A Polymer Clay Basic Tutorial: Mica Shift, The Snail, The Ghost Image

[@suekruse6779]

I had some jewelry made from your chatoyant method and it was well received. At an art show this weekend. Visitors to my booth were amazed at the “snail “ shapes. Love this method!

[@kathleenriley7178]

I see so many possibilities here. Of course I look at everything as a possibility for a box too 😂

[@ceegee6417]

I love listening to you sing, hum, talk with us AND talk to your clay . Thank you for yet another fantastic demonstration of your art

[@DonnaKatoArt]

😊 thank you❤️!

[@amm7364]

Hello Donna, It is unbelievable the things you do!! Thank you so much for all the tutorials you share with us!! Thank you teacher 😊🇵🇹

[@Uniquely-You]

I know how to do the ghost mica shift but that spiraling one is insanely dope!

[@debbeechy]

I loved the 50/50 translucent and pearl mixture. What fun!

[@sherylwright5705]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge once again and for sharing the history behind the mica shift. I love this technique, but I haven't tried it yet. Thank you for pointing out that if it doesn't turn out how you would like, you can always just start over, no harm done. That twisty snail is so cool! My brain is imagining beads made out of it. So many possibilities.

[@mayabeading]

Words fail. This is so wonderful. Thank you. Next, the Master Class. I am looking forward to watching that!

[@ThomasSturm]

What absolutely perfect timing for this! I recently picked up various translucent clays to add my own mica powders to achieve this effect. I'm waiting on some pigments that normally are for nail art or car paint that dramatically shift between two or more colors which I'm hoping carries through in the mica shift.

[@sun-risen8686]

Thank you I hope you know how appreciated you are❣️

[@RamoArt]

I have seen Mica Shift done so many times. Done it myself. But I never knew how or why it worked. Thank you!

[@mandyhall1674]

What a wonderful tutorial Donna, you never cease to amaze me with your skills. All those pieces are so beautiful. Absolutely love the twisty snail. As always, thank you for such fantastic tutorials and all the interesting facts about mica shift. Have a fabulous day Donna x

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Mandy! 😊❤️

[@Vee_of_the_Weald]

Absolutely fascinating! Thank you Donna and thank you Pier.

[@nancyleesol207]

Donna this was awesome and I learned so much!!! I just love watching and listening to you- and yes I talk to my clay and I love the sounds you make! Makes me feel so not alone!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Nancy! Big hugs!😊❤️

[@katiebrown6048]

Excited to try this!

[@GLorious_Creations]

Oh my goodness, thank you for teaching us more poly clay history! I love learning about the past and the people who came up with these ideas so they can rightfully get the credit they deserve. Yes, I talk to my clay and then wonder why I am talking to an inanimate object but still do it again, anyway, lol! These pieces are absolutely stunning! I love the snail effect and how you taught the roll technique!! Gonna have to try it. When you cut the four sides off it reminds me of tigers eye (don’t know how to spell “shytori”) and other ways I tried kept sending my spell correct bonkers! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and passion for clay with us!!

[@Wendy-WackyWomanCreations]

Yes, I like the history lessons also. Donna IS pc history

[@traceyowen6136]

This tutorial is just so so interesting, as you were explaining, so many thing's just dropped in to place, I really enjoyed watching and listening thank you because this journey through the member's page, wow! 💜

[@jernst777]

This is unbelievable! Thanks Donna!

[@Cheryl-lu9vc]

Great tutorial! Thank you.

[@carolann7942]

Fabulous!!! Such good information. Thank you Donna!

[@joyceparkes2678]

I didn’t know that mica shift could look like that... gobsmacked of London 😻🙏🏽

[@suekruse6779]

What a great tutorial! The different mica shift results are amazing!

[@roxanneparsons3847]

I love this scientific explanation, Donna! Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to play!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome!😊❤️

[@joyceengland8781]

Amazing. Such useful info! I cut my clay teeth on kato years ago and I love it today but I’ve not had a lot of luck with mica shift because I was doing it all wrong. Always happy to see new ideas!

[@lyleannwise7492]

mind blown absolutely stunning

[@Uniquely-You]

Merch shirt “just bc your chubby honey, doesn’t mean you don’t get the twist”! I love you lol and yes I talk to my projects alll the time

[@petadianeyoung3958]

I did a Google search for Pier Volcas, and found her last name is actually spelt Voulkos and there are lots of different little articles on the work that she did with polymer clay along with the title of some books that she is featured in, unfortunately I didn't find any actually tutorials from her but there are lots of pictures of her work. I'm now going to do a search on KZbin and see if anything turns up for her, I love this video I think that it has become my all time favorite tutorial that you have done so far, thank you very much for all the hard work that you put into making these videos for us all.

[@sharoncochran8508]

Absolutely amazing! The snail effect is my favorite. I do so appreciate you sharing your gift!

[@khill6860]

You’re an amazing artist. Thank you for each new idea. Beautiful work!!

[@andrea.rivers]

Thank you for sharing such amazing and wonderful tutorials.

[@suekruse6779]

So much information in this and you make it easy to understand.

[@clare9637]

As you say genius!!! Thank you Donna

[@smccarter64]

Oh my goodness! I’m definitely going to try the snails!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yep. They’re easy and interesting! ❤️

[@annitagalvan9049]

Hi Mrs Donna 😊 Thank you for another beautiful tutorial, I love the Mica Shift effect. It gives an illusion of depth and dichroic. As regards to the snail image, it gives the effect of fabric, of tapestry. N.B. Someone could think that apart from the versatile artistic side polymer clay offers, it also helps someone to exercise his muscles and no need to go to the gym 😊

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Annita! Glad you enjoyed the tute! 😊❤️

[@Binkles]

Anita, I tore my shoulder in two places (glénoïde labrum and rotator cuff) several years ago and didn’t get the surgery as it so often fails, and have decided against getting a motor for my pasta machine precisely because it’s such a good workout for my shoulder! I’m gonna continue to do it manually for as long as I’m able to; besides swimming, it’s my favorite rehab for my shoulder. 😀

[@annitagalvan9049]

@Binkles, Hi, sorry to hear about your shoulder. Science has made so much progress, have you gone to other doctors, there might be a new treatment. Watching Mrs Donna rolling the clay with all her strength and enjoying her sense of humor at the same time, I realized that, indeed, someone can exercise his muscles 😊 I also use the pasta machine manually.

[@Binkles]

@@annitagalvan9049 Hi, Anita. I use the VA, where an awful lotta breakthroughs and discoveries come from. I saw three doctors there, all of whom exhorted me to talk to patients who’d had the repair surgery, and far, FAR too many of them turned out badly. 😰 While it’s been awfully slow, I no longer suffer with pain, so I figure things are good enough! If I ever decide to take up professional baseball, though, then I might consider the surgery. 😀 (Seems professional athletes have waaay more success than we “regular people”; my guess is they’re able to afford the very best.) (I’m happy enough, though, that I have access to the people who specialize in fixing people up so they can go back to the business of war. )

[@aycinylmaz9139]

Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial .These are really great knowledge❤

[@Uniquely-You]

Holy doodles these are flipping dope Ms.K

[@debbienix5790]

That is soooo cool! I have your books but you are right,seeing is cool!

[@maggiesmith2208]

fabulous video loved it i learnt so much thanks for sharing😍

[@jerrycallender9352]

I remember seeing Donna on "The Carol Duval Show'

[@solveigjansson8613]

Beautiful once again ! Thank you !!!

[@christinebartleson3838]

These are so beautiful!!!! ❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you! Cheers! D

[@suzanneserrurier2233]

Thank you Donna. Love the effects and your amazing teaching techniques. I have tried to find the classroom section of KZbin, and I'm not having any luck. I tried your link you shared, but still no luck. I know it's me, I like to call it "input operator error"! Could you please guide me? Thank you so much for all you do!❤❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Suzanne! It should be simple but sometimes it’s not. Did you try your computer or laptop? I know the app on iphone does not show the Join button. If you access KZbin by using youtube.com, you can see it but not on the app! It’s nuts. Once you do join, you can access everything through the app. I wish they’d fix it…🙁❤️

[@judysalazar6426]

Love all of your tutorials! How does one join the classroom?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Judy! Here you go, kid😊❤️ kzbin.info/door/eRlb3K2k-_b1QAGYDuW1IQjoin

[@domimassou5457]

Thank you very much for sharing this is very helpfull 👏👏👏

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You’re so welcome! 😊❤️

[@sveapollock2537]

Absolutely fascinated by your videos. I’ve been playing with polymer clay for years and years and have all your books, but I always learn something from your tutorials. What do you add to the 50/50 pearl translucent base to get the color? I’ve been experimenting with translucent clays (different brands to compare results),mica powders, and alcohol inks to get custom colors. Lots of experimenting looking for results as to color, transparency, strength, and how easy they are to work with. But you just taught me that maybe I’m trying to use too much mica. Thanks!!!! Back to the laboratory where the crazy polymer clay lady tries a new method. Got any other ideas??? I find that when shaving anything if I adhere it to my 4x4 inch tile (I also use a 5x7inch) and choose a thin flexible blade, grip both sides of the blade either side of the tile, kinda gauge the depth I want to cut, then using the table to steady my hand shave the top sliver off. When this works you can often shave the top off most or all of your clay. Try not to flex your flexible blade 🤣. It helps to elevate the tile on a non stick surface. I have pieces cut to fit the size tile I’m using. I have a feeling that this would be a lot easier if I could use a rigid blade but they seem to be too thick. Do you know of a longer rigid blade that is thinner! Thanks for all the tips and ideas. I’m already for your next video.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hello! Sounds like you’re on the right track and experimenting like mad! Good for you - fun, too, right? I always flex my blade because it makes it easier for me to get clean cuts! Different strokes, kid. Good luck. Glad you found some useful info in the tute! 😊❤️

[@LoriMichelsLLC]

Thanks for the video, it was great! Question, when you added the blue or green, did you add alcohol ink to the pearl or actual blue clay to the pearl and then 50% translucent? Thanks for your time.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You know, I think it was alcohol ink. I do these things different ways but ink is more transparent than clay so that would be the better way to go.

[@anniehartley8851]

They remind me of Amanites, fossils. And a lovely 3d effect.

[@barbkeith2697]

WOW! How exciting is that!?! I have quite a bit of metallic clays and I recently bought a 1 lb block of Cernit translucent. I also have Kato translucent and Premo translucent. I may experiment with all of them and see what happens! I wonder how this would work with Mokume Gane techniques too! How fun!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You go, Barb! I see some fun studio time ahead! 😊❤️

[@viviankirkham1677]

Remarkable!

[@kymmaraldo1365]

Thanks again, Donna. You're skill and generosity are boundless. I just received a book by Cynthia Tinapple, called Polymer Clay: Global Perspectives (2013). Wow! What a stunning volume to go along with your 3 books! I love your Pasha ring. Is there any chance you'll do a tutorial on it? Please. Stunning.

[@carolynmozzone412]

That was awesome!

[@MaliAndDreams]

Thank you so much for sharing. This is awesome! 09:40 Did you mix the gold clay with translucent clay?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Mali, yes I did add Translucent! The only color I don’t is Pearl, I think! D

[@gillonanne]

Merci infiniment pour ce partage ! ❤

[@berdellmoffett-chaney5396]

Thanks!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Berdell!😊❤️

[@bobblefish]

Ooo, I'd never considered adding translucent. There really is such a difference. How much colored clay do you add to the pearl? I imagine too much would diminish the effect.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You can add too much. You have to experiment! 😊❤️

[@Binkles]

Donna, are you still able to purchase the black blades these days? I haven’t found them for several years now. If you *are* able to get ‘em, do us al a favor and tell us where? (I’m officially tired of looking for ‘em!) (And that goes double for stuff blades; I think it’s been a decade since I last bought a genuinely stiff blade. Argh!)

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I was gifted them both times so I don’t know! Good luck😊

[@viviankirkham1677]

Donna on one of your videos you gave info on how to be a member..the different prices and such. Can you lead me to that info. Thank you so much ❤️

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Vivian! Sure, kid, here's the link: All levels get the same thing, you just get to choose the level - what ever works best for you! Hugs, D kzbin.info/door/eRlb3K2k-_b1QAGYDuW1IQjoin

[@katiebrown6048]

So do you mix 50/50 gold and transparent to make the snail? And with the color blends do you first make your skinner blend, then add the 50% of transparent?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I mix 1/3 gold, 2/3 translucent! Now, I mix the colors individually, then Skinner Blend. 😊❤️

[@adayazzie5299]

Wow ❤

[@user-pe8cu1vs6d]

Beautiful! I am not clear on how you add the color with the skinner blend: you have a base mixture of 50% pearl and 50% translucent as the base-then you say that you skinner blend colors-do you then mix the base to the skinner blend? I am not clear on what you do with the color skinner blend in relation to the base pearl and translucent-could you please clarify? Thank you very much.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi, there! I add colored clay to this mix! Add small bits until you have thecolor you want! 😊❤️

[@user-pe8cu1vs6d]

@@DonnaKatoArt Thank you so much Donna-I watched the full video in the member´s area and learned so , so , so much! Your videos are a true gift to us all. Thank you so much for your generosity and beautiful soul. I spent many happy hours today following along your videos-I now have clay, am about to receive my pasta machine and know which turotials I am going to start with. Here begins my journey with you as my wonderful guide and example. Thank you.

[@gracodesp3765]

Bellissimi 😍 😍👏

[@annitagalvan9049]

Mrs Donna, I forgot to ask. For the colored ones, was it blue pearl or metallic blue or normal blue added to white pearl? Thanks a lot 😊

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Annita! I add regular!😊

[@carolhammond9624]

❤❤❤

[@Tseringlhatso]

I hate using a blade, there's always a bit where I go too deep. I bake the piece as is and then sand back to the depth I want. Needs a lot of sanding through the grits to get a good finish but I find it's worth it.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

That’s dedication, kid! 😊❤️

[@berdellmoffett-chaney5396]

I can't find the earrings I paid for. Can anyone send me the link

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Berdell! You need to click on the other mica shift class. There are two mica shift classes - the longer one includes the earrings and says Members Only in green. Cluck on the Videos tab next to the Home tab. Members videos are there! 😊❤️

[@deniseosborne4045]

Besides actually seeing a technique we are getting bit of history. It’s sad so many artist have moved on from earth without preserving their methods.

[@gjk540]

Not interested in the histpry of the technique!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I think it’s important to understand how and who contributed to our medium. It’s never right to take credit for another’s work.