Thank you, Fiona for providing so many wonderful tips on a basic technique. Things like turning the clay after every fold, butting the clay against the side of the pasta machine, and adding white to soften the blend have enabled me to finally make Skinner blends that turn out to my satisfaction. I've been making blends all morning and they have all turned out beautifully. Thanks again for sharing.
Same thing here - I was having loads of trouble controlling the process - Fiona to the rescue again. Can you change the color bias by using more of one color or the other (as long as they fit together into a rectangle)?
Happy new year, Miss Fiona. I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind. The first one is, how do you know when to Constantine versus rolling? The other question is have you ever used to fettuccine settin to cut and make weaved baskets or other strip things? I’m sitting here with my pasta machine and thinking of you my great teacher ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Deciding when to concertina depends purley on the finished width of blend you want to achieve. If you are happy with the size then simply keep on rolling it. That setting is one that each year I think, this year I will do a tutorial using it, and then I get to the end of each year, having not done it. At some stage an idea will jump out at me I am sure, but no, I haven't done one yet 😉🙂 Thanks so much 🙂
Fiona, I enjoy watching all of your videos ❤ You are always straight forward and never babble. All your work is absolutely beautiful. Thank you! Please keep sharing. What is the website you had said you get that graph paper?
Hi, Fiona, nice tutorial. I've not done much polymer clay work (I'm doing research for my daughter), but I've been making pasta for 40 years. The problem you mention with the skewing of the rollers is sometimes due to the machine but most of the time it is due to uneven pressure from the material itself. Feeding the material in at one side will skew the rollers, feeding the material down the center will help keep the rollers even.
Wow, that is a lot of experience with a pasta machine, and I bow to your knowledge :) The problem of course in using clay with most pasta machines is that they weren't really built for its much harder properties than pasta, and because we actually use the machines to even out the clay, it is one of those chicken and egg scenarios to a certain extent. Even in the best machines, and keeping the clay just in the middle, and putting it in as evenly as possible, the rollers soon become skewed. We also need to keep the edges of our blends as straight as possible, and using the edges of the machine helps with this. It is part of working with clay, and I suppose all we can really do is mitigate the problem as best we can. I will be looking into this more, after your comments, and maybe I might even be able to come up with a better solution for clayers ;) Thanks so much for your useful comments and insight. :)
Yes! Helpful...have had a pasta machine for years hoping to work with clay but maybe used it once. Never got into working with polymer clay. But you have me intrigued. Thank you. Your demo was so straight forward. Any tips for a beginner?
Thank you Jackie :) The only tips I would give are to find a project you like the look of, take it slow, don't expect too much to start with but most importantly have fun. If you are thinking of trying a cane, I would start with an easy kaleidoscope pattern. Then the bit to concentrate on is getting the cane shape right (triangle, square) so that it pieces together nicely. Don't worry about the pattern too much it will kaleidoscope nicely whatever you do, as long as the cane shape fits together. If the worst comes to the worst and you don't like what you have made, then make a Natasha bead, or google some scrap clay techniques - there's never any wastage ;) I hope that helps, and I hope you enjoy your polymer clay journey :)
I think it is one of those things that once it starts to go right you will then always get it right, but getting to that first one going correct is the thing, after that it is easy :)
yes you can absolutely do it with a roller instead, it will simply take longer, that is all. Here is a video on using teardrop shapes, without a pasta machine to give a good skinner blend too, have fun :) ua-cam.com/video/iMcOME5rtEg/v-deo.html
What pasta machine do you use? I’m on my second now and both produce black streaks of oil on my clay. As much as I clean them repeatedly, the oil returns. :(
Oh that's so frustrating Mariah :( The pasta machine I use is an Atlas machine, at home I use the 180 (a wider machine) and when travelling or on workshops, I use the 150. I have always used the Atlas machines and I find them very good for Polymer Clay. However, there are other very good makes, such as the Imperia machines, and of course those made specifically for use with Polymer Clay. Ginger Davis Allman, from The Blue Bottle Tree has a number of articles on Pasta Machines - thebluebottletree.com/?s=pasta+machines which may prove helpful in choosing a machine. Here is a link to an Atlas machine, (for reference only, as obviously there are many other places both online, and in stores where they can be found), and it is worth searching around till you can find a good deal on one. I hope that is of some help. www.amazon.com/Marcato-8320-Machine-Cutter-Instructions/dp/B0009U5OSO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=BPH5K7P26RQT&keywords=atlas+pasta+machine&qid=1556786279&s=gateway&sprefix=atlas+pasta+machine%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-3 :)
Try changing the setting on your pasta machine, put it on a thicker setting. When you put the clay in, push it firmly, but evenly, up towards one end of the machine so that you get a nice thick sheet that isn't too long or too thin. I hope that helps? If you haven't seen it yet, go to 7.45 minutes following this link, and watch how I put the clay in the machine :) ua-cam.com/video/DjrEI7KyvQI/v-deo.html
@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals THAT'S helpful! I was running into a similar issue with my first attemps at following this procedure. One thing I might add is make SURE the clay colors have a consistant firmness between them as well. I had a softer pearl color in the middle and it stretched so long in the middle i had to trim it 3 or 4 times. In the end the middle color kinda dissappears. I think I could have got the blend better by STARTING with a simaler level of softness on all 3 colors. (I was using old blocks of Sculpy 3 for practice... They take a LOT of conditioning even for "soft" clays. Consolation for all this elbow grease is that now I dont mind my "soft" Fimo so much for being more on the firm side!)
Absolutely fantastic tutorial. I was amazed at how you conditioned the crumbly clay. Thank you.🤗
you're welcome, thanks so much 🙂
Really nice! Beautiful earrings from your layered pieces; and thank you for showing us how to blend!
I'm so glad you liked it, thank you 🙂
Thanks, best tutorial on this matter I've found!
I am so glad it was useful, thank you for letting me know :)
Thanks so helpful!!
Wonderful, thanks so much 🙂
Love your videos you have such a calm and kind voice ❤️
Thank you so much, I am so glad you are enjoying them :)
So helpful! Thank you!!
I'm glad it was helpful, thanks so much 🙂
I ❤ your videos, your artistry, and your voice. Thanks for sharing your work!
awww, that is so kind of you, thank you very much 🙂
This artist recommended you, so happy for you! He’s another extraordinary cane artist as yourself.
Thank you very much :) - which artist? :)
Thank you, Fiona for providing so many wonderful tips on a basic technique. Things like turning the clay after every fold, butting the clay against the side of the pasta machine, and adding white to soften the blend have enabled me to finally make Skinner blends that turn out to my satisfaction. I've been making blends all morning and they have all turned out beautifully. Thanks again for sharing.
That makes me so happy to hear :) thank you so much for commenting, you have made my day :)
These are great tutorials to watch BEFORE I get stuck into the whole blending and playing with my clay.
Thanks Fiona.
Thanks so much Kerry :)
Thank you for your tips Fiona, all noted
thanks Lilette :)
Thank you! I had no idea why there were funny shapes when creating Skinner blends...keeping some of the original colour makes sense now!
Glad it was helpful!, thnaks so much :)
Thank you for these wonderful tips! I was able to make my first decent skinner blend this morning without it being all wonky!
I am so happy, thank you for spending the time to comment, and I hope you make many more wonderful Skinner Blends :) xx
Same thing here - I was having loads of trouble controlling the process - Fiona to the rescue again. Can you change the color bias by using more of one color or the other (as long as they fit together into a rectangle)?
Happy new year, Miss Fiona. I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind.
The first one is, how do you know when to Constantine versus rolling?
The other question is have you ever used to fettuccine settin to cut and make weaved baskets or other strip things?
I’m sitting here with my pasta machine and thinking of you my great teacher
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Deciding when to concertina depends purley on the finished width of blend you want to achieve. If you are happy with the size then simply keep on rolling it. That setting is one that each year I think, this year I will do a tutorial using it, and then I get to the end of each year, having not done it. At some stage an idea will jump out at me I am sure, but no, I haven't done one yet 😉🙂 Thanks so much 🙂
@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals looking forward to it. Maybe explain the rolling vs constintina
Great tips I've never heard before. Thanks so much
Thank you :)
Fiona, my hero !!!
Your basics are so accurate and focused, after seeing them, I feel like I've always known them.... Thanks a lot...
Thanks Dominique :)
Fiona, I enjoy watching all of your videos ❤ You are always straight forward and never babble. All your work is absolutely beautiful. Thank you! Please keep sharing. What is the website you had said you get that graph paper?
I am so glad you are enjoying them :) I use paper from www.printablepaper.net which I then laminate so I can use it multiple times :)
@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals thank you for responding so quickly! You are awesome!💕🙏🙏
You're welcome :) @@lauriebonfanti3018
Fantastic, thank you so much x
Thank you :)
Hi, Fiona, nice tutorial. I've not done much polymer clay work (I'm doing research for my daughter), but I've been making pasta for 40 years. The problem you mention with the skewing of the rollers is sometimes due to the machine but most of the time it is due to uneven pressure from the material itself. Feeding the material in at one side will skew the rollers, feeding the material down the center will help keep the rollers even.
Wow, that is a lot of experience with a pasta machine, and I bow to your knowledge :) The problem of course in using clay with most pasta machines is that they weren't really built for its much harder properties than pasta, and because we actually use the machines to even out the clay, it is one of those chicken and egg scenarios to a certain extent. Even in the best machines, and keeping the clay just in the middle, and putting it in as evenly as possible, the rollers soon become skewed. We also need to keep the edges of our blends as straight as possible, and using the edges of the machine helps with this. It is part of working with clay, and I suppose all we can really do is mitigate the problem as best we can. I will be looking into this more, after your comments, and maybe I might even be able to come up with a better solution for clayers ;) Thanks so much for your useful comments and insight. :)
VEry good tutorial! Thank you so much
Thank you very much :)
Yes! Helpful...have had a pasta machine for years hoping to work with clay but maybe used it once. Never got into working with polymer clay. But you have me intrigued. Thank you. Your demo was so straight forward. Any tips for a beginner?
Thank you Jackie :) The only tips I would give are to find a project you like the look of, take it slow, don't expect too much to start with but most importantly have fun. If you are thinking of trying a cane, I would start with an easy kaleidoscope pattern. Then the bit to concentrate on is getting the cane shape right (triangle, square) so that it pieces together nicely. Don't worry about the pattern too much it will kaleidoscope nicely whatever you do, as long as the cane shape fits together. If the worst comes to the worst and you don't like what you have made, then make a Natasha bead, or google some scrap clay techniques - there's never any wastage ;) I hope that helps, and I hope you enjoy your polymer clay journey :)
Thank you for sharing your expertise! I learned a lot.
Thank you Charlene :)
Great Job! this video is amazing, i'm new to the polymer clay word and your videos have been so helpful. Thank you so much
I am so glad, thank you Veronica :)
Very good instruction. Thank you for sharing!🥰
Thanks Mary :)
Very helpful...thank you☺️
Thank you :)
First time viewer I love your demonstrations. Perfect for the beginner like myself Thank you.
brilliant, thanks so much Pamela :)
Great tutorial... very easy to understand, especially for a novice like me!
Brilliant, thank you :)
Thank you Fiona you explain very well.
Thank you Erika :)
Oh thank so much for the skinner blend tut, I can't ever get it right!
I think it is one of those things that once it starts to go right you will then always get it right, but getting to that first one going correct is the thing, after that it is easy :)
Thanks for the Reply Ms. Fiona,, Love your work!
Thanks so much Karen :)
This is a lifesaver, I swear. Might be able to make some decent skinner blends now! :D
Thank you for comparing them side by side so we can tell the difference.
Thanks Linda :)
Thank you for more good tips.
Thanks Mary :)
Wonderful informative tutorial many thanks 👍👍👍🇦🇺
Thank you Marion :)
Love this tutorial, thanks so much, great tips :-)
thanks Gillian :)
Thank for this tips.. never heard of Skinner blending..I don't have pasta machine.. will roller work just like machine?
yes you can absolutely do it with a roller instead, it will simply take longer, that is all. Here is a video on using teardrop shapes, without a pasta machine to give a good skinner blend too, have fun :) ua-cam.com/video/iMcOME5rtEg/v-deo.html
Thank You 😊❤️👍
thanks Carol :)
Thank you a very helpful video, thank you very much! Hugs Liz...
You are welcome, thanks Liz :)
Fiona Abel-Smith PolyOriginals ❤️
What pasta machine do you use? I’m on my second now and both produce black streaks of oil on my clay. As much as I clean them repeatedly, the oil returns. :(
Oh that's so frustrating Mariah :( The pasta machine I use is an Atlas machine, at home I use the 180 (a wider machine) and when travelling or on workshops, I use the 150. I have always used the Atlas machines and I find them very good for Polymer Clay. However, there are other very good makes, such as the Imperia machines, and of course those made specifically for use with Polymer Clay. Ginger Davis Allman, from The Blue Bottle Tree has a number of articles on Pasta Machines - thebluebottletree.com/?s=pasta+machines which may prove helpful in choosing a machine.
Here is a link to an Atlas machine, (for reference only, as obviously there are many other places both online, and in stores where they can be found), and it is worth searching around till you can find a good deal on one. I hope that is of some help. www.amazon.com/Marcato-8320-Machine-Cutter-Instructions/dp/B0009U5OSO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=BPH5K7P26RQT&keywords=atlas+pasta+machine&qid=1556786279&s=gateway&sprefix=atlas+pasta+machine%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-3
:)
Why mine gets super long ? 😭from side to side of the pasta machine and super thin from up to down. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong
Try changing the setting on your pasta machine, put it on a thicker setting. When you put the clay in, push it firmly, but evenly, up towards one end of the machine so that you get a nice thick sheet that isn't too long or too thin. I hope that helps? If you haven't seen it yet, go to 7.45 minutes following this link, and watch how I put the clay in the machine :) ua-cam.com/video/DjrEI7KyvQI/v-deo.html
@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals THAT'S helpful! I was running into a similar issue with my first attemps at following this procedure. One thing I might add is make SURE the clay colors have a consistant firmness between them as well. I had a softer pearl color in the middle and it stretched so long in the middle i had to trim it 3 or 4 times. In the end the middle color kinda dissappears. I think I could have got the blend better by STARTING with a simaler level of softness on all 3 colors. (I was using old blocks of Sculpy 3 for practice... They take a LOT of conditioning even for "soft" clays. Consolation for all this elbow grease is that now I dont mind my "soft" Fimo so much for being more on the firm side!)
@@1ericedwards Yes, you are so right, different consistancy in the clay also makes a huge difference :)