Create AWESOME Polymer Clay Pens From Items You already have! Beginners Welcome! Pt. 1

Рет қаралды 42,755

Күн бұрын

#polymerclay #polymerclaypens #DIYPentutorial
As A Polymer Clay Teacher, this was always one of my favorite classes to teach! Even if you have no Polymer Clay experience, with a few basic materials you can make impressive looking pens that will turn heads and make your friends say "you made that"?
#polymerclay #crafttutorial #DIYpens #artclass
I sprinkle tons of tips and tricks throughout the video ... but if you need to reference the chapters they are time stamped below:
00:00 - Intro to making Polymer Clay Pens
02:47 - Tools needed
05:30 - Polymer Clay - What are we using today?
10:00 - Beginning Steps
12:40 - How to pick the right pens to use
16:20 - Covering The Pen with Clay
32:25 - Pen #2 Using Basic Canes
44:06 - Pen #3 - Using Cutters
54:10 - Baking Instructions
55:02 - Last Step - Varnish or No Varnish?
Pens that are have been recommended for this project:
- PaperMate Comfortmate ball point pen
- Bic Round Stic ball pen
- PaperMate FlexGrip Elite
- Bic SoftFeel Retractable ball pen
GIVEAWAY RULES- Comment on the PART 2 Video what kind of pens you like best for an entry into the drawing for 2 pens. (Winner will be given the choice of any made in the videos). Open Internationally. Contest ends April 1st at 12:00 pm EST. Winner will be notified on the comment section of the Part 2 Video.
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More about me:
I'm a polymer clay artist, journal maker, vintage reseller, part-time art teacher. I'm a lot, but I'm passionate, creative, a nature freak and I'm thankful you popped over to take a peak!
Polymer Clay & Studio Classes
IG: CreativeCottageStudioNH
FB Feed: creativecottagenh
www.Etsy.com/creativecottagenh
Journal & Paper:
IG: tape_n_twine
IG Store: TapeandTwineVintage
FB Feed: tapeandtwinevintage
Esty Shop: TapeandTwineVintage
Studio Classes & Social Media:
IG: CreativeCottageStudioNH
FB Feed: creativecottagenh
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It is always my goal to be straight forward with my viewers. I try to keep items inexpensive and try to offer suggestions oh how to use things you may already have. I suggest using coupons and price comparing at local discount stores and craft stores. However if you would like to order or research items online below are links to the products on Amazon.
Sculpey Clay: amzn.to/3d23bmo
Deco Art Dura Clear: amzn.to/3ffTrYr
Polymer Clay Toolset: amzn.to/3ff2FUX
Nail Art Stylus Set: amzn.to/3rnv2Td
Clay tool set with Roller: amzn.to/3vXPVrz
Acrylic Roller:: amzn.to/2PoMQ2Z
Scullpey Glaze: amzn.to/3clcKgY
Sculpey Polyform Liquid Clay 2oz Clean: amzn.to/3rwAzHj
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*DISCLAIMER: These are affiliate links, which means that if you click on
one of the product links and complete a purchase, I’ll receive a tiny commission
at no extra cost to you.
Thanks for the support.
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This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution in any form without the written permission of ©CreativeCottage Studio / ©Tape 'N Twine 2021 is prohibited. All rights reserved.
This material was not designed for children and is categorized on KZfaq as adult content.

Пікірлер: 92

@trishshaffer5537 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@KimScrapper 3 ай бұрын

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

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for that compliment. I hope yours turn out great.

@akagreen3 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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. 💙

@sheilabush3784 8 ай бұрын

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.

@MichelleRaeLandry 8 ай бұрын

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!

@kristinhoffman7266 3 жыл бұрын

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! ❤️

@MichelleRaeLandry 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@Futuremichaeljacksondaughter Жыл бұрын

@@MichelleRaeLandry Can I out plz do a clay bead video plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzgpeah

@carolynpate2797 Жыл бұрын

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.

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

I taught this class to 3rd & 4th graders, it’s just a matter of taking it step by step. Good luck! 🍀

@wesleyoconnell8972 Жыл бұрын

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!!

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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.

@darilitch 2 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to try this with my students! Great tutorial!!

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck! Reach out if you need anything.

@RoseAngella 2 жыл бұрын

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! 😁 💚

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@RoseAngella 2 жыл бұрын

@@MichelleRaeLandry Thank you. 💜

@amm7364 Жыл бұрын

Hello from Portugal. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and art😊🇵🇹

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

Hello A MM! I am so happy you watched and thank you for commenting!

@barbclark69 Жыл бұрын

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.

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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!

@Guiltttrippp 2 жыл бұрын

What a great video.

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏🏻 so much!

@user-bq5np7bw5k 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent! I appreciate that you keep it real! Happy New Year!

@MichelleRaeLandry 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and the encouragement!

@saracedillos9989 Жыл бұрын

I love it

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@maudhiemstra 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this class. I will be diving into my trash drawers 😂 and clay along Many hugs Maud

@MichelleRaeLandry 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Maud! I love that you have clay in your "stash" and I hope you are able to find some pens you can use. Keep me posted!

@glendamahoney8496 3 жыл бұрын

@@MichelleRaeLandry Can you use air dry clay for this project? I haven't watched all of the video yet, but I believe this project has to be baked and I'm not sure how trustworthy my oven is. I am new to working with clay and I'm trying to get a head start on making things for my grand-kids for Christmas.

@MichelleRaeLandry 3 жыл бұрын

@@glendamahoney8496 that's a good question. YES my project bakes the clay on the barrel...and I don't think you can safely bake Air Dry Clay. I don't use air dry clay, but I don't know why you couldn't somehow adapt the idea. Look around KZfaq there might be a video already about that already... or you can experiment. Keep in mind that I used a specific pen so it wouldn't melt in the oven, but if you are using air dry clay, you really aren't limited in what you use, just how you will get it to adhere to the barrel. Good luck and I'd love to hear if you figure out how to adapt this idea to air dry/ paper clay.

@pamelastoddard1 2 жыл бұрын

I ❤️ the peacock pen!

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!!!

@lisajarvis3820 Жыл бұрын

Nail transfer foil roll sets go good on polymer clay pens!!

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

Lisa I’m not sure what this means… more details please. 🙏🏻

@lisajarvis3820 Жыл бұрын

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!!

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

Fabulous tip Lisa! Thanks for adding your expertise to the comments.

@lisajarvis3820 Жыл бұрын

Roll clay pen between two acrylic blocks to stop the bumps and fingerprints!!

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

@amyyy1987 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@amyyy1987 2 жыл бұрын

@@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 😁

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

@@amyyy1987 No worries.... I talk a lot, sometime some things are missed. :-) Good Luck!

@edwinleach7401 2 жыл бұрын

Did you add the breather hole on the barrel or tip? I think it has to be added for ink to flow correctly. Thanks.

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never added a breather hole and have had no issues with writing.

@wellness4me2 2 жыл бұрын

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- :)

@Ylloh118 Жыл бұрын

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!

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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?

@lisaport7639 Жыл бұрын

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 ..

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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 .

@lisaport7639 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much 💕

@noracaylor4650 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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 --kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e8mbnLSQtLeXnmhg.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. 🙂

@noracaylor4650 2 жыл бұрын

@@MichelleRaeLandry Thank you very much! Now I can put my opened packages away!!

@helenacullen9188 Жыл бұрын

How do you keep it from drying out?

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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.

@barbaraveno5372 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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).

@barbaraveno5372 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@bettycosworld3621 25 күн бұрын

Does the pen melt?

@chelej3588 2 жыл бұрын

Can I ask about the pen tops and how they fit on after the clay thanks

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

They don’t… you can’t cap the pens ones there is clay on the barrel. Thanks for the question. ☺️

@emc425 Жыл бұрын

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?

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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.

@markusstorzer4545 2 жыл бұрын

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!! :)

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@markusstorzer4545 2 жыл бұрын

@@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!

@selenaparent6769 2 жыл бұрын

I've been using the clear acrylic pens and I havent had any issues

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

Selena, thank you so much for sharing that tip. Can you post the brand that you use to help others? I appreciate your input!

@selenaparent6769 2 жыл бұрын

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 :)

@selenaparent6769 2 жыл бұрын

@@MichelleRaeLandry I posted one of the pens I made on my channel as well

@Ylloh118 Жыл бұрын

Will gloss mod podge work too?

@MichelleRaeLandry Жыл бұрын

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.

@NessiesVideos 10 ай бұрын

Mod podge is a no go with polymer clay!

@roxannalancaster9866 2 жыл бұрын

What happens when you drop the pen?

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@viviandye289 2 жыл бұрын

You can also buy a bundle of 100 pens that were printed incorrectly, very cheaply

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

That's a fabulous tip Vivian!!!!

@labella9291 2 жыл бұрын

19:33 and 19:55 Oops edit, lol. I'm watching so hard, I caught that, lolol

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

🤪egg on my face… lol… you win the award for watching the closest! 🥰

@labella9291 2 жыл бұрын

@@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!!!

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

@@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!

@labella9291 2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@pollyweinmann5082 28 күн бұрын

When I legally changed my name, I took Rae as my middle name.

@NessiesVideos 10 ай бұрын

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 ...

@MichelleRaeLandry 10 ай бұрын

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.

@fenwaysgirl1970 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@MichelleRaeLandry 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@giraffe1219 2 жыл бұрын

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.