them on something permanent. My niece in college will love this.  I’ll make her a couple of them on ribbons and send her beads to change out. ~Bonnie-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Interchangeable Focal Bead Pendant

Count me in too! Glow in the dark – really cool. I know my teenager will love it too. ~Cheryl-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Jellyroll Cane with a Psychedelic Twist

I shall stand on the patio in the dark just for the shear fun of it and glow;  good job we don’t have close neighbors can’t wait for Friday. Ooohh I wonder why I keep wishing the days away at my age I should not do that,  lol. ~Ritzs >> This comment was originally posted here: Glowing Jellyroll Cane

I would love to learn this puffy bead technique! My 9 year old daughter loves to watch the videos with me, and I know she will love these too! They just look FUN! If there are any special supplies we may need for upcoming tutorials, it would be great if you could let us know ahead of time, just like with the buffalo flakes. I got mine yesterday, and can’t wait to learn the faux opal. We are in the process of rearranging the rooms downstairs, and one of them is going to be my craft room!!! I am sooo excited, my very own place to work. ~Tiffany-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Hollow Polymer Clay “Puffy” Beads

These are delightful! My 14 year-old son was watching the tutorial with me and when it finished said that he couldn’t wait for me to have a go at this technique.. so off I go! ~Susan-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Hollow Puffy Beads Video

I love to get the emails on a Friday, it is a real treat. A great start to the weekend! I always watch them straight away (luckily Friday morning is a quiet one at home with my daughter). My aim is to create jewellery pieces rather than just pretty polymer clay things and beads I keep in a box! Thanks to your variety of techniques, hopefully I will be able to combine some into interesting projects. Thanks. ~Cara-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Spliced Flower Cane

Cindy; I just love the tute. When I went to pick up my G-kids I noticed that my daughter had johnny jump-ups. I was like oow… Cindy is doing a tute on those :) ~Brenda-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Johnny Jump-Up Pansy Cane

The mushroom pendant is very cute. I would love to learn how to make it, and so would my 9 year old daughter. You should see some of the things she has made with clay. She loves to watch your videos with me. We sit at the computer and each hold an ear bud to learn our new lesson. She has quite the knack for it. She does beading and string too. It’s fun to have her fresh look on things! ~Tiffany-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Mushroom Jewelry

Thanks again for adding another string to my learning curve you sure do make Fridays fun and these little shrooms will be a breeze to make for me and my grandaughters. They look so good. ~Carole-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Sculpted Mushroom Bead Shape

Before Christmas I wanted to add to Rose-M’s comment about having so many beads etc. Your thoughts, Rose, hit home with me and I had planned that “after things settle down again” I need to revisit the techniques that have given me a challenge that I didn’t conquer. Not that something interesting didn’t happen but I moved on and now like you say, Cindy, when the need for that accomplished technique comes it will take that much longer to have the sense of accomplishment that a finished project always gives. I’ve told my granddaughters many times to “learn whatever you can now because you don’t know when you’ll need it later on”. Now I need to do the same in my clay world. It is all fun and rewarding so now I’ll enjoy the “happy accidents” (as artist Bob Ross would say) but stay with the technique to really make it mine before going on to something else. It’ll just take a mite longer to get to that something else but there will great satisfaction in mastering that new technique. Many thanks to you, Rose and Cindy, for putting more light on this subject. ~Joyce-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Lessons

This mushroom bead is going to be perfect for me to make with my niece when she visits this weekend! ~Linda-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Mushroom Bead Video Tutorial

Well I didn’t get here on Christmas day but I still want to wish Jesus a Happy Birthday. I also want to wish Cindy and my clay family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.I am very thankful to Cindy for each and every blog I have read and video I have watched. I have been most touched by the book bead video. I used this video to make many Christmas gifts for family and friends. My grandchildren made book bead markers for their school teachers with the initial stamps and the cross stamp for their Sunday school teachers. My youngest grandchildren made the most book beads. My daughter their Mommy started out teaching deaf and hard of hearing students. Because of this sign language is big in their family. So we used the sign language letter stamps on Mommy and Daddy’s book mark beads. I received a wonderful gift from my husband – laptop computer. When I told my youngest Grandaughter who is 6 she said Momma we can have Cindy in the craft room with us now while we work on our clay. Before I had to watch the videos in my husbands den which does not have room for me to do my clay in there. Now I can just back the video up if I forget how something is done while I am working. This is a blessing for me. So watch out Cindy you will be spending 2010 with your favorite fan in my favorite room in the house. Thank you Cindy for all of everything you put into this wonderful clay family. Thank you for being you. God bless us all. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Family

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Marshes ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Thorny Branch > Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: See How The Paddle Shaped Rocker Beads Got Their Unique Name

Hi Cindy, I wanted to say that I enjoy your videos. My kids will enjoy learning from them as well. I wish we would have found these earlier. We did a lot of research, made mistakes and bought several books. Your web site, the course and the weekly videos have been so helpful I wish we would have found you first. It’s great having all the information we need in one spot instead of surfing and hunting for help in many other places. Thanks. ~Missy-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tutorials

I think the glow in the dark jelly rolly roll pendant will be to cool!! I have 9 year old daughter that is getting better than me at polymer clay jewellry designing, and she will flip over this! Cindy, I want to crawl inside your brain just for a day, you continue to bring us such fun, gorgeous, original and truly wearable designs. I have looked through some books and thought oh my, why would anyone even consider wearing that? It just looks like sculptures you would see in an art show. You however bring us ideas and designs that are wearable and make us feel so good about having done it ourselves!! I know I have said it before, but I’ll say it again- Cindy, you rock!!! I wanna be just like you when I grow up!!! ~Tiffany-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Glow in the Dark Jellyroll Cane

How do you become a member? I see library items I’d love to look at. I did join at your 3 Free Video, where do I go from here? At age 81, am I too old a dog to learn some new tricks? ~Carol-N >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Possibilities

Hi Cindy. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your teaching. I’m a teacher, too, first grade, and I use beads as incentives for good behavior. I show the kids what bead they are “playing for,” and they LOVE all the different techniques. I even taught two fifth grade girls how to make some beads that they then turned into jewelry and sold at our school’s Market Day. Thanks for all you do! ~Jill-V >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Kids Craft Projects

Hi Cindy….Wow you’re fast like lightning!!!! You answered my problem email almost immediately. How do you do all this? Your husband must really be a great help to you. I have been all over the internet but your site is the very, very, best!!! Your reply was a right on the button. I entered  and played all videos with no problem. You are the greatest!!! But even more than that. I could listen to your voice all day but my husband won’t let me. I have two rooms for crafts but can’t get either one organized. The clay room is in the sun room but I think its too hot for clay. The front room is for sewing and everything else. I just lost about 20 African Violets because I can’t keep up with everything. I’m 62 years old and have had chronic back pain for years, fibromyalgia and chronic depression. Clay is the only thing that takes my mind off of everything. ENOUGH!!!! Please continue the exciting way you teach. ~Helen-S >> This comment was originally posted here: How To Make Mobius Beads

I have 2 atlas machines and one of them has a motor on it. If I have to run clay through the machine several times I use my motor. One thing I do not like about my motor is that it does not have a reverse on it. For this reason my grandkids only use the machine with hand crank. Which they enjoy using. The only reason I went with a motor is I have fibromyalgia and hand cranking can cause a load of trouble if I do to much. I like both my atlas machines very much and hope they last for a very long time.  I also run my Kato clay though the food processor and also leave a heating pad on my work station while conditioning my clay. Keeping  the area warmer makes it much easier along with the processor. I mostly use Premo because of Cindy but I have a lot of Kato so I try to use it up on canes. I do like the Kato better for cane work so will probably purchase more when it is gone even though it is harder to work with. Premo is my all around favorite clay thanks to Cindy introducing me to it. Just a reminder if you have kids working with clay be careful if you use a motor on your pasta machine. Little fingers are precious. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Motorized Polymer Clay Pasta Machines

I started making polymer clay beads because I had ideas in my head of things I wanted, both for me and for gifts. I always have several different types of craft projects going at once and love to learn new things. Eventually I want to get good enough to be able to make a little extra money to help pay for my hobby. When I turn on the computer every day, one of the first places I check is your blog to see what new pictures and articles you’ve posted for the day. I think I would really like a lot more business tips, as well as the different bead ideas. Love your blog and the library! Oh, would love to make things my 23 year old daughter would like. ~Joyce-R >> This comment was originally posted here: Reasons For Making Polymer Clay Beads

How cool are these Dog Tags? My nephews are fascinated with my polymer clay, especially the younger one. He has made a few beads with me, but his mom gets concerned that it is too “feminine” an activity. Silly, I know, especially since this little guy couldn’t be more rough ‘n tough. But, he’s also creative. I’m going to do this project with him – he AND his mother will both love it! In fact, as soon as my “permanent” work area is set up, I’ll do this project with all of the kids (7 of them…) ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Dog Tags Jewelry for Boys

That was a great idea. Something small yet original and easy to mail. This would also be a great idea for a graduation gift. My family went easy on me this year. I only have one college and one high school graduation to celebrate. ~Catalina >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Stone Beads

Cindy, I did my time with the nieces and made all the goodies for the 18 inch American Girl doll series. We made Native American Indian food, Colonial food, Mexican food, turn of the century food, etc., etc. It was amazing to see how quickly they mastered both the scale and the “search the house and grounds to find anything that worked” philosophy. To finish the details, just used acrylic paint after the clay was baked, then added a layer of Future/Pledge Floor Wax to keep it in place. I think they liked the final dipping process the best… lots of ooooohs and ahhhhs. It was so much fun, and sure made those hot summer days go by quickly. ~Jocelyn-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Making Polymer Clay Miniature Food

Your letter of “Thanksgiving” was very loving, and so touching… To me, it’s always so gracious to be able to pray a prayer of Thanksgiving, for all of our Blessings … my life (after this past September) is what I am Thankful for this year. My summer with my Grandchildren, one of whom is Autistic; the other with Attention Deficit, and my Sweetheart stuck in the middle. She is my budding artist, and we have so much in common (including working in clay). So, I do understand where you are coming from. It sounds like you have a nice life, and I’m very happy for you. I pray that this new year of celebration will grace you with another year of the best. In any event, you are a very nice lady, and karma speaks volumes. … Thank you again for the new things that you placed on hand. I just loved looking at the gold/silver/copper leaf information, and plan on doing something with it… Just finished weaving a gorgeous Lauriat and Earrings. Was thinking to myself, wouldn’t this look great with one of my own created clay beads attached to it (once I learn)! (I’m dreaming, but it will come to fruition!! Actually, the pendant on it can be utilized two-fold — as a brooch as well. I AM SO BLESSED, AND YOU ARE TOO!! Sincerely, ~Diana-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Bead Making

Charlie and I are still traveling, wifi on the road isn’t always available so I really miss reading your blog daily. I’ll have a lot of reading to do when I get home the end of Sept. I love the key chain with the faux leather. My grandsons are into sports so I can see personalizing them with sports logo, also would be great for luggage tags. Looking forward to a tutorial. ~Jeanne-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Projects

Very cool, I know my boys would love that so your nephew will too! I love your creativity will all these found objects that you make into treasures. Fabulous!!! ~Melinda-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Kids Polymer Clay Ideas

Love the photo, Cindy. Jack Frost’s magic is such a splendor. He brings a life to nature that has gone dormant. I love the sunshine on his crystals and like so many wonders it doesn’t last long. So it does bring me back to the first time I found your blog. I was amazed with the amount and variety of instructions you have passed on to all of us. It is so fun to go back to the first days. What a road you have traveled and the inspirations you have given us. “Thank You” is so overworked but how do we say it any other way. This is certainly the nicest of extended families that I have come in contact with. Everyone showing concern when someone encounters a glitch,  encouraging when the road gets rocky and sharing when success happens.   //   As I am retired my day starts out with a check on the blog to see what is new for the day. Not a coffee drinker so breakfast waits a bit so I can enjoy what is new at our clay home. Then time for the regular household chores and a trip to the spa some days for much needed exercise. Then it is time to get back to the clay project at hand. I am still new at this and doing lots of practicing. Someday I hope to make it to the Spotlight that I enjoy so much. So thank you one and all for your contributions and the encouragement I feel so many days. ~Joyce-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Beginners

I have 2 grandchildren who absolutely love to read and will love getting this as a stocking stuffer this Christmas. Thanks for the great instructions on your movie clip. Hugs. ~Adrienne-L >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Book Beads

Don’t know about Christmas gifts yet. But, my cousin wants to hire me for her daughters 7th birthday and help her and all her friends make necklaces and bracelets! It will be so much fun, I love kids! ~Carrie-W >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay

Thanks for such a wonderful web site… my 5 yr old granddaughter and I love it! ~Denise-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Projects

Oh, I wanted to tell you that my family was here for several days and I was able to ‘play’ with clay with my granddaughters (10 & 6 yrs. old) and the last night my d-i-l and son even tried their hands at making lentils. It was so much fun – my son & d-i-l are brilliant (on faculty at U of Penn teaching mechanical engineering) but they had a hard time getting their lentils to look right. I guess Mom still excels at some things as I have made some really gorgeous (if I must say so myself) lentils. All of this clay play helped us during this first holiday season without Don. ~Carolyn-F >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Play

I think it’s true we tend to put pressure on ourselves about being practical along with things/actions having a specific use. Funny how as adults we often try to get back to some of the qualities we lost when we were young. You never see a child put off something enjoyable because it didn’t have a purpose! They just do… it’s something I’m trying to get back to as well. ~DJ >> This comment was originally posted here: Playing With Your Polymer Clay

Okay, I’ll be honest, I actually danced in my seat when I saw this was the next video. (It’s been a long January here at college. No clay for almost a month.) But, seriously, so many possibilities! Hmm, now I need to go check Lowes or Home Depot since my copper is all dead-soft. ~Katie-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Wireworking

The earrings are gorgeous Cindy.  I know my daughters would love them – it’s totally their style. They love hoops. ~Cheryl-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Hammered Hoop Earrings

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Rusty Iron ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Mountain Lake > Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: A Glow-in-the-Dark, Rainbow Jelly Roll Cane – Psychedelic 60′s

My grandson last night thrilled me by asking if he could make jewelry.  He and his sister are coming today for a play day.  So as usual your timing is perfect with this topic. I am so gifted on this special day to have you for inspiration and guidance. Thank you Cindy. ~Illaya >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Pebble Beads Polymer Clay Tutorial

Cindy those roll up beads, done with the teardrop blend then antiqued, are gorgeous.  Easy to do for most folks too.  This would make a wonderful activity for a group of folks you’d like to expose to polymer clay for the first time, like a children’s art class or elderly center craft day.  Lot’s of WOW IMPACT based on simple procedures. ~Jocelyn >> This comment was originally posted here: Textured Beads Polymer Clay Tutorial

I truly enjoy your methods of teaching immensely, and you are so (NOT) intimidating as you bring a person through step by step. This is a Blessing in disguise to a majority of us, especially when you are my age (64).  Thank you for your patience, and also for your Great Work!!!! Your beads are gorgeous, and have to try some marbling too. They make gorgeous round disks!  Will have to do some experimenting with my clay, and check around for some of the goodies you were using.  For myself, being an artist is such a Blessing, and it has encouraged me through some difficult times. It is great therapy!! Thanks again!! ~Diana >> This comment was received via email.

I am a little late in posting…just read this now!!  What a great learning experience for your daughter!!!  That is what I want to do with my daughters when they are a little bigger ( 5 and 6 right now)…but great life lessons for her to get now!!  Imagine what a great business woman she will one day be!!! YAY Willow!! ~Kam >> This comment was originally posted here: Selling Jewelry  at Craft Fairs

Cindy I’ve been making home made gifts since my son was 9 months old. He is 39 now! I have always been into crafts, I started out sewing then I started painting pictures (oils, then acrylics). Fell in love with crewel work. My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet. Started a small company when the kids were older making country wooden items in the 70′s. Then along came companies that made the same except cheaper and cheaply made. Anyway my family always loved handmade gifts. I hope that the economy will bring back that special meaning of someone giving something that they put their personal touch to. I start making gifts in the summer so there will be time for me to enjoy the holidays with my family and not be so stressed out running around looking for that last minute gift. This year for the first time, everyone finally agreed not to bring gifts to the family party for everyone and to just enjoy being with each other, remembering what the true meaning of Christmas is about and play catch up on what has been going on in everyones lives. There is 32 of us so you can imagine all these years all the stress of having something for everyone! I never had to worry , but everyone else did. I’m so happy they’re happy! Well I didn’t mean to rattle I just thought I’d share. Happy Holidays to everyone! And thank you again Cindy for sharing what you know. That is a special gift to me. ~MaryEllen >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Christmas Gifts

Hi Cindy, Your “Polymer Clay Bead Making for Beginners Course” is exceptional. I can’t agree more with all those who have said what a great teacher you are. And the presentation of the material you cover is easy to understand. The lighting in your studio is beyond professional. I have tried to learn another subject through tv video and the quality you have just wasn’t there. So I have an experience to compare to and you have it all. I have learned so much and now the fun begins to be able to play with the clay and make things happen. Of course I will need to refer to the tuts and their being available 24/7 is such a plus, no waiting for the class to begin, it is only a click away.  Also, your video library has so much more and I’m excited about trying out the recipe cards.  It is difficult at times to come away from your blog. All these artists who willingly share their talents also are wonderful. Its like an extended family in the clay world. Sometime I hope to be able to contribute an experience but for now I will be there with questions as I share this experience with my twin granddaughters who will spend their summer vacation here in sunny Florida. Thank you, Cindy. ~Joyce >> This comment was received via email.

Thank you Cindy yet again for all you do! I myself got started with polymer clay after getting my daughter one of those children’s craft “Klutz” books which features Sculpey clay. As camp nurse/crafts person at our scout camp, I had the kids making stuff with it. Most of it was never properly conditioned (didn’t even know you needed to do that) and thus broke after baking. Gradually I got more and more interested in the art and have been making various beads with my clay of choice, Premo. I’ve even sold a few pieces. Thanks to you and other resources on the web and books, even my husband can see I’ve come a long way! ~Maria >> This comment was originally posted here: Jewelry Fimo Clay

I only just started making jewelry over the winter because I wanted to try to duplicate those expensive “Troll” and “Pandora” bracelets that are getting so popular now.  I discovered polymer clay when I was having trouble finding “just the right bead” for my projects.   I dove right into the clay and love working with it.  It is a craft that I can also share with my daughter and son.  They enjoy helping make beads and also small decorative objects  (hint— would love to see a bead project geared to the teenage styles).   So far I have made the beads for some family and friends.   Have had friends request me to make things for them to purchase, but I think I still have a way to go before I would be comfortable charging for them.  Maybe one day I can at least pay for my hobby that way. ~Cathy >> This comment was originally posted here: Making Polymer Clay Beads

I think it is an excellent idea. I don’t have any sons but was always stumped for a gift when my daughters were invited to a birthday party. As kids get older so do the price of their “toys”, especially adult men. As the saying goes, “the only difference between men and boys is the size (and cost) of their toys.” Thanks for another great idea. I am going to start one for my nephews. Have a great Mother’s Day. ~Anna >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Stone Dog Tags Jewelry

I really like the gift ideas for the older men (and women). Every year at gift-giving time my sister and I rack our brains for something different for our father and step-mother. I think my dad would actually like something like the “hookmark” in this post. Thanks for sharing! Would love to read more ideas for gift-giving for the older set who have everything. ~Joyce >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Stone Beads

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Cornflower Blue ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Tuscan Sun > Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: Using Your Extruder and Some Scrap Clay to Make Jupiter beads

Thank You!!!! Thank You !!!! Thank You!!! I will visit your site often. I am a beginner and have been trying to learn, what a help you have been. I hope to some day meet you and Thank you in person. Where I work they are down sizing and it is just a matter of time, before it will be my time to go. I will be 58 tomorrow and I have loved art all of my life and there is not anything I have not tried. I have wanted to combine my love of drawing and photography into one medium and I have found it, Polymer Clay, I am glad you are out there for beginners like me. So again  I say THANK YOU, Warm Regards. ~Sandy @ Comment Received Via Email

Hi Cindy! I was grateful to realize that, your response to us today was right on the money. For me, it is difficult to work with a medium leaning into foreign territory, and being older tends to put more of a slant on that. So, I appreciated your words of confidence. It was as though you were peering into my brain.    //    I believe that you are absolutely correct, because familiarity helps a person to expand his/her horizons — namely, me. Ha! Ha! I should know, because I’ve been on breaking ground before.    //    Thanks for the encouragement. The worse it could be, is that I will get colored clay stains all over my hands. Ha! Ha! Does Brillo work on that!! Oops! It’s weird, but today (prior to reading your posting), my mind was concentrating on marbling. When I began to read your input, I found myself laughing. It was only because we were thinking in the same direction. I do have to start somewhere, so that will be my somewhere. How hard can it be, especially after I have been watching your tutorial I purchased. Won’t be concerned if it doesn’t turn out right, the main thing will be that I’m learning, and (most important) having fun. I’ve heard “That one person’s junk can be another person’s treasure”. This is right on the money. Ahem! I’d like to think that the fact that I’m involving myself, is what really matters. My clay will be my masterpiece — My Monet! Ta! Ta! ~Diana @ Polymer Clay Artists – Building Confidence

I discovered polymer clay a year ago, as a way to make candle holders for the beeswax candles I’m making. Now I can get out either candle making or polymer clay stuff, putting the other things on shelves. I have a 12 ft. x 14 ft. office, separate from the house, on top of a mountain at 9,000 ft. – now a little craft house.    //      I just tried making refrigerator magnets with lots of my small flower and leaf canes, and they came out great. My best friend’s daughter just graduated from high school, and is making beaded jewelry from plastic beads. I’m hoping I can convince her to get in to polymer clay – maybe she could even make money that way! (She has no car and everything is so far away here in the mountains that she doesn’t have a job yet.)    //    So this morning I went to your web site after seeing your email, and saw the idea of a badge lanyard out of beads. I have to wear a badge at work (computer programming, for nearly 33 years) to get in the doors – how cool to have a lanyard out of beads I made! So now I’m going to start making beads. Thanks for introducing me to a whole new artistic medium!!! I’m off to read up everything I can find on your web site, and I have lots of flower and leaf canes still ready to go. By the end of the day I’ll have beads I made all by myself! I made braided lanyards as a kid, at a summer program at the elementary school, so the idea brought back great memories. This will be fun!    //    Thanks for your wonderful web site! ~Betsy @ Custom Beaded Lanyards Made With Polymer Clay Focal Beads

Dear Cindy, I have to thank you for being so generous to young clayers, I am not considered neither young nor new clayer since I know polymer clay since 1976, But I have to say how much I appreciate you people that share your experience with clay with all the world. I honour all the excellent women-teachers-clayers that during all these years exchange their knowledge with us in the foreign countries. I am the only teacher in my region, Rhodes Greece, that after a long personal journey claying I have the satisfaction to enter into one of the best private schools in Greece in a regular basis weekly the lesson-activity of polymer clay. because the manager  is a fanatic admirer of the work we do with the kids, 4rth grade up, unfortunately I can’t find here all the special tools as tissue blades and brayers and I have to order them through the net. Anyway I am so glad we had this small talk I’ll visit your site the sooner possible to see your work if you want to see mine and my daughter’s wait a little bit , it’s under construction, i’ll let you know, Thanks again. ~Helen @ Comment Received Via Email

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Pesto ** BONUS COLOR RECIPE (B): Viola > Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: The Teardrop Color Gradient Technique – A Modified Skinner Blend

Hi Cindy, I am new to Polymer Clay Jewelry and just fascinated by your tutorials. You are so full of wonderful helpful information. I am trying to take it all in. I am retired and not ready to get old. I have so many ideas, my mind is overflowing. I just found you today, November 16, 2008 reading about your recipes for color. Is it too late to join your membership club? I will be checking on your website daily. Thank you so much. ~Dianne @ Selling Jewelry To Niche Markets

This treasure hunt has been so informative for this newby in clay. I have all my clay and supplies stored at my moms and on the weekends we get together and have “Clay Dates”. 4 generations of clayers. Mom, me, my daughter Jennifer and then my 2 grand daughters from my other daughter that I am raising. The prize would be a wonderful tool to teach the girls, 6 and 4. Thank you again. ~Jeanie @ Comment Received Via Email

Cindy, they did! My boys were about 5 and 9 when they were big into fishing. They grew up around clay and have always been creative, so it was natural they would think of making their own lures. Their’s were too heavy, and we never really tried to perfect the technique, but at least they made fun, colorful ones. LOL! And no! They cannot have their tackle boxes back. I paid them well for my new-found storage! :D ~Alisa @ Polymer Clay Storage

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Platinum ** BONUS COLOR RECIPE (B): Pastel Yellow >> Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: Instructions For Having Your Food Processor Condition Hard Clay

Hi Cindy, I looked over my new video subscription today, and it’s awesome!! Know that I will have to return again (mannnyyyy times)!!!! You’ve definitely given me the initiative, and I loved your method of teaching — just matter of fact, and unlike most with an attitude (You are learning from a Rocket Scientist!!) Ha! Ha! Thanks again, and I’ll be back to look over the tutorials I purchased today. Would have come sooner, but I’m computer illiterate. Ahem! (it could be that I’m 64 and these things just don’t come to easily). Obviously I did something right though, because I was able to access the entire program I purchased. It had to have been my prayers to Jesus, because it was really getting to me. Thanks again, and by the way — I’d highly recommend your course to anyone. I plan on getting onto the Google and putting your name out. You are an exceptional teacher, and very gifted!!!! With Appreciation. ~Diana @ Make Polymer Clay Beads

I have to admit that making canes is the most intimidating part of this new craft. I’ve seen some breathtaking canes, realistic peonies and roses and irises (my favorite) that take my breath away. I spent my fiftieth birthday in Venice (amidst the antiquity, heh heh) and was amazed by the milefiore glass on Murano. Just as with polymer clay, a number of different techniques yeilds numerous effects. I think I will master some basics before I explore caning, but I am certainly intrigued! Thanks! ~Sue @ Polymer Clay Cane Designs

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Rich Red ** BONUS COLOR RECIPE (B): Shale Green >> Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: The Special Tricks For Adding Cane Slices To Lentil Beads