Studio Session: Monarch Butterfly - a Polymer Clay Cane Tutorial

I decided to shoot the making of this cane and see whether it should be uploaded to KZbin. I made some mistakes - oh, well - you can see them. I added a section on making a butterfly from less than ideal canes (canes you're not particularly partial to - why not, nothing to lose, I say).
So, hope you enjoy this one. And, please like and subscribe! Many thanks❤️…
Cheers, Donna
prairiecraft.com
katopolyclay.com
Espana: irexartesania.com/
REPEL GEL prairiecraft.c...
KCM prairiecraft.c...
KPC BIG BLOCKS prairiecraft.c...
KATO MULTI PACKS prairiecraft.c...
KATO 2 OUNCE prairiecraft.c...
CONDITIONING BAR prairiecraft.c...
BLACKOUT prairiecraft.c...
ACRYLIC TEMPLATES prairiecraft.c...
FAVE RULER prairiecraft.c...

[@denasewell]

Best polymer clay Monarch Butterflies bar-none! These look like they just landed for a rest on their migration to Mexico(where there is a butterfly festival every year to welcome all the monarch butterflies home from their life long journey...it is amazing no matter where they are born they know instinctively where to go!)

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you so much!❤️

[@donitafichter8298]

You are such a great instructor! And that’s aside from the fact that your have mad skills!!! So creative. So skilled. Such a clay artist!!! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!

[@deniseosborne4045]

Wow 33 minutes in and I thought I should prepare some clay and make butterfly. So before I get to far into the video I’m going to my clay ready. This is an unbelievably awesome tutorial/video workshop. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yay! That’s the way!❤️

[@ElizabethP505]

I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I am that you are making and sharing these videos! I have all your books and these videos have given me so many AHA moments! I am finally leaving China this summer and going to South America, where I will happily start ordering Kato Polyclay!

[@andreavictoriaparadiso47]

Your original butterflies were something I aspired to make when I discovered polymer in 2012. They're really beautiful but these are exceptional and, in my opinion, very much worth the time and effort you took into making them. I especially like them against the leaves background. Those tiles look like a very high end wallpaper to me and I'm imagining all the ways I can use them. Thank you for sharing all your time and instruction! 💖💖💖

[@DonnaKatoArt]

thank you so much! I enjoyed doing that class - am very happy with the butterflies (which I still have)! Hugs, D

[@corinne1691]

Absolutely gorgeous, I saw the thumbnail and thought it was your inspiration picture of real butterflies!

[@betsyvanek9275]

I learn by watching so this is so very helpful Donna. Thank you for taking the time to do this for all of us that want to make wings. I would love to see your techniques on a humming bird if you get the time. Thank YOU!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Let me work on that. I love hummingbirds❤️

[@NoelleLewisCrafts]

I just subscribed after seeing your demo at our Blue Ridge Polymer Clay Guild meeting (and buying your book with the starry night cane)! This is absolutely amazing, thank you for everything you share!

[@AIRview2]

Amazing how she put this together! Maestro

[@DonnaKatoArt]

It was great fun!!❤️

[@carylpark7192]

Your eye for detail is just incredible. ❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you so much 😀😊❤️

[@LaceyR_FreeEricBrandt]

I am new to clay and art in general as a matter of fact lol. I am so new that my clay will be arriving on Sunday. I only just saw canes this week and I was impressed with the cool designs they made. Tonight I saw your thumbnail and the word canes. I thought to myself, "They can't really make Monarch canes... can they?" O. M. G. You did! I just watched your entire video and I am amazed at your ability. I am stunned, simply gobsmacked at what you created. This is the first time I have ever used that word 😆. Actually, I am at a loss for words. I will come back and try again when I recover my vocabulary. 🐯

[@sharonkeef]

Sure wish I’d Brought my clay setting With my step dad he’s getting ready to Leave his physical body behind and Be outta pain it sure would help to have hands busy ty Donna For Posting love ❤️

[@deniseosborne4045]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Oh, I’m so sorry…you are a great comfort to him. Take care❤️

[@adelaidesansalone8965]

Prayers and love for you both ❤️🙏🤗

[@sharonkeef]

He passed 10/10 he we lay him to rest tomorrow say a prayer ty guys

[@deniseosborne4045]

@@sharonkeef my condolences and prayers and peace for you and your family

[@amm7364]

Donna !! It is so beautiful and so complex!! But your hands work the clay with knowledge and smoothness!! It’s incredible!! For me it is impossible to achieve 😢but I am very grateful for someone like you to take the time as only a teacher as got to have to let me/us see and learn!! Thank you so much 😊

[@LRobertson-xt2tq]

I made this butterfly today. My first cane. It is usable, although not as perfect as yours of course, but as you say, I can live with it. 😊 I struggled most with reducing it. The relatively unusual shape was a challenge and I ended up with triangles that I reformed once cut. So it will work but I’d sure like to know the nuances of reducing something that is not a uniform shape. Your instructions are otherwise so thorough and I learned a lot about cane construction in general and this knowledge has helped me understand the entire cane building process better. I thoroughly enjoy your humor. I really respect that you have chosen to offer your special gift in this way. I has helped me take my construction methods to another level. A deep and heartfelt thank you.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

This was your first cane? Wow. Okay, reduction in odd shapes is challenging and usually the hands force the clay into triangles (in this case) or other shapes easier to reduce. It helps if the clay is soft but not too soft and you’ll do a lot of twisting and pulling the ends once the clay is soft throughout. Good luck! 😊❤️

[@amyschmidt1113]

Holy smokes these are over the top!!!! I can't wait to get started!

[@noraledesma35]

Absolutely beautiful, love it 😮

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Nora! I have to go home (I’m sitting in the Denver Airport now) and make 15 butterflies!!!! ❤️

[@AnnHowes-uk5wp]

Gorgeous red wing butterfly cane and very concise, easy to understand instrumental video... thanks for sharing this!

[@mandsyoung]

Absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for your generous teaching!

[@cindyjames3686]

You are so amazing, Donna. I LOVE watching you work. The meticulous cuts and precise placement have really taught me how to vastly improve my own 33 years of clay work!!! Thank you so much!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Cindy, you made me happy! Love ya! 😊❤️

[@judy1879]

Beautiful butterfly 😍 I'm so glad you were able to do the whole tutorial for youtube, I always learn so much. I love your clay it's the best for cane-ing ❣ Thank you for both 🥰

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hugs!❤️

[@adelaidesansalone8965]

I watch ALL of your videos so many times and each time I learn something new BUT I absolutely LOVE this tutorial Donna! Thank you so much for sharing your extensive knowledge, creative process and ingenious artistry with us ❤. You’re an inspirational and magnificent teacher with an extraordinary talent. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness. Sending love ❤️

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you do much! I appreciate your very kind words❤️❤️❤️!

[@kristibbradshaw]

I am soooo impressed!!!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Kristi!😊❤️

[@sherylwright5705]

I don't know how I missed this video before, but today I have a date with monarch butterflies! 😀Making a butterfly cane has been on my polymer clay bucket list for a long time! Thanks Donna.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Oh, Sheryl, YOU will make beautiful Monarchs. I know it. 😊❤️

[@sherylwright5705]

@@DonnaKatoArt Thank you for being so encouraging!

[@sueellenmcgoey6095]

Unbelievable❤❤❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

❤️

[@kalonakitu]

Beautiful. Thanks for the tutorial. They turned out awesome. 😍👑🎨

[@marylamm4254]

Love, love love your butterfly wings! Out of all the butterfly wings, yours are the best! ❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Mary! 😊❤️

[@shinysunlight]

Great work!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you very much! ❤️😊

[@paulaskuse559]

Amazing 😮

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Paula! ❤️

[@Robsquick]

When I first saw the thumbnail I thought you were holding dead monarchs!!! Fabulous tute, beautiful butterfly 😍. Thank you!!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Lol❤️

[@dianejohnson1991]

Gorgeous and beautiful and realistic. Thank you for sharing the process.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome Dee-Dee!😊❤️

[@wcc101662]

I received your book as a Christmas gift from my daughter.😊it's really nice to be able to watch you on video as you make your beautiful creations. I'm learning so much and hope to even take inspiration for my metal work and enameling, which I do in addition to clay. Thank you for making these tutorials. 🥰

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Wendy! I love doing the tutes, I feel like I’m with you guys! Hugs, D❤️

[@bettybronec5546]

What is your books name? I would love to buy it. Beautiful work. You are very talented ❤. Where do I find your other tutorials? Thank you so much for doing all this work making the tutorials for all of us. 😊❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

@@bettybronec5546 hi Betty! I have two still in print. My first was sooo old, it’s not being printed anymore. They are: The Art of Polymer Clay, Surface Effects and The Art of Polymer Clay, Millefiori Techniques. Thank you for asking!❤️

[@nancyleesol207]

I’m loving this video! I needed to learn how to make the body and this is the very best one I’ve seen! Thank you again for this !! You’re fantastic!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You’re so welcome, Nancy!🦋😊❤️

[@fresiamaldonado3609]

Just beautiful and so creative 🎉 🦋 Donna😊

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thanks so much 😊❤️

[@rallen9433]

Those are very beautiful have you thought to put movement lines like what is done in comics to show movement. Your wings that are wrapped in gold add a few thin black lines in different lengths to show movement around the wings in different areas. Translucent between the gold and black movement lines.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

That is a great idea. I definitely will do that next time I make Monarch Butterflies! 😊❤️

[@rallen9433]

@@DonnaKatoArt Cool, I'm glad to give you a perfect idea. I'm a Graphic Artist... I think you will be happy with the results 😊 I love your work. It's on a completely different level...like out of this world, your patience and creativity is pure perfection.

[@dianeg63]

Such a detailed video thank you for your time to show how to make something so beautiful. I have ordered my green clays to make the simple leaf as I have never made a cane before and I think it will be a great starter cane for me. The butterfly is totally stunning 😊

[@DonnaKatoArt]

So glad you’ll try the canes, Diane! And, that you liked the monarch, too. 😊❤️

[@mariaangeleslp4363]

Impresionante

[@christinevarey6898]

Let the bug people fly away Donna. It’s absolutely beautiful.Stunning.such intricate work.Thankyou for sharing this with us .

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you❤️!

[@deniseosborne4045]

I live humming birds also but there so much packing.

[@sharonkeef]

I’ve tried a couple times on hummingbird I haven’t even tried again I was so disappointed but I have t found a good tutorial either and it’s so hard to just use pic and a cell phone my printer went out so I’ll just wait got to much health issues to stress bout it right now I just get to dream

[@LaLa-hx7jk]

Гениально!!!!! Аплодирую стоя!!! Браво мастеру!!!!

[@LRobertson-xt2tq]

Good to know it’s not me! 😊 Not giving up! Thank you so much for your time to respond and the tip. If nothing else you have significantly contributed to the creation of an aspiring caner. Be well.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I think with your enthusiasm, you'll definitely master caning. It is a wonderful technique and there is nothing, no other material that performs as it does. Take your time and enjoy the process. As you begin, I'd recommend using only opaque colors, translucent colors can lead to muddyness if you're making a cane that doesn't require that see through characteristic. Hugs! D

[@LRobertson-xt2tq]

@@DonnaKatoArt Thanks for feedback and tip. Butterfly 2 was improvement and taking notes for third try. This is so much fun. But my dreams are now all in yellow and orange…🤪

[@applesartstudio-polymercla2571]

Donna, I've so enjoyed and learned so much for all your tutorials! Thank you for sharing! I got so involved in this butterfly, I found myself talking with you, agreeing with you and saying, "yes, that does look better!" (Out loud!) My dogs thought I was going crazy! Lol Thanks you so, so much for this studio session! Call it what you may - I call it Fantastic! Blessings, Apples 💜🍎

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You know, when I shoot them, I feel like I’m talking to you all! Thank you for joining in, Apples! Give your pup a kiss for me. ❤️

[@Julsfr]

Absolutely amazing, 👌 merci

[@DonnaKatoArt]

You are so welcome!❤️

[@Vee_of_the_Weald]

My goodness, you are so talented!! I looked through your list of videos/tutorials and I want to try and make everything 😂 So I’m a new subscriber now. I’m looking forward to learning with you.

[@MrMrskullmaster]

You are absolutely amazing ❤

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you, Alan. There are truly amazing realistic cane builders like Claire Wallace Dovey. She’s as big as a minute, building, reducing large canes that look like paintings. I do my best but she is well worth a google! ❤️

[@soniagonzales9144]

That was beautiful!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you so much, Sonia!

[@AIRview2]

Beautiful!

[@marymary5494]

Fabulous. 👌💕

[@LilHeavenlyTreasures]

You did an amazing job. Love the video

[@pattallant2398]

Wow! How beautiful!😊👍

[@camillerodriguezp]

EXCELLENT!!!

[@carolgordon9631]

I love this! ❤️

[@reneegiobbi1850]

Love your beautiful butterfly head!! I'm taking the design you created and making a butterfly broach, I have a winter wrap that needs a broach. Any tips or ideas how to make a broach would be great! Thank you for all your help and awesome tutorials!

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Great, Renee! Yay! Now, watch the Petie Pin. You can see how I finish mine. I use tie tac findings! Cheers, D

[@melanieennis91]

I’m just fascinated by how you create this beautiful butterfly. Whatually is your work surface? Is it a tile or a laminated desk? I’M JUST STQRTING OUT BUT FIND I’m just hooked . Thanks for sharing.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Melanie; I work n a ceramic tile that looks like marble! Lowes, it was cheap! Hugs, D

[@joyceengland8781]

Not only did I learn to make a beautiful butterfly but more importantly I realize I need to raise my standards!s

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yay, Joyce! I think we all come to that realization, kid! Hugs!

[@dmddmd2904]

Золотые РУКИ !

[@LaceyR_FreeEricBrandt]

Hi Donna - In one of your videos that I watched you had like a huge chunk of really soft clay you used to soften some other clay you were working with. Do you sell that somewhere? I could use a chunk like that 😆 Seriously, I got about 20 lbs of Sculpey original clay and it is very hard and dry, Your videos are amazing btw. I had no idea what was possible with this clay until I stumbled onto your channel. It's funny that I found you right after I ordered my first load of clay. I might have been intimidated if I had seen what you can do before I had hit ok on my order 😆 Thank you so much for all of the videos you have shared. 🤗

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Lacey! That chunk is our Conditioning Bar - it is amazing stuff will definitely soften any clay! I haven’t used it with any clay but Kato but I see no reason it won’t work out. It may strengthen the Sculpey, too. Thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate them very much! Hugs❤️

[@LaceyR_FreeEricBrandt]

@@DonnaKatoArt - Thank you Donna 🤗 I was looking all day yesterday and the only thing I found was little 2 oz bottles. Is there a store online where I can find it? Can I buy a chuck of yours? 😆

[@GrumpyYank26]

This is no one on yt who is a skilled and talented as you, imo. I found myself wondering about your background- whether you work in other media?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Thank you! You know, I have always loved to work with my hands - knitting, sewing - I lack the patience for beading though. And, I love to draw! ❤️

[@GrumpyYank26]

@@DonnaKatoArt Did you gt art school? Who are your fav artists? Living or not? I love Rothko, Late jmw turner, late klee and of course Sargent. Started painting in oil 4 yrs ago. What a journey! Love that you are on yt and in this beautiful world. Thx, thx, thx.

[@sharonkeef]

Donna have u ever done any birds such s hummingbird cane if tried once but it didn’t turn out s I wanted .

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Sharon, I haven't done a hummingbird but will put it on the list! Hugs, D

[@my93agestav]

Can anybody link me to the canes she talked about. 😢 Caire Jordan.... canr find them is about 33min in.❤ and as always you are a big inspiration but already made the post😅

[@DonnaKatoArt]

I think I was talking about Claire Wallis Dovey? Amazing canes! Okay search this: Claire Wallis polymer clay. I searched that and got some of her bird canes! 😊❤️

[@kathleenriley7178]

I'd like to know the best way to order Kato clay that benefits you the most. prairie craft, vanaiken or amazon?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

That’d be prairiecraft but you need to get the best deal, I think. I think we do a pretty good job - that’s coming from the shipping “manager” (I promoted myself!). For every 100, I give a pair of my earrings. If you order twice and it makes 100, just let me know, I thing that qualifies, doesn’t have to be in the same order. I love frequent buyer “programs” and I can do this!

[@kathleenriley7178]

Thank you so much.

[@kathleenriley7178]

Donna I placed another order last night. I believe I'm over $100 and I'd dearly loved to have something that you've made.

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Kathleen! I am glad you mentioned this. I just put some pieces in for you. ❤️

[@kathleenriley7178]

@@DonnaKatoArt thank you so much. I'll treasure your creation!

[@shinysunlight]

We can hear you breathing… your mic is too close to your nose

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Yup, I have sinus issues and, indeed, my iphone is right smack dab in front of me! Sorry. 😊

[@lisajarvis3820]

😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 🤷🏾‍♀️ ON 🌍 DID YOU DO THIS ~ I WATCHED THE VIDEO AND AM ABSOLUTELY AW STRUCK!! I WISH I WAS THAT GOOD! NEW SUBSCRIBER TOO!!🤝🏾👍🏾🫶🏾

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi Lisa! I did my best to follow the picture (so unlike me!) I do like these canes, got to make more 🦋!

[@cecesantillano9551]

Hi Donna, how can I send you a private email ?

[@DonnaKatoArt]

Hi! My email is [e-mail]!