Christi Friesen « Polymer Clay Etc.

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.

Christi Friesen’s New Book – Flourish

I’m thrilled to have a piece of my working included in Christi’s new book Flourish. On another page, Christi also uses the Stroppel Cane to make a swirly, twirly, flowery thingy, which is exactly Christi-like and so much fun.

My piece in Christi’s book is a piece I made using some of the tropical leaves from my…wait for it…Tropical Leaves tutorial that I have for sale in my Etsy shop. It’s both a video and a detailed pdf.

Here it is in the book and thank you Christi.

One thing I’ve noticed with artists that self publish is that their publications are crammed with information. It reminds me of myself when I’m teaching. I want to share and show you everything I can in the short time we have together. The other recent book that I’m thinking of is Helen Breil’s Shapes.

Each of these books are so full of information, photos and techniques that each new owner will have projects to last them weeks and enough inspiration to start ideas popping in their heads like fireworks on New Years Eve.

I’m getting ready for Synergy and looking forward to a very exciting, inspiring time. Along with all the talent gathering in one place, I’ll get to spend time with old friends and meet in person friends I’ve only met online. I hope to see you there.

My Polymer Clay Class With Christi Friesen at Orlando Clay Fandango

My Mirror from Christi Friesen's Class

Day three at Orlando Clay Fandango puts Christi Friesen at the teachers desk. By this time my class had our heads full of color blends and sheeting and slicing and drilling and we are ready for Christi. And she is ready for us.

We get straight to the fun part, playin’ and smoshin’ and pinchin’ the clay. We all become clay warriors, fighting with nothing by our fingers and our sense of design.

I think most of us in my classroom planned it this way..Sarah first, so we would be mentally fresh to understand the complexities for her techniques, Julie, because we still needed the edge to comprehend her methods and then..tada…Christi, freedom from perfectly placed and constructed clay.

by this time we are crazy funny, all of us, with Christi putting us over the top. To describe her sculpting techniques she uses technical words like, “wiggly scribbly stuff, mossy bits and funky stack-up and bead plant thingys.” Thingys being a favorite word of mine for a very long time and I am proud to say I use it often.

But don’t think that this was not a serious class with serious stuff to learn, oh no…. many of my fellow classmates worked until almost 11:00pm, not because it was hard..oh no..but because they were having such a great time creating Friesen-like masterpieces. And trust me, some of them were more than fabulous.

Me? I was following the instructors around trying to gather them up for a video. Actually it took me two days to do it. “Yeah Alice, right after supper.” “In ten minutes Alice.” “After my demo, I promise.” “I just have to finish showing everyone how to make this mouse. Alice, geez….”Okay, here we are, where do you want us?” “Your extention cord doesn’t work, Alice are you kidding?”

What a great group, seriously, it wasn’t about them, it was about making sure their students were taken care of first. Ya’ gotta admire that. Thanks ladies, it was worth it.

Oh yeah, Christi, if you want to laugh, this is the instructor, if you want to unleash your inner, playful, creative soul, this is the instructor. If you have a chance to take a class with Christi, don’t hesitate, you’ll have a blast.

Visit Christi’s website for more information, to buy her products and to see if she’s coming to a location near you!

OAPCG Clay Fandango Instructors and Demonstrators – Video

I spent 3 days and 4 nights nights at the Orlando Area Polymer Clay Guild’s annual Clay Fandango at Lake Yale in Florida. It was quite an experience for clayers of all skill levels.

When I thought about filming my experience at Fandango, I knew I wanted to give an overview of what went on during those three days. But quite frankly that all changed quickly, I was so caught up in enjoying myself and working on what I was learning each day that I didn’t have the time nor did I even want to be running around filming everything.

I was impressed by the instructors and demonstrators, they were all so giving and dedicated to their work and their students that I wanted you to meet them in a different way than you normally would. I wanted them to tell you a little bit about themselves.

The classes might have been scheduled to run from 9am to 5pm, but in reality, the instructor and students were working until 9 or 10 at night. Maureen and Barbara demonstrated off and on until 10pm. This all happened with smiles and laughter. Who are these women? What does the rest of their lives look like? How does their life compare to mine or yours?

Maureen Carlson is such a wonderful story gathering soul that she naturally knows how to bring out the best in people. So, what better person than Maureen to conduct this interview? Maureen, I am forever grateful, thank you. And thanks to the all of you for taking time to slow down long enough for me to get this delightful moment on film.

The group of polymer clay stars on this video include, Christi Friesen, Sarah Shriver, Julie Picarello, Barbara McGuire, Maureen Carlson.

Polymer Clay Canes for Beginners

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Christi Friesen’s New Book – Flourish

My Polymer Clay Class With Christi Friesen at Orlando Clay Fandango

OAPCG Clay Fandango Instructors and Demonstrators – Video

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