Lessons In Creativity - Goodbye Inspector Buzzkill
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Video #754: In this video I use a big catapult, metaphorically speaking of course, to fling negativity far, far away from you.
Is that negative voice in your head holding you back from finishing your polymer clay projects, or even stopping you before you get started?
Fellow clayer Valerie Mellors calls that voice, Inspector Buzzkill... and I think he needs to go! Perhaps you could fling him across some field using a catapult device :)
I want you all to be able to find joy in the process of learning about polymer clay. Let go of those negative thoughts and voices that lie to you, and tell you that your things aren't good enough. The thoughts that hold you back from ever opening that pack of polymer clay, or trying that new technique, because you're afraid of screwing it up... they all have to go.
In this behind-the-scenes Studio Cam video, I share some thoughts and tips on how to how to deal with your own version of the nefarious 'Inspector Buzzkill'.
In the comments section below this video, do share your own stories of how negativity has held you back in the past! And more importantly, tell us what has helped you to overcome those creative blocks.
For links to all the additional resources mentioned in this video, go to our PcT blog... www.beadsandbea...
Polymer Clay Tutor, Cindy Lietz & Doug Lietz
"Make what you love... Love what you make."
Some of my best work happens when I’m just experimenting or playing around. A lot of the time when I actually have a purpose or a plan, it doesn’t turn out exactly like I want. When things don’t turn out, I just say, “well I need to learn more before I get to that level.” That allows me room to grow.
Thank you so much Wendy for popping in and saying such insightful words! I wish all people had your attitude about learning and making mistakes. You will grow your skills much faster and enjoy the process more deeply. Take care and continued growth in your polymer clay journey.
I love this. My hurdle is when I pull out a lump of clay and stare at it. In my head, the clay and I have this little conversation that sounds a lot like a few first dates I've been on: Me- "soooo what do you wanna do?" Clay: "I dunno, you brought me out, what do YOU wanna do?" And we stare each other down (or would if raw clay had eyes). So far, the only remedy I have found is to ONLY create out of love. My best pieces have been created when I am excited about a gift to give. They're not perfect, but they're better than what I have done out of a sense of obligation.
Thanks for filming this. I will definitely revisit when my personal version of Inspector Buzzkill rears its head.
Haha! Hello Cindy! Thanks for the name check! I didn't ever think my "Green Mile" walk to the oven would make it on to your channel :D. The FB group is the wonderfully supportive HOP! (Hooked on Polymer) and I'm not sure but I think one of them came up with "Inspector Buzzkill" but it was as a result of reading my post.
You're certainly on the ball as yes, my parents were pretty critical. I was also this huge brainiac as a child, so I led myself to believe that I should always instantly be good at things. I think I've relaxed a bit more about my claying recently and feedback on my channel has really encouraged me too.
I'm such a fan that getting a mention on here has left me stunned!
Glad you enjoyed this Valerie! This was filmed quite awhile ago... way back when I was just starting to read your posts, so I didn't really know who you were yet (hence the question mark in my voice when I tried to remember your name. Also didnt' remember what group it was in... I'm part of many and I can't follow or keep track of where or when I saw stuff... but the Inspector Buzzkill name and concept really stuck with me. It was probably that post that got me most interested in what you had to say. And now I subscribe to your channel and keep an eye out for stuff you write. You are funny, truthful, quirky and wise. A little like Yoda you are!
Hahaha! I get more like him as I get older - and that's just physically. Thank you so much. :D xx
Unruly Housewife , I think your stuff is terrific and you have such a fun attitude while working on your passion. You are quite talented and make me laugh while learning!
Aw Lisa, thanks! xx
Unruly Housewife well, you know I'm a fan. Say no more. The big long rambling thing I wrote in response to this video shows just how confused I truly am... Do you still get Inspector Buzzkill moments? I know you obviously posted that piece in HOP some time ago, so I just wondered if you still have those moments. x
I watch polymer clay tutorials every day! I started collecting what I needed to start. bought some tools, bought some clay, bought a pasta machine, bought more clay, bought the blade, and yes more clay. I got it all. texture plates, acrylic roller, tiles to bake on, a glass surface to work on...the only thing I still need is a small oven for just clay. it took me so long to get it all together I would sit down and say oh no I need another green or I need some pearlx powder....so I Finally got to my first peice...a study in some of the techniques I have learned. I loved it. it was so fun and took me days cause I really work alot. then I started something that's probably above my skill yet and I just got depressed. then I put it aside and tried the macume Gane stuff and that came out bad. so now I'm back to watching videos. I just signed up for PCA
I have been setting up my studio over the last few months and it seems like I've spent more time acquiring and planning rather than doing! Thanks for the kick in butt! PS I'm also afraid of not being perfect! Love you guys!😘
I have to say that this video was timely for me. I am branching out and trying new things & I have to admit that I have been "afraid" of some of my work. I feel like you are very passionate about helping us be more creative with our work & have helped me be more confident. Thanks for sharing your triumphs & missteps. But most of all, thanks for the heartfelt encouragement.
I love your comment about catapulting your project......hysterical! Placing it in a paper bag and stapling the top together so you never have to see it again was a solution for me and my friend for our early sewing projects. We learned a lot from those mistakes!
Dear Cindy, I am just now discovering your channel. This particular episode was so very helpful to me. My mom always told that I was (and still am) my worst enemy. Back in Art School, I hated everything I created and even slashed all of my paintings. Many years have passed and I still needed to hear your very wise words. I can’t thank you enough for your encouragement. God bless you!!
You are so welcome Maggie! I'm happy that you found this video so helpful. Take care and enjoy your polymer path!
Thank you for this. I just got into polymer clay. I have been making canes and they have just been setting around because I didn't want the end result to be ugly. This video pushed me to go ahead and slice the canes and make beads. I realized, how can the beads be ugly if I think the canes are beautiful?! Thank you so much!
So true! How can the beads be ugly if the canes are pretty?! Thank you so much for your comment!
My heart hummed through the entire video. It really spoke of the darkness we sometimes find in our creative minds. It reminded me of the video or theory "Not perfect, but finished". I can get stuck on believing in my tools too much and collecting tools. Letting go of fear and negativity should be a tool we all become great at using. Love it! Love Valerie, too!
I am so happy that this video spoke to you Kate! I like that theory... "Not perfect, but finished". I think there comes a time when we do our best and be done with it so we can move on to the next challenge. I love the idea of letting go of our fear as being a tool! I love tools... but they are only objects until they are used.
You are so very right! And it seems like I can never have enough tools. I think the list gets longer every year when really it all comes from within.
You are the voice of reason, and I do agree with tutorial speak. I am a child of the 60's and I believe as your parents did; allowing you to grow and allow your creativity to become. Thank you (PCT) Cindy. Loving your artistry, wisdom, and honesty.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment! It means a lot to me that you would hear me and feel moved enough to share how you feel about it. 😍
wow! I so needed this right now! I have put my clay sitting for about a week now coz I was getting discouraged. THANKS!!
You are very welcome B! Get back to feeling the joy in the process... not matter the outcome. Happy claying! :)
As a person who was raised to do things right or don't do them at all, I truly am my own worst enemy. I need to hear this on a regular basis. Thanks.
Thanks Cindy you hit the nail right on the head. I have to confess I have brought my clay and watched a lot of videos and brought tutorials a couple from you actually and now a year later I still haven't even opened one block of clay. I was so excited to get some clay and start, but now it's like I'm scared that what ever I do will be ugly or I'll burn it or something. But now I need to just do it, after all its only a bit of clay and a bit of fun fun fun RIGHT 😂 thank you
Burning is avoidable. I always suggest test baking just blobs or slabs or clay that you don't really care about and see how it goes. Covering your pieces with something like aluminium foil without touching it.
It being ugly or deformed and all those things just happens. Experiments go wrong, you feel sad for a while because you wanted it to work so badly, but then you move on.
Polymer clay isn't that expensive, when you mess it up, you just buy another block and try again.
People like CIndy have worked with clay for longer than I have even been alive, so comparing myself to them is useless.
And this goes for any art. I recently tried to tell this to my dad(hobby nature photographer) when he told me that seeing photos of other people really discourages him. I told him the same thing, keep going and don't compare yourself to others. There is always someone "better" with more "talent", more experience, better tools and all.
there are ways to fix things or prevent it from getting wrecked! there is a technique called pre-baking (check sugarcharmshop on youtube and other artists, they all pre-bake), because clay (not sculpy) can be baked multiple times, so work on a part and pre-bake it to harden it and basically "save" it like the save button on the computer, and that way it won't get squished or ruined when you work on another part. Pre-baking is done for about 5-15 mins, and use liquid clays to glue parts together. Also you can carve, sand and buff clay as well if there are any mistakes! And you could cover and attach parts with clay and liquid clay after baking if there are errors. I don't use a big kitchen or toaster oven, I use something similar to the efcolor stove (I made a DIY version) so I am not wasting electricity.
Your video on Inspector Buzzkill came at an absolute perfect time as I have really been having less that satisfying projects lately. I was, to be honest, on the verge of throwing in the towel. Your video has encouraged me to try again with a few of the projects that been trying to work on. Thanks again
Thank you for helping me knock Inspector Buzzkill off my shoulder! He is a real pain! Love your tutorials and also Unruly Housewife.
Wow, just the best video I’ve watched for a very long time. What a beautiful person you are. It was touching and inspiring. Thank you for doing this I help it helps people struggling with themselves. I stepped away from social media because of all the negativity and ego but you’ve restored some of the faith I’d lost in people. 🌸 thank you for sharing.
Thank you so, so much for your kind words! It means a lot that this spoke to you. Take care and enjoy your claying adventure!
It is amazing the ways we stifle ourselves and strive for immediate perfection. My first drawing instructor told us all to never use an eraser. He said, it does nothing but slow you down and make the drawing worse. He told us if we didn't like a line we drew, to draw it again. As I grew older, it made more and more sense. I don't have any of those drawings with me now. The whole point of the class was to practice technique and none of made our best work there. If you want to improve, you have to keep making mistakes and learning from them. I've actually passed on what I learned to my wife who is getting into crafting now. :)
What excellent advice from your art teacher 30Chompi! I like what he said about the eraser slowing you down, and if you didn't like a line, draw it again. When a kid falls down when they take their first step, you don't say, "Well that was a fail! It looks like you are bad at walking so it's best not to try that again." You say, "Whoo Hoo you took your first step! Let's do that again!" Eventually the kid is running all over the place and you can't even keep up! LOL That is great that you are passing that knowledge on to your wife. It is nice to have support for your creativity from the ones that you love! :)
One thing I've learned from making new project tutorials every week is that my opinion of the work is irrelevant!
I'll work through an idea, make the project, make the video tutorial, have it all set to publish and then the voice sets in, "Oh no, this is terrible... what was I thinking... why did I do it that way... no one is going to like this... it's so lame...." And on and on. Since the video is set to go, I publish it anyways (with much fear and trepidation)... and get loads of comments from folks telling me how much they love it! Go figure.
Then there's the things I love that I think everyone will love.... and I get crickets in the comments section.
So, like I said, my opinion is only important to me. I make what I feel like at the moment, love some, hate some, and share it all... without too much fear, lol.
I've watched your RUclips videos for quite some time and enjoyed each one and have learned a ton watching you. This message was quite inspiring, especially since I've only just started dabbling in polymer clay. My husband loves my stuff and I enjoy creating, but I seem to fear failure or that no one else will like my stuff. So, your video today hit home for me today. Thanks for taking the time to share!
You are very welcome Lisa! I think that sometimes we forget that what we are doing is supposed to be a hobby. That it is there for our enjoyment. We are not in school anymore and the teacher and/or our parents are not grading us on what we're making (or at least they have no right to be). It is lovely that your husband loves your stuff! He is probably impressed with what you have been able to create and is happy that you have found something you enjoy doing. Remember that the next time that fear of failure pops into your mind. Have fun with it!
Love this!!. I teach mixed media polymer clay classes and so often my students say they have no talent, or they will never get it right, or their work is so flawed that they want to give up right at the beginning. But there was one lady in her 80's who took my class and everyday she came in and just played around with the clay she just made boring balls of clay but she was pleased as punch with every one of them because it relaxed her and it her happy to do it .and i loved having her in the class because she got it , it was about doing something she loved. She was the anti buzzkill :)
Late viewer...Hi Cindy! I also teach cake decorating and I always tell my students, "It's not brain surgery, it's not rocket science." "If you make a mistake you eat it!" There's no crying in crafting! It's just not worth the stress. 💝
I don't tend to comment on things very often, but this particular video hit quite a few points with me and I loved it. I am a hobbyist in polymer clay as well as in several other forms of art (painting, drawing etc.) I love to create things and no one that I can ever recall has ever said I was anything but good at what I do, anyone other than me anyway. My most daunting struggle when creating is my own " Inspector Buzzkill". Interestingly enough, I was thinking just before I watched this video that I should start making things with my clay and the first thought in my head was "I will never create anything as beautiful as [insert artist here] and then it just goes down hill from there. Your video really made me think about that negative voice that is always popping up when I am trying to make something and how I can combat its' incessant muttering and grumbling. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Aly for coming in and saying such kind words! I am happy that this video spoke to you. It can be difficult sometimes to realize that the little voice inside your head is often the biggest force holding you back. If we all treated ourselves as kindly and as nurturing as we would treat our child or grandchild then we would grow and improve and ultimately be much happier for it. The first step is realize you're even doing it to yourself... which it looks like you have already done! Good job! :)
Today was supposed to be a 'clay day'. Instead, I have spent the whole day listening to my own Inspector Buzzkill. I am new to this art and am the classic person who bought everything she needed to make something but didn't open a single block of clay for almost 7 months. Looking back, I feel silly about this, and yet I have STILL made so little, I'm ashamed of the money I have spent out. When I do actually begin a project I am completely absorbed in it and the hours fly by. Then comes that moment when it's complete. The Green Mile feels like such an apt phrase! Even now I feel I could cry! Why am I not doing the thing I love?? I recently returned from the BPCG 20th anniversary gathering in England. I drove all the way from Scotland ready to take on a tutorial with Cara Jane Hayman. I came out of that tutorial filled with such a 'yes! I can do this!!' feeling and was walking on air. One week later, back to square one, except I now have even more clay and stuff...!!
I met Val, The Unruly Housewife at this event, and I'm a big fan as she's never afraid to show her mistakes or laugh at them. Her RUclips channel is great for both newbies and artists alike. Having said that, I felt stunned to learn that a little over a year ago Val was putting herself down in the same ways I do. This is a ramble as my head is filled with cotton wool, leaving little room for a reasoned brain to show itself. I apologise.
It is 9pm and having watched this video (twice) and most definitely seeing myself here, I am thinking should I just start something right now, or wait until the morning? My health is frail and I need sleep, yet I also need to overcome this feeling of both lethargy toward the clay and anxiety regarding my skill level and the thought of being laughed at. I think that your having posted these thoughts in the raw as it were is extremely important, not only for me, but for the many hundreds of thousands out there that allow the Inspector Buzzkill to win. Watch this space I think...
Anita, thank you so much for coming in here and baring your soul. You should never feel silly about being honest... especially with yourself. (I wish more of us were honest with ourselves and reflect on what may be holding us back.) If I can anything more to what I already said in this video, is that it is important to let yourself play. You said yourself that once you get going you lose all track of time. Rather than treating your clay days as work time that you must produce something of value in, you should try and treat them more like play time and a time of fooling around and discovering... the pressure comes off and you will find that not only will you begin to make more wonderful things... Inspector Buzzkill won't 'crash your party' nearly so often!!
PolymerClayTutor Cindy, thank you so much for taking the time to help pull me out of my pit of torpor. You're so right when you said I was treating my clay days as a work day where I had to produce something. I do believe that is the crux of my problem and one I will think about and come up with more silly, inconsequential things to do. I have lots of lovely stuff to play with, so that's just what I will do! I look forward to zoning out regularly this week as it is filled with doctors and hospitals. Clay is my saviour! Really enjoy your videos, and shall continue to watch xx
This is an excellent thought. I am primarily a quilter. There is a whole lot of inspector buzz kill in the quilty world. Oh my points aren't perfect. Sorry for the flaws. It's my first time free motion quilting and it looks like crap, and on and on. At the end of a quilt what really matters is you learned something , you practiced ,and remembering the recipient will love what you made them. I just recently jumped into polymer clay. After a couple of pieces I started to set goals of things I wanted to correct. I am slowly correcting them through practice. It also helps my son likes to take my pieces to school and ends up showing them off and his friends want one too! So I polymer clay for a bunch of middle school kids. They dont mind if my pieces arent perfect and it gives me practice. They have been great cheer leaders, always wanting more because it is hand made. No two of my duplicate pieces has been identical. They love it because they can always identify which piece is their very own. I'm not selling these pieces. I also bake anything I make as a gauge so I can see where I have improved or when I wish to revisit an idea. I have a piece I can look at and find where I may improve.
That is so true Kristal! It is even sadder when we finally do feel like we're finished a piece, to the point of being ready to gift it, and then appologize continually for its shortcomings. (Which they would have never noticed, if you hadn't pointed it out.) It is OK to see areas where you want to improve your skills. (I have experienced those who never improve their quality, because they can't see a thing wrong with their work... ever.) But the problem comes in when perfectionism holds you back. You are very wise to share your work with an appreciative audience yet still want to continue to move forward with your skills. Sounds like you have found a way to find joy (and give joy) in your process! :)
Hi Cindy! Thanks a lot for your comment about "Inspector Buzzkill". That is exactly what holds me back. I bought already some nice colours and textures and such stuff, but because of being an untalented beginner, I only get angry when I bake the things, because they are sooo ugly and imperfect in my eyes that I can not use them for jewelry or any other purpuse, so I consider all my experiments, not even projects, being a waste of time and money. Maybe I try to "sacrifice" one block for playing around - if that should help...
Great advice it's very inspiring. I know I often worry about trying something and "wasting" clay. I HATE wasting anything, especially when I struggle to afford to buy clay stuff. However, I don't want my worry of wasting stuff to ruin the fun and creativity. Thanks, I always love your videos.
I know how you feel. "Wasting money" is my biggest fear. And if I co not do something perfect, it is wasteful. I am so afraid of screwing something up, and wasting $, that I often will not even start a project. Then one day I realized that if the materials I bought are just sitting around, THAT is the real waste of not only $, but space too. This has helped me break out of a little bit of my "Inspector Buzzkill" moments, but I still have a lot of them and have to work at not letting those thoughts get in the way of my creativity.
You hit the nail directly in my head... I have loads of ideas all the time but the fear I wasn't good enough often stop me from doing what I love ! Valerie often cracks me up and it makes me feel better ... " damn ... inspector buzzkill ! Stop talking to me now " ... LOL
You are so right Christina! Valerie is super funny and she makes me feel better too. You keep telling that damn Inspector Buzzkill to stop that talking... you've got some claying to do! :)
I'm still learning to make miniature food because it's really good for my anxiety, but I tend to only make one or two of a charm and then give up on improving because I'm so critical of every mistake and I compare myself to others a lot. And the worst of it is that I judge my work based on how well it compares to pieces for sale -I don't sell my pieces so who cares if they aren't consistent and etsy store quality? I'm trying to do better at enjoying the process itself (I love shaping with silicone tools, using molds, texturing with odds and ends) and using my mistakes as a happy excuse to create more, not less. Thanks for the vid!!
Unfortunately this seems to be a common occurrence with tons of my creative friends. I stopped doing art for long periods of time. mainly due to my own criticism. A good thing to do is just forget comparing your work to other people. I'm just recently being more creative again after a few years of feeling that making anything would be pointless because it wouldn't turn out the way I expected it to in my head but now I am just making stuff again and not putting so much pressure on myself. It can be frustrating when ideas don't turn out but it's better than not even attempting any ideas. Thanks for this video :)
Yes, I know Inspector Buzzkill personally. I never had a creative hobby before! They were all sporty, competitive hobbies or passive hobbies such as reading. Something artisitc is new to me. I am retired, you'd be surprised how I could spend a life without creativity in it. But I was a Scientist before retirement. I was rubbish at Art when I was at school, and almost proud of it! All my life I have been taught to "get it right" or I failed. I am slowly learning that there is no fail. Yoda was wrong. There is a Try. If you aren't making mistakes you aren't learning. Thanks Cindy and Melanie.
This is a really great video! I don't really feel this way about my clay, but I've had this soooo many times with other goals and projects I've attempted. Especially writing. You have to tell that guy to BUZZ OFF when you're claying, or just creating in general ^__^
Perfect words 'BUZZ OFF' when you're talking about getting rid of Inspector Buzzkill Nanci! Thanks so much for commenting! :)
Thank YOU for all of your videos! I've been learning so much :)
You're like a mind reader Cindy!!! It's probably that all of us have gone through this lots of times....or at least i have! 😕 I always say I'm my worst critic, even when i have people around me that like my creations....The most complicated for me is to get motivated sometimes i could be 3 hours straight watching tutorials and when i start creating ill just try a couple different things and stop.....i just found my answer writing this my problem is starting without cooking or cleaning first lol....I'll have to cook clean and then create hopefully im not too tired!!!! Anyone else like me? 😂
Thank you for this video :), Feeling light and happy about my hobby.
Great advice Cindy... the dreaded perfection gene can creep up and overtake even the most accomplished artists thoughts from time to time. I know for me, putting it down and working on something else for a while can help... and also before falling to sleep I work through a project in my head and envision each step... the next day I can get in and tackle the project and feel so much better about the end result having worked the steps out in my head just before sleep.
Great advice Jan! You are so right. Sometimes you just need some space between you and what you are working on to see what others see when they see your work. Sometimes when you come back to it, what you worried about looks just fine... or sometimes you see where the piece is a little off and where you can tweak it to become more of what you envisioned. It's funny how working through it in your mind beforehand helps so much. It is like your body is practicing the skill without even having to touch the piece. Though eventually you do have to actually do the work... or you will be the only one who ever sees it! ;)
To comment on the "Buzz kill" video. I love to work with clay but have been doing crafting for a long time. It's funny I used to do this with my scrapbook paper but with clay I don't feel this way. I would be so afraid of ruining the paper or something. You know what happened? My pens dried up. My markers dried up. My lack of trying ruined my stuff. I am so happy that I do not have these issues working with clay. It is just relaxing to work with clay.
Hi Cindy! Wonderful video ya got here. Its amazing to me how you hit the nail right on the head of whats going on with me RIGHT NOW lol. I think because we are the creators, the inventors, the artists of our creations we tend to see everything that is wrong or upsetting in our pieces. We focus on the imperfections a lot. And this happens to me so much and always in the back of my head just as you said I wonder is this good enough. But then Ill show the piece to one of my friends or my boyfriend and they will think its absolutely amazing lol. So you are right. We need to give Inspector Buzzkill the Boot! As artists we need to focus more on the "perfect to us" idea that making it perfect in general. But it is nice to know other crafters, even professionals and folk of different skill levels go through this same problem. GIVES ME HOPE lol. And I also subscribe to Unruly Housewife. She is funny :)
OMG you have hit the nail on the head. Thank you for sharing that Buzzkill is going for a LOOOOOOOONG walk LOL
(continued) Does it even matter? Practice will improve skills, so keep on, etc)
CBT has had good results in helping with depression and anxiety, as well as getting that piece into the oven, and if you choose to work with a therapist CBT is generally a short term deal.
Thanks, Cindy, for bringing this subject up. It is a problem for lots of us.
I am happy that you have found something that works for you Joyce. Happy claying!
This describes me to a "T". I am so much of a perfection that I miss out on "just being a kid" and having fun.
hello, greetings from germany.
thank you so much for talking about this. it is so good to hear it.
i always treat myself to be perfect perfect and it realy often brings me down when it doesn't work out as i want it to be. that makes me angry and i want to throw it all away. it is important to put yourself to the ground and get your balance back. there will always be days when you create butyful things so they worth the crapy things.
there is so much perfect stuff that you see on the internet but nobody knows whats behind the scenes. which mistakes or worries. So thank you for letting us (especially me) know, that not everything works from the Start. as you said "you don't have to Show anybody". We only get to see the perfect things that where created but there are always crapy things.
keep on trying and the next time it gets better. that should go to everyone.
Greetings back from Canada Julia! You are very right about the beautiful things being worth so much more than the crappy things you make and finding that balance. The internet can be intimidating with all the 'perfect' photos out there, but the reality is that there were many hours of practice and making mistakes that went into the creation of that 'perfect' thing. The people that made that perfect thing know how hard it was to get there. It is time for everyone just starting out to understand that too and to be patient and keep going. Like you said, "keep on trying and the next time it gets better"! Thank you for commenting! :)
I think a lot of it has to do with fear of complexity. I get this way when I'm working on pieces that have a lot of different base forms on them before even detailing the model. So I just try to break it down to the point where I know I can do something. I just ask myself "Can I sculpt a full human figure". Well, not yet no. "Can I sculpt a face?". Well, not that great yet, but I have made a few attempts. "Can I sculpt a nose?" Probably, I've done a lot of those before, and they're much easier than a face, but I've never tried making THIS TYPE of nose before. "Can you sculpt a ball, some hemispheres, and a triangular prism?" WELL DUH, I CAN DO THAT! You just got to ask yourself those kinds of questions until the doubting part of yourself becomes overwhelmed by the, dare I say, cocky and slightly indignant part that knows it can make simple forms. The rest is just repetition and making ever so slight changes to what you occasionally work on. Rant over, I hope this helped someone.
I use to save my pretty paper and never scrapbook with it. then the newest stuff would come out and I would say awww now this paper is too old to use. not now I love mixed media and I am using my paper. I am cutting it up tearing and it is so freeing. thank you for a great video.
I feel just like Valerie :( I go through the dread, of failure, every single time I craft. I tend to, fuss over, perfecting every single detail, and have ruined many projects by doing so. My constant battles with "Inspector Buzzkill" has stopped me from excelling in a lot of things in my life :(
I am sorry to hear that your stuggle with negativity is so strong Jamie. Perhaps you can try and just play with the clay like I suggested in the video? Just pretend you are a kid and not worry about the outcome and just enjoy the process. Good luck and try to be happy when you're claying.
PolymerClayTutor I'm definitely taking your advice and learning to play with clay instead of giving in to Inspector Buzzkill ;)
Thank you very much! This were the words i need!
My little evil voice is always telling me: why did you do this, or don't even try you'll fail...
Sorry for my english! lol
Your English is wonderful Féli Mélie! I am impressed you knew what I was talking about. It must be hard to understand when I just talk and don't make anything. I am so happy that my words were helpful to you. Do not listen to that evil voice... it is only lying to you. I hope you find joy in your art!
I agree and plan to lighten up right now! I am not going to give away my joy.
Thank you!
I have to say...I really like you, Cindy. I think this is a real topic to address. Funny that many creative people/artists strive for perfection. I put polymer clay down in 2006 after many attempts to reach a good quality finished product. I knew nothing about sanding and finishing it. At the time there wasn't much info out on the internet. Some bogus techniques and bad sealers that peeled or chipped off. It was only recently that I decided to pick it up again and your videos have helped me so much. Your work is amazing and you make it look so easy, like many experts on RUclips and the like. Maybe you could do a demo showing your mess ups and how you can salvage your crappy pieces. That could be very inspiring and encourage clay free-play. Art is interesting. I have a friend who likes to go through my "rejects" (the things I think no one would like). I have found that every piece speaks to someone....so even your rejects are worthy of showing.
Thank you so much for your input Laura! I too believe that sharing the failures and what to do with them is an excellent way to learn. That is one of the reasons why Doug and I started this whole StudioCam series of videos. Creating is hard. Especially when you are trying to develop a new idea. The process is not always smooth but something can be learned from every step. The easy stuff and the hard... the good and the bad. It is kind of a long process to share in video though and may not be suited for the videos we do on RUclips. So it may stay behind the scenes for our StudioCam membership. When our new site is ready and the StudioCam videos come available for new members to join, perhaps you will join us there? It sounds like it will be of good value for you.
Good topic to address. We all need to be kind to ourselves and not add stress to something we are doing for enjoyment. I keep trying even though I know a lot of my stuff is wonky, but its the joy of creating something pretty that counts. Just because something isn't perfect doesn't mean it isn't pretty.
So true! You have exactly the right attitude dkphoenix5! You sound like you are getting the joy out of your hobby that I hope for everyone here to enjoy as well. Good job!
love it!
This was perfect timing for my self esteem, thank you.
Happy to hear that! 💖💖💖
Thank you! Mr buzzkill was sitting on my shoulder the whole time I tried to make my first Skinner blend, my lines got curvey, the clay got too conditioned, there wasn't enough blending, and it ended up being wider than it was long! Buzzkill ended up winning and I mixed it all together.
Now trying for the second time, my clay seems to be too conditioned from rolling once again... would putting my roller in the freezer before I use it help defend against being overly conditioned from attempted blending?
Hi, I love your craft tutorials on polymer clay! Have learned a lot from you! I have a question for you though and can't find an answer anywhere. Do you know how to use two part molds? My question and problem is, how do you blend in the seams around the project. Sometimes the seams don't connect and sometimes they over-connect, but no matter what you still have to blend in the seams and it can be very messy and take hours to get it to where you can't see the seam lines. And sometimes you just have to start all over again because it looks terrible. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I have the same problem.. Inspector buzz kill gets me everytime.. I make candles and have started a few months ago in polymer clay.. And I love doing both very much. I just put things out there anyway because believe it or not.. There are a lot of people that like and even love the homemade look.. There is nothing wrong with flaws.
You are so right Sarah! A few flaws can be a good thing... People do like the look of handmade. Just the fact that you recognise that negativity creeping up will mean that you will be able to let it go. Happy claying!
Hey Cindy, welcome to the wide wonderful world of negative self talk. Psychologists say that these thought patterns are set up early in life and generally by parents. Your idea that no one would ever do this to a child is so sweet, but .... The thought pattern is entrenched and automatic in adults, so it's a pretty tough problem to deal.
I hear your frustration that people do this to themselves, and I like that you are challenging the thinking.
The field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy, deals with this problem. In much simplified, form the steps are first to really listen to what you are telling yourself (eg, my favorite 'everything you make is always ugly. Why bother?'). And then apply some rational thought to that statement (Really? Everything?
Thank you for sharing your story with us Joyce. A lot of people have had a much less supportive upbringing than I have (though I do struggle with things like everyone does). Now that I am 50 I have come to realize that I have been an adult for way more years than I have been a child and I should probably let go of any hangups or baggage that I picked up along the way. I am solely responsible for my own happiness. It is a hard thing to do sometimes though. I guess it depends on how many pieces of luggage one has picked up along the way.
Well my inspector Buzzkill is probably waiting on the other side of the gate but he is not allowed in LOL. I look at most of my things as art, I have disasters as everyone does I just keep at it. I used to listen to others but not anymore I just went for it and I am doing very well selling my jewelry my customers love it! If I had listened to my voice and some of my friends I would not be where I am today. It is all art if it is not perfect that is what makes it unique I am not a factory which I think happens to others. I am not a huge machine that can stamp out the same thing. I am making handmade things so flaws are going to be there that is their signature so to speak. I love to learn, experiment and improve and just see where my brain takes me-- sometimes things are tossed but most of the time I keep it. Happy Creating!
Thank you for sharing your story Linda! I can just picture that bugger sitting outside your gate, trying to get in. (If I were you, I'd hook up an electric fence to that gate so he got 'buzzed' every time he even knocked on that darn gate!)
I so want these! Is there any other way to get them other than buying all your episodes? Can we purchase access to just the Cam videos if you're a member?
Hi Dawn Moore - I sent you an email about your question regarding the StudioCam videos.
Okay thank you!
I agree with you 100%
I am a bit disabled. My hands cramp for no reason, I get nervous about things I am doing for my Gallery, I want them to be perfect, not abstract. I see all these wonderful videos and think I can never do that. I do bring some talent to my table, I made straight As in art and voice, I am a truly talented artist BUT, I am still bothered by INSPECTOR BUZZKILL! Will someone else order or buy my abstract? I am just starting out in Polymer clay and want to do faux stones, faux wood... I can draw it just fine but then to put it into 3D by handling Polymer clay? There is a buzzkill. I really love all the tutorials, I appreciate all of the people I follow, I want to be that good and I know it takes time... My beadwork? I took off like a rocket! Clay? Not so sure of myself. Thank you for this video, I will really try thinking on a better level. XOXO
Hi there, I am so sorry for the slow response to your lovely comment! I am glad to hear that this video helped to look a little deeper into the thoughts that pop into your head as you create. Just because your brain says something, it doesn't mean it is the truth. Enjoy the process! Take care! 💖💖💖
It's kind of funny, I have Inspector Buzzkill but it stops me because of money. I always want to make sure I use things in the perfect way so I don't regret it later when I don't have the money to buy more supplies or so I don't waste what I already have. Coming up with the perfect project or use for something stops me before I even attempt to make something. I think mine stems from anxiety though, not so much doubt in myself to make said perfect item/project.
I know the feeling.
Everytime I buy a new tool or something I was kind of really needing I feel bad because I plan on selling my jewellery but haven't started doing so yet. Money definetely is a big aspect to me...
SmilyLily1996 yupppp
there are ways to fix things or prevent it from getting wrecked! there is a technique called pre-baking (check sugarcharmshop on youtube and other artists, they all pre-bake), because clay (not sculpy) can be baked multiple times, so work on a part and pre-bake it to harden it and basically "save" it like the save button on the computer, and that way it won't get squished or ruined when you work on another part. Pre-baking is done for about 5-15 mins, and use liquid clays to glue parts together. Also you can carve, sand and buff clay as well if there are any mistakes! And you could cover and attach parts with clay and liquid clay after baking if there are errors. I don't use a big kitchen or toaster oven, I use something similar to the efcolor stove (I made a DIY version) so I am not wasting electricity.
Karen Lal Sorry I am not understanding the relevance of your comment to mine.
Thank you smiley lily I know your right ☺
Someone once told me that the Amish purposely make mistakes in their crafts to show that we are only human and only God is perfect. Well, I don't have to purposely make mistakes! But I have to remind myself that my crafts are hand made and not manufactured and mass produced so, of course they will not be perfect.
I definitely have that damn inspector 😂 I’m leaving her behind 🚪
I am building this newsletter and would love to use a transcript of this video, or a similarity if you will allow me to feature you.
Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
Woah you just described me! I really want to make Valerie's "Unruly Housewifes" covered egg & have all these wonderful ideas about it. But "Mr Captain Cant Do" keeps saying, no way you can't do it! You'll just waste clay. Needless to say, its all just sitting there looking at me & I've not touched it lol
I have felt like it's a creative block, but now thinking about it, that can't be it as the ideas keep coming to me. It's fear of failure that's blocking me.
I just have to step up to the plate & create no matter if it turns out or not.
Chezza, you should go for it! Seriously, white vinegar is dirt cheap and it takes very little clay. The hardest part is blowing out the egg - and that's more gross than difficult. Getting it wrong (if you did) is just part of getting better at something. I used to be SO worried about wasting clay but then I bought a ton of it and it didn't seem quite as precious anymore! It will probably cost you less than a Starbuck's coffee (or two at most) and you'll get so much more out of doing it.
Thank you Unruly Housewife, I'm going to have to try it. I guess if worst comes to worst, I can always bury the evidence lol
Haha! And eat the egg. xx
lol
Oh my goodness...this is me every time I start to play with clay. So hard on myself.
i'm new to polymer .have done little ,I work with wire. i know " inspector Buzzkill"
personally.
we are our worst critics
i miss the monday video.....are they gone now?
No they aren't gone Penelope, thank you for asking! We have been away at a RUclips conference in California and have been unable to film and upload while we were on the road. Usually we can get enough content done ahead of schedule so that there is no 'break' in content releases but we have also been overloaded with trying to get the new website finished as well. We will 'get back to regular programming' asap. Both Doug and I appreciate your support and interest in our channel! :)
Oh I definitely over think and I never complete some of my work because of it... It's awful!...
No new video for 2 weeks now? :(
We have been away at a RUclips conference in California and have been unable to film and upload while we were on the road. Usually we can get enough content done ahead of schedule so that there is no 'break' in content releases but we have also been overloaded with trying to get the new website finished as well. We will 'get back to regular programming' asap. Both Doug and I appreciate your support and interest in our channel! :)
PolymerClayTutor ah ok, awesome. Wasn't sure if I had missed an announcement or something. Thanks for the update.
It's well meaning but sometimes I just wish people would get their thoughts organized in their mind before rambling endlessly for 15 minutes. It's true that we shouldn't take the joy out of a project by second guessing ourselves to tears. I don't mean to be disrespectful but a lot of RUclipsrs do it and it's so annoying.
no need to watch, that's what her studio cam is, uncut raw rambling. :)
and I love it!
Thank you ruteo24 for your feedback. Like Tiffany said (and as you can see by the many comments) some people get a lot out of the casual style of these videos. Lot's of RUclipsrs do it because it is so effective. It is an alternative to the highly polished (and often shallow) content that has been availble all these years on TV. There is still a place for the scripted stuff and a place for the one-on-one chat. The lucky thing is that you have a choice of what you want to click your mouse on and watch. It is your time and you should get the most value out of that time as you can.