Tools Tools Tools!
October 24, 2019 | Read

Who loves tools, both new and old?
We do!
This week on I LOVE Tools we had presenters from around the world showing us all-new tool possibilities.
Joy Funnell, a master metal clay artist, and teacher showed us a tool she loves. Watch and see how she creates rolls of metal clay and incorporates the shapes in her work.
Melanie Muir shared with us her new texture plates. Melanie is a master polymer clay artist who is a genius at creating textures and patterns that she incorporates into her jewelry pieces.
Then take a look at the world of 3D printing. Kelly Wayment shows us how to create a “lithophane” with the Alta 3D printer from Silhouette. It’s an art from the 1820s. Artwork was etched or molded into very thin porcelain. The result could only be seen when backlit with a light source. Kelly shows how fun and easy it is to take your photos or artwork and 3D print a lithophane with your design.
Polymer clay artist Shelley Atwood, who is known for her stunning jewelry pieces, show us a bead roller that makes creating uniformly shaped beads a cinch.
Leslie Yowell can make you a 3D mold to your specifications. Check out her ETSY store.
Cindy Pope always had something new to share, and this time it’s templates to use to create her metal clay jewelry pieces.
Pam East has a Free Video to share. Learn how to add gold accents to your metal clay pieces. Such a great way to add even more sparkle and bling.
Etcher Laser came on to show us all their new tools, a machine that can etch patterns and photos into a variety of materials. Oh, the possibilities are endless.
I love showing a few things too. First, I demonstrated a Crayola airbrush, then etching a night light and last, adding metallic foil using your Silhouette or Cricut machines.
Take a look at this Video. It’s free and make sure and download the handout as well for all the links to the tools shown.
How do I watch this?
Hi Leanne,
You can purchase for FREE and watch in CRAFTCAST’s “My Library” like with any other videos purchased. Here is the page link: https://craftcast.com/recordings/i-love-tools-16-bonanza
I need help integrating my Glowforge with my other crafting, and re-learning things. I have a teaching certificate in metal clay but it’s been so long since I’ve done anything I don’t remember anything. I am absolutely petrified to use the kiln for fear I’ll burn the house down. I know I need to practice and all, but any reassurance that I probably WON’T burn the house down would help. I was very, very ill with many issues for a long time and pretty much expected to die soon. Now it looks like I might not, so I’m trying to get back to things I used to love.
Yay for getting back to things you will love. And I understand the anxiety about powerful tools. I believe to really get to know your tools so you are prepared. Example: I am comfortable with my Glowforge, but i do keep an extinguisher and fire blanket near by for just incase. Baby steps. Try a small project with your Glowforge and do a test run with your kiln with nothing in it. You will build confidence. Hugs and I applaud you for getting back to the things you love! 🙂