Sunday, March 25, 2012

Barbara's Approach to Polymer Clay Vlog Vol. 1

By Barbara Bechtel


Today, I thought I would begin a new video series with my posts addressing my approach to polymer clay. I asked some jewelry artists in a Facebook group what type of video they would like to see me do and the overwhelming response was: POLYMER CLAY...Many wanted tutorials, but I felt like I needed to address some other issues surrounding working with polymer clay, and really any medium before I get into tutorials. There are many tutorials already out there and rather than add to the fray, I want those of you who are curious, to approach polymer clay in a new way.

So, without further ado, I bring you my first vlog for LMAJ:






In my next vlog, I want to tackle TOOLS


What burning questions do you have about polymer clay tools??? 
 Leave your question in the comments and I will try to answer as many as possible in my next vlog!

17 comments:

stacilouise said...

Very nice! It has me quite excited for the next video!!! Thanks for doing a series on polymer clay!!

Artisan Beads Plus said...

Loved this Barbara!! I never really thought about the approach as you explained it. Next time I pick up my porcelain, I think I will be thinking of it in a new light.
MaryAnn

Lesley said...

Thanks Barbara - that's whetted my appetite to know more and I'll be back for the next one.

Mystic Indigo said...

Polymer clay has interested me for a long time..great into vid to the medium...thank you!

Kelli said...

Love the video idea! Looking forward to the next one!

Izzy said...

It's always nice to see and hear a team member. Great video (wonderful info) and beautiful face!

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

Wonderful intro into a medium that I know NOTHING about! I look forward to the next video!

Malin de Koning said...

Oh Barbara, this is gonna be so awesome. I know it! Love your approach and I am so much looking forward to your coming videos.

I have a question on clay. I have only played around very little myself. And I have only used a brand called Fimo (simply because it's the one I can buy at my local crafts store). I have found that in the summer here in Sweden, at temperatures above about 25°C (77°F) it gets too sticky for me to work with. And that has put me off to be honest. You speak in your video about the low temperatures causing difficulties more than the high ones. So now I think I should maybe try another brand. Or is there anything I could use to avoid the stickyness, like a talc or something? You know the way you would use the flower when you are baking bread. Do you have any good advice for me? Shall I change brand or add an anti-stick medium or something else?

Thank you so much for an awesome 1st lesson! Keep'em coming :-)

Malin de Koning said...

I have blogged about this:

http://beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.se/2012/03/barbara-bechtel-on-polymer-clay.html

mairedodd said...

really wonderful video barbara - thoughtful and insightful... looking forward to hearing more from you...
and you are a natural on camera!

Gardanne said...

Looking forward to these vlogs, thanks for sharing.

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh I can't wait to hear more!!! My issues come in the baking - your pieces are always so nice and hard and mine seem to come out more bendy I am thinking somethings are maybe too thin but would love some tips!!!

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

I am coming back with a questions, since you re-requested on FB! I know nothing about this medium...at all! My initial question would be, what are the BARE ESSENTIAL tools required to start up in this medium (i.e., "rollers", clay cutters, erc.), including ovens (i.e., is there a certain temperature capability the oven must achieve?) I do know the oven must be dedicated to the craft....

Jenny said...

Nice to meet you in video - Barbara! Your timing is great - I have worked with polymer on and off since the early 90's when I taught full time. I work with clay - and respect the polymer, but haven't given it a chance lately. I look forward to being re-introduced to its versatility...

Judy said...

Great vlog - just what I need as I'm beginning my polyclay journey and live in a very isolated area with no craft stores so it's quite something that small quantities of Fimo are now available!
I've bought some tutorials and also subscribe to the excellent Polymer Clay Daily and I'm absorbing everything on the medium which I come across.
Really looking forward to the next installment!
:-)

TesoriTrovati said...

First of all... you are BEAUTIFUL! I love hearing your voice! Everything I have learned about pc I have taught myself. I would pay you for this information Miss Barbara! I would love to take some pc classes sometime. Your tips and ideas are wonderful and you are someone that I have long admired. This will be something to watch! I think that you are right on about the experimentation and finding what works for you. I have spent the last year doing just that and my pendants are truly a work in progress.. There is so much more that I could do with them! Enjoy the day!
Erin

Third Eye Gypsy said...

Wow what a great informative video on the make up of polymer clay :)

face
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