Smooshers members answer the question: Who Is Your Favorite Polymer Clay Artist

We all have our favorite polymer clay artists, and I thought I'd share what some of the members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild had to say about their personal favorites.
CreativeSisters said "I finally took a class with Donna Kato at the Clay Carnival Retreat in Las Vegas. She was awesome!  I felt the same way about her clay - too hard to condition.  Her new clay now is much softer - and mixed in with her old clay it is perfect for me."  You can visit http://www.katopolyclay.com/ to see the wide range of polymer clay products available from Donna Kato, check out her gallery, and find some fun tutorials.
WyvernDesigns said "There are so many polymer clay artists I admire, including some right here on Art Fire. There are two artists that immediately come to mind when I think polymer clay, Donna Kato and Lisa Pavelka. Maybe it's because I watched them on the Carol Duval show some years ago but Donna does such amazing work and Lisa was the first polymer clay artist I had seen doing the mica shift technique, which fascinates me. Both inspired me to try creating with polymer clay and I learned quite a bit through watching them."  Visit https://www.lisapavelka.com/Home.asp to check out Lisa Pavelka's gallery, read her blog, and shop for her wonderful products.
Tonya'sTreasures said "My first choice always has to be Donna Kato. It was seeing her on Carol Duvall that got me interested in polymer clay. I love her whimsical style and use of bright colors. Next is Jana Roberts Benzon. She has such a unique style and imagination. I wish I had half her talent. Another pair I admire are Lindly Haunani & Maggie Maggio for their skill with color. I want to acknowledge some amazing caners, too - Sarah Shriver, Sarajane Helm, Judith Skinner and Karen Lewis. Caning has never been something I had great patience with, so I tip my hat to those with the talent." You can find Jana Roberts Benzon and her amazing work at http://www.janarobertsbenzon.com/, Lindly Haunani at http://www.lindlyhaunani.com/, and Maggie Maggio at http://maggiemaggio.com/color/.  Check out Sarah Shriver at http://www.sarahshriver.com/, Judith Skinner at http://judithskinner.com/, and Karen Lewis at http://www.klewexpressions.com/.
CreativeCritters said "A few of my personal favorites include Christi Friesen, Maureen Carlson, and Katherine Dewey. When I was in my early 20's I got my first book on polymer clay: Maureen Carlson's How To Make Clay Characters. That was the book that started me on my amazing polymer clay journey. I never knew how to sculpt people before, but with Maureen's instruction I learned how to create realistic people, whimsical people, fairies, gnomes, and so much more. I have every book from her that I could find ;-) Katherine Dewey wrote Creating Life Like Animals in Polymer Clay and Creating Life Like Figures in Polymer Clay. Because of those two books I was able to really refine my skills when it came to sculpting realistic animals and fairies, elves, and other fantasy beings. Christi Friesen is actually a rather recent discovery for me, but once I "met" her on Facebook I was an instant fan. Christi is just so much fun, and I love every book I've bought from her. I adore her teaching style and her sculpting style. She encourages you to do things your own way and get creative with her projects, and she's constantly coming up with new ideas and techniques. I love the way she incorporates all sorts of beads, findings, and other "non-traditional" things into her clay projects. And I don't want to forget Dinko Tilov, who wrote Creating Fantasy Polymer Clay Characters, and co-wrote (with Boris Tilov) Sculpting Mythical Creatures out of Polymer Clay. I love the fun and fantasy and freedom that comes with his instruction. He encourages you to really "feel" the clay, and see the character within that shapeless lump ;-) Each of these wonderful artists has their own unique style, and each has taught me something different about sculpting. Of course this is just the beginning of a very long list, but these are the artists who probably influence my work the most."  Katherine Dewey can be found at http://www.elvenwork.com/, Maureen Carlson at http://www.weefolk.com/, Christi Friesen at http://www.cforiginals.net/,  and Dinko Tilov at http://www.funclay.com/.
I encourage you to checkout these links a see what all these wonderful artists have to offer!
Thanks for stopping by!

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Meet Smoosher member Tonja Lenderman

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