Vol-019-1 Extruder Flower Cane PcT Tutorial (Intro)
Video #134: “I’d like more ideas about what to do with my extruder! Thanks, Cindy!” ~Maria-C
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** This post is an introduction to one of our paid tutorials.
This will probably be the easiest Flower Cane you will ever make! As far as I have been able to determine, the original idea for the technique came from Nathalie in France at the Parole de Pate site. A modified version was then presented by Galina Grebennikora from Russia. You can read more about these international polymer clay artists at this link: A New Clay Extruder Technique
It was on November 14, 2009, when I first asked if you guys would be interested in having a video tutorial to demonstrate this very cool technique. The response was overwhelmingly positive...
“Love the extruder flower cane beads! They look like they have a 3-D effect. I hope you’ll make a video for us. I bought a good extruder so I would love any projects you can teach us. Thank you for everything you do for us.” ~Jeanne-C
“I would love a video! I saw the technique on Parole de Pâte a while ago but I wasn’t sure I understood it.” ~Cindy-G
“Went to Parole de pate went through kind of fast don’t have a lot of time right now. I hit the translation and was WOWED what absolute beautiful beads. Thank you for the site Cindy. I can not say this enough Cindy you are fantastic in every way. Again please yes to the video I know you will teach us in a way we will be making those beads by the dozens in no time. Thank you for being you, Your parents must be glowing with pride!!” ~Peggy-B
“Cindy, This is a “must have” technique I think. Hopefully many others will say the same. Looks like so many possibilities I may have to eat once a week! I hope everyone will visit the two sites you highlighted, “Parole de pate”, this puts the little French I know to the test, what fun! and be sure to click on “blog”, things are beyond anything I have seen. Didn’t have much time at “Galina” but will return there soon. What marvelous clay artists are in our world only to be discovered by a click of a mouse key. Thanks for this inclusion today. We’re going to have to find a way to stretch these 24 hr. days.” ~Joyce-M
“I looked at Galina’s website and am so happy that you are going to do this video. I was really intrigued by this process and started looking for the special extruder disk, but don’t know where to find them. The method of doing the process without the special disk really interests me. I want to try it soon. Thanks Cindy, for all your experimentation on our behalf. You are the greatest!” ~Bette-B
“I am especially interested in how to get the effect of a core without having a core die – that would be *so* helpful! I’ve been trying to decide whether or not to invest in the core dies and/or finding out where to get a set that will interface with my Makin’s extruder. This would be an excellent tute and I hope it’s pretty high on the list!” ~Edie-E
“Very interesting! I went to the site and looked around. I noticed down the list on the left hand side there is a translation option. I wrote and asked for the translation (just to see how it would work). But even better would be to see a video by Cindy! Yes add it to the list! I think you may have to start doing videos more than once a week to keep up with all the ideas! lol” ~Maureen-G
“Canes are fabulous and I love them all….. however top of my list is that extruder flower cane…. yeah, I had to try it because… well because I just needed to and I definately had a few snags… I solved most of them but I would like to see how you solved them…. you always have fabulous ideas and are so good at that problem solving!” ~Melinda-H
“Absolutely, count me in! I agree these have a lot of potential, thanks Cindy for so many fresh, fun ideas to look forward to. Can hardly wait ;0)” ~DJ
“Oh yes Cindy, add it to your growing list. Yay, more ways to use my extruder! :) The 3-D effect is cool.” ~Lisa-W
Thankfully, I was given permission by Galina to film her version of this extruder technique. So be sure to show her some appreciation in the comments section at the end of this post.
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I'm so happy that you did this video. I was intrigued by the process and looked for the special extruder disk, but didn't know where to find one. The method of doing the process without the special disk really interests me. Thanks Cindy, for all your experimentation on our behalf. You are the greatest!
Bette B
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This is such a cool video tutorial and such a cool technique! These adorable little flowers beckoned to me. Thanks, Cindy, for making this technique so easy to understand!
Phaedrakat
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I love your videos Cindy, you have great tips, like squaring the cane and bead to cover in cane slices and then roll it round. I used that tip with these extruder flower canes and made an unbelievably cute bracelet.
Carrie W
Transcript coming soon...
Transcript coming soon...
Our goal is to translate these videos into as many languages as possible. If you are interested in helping with this initiative, then please do contact us and we will figure out a way to make it worth your while :)
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Want to chat about today’s post? That’s what the comment section below is for. Scroll Down… We’d love to hear from you!
Or... if you would like to request a topic for a future post, here is the link to do that… PcT Suggestion Box
I have a Walnut Hollow extruder. I don’t know if all extruders are about the same but I have to change the o-ring every couple times I extrude otherwise I get scoring in the tube. Is this normal? Does the Makin extruder do the same thing? I went to get some new o-rings and although they look right they are too big – I’m assuming that the extruder o-rings are imperial and as I live in Australia we have metric. I don’t mind buying another brand extruder if I’m going to get better results.
On another note, I joined your group about 6 weeks ago and I have learnt so much in that short time. I feel like I am getting my money’s worth as I get something out of every tutorial.
@Deborah E.: I am so sorry Deborah, looks like I missed this one. The best thing to avoid damaging the threads on your extruder is to make sure that the clay is very soft and well conditioned before putting into the barrel. Also never ‘force’ the clay. If you have to use excessive pressure to get the clay out, the clay is too hard. You should be able to squeeze the clay out fairly easily, no matter what size the die is.
@Cheryl B: That doesn’t sound too good about your extuder! I haven’t actually tried the Walnut Hollow Extruder yet, so I can’t give you much advice there. I do know you shouldn’t have to be replacing the o-ring every couple of times. I have never changed my Makin’s Extruder o-rings yet and I’ve had it for a few years now.
Thank you for saying that about about my tutorials. It makes me very happy to know you are getting good value for your time and money. :-)
I wanted to thank everybody for their input regarding my extruder problems. I have taken it apart and don’t see that anything is bent or that there is clay on any of the parts. I think the problem is that the threads have been damaged by the force of extruding the clay with the 1 mm adapter in place. I wonder if there is some way to prevent this from happening.
@Deborah: The things that can make it difficult to extrude can be … too hard of clay, sticky o-ring on plunger (clean and lubricate with WD40), misaligned plunger as Ken suggested or damaged threads on screw in handle. Check these things, it might be something simple to fix.
@Deborah Erstling
Just a shot in the dark, since it seems the extruder was working before, could the plunger be somehow misaligned in the extruder tube, I’m assuming that when you clean it you remove the plunger all the way out. It may or may not be the problem but it’s a thought. Good luck on this.
Googled Makins Extruder and found this site which has a stainless steel version and more adapters and disks than I’ve seen anywhere else.
clayfactory.net/makins/makinsprotools.htm
No rubber gaskets though. Want to try a few different thicknesses of gasket to see what happens (if anything, lol).
@Kat: That is what I thought. The disc has a knot(metal piece) in the middle right? I purchased some of those a while back. So we don’t use the O-ring with that? I thought we did. I’ll check out Nats site. Thanks Your a Doll ;)
Hey Kat, I did a blog post on May 4th about these beads. When the clay splits, I lay it flat and cut it sideways so it comes off in tiny circles and I lay them on a raw bead that I’ve already made, it really turns out nice depending on the colors. Some I made with Studio Clay so they were kind of muted. Keeping your finger on the opening of the barrell in the beginning while you are extruding makes a big difference and so does not stopping while you are turning. Cindy explained that in her video and it really makes a difference. So using small quantities of clay makes it easier. The other thing that really makes a difference is having well conditioned clay. I find that Premo works the best because it is softer.
Hi everyone,
I have had the splittting problem also. It was because I was using the 7 hole disk and a too large hexagonal disk. I changed to the smallest hexagonal disk and it was fine after the usual funny extrusion of the first couple of inches. I found this out by accident when trying to show someone else how to do the technique. I have not tried it with the small hexagonal and and any of the other multi holed disks.
What is everyone else using for this technique? Do other combinations work?
The core adaptors have only 4 holes, so the flowers will be different and have a hole in the center instead of a solid center. Nice for a tube bead though.
@Deborah: Ooops, I meant Armorall! Sorry…I hope you’re able to get to the bottom of this issue…Good luck, and please let us know how it’s going…! :~D
@Patt: Lots of people have mentioned having that same problem…but it sounds like you’re putting the splayed or split parts to good use! I read a comment on someone’s personal blog…they said they like the stripes they get from the inside of the extrusion even more than the little flowers. Can’t remember who it was, but she had some cool beads/pendants wrapped in those stripes! (Sorry, I can’t remember…whoever that was!)
Cindy did post some additional tips/info for this tute in her Hammered Hoop Earrings…[Q & A] article. The ‘Q & A’ is the 2nd of this 2-part article…and there’s a line drawn between the ‘Hammered Hoops’ post & the ‘Extruded Flower Tute — Clay Splitting‘ question.
Hope that helps! ~Kat :D
@Brenda: Hi, just wanted to mention…the “core adapter” is an Makin’s extruder part — can be used for techniques like Natalie’s (in the French blog, Parole de Pate.) Follow the link in the article above and you’ll understand… :)
I’m typing on my phone…to hard to check. ;-) I think the link above goes to the previous post…then that post will have the link to Natalie’s tute at Parole de Pate. Check it out…also cool! If you do not read French see my Jun. 24 comment above. Have fun!
@Deborah: I am curious, as well, which ring you’re talking about. You asked me the order of the disks (back in June) and I only mentioned the adapter tool (forgot that part of the question.) If you have been making the core adapter technique work with the O-ring between — you might have gotten some unique results! Also, the O-ring might just be worn out from all that pressure & maybe the WD-40. You might just need to replace it…
Hope this helps, ~Kat
I had trouble with the extrusion -it splayed out all over the place. But I separated all the round pieces, mashed them together, twisted them into a long piece – just perfect for flower centers !! Don’ throw anything away. Then I made some more with the rubber ring in place -duh, got to ALL the parts ………Still not pretty as Cindy’s, but getting there
Cindy: Ok hun you got me confused on this statement;
“Because you don’t use the ring between the discs when you use the core adapter.” What is the core adaptor? wouldn’t that depend on what she was making? LOL I am still learning here.
BTW: why are you on here on your Birthday? you should be partying! And don’t say your too old. NOT!
Deborah: I’m not totally sure what the problem is. Are you saying that you’ve made the canes in the past and now it’s not working? Also are you talking about the o-ring on the plunger or the one between the discs? Because you don’t use the ring between the discs when you use the core adapter.
@Cindy: Yes, I have made the flower canes in the past and now there is so much resistance to turning the handle the clay just won’t extrude. Also, I am not using the O ring, just the extruder adapter and hexagonal disk, but I was wondering if any of this resistance had to do with needing to replace the O ring that is on the extruder, but that was just a guess. Thanks for writing back, I appreciate it.
I use WD-40 to clean mine. I don’t see any reason to remov the inner ring. You might end up stretching it. Just spray a little WD on it and wipe it clean. But the end cap and the other rubb ring I spayed really good to get the dry clay off. I let it sit for about an hour then went back and cleaned it. I hope this helps….
Hmmm! Now that we have that out of the way … I’m sorry, I don’t have any other ideas as to why you can’t get the rubber ring off. You do take it off when you clean the extruder, right? This one has me stumped. Maybe someone else can weigh in on this and give you more help.
I clean my extruder after each use and there is no clay build up whatsoever so that is obviously not the problem, but thanks anyway.
Deborah – You really do need to be taking apart and cleaning your extruder frequently. Here’s a link to a blog of Cindy’s about care and maintenance of your extruder. Sure hope this helps. It is possible that clay has built up around your rubber ring and it is going to take some futzing to get it out.
Hi Cindy,
I’ve been using my Makins Ultimate Clay Extruder to make the little flower canes using the core adapter tool. I am having a problem now in that it has become impossible to extrude the clay out with the core adapter in place (I am using the hexagonal disk with it to make the flowers). Do you think this could have anything to do with the O ring? I tried to replace it but can’t get it out thinking that might help, but can’t get it out.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Sincerely,
Deborah Erstling
Since I had suggested using Armorall on the disks, I thought I should write an update. Actually, it has not worked consistently for me and definitely do not get it on the rubber ring or it will cause it to twist. It does make clean up easier though, but use it sparingly. I have had trouble getting this technique to work today when I earlier had success with mixing Sculpey III and Premo. I ordered the adapter that Natalie uses and while that technique is much more reliable, I like Galina’s flowers better so I’m going to keep trying. Also with Natalie’s technique, it is really quite difficult to extrude the clay so if you don’t have a lot of strength in your hands this could be a problem. I plan to keep working on this because I really love it.
Great tip, Deborah. Wonder if WD-40 spray would achieve the same?
@ Kat Hey, I believe in enjoying my hobby time, LOL! Another note. Some folks seem to get excellent results using Soft clays, but, to me, they break down in finishing. Cannot seem to get the same luster as with the Premo, and it holds up so much better. Due to MS, everything in this house gets the drop test. Those softer clays chip, or break, or scar. The good hard clays seem to hold up better.
Someone’s husband here came up with a genius device to put on the end of the Makins Extruder to make the turning easier. What a blessing, urge all you folks to try this technique. Very easy to construct and holds up great! I’ll go find the link…..
Welp, put “extruder” in the search and got back 10 pages of Google topic pages here. Another great money saver! Going to take me awhile to read through this, lol.
@Jocelyn: I vaguely remember that handle, I think it was Anna or Aims, maybe? Try putting more words in the search to narrow the results down. Try “extruder, handle, husband” or something along those lines…
@Phaedrakat & Jocelyn: It was Ritzs. See link by my name.
Cindy,
I had a brainstorm last night about the extruder flower cane. I thought, what if I sprayed some Armorall on the spaghetti disk since I thought this would allow the clay to come out much easier. I tried it a few minutes ago and had great success. I wanted to pass this along to the others working on this particular extruder cane. I also sprayed a little Armorall on the rubber ring, but not on the hexagonal disk. It also makes clean-up much easier.
I just had to pass this along to you.
Deborah E.
Hi Cindy,
My first couple of tries with this didn’t work out so well, then I decided to mix Sculpey III and Premo and got much better results. I also tried Natalie’s method with that special little tool she uses (I found it on Amazon.com) and that works great too.
I love canes, especially flower canes, but right now I’m feeling pretty stressed and just don’t want to go through that whole process, so when I saw your extruder flower cane I was so intrigued. You have explained it wonderfully and I spent the afternoon having so much fun with this technique.
I just wanted to share that with you. These canes really make very pretty little beads.
All the best to you,
Deborah
This is just too much fun to do, have one of those mad scientist grins from ear to ear while I am extruuuuuuding.
Has anyone taken this further? New combo’s with the two rings? Thicker O rings? Anxious to hear…suspects the sky is the limit with this approach.
Also find softening the clay by adding drops of mineral oil in a food processor or grinder helps the process and doesn’t seem to affect the product. It slides better, doesn’t crack as much, and is easier on the hands, while twisting.
Follow Cindy’s advice to bake for an hour and haven’t been able to tell the thinned from the out of the package softened clay.
@Deborah Erstling: Hi again Deborah! What “special little tool” are you talking about? The clay core adapter? If so, I’d love to see how your’s turned out using that tool — they really look cool on Parole de Pate.
@Jocelyn: You mad, MAD scientist, you. Your tip about softening the clay, along with Deborah’s about using a S3/Premo combo, makes me want to try using a softer mixture myself. Sounds like that’s the way to go for a smoother extruuude w/this technique. Haven’t taken it further by using new disc combos, but it sounds like fun. And keep us posted on the happenings in your lab, yeah? Thanks! ;D
@Phaedrakat: Hey Kat, got your comment on my blog, thank you. I’m getting the information for you about the cutters. My friend that ordered them will be back today and I’ll be gone till tomorrow night. Can you get me your email so I can give you the information. I know the lady’s name is Valerie and she’s in the U.K. It takes a while to get them because they are all hand made and sodered so there is very little cut line when you use them for clay. She has a website and I’ll send it to you.
This is about the Makin’s clay extruder flower cane. First of all, I think it’s a really cool cane. My first attempt was not successful because I was using a very dry sort of clay which basically just shredded, so I plan to switch to Premo for my next attempt. Also, you mentioned in your video the website Parole de pate and I went to it to look at how she does this cane with the coring tool. I really like the effect of this flower also and would like to try it but I don’t read French and in looking at the disks she is putting in the extruder, they look different from the disks that came with my Makin’s extruder. Would you by any chance know what disks she is using and what order she puts them in the clay extruder? I would appreciate it if you could let me know.
I’ve been enjoying your videos. You do an excellent job of explaining what you are doing and they are recorded very well. Thanks so much.
Deborah
@Deborah Erstling: Hi Deborah, I love this technique, too! It’s so very cool. I wanted to mention, in case you weren’t aware, that you can translate the info at Parole de Pate. Using Google’s Language Tools, you can translate the entire page, or just a few words. It’s not perfect—the translation from French to English turns “canes” into “ducks” and “beads” into “pearls”! But they do help (and they’re comical.) With the photos guiding you, the directions aren’t too hard to figure out.
As for the Makin’s Clay Core Adapters—they’re sold separately from the Makin’s extruder. They come in different sizes, but the site tells you which one you need (it says the smallest, or 1 mm) for the technique. I think the camera angle makes the discs look a bit different in the photos, but I’m pretty sure they’re Makin’s discs. If you look at an image of the core adapter by itself (good photos on the Rio Grande site,) you’ll be able to picture them just like on Parole de Pate. As for the order, just follow the pictures (and the words, if you’ve tried Google Translate.) The disc order is simply the Clay Core Adapter, then the hexagon disc.
Best of luck! Let us know how your beads turn out…
~Kat, Riverside, CA USA (Where are you from?)
What is GITD? Thanks
@Brenda: I think it means Glow In The Dark clay.
@Catalina: Thanks. Sometimes my head is up in the clouds and my brain just doesn’t want to work.
@Brenda: Well, welcome to the CLUB!! :)
@Brenda: GITD isn’t really intuitive, so no wonder it didn’t make sense. But the reason everyone’s using it is because of last month’s tute. The Glowing Jellyroll Cane got talked about so much, as well as the Glow-in-the-Dark clay used in it, that it got shortened to GITD for ease of typing. Just thought I’d explain…: D