A Polymer Clay Tutorial; Rai's Initial Cane Bonus: M and W!

[@ChrisL-eh]

The ease in how you’ve handled clay is amazing. That’s my goal! Thank you for this awesome tutorial.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You know, Chris, I think part of the secret is not overhandling it unless you’re conditioning! Cheers, D

[@deniseosborne4045]

This has been the easiest letter cane I’ve seen and it made sense. How wonderful your passing along the talent of Miss Loring.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

She was a wonderful lady - we miss her so. She showed me so I can show you! 😊❤️

[@westausbel3018]

If you print or have a drawing of what you are making you can place the little pieces you cut off on the picture, then you can see what puzzle piece goes where as you put it back together. Great tutorial, I’ve been wanting to do one of these. Thanks for sharing.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

That's a great idea! Glad you enjoyed the tute! 😊❤️

[@amm7364]

The person you have done this work for is very lucky!! 😊🇵🇹

[@DonnaKatoArt]

She is a great friend! 😊❤️🎉

[@amm7364]

@@DonnaKatoArt Sorry, Donna. When I said “lucky” I meant to say that it is almost an honor to have and keep something that you made! Thank you for your kindness teaching us and spending time with these unforgettable and mesmerizing tutorials! 🧡😊

[@annaQosl]

Thank you so very much! I just finished making one and for a first try it’s pretty awesome, especially as I have no experience with reducing canes. So happy! 🤗

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yay!!!😊❤️

[@amm7364]

I am so happy to have seen this tutorial!!😊 thank you so much 😊🇵🇹

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome, A MM!😊❤️

[@amm7364]

You have just answered me in this moment 😊

[@tanyanastasi243]

I am not a fan of Mondays, and waking up to this tutorial totally made my Monday morning a lot less grumpy! LOL. Thank you so much for this... And my Daddy's initials are RN too. He's in heaven, and my son is wearing his RN initial tie clip today, for good luck during his interview with the Sheriffs Dept. Maybe your tutorial was a little message from above- 😂😁😂... Maybe not. But thank you either way. Can't wait to make my TN cane!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I love this, Tanya! Good luck to your son today - our dads might not be physically present but we feel them always with us. Hugs for dads! ❤️

[@tanyanastasi243]

@@DonnaKatoArt Yes!.. Hugs for dads. We miss them so much. Right? Painfully so... You're right. They are with us still. Always. .. And thanks for the well wishes for Alex. He will do just fine. No doubt. 💖💖💖 XXX

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Donna, this was so relaxing to watch. And so useful. I have wondered how you did your initials. NOW I KNOW!!! Thanks so much. ❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I see an L and N in your future? 😊❤️

[@lightbulbnirvana]

@@DonnaKatoArt I'm thinking a "PM" for when I start a design line... in the distant future at this point ,so I can't reveal the contents of that just yet! That PM combo might be a hard one to do, at least to make it look as interesting as your "DK". Thanks Donna! You're the best. ❤

[@andrea.rivers]

This is super cool. Thanks for sharing. Now I need to go do some sketches of how I want my initials to look.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

😊❤🎉

[@reneemills8020]

Thanks so much for this tutorial. I have never seen this done before. The best part is I need the letters R.and.M 🤗

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome! Hope you make that R and M! 😊❤️

[@millot001]

Thank you so much Donna. I admire you so much since years ago, now I have the opportunity to follow and learn from your videos. Again, thanks and blessings.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome😊❤️!

[@katiebrown6048]

Thank you Dona for another great tutorial! You are amazing with clay!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Anytime, Katie!😊❤️

[@amm7364]

Hello Donna. Everything you do is “perfection “!!! Thank you so much for teaching us with kindness your technique and art! 😊🇵🇹

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome❤️😊

[@dorotaniznik5728]

Thank you very much, again, Donna! My initials are DN and N was shown here but you mentioned round ones being done with the cutter, so.... I might just have an idea and I'm going to give it a try tomorrow! (It's 1 a.m. for me, so rather later today😁). Once again, in your tutorial you changed something that seemed very complicated to me into something that , at least looks, easy❤ Warm regards! Dorota

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I’ll do letters with curves next, Dorota! Round cutters come in verrrry handy! 😊❤️🎉

[@GiamarieSaponaro]

​@@DonnaKatoArt this was a great tutorial! Thank you Ms. Donna! Michael is one lucky guy! What I wouldn't do to have something made by you! But, I too need round letters so I will wait for your next video. Since my name is Gia (Giamarie when I get more advanced) I think I will do that instead of my initials. I want to make the "a" like it types here in lowercase 😅 I'm sure you have so much free time that you can pretend you are the kindergarten teacher and just show us the entire alphabet. That sounds perfect 🤌🤗😂 Thanks again for all you do💜

[@ViKee010]

I’m sure that the entire alphabet would be great series videos. That is said with humility but it sounds selfish as I know that would take some sweet time. But wouldn’t it be wonderful?!?! Anyhow, thank you so much, as always. 🤟🏼🤍

[@annetteschwarz2118]

Thank you so much Donna for this tutorial. I was impatient to wait for your tutorial and tried a signature cane a little bit ago. I used your packing method, it worked. However I feel that this method you showed is much easier and more precise! I so love watching and learning from you!!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome, Annette!😊❤️

[@ruthbrown-eubanks9093]

I like you! How you explain on how to do it, is just really great! Thanks 😊

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Ruth! 😊❤️

[@tomjohnston7596]

You are amazing! Thanks for teaching us. I watch your videos from Africa

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Tom! So glad you’re enjoying them from cold Colorado! Amazing, right? The world is very small, indeed. 😊❤️

[@lauramcminn5827]

Thank you, can't wait to try mine!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You have this nailed, my friend. 😊❤️

[@jeanniegalt9377]

Thank you so much. I've been wanting to make a signature cane for awhile. Now I have an idea - but have to figure our curved letters . Thanks so much for your video's. I am new to polymer clay and have learned so much.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Jeannie, I will do more letters, they’re coming! 😊❤️

[@Beezer.D.B.]

You can use cake decorating letter cutters too. They’re not too big so you won’t use too much clay… but you probably will have enough cane to last a lifetime. 😂 What’s neat about cutters, is that you can use them for the letters AND the background. Win win! I made some name beads for my daughter many years ago when she was young. I still have some of that cane.

[@mindfulcreativity3048]

Ohhh that looks so brilliant I’d love to know how you do it in more details!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Good idea, Beezer! Got to find small line cutters…! 😊❤️

[@Beezer.D.B.]

Well, first of all, search for ‘Alphabet fondant cutters’ will find the widest variety. They didn’t have the cutter choices back then that they have now (and no Amazon to shop from, lol). But I see now they have different sizes, cursive, serif, and San serif, etc…even plunger types!…though I don’t think the plunger type would work as well, because the plunger part have some inner parts that look filled, that might block you from cutting entire letter from the background clay. And keep in mind that you have to start with a layer only as thick as the cutter is tall, but most look thick (tall) enough to be easy to work with. Mine were like small open-back cookie cutters, and I see many/most today are that kind. They have a support back strip to connect the letter parts that would otherwise be loose. Also, if you want a whole name, it would be easier to make each letter into a cane, then line up the name you want and continue making a smaller “name cane” so that each letter in the the name reduces down equally. Oh, and except for using transparent clay, you would need to decide what background color you want to use for the letters or name. For example, my daughter wanted colored beads with lots of black in them, so I made my name cane with gold letters with black background. Then when I got it pressed down as tiny as I wanted, I sliced super thin to apply to the beads, then burnished down flush with bead surface. Sorry if that was too wordy, I’m terrible at explaining things. ☺️

[@mindfulcreativity3048]

@@Beezer.D.B. that was very clear, thank you so much for telling me!

[@traceyowen6136]

Thank you so very much Donna 💜 will give it a go when I think about doing an O 😍🤭💜

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Think…circle cutter…! Curved letters coming! 😊❤️

[@debbeechy]

@@DonnaKatoArt glad you are going to do curved letters also!

[@BlackOnyxCat]

This was great and so timely for me as I have been wanting to do a little initial thing for my pieces. Thank you so much for sharing. I always liked the one you did for your initials. And I agree with others who commented on how relaxing it was to watch you make these canes. I so appreciate what you share with us, thanks again 💙🖤💜🤍💚

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome! 😊❤️ I will do a tute on letters with curves next!

[@nancyleesol207]

Thank you so very much Donna!! You totally rock!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome, Nancy. My pleasure😊❤️

[@ymrelang]

Fantastic!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Many thanks!😊❤

[@deniseosborne4045]

The cut offs from the cane would make a cool slab for discs. Organic

[@evesmith2218]

Thank you so much! So useful!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You're welcome!😊❤️

[@kajunheart871]

I’m so happy to see you do this tutorial Donna! I’ve attempted many many times. Of course I’m SR , I’ve came out with some strange looking canes. I love listening to you work ❤❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

S…not the easiest but it’ll come soon, kid! 😊❤️

[@kymmaraldo1365]

Wowza! Simply brilliant, Donna. Thanks so much. Whenever I see you using your signature cane I'm full of admiration but never imagined that I could ever make my own. This tutorial is wonderful and I believe I could do KYM relatively easily. You are a genius and inspirational xxx

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Kym, you’ve got it nailed!😊❤

[@John-I-McLeod]

LOVE THIS! As usual, EVERYTHING you do is AMAZING! Funny thing I noticed, you must have done this video over several days because your nail polish color changed from to flesh colored to black and then back to flesh colored. ADDED to the artistry 😊🖌

[@DonnaKatoArt]

When I go off camera really badly, just have to re shoot! Thank you, John! 😊❤️

[@John-I-McLeod]

@@DonnaKatoArt YOU'RE THE BEST!

[@bettyrobbins5482]

Very informative. It made the process a little less daunting. Thanks Donna. Appreciate you.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome, Betty❤😊🎉!

[@Robsquick]

My signature cane was fun to do, thanks for doing letters!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

ROBS!!!😊❤️🎉

[@mandyhall1674]

Thank you, thank you Donna, that was both helpful and relaxing to watch. I am going to try and join the letters MH for mine. Never made a cane before so fingers crossed. Have a wonderful Easter with lots of choccy. x

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Mandy, you have it nailed. The H will be easy for you, I know it!❤️😊

[@bobblefish]

I love watching your videos and listening to your little singing and things. It's adorable. It also is very relatable lol. Can't wait to use this for my own signature cane. Luckily they're very angular letters

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Lani! ❤️😊

[@yrt66]

Brilliant, thank you so much for this! I'm going to try my initials tonight, wish me luck!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Best of luck! You’ll do a great job, kid. 😊❤️

[@jennifermarlowe5336]

Thank you Donna for another great video. You showed us the rounded “R” you made for your friend, do you think you could do a video on a rounded letter? Maybe a difficult one like an “S” or a “B”? I really appreciate the detail you put in your videos!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

The S class is scheduled, Jennifer! Coming soon!😊❤️

[@pohlianlim1427]

Thank you Donna. This tutorial is very useful. I tried to make my signature cane and it wasn't nice and sharp. I will give it a go again after learning from you.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Glad it was helpful!😊❤

[@francesluttermoser234]

I really needed this tutorial. Thanks

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You will nail this, Frances!😊❤️

[@paulaskuse559]

Wish my letters were that easy! 😮

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Okay, Paula, the easy way would be to remove the curve as I did with the R. I will do tutes on letters with curves, though. On the list!😊❤

[@paulaskuse559]

I thought about doing that and a pointy S. looking forward to the rounded letters video 😊

[@anitagush9037]

Thank you Donna. I found & have watched your tutorial which was fantastic & very informative. I am very much a beginner, & not yet making more learning so I have some clue before I start so I don't waste. Once your cane has been stored & you come to use it, do I need to cook the slice before adding to a project of a different medium please? X

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Anita, you can bake the slices and glue them to other materials. Yes, you can. ❤️

[@Tamb1]

Thanks!

[@Tamb1]

Thanks! I made my cane last night. Just love it. You are an excellent teacher.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Tam Tam! Glad you made it! 😊❤️

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, TamTam! Big hugs😊❤️🎉

[@justbeadit3874]

Thank you for this!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You're so welcome!❤️😊🎉

[@dawnpohl4085]

Love it.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

😊❤🎉

[@kathleenriley7178]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!!! I tried to do mine last week and it turned into a mess! Now I know what I did wrong 😂

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Fantastic, Kathleen!😊❤

[@Kelliesniderart]

COnsider a stainless steel rolling pin. I've found they pick up less clay than acrylic.

[@chrystalyenger7356]

❤

[@LuisaCyrot]

Amazing!!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thanks!!😊❤️

[@francesluttermoser234]

I see a starry night cane coming .

[@DonnaKatoArt]

There’s always a Starry Night possibility, right?❤😊

[@amm7364]

How do you keep the clay wrapped? With what? And where, so we can use it for a long, long time? ( I don’t know if the question is well done)😊🇵🇹

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I store my canes in a little craft box. I will show it next time I use my cane!😊😊

[@lorritinges356]

Donna, I was wondering if you can recommend a good oven to bake my clay. I just had a heartbreaking experience of burning up a whole tray of pieces I was very proud of. It was a fairly expensive payer convection oven. Thank you so much!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Lorri! I’ve started using my regular oven if I have a batch. I’m happy with my big Black and Decker but had to use the big guy for the vessels. Since we removed pthlates from the clay, using a regular oven isn’t an issue. I just wipe it down. Make sense? My studio convection oven is the big Black and Decker. Let me see if I can find exactly what it is. 😊❤️

[@mindfulcreativity3048]

Not sure if I missed something, but instead of making sheets with clay could we start with a block of clay directly?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You’re right, you could make a block of conditioned clay! Yes, absolutely. I find it easier to sheet it. I started an alphabet and I found it easier to make the same beginning block so the letters are the same size and scale! Good suggestion😊❤️

[@sharonnodelman1813]

Thanks. Any hints on how to make an S?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Sharon! Did you watch the tile cane tutorial? A simple S can be formed from a flattened bullseye! 😊❤️

[@annetteschwarz2118]

@@DonnaKatoArt thank you Donna for the tip on the S!!!

[@sharonkeef0522]

I wish u would show s the k I can do but s is different

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Sharon! Working on S this weekend!😊❤️

[@ViKee010]

I’m sure that the entire alphabet would be great series videos. That is said with humility but it sounds selfish as I know that would take some sweet time. But wouldn’t it be wonderful?!?! Anyhow, thank you so much, as always. 🤟🏼🤍

[@DonnaKatoArt]

It will get done! 😊❤️🎉

[@ViKee010]

@@DonnaKatoArt You are amazing. Thank you so much. 🤟🏼🤍