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

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Three Girlfriend – Polymer Clay Slide

I have been taking pictures and videos of several items that I have waiting in line to go in my Etsy shop. I’ve decided that taking 5 pictures of something so that my customers can see the item from all angles is so time consuming. It’s why I put off adding things. My solution, we’ll seee how it works, is to take short little videos to show what they look like in 3d.

A Trade with Nikolina Otrzan

Once again I’m thrilled that a talented artist decided to try the Stroppel Cane and then to top it off was willing to trade with me.

I love this piece that Nikolina created just for me using a Stroppel cane and her signature crossword puzzle accents to spell “alice”. I can’t wait to for it to get here, it’s coming all the way from Croatia.

As I said before, it’s a wonderful experience with the added bonus of being able to see fantastic work up close and learn from one another. Thanks Nik!

You can see more fabulous work for Nikolina on her famous flickr site Orson’s World.

Here’s my part of the trade.

Trading Stroppel Cane Jewelry with Angela aka Cleobs

I’m thrilled to say that Angela/Cleobs sent me her Stroppel Skyline bracelet. She has combined Stroppel Canes with some other polymer clay techniques to create this fabulous piece.

When I saw it I really wanted it. I asked to buy it, but Angela said no she would send it to me, but I wanted to trade. So she chose some of my girlfriends and the bracelet now lives at my house and the girls are on their way to Italy.

Thanks so much Angela, it’s a treasure. You can see more of Angela’s work on her Flickr site cleobs. I love Flickr.

Here are the girlfriends I made for Angela.

Orlando Clay Fandango

I want to make an addition to my post about Orlando Clay Fandango. I forgot two important volunteer and I’m so sorry. These two women come each year to Fandango and they aren’t even members of the guild. They don’t take classes, they work.

Nita Sherer-Baker runs the boutique and allows us to sell our work. Such an important part of our experience and a lot of work. Thank you very much Nita.

And Tanya Johnston…what would we do with out the Oven Queen? She takes care of all the curing of every piece of clay. It is a giant job. Thank you so much Tanya.

Orlando Clay Fandango – Video – The Instructors and Demo Queens

I can’t believe I’ve been home from Fandango for a week already. I have lots to share with you.

First I want to thank all the volunteers that help make Orlando Clay Fandango the success that it always is. Eva, Charlene, Nancy, Mary, Kem, Linda, Rose Anne, Nita and Tanya. I know I’ve left out dozens and I apologize. Please let me know and I’ll add to the list.

I know I’ve met some wonderful people because of Fandango and experienced some ah ha moments in clay.

Sherry McKinney and I hit the road and arrived at Lake Yale on Thursday and from then on it was nonstop until we headed home on Monday. Sherry and I are the only constant polymer clayers we know in Sebring.

I set up my display in the Boutique and everyone had a good laugh about my redheaded friend. But I think the hands got more comments.

I was one of the demonstrators this year and I was busy showing how I use pen and ink on polymer clay. The bracelet below is a sample of what I shared and was my donation for the raffle. I’m thrilled that Linda Easton won.

Here are some of the results of the three full day of classes with some incredible instructors. Because I don’t know the names of all the clayers that created the pieces below, I took the easy way out and didn’t name anyone. If you see your work, please add your name in the comments section. There is a method to it, I’ll get you to comment maybe. hehe.

Barbara McGuire’s classes

Doreen Kassel’s classes

Meredith Arnold’s classes

Linda Hess’s demo

Susan Clark was also demonstrating this year but had to leave early and missed our video.
And last but not least, this video I made featuring the Instructors and Demonstrators for 2012.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/eJzXPmoKLdQ[/youtube]

Thanks again to everyone at Orlando Clay Fandango 2012 I have it from the source that you can still save $25.00 if you sign up for next year’s Fandango by the end of May and they will be announcing who the instructors will be in the next few days. So keep checking their website for updates.

Orlando Clay Fandango

And then we had to say goodbye, but it was wonderful to see friends again.

The Stroppel Cane Story in The Polymer Arts

I’m thrilled to have the Stroppel Cane featured in the new The Polymer Arts issue. Sage Bray’s recent email said,

“The SUMMER 2012 issue is almost here!

Just got the newest issue through the proofing and approval process with the printer so it’s rolling on the presses and will start mailing out next week! Digital access will be sent May 18th and print starts getting mailed on the 16th. So soon, very soon …”

What’s in the Summer 2012 Reuse and Recycle issue?

Lots of wonderful ideas for using up scrap clay, old canes, and creating beautiful work from old and broken items plus plenty to more new ideas to motivate and excite you:

  • Learn new ways to reuse old canes and scrap clay
  • Read the inside story on the Stroppel cane phenomenon and the art it’s inspiring.
  • Become inspired by Ron Lehocky’s heartwarming story of how he uses polymer to better the lives of children and the environment.
  • Use digital devices for paperless Inspiration and Organization
  • New Technique: Dye Polymer with Old Silk ties
  • Peek into the fabulous Las Vegas Clay Carnival
  • Find out what it’s like to form a vibrant global community with this issue’s profile on Voila.eu.com
  • Discover new product in our reviews on Swellegant, Shades of Clay cutters, & All-in-One CaBezels
  • Get help from other readers’ organization ideas
  • Immerse yourself in the stunning gallery art… altars, winding ropes, layered translucence, and more

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Haven’t read an issue yet? Try a sample here or beter yet order this new issue and read all about the Stroppel Cane and take a look at some of the incredible work by artists from around the world.

Sample Issues of The Polymer Arts magazine … for the polymer clay artist

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I have so much to share from my trip to GA and Fandango that I’ll be posting about it all for a week or two. I’m still trying to get unpacked and caught up with my trades and orders.

Suzanne Ivester and I are working on our magazine, Polymer Porfolio and are excited about how it is coming together. I had the opportunity to film a couple of the artists that we are featuring while I was at Fandango. Look for Barbara McGuire and Denise Graham in some wonderful videos when our first issue is released.

And no, we don’t know when that will be exactly, but you’ll be the first to know……

Pen and Ink on Ecru Polymer Clay and The Polymer Arts

I have been home from Georgia and Creative Journey Studios a little over a week and it truly seems like only a day or two. I am busy getting ready for Orlando Clay Fandango this week and decide to try pen and ink on ecru clay and boy do I really like it. I love the black and white, but this is new and different.

I’ll be demo-ing pen and ink on polymer clay, my Stroppel Cane, and how to cover a bracelet blank.

I’ll be posting more about my trip to GA when I get back and I know I’ll have great things to share about Fandango too. I have a wonderful interview with Ellen Prophater from Creative Journey Studios to share with you, plus lots of wonderful pictures of the Gallery and my classes.

This year I won’t forget my camera when I go to Fandango. Last year I left it by the back door. and was so dissappointed that I didn’t get to film the instructors and the Fandango Committee. The exciting thing is  this year I don’t need a giant camera bag, cords, charger etc. because I have a new little video camera with a USB connection built in. It fits in my pocket. Amazing!

Hope to see you at Fandango in 3…2….1…days.

Speaking of The Stroppel Cane…………

Sage Bray from The Polymer Arts asked me to write an article about the Stroppel Cane for the spring issue. I did and I was excited to see my name on the front cover along with the gorgeous photo of a Heather Campbell creation.

Haven’t read an issue yet try a sample.

Sample Issues of The Polymer Arts magazine … for the polymer clay artist

See you again soon….