Laura’s Secret to the Kaleidoscope Cane

Creating the 3 Part Kaleidoscope Cane:

Kaleidoscope canes are simple canes placed together to form a single combination. This single combination is then cut and divided; mirroring itself into a complex cane pattern we call a kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope caning is easier to do than most believe. Like with anything we do, the more you create kaleidoscope canes the better you become at it. From simple to the more complex…kaleidoscope canes can be easily made and it can be done using any cane you have already created. Klimt canes, Skinner Blend canes, Jelly roll canes, Checkerboard canes, Tile canes, and the list goes on. Any of these and more can be used to create a new and exciting kaleidoscope cane.

Unlike other caning techniques in polymer clay, Kaleidoscope canes give you more than one pattern when making them. The 3 Part Kaleidoscope will give you three different designs. Here’s what you will learn in this tutorial:

1. How to create a kaleidoscope cane2. Finding of the three kaleidoscope combinations3. A “Quick Trick” in figuring out the 3 Part Kaleidoscope4. Recreating Kaleidoscope Patterns5. Create your own recipe cards and storage.

So let’s get down to business and create our kaleidoscope canes.

Abbreviations I use when creating recipes to Kaleidoscopes:

SO = Sculpey Original (White)S = SculpeyP =PremoFS = Fimo SoftFE = Fimo EffectsFC = Fimo ClassicK = KatoPA = PardoPM = Pasta Machine (Atlas brand)PMA = Pasta Machine (Amaco brand)PMS = Pasta Machine (Sculpey brand)

Sampl e

How to create a Kaleidoscope Cane:

Simple Clay Canes Needed:

2 Logs: Sculpey Lime. One log is ¼ diameter, and the other log is ½” diameter and wrapped in Premo Black. The black sheet that wraps the green is set on the 4th largest opening on the pasta machine.

2 Skinner Blend Canes: Premo Cadmium Yellow and Candy Pink. One cane has a pink center, the other has a yellow center. (PM 2). Both canes are ½” in diameter.

2 Skinner Blend Jellyrolls: Premo Cadmium Yellow and Candy Pink. Blend a layer of Yellow and Pink. Then lay a layer of Premo Black on this blended layer. Both layers are the thickness of the 2nd largest opening on the pasta machine. Run this through the pasta machine once again on the 2nd largest opening and roll this up. Each jellyroll is ½” in diameter.

1 Log: 1 Premo Candy Pink. 6/16” in diameter. This log is wrapped in black and the wrapped layer is the done on the 4th largest opening on the pasta machine. (PM 4).

1 Skinner Blend Cane Block (Rectangular): Sculpey Stonewash and Sculpey Original White. This cane is wrapped in black (PM 4). Overall, 5/16” X ¾” in diameter.

1 Skinner Blend Cane: Sculpey Stonewash and Sculpey Original White. Wrapped in a black layer (PM 4). Overall 1/2” in diameter.

Create the Clay Combination:Sampl e

1. Start with a one of the yellow and pink jellyrolls. This cane is in the center of the combination of canes you will be creating.

2. Place a Skinner Blend Cane beside the jellyroll, wrapped in black.

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3. Place the other Skinner Blend Cane on the other side of the Jellyroll.

4. Place the blue and white skinner blend cane between yellow and pink skinner blend canes.

5. Now place the other yellow/pink skinner blend jellyroll beside the blue and white skinner blend cane.

6. Place the blue/white rectangular block beside the newly placed skinner blend jellyroll.

7. Place the wrapped in black green log between the pink centered skinner blend cane and the jellyroll.

8. Place the pink log wrapped in black between the green log and the blue and white block.