Thank you. Finally somebody made a cane tutorial that's actually beginner friendly. I was able to complete this and made a pen. It's in the oven now. To many tutorials say their easy but go to a higher degree of difficulty. For those of us who are day 1 beginners doing some of those blends are easier to watch on you tube then actually trying to get them to work.
You’re amazing I just started messing with clay myself here in America and your videos are by far my favorite to watch. You’re so funny, witty, kind, and sweet I just can’t stop watching! I hope you never stop uploading because I’m going to watch everything you post! 🫶
I love both this and the black pen covers you made. Id love to see a demo on a tip / cover / lid when you get time. Something nicer than the blob I'd make lol Tfs & take care 🌹
I still haven't covered a pen & it's been on my ever-growing list for over a year. Gah! Thanks for showing the whole process, that's so helpful. I probably wouldn't have thought to scratch up the pen with sandpaper before applying clay. Stay awesome!
WoW, I would not say anything like boring. I would say soothing and relaxing. I love the larger spiral at the end. It definitely makes it easier to know which end goes up.👍✌🙋💮
Another useful video thank you. I wonder if the slices could be made into a sheet on the work surface then rolled around the pen? I guess it would be difficult to get complete spirals all round. Maybe for stripy or dotty pens?
Oh sure, people use clay in sheet form. I prefer doing it this way (I'm a bit mad) but it's worth experimenting. I've seen some really pretty marbled ones...or Mokume Gane would be good, as it isn't a regular pattern. xx
Awesome tutorial. I've been dying for you to do this one, and you didn't disappoint. Your finished result is gorgeous. I must give this a go. Would also love to see the top you do for it.
Thank you so much for making this video. It is now 2023 and i would love to know if you still have this pen? If so has the polymer clay become brittle or loose?
I have a few pens I covered years ago and they seem fine. I do my best to make things well but I do also feel that sometimes we hold ourselves to a standard much higher than normal. It's nice to make things that last but they shouldn't have to be immortal 😉. Sorry, it's a subject I have been thinking about, because I suffer from anxiety and it can be creatively paralysing, if we try to turn everything we make into an heirloom. Anyway... The bottom line is they are holding up well. 😊
Thanks Val. I've always wanted to try this but felt, as a beginner, my skill set wasn't up to it. You have shown me that it needn't be complex. Thank you on behalf of all beginners ❤️
Thank you sooooo much for this!. I have been asking in several forums what pens to bake on and people like yo keep "trade secrets" sometimes.. Lol.. So glad to hear that I bought the right kind on Amazon… thet are called now "xtra-life" and are great! Love you dear! 😘❤️😘
I love this tutorial simple process with elegant results! You know American Indians always left one in perfection in their work that showed it was really homemade. Handmade is awesome. You remind me of me I take things apart and redo them trying to make sure they're perfect. My daughter tells me all the time about the American Indian. TY for sharing! XO❤XO💘XO❤XO
Great tutorial Val! I made the mistake of trying an ordinary Bic pen........ (won't do that again!) Now I'm looking for stic pens! Thanks for the really clear instructions!
Hi! Thanks for this video. I tried it and the pens came out really nice. I was wondering….have you figured out how to make a top so that the pen doesn’t leak?
I'm glad it worked ☺️ I haven't made a top but I have seen people make a little base, with a hole for the pen so it can be put on a desk like an, er, pen holder thingy.
Nope. The ones I used in the video are fine but I do recommend using an oven thermometer and also pre-heating the oven (as some have temperature spikes as they heat up).
Un trabajo muy bonito. Me podrias decir a que temperatura y cuanto tiempo lo cocinastes? Gracias. Un saludo A very nice job Could you tell me at what temperature and how much time did you cook it? Thank you. a greeting
Sorry I have taken so long to answer! Yes, you can use it without sanding, but I find the colours can look a bit muddy and the pattern blurry after all of the handling to make the pen. Sanding gets rid of that and underneath there should be a nice bright and crisp pattern. If you can't afford, or don't want to buy, sandpaper perhaps you could rub it lightly all over with an emery board? It does need to be damp on the surface though, because of dust. Then polish with old denim, or some sort of fabric. It really gives your creation a lift.
Somehow you always seem to make the process seem easy. I believe all your fans appreciate how thorough you are when sharing a tutorial. This is off-topic but I did not want to again forget to mention it. When you again 'blow a raw egg' you might want to consider using an air-filled balloon, placing it over the hole on the high end of the egg. I will admit seeing the egg shatter was a welcomed bit of comic relief but hopefully that can be avoided in the future.
Should be ok but choose one that you can keep for your clay. Polymer clay is fine in a domestic oven but I don't share utensils, or surfaces that food is prepared on, with my polymer clay. Plasticisers, that keep clay workable, are really hard to clean off stuff.
Great video good instructions, been wanting to do this for a friend she loves pens the video had been very helpful Val thank you very kindly!!! Thanks for Sharing!!! Love and Hugs Liz... PS great to know your left handed as myself 💕
I'm not much of a clayer, so this is just a question: would it work to start with some largish slices, place them on, then reduce the cane and put some more slices on, and finally reduce the cane to be very small to fit slices into all the gaps that remain?
Lee Brown I might prep the different sizes in advance, so that I could join them together as I went but yes, that idea of different sizes does work. I've done it with flower canes and it would also look great in this context, as it would add variety.
Hi Val - thanks for sharing this fab tutorial! I just wondered where you bought your sandpaper from please? I'm in Ireland and normally order my supplies online. 😊
Bic Round Stic pens, which are grey and not transparent, are the only kind I have used. I know that the transparent ones melt. I think I describe the pens and the temperature in the video? Normal polymer clay temperature should be ok but do take the ink out lol. Hopefully the info will be in the video - I haven't made this style of pen for a few years. Good luck!
Yes, as long as you use the type I am showing you here. It's probably best to watch the whole video, because that way you can hear my advice - I share a lot of information that may be useful for other projects too.
No, it's basically PVC, so pretty much anything you could "seal" it with would be less durable than the plain pen. Give it a good buff though, it makes it feel nicer.
Question: I used white and light green clay. When I smoothed the pieces together my colors streaked and I lost my pattern. Any suggestions on how to avoid this? And thank you 😊 Susan
Hey Susan - if I understand you correctly, you're getting that "muddy" look, on the surface. I get the same but, after I bake my pieces, I use some fine grades of sandpaper (500, 800, 1000) to gently smooth them out and to reveal the sharper pattern underneath.
You can and some people might find it easier but I do like doing it this way as there is no seam to contend with, no bubbles and the result looks pleasing.
@@UnrulyHousewife I mean like there is already a decorate one but the refill is over .in that only can we put the refill .I really wanted to know .i...am broke actually 😂
To answer both questions - the blade is a "tissue blade" (originally invented to cut thin slices of biological tissue, to look at under a microscope). The acrylic block is one normally used to temporarily hold rubber stamps, whilst stamping. Both are available on Amazon etc.
You mean slip out the brass nib and the plastic tube that holds the ink? And the new one stays in? I've only had disaster with messing with pen inside parts, but I'm game. :)
I think about 1mm (it's been a while lol) ... Thin is good though, or it can end up more bulky and distorted. It's a really good idea to roll out some clay, or scrap clay, and experiment with applying it. You don't have to bake it, just have a play around before taking it off and making the real one. 😉
Thank you. Finally somebody made a cane tutorial that's actually beginner friendly. I was able to complete this and made a pen. It's in the oven now. To many tutorials say their easy but go to a higher degree of difficulty. For those of us who are day 1 beginners doing some of those blends are easier to watch on you tube then actually trying to get them to work.
You’re amazing I just started messing with clay myself here in America and your videos are by far my favorite to watch. You’re so funny, witty, kind, and sweet I just can’t stop watching! I hope you never stop uploading because I’m going to watch everything you post! 🫶
Aw thanks! ❤️
I'm watching from the states, and I love your channel! Thanks for having it up!
I love making the pens. I have made so many and now all my friends and family have polymer clay pens. Love your videos!!!
Thank you! I am new to this and have always wanted to make these pens and crochet hooks, as I am an avid crocheter.😊
I love both this and the black pen covers you made.
Id love to see a demo on a tip / cover / lid when you get time. Something nicer than the blob I'd make lol
Tfs & take care 🌹
I will have to think of some ideas...Thanks! xx
I still haven't covered a pen & it's been on my ever-growing list for over a year. Gah! Thanks for showing the whole process, that's so helpful. I probably wouldn't have thought to scratch up the pen with sandpaper before applying clay. Stay awesome!
Make one!! LOL
Unruly Housewife Ma'am, yes ma'am! 😜
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing. I like that you don't cut the imperfections out. Comes across as very natural.
Great video as always, I have wondered what are the best Bic pens to use, thank you
Very good tutorial Val-love it!
WoW, I would not say anything like boring. I would say soothing and relaxing. I love the larger spiral at the end. It definitely makes it easier to know which end goes up.👍✌🙋💮
❤great job!!
Wow awesome ive always love these
I loved your video and promptly started working on one myself. Looking forward to more ideas.
Another useful video thank you. I wonder if the slices could be made into a sheet on the work surface then rolled around the pen? I guess it would be difficult to get complete spirals all round. Maybe for stripy or dotty pens?
Oh sure, people use clay in sheet form. I prefer doing it this way (I'm a bit mad) but it's worth experimenting. I've seen some really pretty marbled ones...or Mokume Gane would be good, as it isn't a regular pattern. xx
Awesome tutorial. I've been dying for you to do this one, and you didn't disappoint. Your finished result is gorgeous. I must give this a go. Would also love to see the top you do for it.
Yeah, I am certainly going to think about that. xx
This is such a great idea, and so pretty too. Thank you for showing us how to do it. I just love your humor!
Such a neat video. Hoping to do this with my 4-H kids.
Fascinating. I wonder if polymer clay would turn on a lathe. If so I could make some pen turning blanks. I'll have to look into it.
You can use the clay direct onto the unassembled tubes and bake it. th-cam.com/video/PZQ91Kj9Q-M/w-d-xo.html
Go to Penn State Industries. They have the blanks and the mandrel for the lathe.
Thank you so much for making this video. It is now 2023 and i would love to know if you still have this pen? If so has the polymer clay become brittle or loose?
I have a few pens I covered years ago and they seem fine. I do my best to make things well but I do also feel that sometimes we hold ourselves to a standard much higher than normal. It's nice to make things that last but they shouldn't have to be immortal 😉. Sorry, it's a subject I have been thinking about, because I suffer from anxiety and it can be creatively paralysing, if we try to turn everything we make into an heirloom. Anyway... The bottom line is they are holding up well. 😊
@@UnrulyHousewife Good to know! 🙂
Thanks Val. I've always wanted to try this but felt, as a beginner, my skill set wasn't up to it. You have shown me that it needn't be complex. Thank you on behalf of all beginners ❤️
Thank you sooooo much for this!. I have been asking in several forums what pens to bake on and people like yo keep "trade secrets" sometimes.. Lol.. So glad to hear that I bought the right kind on Amazon… thet are called now "xtra-life" and are great! Love you dear! 😘❤️😘
Haha, this is "secret" information now? It might be a little late for that 😂. Glad to be of help. xx
I love this tutorial simple process with elegant results! You know American Indians always left one in perfection in their work that showed it was really homemade. Handmade is awesome. You remind me of me I take things apart and redo them trying to make sure they're perfect. My daughter tells me all the time about the American Indian. TY for sharing! XO❤XO💘XO❤XO
I will remember that! Thank you! xx
Thank you for replying that means so much. Have a good day I love your work. XO❤XO💘XO❤
omg these are so adorabl!
polishing with men's
underpants lol
Hahaha! It got demonetised by YT for a while - maybe that was why!
you are a joy to watch and I love your tutorials I am going to make some pens asap ...thank you for sharing!!
Thanks for another fun project.
This turned out beautifully!!! Thank you 💝🥰🤗
Brilliant! Yay! xx
Great tutorial Val! I made the mistake of trying an ordinary Bic pen........ (won't do that again!) Now I'm looking for stic pens! Thanks for the really clear instructions!
In the UK they are on offer at the moment in Asda £1 for 8... Walmart own Asda, so if you're American you could look there?
Hi! Thanks for this video. I tried it and the pens came out really nice. I was wondering….have you figured out how to make a top so that the pen doesn’t leak?
I'm glad it worked ☺️
I haven't made a top but I have seen people make a little base, with a hole for the pen so it can be put on a desk like an, er, pen holder thingy.
Lol! If you figure that out, you should patent it!😂😂 Thanks again. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Great video! Thanks for sharing your process.
Is that about 2 inches wide?
Awesome tutorial.❤️
When you take the pen to the oven does not it melt?
Nope. The ones I used in the video are fine but I do recommend using an oven thermometer and also pre-heating the oven (as some have temperature spikes as they heat up).
Un trabajo muy bonito.
Me podrias decir a que temperatura y cuanto tiempo lo cocinastes?
Gracias. Un saludo
A very nice job
Could you tell me at what temperature and how much time did you cook it?
Thank you. a greeting
Great vid!
what do you use to cut the clay and what is the best clay to use for pens
Can I ask if you make a pen like that do you need to sand it can't you use it without sanding? Thanks
Sorry I have taken so long to answer! Yes, you can use it without sanding, but I find the colours can look a bit muddy and the pattern blurry after all of the handling to make the pen. Sanding gets rid of that and underneath there should be a nice bright and crisp pattern. If you can't afford, or don't want to buy, sandpaper perhaps you could rub it lightly all over with an emery board? It does need to be damp on the surface though, because of dust. Then polish with old denim, or some sort of fabric. It really gives your creation a lift.
@@UnrulyHousewife thanks for the tip and for replying 👍 😀
Love your pen! And your buffing cloth is da bomb....lol. tfs
Hi never done anything like this before. Could I ask what are you cutting the fimo with please?
I was sure I had replied to this already! Sorry! It's called a "tissue blade". You can find them on Amazon. 😁
Is you work surface a ceramic tile?
Somehow you always seem to make the process seem easy. I believe all your fans appreciate how thorough you are when sharing a tutorial.
This is off-topic but I did not want to again forget to mention it. When you again 'blow a raw egg' you might want to consider using an air-filled balloon, placing it over the hole on the high end of the egg. I will admit seeing the egg shatter was a welcomed bit of comic relief but hopefully that can be avoided in the future.
Thank you! And that's an intriguing idea...
Is it okay just to put them on a baking sheet!? I don’t have a ceramic tile
Should be ok but choose one that you can keep for your clay. Polymer clay is fine in a domestic oven but I don't share utensils, or surfaces that food is prepared on, with my polymer clay. Plasticisers, that keep clay workable, are really hard to clean off stuff.
when you are using glaze, how do get the streaks in your clay project from forming on it when it is dry?
Great video good instructions, been wanting to do this for a friend she loves pens the video had been very helpful Val thank you very kindly!!! Thanks for Sharing!!! Love and Hugs Liz... PS great to know your left handed as myself 💕
Left handed people are always awesome! xx
Unruly Housewife yes they are 😊
That's pretty. Do you think that I could cover the Bic velocity pen with the click button?
I really don't know, sorry. Maybe ask in some FB claying groups? xx
Sure. The pen you used seemed to work well.
I'm not much of a clayer, so this is just a question: would it work to start with some largish slices, place them on, then reduce the cane and put some more slices on, and finally reduce the cane to be very small to fit slices into all the gaps that remain?
Lee Brown I might prep the different sizes in advance, so that I could join them together as I went but yes, that idea of different sizes does work. I've done it with flower canes and it would also look great in this context, as it would add variety.
Hi Val - thanks for sharing this fab tutorial! I just wondered where you bought your sandpaper from please? I'm in Ireland and normally order my supplies online. 😊
I buy almost everything from Amazon. :D xx
How can I bake it without melting the plastic inside the clay?
I love your videos. I've tried it 3 time's and my pen's keep melting. Could you give me any tips please. Thank you 😊
Aw sorry to hear that! Are they the exact same pens? The more brittle transparent type don't work.
Hi,
Thank you for replying 😀 I bought bic disposable pen's. Are they ok? What temperature should I have my oven?
Bic Round Stic pens, which are grey and not transparent, are the only kind I have used. I know that the transparent ones melt. I think I describe the pens and the temperature in the video? Normal polymer clay temperature should be ok but do take the ink out lol. Hopefully the info will be in the video - I haven't made this style of pen for a few years. Good luck!
Can I bake the plastic pen which is decorated with polymer clay ??
Yes, as long as you use the type I am showing you here. It's probably best to watch the whole video, because that way you can hear my advice - I share a lot of information that may be useful for other projects too.
Did this in art! It was fun
Found your channel through your comment on one of Gary V.'s videos! Love your story and I wish you nothing but growing success! Keep going! :)
Thank you!
Thank you!
Did you seal the pen..
No, it's basically PVC, so pretty much anything you could "seal" it with would be less durable than the plain pen. Give it a good buff though, it makes it feel nicer.
Thanks..I thought it could make it sticky..love your tuts keep them going..merry Christmas…
Question: I used white and light green clay. When I smoothed the pieces together my colors streaked and I lost my pattern. Any suggestions on how to avoid this? And thank you 😊 Susan
Hey Susan - if I understand you correctly, you're getting that "muddy" look, on the surface. I get the same but, after I bake my pieces, I use some fine grades of sandpaper (500, 800, 1000) to gently smooth them out and to reveal the sharper pattern underneath.
@@UnrulyHousewife Thanks, I will try sanding.
hi, wouldn´t it be easier to put them together first and then just roll it around the pen?
You can and some people might find it easier but I do like doing it this way as there is no seam to contend with, no bubbles and the result looks pleasing.
very true :)
Can we refill it
Sure, just carefully remove the centre from an undecorated pen and push it into the decorated one.
@@UnrulyHousewife
I mean like there is already a decorate one but the refill is over .in that only can we put the refill .I really wanted to know .i...am broke actually 😂
Pens added to my amazon basket!
Sorry me again! What is the glass/perspex tile please x
To answer both questions - the blade is a "tissue blade" (originally invented to cut thin slices of biological tissue, to look at under a microscope). The acrylic block is one normally used to temporarily hold rubber stamps, whilst stamping. Both are available on Amazon etc.
Wait so the pen plastic wont melt?! >:0
Not with these pens, at clay baking temperatures. The clear more brittle ones do. xx
I wanna make loads... But only hace black and dark green at home :D
Aw...time to shop! :D
I tried this and the ink pen outer case melted ! I had worked on it for hours 😩
So if I used the clear pen it was wrong one?
Yes, sadly you need to use the exact pen I recommend in the video. Sorry you lost your hard work!
Loved this tutorial! What fun! Making as Halloween favors instead of candy! Thanks Valerie! Luv you girlfriend! Lesley
Once the pen had died, is there a clever thing to do with it? That could be another video! "Dead Pens Get New Career As ...."
Yep, take the middle out of a new pen and refill the decorated one.
You mean slip out the brass nib and the plastic tube that holds the ink? And the new one stays in? I've only had disaster with messing with pen inside parts, but I'm game. :)
can I ask you about how many mm are your slabs here? thanks, Mike
I think about 1mm (it's been a while lol) ... Thin is good though, or it can end up more bulky and distorted. It's a really good idea to roll out some clay, or scrap clay, and experiment with applying it. You don't have to bake it, just have a play around before taking it off and making the real one. 😉
Thank you!