Polymer Clay Canes for Beginners 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.
Online Workshops with Alice Stroppel
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It’s been over a month since I’ve posted here on Polymer Clay Etc. and so much has happened. All good, exciting and fun. You might have seen these images and heard all this before on Facebook etc. but this is for my friends who aren’t on those other social media sites.
First of all I had a private Pen and Ink workshop with Mary Jane Reinhart and she created a great bracelet that day. You should see the work she’s doing now, fabulous! Plus she’s so much fun, I love having her in the Studio.
I was over the moon when I received the newest addition of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine, just before I left town for a retreat.
Laurie Prophater wrote a wonderful article about a challenge she proposed to Meisha Barbee, Julie Eakes and me when they were all staying at my house and playing at Studio 215 while Meisha was teaching. (Read about the fun we had here.) I’m thrilled to be published along with these talented women. Thank you Laurie for thinking of such a enjoyable project.
Next I met up with several claying friends in Denver, Syndee Holt, Julie Eakes, Meisha Barbee, Libby Mills, and Emily Levine, we had a great time. Crazy but oh so much fun!
Then it was on to the retreat where we exchanged bowls. 25 incredible bowls came home with me and this exchange started me on my bird obsession. I posted about my bird bowls and my larger bird wall piece here.
I came home with many wonderful things from an auction we have every year and I purchased some lovely pieces from my friends to sell at Studio 215 with more to come. I can wait to share some of them with you. I’ll be posting them on my Studio 215 blog and on my Studio 215 Facebook page. If you’d like to see what I’m up to at the Studio, sign up to receive a notice each time I post, my newsletter, and like my Facebook page.
I can be found on Instagram , Twitter, and Tumbr too. Whew.
Last week I was featured by Cynthia Tinapple on Polymer Clay Daily and that is always treat and a compliment. Thank you Cynthia.
I was featured with my newest face that I created for the auction at the retreat. I was flattered that there was many bids on it.
I made this cool graphic using an app called Canva. My friend Meredith Arnold shared this with me and I can’t stop using it. Very cool, thanks Meredith.
Here’s another graphic made with Canva showing off my newest bird weed pot prototypes that I worked on while on retreat. I hope to get more of these done showcasing different critters and characters. I’m smiling and that is always my goal, to create things that make me smile.
The beginning of September brought more laughter and fun at Studio 215 when several of my favorite people came to take a Profile Face cane class with me. We had a great time for sure.
Dottie, Kathryn, Barbara, AnnaMarie, Majel, and Mary Jane are new converts to polymer and I believe they aren’t getting away without clay sticking in they brains. They’re having as much fun as I did with I first started, but they’re lucky to have others to share the experience. Thanks, ya’ll are making me so happy to see you having so much fun and making such cool things.
Then to top it all off, Kathryn Obidzinski has been my apprentice for several months now and before I went on retreat she started a palette knife polymer clay self portrait. I think she created a wonderful piece. I know she had fun, learned a lot and I hope I can reel her in to explore polymer clay a bit more.
I’m spending the rest of the day prepping for the Houston Polymer Clay Guild’s Lone Star Retreat. I’ll be teaching along with Randee Ketzel and Sarah Shriver. Next month it’s Sandy Camp in San Diego. Just too much fun!!!
Thanks for stopping in, Alice
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.
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.’
The Frog Prince
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
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
Min. 10 students – Max. 15 students
Alice Stroppel’s Studio 215
215 Ridgewood Dr.
mailing address – P.O. Box 4530
Sebring, FL 33870
for more information email
alicestroppel@gmail.com
Synergy was wonderful for many reasons, but getting to meet in person people you have become friends with online has to be one of the highlights.
My friend Nikolina Otrzan (Orson’s World) surprised me with with this so very thoughtful gift in memory of Ceasar, the oh so sweet dog we just lost. I was touched and so appreciative. Thank you Nik.
Nik creates some fabulous polymer pieces and some very cool tutorials for sale in her Etsy shop. She also has a class on CraftArtEdu
She is such fun to be around, meeting her after month and months of online friendship was a such a treat. She traveled all the way from Croatia to attend Synergy and I hope to see her again when Synergy happens in Europe.
I’m lucky to own another piece of Nik’s work, we traded when she made me something from one of her Stroppel Canes. Love it.
Cara Jane Hayman is another friend from the other side… she surprised me with the darling little Stroppel Cane piggy. It was so thoughtful to bring it all the way from Bristol, UK just for me. Cara Jane started the Stroppel Cane Flickr group so that everyone can share their canes. Care Jane also has tutorial for sale. Thanks so much Care Jane.
Can you believe I am the proud owner of this fabulous piece of a art by Julie Eakes? Julie’s work in impeccable! We made a large trade and I am more than thrilled.
The wording is, “As you’re pretty, so be wise, Wolves may lurk in every guise.” I wish you could see this piece up close, I think Julie said she made at least five canes to incorporate in this necklace. Julie and I have traded before I’m lucky to own a couple of other Julie Eakes creations.
Julie teaches and if you can take a class with her, you should! Here’s one on CraftArtEdu
Julie is soooo much fun and I’m lucky to call her friend…….Julie, I can’t thank you enough.
And finally, Meisha Barbee and I traded pieces and look what I got, a wowzer. Meisha doesn’t have a website, but I have a feeling that she will soon, In the meantime here is a google search with some pictures of her fabulous work.
Meisha has recently started to teach, if she’s teaching near you, run don’t walk to take her class.
Meisha, you make me laugh way too much, you rock friend, thank you.
You see how lucky I am, not only to own such wonderful work, but to have made such wonderful friends through my love of polymer. It’s a wonderful life.
 Photo by Cynthia Tinapple - Collaboration by Alice and Meisha Barbee
I was thrilled this morning when I saw that the Stroppel Cane was highlighted on Polymer Clay Daily.
Once again, thank you Cynthia, because of your wide audience more people will see the video and maybe it will spark some fabulous new pieces. Makes me happy just thinking about it.
Oh and can you guys guess which piece Meisha claimed? I didn’t even have a chance to fight over it.
Seriously, we both had fun and made some great memories to go along with these pendants.
I was thrilled that my cane mapped fish slides were featured on Polymer Clay Daily last week. Thank you Cynthia! And I was so happy that all my swap buddies liked the little guys. But they couldn’t have liked the fish as much as I love each and every slide that I got to bring home with me. Thanks to all the swappers…..is that a word?
I would have posted this thank you sooner but I was without phone service and internet off and on. But oh what a wonderful time of just clay and friendship spent in a beautiful place.
I also spent two days after our retreat in Denver with Meisha Barbee. Meisha doesn’t have a website or blog but you can see her work on Polymer Clay Daily. We had the best time exploring galleries and museums and getting to know downtown Denver. It’s a beautiful city with lots of great places to eat and shop.
We visited Pismo Contemporary Art Glass Gallery where Meisha’s work is featured. It is an incredible gallery full of the most fabulous glass and jewelry, put it on your list if you’re going to Denver. We walked over to Show of Hands and what a wonderful shop it is, just my kind of funky, fun place with lots of interesting things to tempt you. Both places are so friendly and welcoming.
We also went to Boulder for a wonderful visit with Polymer clay artist Ann Kruglak and her husband Ivan in their gorgeous mountain home, thank you guys. Talk about view envy, what Ann gets to look at everyday out her windows is truly amazing.
Meisha and I made time to visit Marie Gibbons who is one of the featured artists on my other blog The Figurative Artbeat. I was so glad to get to see her studio and spend some time with her. I was delighted to be able to take pictures of her new work and add another piece of her fabulous swimmers from her Float series to my collection. I’ll be featuring Marie, her new work and the story of her swimmers in the next week or so on The Figurative Artbeat so check in often.
I’m back and full of inspiration and ideas that I can’t wait to get to. But first things first, I had to go to the grocery store first thing yesterday because…….. there was not one thing in the refrigerator, seriously! Then I decided to take just a small little nap and slept for hours so that today I am rested, excited and ready to get to work. The clay is calling me, I can hear it.
I have the best husband, he had such a wonderful surprise for me when I got home! I’ll share pictures tomorrow, think black and white checks. Thanks for checking in with me and to all those who signed up for my newsletter in the last couple of weeks, I’ll be sending one out in the next week or so.
I had the best time, but there is no place like home . (Clicking my ruby reds)
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