Smoosher member Tonja, of Tonja's Treasures makes beautiful creations in polymer clay and was kind enough to share a bit about her work with us!
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
It's versatility. I was working with many different types of crafts, but once I found polymer clay I got rid of all that other stuff and jumped in with both feet.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I saw Donna Kato make a pansy and leaf cane on the Carol Duvall show. I immediately went out to buy some clay and a pasta machine. That was over 12 years ago.
Since I live in the middle of nowhere, I heavily depend on the internet, books and videos to learn new techniques, especially since they canceled Carol Duvall. That was a dark day in my life 
What is your favorite tool to work with?
Hmmm, that depends on what I am working on, I guess. If it's Mokume Gane I'm working on I must have my clear stamps. But overall I suppose I would have to say my Scumbuster. I use it to wet sand my work and I definitely could not live without it.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
If you can count making clear stamps for my business. But they are made out of a clear polymer material. LOL
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
I love making faux / imitation stuff. Top of that list is Mokume Gane. A close second for techinques is mica shift. Love my metallic clays.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
I have little patience for caning, but I wish I did. For now I'll just keep buying canes from my friends I call it supporting my clay community
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I just blogged about this subject. I want to learn to Lisa Pavelka’s faux batik, Sylvie Peraud’s faux denim, this really cool deep crackle technique that requires a heat gun, and Jana Roberts Benzon's Bargello technique.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I do sometimes, but like caning, I don't have a lot of patience.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Most of my work come from happy accidents. Just experimenting and letting go. That's how I discovered my Scrap Mokume Gane technique.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
If I had the answer to that I would be soooo much more productive . Do you know the secret?
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I use Premo and have used it for over 12 years. I love the color palette, that it's easy to condition and strong once baked.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I have been published a few times in Jewelry Crafts magazine (sad it's not printed anymore ) and I was on the cover of Polymer Cafe. My dear hubby is always the first just jump into a conversation and proudly tell people that fact, even when I forget about it. He's a keeper.
Tonja can also be found online on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, http://tonjastreasures.com/, http://tonjastreasures.com/wordpress/, and her ArtFire Shop. Until Christmas Eve use coupon code 20OFF to receive 20% off jewelry, silk screens, ornaments, and supplies in Tonja's Treasures!
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Check out the Smooshers guild on ArtFire
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
It's versatility. I was working with many different types of crafts, but once I found polymer clay I got rid of all that other stuff and jumped in with both feet.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I saw Donna Kato make a pansy and leaf cane on the Carol Duvall show. I immediately went out to buy some clay and a pasta machine. That was over 12 years ago.
Since I live in the middle of nowhere, I heavily depend on the internet, books and videos to learn new techniques, especially since they canceled Carol Duvall. That was a dark day in my life What is your favorite tool to work with?
Hmmm, that depends on what I am working on, I guess. If it's Mokume Gane I'm working on I must have my clear stamps. But overall I suppose I would have to say my Scumbuster. I use it to wet sand my work and I definitely could not live without it.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
If you can count making clear stamps for my business. But they are made out of a clear polymer material. LOL
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
I love making faux / imitation stuff. Top of that list is Mokume Gane. A close second for techinques is mica shift. Love my metallic clays.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
I have little patience for caning, but I wish I did. For now I'll just keep buying canes from my friends
I call it supporting my clay community What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Tonja can also be found online on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, http://tonjastreasures.com/, http://tonjastreasures.com/wordpress/, and her ArtFire Shop. Until Christmas Eve use coupon code 20OFF to receive 20% off jewelry, silk screens, ornaments, and supplies in Tonja's Treasures!
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Check out the Smooshers guild on ArtFire
1 Smooshing Thoughts:
Congrats on being featured here Tonja. Always love your work. I find it very refreshing.
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