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]

Polymer Journeys

PJ 2015 Front Cover_1I’m proud to say that one of my pieces is included in this inaugural issue of an exciting new polymer retrospective, Polymer Journeys. Sage Bray is the mastermind behind this publication along with her exceptional magazine The Polymer Arts.

It’s a beautiful look at some of the worlds most talented polymer artists. A fabulous coffee table book even for those who don’t work in clay.

Thank you again Sage and team.

 

Workshop at West Coast Polymer Clay Guild, The Polymer Arts Blog and Art Deco

The Polymer Arts 

circles-and-squares - Alice StroppelMy Circles and Squares necklace was featured yesterday by Sage Bray on The Polymer Arts blog. I do enjoy this piece very much and always have one or two people tell me how fun it is! When I’m told that my work makes people smile of makes them happy, I consider my job accomplish!

I’m always so excited to see my work featured in The Polymer Art magazine or blog, I appreciate the fine work that Sage is doing for our polymer clay community and feel privileged to included with the vast array of talented artists working in polymer clay. Thank you Sage.

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West Coast Polymer Clay Guild

No picture here! I can not believe that I spent the whole day with this lovely, funny group and didn’t take one picture. I blame the guild member actually, I asked them to remind me and to not leave without a group picture. But every single one of them forgot to remind me. :-)

I really apologize ladies, it was my fault after all. Next time I won’t forget.

All of us at this workshop want to send a giant thank you to Polyform’s Education Manager Iris Weiss and Polyform Products for supplying all the clay and then some.

We had a really great time though, what a talented group of women. I hope to get back to New Port Richey again soon.

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Art Deco

Art Deco Bracelet

Art Deco

I’ve been drawn to Art Deco all my life. Maybe it was visiting Miami when I was a kid and seeing all those fabulous art deco buildings, or just the clean lines of the jewelry or the advertisements and art work created in that style. I think it might be the romanic vision of the ’20s that draws me in. Such large changes taking place in clothing, hair styles, woman’s rights…the world was changing dramatically.

Right now I’m working on this bracelet using my pen and ink technique. I wanted something new with pen and ink to take to the Orlando Area Polymer Clay Guild when I teach there next week. Working on slides in this style as well.

Having a ball actually, one more panel on this one and I’m finished.

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….

Sample Issues of The Polymer Arts

I just love Flip magazines. I’ve been working towards one of my own for years and have finally found the right partner in Suzanne Ivester. We’ve been working on our online publication for several months now and have just recently put it in high gear.

Our magazine, Polymer Portfolio, is very different than the one featured here, I can’t wait for you to see it but it’s in the beginning stages and it will be awhile before we are ready for a coming out party. Stay tuned……….

Sage Bray and her team produce The Polymer Arts, a wonderful new magazine with the polymer clay artist in mind and I applaud her efforts. Take a look at the sample magazine then go on and try an issue or get a full subscription.

I’m thrilled to have been asked to contribute to the 2nd issue and to be included in this sample.

A Featured Artist in Issue #2 The Polymer Arts

The second issue of The Polymer Arts has arrived, at least the digital addition landed in my email box the other day, and I’m pleased to tell you I was one of the featured artist. Iris Mishly, Laurel Steven and Christa McKibbens are featured as well. Many thanks to Sage Bray for the opportunity.

I review the first issue in August and this post is not because I have a small part in this issue but because I know you’ll find things in the issue you might relate to in a big way, at least I did.

It’s a very timely thought filled edition with excellent articles from Christi Friesen, Barbara McGuire, and the Editor-in-Chief Sage Bray. I enjoyed every page of this issue and I suggest that you will too.

There is a great article about the IPCA’s 2011 retreat as experienced by a new attendee, Susan O’Neill that you don’t want to miss if you’re thinking about attending next time.

Also congratulations to my friend Patrice Pfeiffer for her Inspiration Challenge win.

You can order a yearly subscription to this magazine or just one issue at a time by visiting The Polymer Arts website. You can order it delivered to your door or to your email account. The digital version comes to you in a pdf or in a fun flip magazine format. You’ll love it either way.

The Polymer Arts – A Review

The Polymer Arts Magazine is the vision of Publisher/Editor Sage Bray, and I can tell you from experience, hours of her of hard work. In my opinion it’s time well spent.

First, I was thrilled to see Sage is using the “flip” magazine as her first choice of digital delivery and that she is also offering The Polymer Arts in pdf form. The flip magazine form is sometimes hard to get use to, but oh so worth the effort. In the meantime having the pdf available is very helpful.

And this review will be praise for Sage and her team’s efforts to create an informative publication for “Profession and Aspiring Polymer Arts”!

I was delighted to see the article by Barbara McGuire, Fueled by Passion, The History of Polymer Clay. The beginning of polymer clay has been written about many times but Barbara’s view is unique because of  her early involvement with the emerging industry product. It’s a look at the growth of polymer that shouldn’t be missed.

The magazine develops from there to include several articles titled Material Issues. These include techniques, not projects, which encourages all of us to use the process to create our own designs instead of making something exactly like the directions.  There is also a beginning look at color which is always an issue when you first get your fingers on a package clay.

The New & Improved section takes a very useful look at some tools that people are always asking me about. The close inspection of these tools is helpful in many ways.

There are many inspirational stories from some very talented artists and a great advise on marketing your work in both the wholesale and retail markets.

Also in this issue are galleries of beautiful photographs of works to inspire us all. The galleries include artists Christine K. Harris and Janet Pitcher in the Mentor’s Galleries. Jill Kollmann,  Els Van Haasen, and Erin Metcalf in the Emerging Artist Galleries.

On top of everything else, it’s wonderful to have the advertisers’ products just a click away…you just have to love technology no matter what.

I extend my congratulations to Sage and her team and my thanks for adding another source of inspiration and resources for all of us working in this exciting medium.

If you haven’t already ordered you copy of this exciting new magazine, it’s easy to do right now. You can order just one to test it out, or better yet show your support for this new venture by ordering a year subscription at The Polymer Arts Magazine.

P.S. If you just can’t cozy up to a digital magazine and want to have a real live print Magazine in you hands, you can order those too. That group at The Polymer Arts Magazine have covered all the bases.