The colors of Autumn from the Polymer Clay Smooshers

As summer winds down and the days begin to cool off my thoughts begin to wander towards the crisp days of Autumn.  I do love Autumn- the smell of the air changes, there's a bit of nip to the breeze in the evenings, and of course the colors of the leaves begin to change.  This will be my first Autumn in Prescott Arizona and I'm looking forward to seeing how it will be different from the Autumns in Ohio, which I've known all my life.  In the spirit of the change of seasons I wanted to showcase some of the beautiful Autumn creations from the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild.
This three leaf pendant from Amazing Designs is appropriately called Shades of Autumn.
  
This Autumn Teardrop pendant necklace from Flower Childs Artsy Jewelry shows off some of  the lovely colors of Autumn.
 
This Fall Mums candle holder from kkspolymerclyart showcases one of Autumn's most popular flowers.
 
This Autumn Colors pendant necklace from Sharp Art by Dawna was created using the Mokume Gane technique.
 I hope you enjoyed this sample of Autumn colors from the Smooshers!  Be sure to check out these shops and see all they have to offer!

Find the Smooshers on Facebook

Visit the Smooshers Blog
Check out the Smooshers guild on ArtFire

Swirls in polymer clay

Today I'd like to show off some work from members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers featuring swirls.  When I see swirls I think of flowing movement and energy.
These beautiful swirl post earrings from Amazing Designs definitely have a feel of movement to them.

 
This nature themed pendant necklace from Art Asylum is just bursting with energy.  Plus it's 30% off right now!
 
This purple swirl kaleidoscope cane from Artmakers Worlds is very unique and colorful.  Just imagine the things you could create with this design!
 
Here are some beautiful swirled beads from Blue Morning Expressions, perfect for stringing together into a lovely necklace.
 
And last but not least we have this pretty copper colored filigree barrette from Captured by Lori.
 
And those are just a few of the swirly creations made by the Smooshers.
To see more posts featuring swirls from the Smooshers check out these blogs: http://wyverndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/swirls-and-whirls-in-polymer-clay.html andhttp://prescencebysandie.blogspot.com/2012/08/swirl-designs-from-polymer-clay.html.
Thanks for stopping by!

Find the Smooshers on Facebook

Visit the Smooshers Blog
Check out the Smooshers guild on ArtFire

Blog Roll- It's a Bug's Life!

I know it's been a while since I've posted here, and for that I must apologize.  I've been going through some personal issues, having problems with my hand (a very bad thing for a sculptor!), and having problems with my internet connection.  In spite of all this I'm going to try to keep up with the Smooshers!
This week's theme for the Blog Roll is It's a Bug's Life!  I happen to be very fond of most bugs myself.  I've always been a bit of a tomboy, so I was out there in the woods with my brothers collecting bugs, watching ants go about their business, and being amazed by spiders spinning their intricate webs.  As an organic gardener bugs are vital to the health of my flowers and veggies (and there are far more "good bugs" than "bad bugs" out there).  The variety of bugs in nature seems limitless, and the same can be said of bugs made from polymer clay!  Here are just a few samples created by the talented members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild.
Here are some cute little bookworms from Amazing Designs.  When I was young I raised earthworms and sold them at the local bait shop, and now I encourage them to call my garden home.  They help aerate the soil with their tunnels, and earthworm castings (poop) are excellent fertilizer.  I'm also an avid reader, so I really like these particular bookmarks!
 
Unlike many people, I have no fear of bees.  I find them fascinating and I always welcome them in my garden.  They're such industrious little creatures!  And for all the time I've spent with bees buzzing all around me, I've never been stung.  I respect their space, and they don't seem to mind my presence among the flowers.  I think they appreciate the delightful floral buffet I offer ;-)  This Steampunk bee pendant from Desert Rubble is just awesome (and you know this one will never sting- LOL)! 
Dragonflies are another of my favorite bugs.  When I was younger and lived near a lake I would spend all day swimming with the dragonflies cruising over my head.  Sometimes they'd even land on my outstretched hand to take a little rest.  Now they patrol my vegetable garden and hunt other insects for me.  I've got a few regular visitors that hang out with me all summer long.  The way they cock their head when I talk to them (yup, I talk to bugs- LOL) I swear they're listening to me.  This beautiful necklace from Dragonfly Serenade is a wonderful way to show your love of this delightful creature! 
And who doesn't love butterflies?  Dainty, delicate, fluttering through the air, stopping briefly to sip nectar from a flower before floating off again.  In spite of their delicate appearance though, these creatures are surprisingly tough.  Monarchs fly many miles (all the way from Mexico to the US!) on their yearly migration.  Strength and beauty all in a tiny colorful package ;-)  This butterfly wing pendant from Drunkenmimes makes me think of the Monarchs I see fluttering around my back yard every summer.
 
And those are just a few of my favorite bugs, as seen in polymer clay.  Be sure to check out all the wonderful creations these artists have to offer!  You can click on the pictures to be directed to the product listing, and click on the shop name to view everything they have for sale.
Have a great weekend!

Find the Smooshers on Facebook

Visit the Smooshers Blog
Check out the Smooshers guild on ArtFire

Smooshers Blog Roll- Signs of Spring

The topic for this week's Blog Roll is Signs of Spring, which is very appropriate!  Many of us have had a warmer than usual winter and Spring is appearing even earlier than normal.  In my own yard flowers like daffodils, hyacinths, and even tulips are poking through the soil about a month earlier than normal.  The trees are getting buds already and the birds have started pairing off.  You can find plenty of signs of Spring within the shops of the Smooshers guild members as well.
This beautiful red rose pendant from Amazing Designs reminds me of Gramma's rose bushes, which are getting their leaves already.  Roses are always beautiful, and can be much tougher plants than one might think, in spite of their delicate appearance.  Gramma's rose bushes have survived and bloomed for 50 years, sometimes in very difficult conditions.
 
I've even seen a few bees out already.  Some people are scared of bees, but these wonderful insects are always welcome in my garden.  Not only do they help pollinate my flowers and vegetables, but many varieties hunt the bad bugs that would harm my garden.  This Bee and Honeycomb pendant with Spring Flowers from Artmakers Worlds is a wonderful representation of Spring!
 
This brooch from AverilPam reminds me of the trees and plants that still have some of Fall's dried brown leaves attached while Spring's bright green new leaves are growing alongside them.  It makes for a beautiful contrast!
 
This pretty flower cane from Blue Morning Expressions makes me think of the tiny blue and purple violets that have started popping up in the yard.  I love these tough little flowers that brighten up the lawn!
This flower pendant from Christina Kosinki Designs reminds me of my own flower gardens, with their mix of many different types of colorful flowers.  I'm fond of variety in my artwork, as well as in my gardens ;-)
 
And these are just a few of the signs of Spring showing up in the shop of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild members!  For a closer look at any of these items, just click on the picture.  And while you're there, be sure to browse the entire shop and see what other signs of Spring you can discover!
To read more about the Signs of Spring from other guild members check out these posts http://wyverndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/signs-of-spring.html, http://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2012/03/buds-blossoms-and-baby-birds.html, http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog_post/SecondSisteratMoArkJewelry/7350/spring_has_sprung_in_the_ozarks, and http://kathryndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/signs-of-spring-polymer-clay-jewelry-by.html.
Thanks for sharing a taste of Spring with the Smooshers!

Find the Smooshers on Facebook 

Visit the Smooshers Blog
Check out the Smooshers guild on ArtFire

Meet some of the members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild

This video features the work of Amazing Designs, Amy Crawley, Artfairly Aware, ArtmakersWorlds, Averilpam, The Beadcomber, and BLeeKreations.  Each is a very talented artist with plenty of wonderful items in their shop.  Be sure to pay them a visit and see all they have to offer!

 

Find the Smooshers on Facebook
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums

Meet Polymer Clay Smoosher member AmazingDesigns

 Marlene, of AmazingDesigns, is one talented Polymer Clay Smoosher!  She was kind enough to answers a few questions and let us get to know her a little better.

With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
It is the most versatile medium ever created. It can mimic just about any of the others, and is completely forgiving, reusable and adaptable.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
On a dare. My son was using it for his creations, and when I suggested making jewelry with it, he said "You do it", so I search the Internet, bought some books, and blocks and I was hooked.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
My pasta machine. The blends that come out of it are amazing and very often surprising. I can get a whole new inspiration, just from what comes out of it.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I would have to say my current passion is for wire wrapping, and making chains, to complete some of my creations.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
I don't really have a favorite, as I often switch from one to another, but the most used one I like is making canes. Taking slices of them further into a completed design really gets the creative juices flowing.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Haven't found one yet.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
Sculptures.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Yes and no. I primarily use Sculpey Premo, which has a wide color selection, but of course, there are often times when a different hue, value, or saturation is needed for a palette.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Keeping my eyes open, observing current trends, and, the biggest one, taking inspiration from nature.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
We all have times of "brain drain", but what works for me is just a little down time. Taking care of grandchildren, tending to my orchids, working on my photography, or just keeping up with others in blogs and chats, all help to get new inspirations.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
As mentioned Sculpey Premo. I use it almost exclusively. Some would say it is too soft, compared to others, but I have no patience for conditioning the others to the extent they need, and often the softness can be overcome by just letting it sit, or place in the 'frig, for a while.
Here are a few beautiful pieces that can be found in AmazingDesign's shop.  Be sure to stop in and see all she has to offer! 

 

 The Polymer Clay Smooshers guild is lucky to have such talented people among our members!

Find the Smooshers on Facebook 

Visit the Smooshers Blog

Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums

Thanks for stopping by!

Mica Shift - Amazing Designs

Article by Amazing Designs

I agree with Strange Whimsy in the use of Sculpey Premo Accents for Mica Shift. It is a soft clay and allows for a wonderful alignment of the mica particles in the shift, although the older Premo metallics can work equally as well. It does take a delicate touch when applying slices or shaping beads to prevent a blurring of the shift. Have not done much with colors other than the metallics, but here are two examples of what I have done with this fantastic technique.

This bracelet was done using the older Sculpey Premo Gold and Copper. I combined the colors until I was sure the shift would show well, and then sliced the cane with a modified Mokume Gane method. It turned out amazing shading:



This is a close up of the nugget beads I did for a necklace using the newer Sculpey Premo Accent colors of Antique Gold, Copper and Silver. The cubes are solid shapes after combining the three colors:

Visit Amazing Designs