YOUR LEARNING PATH
Where will you GO?
Whether you’re just discovering polymer clay or you’ve been creating for years, there’s a place to start.
I’ve been teaching my original techniques in polymer clay for more than 30 years, and over that time I’ve developed a collection of learning experiences designed to build skills, confidence, and creative independence.
Some are short guides to help you master the fundamentals. Some are project-based courses that let you put new skills into practice. Others are in-depth MasterClasses where you’ll explore a technique or process in depth, learning not just how it works, but why.
All of my courses are available on-demand in my Academy, so you can begin whenever you’re ready and learn at your own pace. If you’re not sure where to start, the guide below will help you choose the path that’s right for you.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Finishing With Finesse
Here’s a taste of how I teach, and it’s on the house.
Finishing With Finesse is a free PDF guide featuring some of my favourite tips and techniques for achieving beautiful finishes on your polymer clay work.
Download it, keep it forever, and use it as a reference whenever you need a little help making your pieces shine.
FREE
FULL DETAILS HERE
'Finishing With Finesse' is totally fabulous! Your PDF should be in every polymer artist’s reference binder and your flawless finish techniques in everyone’s repertoire. Your explanations and demos have helped me move leaps and bounds beyond where I would have gotten on my own.”
— Alex Pemberton :: Finishing With Finesse
START HERE!
POLYMER SMART START
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR THE POLYMER ARTIST
The perfect place to begin your polymer clay journey, or to revisit the fundamentals with fresh eyes.
Polymer Smart Start is my digital guidebook to the essential skills, techniques, and working methods that form the foundation of my approach to polymer clay. We begin with how I think about the medium, the tools I rely on, and the practices that shape my work. From clay preparation and blends to cutting, peeling, burnishing, baking, and finishing, you’ll learn not just what to do, but why it works.
Build confidence, develop better habits, and create a foundation you can continue building on for years to come.
Instant access. Learn at your own pace. Keep it as an ongoing reference.
$49 US$
FULL DETAILS HERE
Polymer Smart Start provides beginners with a confident, confusion-free starting point while serving as the perfect quick-reference guide for experienced makers. It’s the structured, self-paced roadmap the polymer community has been waiting for.
— Theresa Zerrenner :: Polymer Smart Start
COMPLETE YOUR FIRST PROJECT
RELIEF BEYOND BELIEF
DIEFORMED BEADMAKING IN POLYMER CLAY
Put your skills into practice while creating something beautiful.
Relief Beyond Belief is a project-based course that guides you through the creation of dimensional polymer clay beads while introducing important design principles, construction techniques, and creative problem-solving along the way.
Originally developed from our 2011 digital book of the same name, this course is a perfect next step after Polymer Smart Start, helping you move from learning essential skills to applying them in a finished piece.
$97 US$
FULL DETAILS HERE
Over the years, I’ve taken a number of jewelry-making classes with a variety of well-known instructors. Without a doubt, yours is the best class I have ever taken including the face-to-face ones. Thank you for this exceptional course - I will be your student anytime!
— Judy Cain :: Relief Beyond Belief
The current Self-Study MasterClass lineup:
Single Slice Mokume :: Building Better Beads :: Twist Canes :: A Perfect Fit :: FutureForming
Bioforming :: MilleKume :: Blurred Lines :: Matrix Canes :: Five Star Colour
MASTER THE MEDIUM
THE SELF-STUDY MASTERCLASS COLLECTION
Polymer Smart Start and Relief Beyond Belief introduce the essential skills that make everything else possible. Beyond them lies a collection of in-depth MasterClasses that explore the techniques and systems I’ve developed over more than three decades of working with polymer clay.
Each of these online courses debuted as live cohort events, and one by one, they have been repeated and refined to become an entire ecosystem of deeper dive MasterClasses.
To make them more accessible as ongoing offerings inside my online school, ten different courses are now available individually in an instant-access Self-Study format.
Instead of having to wait for the next cohort to begin, you can choose your own timeline, sign up for the MasterClass that feels right for you, and enter its classroom as soon as you’re ready. Each Self-Study MasterClass includes 90 days of access, giving you a generous window to work through the lessons at your own pace while following the same comprehensive curriculum that thousands of students have enjoyed over the years.
Each MasterClass is a stand-alone course, exploring a single area of polymer clay in exceptional depth, not simply teaching projects, but helping you understand the systems, principles, and ways of thinking that lead to more creative and technically refined work.
Whether your interests lie in polymer design, colour, canes, mokume, blends, veneers, beads, or vessels, whether you're looking to explore a process or complete a one-of-a-kind project, each MasterClass is designed to help you build skills that will continue to serve you long after the course is complete.
“I have loved the MasterClasses and would thoroughly recommend them!
Even when the style is very different from my own, I have learned so much and have been able to translate the lessons into my own vocabulary — enriching my own creative vocabulary.”
— Wendy Moore
MY flagship Masterclasses
If you’re curious about the MasterClass experience, these two courses are a perfect place to begin.
These are my original MasterClasses, and together they represent two complementary approaches to creative learning.
Single Slice Mokume is an open-ended exploration of innovative patterned veneer techniques, encouraging experimentation, discovery, and endless possibilities.
Building Better Beads takes a more focused, project-based approach, guiding you through the design and construction of dimensional beads from beginning to end.
Together, they make a wonderful pairing. The decorative veneers created in Single Slice Mokume can become the inspiration and focal element for your Building Better Beads projects, combining exploration and application in a way that captures the spirit of the MasterClass experience.
SINGLE SLICE MOKUME
DYNAMIC STRATA PATTERNS IN POLYMER CLAY
Peel, reveal, and widen the realm of traditional mokume.
One of a kind patterns, one single slice at a time.
$310 US$
FULL DETAILS HERE
A high level of professionalism and care. It was an enriching experience and a model for what an online course should be. Encouraging, inspiring, and expertly organized.
— Beatriz C :: Single Slice Mokume
BUILDING BETTER BEADS
FORM & FINISH IN POLYMER CLAY
Whether you’re new to this medium or looking to refine your studio skills, this ‘finish right from the start’ workshop will show you how to master the basics… and beyond.
You bring the veneers, I’ll show you how to build them into something Better.
$275 US$
FULL DETAILS HERE
I continue to be impressed with Dan’s adherence to good technique. No shortcuts, and the results show it. A professional, well-paced, and rewarding course.
— Kristina K :: Building Better Beads
VENTURE OUT : PUSH THE BOUNDARIES
Expand your creative perspective with new ways of working that move beyond the traditional approaches to polymer clay pattern making.
These MasterClasses take familiar techniques and open the door to new possibilities: reimagined Damascus-inspired patterns, the fusion of polymer clay and 3D printing, precision canework without the distortion, complex blends that weave colour and pattern together in unexpected ways, mindful mokume without the mud, and the exploration of colour in see-through patterns.
Through deep exploration of process, these courses reveal new possibilities for decorative veneers and challenge you to rethink what can be achieved with some of polymer clay’s most popular techniques.
TWIST CANES
REINVENTING DAMASCUS PATTERNS IN POLYMER CLAY
Build, shift, and reimagine the language of traditional canework.
Endless pattern possibilities, revealed through a single, simple move.
$360 US$
FULL DETAILS HERE
Rather than leaving with a new technique, I am leaving with the curiosity and tools to continue to discover, learn and evolve this into my own language.
— Willemien R :: Twist Canes
FUTUREFORMING
3D PRINTING + POLYMER CLAY
A new creative language for polymer artists.
At the crossroads of digital design, 3D printing, and polymer clay, FutureForming invites you to imagine, design, and create in brand new ways, one layer at a time.
FULL DETAILS HERE
Absolutely brilliant! You really are opening up a whole new world for me. I found the progression from basic information about 3D printing to more and more advanced techniques on how to integrate the two quite different crafts, easy to follow and more and more fascinating with each new module.
— Nicholas G :: FutureForming
MATRIX CANEs
ONE CANE, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
Explore endless patterns with a ‘cutting edge’ take on traditional canework.
No reduction, no distortion… no kidding.
FULL DETAILS HERE
You have a unique way to make everything easy. Super detailed videos, precise explanations, and progressive lessons that build confidence. I really appreciated everything and can’t wait for the next class.
— Isabelle M :: Matrix Canes
BLURRED LINES
BLENDED PATTERNS IN POLYMER CLAY
Turn clean colourful ‘hard edged’ lines into beautifully blurry blended veneers and canes with soft feathered edges.
You know you want it…
FULL DETAILS HERE
Wonderful class! The videos were clear and easy to follow. The tricks of the trade and attention to detail will have me working much more professionally on future projects.
— Patty R :: Blurred Lines
MILLEKUME
INSERT PATTERNS IN POLYMER CLAY
A hybrid mix of millefiori canework construction and the ever-evolving strata patterns of mokume gane.
Two classic techniques combine to yield infinite one-of-a-kind veneers.
FULL DETAILS HERE
This was an exceptionally enjoyable class. The videos made the content come to life, and it felt as close as possible to having you in my studio working alongside me.
— Thom C :: MilleKume
FIVE STAR COLOUR
SEE-THROUGH PATTERNS IN POLYMER CLAY
With intentional mixing and well-placed pieces, explore the illusion of transparency and colour interaction.
Turn personal palettes into multi-mode patterns, wearable or wall-able.
FULL DETAILS HERE
Your teaching style makes it easy to learn. The lessons build gradually and every step adds confidence. It’s been like Christmas opening each new lesson.
— Lona N :: Five Star Colour
FOCUS IN : COMPLETE A PROJECT
When you have an assortment of hand-made patterned veneers on hand (or even just a simple sheet of clay) and you’re ready to give your creative journey a destination, here are two MasterClasses that turn process into project, guiding you from flat to form, from idea to object…
BIOFORMING
DIEFORMING… WITH A TWIST
Polymer clay can be decorative, and it can be structural. With Bioforming, it’s both.
Push plain flat sheets into organically inspired 3D forms, then finish them with finesse.
FULL DETAILS HERE
You revealed the mystery behind those wonderful forms with such clear, thorough instruction. This is a brilliant way to learn, and I look forward to the next course.
— Marion M :: Bioforming
A PERFECT FIT
wearable vessels in polymer clay
What happens when a centuries-old tradition is re-imagined in this modern medium?
This project-based course is a perfect way to contain your best design and construction skills in a one-of-a-kind wearable vessel.
FULL DETAILS HERE
Watching the demos was like watching a master magician share his secrets. The meticulous attention to detail explains why the results are flawless.
— Chris C :: A Perfect Fit
LIVE MASTERCLASS EVENTS
While all of my current MasterClasses are available as instant-access self-study courses, I also introduce an entirely new MasterClass as a live cohort event once or twice each year.
This is where the party happens!
These special events bring students from around the world together to explore brand-new techniques and creative systems that have never been taught before. Everyone begins at the same time, works through the material together, and shares discoveries, questions, and ideas along the way.
Throughout the event, you’ll have access to an active learning community, where students encourage one another, compare results, solve problems together, and celebrate their progress. I’ll be there too, answering questions, offering guidance, and participating in the conversations as we move through the course together.
For many students, these live events become one of the most rewarding parts of learning. There’s something uniquely energizing about exploring new ideas alongside hundreds of fellow polymer artists who are just as excited as you are.
When the live event concludes, the course becomes part of my MasterClass Collection, where it continues as an instant-access self-study course for future students, while I begin developing the next live MasterClass experience.
Want to join the next one? Be sure you’re subscribed to my mailing list. That’s where I announce new MasterClasses and open registration when the next live event is ready.
Masterclass cohort testimonial
FAQ
Why don’t your MasterClass courses include lifetime access?
Unlike a downloadable PDF or ebook, these courses are living, multimedia learning experiences hosted on an online platform that requires ongoing maintenance and support. Rather than promise “lifetime access”—a term that no one can truly guarantee—I provide a clearly defined access period so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
ACT NOW
ENHANCE YOUR PRACTICE
We welcome students from around the world, from confident beginners to experienced artists looking to expand their skills and creative possibilities.
Our online MasterClasses are immersive self-study experiences combining pre-recorded videos, written instructions, images, graphics, and downloadable resources. Begin whenever you’re ready, learn at your own pace, and revisit the material whenever you need inspiration or guidance.
Each MasterClass offers the opportunity to go deeper into a technique, process, or project while connecting with a global community of polymer artists who share a passion for learning, experimenting, and creating.
Venture out and discover new possibilities through open-ended exploration. Focus in and follow a guided path toward completing a special project. Or choose a little of both.
Every MasterClass is a complete learning experience on its own, but together they form a collection of creative explorations designed to help you continue growing as an artist. Start anywhere, and choose your own path.
LEVEL UP
MASTER THE MEDIUM
If you’re ready to invest in fresh ideas, explore new possibilities, and take your polymer work further, you’re in the right place.
My MasterClasses are deep dives into the techniques, processes, and creative thinking behind my work. Learn innovative approaches from their original source, discover the principles that make them work, and gain the confidence to adapt and apply them in your own way.
Whether you’re exploring new directions, refining your skills, or looking for inspiration to take your work somewhere unexpected, each MasterClass offers an opportunity to expand what you believe is possible with polymer clay.
REACH OUT
GET IN TOUCH
No matter where you are in your polymer journey, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
I’ve been working with this medium full time for more than three decades, and I’m still learning, experimenting, and discovering new possibilities. That sense of curiosity is what keeps polymer clay exciting.
Where will you go next?
If you have questions about a course, ideas for future explorations, or simply want to share what you’re working on, I’d love to hear from you.
The best ideas often begin with a simple “What if…?” So if there’s something you’d love to learn, a technique you’d like to explore, or a direction you think would make a great addition to the library, send me a note.