Polymer Jewelry Artist Cindy Peterson Follow Up Visit
Video #451: Roadtrip #2-01 (OR): Finishing skills have noticeably improved over the past year.
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IN THIS POST: — sanding abrasives — buffing — finishing — buttery — smooth — marketing — selling — fairs — public markets — (Topics marked with an asterisk* are discussed in the Comments Section below).
Topics Covered In This Video:
- During the summer of 2012, we took our 31-foot travel trailer out on its first inaugural PcT Roadtrip. One of the community members that we had the opportunity to meet up with on that excursion, was Cindy Peterson who lives in Oregon. Here is some video footage of the visit: Blind Polymer Artist Sees Through Her Disability
- This last summer of 2013, we set out on PcT Roadtrip #2, where we got the chance to meet up with Cindy Peterson again… plus her husband Dwayne, and their two sweet little dogs, Misha and Minuet.
- Well in today’s video, Cindy shares where she is at in her polymer clay journey, and how her skills have improved… one year later…
- The location for this visit was our campsite in Dayton, Oregon, a wine making district of this beautiful western state.
- Cindy Peterson brought along several pieces of her polymer clay jewelry to show and discuss. Here is a transcript of some of our conversation…
- Cindy-L: What would you say, Cindy, was your biggest improvement in your work since the last time we were together?
- Cindy-P: Finishing. My beads are smoother, and I don’t have wonky edges.
- Cindy-L: Now here is a piece that you made last year, and I can see a big improvement with your new pieces compared to this older one. Here is a necklace that you made last year with some discs on it. The design and the colors are great, but on the edges you can see that they are a little rough. And the finishing on the disks is OK, but they could be improved. It was one of the things I suggested last year was maybe we could get a little better at the finishing part?
- Cindy-L: Now that I am looking at her new pieces, since last year, she still has the same kind of design sense. She has a good eye for color, layout and pattern. But this time around, it feels WAY better. So she has been working on her sanding and finishing. I can see very little cracks or divots and I don’t see any fingerprints, which is awesome.
- Cindy P: Yay!
- Cindy L: I mean there is nothing wrong with having a little organic-ness to your pieces, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but if it feels good, it makes all the difference in the quality of your piece.
- Cindy L: I show some examples of Cindy P’s new work including some Dogwood Flowers she made, and I compare them with some of her older flowers and the edges are greatly improved.
- Cindy L: You’ve done a lot since last year… You started a business?
- Cindy P: Because of Misha, we named our business Howling Dog Jewelry. We set up at the Tuesday Marketplace and have done really well. It took 4 weeks to figure out our layout, and it took us a long time to set up. But now it only takes us a half an hour. We’re more organized now and things are going much better. We have repeat customers that love our work and tell me how beautiful my jewelry is. And that it is not a cookie cutter look. It’s definitely one of a kind look. I’ve got people who are worried about where they are going to buy my work.
- Cindy L: Oh Yeah, you also said you did something cool… did you have a lady… a plus-sized model who was wearing your jewelry in a fashion show?
- Cindy P: That was Tara from Curvy Chicks, and she was Miss Oregon Plus of America. And she has two or three of my necklaces and earring and absolutely loves them. I have sold over $1200 worth of jewelry in just one night a week over the summer. Next week is the last of the Tuesday Markets, and I am signed up for a couple more Holiday Bazaars.
- Cindy L: That’s great! If I see you again next year (if we can get back to this area) what would you like to see by next year? Where would you like to improve?
- Cindy P: Well, I want my beads to feel like butter, like yours do.
- Cindy L: I am a very tactile person and I love my beads to feel like butter too. Lots of people will touch your jewelry.
- Cindy P: I suggest to anybody… If you have a passion for polymer clay, just experiment and try it. Cindy’s videos are awesome!
00:00:03 –> 00:00:10 Hi guys, its Cindy Lietz, your Polymer Clay Tutor, and I am on our second PcT Road Trip
00:00:10 –> 00:00:15 out in Dayton, Oregon, and I’m with Cindy Peterson.
00:00:15 –> 00:00:20 And you may have met Cindy before on our first road trip, she came and visited us at our
00:00:20 –> 00:00:27 campsite out in Seaside, but we’re visiting again this time, and she brought back a bunch
00:00:27 –> 00:00:32 of stuff that she’s made over the last year, and we’re gonna talk a little bit about
00:00:32 –> 00:00:34 what’s happened over the last year.
00:00:34 –> 00:00:39 She’s made lots of improvements, and there’s different things that she would like to learn
00:00:39 –> 00:00:42 to improve, so anyways, let’s talk about this a little bit.
00:00:42 –> 00:00:50 What would you say, Cindy, is your biggest improvement since the last time we were together.
00:00:50 –> 00:00:51 (CP) Finishing…
00:00:51 –> 00:00:52 (CL) Finishing…
00:00:52 –> 00:00:57 (CP) My beads are smoother and I don’t have wonky edges.
00:00:57 –> 00:01:01 (CL) Now here’s a piece that she showed me from last time, and I can see, there’s
00:01:01 –> 00:01:06 a big improvement since…this is…okay, so this is a piece she made, it’s a necklace
00:01:06 –> 00:01:13 with some discs on it, and the design and the colors are great, but on the edges…
00:01:13 –> 00:01:18 now I don’t know if Doug can zoom in there, on the edges, one of the things I noticed
00:01:18 –> 00:01:26 was that the edges were a little rough and the finishing on it is… it’s okay but
00:01:26 –> 00:01:27 it…could be improved…
00:01:27 –> 00:01:28 (CP)Could be improved, yeah.
00:01:28 –> 00:01:33 (CL)And so that was one of the things I suggested last time, was maybe we can get a little bit
00:01:33 –> 00:01:39 better at the finishing part, and now that I’m looking at her new pieces since last
00:01:39 –> 00:01:46 year, she’s still got the same kinda design sense, she’s got a good eye for color, and
00:01:46 –> 00:01:52 for layout and pattern… here’s one of her newer pieces, but this time around, it
00:01:52 –> 00:01:58 feels way better, so she’s been working on her sanding, I can see very few little
00:01:58 –> 00:02:05 cracks or divots, I don’t see any finger prints, which is awesome, yay…I mean there’s
00:02:05 –> 00:02:10 nothing wrong with having a little bit of organic-ness…nothing has to be perfect,
00:02:10 –> 00:02:16 but if it feels good, it makes all the difference in the quality of your piece, and boy, you
00:02:16 –> 00:02:18 can really feel the difference.
00:02:18 –> 00:02:22 Now, she’s got all sorts of different pieces here, she’s been working on some of the
00:02:22 –> 00:02:30 dog flowers, you might recognize this from one of our previous tutorials and I see a
00:02:30 –> 00:02:36 big difference in the edges of her flowers, here’s… this is a little bit older piece,
00:02:36 –> 00:02:37 right?
00:02:37 –> 00:02:38 (CP)Yeah, and it’s thicker.
00:02:38 –> 00:02:44 (CL)Yeah, see, on this one it looks a little bit clunkier, she’s got a good design eye
00:02:44 –> 00:02:48 for the layout and the colors and things, but the pieces look a little rough ‘cause
00:02:48 –> 00:02:51 they’re a little bit clunkier, and her…
00:02:51 –> 00:02:56 I can see a big improvement on her marbling and a lot of the things over last year, so
00:02:56 –> 00:03:01 it’s really neat to see that, she’s got some cane work and things in that piece.
00:03:01 –> 00:03:06 What else have I seen here, you’ve got a few more…this one particularly felt nice,
00:03:06 –> 00:03:13 and it’s pretty, it’s got all these little pearls and things on it, now, you’ve done
00:03:13 –> 00:03:19 a lot since last year, you also started doing… you started to sell…you started a business
00:03:19 –> 00:03:21 basically, so tell us a little bit about that.
00:03:21 –> 00:03:24 (CP)Okay, ‘cause of Misha, it’s the Howling Dog video.
00:03:24 –> 00:03:26 (CL)Misha, your dog right?
00:03:26 –> 00:03:27 The one you were…
00:03:27 –> 00:03:33 (CP)Yeah, it’s the Howling Dog Jewelry, and we set up at Tuesday Marketplace, and
00:03:33 –> 00:03:40 we’ve done really well, and it took probably four weeks for us to kinda get our layout.
00:03:40 –> 00:03:44 (CL) Now I saw pictures, it looks good, it looks very professional looking.
00:03:44 –> 00:03:48 (CP)Yeah, but it…some of the… you know, the first couple of weeks it took us a long
00:03:48 –> 00:03:56 time to setup, and now, we could get it up in half an hour, but we’re more organized
00:03:56 –> 00:04:02 now and things are going much better, and we have repeat customers who love our work
00:04:02 –> 00:04:08 and tell me how beautiful my jewelry is, and that it’s not a cookie cutter look, it’s
00:04:08 –> 00:04:15 definitely one of a kind look, and I now have people worried about where they’re gonna
00:04:15 –> 00:04:16 buy my jewelry.
00:04:16 –> 00:04:22 (CL) Oh that…you also said you did something cool, didn’t a lady…a plus size model
00:04:22 –> 00:04:25 or something, come to… and meet you and you started doing something…what was that,
00:04:25 –> 00:04:26 tell us about it.
00:04:26 –> 00:04:27 (CP)Yes, that was…Tara with…
00:04:27 –> 00:04:31 (CL) Was it Curvy Chicks or something?
00:04:31 –> 00:04:40 (CP) Yeah Curvy Chicks and she was the Miss Oregon Plus of America, and she has two or
00:04:40 –> 00:04:44 three of my necklaces and earrings and absolutely loves them.
00:04:44 –> 00:04:52 And then I sold over $1200 worth of jewelry, just one night a week for the summer, and
00:04:52 –> 00:04:59 next… next week is the last of the Tuesday Markets, and I’m signed up for 5 more holiday
00:04:59 –> 00:05:00 bazaars.
00:05:00 –> 00:05:05 (CL)Okay, good, so, if I see you again next year… we’ll see how this road trip…
00:05:05 –> 00:05:10 where we get going to, what would you like to have done next year?
00:05:10 –> 00:05:11 Where would you want to improve?
00:05:11 –> 00:05:17 (CP)Well, I want my beads to feel like butter like hers do, they’re just so soft, mine
00:05:17 –> 00:05:19 are soft but hers are softer.
00:05:19 –> 00:05:20 (CL)Yeah…
00:05:20 –> 00:05:21 (CP) So much softer…
00:05:21 –> 00:05:27 (CL)I’m a very tactile person so I want my beads to feel…yeah like butter, and I’m
00:05:27 –> 00:05:30 glad you put…she’s…people come up and touch her jewelry.
00:05:30 –> 00:05:34 (CP)Yeah, and a lot of people have felt my jewelry and go “Wow” you know, especially
00:05:34 –> 00:05:38 this one and this one…seem to be ones that they really like to touch.
00:05:38 –> 00:05:40 (CL)People are tactile aren’t they?
00:05:40 –> 00:05:46 (CP)Yeah, but I suggest to anybody, if you have a passion for using Polymer clay, just
00:05:46 –> 00:05:51 experiment and try it, Cindy’s videos are awesome.
00:05:51 –> 00:05:56 (CL)The next time we come along, you’ll have done all sorts of more cool things.
00:05:56 –> 00:06:01 Alright, so, we’re just about done here, it’s a beautiful, beautiful evening, the
00:06:01 –> 00:06:03 sun is setting.
00:06:03 –> 00:06:08 So if you like this video, make sure to click that thumbs up button that would be great.
00:06:08 –> 00:06:14 And my question for you today is, where would you like to see your work be one year from
00:06:14 –> 00:06:15 now?
00:06:15 –> 00:06:20 That would be a great thing to put in the comment section below, that would be great.
00:06:20 –> 00:06:24 And don’t forget to subscribe, we have new videos that come out every week, and you’re
00:06:24 –> 00:06:26 not gonna wanna miss them.
00:06:26 –> 00:06:28 We’ll see you next time and bye for now.
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Resource Links:
- Related Video: Blind Polymer Artist Sees Through Her Disability
- Related Video: Using Wet/Dry Sandpaper For Sanding Polymer Clay
- Related Video: Avoiding Fingerprints On Your Polymer Clay Projects
- Related Video: Dogwood Flower Pendant Tutorial Intro
- Related Video: Polymer Clay Cone Flower Canes Vol-063 Tutorial Intro
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Cindy,
So glad to see that you are keeping track of Cindy P. I really enjoyed the video update on her. Keep up the good work Cindy P. I admire you and your work, both!
As for the where would I like to see my work in a year, I guess it would be to complete something and actually BAKE it!!!! I have yet to FINISH a piece, curing included. I have been very ill recently, one illness after another, still on antibiotics, etc. I am very discouraged, feeling like I’ll never be well anytime soon. I am mainly a hobby bead jewelry/ceramic artist, and I have yet to get my items to their selling places to this day. I am so far behind this year, and I wanted to get it right. Perhaps some words of encouragement from you might help me get past the ‘blahs’? Ever so grateful for all your videos and wisdom…as always, Many Thanks :)
Hi Marianne, are you saying you have not baked anything at all yet? What is holding you back?
I hope you realize that it is OK to make mistakes. The most important part of learning a new skill is just going for it, no matter how crappy or hideous your first pieces may be. It is much to try and fail miserably than to not try at all. I know it’s hard if you have been ill, but maybe just sitting down for a bit and making something good or bad will make you feel better?
Pick something really simple to start and consider it your practice piece. Throw it in the oven and see how it turns out. When it is done, ask your self what went right? What went wrong? And try again.
Ask all the questions you need and try not to let a small lump of clay stop you. Even if you burn your piece into a crispy blob, you will have learned something new. Besides you can always throw it out.
You are not behind. You have only just begun. I think a lot of people feel they need to know everything they can before they begin, and that is so not true. Children do not feel they have to know everything first just to try something, they just do it.
You can do this! Once you get started I know you won’t be able to stop! All my love ~Cindy
Nice to see Cindy P. again…congratulations on your accomplishments and improvement! I also love the Howling Dog name (very cool!) I wish you the best, and continued success with your business. (And may the butteriest-feeling beads be yours…) ;)
Hi guys,
Here in West Palm Beach making an early thanksgiving dinner. My nephew is an excellent chef. Today they took me to Michael,s (dream come true). They left me to shop for two hours while they went clothes shopping.
Lovely to see Cindy P again and see the improvement in her work, really beautiful.
Tomorrow I will be in Miami to meet up with more members of my family. Glad I knew about the offers on Premo as my shopping trolley was pretty full with most of the colours. Cannot wait to try out all my new “tools”, and the discount I got was fantastic….cheers xx
Yay, glad your having lots of fun:)
Cindy P, it’s so good to see you again and catch up. Glad to hear you have made remarkable progress in a year. Continued best wishes.
I am glad Cindy L noticed that it has improved. My husband has noticed and wants all my older stuff to stay home. So this year before the shows I have critique my work based on how Cindy L does it and have weeded out a lot. But, Amanda my teen has lots of friends that love the work so they will become presents for her friends. Works out great. Thanks Cindy
And didn’t Mesha look dapper in his green foliage necktie which Cindy L is now the proud owner of.? The necktie LOL
LOL! Love the necktie and the name of the studio! That pup is adorable. Glad also to see you starting your own business with a supportive husband. Nothing better. For me, the “butter beads” will come with the JoolTool and attachments.
I can not wait to get the Jool Tool. Doug says it would be a great Christmas present. Now I need to get Doug to contact Duane and let him know where to get it.
Doug please send Duane a reminder message of this Jool Tool making a great gift. LOL
Thank you, I am now working on a challenge piece for a Winter Fantasy for another jewelry making group. So I am thinking white and pearl polymer dusted with pearl mica and then adding some crystals and silver leaves. and maybe some real pearls just to add some confusion as to what is real. And put it on a brass bib bass for a necklace.
LOL ” just to add some confusion” that’s a great tip!!
maybe after it’s done we could see a picture – that would be cool:)
I’m so glad I found you! Love your videos., and your work! You will be famous!
I love Cindy Peterson. Her friendliness is contagious and her art inspires me.
What a wonderful visit you two Cindys must of had. Cindy L.’s jewelry is really different and beautiful. She should be very proud of all the work and improvements she has made in just a years time. It’s really nice to see other clayers and how they have progressed with their artistic endeavors. Thanks so much for sharing both of you.
so nice to see you again Cindy P
It was a fun adventure and I love Cindy and her family. Nov 16th I am going to my first Holiday show as a solo artist. I have improved so much and can hardly wait to see what people think. My twin sister Kathy who is also blind will be helping me and my daughter Amanda and her friend Tristan. Those two teens are helping as they have the good sight. LOL . I misplace things but eventually my eyes catch up and I find them. I am glad Cindy said she didn’t notice any blemishes as I wouldn’t know if there were any , so I can I have improved over the year. I have 5 more holiday shows, wish me luck. Cindy
Oh Cindy P, I do wish you luck and lots of it:)
I really loved our (very) small, once a week craft/food market
and I firmly believe that disabled people should get out more – well it did me loads of good – you know mentally… ;)
Thank you and necklace that Cindy L pointed out with no blemished beads, sold today at Intel for $35.00
With love from Cindy
Thanks Duane and I had a great time with Cindy and her family. I now have Duane checking to see if my finishes are improving to Cindy’s level.
That’s fantastic the progress that can be made in only years time, I would like to have a dedicated space to work in by next year, instead of being a gypsy in my own home, traveling from room to room where space allows. Everything else will take a step up just by having a space set up for my jewelry making.
Love your description of being a “gypsy” in your own home! I know the feeling. I feel that way in my studio!! Lol!! Now that I have retired from my position with Michaels and now only teach Jewelry at Michaels, so I have oodles of free time! But, I have to carefully plan my days so I do everything I want. One thing I want to improve on is finishing. I really dislike sanding. But, if I have a “sanding” station I might do better. I bought the Renaissance Wax and like that very much. But, sanding is still required. Buffing with a dremel is something I want to do more. But, I realized that making sure your piece is finger print-free and all blemishes are minimal finishing is faster.
I love your comment too Ken! It was a lot of years before I had a place big enough to have my own dedicated craft space, so I ‘get’ the gypsy statement! I remember when the kids were little and I called it my craft room. But my son Fisher had decided that craft room wasn’t appropriate, since artists have studios. So at the age of about 4 or 5 he informed me, “It’s a toodio mom! You need to call it a toodio!” (He was so cute back then. Couldn’t say S’s at all!) :)
Doug and Cindy you did a fantastic job making me look wonderful on video. What a great experience to be able to meet with Cindy and get one on one tips. We had a wonderful dinner and conversation.
I am now working on improving my finishing on my cuffs inside and out, thanks to you latest cuff tutorial. Thanks a bunch OOXOXOXOxxxx