Polymer Clay Cane Pattern Compositions for Beginners
A course by Kristin Vaughn , Polymer Clay Artist

Use polymer clay to create cohesive tubes filled with intricate patterns and colors that you can use to decorate different objects
Polymer clay canes are rolled tubes with a pattern running down the middle, which can be sliced to make all kinds of accessories. Kristin Vaughn, polymer clay artist and founder of Hillside Studio, specializes in handcrafting unique and colorful pieces using this method. She shares her creations with more than 207K followers on Instagram and has seen her work featured on platforms like Buzzfeed, Bored Panda, and MyModernMet.
In this online course, learn the fundamentals of polymer clay cane composition. Kristin teaches you how to craft cohesive tubes filled with intricate patterns and colors, as well as how to shape them into a range of decorative objects. Explore your creativity and transform simple designs into elaborate works of art.
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 13 downloads
- 99% positive reviews (76)
- 4,974 students
- 16 lessons (2h 37m)
- 13 additional resources (3 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish (Latam), French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Make a patterned polymer clay cane with floral motifs that you can turn into a decorative object or accessory.

Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in learning how to work with polymer clay canes to make unique pieces with custom patterns and designs.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is required.
In terms of materials, you need polymer clay in a range of colors, an acrylic clay roller, a craft knife, and a tissue blade.

Reviews

Kristin Vaughn
A course by Kristin Vaughn
Kristin Vaughn is a self-taught polymer clay artist based in Iowa, USA. She loved arts and crafts growing up, but slowly lost touch as she began her professional career. In need of an artistic outlet, she rekindled her passion for clay and discovered the creative possibilities of canes. She later decided to transform her jewelry-making hobby into a business and set up Hillside Studio.
In 2021, Kristin left her corporate job and has since been fully devoted to her studio, handcrafting original pieces to sell online and in her boutique store. She’s passionate about teaching others this art form and shares her creations with more than 207K followers on Instagram. Her work has also been featured on media platforms like Buzzfeed, Bored Panda, and MyModernMet.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Getting Started with Polymer Clay Canes
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Tools and Materials
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Planning the Cane Composition
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The Basics of Cane Building 1
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The Basics of Cane Building 2
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U3
Creating a Floral Patterned Cane
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Leaf and Vine Canes 1
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Leaf and Vine Canes 2
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Flower Canes 1
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Flower Canes 2
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Butterfly Cane 1
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Butterfly Cane 2
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Finalizing the Patterned Clay Cane
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U4
Uses for the Finished Cane
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Making a Slab
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Uses for the Patterned Slab
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Caring for Finished and Unfinished Clay
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FP
Final project
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Polymer Clay Cane Pattern Compositions for Beginners
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is designed for intermediate learners who have some basic experience with polymer clay. If you’re comfortable with foundational techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to work through the advanced cane and pattern methods taught here.
You’ll need various colors of polymer clay, an acrylic roller, ceramic tile work surface, pasta machine, bone folder, sharp blades, and basic cleaning supplies. Recommended clay brands and optional specialty tools are covered in the course materials.
You’ll learn advanced techniques for creating, reducing, and assembling polymer clay canes, blending colors, constructing floral and butterfly motifs, and designing unique earrings. The course also covers creative reuse of scraps and finishing professional-quality pieces.
Polymer clay canes are logs of clay with designs running through them. When sliced, each piece displays the same pattern, which can be used to decorate jewelry like earrings, pendants, and other decorative objects.
The course provides step-by-step guidance on using cane construction and color selection to form striking black and white snake earrings, including tips for shaping, assembling, and finishing the pieces.
Yes, the course teaches creative methods for combining cane scraps into new patterns, backgrounds, or slab techniques, helping reduce waste and inspire unique decorative elements.
You’ll learn ombre blending, color mixing, and custom color recipe creation to achieve smooth gradients and harmonious palettes for your canes and motifs.

foarte bine explicat ...
Me encantó el curso, muy bien explicado y una excelente opción para aprender la técnica.
I like this course. It is helpful for me!
wow, this is the best course ever! you are a fantastic teacher.
Me gusto bastante este curso estoy aprendiendo nuevas técnicas y nuevos diseños, súper recomendable todo muy bien explicado