Black and White Series: Basketweave Plus Polymer Clay Canes

In this tutorial, we'll take the humble Bullseye Cane and turn it into basketweaves!

[@clare9637]

So I'm not a complete beginner but I like to watch beginners tutorials because you never know when you're going to pick up something new and I certainly learned a few things from this video. Thank you Donna

[@denisewoodsd10]

This is exactly what I was going to say! 😁 I find it also refreshes your creations when you can’t think of what you want to do. I find I get fixed on florals with my caning

[@Robsquick]

Honestly I don’t care what you are teaching us-I love how your personality comes through in these tutes! Thank you

[@kaitmarie6505]

I know this is a year old, but thank you! I just started with polymer clay and canes a month ago and was immediately sucked in by how much potential there is. The last pattern you made is perfect for anything braided if you stop at just two rows.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

👍❤️

[@carmencolon2237]

I thought I was weird because I tend to do a lot of black and white when working with polymer clay. I’m happy to know I’m not alone. Thank you for the videos.

[@SandyHuntress]

Thanks for the tut, Donna. FYI, one of the hardest things for any tutorial maker to learn is to keep your hands in frame! Over time you'll get in the habit of constantly checking your monitor, but I've been making videos for over 10 years and still get caught up in my project and forget. 🙂

[@yrt66]

I have to tell you - I love your videos. There is so much useful information in them and they are also fun to watch (bush wack, anyone?). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so freely, Donna!

[@maggiesmith2208]

thanks Donna for the video i am enjoying this series very much look forward to the next one take care have a great week!

[@allisonchavez9113]

Thank you so much for putting these tutorials out for us. Your teaching is clear and concise. I love your work and will get to work using all the kato I've acquired over the past couple of years which is a lot! I've heard it said that most intricate canes start with simple canes, you brought that truth to life for me😁

[@mariruthbrown1591]

I love B&W so am very glad I found this series. I esp like the last basket weave . Thanks for sharing this

[@viviankirkham1677]

Donna I love your precision. Don't worry about responding to my comment. I just wanted to share some appreciation. I watch your videos alot. Also, I love how some of the statements you make bring to mind songs you know, and you sing a few lines or hum a few bars. KEEP doing that!! What a joy!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Aww, Vivian, thank you so much fir watching! 😊❤️

[@karenthomas2302]

I love black and white, and the simple way you show how to make even this basket weave is amazing to watch your process. Thank you so much I am completely enjoying these tutorials. Tfs

[@maryfritz8944]

I am a beginner, so I love to watch step by step and I like when the person explains as they go. Thank you. I have learned a few things. Thanks for sharing and for your time put into this video.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome!😊❤️

[@fionacoombe2739]

I am loving the black and white project

[@jannapackard3910]

Loved the reorientation.

[@allenflud]

I am learning pottery and I think this technique will transfer nicely. I won't get to try it for some time, but I love this, it is wonderfully bold in its contrast. Very striking. Good luck and thanks for the videos.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Ooh, I would love to see that, Allen! Cheers!😊❤️

[@KathyWeaver5757]

Stunning, Donna

[@amm7364]

I just love your tutorials! Thank you so much for teaching those wonderful things you always do!!😊

[@cindypage8673]

Amazing. Thank you so much. I love the 'Bush wacking' comment, it describes the process brilliantly! I always find when you start something, other ideas just pop up! xxx

[@DonnaKatoArt]

It’s a little adventure, right? 😊❤️

[@StephanieGlazer]

The best!!! Love the simplicity of black and white!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Verry useful cane. Verry!

[@sharoncochran8508]

How have I not seen your channel sooner? I'm excited to learn from a master teacher!

[@janelleespinoza1433]

Donna, thank you for this video and the tips! Love the pull/stroke tip for reduction.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome! Cheers!😊❤️🧑‍🎄☮️🎉🎄🎁

[@mariemarie6973]

Thank you very much for all these video 🙏

[@barbaramendezcampos5916]

Donna, your personality is so beautiful and this gave me courage to start my first cane! You’re awesome can’t wait to watch more of your videos

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@elizabethkisanniespottypeo6712]

Thank you, loved it. As a newby, I struggle with size and keeping it constant. Loved the use of the ruler.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Glad it was helpful!😊❤️

[@donnadyer7040]

This is my 1st time watching your tutorial. Amazing!!! You make it look so easy! I’m gonna have fun with this! Thank you for sharing!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Donna; so glad you liked it! Cheers, D

[@deniseosborne4045]

This was so cool. I enjoyed watching the video as much as I can tell you enjoyed making it. I also love how life happens and just like caning filming isn’t always perfect. Sounds like a very happy family. ❤️

[@Praline-zw9ym]

Thank you for sharing your expérience and beautiful ideas. I am living watching your classes!

[@chasitynutt360]

i love just listening to you talk so soothing and of course love your work

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Chasity! 😊❤️

[@msflecha1]

What an awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing these techniques. Super grateful! Love

[@jernst777]

Donna you are so cute and I learn so much from you!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Aww, thank you!😊❤️

[@joysead]

Thanks Donna for being out here. Miss your little sessions on Carol Duvall show. Ive learned plenty from you and Miss Belcher. Many others like Marie Segal in southern Cal. I miss you and all the clayers I've watched over the years. Done alot. But wandered off to Lampwork beads on soft glass. Its like the clay, so many colors and combinations and cool colors with neato tricks for a whole new look, by turning the heat up or making an oxygen rich flame to bring out a mirror quality shiney finish that seems permanent. I want to dabble inside the house this winter. With yep, clay. Love the stained glass look for candle globes and making the piece translucent to bring candlelight through. Ill try to send a pic or 2. Love your books too. Always re reading. Love ya, clay on!!!😎👩‍🦳😊🦋💕🌼

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Wow, Joyce! Sad about Judy and Marie, so sad. Miss Carol is going strong, thank heaven. I hope you clay, again. I tried lampworking and made huge, ugly, cracked beads! Lol, I will stick with clay, I guess. Take care! Hugs, D❤️

[@robiesweet3886]

I love the way you walk us through your thought process.

[@judy1879]

I'm really enjoying the way you end your video's. Great tutorial thank you, I've learnt so much. 🌷🙏

[@victoriaharrison-sewell6717]

Thank you Donna for these super black & white tutorials. Your work is lovely.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Victoria!

[@kaseymusgrove7648]

Wow! I’m a beginner and I appreciate this video SO so much. Thank you!!!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

My pleasure, Kasey! Check out the beginner tutes, there are quite a few. I think you'll find polymer clay a very logical material to work with as well as fun! Of course, it better be fun! Happy New Year to you. Hugs, D

[@EllaSkye]

It is a simple but beautiful basket weave cane! I appreciate getting back into the basic canes that I learned from you. I remember meeting you at Ravensdale in Issaquah, Washington about 15+ years ago and you were so lovely to meet! (My full name is Marcella.) You probably won't remember me but my mother came with me to help me because of some mobility issues I have. I couldn't have attended without her! (G-d bless a mother's heart.) I was so motivated by the classes there! I had to take a break and I am just getting back into my art studio again. I signed up for two Master Classes by Dan Cormier, another teacher I met at Ravensdale, with his partner Tracy. Thank you for being such a big, inspiring part of my creative journey, Donna! Just thinking back on the techniques you shared with Carol on her TV show, those started me down this path, and I'm forever grateful for you generously sharing your ideas with us! ~Ella

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Marcella! I am just getting to answering comments! I hope to improve in that area (hope, hope). My, Ravensdale was that long ago, hard to believe. What a fantastic event that was, it really did spread polymer clay and was the template for so many events that followed. Glad you’re still in the pc fold, my friend. Hopefully, one day, we shall meet again. Big hugs, D

[@suekruse6779]

I’m amazed. So glad you’re here to instruct!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

More to come!😊❤️

[@mylaschorsch7516]

I have recently found your channel. I love the way you teach. Kato is definitely my go to for caning.

[@mayabeading]

I love your tutorials. Thank you.

[@corinne1691]

Total beginner here, fantastic video. You’re a wonderful teacher! Thank you.

[@jone6635]

I enjoy and learn so much from your tutorials, I am immensely grateful.😍

[@walkingpureheart4330]

Reminds me of hair pleating..it's hair braiding but on steroids LOL Love your way of cane exploration ❤️

[@marcyb123123]

Wow. So glad you added part 2. Doing it black and white so awesome.

[@blessthisemptynest]

I’m a newbie to polymer clay, have been playing around for about 3 weeks and I’ve just come across your video and I would love to make something beautiful but monochromatic and I’ve learned some tips n tricks. Thank you for sharing with me.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Glad it was helpful! Hugs!

[@debragabriel5202]

I love this you showed so much . ❤️👍👍

[@mandyhall1674]

I too love black and white and am really appreciating and enjoying this series as I'm a beginner at clay. Have learned plenty from your basic tutorial series also, so thank you Donna. Looking forward to learning more from you. You explain everything so well.

[@lindalopresti389]

Amazing tutorial! Yesterday was my FIRST foray into polymer design. I made a bunch of earrings using a few techniques to practice them. My first pieces are, as expected, not perfect but don’t think that’s a fail. I learned about curing time, bubbles and conditioning. I’m going to now give these B/W designs a try! Thank you!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You go for it, Linda! Check out the Coiled Bracelet - it's tons of fun and not hard at all if you have a clay gun. Welcome to the wonderful world of polymer clay! Hugs!

[@marilyndavenport6940]

Donna, i just love the way you are laid back and real. Leslie Blackford is a sweet friend of mine, too. I just love her. Marilyn Davenport

[@Monalisacat37]

For as long as I've been doing polymer clay there are still so many things I need to learn. I'm so happy I've come across your videos! Love how you did this basket weave! I would never had thought to make additional layers of black! And by the way I love working with B&W!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Cynthia! I’m still learning, too, kid. The magic of polymer clay!❤️

[@marijkebotes4999]

I loved what you shared, thank you so much!

[@jodinicholas890]

I'mm only a beginner with canes because I just didn't think I could make them. I love watching you. I want to make a necklace similar to your black and white one. It is stunning. I would also love to know how to make an initial signature cane someday. Thanks

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Jodi, I will definitely make a video on that!

[@AnkisCreation]

Thank You Donna for sharing your experience and came work🥰

[@nancyleesol207]

Also I love this cane! I’m making it today along with the wavy one for a project!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yay!❤️

[@anitafetters1816]

Wow these are gorgeous 😍 thanks for showing us how!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

👍❤️

[@naomiellenberg-dukas2701]

Love this. Totally great!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

👍❤️thank you!

[@shirleycalcagno6290]

very good tutorial thank you

[@gracodesp3765]

Beautiful 🤩👏

[@susanschuenemann3073]

Really enjoyed this Donna. Thanks for sharing. I'm dying to see and know about your ring on your right hand.

[@darsmith3448]

LOL We never want to be rid of you!!!

[@viviankirkham1677]

I really like the second orientation also

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I like this cane. Very versatile and simple, Vivian! 😊❤️

[@amm7364]

Hi Donna. I just saw these tutorials again. And I will see them a lot of times. I noticed that you mentioned the name of a lady that also make beautiful canes but I didn’t catch the name. Can you tell me? Thank you so much. I’m always learning with you! You are the best!!😊

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Was it Sandra McCaw? Hmmm. I must watch and check❤️

[@user-pe8cu1vs6d]

Could you please tell me where you bought your ruler-or what kind of a ruler it is? Thank you. Such excellent tutotials....learning so much and so very grateful for your generosity in teahing and sharing.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Susana, okay I use basically two rulers, a flat, clear one and a 6 sided grey ruler that impresses lines into the clay. The clear, flat one is a Westcott ruler and the other is my Marxit. We made them but got ripped off by China so we don’t make them anymore…sad. 😊❤️

[@nancyleesol207]

Donna, I did several of the black and white canes yesterday, I messed up the weave one- I think I went to square? It should be more of a rectangle? Yes? I can’t upload a pic or I would! Going at it again today! A lot of white again! Lol

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Nancy, the individual element is rectangular, not square so they fit together in that fashion. You identified the issue, kid. ❤️

[@patricialitewski7085]

This is wonderful; I've watched a number of the Black and White Series, but having to find them is difficult. Is it possible for you to create a playlist for the Black and White Series? Ty

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I think I did, Patricia. I will check..😊❤️

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Patricia! I did create a Playlist, did you lick on the tab? I just did and the 9 classes are there…let me know if you can’t see it😊❤️

[@JulianaCR001]

This is fantastic. Thank you. What pasta machine do you use or recommend?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Juliana; I use an Atlas 150. Not the wide one, the one with the shorter rods. Works for me! Hugs, D

[@nancyleesol207]

Donna, do you sell the rods you’re always showing? If not where is a good place to get them? I’m assuming the hardware store would have long ones you could cut down? Etc thanks!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Nancy! Do you mean the brass rod? That came from a hobby store and it was cut from a longer piece. I also use the end of a brush and I was gifted a small diameter acrylic rod that I love but keep losing because it’s clear! Hope that helps, kid. ❤️

[@Serenitees]

Hi Donna - these black and white canes are just amazing! I am going to try them all! I came across these when I was looking for info on the the African Mudcloth canes you made a few years ago. Do you have a tutorial for those? Thank you for sharing these techniques with all of us!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Flo! Coming in January, new mud clothe canes! ❤️

[@Serenitees]

@@DonnaKatoArt Great! I did end up buying the mudcloth tut. I am finishing up a big commission piece and then I am going to give the mud cloth canes a try. I can't wait to see the new ones- keep me posted!

[@ginnyschild9390]

when will part three be out? or is it already and I missed it?

[@Artstuff4u2]

I love your work! I am a beginner, (previously a silversmith)and after many health issues, this is great for me to learn and work with my hands! How much clay do you use to start? You give us dimensions but not the amount of clay. I know it will vary depending on the size. But it would be a helpful starting point. Thank you for sharing.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I will try! I know it’d help so I will be more cognizant of that!

[@divineluna1373]

Absolutely love your tutorials 😍just thought I may suggest you elevate your camera a bit so your workspace is more visual for us

[@petadianeyoung3958]

Hi Donna, thanks for the tutorials there fantastic, may you please tel me where I can find some of Sandra Mcaws work, I have tried youtube and Facebook but as yet have not been able to find anything, tia cheers

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Petra! Her name is spelled Sandra McCaw. If you google, you’ll find info related to her and her wonderful work. Cheers, D

[@beanerton8]

Can you put the triangles you cut off the edge on the opposite side to make it squared??

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I think you probably could do that. I really like this cane but it’s not the easiest shape! 😊

[@beanerton8]

Thank you!!

[@lynnetaylor0434]

Help! I’ve been following your tutorial. I’m reducing my bullseye cane BUT the centre is really holding back. I have heard you mention that’s hard to correct and I’ve been searching through your tutorials to see how to correct it. I’m stopped because I don’t know what to do next. Pls help….

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Lynne! Did you try softening the center clay? Sounds like it’s harder so it’s hanging back!❤️

[@reneaburns2443]

awesome

[@divineluna1373]

How does the last cane look once you reduce it ?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

It looks like the grey one!

[@marcyb123123]

When you reserve, how do you store your piece?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I have a baker’s rack. Each row holds two half sheets. It’s so great!❤️

[@OpifexSingularity]

You should look up damascus steel patterns its the same principle but with steel might inspire some more patterns for you.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Those patterns are very beautiful! I think mokume game would be the best way to replicate them. Cheers, D

[@sallyreynolds8340]

What grade of clay do u usually use ?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Sally! I use Kato Polyclay. We don’t have grades! 😊❤️

[@marcyb123123]

Herringbone?

[@robiesweet3886]

Could you add the cut-off pieces to the other side?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yes, I have but you actually can make a more perfect pattern if you piece when using it. I hope that makes sense. I used to make perfect rectangles but piecing two slices perfectly was really hard.

[@runawaybead]

😂❤

[@promoplus100]

Donna you said this is part 2 which one is part 1

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Let me check!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Sandra, it’s part 2 because I released it second in the series. All parts stand on their own!

[@pennyladnier4691]

Love your tutorial, but all the background noise was really distracting. Couldn't you have closed a door? Please keep out the background noise next time if you can. Love your work.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I will try!

[@maudemccarthy1667]

I could watch your hands and listen to you for hours! Thank you for sharing yourself!

[@debwilliams6949]

To me, it's like a herring bone pattern 🥴

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are right❤️