Friday, August 21, 2015

Inside the Studio with Heather Wynn Millican (swoondimples)

Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive, we offer a prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard and tell us what you think. The following week a winner is chosen at random from all eligible entries.


Congratulations to Cory Tompkins
Yay!! She has won a 20$ gift certificate to Firefly Design Studio.  
Please contact Michelle McCarthy to claim your prize!


Hello and welcome to my very first Inside the Studio post. I have recently initiated a YouTube channel and am hoping to create a series of polymer clay bead and jewelry tutorials. I have been working with polymer clay for near 25 years and have taught students of all ages. My first experience was teaching at a local art supply store. I was 18 at the time and was teaching a class full of children ages 5 through 12. Boy was that fun (and stressful)! My first video, however, was far more relaxed. I wasn't responsible for a room full of littles using butter knives to slice their canes. (butter knives are a bad choice, by the way, but it was my only option at the time) Who wants to hand over a medical grade tissue blade to a 6 year old? not me. And yes, everyone's cane was smooshed but they had fun regardless :)

My husband is incredibly supportive and is well experienced in producing media. This made for a great 'first video' experience. I would love to know what you think and all comments and suggestions are most appreciated. What would you like to learn in polymer clay? Please share your suggestions in the comment section below and a random winner will be chosen to receive a 20$ gift certificate to swoondimples


Happy Friday! 




22 comments:

Unknown said...

What poly cclay brand do you use? Thanks I learned alot. Don't be nervous you are beautiful and very informative.

Unknown said...

Oh yeah I would like to see some close ups!

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

What a great video! I do not work in Polymer Clay, but your video makes me want to run to the store RIGHT NOW! :) You are a natural...thank you for sharing!!!

Loralee said...

I loved your video! What I liked most was, it was natural and I felt as if I were sitting with you and you were showing just me. Very easy to follow and I love all the personal touches and comments.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for such an informative video. I was pleased to hear about the tools you used. I was wondering what brand of poly clay you used?

Julie Wong Sontag said...

What a fabulous video tutorial! I'm fascinated with the process of working in media that i'm not familiar with, and the video format really brings it to life. I can't wait to see more! xo - julie

Unknown said...

I think your viddeo is very nice I like that you give so much information and it was very helpful to me!

Unknown said...

Thank you! Yet another art world to explore. Jill

Unknown said...

I enjoyed your video veery much! You did a grreat job and were very helpful with your directions. Also thank you for so much input on the products that yu used!

Unknown said...

SORRY FOR SO MANY COMMENTS i DIDN'T THINK THEY WERE GOING THROUGH NOW i LOOK LIKE A STALKER!!!:O

Terri said...

Not possible...25 years...you must of started when you were very very young. The tutorial was great to see just how much work goes into making your adorable swoondimple beads! May just have to give this a try! And I really like the info on the custom font stamps. You really made a great instructional video. Thanks You!

Elizabeth said...

Very professional and warm at the same time. Your smile is endearing. Please keep making videos!

Elizabeth

Heather Wynn Millican said...

Thank you for all of the wonderul comments!!
My favorite polymer clay to work with is Premo.

Rebecca said...

Really awesome ITS Heather! I love your video :-)

Shee Sews said...

Wow, interesting to know how it all works but I love the end results the most xx

BeadQueen87 said...

Great video I would like to learn how to print images is there any particular place you get them ? Can you just use an ordinary printer ? ;) Love to win a voucher to use in your shop x

CMS Designs said...

I knew nothing about working with polymer clay, but now I have an introduction. Fascinating look into your fabulous work. You are very natural and informative. Thank you!

Andrew Thornton said...

I'm so proud of you!

Carolyn said...

Heather,

Loved the video. It was just like a personal conversation with you. Thanks for showing your process.

Carolyn
Carolynscreations@live.com

LauraSouderStudio said...

Thank thou, Heather for creating a relaxing and informative video for both new comers and experienced polymer clay enthusiasts alike. It demonstrates that you are truly are the expert in your in your venue! I

Unknown said...

I love your tutorial! It's easy to follow the visual and audio instructions. I would love to know how to work with translucent polymer clay. I have a feeling it's tricky.

Unknown said...

YAY, I won!!!

I just started using more alcohol ink with my clay so I appreciate you showing how you use it. I'll have to try the dremel trick you showed too because I really don't like sanding!

Thanks for the tutorial!