For those of you who would like to enter my contest, but do not want your email addy posted publicly, please click and send me a convo after you have commented on what you think would make a wonderful gift for Mother's Day.
Sorry, I do not know how yet to make it so that you can send me just an email through this blog. So for now, this contest is open to members of www.Etsy.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Enter to win a free gift!
I would love to know what you think would make the best Mother's Day gift from anything in my shop!
Click on my name and browse around, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know whichever item you think a Mom would love. Please include your email addy so that I can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator.
Contest closes April 3rd!
Your free gift will be a set of 20 mini note cards!
Fave Crafts Blog Give Away!
Fave Crafts Blog is offering an awesome give away! Please read their product review on the Lisa Pavelka Signature Series and comment to enter for your chance to win. What an awesome opportunity to try some fabulous new tools!
But don't wait too long, the deadline is April 3, 2009 5pm CST.
But don't wait too long, the deadline is April 3, 2009 5pm CST.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Searching for my muse
For the last few weeks I have been in a bit of a slump, with coming up with new ideas of what I can do and make with polymer clay. My inspiration, my muse if you will, has gone on a vacation. If you see her, please let me know? She is a tiny little thing, with wild green hair. Very cheerful and mischievious.
I do not normally look at other artists and what they are doing as a means of gaining inspiration for a number of reasons. Some of which being that I do not wish to copy their ideas, and I would find it a bit irksome if someone "copied" me. So that being said, I do still like to look at all the fabulous things people are making because it proves that people are constantly improving their work, and that with dedication and practice, I too can become an excellent artist. Kind of a quandry I am in, yes?
I finally decided to take some "me time" and just play with the clay and see what happens. For a few months now I have been making buttons, and it had carried over into beads. So here are a few pics so that you can see what I mean.
Making canes have been quite a challenge for me, and I continue to create new ones. I will not show any of those here, as I have quite a few that I may make into things later. Needless to say, making canes are an essential skill; one that I will continue to work on.
You can see, he is not human. He has no ears, not needing them since he is telepathic. His magical robes have become tattered and worn, and his once brilliant blue eyes have faded with age. He has become tired, and jaded with life. One day, perhaps, his apprentice will appear and he can go to his rest in the fields of glory.
I do not normally look at other artists and what they are doing as a means of gaining inspiration for a number of reasons. Some of which being that I do not wish to copy their ideas, and I would find it a bit irksome if someone "copied" me. So that being said, I do still like to look at all the fabulous things people are making because it proves that people are constantly improving their work, and that with dedication and practice, I too can become an excellent artist. Kind of a quandry I am in, yes?
I finally decided to take some "me time" and just play with the clay and see what happens. For a few months now I have been making buttons, and it had carried over into beads. So here are a few pics so that you can see what I mean.
I also continued with my pocket mirrors.
Making canes have been quite a challenge for me, and I continue to create new ones. I will not show any of those here, as I have quite a few that I may make into things later. Needless to say, making canes are an essential skill; one that I will continue to work on.
As I said earlier, my little muse had taken a short leave of absence, so in the meantime I decided to get back to sculpting itself. I made this little guy over the weekend. I call him, Tattered Dreams. Sorry the pictures are not very good, my camera was not being friendly to me today. I will try to take better ones over the next little while, and will post them if I can get better close-ups.
You can see, he is not human. He has no ears, not needing them since he is telepathic. His magical robes have become tattered and worn, and his once brilliant blue eyes have faded with age. He has become tired, and jaded with life. One day, perhaps, his apprentice will appear and he can go to his rest in the fields of glory.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I got a Treasury!
I am rarely awake or at home at my computer when the Treasury lists open up on Etsy, so today I was shocked when a spot opened up!
I am very pleased to present to you some of my favourite Polymer clay creations that make me think of Spring when I look at them. The attention to detail, and the dedication and hard work that goes into each and every one of these just goes to show how truly talented, and artistic these wonderful people are!
By clicking on the picture, it will take you directly to the page of my treasury.
Here is a list of the fabulous artists that are featured here.
http://www.creativewriting.etsy.com/
http://www.naturevisions.etsy.com/
http://www.ametista.etsy.com/
http://www.juliespace.etsy.com/ (Alt)
http://www.bdbear.etsy.com/
http://www.nkdesigns.etsy.com/
http://www.kathys711.etsy.com/
http://www.breathtakingbeadzz.etsty.com/ (Alt)
http://www.organicodyssyes.etsy.com/
http://www.4thesparrowsnest.etsy.com/
http://www.spiritmama.etsy.com/
http://www.polymerclaycreations.etsy.com/ (Alt)
http://www.yogafairies.etsy.com/
http://www.chicki.etsy.com/
http://www.aardvarkcreations.com/
http://www.divadea.etsy.com/ (Alt)
I am very pleased to present to you some of my favourite Polymer clay creations that make me think of Spring when I look at them. The attention to detail, and the dedication and hard work that goes into each and every one of these just goes to show how truly talented, and artistic these wonderful people are!
By clicking on the picture, it will take you directly to the page of my treasury.
Here is a list of the fabulous artists that are featured here.
http://www.creativewriting.etsy.com/
http://www.naturevisions.etsy.com/
http://www.ametista.etsy.com/
http://www.juliespace.etsy.com/ (Alt)
http://www.bdbear.etsy.com/
http://www.nkdesigns.etsy.com/
http://www.kathys711.etsy.com/
http://www.breathtakingbeadzz.etsty.com/ (Alt)
http://www.organicodyssyes.etsy.com/
http://www.4thesparrowsnest.etsy.com/
http://www.spiritmama.etsy.com/
http://www.polymerclaycreations.etsy.com/ (Alt)
http://www.yogafairies.etsy.com/
http://www.chicki.etsy.com/
http://www.aardvarkcreations.com/
http://www.divadea.etsy.com/ (Alt)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Featured Polymer Clay Artist : SCDiva
I am doing a series of features on my fellow polymer clay artists, and this week is the awesome artist Lynda of SCDiva ( http://www.scdiva.etsy.com/ )
Do you have any advice for people who are considering working with polymer clays?
Go for it! Don’t be a big chicken like I was, just dive in and start creating. It will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Second, there is no right or wrong way to do things, let your creative side come out and play, experiment to find your voice in the medium. Polymer clay is so versatile, you really are limited only by your imagination.
When did you start to work with clay?
I saw Lisa Pavelka on the Carol Duval show one day a few years ago. She was covering a tin in a faux leather she made from polymer clay using the mokume gane technique. It took another couple of years, until I saw Donna Kato do a segment on HGTV, before I bought the first packages of clay in October, 2007. It took me a month to work up the nerve to open the packages and start making beads.
Why did you choose clay as your artistic medium?
I am a frustrated watercolorist. But while I cannot paint so that you can see shadows and depth, I can do that with clay.
What do you love most about working with clay?
The versatility. I still cannot believe how much you can do with polymer clay.
What is your most favorite creation?
I just finished some pieces using image transfers to make "faux collages" on clay. This brooch, which I call "Two Edwardian Ladies With Morning Glories, is my favorite of all the image transfers I have made. This series of image transfers has more of my personality in them than anything I have done so far.
I saw Lisa Pavelka on the Carol Duval show one day a few years ago. She was covering a tin in a faux leather she made from polymer clay using the mokume gane technique. It took another couple of years, until I saw Donna Kato do a segment on HGTV, before I bought the first packages of clay in October, 2007. It took me a month to work up the nerve to open the packages and start making beads.
Why did you choose clay as your artistic medium?
I am a frustrated watercolorist. But while I cannot paint so that you can see shadows and depth, I can do that with clay.
What do you love most about working with clay?
The versatility. I still cannot believe how much you can do with polymer clay.
What is your most favorite creation?
I just finished some pieces using image transfers to make "faux collages" on clay. This brooch, which I call "Two Edwardian Ladies With Morning Glories, is my favorite of all the image transfers I have made. This series of image transfers has more of my personality in them than anything I have done so far.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere and in everything! Seriously, art, history, nature, other artists work, vintage textiles, vintage graphics, iconoclastic images, just about everything I see.
I use semi-precious gemstones with my PC pendants to make necklaces, and the colors in nature are absolutely amazing. The agates and Jaspers, and turquoise, are my favorite stones. There are so many subtle shades of color in the jasper family of stones, particularly Leopardskin Jasper, which I use more than any other gemstone.
Everywhere and in everything! Seriously, art, history, nature, other artists work, vintage textiles, vintage graphics, iconoclastic images, just about everything I see.
I use semi-precious gemstones with my PC pendants to make necklaces, and the colors in nature are absolutely amazing. The agates and Jaspers, and turquoise, are my favorite stones. There are so many subtle shades of color in the jasper family of stones, particularly Leopardskin Jasper, which I use more than any other gemstone.
Do you have any advice for people who are considering working with polymer clays?
Go for it! Don’t be a big chicken like I was, just dive in and start creating. It will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Second, there is no right or wrong way to do things, let your creative side come out and play, experiment to find your voice in the medium. Polymer clay is so versatile, you really are limited only by your imagination.
Thank you so much Lynda for taking the time to answer all my questions! I look forward to seeing more of your lovely artwork!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bank Beavers
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, I decided to take a walk down by the river. My husband had gone down there a few days ago and had noticed there was a significant amount of damage done to a stand of poplars. Apparently we have a resident group of bank beavers, and over the last couple of months they have been quite busy!
I did not realize just how much damage a group of beavers can do, until I saw all the downed trees. Over half of the trees have been downed, and it did not seem to matter to the beavers what age the trees were. Small ones, big ones, all the same to them. From what I have been told, the beavers like to "cut" down a tree, and then eat the tender shoots at the top.
I did not realize just how much damage a group of beavers can do, until I saw all the downed trees. Over half of the trees have been downed, and it did not seem to matter to the beavers what age the trees were. Small ones, big ones, all the same to them. From what I have been told, the beavers like to "cut" down a tree, and then eat the tender shoots at the top.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Polymer clay canework and ACEOs
Life has a habit of getting so busy that I find some days I just cannot keep up with everything. I always mean to blog more often, but you know how it is. So....here is just a quick update on a few of my latest creations using polymer clay cane work.This one has a dried and pressed Dianthus flower (from my own garden) and at the bottom I have attached an adorable green tourmaline that I purchased from Annasjewelry on Etsy.
This one has a dried and pressed pansy flower in the centre, and in the 4 corners are slices of a little yellow flower cane I made. It also has a gorgeous shade of green tourmaline attached to the bottom.If you would like to see more lovely gemstones, check out Annasjewelry. She has quite a selection!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Vote and Win!
The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy is having their monthly Challenge! This month the challenge is Cane Work.
To see some awesome work go to http://www.pcagoe.com/ to view the entries and vote for your favourite. By voting you will be entered into a draw for some fabulous prizes donated by guild members.
Voting runs until March 7th, and don't forget to sign up to get the monthly newsletter!
To see some awesome work go to http://www.pcagoe.com/ to view the entries and vote for your favourite. By voting you will be entered into a draw for some fabulous prizes donated by guild members.
Voting runs until March 7th, and don't forget to sign up to get the monthly newsletter!
2. Fantasy Fish Pin by AliceStroppel
3. Split Personality by oneandonly
6. Blue Flowers Ladybug by ashpaints
7. Retro Ring by ruthtarragano
8. Grenade by lacigalecristalline
10. Little Black Dress Necklace by NKDesigns
12. Sunshine and Rainbows by polymerclaycreations
14. Ringling B by Susanne D.
16. Feline Dreams by ametista
19. Shifting Star Set by pipsjewellery
20. Field of Poppies by OrganicOdysseys
21. Rustic Ease by laurabeestudios
22. Varliukas-ramuniukas by Liukse
23. Complexities of the Heart by plumuniqprettiesplus
I went shopping!
I was in dire need of more clay, and finally was able to convince my husband to take me shopping. We went to Michael's Craft Store in London (Ontario). I think he may have been quite nervous about the whole thing, wondering if I would be able to control myself! I promised to be good.
When I walked into the store, it was most definately a crafter's delight. So many craft supplies, so little time. I headed right for the clay section and was quite pleased. I was able to get all but 3 of the colours I wanted in the Fimo Soft polymer clay. The ones I really wanted but they did not have was purple, lavender and midnight blue. And, they only had the small 2oz blocks, none of the big blocks. If they had of had at least white in the big blocks, I would have definately got some of those. I walked out with at least 30 blocks. I was also hoping to find liquid Fimo, but no luck there.
I even found a pasta maker there. Of course, I knew that as soon as I had gotten home I would be taking that out of the box, cleaning it, and trying it out! I bought some small 3 inch round mirrors and some 3 inch square ones, plus some cork. Not quite certain yet what I will make with those.
In addition to this I purchased a set of 4 metal knitting needles for piercing clay, and a clay extruder gun with 19 plates.
I looked for and did not find wool for hair, plain glass votive holders, blank compacts, foils or a few other things on my list. That will have to wait for another day.
As soon as I got home, I did take the pasta maker out of the box, and clean it. It was too late in the day for actually using it, but I did run some clay through it to see how it turned out. I am very pleased!
The next day, I made my first real Skinner Blend. I used a purple and white and I believe it turned out quite nicely! Now to start planning my next projects!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chicki on Etsy!
Browsing Etsy the other day, I ran across a very talented polymer clay artist. She makes the most amazing focal pendants!
So, I asked her if I could feature her on my blog, and she said "Yes!" (Click on the pictures to see the actual listings)
Chicki ( http://chicki.etsy.com/ ) is also a member of the Etsy Street team I belong to, PCAGOE (Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy). You can check out their blog at http://www.pcagoe.com/
When did you start to work with clay?
I first bought some clay probably 5 years or so ago and made some very simple beads with it. Since then I took a couple breaks from clay when I had my children. I guess I have been seriously working with it for almost 2 years now and have had it in my etsy shop for just over a year.
What had inspired you to start?
I am always up for a challenge and thought clay would be fun to try. Well, I bought some clay and was hooked. It is such a great medium to work with.
What do you love most about working with clay?
I love the versatility clay has. It can mimic anything you want it to be and it can be used in so many ways...its great! I love the colours and textures that clay can be made into as well. There are so many great artists out there using it in so many ways...that is fantastic!
What is your most favorite creation?
Ok so my biased opinion is all of them! I do love all of my work but have a few that I just cannot part with so I keep them for myself or give them to close family members. Right now though, I really like creating necklaces from my own beads and enhancing them with sterling silver findings and glass beads or crystals.
Do you have any advice for people who are considering working with polymer clays?
There is a wealth of information out there to learn from. My advice to a newbie would be to read and experiment. There are lots of great books out there. Develop your own style and go from there....you never know what you will end up creating. And have fun!
Thanks Julie!
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