Cane Polymer Clay

The condensed version: The possibilities are endless when working with the cane process.  By using conditioned clay of different colors, shapes and sizes, you can make repeating patterns and turn them into a variety of items.  

One of my favorite things to do is to use the Skinner blend process in canes.  The use of translucent clay will also soften the hues.  It's crucial to wrap the shapes in different colors. Sometimes I use a complementary color, others call for a bold contrasting shade. Make a snake of one color, and wrap it with a different color, and even multiple wraps of a variety of colored clay make interesting designs.  

The key to makes the designs after you put the different canes together is to condense, roll, cut. Then condense, roll and cut again (and even again) until you are satisfied with the results.  Working slow and deliberate will help you keep the shape and aid in slicing the canes.

It took me a long time to enjoy canes. Because sculpting is my favorite thing to do with polymer clay, and I really had to come to terms with the waste caning creates.  But then I figured out ways to use waste canes and clay.

A few items of my cane work: