Sneak Peek

Prizes for Scavenger Hunt February 2010
Originally uploaded by coltpixy

Just a peek. We will tell you what we are up to Monday morning.

Introducing Eugena

eugena



What got you interested in polymer clay as a medium?
I am a scientist (a chemist) by education, but I always liked drawing, painting, and sculpting. In Moscow (Russia), I used to go to a ceramic studio, where we had a nice kiln for firing ceramic and porcelain pieces. When my husband and I moved to US, I could not find such a studio, but found polymer clay instead. I liked that it can be cured right at home, in my own oven. This quality, combined with practically endless possibilities of this medium, keeps me interested in polymer clay for more than 10 years now.

What inspires you to create?
I find inspiration everywhere – in nature, books, movies, places I visit. Works of other artists, especially in other media, are also inspiring. I love Art Nouveau enamels and lampwork beads, and, as you can see, I spent lots of time and effort re-creating these techniques in polymer clay. Our material itself is also inspiring. I love playing with it, looking for what it can do. A number of my tutorials is the result of such experiments.

Do you have a favorite technique?
I do not really have a single favorite technique. I think the beauty of polymer clay is in its diversity and versatility. My “signature” technique, the one in which I created the most high-end pieces, is faux cloisonne. I developed this technique myself and very proud of it. I like its elegance, but it is also a very demanding technique, requiring perfection and patience, especially for complex designs. When I get tired of it, I switch to other techniques, that are more forgiving and have more room for mistakes.

Of everything you have created which is your favorite?
My favorite piece (so far) is a custom order I did last spring, titled “The Scarlet Sales”. It is a rather big faux cloisonne piece, about the size of a postcard. The person, who asked me to make it, is a fan of old Russian movies, and he particularly likes “Scarlet Sales”. This movie is an adaptation of a very romantic and beautiful story by Alexander Grin. It is about a poor peasant girl. When she was a child, she was told by a traveling storyteller that one day a prince on a ship under scarlet sails would come for her. She kept dreaming about this beautiful ship despite being constantly laughed at and teased by everybody in her village. One day Captain Grey saw her sleeping by the sea shore and learned about her story. Taken by the girl's beauty and her kind and romantic character, he ordered to make sails for his ship out of the brightest red silk he could find, and then he came for her, just as it was predicted.



Here is the link to my blog post showing the finished piece:
eugenascreations.blogspot.com/2009/04/scarlet-sales-finished-i-am-done.html
There are also a few earlier posts that show my work in progress.

What do you prefer to make out of polymer clay and why?
I like making jewelry and vases. Both types of objects are decorative and functional at the same time, and that is why, I guess, I like making them.

How do you decide what to make?
I can think of at least three different ways of how I decide what to make. When I make jewelry for myself, I usually create it for a particular outfit or occasion. When I have an idea for a new technique, I am trying to come up with a design that would showcase that idea in the best way. When working on jewelry pieces to sell in my shops, I consider not only styles and colors, but also price points for finished items.

Is there something you wish you could make in clay that you have not yet?
Oh, there is a lot of things that I want to make! I have volumes of sketches that are still waiting their turn, and the new ideas keep coming faster than I can create them in polymer clay...

What makes polymer clay a better fit for your products than other mediums?
I keep saying that polymer clay is an amazing medium, with more possibilities than many other media combined (and definitely more that any of them alone). Last year, I had a separate blog, in which I wrote about Etsy polymer clay artists – one artist a day, every day (with a short break in July), for 11 months. That is more than 300 artists, and every one is different and unique! I am not continuing on this project, but I am keeping this blog up so that people could see all the beautiful works I featured there. In my last post, there are links to monthly video slide shows I did for these artists. I hope you will enjoy browsing this blog: polymerclaychameleon.blogspot.com

What is your best advice for someone starting out in polymer clay?
Find your own voice in your work. When you learn a new technique, use it as a stepping stone for your own creativity. Do not try copying the works of somebody else, no matter how much you admire a certain artist. In my tutorials and during my classes, I always tell people to concentrate on the technique, not a project at hand, and better yet – think how to adopt the new technique to your own work, try to come up with your own variations and ideas.

eugena.artfire.com
eugena777.etsy.com

intothedawn

intothedawn



With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
Something "clicked" when I found polymer clay, I loved working with it from the very start. I've always wanted to work with clay, ever since I was a kid, and finding a clay that came in all sorts of colors, that I could bake at home, without needing expensive equipment-- I was sold!

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Books first and then the internet.What is wonderful about polymer clay artists is that they are all so willing to share techniques, so I've found tons of valuable information online. And experimenting is always part of the process, too.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
My other creative addiction is rubber stamping, and clay & stamps are fantastic together! I use all sorts of cutters, too, always looking for new styles & shapes. I would have to say that I use my pasta machine & needle tool quite a bit, as well.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I'm an avid thread crocheter and I love using watercolor and regular colored pencils, too.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
I don't know if its necessarily a technique, but I really enjoy playing around with inclusions-- adding different things to the clay like herbs, paint, gold leaf, etc. to see what sort of color or texture I end up with.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
So far I haven't run into a least favorite technique, although anything with a million steps to the process rather dampens my enthusiasm. LOL

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I really want to learn how to do image transfers and I want to improve my sculpting skills. And I want to work more with canes and mokume gane at some point, too.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I have done some color mixing with recipes I've found online and I really enjoyed mixing new colors. I'd like to do more of that and create my own color palette at some point. I think using mixed colors creates a whole new and unique look for whatever is being made. I have a huge love affair with color, so learning more about color mixing is another biggie on my "to do/learn" list.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Most of my work tends to be inspired by nature, fantasy, mythology & different cultures & spiritual paths from around the world. I think drawing from these different areas helps keep my pieces unique.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
My favorite poly clay artists, Laura Mika, Christi Friesen and Tammara Scott always inspire me. Browsing through my poly clay books and magazines always helps too-- I never fail to see or read about something and think-- "Hey, now THAT I need to try!"

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I have only ever used Premo clay because I like it so much and it is easy to work with and very versatile.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Finding my creative niche made me realize I really am an artistic person. And I now believe that EVERYONE is artistic-- its all just a matter of finding the right medium to work with-- for me it was polymer clay.

intothedawn.artfire.com
intothedawn on etsy
intothedawn's blog

Christies-Cubby

Christies-Cubby



With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
Well, I wanted metal clay, but it's expensive right now, & needs a kiln. I did a search, & saw a few things that can be done with polymer clay, so here I'am.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I'm a dive right in type of person. I do alot of belly flops before taking the actual swim class, so I go by experimenting. Haha!

What is your favorite tool to work with?
Curved Scalpel

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I work with a variety, but I do like plaster second to clay.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
Mock gemstones, because I love rocks & minerals. Skinner Blend along with a few others for a nice effect are great too. I like the fade quality.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
If the whole sanding & buffing process can be considered a technique, then I guess those. In a perfect world, I'd prefer those steps to magically happen in the toaster oven. :) I can never seem to get my fingerprints all the way out of the piece, or get it shiny enough to my liking.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
Other than metal clay, it's to learn how to do faux marble. I know to make a slit, add ink or paint, then reseal the clay, but it's easier said than done.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I'm still a beginner with polymer clay, & have only had the pleasure of working with three colors so far, but yes I mixed the scraps. I wanted to see what effect it would have, & what color it would produce. For future use, with multiple colors I'll mix them too, just to see what color I can get that I can't buy in the store. It's all about handmade, right?

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Alot of different things inspire me. Mostly Nature & Science. It's always completely different, & offers a continuous supply of ideas.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
I kind of prefer to get in a rut from time to time. Once my mind kicks back in, it explodes with alot of fun things to do.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Fimo. It's a little softer to work with, & it seems to bake more evenly.

Christies-Cubby.artfire.com
Christies-Cubby on Etsy
Christies-Cubby on DeviantART
Christies-Cubby on Facebook

Love for Australia

Australia Day is coming up on January 26th.


Faux Pineapple Turquoise Bracelet and Earrings Set by HaffinaCreations


Rondelles in Green and Yellow by BeadsByHaffina


Hammered Gold Heart by EmilyClaireCreations


Green Pearl Rosette by intothedawn


Flip Flop Pendant in Olive & Lime Green by 2goodclaymates


Olive and Gold Mica Shift Necklace by 2goodclaymates


Koala Bear by EmilyClaireCreations


Creative Kangaroo by CreativeCritters


Green and Yellow Dragon Necklace by CreativeCritters

yolidesignz

yolidesignz




With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
Although I do not work exclusively in polymer clay, it is one of my favorite mediums. I am an organic designer; I enjoy the molding and shaping process of working with polymer clay to achieve a particular design. By working with polymer clay the design is completely my own.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I do a lot of experimenting. I wanted to learn about this medium so I got books searched the internet to get a basic understanding. Even then I have to feel and see what the medium is doing because I learn by doing.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
My hands are my favorite tool because I have complete control. I use ever part of my hand when creating a design from my nail to my palm. Of course my hand cannot do everything but it certainly is my favorite.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I work with lots of mediums my favorite is metal. I also use paper and what ever medium I find that is colorful or can take color easily.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
Right know since I am still learning I don’t have a favorite. I have not been working in the medium long.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
I don’t believe I will like making canes; so far all of my tries have failed. I will keep trying until I get it right then I will decide.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I am currently working on incorporating polymer into my jewelry designs. I would like to get proficient enough with the medium to do whatever my mind comes up with. I really would like to learn to blend colors. I would to blend clay with my metal piece.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
No that’s a process I am still working on.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I don’t really think about it. I do what I like. I had a teacher once that told me art was play, so I play and in my play I create. I get inspiration from all around me and file in my mind, so when I sit down in my studio I let go and create. The most wonderful thing about working in clay is that you can mold and shape until the design is complete.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Working in several mediums help me with that, if I’m stuck with a design in clay, I may switch to making books, or working on something in metal. I may even read a good book until my mind clears and I can work on the design again. I never really run out of designs because I don’t always draw my designs, I play.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
So far sculpey works great for me; I haven’t tried much of anything else.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I am really grateful to you guys, I am so inspired by your work.

yolidesignz.artfire.com

Gold and Turquoise Pendant by treeseaoriginals

This pendant was supposed to be shown with the Asian Inspired theme Challenge and was mistakenly left off. Sincerest apologies to treeseaoriginals for this oversight.



Gold and Turquoise Pendant by treeseaoriginals.artfire.com

SassyClayCreations

SassyClayCreations



With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I have crafted with quite a few mediums over the years and when I discovered polymer clay, I was hooked. I love the texture, the colors, and the versatility is awesome. The only limits are your imagination.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I was walking around in the craft store and saw polymer clay. So I bought some Sculpey III and took it home. I had no idea what to do with it so I checked the internet. Bingo. I began my newest creative journey.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
My number one tool would have to be my pasta machine. It is so easy to condition clay with the machine and much faster than if I were to do it by hand.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I am thinking that I would like to start sewing again. Mostly clothing and maybe costumes.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
Using stamps and iridescent powders. I love the shimmer effects and the details that are shown.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Trying to make a cane. I just can't get the hang of it yet. Someday.........

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
Learning to mix better colors. I also have some boxes that I have been saving. I would like to create something really nice for them.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I try to mix my own colors. I recently got a book to help with that. I like making just the right shade of something to make my work "pop".

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I surf the internet, look through books and magazines. There are ideas everywhere. Sometimes I wake up with ideas.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Changing what I create by not making only one type of item. I have made jewelry, shelves, boxes, etc. One idea might start me thinking of something else.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Fimo is my favorite clay. I like the way it feels and works.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I enjoy the Smoosher challenges and all the artists there. Polymer clay crafting is growing more every day and I am proud to be a part of it.

SassyClayCreations.artfire.com

Asian Inspired Challenge

We were challenged to create Asian Inspired pieces. Here are our entries. Click on the photo or text to see larger photos on the items page.
Please check them all out and vote for the theme you would like to see us work on next. Poll closes Sunday 17th at midnight Central time.


Ancient Bronze Bamboo Panel by EmilyClaireCreations


Copper and Bronze Lotus, Polymer Clay Necklace by EmilyClaireCreations


Green Palm Necklace by SassyClayCreations


Kimono Ornament by MichiganMud


Cherry Blossom Polymer Clay and Bead Embroidery Necklace by HaffinaCreations


Lovely Japanese Ladies Gift Set by Gingerbells


Kuan Yin Mosaic Shrine by intothedawn


Red Heart Earrings and Necklace Set Stamped with Chinese Heart Symbol by CreativeCritters


Chinese Dragon by CreativeCritters


Red Asian Style Necklace by RoxysRox


Faux Jade Bamboo Pendant by ColtPixy


Cherry Blossoms Pendant by ColtPixy


Let me tell you a story... by Butterscotch_Grove


Asian Themed Reversible Dragonfly Pendant by Christies-Cubby

Please vote for the theme you would like to see us work on next. There is a poll on the top left column of this blog. Poll closes Sunday 17th at midnight Central time.

MichiganMud

MichiganMud




With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I love that I can do it at home, without a kiln. I also love the all the colors!

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I just started playing around with it. I am far from an expert. I would say that there is infinitely more that I don't know about it than I do!

What is your favorite tool to work with?
Rubber stamps. I love how easy it is to use a stamp and get pattern. It's really great since my drawing and carving skills are limited to the most abstract designs!

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I also do ceramics.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
I really don't know. Since I'm learning by experimenting, I really don't know all the names and technicalities of different techniques. I do love experimenting with different ways of bledning colors.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
I don't think I have a least favorite. At least not yet!

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I would love to be able to make realistic figures. Every time I try they come out just silly! :)

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Sometimes. It all depends on what I'm doing and what color I'm looking for. There is such an array of beautiful colors available, that I can usually find something that will work for what I'm doing.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
It's tough, but I just do my best to not do the same thing too many times in a row.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
When I sense myself falling into a rut or feeling uninspired, I take a break. It sometimes keeps me away from the clay for quite some time, which is not great for running a business, but it really helps with the artistic aspect of my work.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I'm easy...I use just about anything.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I'm so happy to have found clay. After several artsy phases, I've finally found my "thing"!

MichiganMud.artfire.com

Butterscotch_Grove

Butterscotch_Grove




How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I wanted to make a carved doll for our state fair - but carving wood (at least the scrap wood and brush I was using) proved to be too difficult. I decided to experiment with sculpting, instead, and ended up with a fabulous girl pirate doll - cloth body, Super Sculpey head, hands and feet. In the process I discovered Polymer Clay Central and Polymer Cafe, and I've been hooked since. I've never taken a class, but I have a BIG pc library. I got on to the message boards at PCC in February last year, and jumped right in to the "Thing A Day Challenge" - a great way to try out new techniques and get a lot of work done...and I didn't know enough to be intimidated!

What is your favorite tool to work with?
Sculpting tools for doll making.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I sew, embroider, felt (a little) and I'm a novice painter/mixed media artist.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
Other than sculpting, I LOVE making millefiori canes.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Well, it's not really a clay technique, but I really don't like making jewelry.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
So many things! I've got ideas for some wonderful clay characters, including a woman in a sari decorated with paisley cane slices, and a Mr. Speedo - you know, that guy on the beach who really shouldn't be wearing a speedo but is in denial? I've also got to find a "bread and butter" technique for some smaller and less labor intensive items to sell more regularly.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Yup. Mainly because I make a lot of canes, and so have lots of scrap cane ends to use up.


How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I've not been at this long enough to do anything more than once or twice - everything's still fresh to me!

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Reading, surfing, playing with my clay...looking at Flickr...PCC. There is inspiration everywhere!

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I like Fimo or even Fimo Soft for caning. I have cold hands and live in a cold climate, so Soft is firm enough for me. I've mainly used Super Sculpey for doll-making, but I recently won some Cernit from Marie Segal, and can't wait to try it!

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Polymer Clay is an absolutely WONDERFUL medium, and the people at PCC and on the message boards are warm and friendly and giving - VERY generous with their suggestions and help. I consider myself blessed to have found this little corner of the art world.

Butterscotch_Grove.artfire.com
Butterscotch_Grove's Blog
Butterscotch_Grove on Flickr

HaffinaCreations/ BeadsByHaffina

HaffinaCreations
BeadsByHaffina




With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
Polymer Clay offers limitless opportunities to express my creativity. Add to that the fact there isnt any waste, and if you stuff it up you just smoosh it and try again. Certain parts of the process are also very theraputic, giving time for reflection.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books,
classes.....
I was first introduced to the wonders of polymer clay on beadingforum.com.au by some of its members, who create some fabulous things. They have a monthly clay play, and I had been admiring from afar for a while, until they did 'brain canes' one month. I checked out the links online they provided and thought 'I can do that'. I didnt have the colours suggested, or any tools really.. but I did it with the cheap Sculpey III that Spotlight had. The results were surprising and pretty good.. I was in love. Now I trawl all over the internet, read PolymerCafe and absorb as much as I can from fellow clayers. I also just sit and play with the clay... its amazing how much you can learn just by letting the clay talk to you.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
Pasta machine. Getting my first pasta machine was a turning point for me. I use lots of different tools, but without my pasta machine I dont think I would create as much as I do.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I work with lots of different mediums, including chainmaille, gemstones, glass beads, seed beads, fibre and more. I used to paint mandalas, still do if one begs to be created, as well as knitting, crocheting and cross stitch, and I was making jewellery when I found polymer clay. I have a fairly short attention span, and need to have lots of choice to keep the creativity flowing.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
Mica Shift is one of my absolute favourites, although Faux techniques are catching up. At different times I think every technique comes to the top of the list, but when I need to make something, if I am blocked or unmotivated, then Mica Shift is the technique I turn to. And it makes the most awesome looking clasps!

What is your least favorite technique and why?
I would have to say Skinner Blends. I love the effect, and I use them a lot, I just find the process frustrating at times. I've come to the point of not doing it the way its supposed to be done.. no triangles for me.. I take two or three colours and kind of smoosh them side by side and put them through the pasta machine. I get a similar effect, just not quite the smoothness of colour change.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
Faux lampwork is currently on the list, after seeing some fabulous creations by a fellow Australian on the beading forum. I would also like to develop my sculptural skills, do some miniatures and develop my caning skills further.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Yes, I mix my own colours. I only use black and white straight out of the packet. Sometimes I only add a little white or pearl, but my goal is to never create the exact same piece or cane twice, so I dont measure or note the amounts. Mixing my own colours means they are individual to me, and are what I want.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I dont consciously try to be fresh or original, but I don't like to make the same things over and over. I guess that keeps it pretty fresh. I've never really thought about it too much, I just create and because I made it its original to me. LOL

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Trying new techniques, drooling over the creations of others, doing monthly challenges for the Smooshers, AussiePolyclayers and beadingforum.com.au and not being afraid to experiment with ideas.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I love Kato. Yes, it can be harder to condition, but its a fabulous arm and hand workout. Kato is wonderful to sand and buffs up beautifully, and stays very true to colour. Its firmness lends it well to caning. The only down side is that there are less colour choices, they dont do the traditional artist colour pallet, which means learning a new way to mix some colours.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
The best thing I ever did was opening my first packet of Polymer Clay and playing with it. It has opened up a new world of creativity for me, and introduced me to some truly amazing artists.

HaffinaCreations.artfire.com
BeadsByHaffina.artfire.com
HaffinaAgain on Zibbet
HaffinaAgain.etsy.com

Gingerbells

Gingerbells




With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I have never used anything that was so versatile as polymer clay. It seemed to find it's way into a lot of my projects.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Experimentation is my favorite way of learning. Then I found a great group of on line Clayers on PolymerClayCentral.com and got a lot of help and encouragement from them. I have also bought a few books. Some day I hope to take a few classes

What is your favorite tool to work with?
I would have to say my hands and my pasta machine are my favorite tools.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I do but polymer clay still finds it's way into projects. I love using polymer clay in my beading projects.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
I love making canes and beads because it makes each on of my jewelry designs like no one elses. I like the control it gives me.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Transfers, because I find them a pain in the behind.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I would like to learn more sculpting skills.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I do often . I'm not sure why maybe it's the painter in me.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I get bored easily so I rarely do the same thing twice so I think that helps.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
When I start feeling that way I teach myself something new to get me going again.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I don't really have a favorite I like them all . Each has different properties that work with different techniques. I like Kato and Fimo Classic for caning because they are firm and hold great lines they are also great for sculpting. I like premo best for bead making.

Gingerbells.artfire.com
Gingerbells.1000markets.com

CreativeCritters

CreativeCritters


With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I loved the clay sculpting I did in high school, but couldn't afford my own kiln. When I discovered they made a clay you could bake in your home oven, I knew that was the product for me. Plus I just love all the colors available, and the ability to mix any color I could imagine. Anything is possible with polymer clay.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I learned the basics of sculpting in high school, then truly refined my skills with as many clay books as I could get my hands on. There was plenty of "what if" experimenting going on too. I'm constantly finding new things to do with polymer clay, new techniques and styles of sculpture and jewelry making.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
I'm really into texture just lately, and I've got a wide assortment of texture plates and tools for adding texture to the clay. Of course my own hands are my number one tool. There's something instinctive about sculpting. Sometimes I just let my hands coax the desired shape out of the clay. I have tons of different tools though, with my various knitting needles being used quite often.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
Have you been in my shop lately? LOL! I do all sorts of crafts, including knitting, doll making (fabric dolls and art dolls), making stuffed animals, making mixed media jewelry, and sewing and knitting catnip toys. I enjoy learning new creative skills, and often incorporate several mediums into a single piece.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
I really can't think of one technique I like best. I try my hand at many different techniques and styles.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Canes can be difficult, and take a lot of clay. I like making them when I have a good tutorial and the right clay. I've made too many with the wrong clay, and was disappointed with the results.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I really want to try PMC. I already have ideas for pieces to create, I just can't afford the materials to get started.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Constantly! I am unique, my work is unique, and my colors are often unique. I love making custom colors, and it's one the things that makes the majority of my work one of a kind. I also enjoy mixing my own paint colors, and knitting with more than one color of yarn on the needle. I like color, and I like to play with it.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I have many books with lots of projects, which I usually adapt to my own style. I also subscribe to Polymer Cafe, which has several different projects in each issue. I'm inspired by all the artwork I see, whether in clay or other mediums. I may see a fantasy drawing and be inspired to create a sculpture. I'm open to learning new techniques and styles, and enjoy trying new things.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
I have more ideas in my head than I could create in 2 lifetimes! Creativity is the core of who I am. I have 4 file folders stuffed with ideas for sculptures, jewelry, and other clay projects, and add to that stash regularly.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Premo is my favorite. It's fairly easy to condition, blends nicely, and bakes with the perfect amount of flexibility. I love the rich colors available as well. I've also used Fimo, SculpeyIII, Studio Sculpey (I like the satiny finish of this clay), and Kato. They all have their good points.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I just want to add that the Smooshers have been a great source of inspiration for me, and I'm proud to be a member of a guild with so many very talented members.

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GundoWerks

gundowerks



With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I started using it in earnest in the mid 1990's. I had set it aside due to a very overwhelming job. When I quit and moved I started dyeing silk, and made a lot of scarves. They were missing a certain something, and I decided to bead on the corners. After pricing beads in bulk (OUCH!) I realized I could make better beads by hand with clay. Searching for new techniques led me to Polymer Clay Central in the late 90's, and after meeting that wonderful bunch of crazies I was utterly hooked.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I found a package of it in an art store in the late 1980's. I bought "The
New Clay" and was instantly attracted to it. At that time there weren't
any other books besides that one, so I learned by experimenting. I just
did simple stuff, fridge magnets, buttons, things like that. I used
Sculpey 3 and the odd package of Cernit because Fimo was too hard for me
to work with back then.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
My pasta makers are my favorite tools. I also love dental tools and various size/shape cutters. There's actually no end to the tools I love!

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I love silk. I love to sew, to crochet, and I'm trying to work more with paper (making cards, and some ATC's).

What is your favorite polymer clay technique & why?
Faux Mokume Gane!!!! There's no end to the possibilities. I'm especially fond of using inks, paints & foils to create really interesting almost Monet-esque MG canes. I think using liquid clay would probably be my second favorite - I especially love doing transfers.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Caning. I stink at representational canes. I don't have the eye or the patience, and I'm far too frugal with my clay.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I'd love to be good at representational caning, if only as a fallback, but I don't think it's a technique I'll ever be comfortable with.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Yes, but I mainly do it with inks. I tend to work on a very small scale and I love being able to make teensy batches of colors I probably can't ever recreate.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I don't know that I do. I just do what looks or feels good to me at the time.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Ruts are my biggest problems, that and health issues. For me, surfing for eye candy helps me get the creative juices going better than anything.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I am a Premo girl all the way. I do use some Fimo Soft from time to time but that's it. I haven't purchased clay since the formula change, so I don't know how that will affect my clay likes/dislikes.

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