Polymer Clay Canes for Beginners

27 videos, step by step, beginner cane workshop beginner Cane Tutorial 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.

Online Workshops with Alice Stroppel

Catagories

[caption id="attachment_102" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="Member IPCA"]Member IPCA[/caption]

Online Workshops Ready to Launch

Beginners Cane workshop

I’ve been working hard for the last few months preparing an online workshop to kick off my newest adventure with teaching polymer clay

I’ve started my online school that will feature more than just tutorials. For me it’s a new take on the online video or pdf.

Visit my Blog Alice Stroppel’s Studio 215 for more info.

Houston Lone Star Retreat

Houston Lone Star Retreat

I’ve just returned from teaching at the Houston Polymer Clay Guild’s Lone Star Retreat and what a great time I had. I’ve blogged about it all here on my Studio 215 site.

And just so you know, I’m teaching a “build your cane inventory” workshop on Oct. 3, 2015 at Studio 215. Read all about it here.

 

Happenings at Studio 215

I now have to blogs and two Facebook accounts, one Instagram, one flickr, a Google + account and two Youtube accounts because ever since Goole merged with Youtube I can’t get on my original one at all. Whew, it’s just hard to keep up.

Here’s my blog link for Alice Stroppel’s Studio 215 where you’ll find all  my workshops listed.

That’s my excuse for not posting here, actually forgetting to post here, so I apologized to all of you who don’t check in to all those other places.

Here’s what I’ve have been working on for the last month.

Alice Stroppel three charms

Alice Stroppel Charm Bracelet

 

These new charms are such fun, I had my first Charming Canes workshop (thanks Cynthia Tinapple and Polymer Clay Daily for the name)  this past weekend and I really believe everyone had a good time and learned a lot. At least they all came back day #two with smiles on their faces.

Alice Stroppel's Studio 215

Michele Backus, Dottie Bade, Linda Easton, Mary Jane Reinhart,
Sara Pietruk, Majel Bowerman, Annamarie Grimes

I worked on a color palette for this workshop  using mainly Premo Cobalt Blue, Fuchsia, and Zinc Yellow. Then all colors where Skinner blended with white. I was pleased with the results. Just look at the charms this group created. It really was a greatly satisfying workshop for me.

Alice Stroppel's Stduio 215 Charming Canes Workshop Alice Stroppel's Stduio 215 Charming Canes Workshop Alice Stroppel's Stduio 215 Charming Canes Workshop Alice Stroppel's Stduio 215 Charming Canes Workshop

Thanks to the support of my community and my friends and fellow clayers from around the country, my studio is doing very well and I’m having the best time. Such a lucky girl.

Meisha Barbee, Julie Eakes, Laurie Prophater and friends at Studio 215 and Beyond

Julie, Meisha, Laurie at Alice's home studio

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.

Meisha Barbee's workshop samples fro Studio 215

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.

Meisha Barbee's student work Studio 215

Meisha Barbee's student work Studio 215

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.

Meisha Barbee's workshop at Alice Stroppel's Studio 215

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

Meisha Barbee

 

Laurie Prophater

Laurie Prophater

Julie Eakes

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.

Julie, Meisha and Alice at St. Armands Key

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.

syndee holt at Studio 215 in April

syndee holt

Terrific Transfers

Monday April 27, 2015 

 5:30pm – 9:30PM

Mokume Gane

Tuesday April 28, 2015 

 5:30pm – 9:30PM

download applications here

Terrific Transfers

Mokume Gane

 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.  

Terrific Transfers Monday April 27, 2015 5:30pm – 9:30pm                   download application  Terrific Transfers

syndee was recently featured on Polymer Clay Daily with her transfer portrait of her son. I just love this.

syndee holt transfer

syndee holt

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.

syndee-holt5syndee-holt3

 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?

 

syndee holt2

Mokume Gane Tuesday April 28, 2015  5:30pm – 9:30PM              download application Mokume Gane

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.

syndee-holt7

 Use some more organic colors and create an elegant faux turquoise.

syndee-holt6

How about if you don’t even slice the surface, but dig through it with the ball stylus?

syndee-holt8

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.

Blog

Sculpey

Facebook

Stay tune for more about the exciting artist that will be here in June, Randee M Ketzel

Meisha Barbee – Master Class In Feb. 2015

Master Class

Instructor – Meisha Barbee 

Mica Shift with Appliqué’ Pendant

Sat. & Sun. –  Feb. 21 & 22,  2015

9am – 4:30pmMeisha Barbee Mica Shift Workshop

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

  Download application here

$175

 Sat. & Sun. –  Feb. 21 & 22,  2015

9am – 4:30pm

Min. 10 students – Max. 15 students

Alice Stroppel’s Studio 215

215 Ridgewood Dr. 

mailing address – P.O. Box 4530

Sebring, FL 33870

 

 

Extruder Bootcamp with Mari O’Dell at Studio 215

Extruder Bootcamp

Mari O’Dell

Seed Pod and Tassel Blossom earrings

Overcoming the “Fear of Flying” or

How a tool saved my creative life and what it can do for you !

2 day Workshop  – March 28th and 29th 2015

MariO'Dellearringsw

Mari O'Dell Extruder Artist

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.

This from Mari’s website;

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

See more of Mari’s work on her Facebook page and on her web site www.mari-odell.com

——–

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.

To sign up for this inspiring workshop, download an application form, Extruder Bootcamp with Mari O’Dell

Plus… Don’t miss Meisha Barbee at Studio 215 on  Feb. 21 & 22, 2015. Download her application form  Mica Shift with Appliqué’ Pendant

Workshops for 2015 at 215

 

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.

Classroom at Studio 215

 

Classroom at Studio 215

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.

 

 

Meisha Barbee Mica Shift Workshop

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

 

Alice Stroppel’s Studio 215

Alice Stroppel's Studio 215 2014

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.

Maureen Carlson will be here in 2016. Maureen is owner of Maureen Carlson’s Center for Creative Arts in Jordan, MN and has a long list of credits from TV to published books. Maureen has her own page on Amazon.

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.

 

 

 

Mystery Project


I’ve been having so much fun on Facebook with this project. I posted pictures of the first part of the project featuring six of my girls with the tag line, “Bet you can’t figure out what this is going to be”. So many of you had great guesses and wonderful compliments, I thank you so much for playing along because it made it that much easier for me to continue working on it until it was finished.

Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table

As I continued to work and post pictures you continued to guess.

Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table

It kept getting taller and taller. ……..

Alice Stroppel polymer clay table Alice Stroppel polymer clay table

……until I finally finished it and here is the big reveal…TADA…It’s a table.

Alice Stroppel polymer clay table

I found two base metal lamps at my local thrift  store and combined pieces from each to create this crazy table. It’s very sturdy and well weighted.  You might even classify this project a found object project.

I have a couple more lamps that I bought but they don’t come apart so I’ll see how they work out in the oven.

By the way, I bake in a full size oven that I have in my studio and it was easy to bake this table because is was in pieces. The next ones will be a challenge I think.

I cover a bit of each piece with clay and then bake it so I won’t mess up what I’ve just done. when it’s cool, I add more clay and bake again. I can do this as many times as I want and bake for as long as I want because I have calibrated my oven and I know that it is always on the correct temperature.

So what’s your next big project?

Alice Stroppel polymer clay table