Wednesday, December 30, 2009

EmilyClaireCreations

EmilyClaireCreations

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With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
It is so accessible and adaptable to become what I want it to be.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Books, internet and fellow guild members

What is your favorite tool to work with?
rubber stamps and exacto knife

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I like to draw

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
making faux metal and stones. I love the look of hammered metal and semi-precious stones. Now I can mimic them to adapt in my own designs.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
I think caning, I haven't tried it, but it intimidates me

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
discovering how to faux gold/silver leaf and get over my mental block of alcohol inks

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
yes! I have a certain pallet I like to work with, that revolve around metallics

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I keep reading

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
shopping, reading and learning

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I am a big Premo! fan, but I have discovered the beauty of Kato clay

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I love working with polymer clay, because it is so personal. I can make it anything I want it to be. I can use designs/images that are personal and make the jewelry that is meaningful. Also, If I need a focal piece to accommodate a multi-strand design, I just have to make the focal piece how I need it to be.
EmilyClaireCreations.artfire.com

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Kato Transluscent Clay Experiment by HaffinaCreations

Kato Transluscent Clay Experiment by HaffinaCreations

The following experiment was conducted in my home, with as much care taken as possible to ensure consistency between the trial groups.

The purpose of the experiment was to see how translucent clay responds to different curing processes. There were 4 groups. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 was buried in cornflour. Group 3 was buried in cornflour and then dunked into cold water straight after curing. Group 4 was cured uncovered and dunked in cold water straight after curing.

I made up a simple cane of turquoise clay surrounded by Kato translucent clay. I cut 4 x 5mm slices, then used 2mm slices to cover a core bead of turquoise and translucent mixed together (cane ends LOL). The core beads were all the same size.

All the pieces were cured in my toaster oven at 275 degrees F for 30 minutes. Group 3 and 4 were dropped into water that had chilled in my freezer for 30 minutes (while clay cured).

As soon as beads were touch cool I took photographs and noted my impressions.

I then sanded each piece with 400grit, 1200grit and 3000grit wet /dry sandpaper and buffed with a dremel.

I then rephotographed and noted my impressions.

I will note now that I was surprised by the end results – they were not exactly what I had been expecting. It is also worth noting I used Kato translucent – other translucent clays may well perform differently under the same conditions.

The simple cane we started with, with the clay for the bead cores at the back.




  1. Our four groups on a ceramic tile covered with paper.
  2. Our four groups ready to go in the oven.
  3. Groups 3 and 4 in cold water straight out of the oven.
  4. Groups 1 and 2 just out of the oven.



First impressions.


Group 1 – Had a weird orangey hue and sort of ‘ooze’ on the surface of the clay. It was also very ‘shiny’.

Group 2 – Very white in colour – as white as the uncured clay of the cane. Surface was very smooth with none of the ‘ooze’ of group 1.

Group 3 – White, but not as white as group 2. It seems ‘clearer’, but not hugely. There was none of the ‘ooze’ of group 1.

Group 4 – There was a slight orangey tinge and a little of the ‘ooze’, but it actually seems to be more translucent than the rest.

After sanding and buffing.




Group 1 – Slight discolouration, a little orangey or yellow. Medium ‘cracking’, mainly long cracks. There is ‘translucence’, but with a orangey tinge of colour.

Group 2 – No discolouring, very white. Medium ‘cracking’, very similar to group 1. Some translucence, but less than group 1.

Group 3 – No discolouring, but not as ‘white’ as group 2. Lots of little ‘cracks’, more than group 1 or 2. Translucence is about the same as group 1, but without the tinge of orange.

Group 4 – The discolouring noticed after curing is almost completely gone after sanding, although it isn’t as ‘white’ as groups 2 and 3. Lots of little ‘cracks’ like group 3. The best translucence of them all, but not by a huge amount.

Not the best shot of the differences in translucence, but hopefully will give some idea. Groups are in numerical order as in picture before.



Picture of ‘cracking’ on the beads. Every attempt was made to ensure no air bubbles were present in clay – these cracks are unlike the cracking caused by air bubbles. Groups are in same order as before.


Conclusion:

Cornflour prevents the discolouration of the clay, although if you plunge it into cold water after curing the discolouring seems easier to sand off.

However, plunging it into cold water seems to induce more of the ‘cracking’, which could be very useful if making faux gemstones.

2mm thick slices are too thick for the really translucent look.

In my opinion, although the plunging in cold water alone seemed to give the best result, for a result without discolouring, bury in cornflour and then plunge in cold water.

I hope this has been as interesting to read as it was to do.

Visit HaffinaCreations.artfire.com

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Friday, December 4, 2009

I saw Mama Kissing Santa Clause

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Santa Claus Is Coming

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Stocking Stuffers

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Smooshers Holiday Sales

Check these Polymer Clay Smooshers' shops for Holiday sales right now.

Free Worldwide shipping & handling until midnight Central time Monday, November 30th. ColtPixy.artfire.com

Free gift to the value of $15 with the purchase of any set. HaffinaCreations.artfire.com

30% off your entire order. Use coupon code HAPPYHOLIDAYS at checkout. emilyclairecreations.artfire.com

Everything in the store is marked off 20 to 50% at thehippiecouple.artfire.com

25% off your order. Use Coupon code Sassy at checkout. sassyclaycreations.artfire.com

Everything is 20% off at scarlet-impressions.artfire.com

Everything is 10% off. Use coupon code holidays at checkout valeriesstuff.artfire.com

Free Worldwide Shipping in my shop at tooaquarius.artfire.com

10% off everything in the shop, plus November free shipping at Butterscotch_Grove.artfire.com

20% off all items ordered through cyber monday. Use coupon code Turkey Day at checkout HouseMorbid.artfire.com

Free shipping on all orders over $50, along with a free gift. Check shop for additional coupons at yolidesignz.artfire.com

Use coupon code HAPPYHOLIDAYS at checkout and receive 10% off everything until Dec. 3 at creativecritters.artfire.com

25% off from 27 November through 31 December 2009 Use coupon code HAPPY_HOLLYDAZE at checkout at 2BeadOrNot2Bead.artfire.com

10% off all items. Check shop for coupon for free shipping on all orders over $20 at Gingerbells.artfire.com

10% off all items until 11/30. Use Coupon code, Happy at checkout at RFColorfulCreations.artfire.com

15% off all items in our Holidays Special category. (Coupon code: Merry Christmas )
Chandelier Candle Collars are $10 off.
$10 Gift section -- mix and match any 3 for $25
Please note: this shop will be closed on Saturday only while attending an arts & crafts show. 2goodclaymates.artfire.com

40% off until the end of the day Christmas Day. Use coupon code 40OFF at checkout RoxysRox.artfire.com

Free shipping and free gift through the end of December at artfuldesigns.artfire.com

Friday, November 27, 2009

Gifts for the Do It Yourself crowd

Do you like to make your own gifts? Have a creative person on your list who would appreciate supplies? Polymer Clay Smooshers have canes, beads, buttons, clasps, handmade molds, tutorials, etc. just for that special someone on your list. This is just a sampling of what we have to offer. Visit the shops linked to your left here to explore even more options.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving here in the United States. Many people have a tradition to state what they are thankful for.


I am personally thankful to be part of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild. We have so many talented and wonderful people from all over the world. It has been an honor getting to know them all.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Family Get Togethers

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Home for the Holidays

Monday, November 23, 2009

Polymer Clay Smooshers Introduce thehippiecouple

thehippiecouple




What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
we were painting and had been for awhile. I told phoenix "man,I wish I could make a painting that I could touch and play with more" about 2 weeks later we seen polymer clay at michaels so we picked some up and started to get deep off in it and have been in love with it ever since.

What inspires you to create?
My mind, I've always had these images in my mind but no real way to get them out exactly as they appear. Now with polymer clay the limits are endless. I can finally show everyone what I see.

Do you have a favorite technique?
No, I try any and everything just to see what happens.

Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
This new framed piece I urge everyone to read the inspiration behind it.

framed polymer clay art


What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
Framed polymer clay art right now I can move it swirl it and just lose myself in it for hours.

How do you decide what to make?
I sit down and let it happen. I feel I am connecting with an unseen energy when I create. I never have any thing planned I just let whatever wants to come out, come out.

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
an entire wall piece would be great.

What makes polymer clay a better fit for your products than other mediums?
The way it moves and flows with everything. Life is about finding your flow the point at which you can do or create something without thinking about it. It just flows.

What is your best advice for someone starting out in polymer clay?
Play with it ,enjoy it, let go of all your inhibitions and just see what happens.

Visit thehippiecouple.artfire.com

Sunday, November 22, 2009

We love holidays

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Friday, November 20, 2009

All That Glitters is not Gold

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Over The River and Through the Woods

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Blues

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Jingle Bells

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Baby It's Cold Outside

Friday, November 13, 2009

Tis the Season

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Snowy Keepsakes

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Holiday Prep at the North Pole

Only 7 weeks until....

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Let It Snow

Monday, November 9, 2009

Reds, blues, greens

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Variety

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Falling for Autumn

Friday, November 6, 2009

Fabulous Autumn Colors

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Falling for Fall

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Book Review: Polymer Clay Jewelry

This book review is written by Cindi of ClayItAgain.artfire.com

Do you like ethnic jewelry? Well Debbie Jackson's book 'Polymer Clay Jewelry' may be just the book for you.



The book is divided into 5 different chapters with the first one being 'Getting Started' and as usual it's the polymer clay basics for beginners-which tools, supplies, and findings are recommended. A couple of skinner blends are demonstrated, one of which is the rainbow skinner blend. Also, there is a couple of pages about laminating with liquid polymer clay that is very informative.
Moving along to the next chapter, Additives and Embellishments, is for all of you that have a few seashells or feathers laying around....and you know you do :D...this chapter will show you how to put some of those treasures to good use. There is an African brooch, a beautiful feathered hatpin, and a hinged dragonfly pendant.
The next chapter is Textures, and it starts with an oriental fan pin. Then follows a pendant that makes use of the rainbow skinner blend and shows you how to carve a baked polymer clay. Lastly in this chapter is a mokume gane button that is sure to be noticed.
Liquid polymer clay is the next chapter and included is embedded bead earrings, eggshell mosaic brooch, a laminated collage pendant and a faux cloisonne enamel brooch.
Did I mention that each chapter is followed by a gallery of idea projects to get your creative juices flowing? And Debbie doesn't just show you alot of finished projects in these galleries; she also gives pointers and tips on how she achieved different variations of her projects.
The last chapter, and my personal favorite is titled Canes, and it starts with ginkgo leaf earrings. Among the others are a snakeskin bangle, a bengal tiger brooch, a mud cloth pendant that I have been wanting to make, and a sea turtle pendant.
All projects are described very well, have excellent pictures, and all are unique. You will not see these items in other books. I give this book 5 stars out of a possible 5, and will not be putting it back on the shelf until I make that ginkgo leaf cane.

Until next time happy claying :)

Monday, November 2, 2009

Shades of Fall Colors

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The winner is....

The winner of our door prize was chosen by Random.

Dori's comment on The Masked Knight post was the winning number. She wins the door prize, Masked Jester pendant made by ColtPixy

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A huge thanks to everyone who commented! A huge round of applause to all of the participating artists!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Thank you for coming to our Masquerade Clay Ball!

Our Masquerade Clay Ball has come to a close. We want to thank you all for coming.

Your hosts:


ColtPixy.artfire.com
Guild Master for Polymer Clay Smooshers



HarmonArt.artfire.com
Guild Master for Clayfire

Participants:





Tomorrow we will announce the winner of the door prize. Again, thank you so much for coming to our Masquerade Clay Ball!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Back in the rose garden

As you walk through the rose garden you stop to sit on a wrought iron bench to collect your thoughts. On the bench is a letter written to you. Your true love is there and is waiting for you just down the path!


SiblingStew.artfire.com

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Please follow me

Oh no the party cannot be coming to a close so soon! Your thoughts are racing trying to figure out if you had seen but not recognized each other. Someone comes to escort you back to the rose garden.


2BeadOrNot2Bead.artfire.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Still searching

You find yourself searching every mask you meet. Your true love is here at the party somewhere but this place is huge.


HaffinaCreations.artfire.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Duet

The lights in the dining room softly dim as a spotlight brightens in front of the piano. A pair begins to sing a duet. Their voices are magical.


RFColorfulCreations.artfire.com



treeseaoriginals.artfire.com

Monday, October 26, 2009

Could this be the one?

You and your gas masked escort are directed to a table near the stage. Plates of food are set before you. From behind someone whispers in your ear, "you are in for a treat".


CreativeCritters.artfire.com

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Piano Player

On the opposite wall across from the bar is a stage. The piano player is playing a sweet melody.


cabinetofcuriosities.artfire.com

Saturday, October 24, 2009

The Dining Room

You walk together past the dance floor and walk beneath trees into what appears to be a gazebo. Yet once inside it you are amazed to see that you are inside a huge dining room. Along one wall is a beautifully carved mahogany bar. The bartender greets you from behind yet another mask.


BeadsByHaffina.artfire.com

Friday, October 23, 2009

a rescue

Just when you thought your feet would scream from so much dancing you get a reprieve. A sweet voice behind a gas mask asks if you would like to join them for a drink.


HouseMorbid.artfire.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Tango

You are handed a rose as tango music begins to play. Your new partner is a fabulous dancer. It feels like there is no one else on earth but the two of you under the stars and on the dance floor.


SassyClayCreations.artfire.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sweet Nothings

Another dance partner. This one pulls you in close and whispers in your ear. You blush. Is this the one? It is hard to know for sure. If only you could see behind the mask.


HarmonArt.artfire.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Is this the one?

As the night goes on you wonder if you will ever guess which mask hides your true love's face. Someone else comes and guides you back to the dance floor.


MichiganMud.artfire.com

Sunday, October 18, 2009

At the party

Once inside the door you realize just how magical this place really is. The stone house was just a facade. Is the illusion outside or within you have no idea. The place seems much larger than the house. There is no ceiling. The moonlight fills the space and the stars seem even brighter in here.
Someone in a purple mask flashes a sweet smile your way.


Saturday, October 17, 2009

The doorway

The house is decorated beautifully. There is even a colorful mask covering the door knocker!


intothedawn.artfire.com

Friday, October 16, 2009

Accompany Us

Two people wearing bird masks come and take you by the hand. They very much like your choice of mask and have come to take you inside.


2BeadOrNot2Bead.artfire.com



SiblingStew.artfire.com

Thursday, October 15, 2009

27 masks to choose from

The fairies return and have brought 27 masks for you to choose from.



Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Things are not always what they appear

You see what appears to be a bird in fine feather drifting through the gathering, you gasp in surprise.
In front of you stands a man, whose face is covered in a bird-like mask, resplendent with feathers. He says that the fairies are returning with masks so that you may attend the Ball.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Royal Tea Party in the Rose Garden

"No reason to be in a rush. This rose garden is meant to be enjoyed. Sit here for a moment and have some chocolate tea." She has on a regal mask, you have a seat.


The maidens with her pass trays of cookies. The tea is divine. You are glad you listened.

Monday, October 12, 2009

The Masked Knight

There is a masked Knight riding a white horse. His armor is covered with silver and gold foliage. You know you should wait for the fairies to return but your curiosity gets the best of you. You follow him.


gundowerks.artfire.com

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Where is your mask?

Suddenly the fairy gasps. "Wait!" she says, "Where is your mask? You can't enter the ballroom without one."

Before you even have a chance to worry about what you will do, two tiny little fairies appear, each wearing the tiniest of masks.


HaffinaCreations.artfire.com


"No mask!" says the one wearing brilliant colors, "this will never do!"


ColtPixy.artfire.com


A dark little fairy darts in front of your face. "But never fear! We will find the perfect mask for you, just wait here!"

They are both flit away before you can even reply. You wait impatiently in the shadows, wondering what they will do, how will they ever come up with a mask for you to wear?


This chapter was written by intothedawn.artfire.com
Every comment on this blog during October is an automatic entry to win the door prize.

Visit the shops linked in this post and tell us your favorite item in each of them and it will count as an extra entry. (2 instead of 1)
All entries are givien a number as they come in. We will use the Randomizer to chose a number and that entry will win the door prize. Winner will be announced on November 1st.
Please make sure there is a way we can contact you in case you are the winner.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Welcome to the Masquerade Clay Ball

You are walking down a long moonlit path winding through trees and night blooming flowers. There is excitement in the air as you grow closer and closer to your destination. The path forks and you fear becoming lost. Suddenly a raven appears.



He tells you not to worry. That a beautiful fairy will take you the rest of the way to the party.



As you follow her a clearing opens up and you can see candlelight coming from the large stone house just on the other side of a rose garden. Music and laughter fill the air. Your heart beats a little faster because your true love could be hiding behind one of the masks at the Masquerade Clay Ball.





Every comment on this blog during October is an automatic entry to win the door prize.
Visit the shops linked in this post and tell us your favorite item in each of them and it will count as an extra entry. (2 instead of 1)
All entries are givien a number as they come in. We will use the Randomizer to chose a number and that entry will win the door prize. Winner will be announced on November 1st.
Please make sure there is a way we can contact you in case you are the winner.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

spooky

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Shades of Autumn

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Snowflake Cane Tutorial by 2goodclaymates

Polymer Clay Smoosher 2goodclaymates has a beautiful Snowflake cane tutorial on her blog HERE.



She has lots of great step-by-step photos along with easy to follow directions. Go check it out and tell her we sent you.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Trick Or Treat!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Autumn

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Boo! bwahahaha!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Shades of Fall

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October Happenings for PCSG

You may have seen our invitation here or read about it on HandMadeNews.
The Polymer Clay Smoosers and ClayFire--The Mud Potters & Ceramicists of ArtFire are teaming up to bring you the Masquerade Clay Ball beginning October 10th.

To celebrate the festivities participating members from both guilds are offering a 10% off coupon to be used in their shops. For the coupon code and links to shops in both guilds honoring it check the side column of this blog.

Also begining today each and every comment made on this blog will be an automatic entry to win this masked jester pendant on a 24 inch (60 cm) silver ball chain.

masked jester pendant


The winner will be chosen by random.org on November 1st. Please make sure that there is a way to reach you in case you are the winner.
We do hope that you will join us and Clayfire here at the Masquerade Clay ball.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Variety is the spice of life

One of the best things about working with polymer clay is the sheer variety of items that can be made with or embellished with it. Two dimensional, three dimensional.... if you can imagine it chances are you can create it with polymer clay. This sampling just barely scratches the surface of what can be accomplished.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Book Review: Polymer Clay Extravaganza

This review is written by Charline of 2BeadOrNot2Bead.artfire.com

As do most polymer clay books, the introduction to Polymer Clay Extravaganza, by Lisa Pavelka begins with a discussion of the medium, comparing clay types (although Kato clay is not discussed), and covers conditioning, leaching, measuring, baking, color blending, storing, and work surfaces. It moves on to tools (cutting, rolling, shaping (pattern cutters and clay guns) and the ever faithful pasta machine. It then discusses surface techniques (pearl powder, paint, rubber stamps, and metallic leaf and foil), glazes, adhesives, and sealants (clay glaze, acrylic floor wax, liquid polymer clay, superglue, and epoxy). It finished with information on polishing and cleanup. As the entire introduction is accomplished in 6 pages, each section is essentially the Cliff Notes version of each subject.



The next section is called basic techniques and covers one type of Skinner blend (2-color balanced), making a jelly roll cane from the Skinner blend and, subsequently, a flower millefiore cane from the jellyroll. The pictures for the Millefiore cane might be a little confusing for the neophyte caner, as the jellyroll is not only a different color from the Skinner blend jellyroll instructions that precede it, but have a “separation” line halfway through the jellyroll that is not explained. Furthermore, although reduction of the jellyroll is discussed textually, there are no pictures to illustrate what the reader would see during the process nor during the reduction process of the Millefiore cane. Even more to the point, the distortion that usually takes place during cane reduction is not discussed. Again, because of this missing information, I don’t think the instruction is particularly helpful for newbies. Furthermore, the people who do know how to reduce a cane and what happens during reduction for either cane process probably don’t need the instruction in the first place.

The project sections are much more complete than the preface material.

* Polymer Clay and Paper Crafts walks the reader through making:
* Two types of polymer clay decorated greeting cards.
* A scrapbook where the principle decoration piece is not polymer clay, but a metal embossing sheet. The bordering leaf or feather (it wasn’t identified as one or the other by the text) is referred back to the Skinner blend jellyroll cane – and again, the separation halfway through the cane to form the vein or spine isn’t explained.
* Polymer Clay and Memory Crafts explains making:
* A photo holder with a Millefiore base and wire photo heart clips.
* A whimsical Tooth Fairy to put on a painted papier-maché star box studded with metallic leaf covered stars.
* A stamped gold picture frame dusted with mica powder.
* A mini-photo album using some of the techniques used in the picture frame.
* A photo keepsake box that is trimmed with threaded beads and flowers.
* Polymer Clay and Desk Accessories has the reader creating:
* A Victorian business card holder using a self-colored picture burnished onto clay by hand. This project shows how to make a striped cane. My main issue with this is tells the reader to bake the transferred picture before trimming it, but doesn’t tell HOW to trim the baked piece of clay (scissors, Exacto knife, fingernails or teeth??).
* A mesh pencil caddy, with a very simple covering. This project shows the reader how to build the caddy from wire mesh; that’s convenient if there isn’t a Dollar Tree or other everything’s $1 store in your vicinity (I bought a bunch there a couple of weeks ago, before I read this book – maybe I’m psychic).
* Flower pen and stand – this is probably my favorite project in the book, because of the stand. And FINALLY, the way to put the split into the Skinner blend jellyroll is explained. However, it repeats the information for building the entire Millefiore flower, again without explaining or depicting the reduction process.
* Mica shift checkbook cover, with a brief description of sanding and buffing.
* Polymer Clay and Jewelry provides tutorials for:
* A heart locket pin, using a stamp and mica powder, to include how to add a metal hinge, embellishments, and pin back.
* A spirit song amulet, which repeats the stripe cane instruction (although with different colors). The amulet has a cutout at its center and is completely sealed designed to include a message to the recipient from the giver. As such, this would be difficult to sell unless you make the amulet after the purchase and the buyer provides you with the message to be included.
* A faux dichroic heart pendant using metallic foils and Liquid Sculpey.
* Polymer Clay and Home Décor takes the reader through the construction of:
* A switch plate for a baby’s room with a stamped base and small decorations.
* A candle holder using leaf pattern cutters and a repeat of the Skinner blend jellyroll cane in fall colors. A knitting needle is use to make the division in the cane by surrounding the cane with a darker outer wrapping and pressing it toward the center of the jellyroll.
* A mosaic address plate on a painted wooden base (only numbers).
* Polymer Clay and Garden Décor provides instructions for:
* Garden stakes with sculpted carrots, corn, and tomatoes in a checkerboard frame (not a checkerboard cane, however, but individually cut out squares of color on a white background), with extruded clay borders inside and out.
* A decorated terra cotta pot with flowers made from the Skinner blend jellyroll cane (this cane really gets a workout in this book!) and a textured sheet of clay around the bulk of the pot. A single repetition of the tri-color stripe cane is twisted and used to create stems for the flowers.
* A cute little garden angel on a stake is the final project in the book. She has a flower decked dress with bell sleeves and a draped skirt, complete with “train”. Her hair is made from simple gold clay in a teardrop leaf shape and she carries a bouquet of simple 5 leaf flowers in a bed of green leaves. Her wings are a large stamped heart with a leaf border.



The book ends with a gallery of complex clay art (purses, vessels, jewelry, a business card holder and more) done by “talented polymer clay artists” as well as some done by Lisa herself. None of the pictures give credit to the artist who designed and built the piece, which I find a little distressing.

Overall, as someone relatively new to the polymer clay medium, the book has shortcomings that I know would have caused me some serious confusion when I was starting out. Now, after 6 months up to my elbows in clay, there’s not much in here I haven’t already tried (except for the pen holder – got to do that one!!!)
Charline Ahlgreen

Monday, September 28, 2009

And the winner is...

Congratulations 2BeadOrNot2Bead.artfire.com!




2BeadOrNot2Bead is the winner of the Polymer Clay Smooshers challenge!
Her A Clockwork Orange Steampunk Sculpture won the Steampunk theme challenge.
Thank you to 2BeadOrNot2Bead.artfire.com for giving us this months challenge!
Thank you to the Polymer Clay Smooshers who entered their beautiful pieces!

Thank you to everyone who voted and for helping us spread the word about our challenge and poll!
2BeadOrNot2Bead will choose our challenge for September.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Pretty in Pink

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Book review: 400 Polymer Clay Designs

This review is written by Cindi of ClayItAgain.artfire.com

The book review this time is 400 Polymer Clay Designs. And simply put it is 348 pages of pure inspiration!



There are no instructions to any of the finished projects in this book, but who needs them? This book is total eye candy and will break through even the toughest of creative blocks. Each page features a different piece with a brief description of the item, size, and artist.
I don't think there is any type of project not covered in this book - Vessels of every size and kind, jewelry, purses, sculptures, masks, trinket boxes, earrings, clocks, pendants, bracelets, tables, wall decor, book covers, vases, and OMG! I think I just saw one of our guild members featured in this book! Yes it is!! Polymer Clay Smooshers very own Laura Timmens has been featured not only once, but SEVEN times! Oh how exciting-we have a celebrity in our midst.

175 polymer clay artists are featured in this book, and an index of authors and their contributions is at the end of the book.
I give this book 6 stars out of 5 simply because if you choose to add it to your library it will be a lifetime of inspiration.

Until next time...Happy Claying everyone!

Cindi
ClayItAgain

Monday, September 21, 2009

blues and purples

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Sculptural

Thursday, September 17, 2009

shades of brown

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Book Review: Polymer Clay Creative Traditions

This review is written by Cindi of ClayItAgain.artfire.com

This week's review is Judy Belcher's Book titled Polymer Clay Creative Traditions, and just one look at the cover of the book and you know you're in for a treat with this book.



If I had to name a quality about Judy, it would have to be meticulous. Have you seen how perfectly neat her canes are? I mean, yeah they look cool, but there is absolutely no distortion in her canes.
On with the book ~ The pictures are great and Judy is just as descriptive and helpful in the book as she is on her TV appearances. For clay newbies- basic clay history, care, tools, and supplies are all explained in the forward pages.
The book is broken down into chapters of traditional art mediums, and at the end of each chapter is a gallery full of finished items by various different artists.
Glass Traditions is the first chapter which includes millefiori, two tone tessellation, Chinese eye beads, mosaics, fused and slumped glass. There is an example of a slumped bowl by James Lehman that is really spectacular. You'd never suspect that it is polymer clay. But the one project that I am so wanting to try is the encased bead (done with embossing powder)
The next chapter is Metals and the Mokume Gane examples really look like metal. but there are also texture stamping and an enameled pin.
Fiber Traditions is next and OMG! There so many cool fabrics to make in polymer clay. Even if you didn't use them as clothing for a figure, these are interesting enough for your pendants and beads. Ikat, bargello, batik, quilting, Kente and Mud cloths just to name a few.
Painting and drawing is the next chapter, and oh my, I wish you could see the Georgia O'Keefe flower purse that Judy shows how to make. It is stunning! Several other artists' work is shown how to imitate in polymer clay - included is Gustav Klimt, Georges Seurat (pointillism), Jackson Pollock(abstract expressionist), and M.C. Escher (which has directions for a beautiful geometric cane)
Stone, Bone, and Wood is the next chapter a few of the highlights here are chatoyant effects, bone simulations with scrimshaw, and parquetry.
The last chapter is Sculpture and Ceramics and the first thing she teaches is how to make a triangle horse head and it is simple! Along with the horse head there are other animal heads that can easily be made with the same instructions. Also is metallic raku, crackle raku, and mishisima and decorative layering.
Overall I give the book 5 stars out of 5 and I will not be getting rid of my copy.

Until next time..happy claying!

Cindi