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7 GREAT WAYSTO TEACH YOURSELFPOLYMER CLAYby Cynthia Tinapple
“Now what?” you ask.You’ve bought a fewbars of clay and need some guidance.Most artists started with a picture of something thatcaptured their imagination. Maybe you saw something onPolymerClayDaily that has sparked your curiousity.As you begin your journey, here are a few online resourcesand “how-to” sites to point you in the right direction.They’re all free! You’ll soon find that thepolymer clay community is known for sharing.These links are sorted by levels and by learning styles. Someof us need a video, some want simple pictures, and someneed each step explained in detail. This list offers a way foreveryone. Browse down the links and figure out what suitsyou and then jump in.7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 1
In an effort to start you on the right foot, I’ve selectedtutorials that offer good projects, clear directions orpictures, and accurate information. I wouldn’t dream ofcalling this a comprehensive list but it’s a great beginning.A Quick Tip: Refrain from purchasing too manysupplies before you start. Shopping can overwhelm youand divert you from the real fun of playing with clay. You’llbe surprised at what you can repurpose from your kitchendrawers, tool boxes and sewing kits.There’s plenty of time to invest in tools and advancedtutorials and classes. Explore these resources and enjoyyour introduction to the art of polymer.7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 2
1. MANUFACTURERSWho better to start you down the path than themanufacturers themselves?Polyform Products (makers of Sculpey)Fimo/Staedtler (makers of Fimo)2. THE BASICSClear and concise explanations of the basicsPolymer Clay WebPolymer Clay Superstore7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 3
3. LIBRARIES OF TECHNIQUESLike any library, it’s chock full and the quality can be uneven.There’s a wealth of information at these sites if you’re willingto dig around.Glass AtticPolymer Clay CentralCraft Stew4. VIDEOSMost of these tv shows are no longer on air but this is anice repository of good entry projects.HGTVArt Jewelry Magazine7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 4
5. FUN STUFFClever and simple projects that guarantee success and fun.Beginner owl pinMarie Segal’s word stamps from alphabet soup noodlesSandra’s round paperclip tutorial for beginnersSarah Berman easy name stampSimple heart from Diane VillanoCrinkle cut swirl from Raija KorpelaIris Mishly’s PolypediaDesiree’s Desired CreationsChristi Friesen’s free projects and downloadsClay LessonsToo AquariusPonsawan’s tutorialsKim Korringa’s fish caneMarie Segal’s art from the heartEasy videos from FabiConTusManos (Spanish)Instructables rosettes tutorial7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 5
6. PHOTO STEP-BY-STEPIf you grasp concepts at a glance, you’ll enjoyfollowing along with these tutorials.Buna cord ringPumpkin-shaped beadsUnraveled beads with texture from Rebecca WatkinsFaux barbed wire from Camille YoungBird sculptureAlice Stroppel’s scrap caneWoven beads from Emma RalphBlack and white plaid (French)Iris Mishly’s Natasha beadMiriam’s extruded tourbillon (whirlwind) (French)Wavy blade chevron bead from Anna Anapilogova (Russian)7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 6
Faux knitting Claire WallisStriped beach balls (French)Genevieve Williamson’s fiber beadsMabcrea’s tutorials (French)Faux agate from CreationMyWay (French)Faux leather (French)Simple texture tools (Russian)Pendant textured with a buttonMother of pearl (French)7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 7
7. MINIATURESDelights and treasures that require a little clay and a bigpassion for small things.Index of miniature tutorialsSweet corn from Angie ScarrMiniature fish cane from Shay AaronShay Aaron, more miniaturesDinko’s charactersDinko’s video7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 8
PLUS: MY FAVORITESThese tried and true classics are among my favorites. Someare easy, some hard and all are delightful.Susan Hyde’s faux fabricCarving old beads, a before/after from Anna AnpilogovaFauxpalFaux Ceramics from PolymerClayWebMaggie Maggio’s missing linkDahlia cane from PonsawanFaux soutache (Russian)Faux filière (Russian)Nan Roche’s little video on Japanese captured foilLazy river video from Julie PicarelloLiquid polymer trick from Tammy Honaman7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 9
SHARE THIS BOOKKnow someone who could benefit from a collection oftutorials? Please email them a copy -- it might be just thething to get them playing with clay.SUBSCRIBEIf you’re looking for daily inspiration, hop on over to my blogPolymerClayDaily.com and sign up to get updates by email.7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay polymerclaydaily.com page 10
polymer clay community is known for sharing. These links are sorted by levels and by learning styles. Some of us need a video, some want simple pictures, and some . need each step explained in detail. This list offers a way for everyone. Browse down the links and figure out what suits you and then jump in. 7 Great Ways to Teach Yourself Polymer Clay . polymerclaydaily.com page 1. In an effort .File Size: 761KBPage Count: 11
