0

Teaching a Polymer Clay Class

by Janine Gerade.
(JMG Designs Handcrafted Jewelry)

 

I was lucky enough to teach a beginners Polymer Clay class at La Casa, in North Port Florida.

The “jelly roll”, which is a type of pattern you use to decorate beads with.

I think everyone had a good time but there was surely not enough time.

We will need a good 4 hours next year when I visit my in-law’s.

There is so much to learn about clay.

 

Techniques like cane-making, polishing and glazing, pigment powders, image transfers etc. I could go on forever!!!

I learned that you have to have everyone condition or “knead” the clay.

I tried to save time and pre-condition the clay but it hardens a bit and cracks even over a few hours.

We made plenty of beads to make some nice pieces of jewelry.

When you teach, encourage your students to take photos of their finished creations to see how the creative process flourishes (my favorite part of teaching!).

It was a pleasure to teach such nice people! I hope I hooked a few into this craft.

Janine Gerade
JMG Designs Handcrafted Jewelry
JmG Design’s Blog

 

Comments:

What a fun class!
by: Rena

Janine, I bet your students had a blast, and the class time went by fast!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with teaching a polymer clay class – and your tips for making it even better next time.

Also, I especially love your lime-colored polymer clay bracelet above – chic and cheery!

Pretty pretty pretty!
by: Anonymous

I’d love for you to teach a workshop(s) locally. I know people who would be interested. Including myself.
Loving the b&w bracelet w/the larger beads!

-=Sherri=-

nice work
by: Anonymous

Nice work..
Looks great..Would love to try somw of your lessons
Thanks

http://www.etsy.com/shop/creativeshades

Thanks!
by: Janine

I just came across this article today. Rena put it as a link to another article. I did not tell the server to notify me of responses when I posted it so I never got alerted (not your fault Rena!! lol)

So sorry you didn’t hear from me!

I think I am very ready to teach a polymer clay class in the Massachusetts area. I may also take a trip to Maine/NH or RI.
Let me know if anyone is interested.

I may start it through meetup or if you want more information I am on Betterfly.com- Boston area-Janine Gerade.

If you’re far away…
I have a tutorial on claylessons.com search Swirly Blues Bracelet”

2 great sites for every artist who wants to share their gifts (for a small fee of course- we all gotta eat)!