A Bit of Blue

Book Review: The Polymer Clay Techniques Book

The following review is from fellow Smoosher ClayItAgain.artfire.com

Well, as promised last time, here is my review of The Polymer Clay Techniques Book by Sue Heaser. I LOVE,love love the way this book is laid out. When you get to the 'meat of the book' the technique or project title is toward the upper left hand side of the page making it each to flip through and see the project and the name of it. Scattered all throughout the book are many helpful hints, some of which, I had never seen before.

The book starts out with an inspiration section with all different kinds of projects from different artists to stimulate your polymer juices. Next comes the basics-She explains the different equipment and tools that are available and which tools you can make yourself from objects you most likely have around the house. Then she goes on to show the basic techniques in working with clay- color mixing, blends, ways to use tools and different baking, gluing, and sanding tips. The pictures are excellent and nothing is left to doubt when she explains a technique.

Next we have 'the meat of the book'. She begins with beads of all sorts (over 8 varieties) and then moves on to the canes-millefiori, face, landscape and different ways to use them. In the mosaics section I found different methods which I did not find in other books I have. She shows many different types of vessels-basket weaved, covered objects,boxes, and frames. In her sculpting chapter, she first teaches how to use simple shapes to put together an easy sculpt and then progresses to more elaborate and challenging projects. The decoration and embellishment chapter shows different applications you can use on your clay and also has a project that has peaked my interest again. *Note to self*-make that pendant! Moving on to the simulations and inclusions chapter, which was for me, my favorite part of the book because there are all types of faux techniques-wood, semi-precious stones, mokume gane, miniatures and another of my favs-making a flute!

The books ends up with a review of the clays and a supplies list of companies along with further reading recommendations. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and I know I would NEVER be selling it on eBay. I paid full price for it and it has been worth every penny. Stay tuned to this blog-next time I will review 4-that's right 4 books by Susanna Oroyan-Anatomy of the Doll, Designing the Doll, Finishing the Figure, and Fantastic Figures As always, if you have a book review preference, leave a comment and I will put your choice on the top of the list.
Have Creative Day!
Cindi
ClayItAgain

Introducing MickeysJewelryCreations

MickeysJewelryCreations



What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
I saw Judy Belcher on a video on the Fire Mountain bead site and ordered some clay....I was hooked.

What inspires you to create?
If there is something I've seen and want to try to make. I'll give it a try. Doesn't always turn out the first few times I try, but always return and work on it.

Do you have a favorite technique?
No......just play.

Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
My favorite is image transfers.....saw a demo and went out and bought my laser printer. Hooked on laser!!!

What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
I prefer to make jewelry with my clay. I've been making jewelry for about 5 years and added polymer clay to my list of items.

How do you decide what to make?
I don't...I just sit down and start playing with the clay. Unless of course I have a particular project in mind.

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
I would love to make flower canes, just haven't had the time to play with making any as of yet.

What makes polymer clay a better fit for your products than other mediums?
I'm still pretty new to clay.....about 1 year so far.

What is your best advice for someone starting out in polymer clay?
My best advise is just to have fun. The more you play with clay, the ideas just come from somewhere.

Visit
MickeysJewelryCreations.artfire.com

Handmade Supplies in Polymer Clay

Ask a Smoosher

Got a polymer clay question? Just click "smooshing thoughts" below and put your question(s) in a reply to this post. Various artists will answer your questions and we will post them here on the blog in a few days.
Please ask your questions by Saturday, June 27th at midnight Central US/Mexico time.

Water

June Challenge extended

Our June challenge deadline has been extended due to the death in the family of one of our fellow Smooshers. Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family.

Tool Drool - Pasta Machine

A pasta machine dedicated to only polymer clay is one tool that is in many clay artists arsenal.



Do you have to have one to work with polymer clay? Often that answer depends on what you would like to make.
I did not have one for the first two years I worked with clay and I got along just fine without it. Then after I did get one i wondered how I ever lived without it.
I sometimes use it to condition clay. Mostly I use mine to achieve mica shift and Mokume Gane. It is wonderful for rolling out sheets of clay for various projects.

Do you use a pasta machine with polymer clay? Could you live without it? Click "smooshing thoughts" and let us know.

ColtPixy.artfire.com

Shiny Bead Tutorial by 2GoodClaymates

Have you ever wondered how you can get shiny beads without having to sand and buff? 2GoodClaymates shares with us her technique for doing this in her Shiny Bead Tutorial.



Visit 2GoodClaymates.artfire.com

Book Review: The Art of Polymer Clay

The following review is from fellow Smoosher ClayItAgain.artfire.com

When I first began hoarding everything polymer clay, I wanted to obtain as much information and instructions as I could. In my opinion there are a few must have books for a beginner pc'er, and 'The Art of Polymer Clay' by Donna Kato is right on top of my list. She has been considered by many, a guru of polymer clay. Seen countless times on the Carol Duvall show on HGTV for several years, she has introduced this addiction to many of us. Her work is exquisite, detailed, and always flawless looking.



In the book The Art of Polymer Clay, Donna introduces the newbie to the different polymer clays on the market, different tools to be used, and many misc supplies that can be used in conjunction with the clay. The pictures and directions are clear and easy to understand, many with detailed step-by-step photos.
She takes the beginner from simple shapes and canes to surface treatments, finished vessels and sculptures. Among the methods described are: onlay techniques to create different beads; making and using molds; imitation/faux jade, jasper, turquiose, and others; using armatures to strengthen your projects; different flowers; lined and unlined vessels and bowls; a particuarly nice seahorse sculpture; and finally the book is finished up with detailed directions to making a realistic face/head. I have only briefly covered the many topics in this book, and hopefully, I explained enough that you have a good idea of whether the contents would be helpful to you. I am a seasoned polyholic and I still keep this book in my inventory. In fact I even forgot about the seahorse. Yet, another reason for me to re-visit this book again. I paid full price for the book and considered it well worth every penny. I give this book 5 stars out of 5 and I recommend it for the beginner to even the seasoned pro.

Stay tuned to our blog; next time I will review Sue Heaser's book - Polymer Clay Techniques.
Cindi
ClayItAgain

Here There Be Dragons

HaffinaCreations

Polymer Clay Smooshers very own HaffinaCreations is riding the Crazy Train©.



Crazy Train© is a promotion of hundreds of Art Fire studios. Participants all promote each other. They go down a list and each one is promoted for 2 days by all of the others. It consists of artists and crafters in every media and also supply sellers. It is a lot of fun and if you are a verified seller on Art Fire I highly recommend that you jump aboard the train.

Ask a Smoosher

Got a polymer clay question? Just click "smooshing thoughts" below and put your question(s) in a reply to this post. Various artists will answer your questions and we will post them here on the blog in a few days.
Please ask your questions by Friday, June 19th at midnight Central US/Mexico time.

This weeks Ask a Smoosher is brought to you by Crazy Train Promotions© rider and Polymer Clay Smoosher HaffinaCreations.artfire.com

Green Goodness

Earth Tones

Introducing beadcomber

beadcomber




What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
When I saw this great belt buckle at a store and was wondering what it was made from. The clerk said "Fimo" and directed me to the aisle where it was sold. This was in 1989.

What inspires you to create?
Gosh, that's a toughy. I guess it would be where I live. I'm fascinated with sealife. Creating is my job. I've been called prolific and it's true, when I create something I already think about the 'next'.

Do you have a favorite technique?
Yes. (oh...do you want to know what it is? lol...It changes all the time, but right now it is stenciling on clay..


Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
My Bottom Time Clock. I only create smaller stuff now, but early 90's it was all much bigger.





What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
I tend to swing back to jewelry. Every once in a while I create vessels, but galleries tend to ask me for jewelry because they are the 'quick' sellers. I prefer to make a living, lol...so it's jewelry for me.

How do you decide what to make?
Deciding is easy. I make what people expect to find in the area. Living in a touristy town, I create things that fit in to the locality.

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
oh gosh, I'd love to have a TV show ask me to create something for their sci-fi show or similar. I'd love a challenge like that.

What makes polymer clay a better fit for your products than other mediums?
Probably because I have collected so many of the 'go withs' over the years. I've harvested the whole household for polymer clay dedicated stuffs. I can create textures and finishes, transfers, replicate stone, metal, wood, ivory etc etc. I can recreate what I need and when I need, most of the time.

What is your best advice for someone starting out in polymer clay?
Don't expect too much of yourself in the beginning. It takes a while to get the feel of the clay. Don't tell yourself "I can't do that!" nor give up after the first few tries. You will be able to master with practice, advice and help from others. On the other hand, you might pleasantly surprise yourself with your very first project. Some people are naturals!

Visit
beadcomber.artfire.com

Tool Drool - Textures

The sheer number of things that you can use to add texture to clay is almost endless.

You could use 2GoodClaymates stamp tutorial to create your own texture stamp.
More ideas for texture include...
fondant rollers, knitting needles, cut (decorative) glass,
rubber stamps, texture sheets, paper doilies,
a flea comb, one of those things you put under furniture feet,
old lace, mustache comb, plastic bath scrubby,
even the bottom of your shoes (clean of course),
paint brush bristles, edges of various bottle caps, your own fingerprints...

Soon you will be using almost everything you see to create textures in clay. What are some of your favorite things to use to create textures in polymer clay? Click Smooshing Thoughts and tell us all about them.

Ask a Smoosher

Got a polymer clay question? Just click "smooshing thoughts" below and put your question(s) in a reply to this post. Various artists will answer your questions and we will post them here on the blog in a few days.
Please ask your questions by Friday, June 12th at midnight Central US/Mexico time.

Introducing MichiganMud

Michigan Mud





What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
I've always been interested in clay, but wasn't sure how to get started. One day I just spontaneously picked up a couple blocks and decided to go for it!

What inspires you to create?
Nature is probably my biggest inspiration, especially water. Sometimes, though, it's something that seems completely mundane-my son's toy or something I see on TV. Almost anything might get my wheels turnin'!

Do you have a favorite technique?
I like to do really simple things. Using stamps is one of my favorite ways to dress up a bit of clay.

Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
Hmm, that's a tough one! I think this is my favorite at the moment. I like that's beautiful but simple at the same time.





What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
I really like to make jewelry. Rings have been my most popular item and pins and necklaces are fun to do, as well.

How do you decide what to make?
I don't think about it much beforehand. I just let the clay tell me what it wants to be. Sometimes I don't know what something is going to be until it's baked and sitting on my counter for awhile.

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
I really want to try some of the more advanced techniques and more intricate pieces. I'm kind of waiting for my work area that we're planning to get finished. I LOVE mica shift and can't wait to give it a go!

What makes polymer clay a better fit for your products than other mediums?
Honestly? I love that I can't "screw it up". If I don't like how a piece is going I can start over!

What is your best advice for someone starting out in polymer clay?
Go for it! Don't be intimidated. Just grab a couple colors that you love and start playing. You'll be amazed what you can do!

Visit MichiganMud.artfire.com

Signature Stamp Tutorial by 2GoodClaymates

2GoodClaymates shares how to use polymer clay to make a stamp. This stamp can then be used for stamping your signature or anything else you dream up into polymer clay.



Thank you 2GoodClaymates!
Visit 2GoodClaymates.artfire.com

Introducing CreativeCritters

CreativeCritters



What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
I started with Play Doh as a young child, moved to clay in art classes in grade school and high school, then discovered polymer clay in my late teens. I loved the ease of use, variety of colors, the fact that you could bake it in a household oven, and the limitless uses. Plus once I discovered Maureen Carlson's clay booked I was hooked forever.

What inspires you to create?
I find inspiration all around me. I love nature and animals, and both are featured in many of my sculptures and my jewelry. I also find tons of inspiration in the world of fantasy, be it books, artwork (Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell...), screen savers, movies, just about anything. I have more ideas for sculptures than I could ever create in a lifetime

Do you have a favorite technique?
Favorite technique? Hmm, well, I like Maureen Carlson's methods, and Dinko Tilov, but really, I just do whatever works for a particular project. That's one reason all of my work is one of a kind. I have a huge variety of clay books and I learn all I can from each, and incorporate those methods as needed. I just sort of "go with the flow" with most of my projects.


Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
Right now my favorite item in my studio is my Scorch the Rockin' Dragon Sculpture. I spent a LOT of time on this sculpture and I really like the way he came out. I like all the pieces in my studio though. I always try to make the best creation I'm capable of.





What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
My favorite polymer clay creations would probably be the fantasy sculptures. With fantasy anything is possible. I can make whimsical creatures, vicious creatures, sexy fairies, sweet fairies, brave knights, goofy knights, anything! I can tell a story with a sculpture, like my Frog Prince sculpture, or build a story around a fantasy character, like my Troll with a Fairy sculpture. Fantasy is just so much fun, it really allows me to spread my creative wings.

How do you decide what to make?
Sometimes it's hard to pick just one of the many ideas in my head. Often if I'm reading a good fantasy story I'll sculpt my version of a character, or a scene in the book. If I'm looking at paintings or computer images, sometimes they'll spark an idea and I'll so my version of the picture. It always ends up being "my version". I really don't copy- I tend to adjust things to my own preference.

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
I'd like to be able to make larger sculptures. Right now I simply can't afford the amount of clay needed to make a life sized bust, or large animal sculpture. Technically, it's easier to sculpt on a larger scale, and I'd really like to find out if that is true! Making tiny little fingers and toes is definitely NOT easy! Plus on a larger sculpture you're able to add more detail and make it even more realistic.

What makes polymer clay a better fit for your products than other mediums?
Polymer clay has limitless possibilities. You can add a huge variety of inclusions, bake it repeatedly, continue adding fresh clay to a baked piece, cut it, shape it, sand it, polish it, do pretty much anything to it and with it. Plus it's surprisingly durable once baked. I've dropped my share of sculptures, and have been pleasantly surprised at the lack of damage to most. Polymer clay is freedom- freedom to create anything I can imagine.

What is your best advice for someone starting out in polymer clay?
My best advice for new clayers is to have fun and keep experimenting. The more you "play" the more you develop your skills. And learn from others. I have tons of polymer clay books from a huge variety of authors, each with their own style. I learn all I can from others, then take that knowledge in my own direction. Just have fun with it.

Visit CreativeCritters.artfire.com

Polymer Clay Canes

Want a great deal on some beautiful polymer clay canes?



gamekitty.artfire.com is have a 25% off sale on some of her polymer clay canes! She has this section of her studio set up just for the sale items. At these prices they are going to go quick so hurry and get yours now.

Ask a Smoosher

Got a polymer clay question? Just click "smooshing thoughts" below and put your question(s) in a reply to this post. Various artists will answer your questions and we will post them here on the blog in a few days.
Please ask your questions by Friday, June 5th at midnight Central US/Mexico time.

Introducing BGobbleArt

BGobbleArt



What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
I took a pottery class as a child and really enjoyed it. I enjoy reading art magazines and especially love the horse sculptures. I wanted to experience sculpting again but do not live anywhere near a large kiln for firing clay pieces... I did some research and stumbled upon Polymer Clay..... it was love at first sight (feel)!!!!

What inspires you to create?
Animals! I love all animals and live on a mini "farm". So I am constantly finding new ideas. I am also inspired by others' work.Two of my favorite artists are "Amber Matties" (www.cdhm.org/user/trollgirl) and Shelly Swartz (www.polymercreationsbyshelly.com). Their work really inspires me to try new things!

Do you have a favorite technique?
Smooshing! lol! I am mostly self taught, so I don't really know the proper names of the "techniques" I use!.

Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
Actually every new piece I create is my favorite! But here is my all time favorite piece



What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
I love the Fantasy world! I would love to have a dragon as a pet, so I guess my favorite is creating dragon friends.

How do you decide what to make?
I usually just pick up a piece of clay and start with a vague idea like "a cat" or "a crab".... but my finished creations are rarely what I first intended to make! :o)

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
Well, as I mentioned at the beginning, I really wanted to sculpt a horse... And actually, my first horse is half finished! It has been a challenge! The next thing I really want to try is a fantasy woman. Kinda something between a fairy and an everyday woman.

Visit BGobbleArt.artfire.com

Brain Cane Tutorial by Dragonsglass

Dragonsglass is very talented and has a great sense of humor. Today she shares with us her tutorial for a brain cane. Click the image to see her tutorial.



Thank you Dragonsglass! Visit her studio at Dragonsglass.artfire.com

And the winner is...

Congratulations intothedawn.artfire.com!



intothedawn is the winner of the Polymer Clay Smooshers first challenge!
Her Swirly Summer Sun Brooch won the challenge to create something yellow. This beautiful piece sold the morning our poll started.

Thank you to gamekitty.artfire.com for giving us the first of our monthly challenges!
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! We received a total of 87 votes.
intothedawn will choose our challenge for June.