Sheila I hope you have fun making these....I like to think of these "addictions" to creating as my therapy. If my hands are busy my heart is full. Blessings to you!
Thank you so much! I'm 57 and have looked at and tried so many different crafts... failed. LOL! But this I can do. Hubby bought me clay for my birthday and I am now the proud owner of many many pens! :-) I love what I've created. THANK YOU!
This comment makes me so very happy Trish! I dare say that your previous crafts weren't fails, they were just leading to the one that was meant for you. I am so happy you have found clay and that you are enjoying the process and finding success! I am 53 and I love picking up new skills... it just reminds us that we still have so much to learn and so much to look forward to! Thanks for your kindness!
I have recently been getting into polymer clay and your channel has really inspired me to push past the earring part of polymer clay and use it as an art medium. Thank you so much and would love to see more polymer clay videos! But im about to binge watch all of your videos and of course subscribe!
Hi Rachel, thanks for watching & commenting! Funny you should write this today as I’m planning on a new polymer clay video this week - a holiday project. I also have a really special class planned for January. Thanks for subscribing and there will be more polymer videos to come. 💙
No the pen case does not melt. The pen nib and the ink are removed during baking but the cycling the pen was in does and it doesn't melt in 275 degrees for that time.
Kristin, teaching your Emma is still a cherished memory. You are a talented artist yourself so I really appreciate your comments and taking the time to watch. Hope you both are well!
Helena… do you mean the clay? Polymer clay can get hard if not stored properly but it doesn’t dry out. You can work on a project and just keep it covered from dust and there is no danger of drying our.
I’m so thankful I found your channel. I was about to give up on tutorials on using clay because of all the ‘special’ equipment I thought would have to go and purchase. I just wanted the basics, a taster to see if I’d enjoy the craft. I’m about to get some clay and make me some pens. YAY! 😁 💚
I’m so glad you are inspired to work with polymer! Let me say you need very very few items to be successful! A set of nail art or dotting tools ( less than $5 on Amazon) a couple ceramic tiles and an acrylic roller. That’s all you really need. The rest can be improvised, or you can find things you already own. If you ever have any questions reach out.
Sculpy 3 is Very brittle once it’s baked and breaks VERY easy so it is not recommended for jewelry or anything that is handled often. It is more suited to little sculptures and decorations that are not handled very often. Just an FYI. But it is definitely at the discretion of the artist/ maker. Awesome project btw!! Love it!!
Hi Wesley... I really appreciate your comment. I agree Sculpy 3 can be more fragile, but I've always used it because I taught beginners and children and they needed the clay to be softer. I have never had a pen break and I use them daily, but I would agree that someone who is doing this professionally or making gifts should use clay that will have the most durability. While I have never had an issue with Sculpey 3 on this pen project, your comment is definitely valuable as polymer clay artists should pick clay that supports the use of their creation. Thank you so much for adding to the conversation.
Thanks Amy I appreciate that so much! As far as the melting… that’s why I talk so much about the type of pens because the right ones will NOT melt which is the key to this project. You don’t want to pick the wrong type of pen and have a melted or warped project. Always take the center ( pen tip & ink) out before baking… but the barrel gets baked with the clay.
@@MichelleRaeLandry I had the tv on earlier and must of missed you explaining that part, I’ve just watched the pen bit and feel silly now for asking haha. Thank you 😁
Hi- The hole is a must in the CAP if you make one- to prevent a child from swallowing and blocking the airway-the hole allows for air to get in in to the lungs till professionals arrive- :)
Love your pens and how you illustrate in making them,they are so beautiful.. I’m going to try this .. Where did you get your clay cutters I like how you press the release button and the clay pops out ..
Hi Lisa. The cutters with the press and release are called Kemper Cutters. They can be pricey, so I only finally broke down and purchased once I knew I would be repeating those shapes often and in mass amounts. They are probably the nicest cutters for polymer clay and I love them .
Fun to watch this, Michelle. It was really easier than I thought. I’ve bought polymer covered pens in craft fairs and I love them. I used to make a bunch of Sculpy earrings and pendants. I think I may have to try this.
Hi Michelle. Just found your channel and would love to make the pens. Quick question when you give them as gifts do you put the cap back on or do you give them without caps. Also would you put clay on the cap as well?
Hi There. Good question… unfortunately the answer is that once you cover a stick pen the cap will never fit again. Good news is you can change out the inside over and over. They are a fun project - but these aren’t intended to be high end pens. They are still fun as gifts and personally I love the fit in my hand over most pens.
Hi, thanks for watching. I have never needed a cap, I like them as is and haven’t had an issue with running, so it isn’t something I’ve tried to make. I suppose if it was a concern I might make a pen rest that the pen could sit in- nib down. ( in my head I’m picturing something made out of clay with a metal thimble core for size).
Thanks for replying so quickly! I wanted to give them to favorite waiters and waitresses but they just shove them into their aprons/ pockets so I think they will need a cover. If you figure out how to make a cap, that would be awesome and the whole world will copy you! 😂😂 Looking forward to watching more of your videos!
If you did not want the barrel showing could you put clay over it? Also, if I use white clay could I paint the clay when it’s done baking and cooling and then seal it? I love this video and I’m so glad I found it!
Hi Holly… thanks for watching and for the questions. Yes you can paint white clay for sure. Just seal it with a polymer safe varnish after. As far as the barrel showing… I try to hide most of it under clay but the top with the nib has to show so the nib can be changed out when it runs dry. Is that what you meant?
I've been using the bic crystal original. I've been baking them at 150 degrees for 45-60 minutes depending on how thick they are, and I havent had any issues with the pens I've made yet :)
Hi! So very glad I came across your page! I was wondering about clay storage, so far mine is still in the plastic sleeves they come in, kinda, I noticed that you had clay in plastic boxes. But I see where others say no plastic. What is your recommendation?
Welcome Nora! Great question! Yes I store all my opened bricks of clay in plastic boxes that typically are used for beads and jewelry making. Not only can I keep colors separate, I can store them safely and for long periods of time. It keeps them clean too! There are some plastics that don’t play well with polymer… definitely stay away from hard, clear -acrylic like containers as polymer will get sticky and will melt that plastic as the two interact. The best video out there about which plastics to use is --th-cam.com/video/EckiQ_OQ3n4-/w-d-xo.html- . My rule of thumb is if it’s marked #5 it should be fine. Milky somewhat clear plastic boxes like what are in my video are all #5 and I’ve used them for years. Also safe to use - butter/margarine tubs, zip lock bags, square baby food containers- I’ve used them all and make great choices as well ( and keeps them out of the landfill) . I hope that helps. 🙂
do you have any recommendation for stabilizing the pens during baking without denting the clay? I tried this for the first time last night, used some BIC pens and Kato's recommended baking temperature and they came out slightly bent ...or should I just use slightly lower temperature and bake it longer? - thank you for teaching and sharing!! :)
Hi Markus, this is an excellent question. I don't use Kato brand so I'm not sure if the 300 degree baking temp might be the culprit for the slight bend. The issue with lowering the temp is that each brand has a temp for curing and I don't have the experience with Kato to know if baking 25+ degrees lower will effect how strong the pens are in the long run. I will say though, that even though I have not had issues with bending, clay can get dents, shiny and flat spots etc. during baking depending oh the surface they are sitting on. I like to take light cardboard or paper and fan fold it so that when I lay the paper on the pan or tile it is a series of peaks and valleys. (I hope that makes sense). I then rest the pens in the valleys- and that keeps them straight, from touching each other and from making contact with anything that would dent them. Another thing you could try IF you notice a pen has a bend is immediately after taking it out of the oven when the clay is still hot and very flexible, insert something very hard and straight into the barrel (like a metal or wood skewer) and then submerge the pen in ice water. The ice water will make the polymer clay seize and get immediately hard and perhaps it would seize straight with the skewer inside. It's worth a try if you know the pen won't end up being something you will keep or use. I hope that helps and best of luck.
@@MichelleRaeLandry ... I usually use silicon baking mats for baking my creations, but your idea about the fan/accordion style sounds actually so much better, as you pointed out its not laying on a flat surface then. Hmmm I did when I couldn't wait to see how it really looks like threw one of the pens on the vents of the AC hahaha, ice water sounds good though, I will give both of those ideas a try - thank you so much for taking the time reading and replying, keep you posted with my creations if you like!
Hi Roxanna! For the most part I haven't had any problems with the pens being fragile. Some polymer clay creations with delicate details could break upon dropping of the floor... so if a flower or decorative detail was added that could be damaged in impact, but in general I've not had any pens break when falling on the floor or rolling off a desk. They are pretty resilient. Thanks for the question.
@@MichelleRaeLandry I LOVE poly clay pen vids. One day... I shall make them. I am waiting for my daughter to clean her room out to use as a craft room... I think I need to mention she moved out 15 months ago... lolol. But I am gathering my supplies slowly, and enjoying vids in the meanwhile. I am so happy, I don't usually catch bloopers!! And no worries, editing is HARD WORK!!! That's why there are creators that hire editors!!!
@@labella9291 I am in my son's room...I'll admit it we still laugh because I moved in before he was officially out, by the following week he came for the rest of his stuff and I was 100% in his room with my crafts. It's wonderful! If there is every anything I can answer or be a resource with clay let me know, my big piece of advice is don't buy too many supplies until you try things out, you may find you didn't need as much as you think!
@@MichelleRaeLandry I'm trying to keep it basic. I have a pasta machine, an Amazon clay kit, to play around with and a couple "good clays" I just want ALL the clay toys, lol, Tissue blades, shapers, rollers, and on and on... I want a pasta gun to make shapes with, lolol. I saw a ricer thing and I was all I CAN DO STUFF WITH THAT, but for the most part I am not going out and buying all the things, lmao. One thing I haven't figured out is work surfaces. I like the clinky noise some people get when they're cutting their clay.. I think they're working over glass, not a tile. But maybe it's a tile.. I just can't think of any tile that would be that big. So.. I'm going to look for a glass desk protector and print out some of those measuring sheets that Fiona Abel-Smith recommends and put it under the glass, lol. I have a bunch of mannerless hairy beasts, so I want to work in an area I can deny them entry, because hair and clay, ugh!!!! That's why I haven't been playing with clay.
Bic cristal pens are made of polystyrene (PS), which 1. reacts with polymer clay and 2. will melt in the oven. This polystyrene is the plastic you say doesn't work, the clear one. So don't recommend Bic pens overall! - Bic round stic works fine - Bic cristal pen DOESN'T work Also I would never recommend Sculpey III. You could also cover pencils ...
Thanks for that information on the pens. I am always up for a conversation about polymer. I do know creators prefer different brands of polymer, but as a teacher I think Sculpey III offers younger and older beginners the opportunity to learn the ropes without the really tough conditioning of some of the other brands. Also as a teacher I could get it in my price point for supplies. I HIGHLY recommend people look at the different qualities each brand and type offers and apply it to their project. For sculpting figurines, fairyhouse doors, pens etc. I have found Sculpey III to hold up very nicely. There are for sure better quality brands out there and yes Sculpey is not for jewelry, delicate projects and certainly not for everyone, but I do recommend it for people with arthritis, kids, beginners and those who want to experiment with color blending. I've been sculpting with clay for over a decade and I've used all kinds of polymer, and I stand by my recommendation for beginners. I also highly recommend Blue Bottle Tree You Tube Channel and Website for comparisons and more information about the types and brands of polymer clay.
I’m sure ur a nice lady but too much talking about non relevant things like talking about pens, where to get ballpoint pens etc. I’m sure we are all well versed as to where to buy pens . This video is almost an hour long which could have been easily trimmed down to half.
Thanks for watching and for your comment. While is seems excessive to you for me to go into that detail on pens, the reason I spend so much time on it is because that one detail makes or breaks the project...if the wrong pen is used (and many look the same) it will melt inside and the whole project will be ruined for the student. With so many international people who ask questions and watch these classes I feel a responsibility of trying to make sure everyone can succeed. The beauty of youtube is the Fast forward feature and I always hope that people can skip past the parts they don't want if it's something they already know. I'd rather provide too much than too little, which it seems was not what you were looking for. I do thank you though for your comment as I always am looking to make my content better for all. PS-I'm a Fenway Girl myself. Be well.
She has “chapters” set up so you can easily skip through. And tbh the only reason I’m watching is to figure out what pens to use, so her being thorough is helpful. Of course we all know how to buy pens. But you’re putting these in the oven.
Thanks for intoducing me to another addiction. I already diamond paint and knit and crochet. I think the pens are awesome. Can't wait to payday.
Sheila I hope you have fun making these....I like to think of these "addictions" to creating as my therapy. If my hands are busy my heart is full. Blessings to you!
Thank you so much! I'm 57 and have looked at and tried so many different crafts... failed. LOL! But this I can do. Hubby bought me clay for my birthday and I am now the proud owner of many many pens! :-) I love what I've created. THANK YOU!
This comment makes me so very happy Trish! I dare say that your previous crafts weren't fails, they were just leading to the one that was meant for you. I am so happy you have found clay and that you are enjoying the process and finding success! I am 53 and I love picking up new skills... it just reminds us that we still have so much to learn and so much to look forward to! Thanks for your kindness!
Wow, now this is the clay craft I'm sure i can do. You can certainly tell you're a great teacher by this tutorial. Thanks
Thanks for that compliment. I hope yours turn out great.
I have recently been getting into polymer clay and your channel has really inspired me to push past the earring part of polymer clay and use it as an art medium. Thank you so much and would love to see more polymer clay videos! But im about to binge watch all of your videos and of course subscribe!
Hi Rachel, thanks for watching & commenting! Funny you should write this today as I’m planning on a new polymer clay video this week - a holiday project. I also have a really special class planned for January. Thanks for subscribing and there will be more polymer videos to come. 💙
Hello from Portugal. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and art😊🇵🇹
Hello A MM! I am so happy you watched and thank you for commenting!
So beautiful, this is my first time seeing you and I love it, I am going to have my Sunday school class to make them thank you.
I taught this class to 3rd & 4th graders, it’s just a matter of taking it step by step. Good luck! 🍀
Does the pen melt?
No the pen case does not melt. The pen nib and the ink are removed during baking but the cycling the pen was in does and it doesn't melt in 275 degrees for that time.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent! I appreciate that you keep it real! Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for watching and the encouragement!
Love the results of your passions & classes! My daughter has learned so much from you!!! Still in awe of things she made with you years ago! ❤️
Kristin, teaching your Emma is still a cherished memory. You are a talented artist yourself so I really appreciate your comments and taking the time to watch. Hope you both are well!
@@MichelleRaeLandry Can I out plz do a clay bead video plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzgpeah
How do you keep it from drying out?
Helena… do you mean the clay? Polymer clay can get hard if not stored properly but it doesn’t dry out. You can work on a project and just keep it covered from dust and there is no danger of drying our.
I’m so thankful I found your channel. I was about to give up on tutorials on using clay because of all the ‘special’ equipment I thought would have to go and purchase. I just wanted the basics, a taster to see if I’d enjoy the craft. I’m about to get some clay and make me some pens. YAY! 😁 💚
I’m so glad you are inspired to work with polymer! Let me say you need very very few items to be successful! A set of nail art or dotting tools ( less than $5 on Amazon) a couple ceramic tiles and an acrylic roller. That’s all you really need. The rest can be improvised, or you can find things you already own. If you ever have any questions reach out.
@@MichelleRaeLandry Thank you. 💜
What a great video.
Thanks 🙏🏻 so much!
I can’t wait to try this with my students! Great tutorial!!
Good luck! Reach out if you need anything.
Nail transfer foil roll sets go good on polymer clay pens!!
Lisa I’m not sure what this means… more details please. 🙏🏻
Sculpy 3 is Very brittle once it’s baked and breaks VERY easy so it is not recommended for jewelry or anything that is handled often. It is more suited to little sculptures and decorations that are not handled very often. Just an FYI. But it is definitely at the discretion of the artist/ maker. Awesome project btw!! Love it!!
Hi Wesley... I really appreciate your comment. I agree Sculpy 3 can be more fragile, but I've always used it because I taught beginners and children and they needed the clay to be softer. I have never had a pen break and I use them daily, but I would agree that someone who is doing this professionally or making gifts should use clay that will have the most durability. While I have never had an issue with Sculpey 3 on this pen project, your comment is definitely valuable as polymer clay artists should pick clay that supports the use of their creation. Thank you so much for adding to the conversation.
Can I ask about the pen tops and how they fit on after the clay thanks
They don’t… you can’t cap the pens ones there is clay on the barrel. Thanks for the question. ☺️
Love your channel and how well you explain things. Just one question with the pen, will the plastic on the original pen not melt when you bake it?
Thanks Amy I appreciate that so much! As far as the melting… that’s why I talk so much about the type of pens because the right ones will NOT melt which is the key to this project. You don’t want to pick the wrong type of pen and have a melted or warped project. Always take the center ( pen tip & ink) out before baking… but the barrel gets baked with the clay.
@@MichelleRaeLandry I had the tv on earlier and must of missed you explaining that part, I’ve just watched the pen bit and feel silly now for asking haha. Thank you 😁
@@amyyy1987 No worries.... I talk a lot, sometime some things are missed. :-) Good Luck!
Did you add the breather hole on the barrel or tip? I think it has to be added for ink to flow correctly. Thanks.
I’ve never added a breather hole and have had no issues with writing.
Hi- The hole is a must in the CAP if you make one- to prevent a child from swallowing and blocking the airway-the hole allows for air to get in in to the lungs till professionals arrive- :)
I love it
Thanks for watching!
Will gloss mod podge work too?
Yes Gloss mod dodge works. The only issue I have with it is if it gets too warm after curing it can be sticky. It's a good sealer for polymer though.
Mod podge is a no go with polymer clay!
Love your pens and how you illustrate in making them,they are so beautiful.. I’m going to try this .. Where did you get your clay cutters I like how you press the release button and the clay pops out ..
Hi Lisa. The cutters with the press and release are called Kemper Cutters. They can be pricey, so I only finally broke down and purchased once I knew I would be repeating those shapes often and in mass amounts. They are probably the nicest cutters for polymer clay and I love them .
Thank you very much 💕
Fun to watch this, Michelle. It was really easier than I thought. I’ve bought polymer covered pens in craft fairs and I love them. I used to make a bunch of Sculpy earrings and pendants. I think I may have to try this.
How wonderful! I love hearing that your will break out your clay again. I wish you great success, ping me if you have any questions!
Uv clear gloss resin hard works good to ~ dry with uv nail lamp or uv resin torch! The resin can be brushed on using silicone shapelier tool!!
Fabulous tip Lisa! Thanks for adding your expertise to the comments.
Hi Michelle. Just found your channel and would love to make the pens. Quick question when you give them as gifts do you put the cap back on or do you give them without caps. Also would you put clay on the cap as well?
Hi There. Good question… unfortunately the answer is that once you cover a stick pen the cap will never fit again. Good news is you can change out the inside over and over. They are a fun project - but these aren’t intended to be high end pens. They are still fun as gifts and personally I love the fit in my hand over most pens.
Hi. Loved this video! Can I ask whether you have figured out how to make a cap for them so that the ink doesn’t run?
Hi, thanks for watching. I have never needed a cap, I like them as is and haven’t had an issue with running, so it isn’t something I’ve tried to make. I suppose if it was a concern I might make a pen rest that the pen could sit in- nib down. ( in my head I’m picturing something made out of clay with a metal thimble core for size).
Thanks for replying so quickly! I wanted to give them to favorite waiters and waitresses but they just shove them into their aprons/ pockets so I think they will need a cover. If you figure out how to make a cap, that would be awesome and the whole world will copy you! 😂😂 Looking forward to watching more of your videos!
If you did not want the barrel showing could you put clay over it? Also, if I use white clay could I paint the clay when it’s done baking and cooling and then seal it? I love this video and I’m so glad I found it!
Hi Holly… thanks for watching and for the questions. Yes you can paint white clay for sure. Just seal it with a polymer safe varnish after. As far as the barrel showing… I try to hide most of it under clay but the top with the nib has to show so the nib can be changed out when it runs dry. Is that what you meant?
I've been using the clear acrylic pens and I havent had any issues
Selena, thank you so much for sharing that tip. Can you post the brand that you use to help others? I appreciate your input!
I've been using the bic crystal original. I've been baking them at 150 degrees for 45-60 minutes depending on how thick they are, and I havent had any issues with the pens I've made yet :)
@@MichelleRaeLandry I posted one of the pens I made on my channel as well
I ❤️ the peacock pen!
Thanks so much!!!!
Hi! So very glad I came across your page! I was wondering about clay storage, so far mine is still in the plastic sleeves they come in, kinda, I noticed that you had clay in plastic boxes. But I see where others say no plastic. What is your recommendation?
Welcome Nora! Great question! Yes I store all my opened bricks of clay in plastic boxes that typically are used for beads and jewelry making. Not only can I keep colors separate, I can store them safely and for long periods of time. It keeps them clean too! There are some plastics that don’t play well with polymer… definitely stay away from hard, clear -acrylic like containers as polymer will get sticky and will melt that plastic as the two interact. The best video out there about which plastics to use is --th-cam.com/video/EckiQ_OQ3n4-/w-d-xo.html- . My rule of thumb is if it’s marked #5 it should be fine. Milky somewhat clear plastic boxes like what are in my video are all #5 and I’ve used them for years. Also safe to use - butter/margarine tubs, zip lock bags, square baby food containers- I’ve used them all and make great choices as well ( and keeps them out of the landfill) . I hope that helps. 🙂
@@MichelleRaeLandry Thank you very much! Now I can put my opened packages away!!
do you have any recommendation for stabilizing the pens during baking without denting the clay? I tried this for the first time last night, used some BIC pens and Kato's recommended baking temperature and they came out slightly bent ...or should I just use slightly lower temperature and bake it longer? - thank you for teaching and sharing!! :)
Hi Markus, this is an excellent question. I don't use Kato brand so I'm not sure if the 300 degree baking temp might be the culprit for the slight bend. The issue with lowering the temp is that each brand has a temp for curing and I don't have the experience with Kato to know if baking 25+ degrees lower will effect how strong the pens are in the long run. I will say though, that even though I have not had issues with bending, clay can get dents, shiny and flat spots etc. during baking depending oh the surface they are sitting on. I like to take light cardboard or paper and fan fold it so that when I lay the paper on the pan or tile it is a series of peaks and valleys. (I hope that makes sense). I then rest the pens in the valleys- and that keeps them straight, from touching each other and from making contact with anything that would dent them. Another thing you could try IF you notice a pen has a bend is immediately after taking it out of the oven when the clay is still hot and very flexible, insert something very hard and straight into the barrel (like a metal or wood skewer) and then submerge the pen in ice water. The ice water will make the polymer clay seize and get immediately hard and perhaps it would seize straight with the skewer inside. It's worth a try if you know the pen won't end up being something you will keep or use. I hope that helps and best of luck.
@@MichelleRaeLandry ... I usually use silicon baking mats for baking my creations, but your idea about the fan/accordion style sounds actually so much better, as you pointed out its not laying on a flat surface then. Hmmm I did when I couldn't wait to see how it really looks like threw one of the pens on the vents of the AC hahaha, ice water sounds good though, I will give both of those ideas a try - thank you so much for taking the time reading and replying, keep you posted with my creations if you like!
What happens when you drop the pen?
Hi Roxanna! For the most part I haven't had any problems with the pens being fragile. Some polymer clay creations with delicate details could break upon dropping of the floor... so if a flower or decorative detail was added that could be damaged in impact, but in general I've not had any pens break when falling on the floor or rolling off a desk. They are pretty resilient. Thanks for the question.
Roll clay pen between two acrylic blocks to stop the bumps and fingerprints!!
Brilliant!
You can also buy a bundle of 100 pens that were printed incorrectly, very cheaply
That's a fabulous tip Vivian!!!!
19:33 and 19:55
Oops edit, lol. I'm watching so hard, I caught that, lolol
🤪egg on my face… lol… you win the award for watching the closest! 🥰
@@MichelleRaeLandry I LOVE poly clay pen vids. One day... I shall make them. I am waiting for my daughter to clean her room out to use as a craft room... I think I need to mention she moved out 15 months ago... lolol.
But I am gathering my supplies slowly, and enjoying vids in the meanwhile.
I am so happy, I don't usually catch bloopers!! And no worries, editing is HARD WORK!!! That's why there are creators that hire editors!!!
@@labella9291 I am in my son's room...I'll admit it we still laugh because I moved in before he was officially out, by the following week he came for the rest of his stuff and I was 100% in his room with my crafts. It's wonderful! If there is every anything I can answer or be a resource with clay let me know, my big piece of advice is don't buy too many supplies until you try things out, you may find you didn't need as much as you think!
@@MichelleRaeLandry I'm trying to keep it basic. I have a pasta machine, an Amazon clay kit, to play around with and a couple "good clays"
I just want ALL the clay toys, lol, Tissue blades, shapers, rollers, and on and on... I want a pasta gun to make shapes with, lolol. I saw a ricer thing and I was all I CAN DO STUFF WITH THAT, but for the most part I am not going out and buying all the things, lmao.
One thing I haven't figured out is work surfaces. I like the clinky noise some people get when they're cutting their clay.. I think they're working over glass, not a tile. But maybe it's a tile.. I just can't think of any tile that would be that big.
So.. I'm going to look for a glass desk protector and print out some of those measuring sheets that Fiona Abel-Smith recommends and put it under the glass, lol.
I have a bunch of mannerless hairy beasts, so I want to work in an area I can deny them entry, because hair and clay, ugh!!!! That's why I haven't been playing with clay.
Bic cristal pens are made of polystyrene (PS), which 1. reacts with polymer clay and 2. will melt in the oven. This polystyrene is the plastic you say doesn't work, the clear one. So don't recommend Bic pens overall!
- Bic round stic works fine
- Bic cristal pen DOESN'T work
Also I would never recommend Sculpey III.
You could also cover pencils ...
Thanks for that information on the pens. I am always up for a conversation about polymer. I do know creators prefer different brands of polymer, but as a teacher I think Sculpey III offers younger and older beginners the opportunity to learn the ropes without the really tough conditioning of some of the other brands. Also as a teacher I could get it in my price point for supplies. I HIGHLY recommend people look at the different qualities each brand and type offers and apply it to their project. For sculpting figurines, fairyhouse doors, pens etc. I have found Sculpey III to hold up very nicely. There are for sure better quality brands out there and yes Sculpey is not for jewelry, delicate projects and certainly not for everyone, but I do recommend it for people with arthritis, kids, beginners and those who want to experiment with color blending. I've been sculpting with clay for over a decade and I've used all kinds of polymer, and I stand by my recommendation for beginners. I also highly recommend Blue Bottle Tree You Tube Channel and Website for comparisons and more information about the types and brands of polymer clay.
When I legally changed my name, I took Rae as my middle name.
I wish Rae was my first name. It's a great name. ;-)
I’m sure ur a nice lady but too much talking about non relevant things like talking about pens, where to get ballpoint pens etc. I’m sure we are all well versed as to where to buy pens . This video is almost an hour long which could have been easily trimmed down to half.
Thanks for watching and for your comment. While is seems excessive to you for me to go into that detail on pens, the reason I spend so much time on it is because that one detail makes or breaks the project...if the wrong pen is used (and many look the same) it will melt inside and the whole project will be ruined for the student. With so many international people who ask questions and watch these classes I feel a responsibility of trying to make sure everyone can succeed. The beauty of youtube is the Fast forward feature and I always hope that people can skip past the parts they don't want if it's something they already know. I'd rather provide too much than too little, which it seems was not what you were looking for. I do thank you though for your comment as I always am looking to make my content better for all. PS-I'm a Fenway Girl myself. Be well.
She has “chapters” set up so you can easily skip through. And tbh the only reason I’m watching is to figure out what pens to use, so her being thorough is helpful. Of course we all know how to buy pens. But you’re putting these in the oven.