Polymer Clay Kaleidoscope Canes

In this class, the students will learn all the basic skills necessary to make a Kaleidoscope Cane. I will give a short explanation of what a Kaleidoscope is, include the construction of the cane from various component canes. We will then review the Materials and Tools required to complete the class including polymer clay, cutting blades, rollers and a pasta machine. I will then do a short review of conditioning the clay using the pasta machine to ensure the material is supple and pliable for use. The students will then learn how to construct some basic component canes. Components canes include a 3-color Bullseye Cane, a 3-color Spiral Cane, a 3-color Stacked Cane, a rainbow Border Cane and a 2-color Triangle Cane. Once the component canes are assembled, the student will learn how to configure those canes into a complex Square Kaleidoscope Cane and a Pie Kaleidoscope Cane. I will discuss cane reduction techniques including the use of rollers to ensure the design stays consistent throughout the cane. I will also demonstrate how to line up the registration lines of the reduced canes and I will demonstrate a double reduction technique for a more complex design. The class wrap up will include an invitation to join future classes.