27 videos, step by step, beginner cane workshop
What people are saying about this tutorial.
jennifer rose
Just finished this first workshop on how to make canes, and I must say I learned so much. This is exactly what I have been looking for, someone who could explain cane making in a step by step that process that I could replicate. I watched the videos, went into my studio and began to create all of the canes Alice showed. I finally have results I can be proud of, and I say thank you so much for doing this workshop. My only question now is when do we get more workshops. If you are only going to take one online class let it be this workshop. Thank you Alice for your hard work, and your dedication to helping others learn the joys of polymer clay.
I’m really looking forward to syndee holt’s visit this month. When I saw her at Sandy Camp in San Diego last year I invited her to come stay a day or two with me before she went to Orlando Clay Fandango.
Then when Studio 215 happened I asked her if she want to teach. Always one to share her knowledge she said yes. She’ll be here to teach Mokume Gane on Tuesday April 28, 2015 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Download the flyer and application here.
By the way, I’m thrill to tell you I will be teaching a master class at Sandy Camp this year, such a fun group.
I just started a Facebook business page for Studio 215, if you are on Facebook, I’d love it if you’d like the page, I’m at 464, 500 would be so nice. Thanks in advance.
https://www.facebook.com/alicestroppelsstudio215
Deciding what to sell at Studio 215 is turning into a interesting adventure. Of course my main reason to be there is to teach polymer to more people. And just so you know, I really want to hold small live online classes and that’s what I will be working on this summer. Sebring is a winter town for many people and most of our visitors have gone home for the summer leaving downtown quiet and a perfect time for new things to developed. Stay tuned.
It’s truly fun to be in the studio and see what people respond to. I am really having fun just putting all my fun bright canes on things people are taking to their homes or giving as gifts. Very satisfying indeed.
I have been surprised and pleased at the response to these fun wine glasses. Seems like I’m having to restock often but it’s great fun and I love making new canes.
My Salt and Pepper girls are finding new homes as well. Earrings and pendents are waving goodbye too.
I’ve not neglected my larger work though. Here’s a piece that I’m working on that will be 39 x 28 when finished.
No small task, pun intended, but one that I can truly lose myself in and extremely satisfying to say the least. So if I don’t post here as often as I use to, I’m creating, teaching, inventing and selling. See you somewhere.
I’ve been looking forward to this week for about six months. The four of us, Julie Eakes, Meisha Barbee, and Laurie Prophater planned to meet at my home studio and just sit and clay for a week. Then Studio 215 happened and the timing was right for one of this talented group of artists to teach a class at my new studio. Polyform Products provided Premo clay and we were set. Thank you Iris Weiss and Polyform Products
Meisha said yes and taught a full house this past week-end and Julie and Laurie have agreed to teach in the future. Happily that means another trip to Florida.
In the photo above you see us in my studio at home claying away. We didn’t leave the house that day.
But it was on to Studio 215 the next day to get ready for Meisha’s workshop.
These were just some of the beautiful samples Meisha had on display, forgive the photography, I’m responsible.
Below are the finished piece created by a very talented group of students.
Everyone had a great time, learned a lot and went home ready to explore these skills a bit more. Just take a look at these happy faces. Meisha is an excellent teacher, everyone agreed.
Can you tell that we laughed quite a bit? I just loved having everyone here.
I’m happy to say that I now have work for purchase at Studio 215 from Meisha, Julie, and Laurie. Here are just a few samples. I don’t think they’ll last long.
Meisha Barbee
Laurie Prophater
Julie Eakes
The next day found Julie, Meisha and me at the Ringling Museum of Art. We toured Ca’d’Zan the mansion and the museum and then jumped over to St. Armands Key to put our feet in the sand. Laurie had left us by then and we missed her smiling face.
We had a great time but we weren’t very popular on Facebook when Julie posted this picture. (notice the people in bathing suits in the back ground) Cold times up north…sorry guys.
Thanks to everyone for making this a happy week at Studio 215 and beyond.
Texas artist Randee M. Ketzel is Studio 215 on June 13th and 14th and bringing with her a ton of fun with this Beachcomber bracelet. I can’t wait for this workshop and to spend some time with Randee. I haven’t meet her in person yet, but I know I’m in for a treat. I’ve heard rumors that she’s kind of fun to be around. Okay not just kind of!
Plus I know for a fact she’s extremely generous. She sent me almost the first bracelets she made using Stroppel canes. See my post about it here. Thanks again Randee, they are still so special.
Randee will be incorporating a wealth of faux techniques in this beachcomber workshop. Students will learn how to create realistic driftwood twigs with fungal embellishments, fossil limestone with opal inclusions in a variety of styles, including miniature cycladic goddess figures, faux sea glass, and jade artifacts–scarabs and cicadas.
Students will create at least one bracelet, and have an abundance of elements left over for more projects..necklaces, pendants. earrings and more!
Lessons on seamless stringing and use of a power drill will be included. All materials and tools provided.
Join us for a trunk show featuring Randee work on Friday evening June 12th 5-8 pm. Also for sale will be autographed copies of Randee’s recent book Polymer Clay Gemstones: The Art of Deception.
Randee M. Ketzel came to polymer clay by way of a youthful career as a bench jeweler; when impending motherhood frowned upon such diversions, she turned to alternative materials, and in decent middle age, discovered–or was discovered by–polymer clay. She has happily immersed herself in its wonders ever since. She currently lives, breathes, and teaches the exquisite art of polymer clay in Austin TX with her beautiful children, wonderful husband and an impossibly fluffy little dog.
I’m very happy to tell you that syndee holt will be here for two evening classes in April.
When I was busy with other careers but wishing I was polymer claying full-time, I would watch craft television shows that featured polymer clay artists and read whatever I could about polymer clay. I came to know (even though they didn’t have a clue who I was) Barbara McGuire, Maureen Carlson, Donna Kato, Marie Segal and syndee holt pretty well. I remember many articles by syndee and I admired her inventiveness and imagination.
I’m delighted to say I’ve met and become friends with Barbara and Maureen and Marie, such talented and generous people. A couple of years ago I was happy to meet syndee at Orlando Fandango retreat and then again at Sandy Camp in California. This time I was lucky to spend more time with syndee and am pleased that she has added me to her list of friends. Isn’t the polymer clay community fabulous?
syndee will once again be attending fandango in May, but I’ve asked her to come visit me before she heads to Fandango. Happily she said yes and as a bonus she is going to teach two evening classes at Studio 215.
syndee was recently featured on Polymer Clay Daily with her transfer portrait of her son. I just love this.
syndee says these bracelets are easily the most commented pieces of jewelry that she’s ever worn. I can see why, they are made with laser transfers onto the sheet of clay. They’re quick, tons of fun and a great introduction to transfers.
Everything you need will be provided. Clay, transfers, tools, etc. You can bring their own transfers as well, as long as they are laser prints (and they have to be reversed left to right so that they transfer correctly). syndee will be available via email and text to help students with their transfers and would be delighted to help you “clean up” the transfers in Photoshop.
So what else can you do with transfers? How about transferring Dover clip art? Your kids’ art? Your black and white photos? Your own photo line drawings?
Mokume Gane really has no limits – there are so many different techniques for this style and then so many color combinations. syndee’s technique uses the larger ball stylus to create craters of color. Souffle clay particularly lends itself to this technique with vibrant colors and crisp patterns.
Use some more organic colors and create an elegant faux turquoise.
How about if you don’t even slice the surface, but dig through it with the ball stylus?
Students will learn sydee’s basic technique and then create rounded pendants on hollow bead molds. They will also learn how to put the slices into cabochon molds and backfill them with contrasting colors. syndee will show them how to fashion organically shaped cutters and how to use the cutters to make rounded edge to their shapes.
This class has successfully been taught to beginners as well as intermediate students with everyone having an absolute blast. All clay and tools provided.
syndee holt been an independent designer for Sculpey (Polyform Products) for over 18 years and she currently serves as the Polyform Brand Ambassador. cyndee is a founding member and former President of the infamous San Diego Polymer Clay Guild. She’s written over 100 articles for crafting magazines both national and internationally. In addition, she wrote Polymer Clay for the First Time, which is still available through amazon.com. syndee has also made about 33 television appearances on HGTV, Discovery, DIY, and more.
Want to see more of syndee’s work and see what a treat you’re in for? Just follow these links.
Meisha Barbee is coming to Studio 215 in Sebring, FL and will be teaching surface design. You won’t want to miss this workshop.
In her own words, “On the first day, students will make an array of small canes in a pleasing color palette to be used in creating a finished pendant. This will include my Signature “Fractured” mica cane.
Students will be encouraged to bring their own personality to the work by applying their unique color and design sensibility. I will provide color consultation to those students who need it.
The second day of the class will be for constructing the pendant. I’m a firm believer that Good Design doesn’t have to be labored. I will share my simple construction and finishing techniques, so every student should go home with finished work they can be proud of.”
No Refunds given after two weeks before class date. Balance due two weeks before workshop begins.
To reserve your seat, contact me at alicestroppel@gmail.com
As a winner of the Niche Award in 2008 and finalist in 2011, Barbee has been recognized as a leader in her field. A member of the International Polymer Clay Association, as well as her local San Diego Guild,
“I’m inspired by good design. I spend my life seeing and responding to good design all around me. It’s just something I do naturally, so I think I’m tuned in to current trends without really trying. Color and design are my passion. I respond to the color and patterns of textiles, textures in nature and architecture, the harmonious balance of interior spaces, and so on. Good design is everywhere. I also appreciate and respect good craftsmanship. It speaks to the integrity of good design, and I always try to execute my designs with that in mind.” Meisha Barbee
How a tool saved my creative life and what it can do for you !
2 day Workshop – March 28th and 29th 2015
I first met Mari at a retreat and marveled at her talent with so many mediums. Her Idea books are to die for and what’s she is doing with polymer clay and the extruder is incredible.
“A teacher with thirty years experience, I became addicted to polymer clay in the late 1980’s when I needed an inexpensive way to teach a jewelry design unit to my at-risk high school students. I was hooked! Over the years, I have had the occasion to teach at guild retreats, two Ravensdale Conferences and other venues both in the U.S. and abroad. I have designed tools and have made instructional DVDs for the Artway at Polymer Clay Express. These include: Boxes, Bangles, &Beautiful Beads, Marriage of Materials, and Triple Treat. My fascination with their wonderful extrusion tool has led to the design of detailed discs and development of the patterned plug extrusion technique.”
Mari is coming to visit me and teach a two day workshop at Studio 215 on March 28th and 29th 2015. I’m thrilled.
Here’s what Mari has to say about this inspiring workshop
“I will jump-start the folks who have never or seldom used this wonderful tool.
I will introduce my technique for saving your hands. How to adapt all kinds of disks for use with the A.C.E. and P.C.E. extruders (my extruder of choice, although we will also work with other extruders) Other bits and bobs I use with my extruder.
Participants will create petal support stands , paddle accents and use a blossom cheat sheet to form the earring form.
We will create two patterned plugs for extrusion. Various disk designs will be available for use in class.
Participants should expect to complete one set of earrings of each design during the workshop.
This workshop just touches on all the wonderful things the extruder can do…you are only limited by your imagination.”
Samples of these earrings were featured August 25, 2014 on Polymer Clay Daily”
Mari O’Dell lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her sax-playing poet husband, mellow black lab, Sachi and silver -Tabby kitten,Marlowe. Avoiding housework by lots of studio time and gardening. Mari has been a long time studio artist, teacher, author and innovator. In the later role she has expanded the use of the extruder in ways no one else has. She has designed detailed disks for the Artway extruder and developed the patterned plug extrusion technique. Her design work extends to impression plates, silk screen designs and mixed media tools.
And when the princess opened the door the frog came in, and slept upon her pillow as before, till the morning broke. And the third night he did the same. But when the princess awoke on the following morning she was astonished to see, instead of the frog, a handsome prince, gazing on her with the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen and standing at the head of her bed.
He told her that he had been enchanted by a spiteful fairy, who had changed him into a frog; and that he had been fated so to abide till some princess should take him out of the spring, and let him eat from her plate, and sleep upon her bed for three nights.
‘You,’ said the prince, ‘have broken his cruel charm, and now I have nothing to wish for but that you should go with me into my father’s kingdom, where I will marry you, and love you as long as you live.’
With Valentines Day coming up, I couldn’t resist making a frog prince to sell at Studio 215. He’s just waiting for his princess to take him home.
There are still spaces available in Meisha Barbee’s workshop. It’s going to be so much fun, leave me a message here in the comment section if you want to secure your place and I’ll get back to you .
I was pleasantly surprised on New Years day to realize that 215 is going to be lucky numbers for me… 2015… Studio 215. I’m thinking good things are going to happen. I wish us all a happy, successful and productive 2015.
Just look at my class space set up with pasta machines, glass tiles, blades and tons of Polyform tools just waiting for you to come and play and learn. Kind of “leave your baggage at home”. Bring just what you need for that workshop and maybe your favorite blade.
Here are the workshops I’ve scheduled to teach at Studio 215 in January and February. Studio 215 – 215 North Ridgewood Dr. – Sebring, FL
The exciting news for those beginning in polymer, my Studio is fully stocked with pasta machines, glass cutting boards, blades, and all kinds of great Sculpey tools. I have all kinds of things for you experiment with so you can decide if polymer clay is for you before you invest. Or you may just want to come and make a project or two without having to own all the equipment. I’m also reserving one night a week as open Studio night with a small fee for those of you that have no place to work at home or just want to come clay with other enthused polymer people. no need to bring tools or equipment, just bring your project. Mondays will be open studio night beginning in April.
New! Introduction to Polymer Clay
Instructor Alice Stroppel
full day $75
Sat. Jan. 17 9am – 4pm
Sat. Jan 31 9am – 4pm
two evening – 3 1/2 hrs. $45 each class
Mon. & Tues. Jan. 19 & 20 6pm-9:30pm
Mon. & Tues. March 2 & 3 6pm-9:30pm
In this beginner’s workshop you’ll be able to work with polymer clay without the expense of buying all the tools and equipment needed for a successful experience. You’ll learn how to condition, cane, create and cure.
I’ll teach you how to make a Skinner blend and fill you in on some of the rich history of this incredibly versatile medium.
We’ll make a few basic beads and you’ll wear your new necklace home.
Building an Essential Cane Inventory
Instructor Alice Stroppel
one day $75
Sat. Jan. 24 9am – 4pm
Sat. March 14 9am – 4pm
Have you put off learning to cane because you believe it’s too hard, complicated, time consuming, precise, uses too much clay _______ fill in the blank? You not alone, but I can help.
If you like my style of work, I want to assure you that my canes are easy, fun and not at all precise. I don’t make large canes and I use every little bit of clay to make some interesting accent canes to use in all sorts of projects.
I firmly believe that you will be delighted at how much more creative and productive you’ll become if you have your cane inventory waiting for you when an idea hits. If you have to stop and make each component cane before you can begin, most times you won’t even start.
This class is for all levels of expertise, the only requirement is that you know how to make a Skinner blend and that you come to class with your Skinner blends and plugs already made. I’ll provide you with instructions ahead of time.
If you are a beginner, you should begin with my Introduction to Polymer Clay workshop or class before attending this workshop. Or teach yourself the basics online with the many free tutorials available.
Master Class
Instructor – Meisha Barbee
Mica Shift with Appliqué’ Pendant
Meisha Barbee is coming to Studio 215 in Sebring, FL and will be teaching surface design. You won’t want to miss this workshop.
In her own words, “On the first day, students will make an array of small canes in a pleasing color palette to be used in creating a finished pendant. This will include my Signature “Fractured” mica cane.
Students will be encouraged to bring their own personality to the work by applying their unique color and design sensibility. I will provide color consultation to those students who need it.
The second day of the class will be for constructing the pendant. I’m a firm believer that Good Design doesn’t have to be labored. I will share my simple construction and finishing techniques, so every student should go home with finished work they can be proud of.”
No Refunds given after two weeks before class date. Balance due two weeks before workshop begins.
To reserve your seat, contact me at alicestroppel@gmail.com
As a winner of the Niche Award in 2008 and finalist in 2011, Barbee has been recognized as a leader in her field. A member of the International Polymer Clay Association, as well as her local San Diego Guild,
“I’m inspired by good design. I spend my life seeing and responding to good design all around me. It’s just something I do naturally, so I think I’m tuned in to current trends without really trying. Color and design are my passion. I respond to the color and patterns of textiles, textures in nature and architecture, the harmonious balance of interior spaces, and so on. Good design is everywhere. I also appreciate and respect good craftsmanship. It speaks to the integrity of good design, and I always try to execute my designs with that in mind.” Meisha Barbee
$175
Sat. & Sun. – Feb. 21 & 22, 2015
9am – 4:30pm
PLUS – Syndee Holt in May and Randee Ketzel in June! Maureen Carlson in 2016! Amazing amount of fun coming. Stay tune for more information on these Workshops
Meisha Barbee is coming to Studio 215 in Sebring, FL and will be teaching surface design. You won’t want to miss this workshop.
In her own words, “On the first day, students will make an array of small canes in a pleasing color palette to be used in creating a finished pendant. This will include my Signature “Fractured” mica cane.
Students will be encouraged to bring their own personality to the work by applying their unique color and design sensibility. I will provide color consultation to those students who need it.
The second day of the class will be for constructing the pendant. I’m a firm believer that Good Design doesn’t have to be labored. I will share my simple construction and finishing techniques, so every student should go home with finished work they can be proud of.”
No Refunds given after two weeks before class date. Balance due two weeks before workshop begins.
To reserve your seat, contact me at alicestroppel@gmail.com
As a winner of the Niche Award in 2008 and finalist in 2011, Barbee has been recognized as a leader in her field. A member of the International Polymer Clay Association, as well as her local San Diego Guild,
“I’m inspired by good design. I spend my life seeing and responding to good design all around me. It’s just something I do naturally, so I think I’m tuned in to current trends without really trying. Color and design are my passion. I respond to the color and patterns of textiles, textures in nature and architecture, the harmonious balance of interior spaces, and so on. Good design is everywhere. I also appreciate and respect good craftsmanship. It speaks to the integrity of good design, and I always try to execute my designs with that in mind.” Meisha Barbee
Alice Stroppel’s
Studio 215
215 Ridgewood Dr.
Sebring, FL 33870
What a whirlwind! One month ago I purchased this wonderful building in Historic downtown Sebring, FL. It’s two blocks from where I grew up and so special to me because it belonged to my great friend Janet King and I hung out there loads of times in recent years.
I renovated the building inside and out. I’ve enjoyed having my studio at home and I will still be working there, but I wanted to spend more time teaching and sharing what I’ve learned about this incredible medium, polymer clay.
I will be featuring works by two of my favorite people, watercolor artists and Florida Watercolor Society Signature Members, Janet F. King and Alice Hansen.
I have a permanent fully stocked workshop space for 8 students and room to hold larger workshops for up to 16. Pasta Machines, tools, tiles, etc. I’ll be starting classes for both beginners and experienced polymer clayers in January. I will have everything you need to create your first pieces.
And more exciting news is that I will be hosting workshops with some of the talented polymer and multimedia artists in the country. Meisha Barbee and Laurie Prophater will be here teaching in February and Julie Eakes, master caner, will be here hanging out with us.
Meisha was my partner and made the first collaborative pendant with my Stroppel Cane that was featured on Polymer Clay Daily. An incredibly talented artist and colorist, you won’t want to miss this workshop.
Laurie has promised me an exciting class as well. Laurie is the owner of Ornamental Elements .com and has been featured in numerous magazines including Belle Armoire and Polymer Clay Cafe.
Two artists that inspired me in the early days of polymer are coming to Studio 215. Syndee Holt has promised to come teach a couple of workshops in May of this year. Syndee is a representative for Sculpey and has been featured in more articles and publications than I can mention here. She is the author of Polymer for the First Time.
As you can see, I have great plans for Studio 215 and some surprises so stay tuned.
My posted hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be there most of the time teaching or working on my next big project.
I’ll be posting classes sometime next week but I can tell you now that I will be having open studio night every Monday from 6pm until 9:30pm, prices to be posted later. This will be a time for you to come and play and share and enjoy the company of other enthusiastic clayers.
Grand opening news to come.
Thanks so much everyone for your encouragement and kind words.
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