And here's the next in our Meet the Polymer Clay Smooshers video series! This video features the work of Desert Rubble, Desert Wind Designs, Dreamweavers Designs, Drunkenmimes, Fantasy Clay, Gems PC Creations, and Grays Crafts. These are all wonderfully talented polymer clay artists, with shops full of beautiful handmade items!
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Beauty Within
This beautiful collection was created by Grays Crafts and features the work of some of the members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild.
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Halloween by DreamWeaversDesigns
This post was written by Jan of DreamWeaversDesigns.
Halloween
How cute is this kitty and pumpkin by Buttonwilloe?
Are you into spooky wearable art? Check out other pieces from Mortimer Inc.
What would Halloween be without The Raven?? Wyvern Designs has plenty of holiday themed pieces to choose from.
I hope you have enjoyed looking at some of the fantastic work from the Polymer Clay Smooshers. Feel free to check out our blog, at http://www.polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com/, where you can browse all the artisans shops on ArtFire.
Til next time, stay safe and don't let the goblins get ya..
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Meet Smooshers member Gundowerks
Teresa of Gundowerks creates everything from jewelry to beads to home decor, and so much more! She was kind enough to answer a few questions about how she got started in polymer clay and what inspires her work.
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
The versatility and the learning curve. With PC you can get your first package of clay and after a bit of fiddling create something you like. With more study, more experimentation, more trial-and-error you can create more and more amazing and beautiful pieces of art. With clay the sky's the limit, there is always something new to do and learn. You can create so many things – you can faux all kinds of different things from nature to ancient pottery and metalworking. You can make your own colors, you can add different media – clay can help you create the visions in your head. It's amazing stuff.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Trial and error! My first book was Nan Roche's “The New Clay” and at first all I could do was just try to mimic what I saw. In the late 90's I found Delphi Forums and Polymer Clay Central and a tremendous amount of my knowledge came from my friends there. Then in the 2000's there were books and magazines that began to hit the market, making new techniques and ideas far more accessible.
What is your favorite tool to work with?
I love too many tools to choose one! Molds are amazing, scalpels are vital, the pasta machine is indispensable. I love my heat gun with a passion and I am never without a clay extruder.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
Paint, markers, fabric, beads, paper – I love to do mixed media work.
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
Faux Mokume Gane. It is magical, the effects are stunning, and you never come up with the same piece twice. You can use it for everything from covering boxes to molding items.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
Representational caning. I hate the waste primarily, I also don't like the risks of reducing, and color bleed, and all those other things that can leave you with pounds of mud. Just not my thing, but boy do I respect the people who do it well!!
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I would like to learn a bit of sculpting, just faces for cabs and such. It's way down on my list, but it's on there. Other than that it's primarily just learning and growing with what I'm already doing.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I do at times. Not according to anyone's formulas usually. I'll just mix a tiny bit at a time for something I need at the moment. I'd really rather not reproduce anything exactly – that's why I make things like MG in tiny quantities, and another reason I eschew representational caning.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Small quantities. I don't do anything on production scale, I'll work on a few things at once and then move on. If I make MG (as I said above) it's in tiny quantities because I don't like having a huge chunk of something that makes tons of “look alikes”. The same with mixed colors, I just don't like to have a lot of anything hanging around.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
A short attention span! Well, a forced short attention span... I have a seven year old, two hounds, four cats, a husband and a big house. I don't get to sit in my studio a lot, and when I do it's not for a long time. I'm jumping back and forth a lot and that helps keep me from getting in a rut.
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Premo (the old formula) has always been my favorite. I still have a lot of old clay, but after I run through it I'm going to need to re-evaluate clay brands. I also am crazy about Fimo Trans, I love the glowing milk-white color I achieve with it in my MG.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I am crazy about polymer clay! I'm always thrilled to be in contact with other PC artists, I love to learn and grow and teach in this community.
Here is a link to one of my favorite items: http://www.artfire.c...ct_view/1057181
You can find Gundowerks online on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog, as well as her ArtFire shop. And right now she's offering free shipping on all her items through October 31st, so hurry in and do a little early Christmas shopping!
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
The versatility and the learning curve. With PC you can get your first package of clay and after a bit of fiddling create something you like. With more study, more experimentation, more trial-and-error you can create more and more amazing and beautiful pieces of art. With clay the sky's the limit, there is always something new to do and learn. You can create so many things – you can faux all kinds of different things from nature to ancient pottery and metalworking. You can make your own colors, you can add different media – clay can help you create the visions in your head. It's amazing stuff.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Trial and error! My first book was Nan Roche's “The New Clay” and at first all I could do was just try to mimic what I saw. In the late 90's I found Delphi Forums and Polymer Clay Central and a tremendous amount of my knowledge came from my friends there. Then in the 2000's there were books and magazines that began to hit the market, making new techniques and ideas far more accessible.
What is your favorite tool to work with?
I love too many tools to choose one! Molds are amazing, scalpels are vital, the pasta machine is indispensable. I love my heat gun with a passion and I am never without a clay extruder.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
Paint, markers, fabric, beads, paper – I love to do mixed media work.
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
Faux Mokume Gane. It is magical, the effects are stunning, and you never come up with the same piece twice. You can use it for everything from covering boxes to molding items.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
Representational caning. I hate the waste primarily, I also don't like the risks of reducing, and color bleed, and all those other things that can leave you with pounds of mud. Just not my thing, but boy do I respect the people who do it well!!
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I would like to learn a bit of sculpting, just faces for cabs and such. It's way down on my list, but it's on there. Other than that it's primarily just learning and growing with what I'm already doing.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I do at times. Not according to anyone's formulas usually. I'll just mix a tiny bit at a time for something I need at the moment. I'd really rather not reproduce anything exactly – that's why I make things like MG in tiny quantities, and another reason I eschew representational caning.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Small quantities. I don't do anything on production scale, I'll work on a few things at once and then move on. If I make MG (as I said above) it's in tiny quantities because I don't like having a huge chunk of something that makes tons of “look alikes”. The same with mixed colors, I just don't like to have a lot of anything hanging around.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
A short attention span! Well, a forced short attention span... I have a seven year old, two hounds, four cats, a husband and a big house. I don't get to sit in my studio a lot, and when I do it's not for a long time. I'm jumping back and forth a lot and that helps keep me from getting in a rut.
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Premo (the old formula) has always been my favorite. I still have a lot of old clay, but after I run through it I'm going to need to re-evaluate clay brands. I also am crazy about Fimo Trans, I love the glowing milk-white color I achieve with it in my MG.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I am crazy about polymer clay! I'm always thrilled to be in contact with other PC artists, I love to learn and grow and teach in this community.
Here is a link to one of my favorite items: http://www.artfire.c...ct_view/1057181
You can find Gundowerks online on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog, as well as her ArtFire shop. And right now she's offering free shipping on all her items through October 31st, so hurry in and do a little early Christmas shopping!
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
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Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Meet more of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild members
Here's another video sharing some of the very talented members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild! This video features Blue Morning Expressions, Buttonwilloe, Classon Creations, Clay Harmony, CreativeCritters, Cynthia Blanton, and Danas Jewelry Etc. These artists create everything from jewelry to miniatures to home decor, and so much more. Be sure to stop by their shops and see all they have to offer!
Christmas will be here before you know it! Why not delight your friends and family with handcrafted gifts from the members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild?
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Christmas will be here before you know it! Why not delight your friends and family with handcrafted gifts from the members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild?
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
Friday, October 21, 2011
Have a Heart- Collection by Fantasy Clay
Susan of Fantasy Clay put together this beautiful collection of hearts created by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild. To view the listing, simply click on the picture, and while you're there spend a little time browsing the shops of these very talented artists!
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Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Meet Smoosher member StrangeWhimsy
StrangeWhimsy creates unique and beautiful jewelry, and was kind enough to answer a few questions about her inspiration and work with polymer clay.
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I have a degenerative spine disorder and last summer I had to have back surgery and after that I was couch bound for what felt like forever (4 months) so I had to figure out something I could do that could release that creative energy but I couldn't sit up for very long and everything just felt so hard. I found a book by Christi Friesen about polymer clay dragons and I was sold. You don't have to keep it wet like natural clay (so it didn't matter if I got tired in the middle of a project) and you don't need a kiln to bake it.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Books and experimenting mostly.
What is your favorite tool to work with?
I have a set of denture making tools that I've had since high school. They worked very well for greenware so I figured they would work with polymer clay also. Since they are made of metal and sharp I get clean lines and less distortion when carving.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I love to do stained glass windows and sun charms. I would love to get back into natural clay. I enjoy metal working and just started getting back into beading and wire-work. Unfortunately I think I'm one of those people that needs to be making something and I love to create beautiful things.
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
Re-baking. Being able to bake a piece over and over again without damaging it, is a great way to create very delicate artwork.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
Caning...I can't do it. I will say though that when I was trying to get the hang of it, I discovered some amazing color combo's that I might not have found otherwise.
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I would like to learn how to make beads out of polymer clay. I know it should be easy but I think its like canes for me, something my fingers just don't want to do.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Oh yes! I live the beautiful Pacific Northwest and we have this wonderful color palette of greens, browns, greys, muted blues and whites. I also have a thing for antiqued metal colors and the wonderful thing about polymer clay is that it mixes like paint. I like to keep a block of burnt umber around to warm up colors for instance.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I get out into nature and I like to jump around with styles, one day I will make a bunch of floral pieces and another day I'm all about the metal and barbed wire in my work. I think not staying with one ideal keeps things moving creatively for me.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Stopping what I'm doing. If I find myself sitting at my desk just staring at a pile of clay and nothing is happening, I will go do something else. Sometimes even just doing the dishes or whatever, that usually works out the kinks in the creative side of my brain.
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Sculpey Premo. I like it because the range of colors and the durability after baking. Some colors can be a little soft but I just leech them.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Make sure that if your going to add beads or embellishments to your polymer clay creations, nothing you add is acrylic...found that one out the hard way
I couldn't pick a favorite but I chose this necklace because it's made from the same base color (Premo copper). The leaves have black and burnt umber added for instance. I think its a good example of the adaptability of polymer clay.
You can find Strange Whimsy online at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/StrangeWhimsy, http://www.flickr.com/photos/strangewhimsy/, http://www.facebook.com/StrangeWhimsy, http://twitter.com/#!/StrangeWhimsy, and http://www.strangewhimsy.com/. Be sure to stop by and see what she's creating now! ;-)
Find the Smooshers on Facebook
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Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I have a degenerative spine disorder and last summer I had to have back surgery and after that I was couch bound for what felt like forever (4 months) so I had to figure out something I could do that could release that creative energy but I couldn't sit up for very long and everything just felt so hard. I found a book by Christi Friesen about polymer clay dragons and I was sold. You don't have to keep it wet like natural clay (so it didn't matter if I got tired in the middle of a project) and you don't need a kiln to bake it.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Books and experimenting mostly.
What is your favorite tool to work with?
I have a set of denture making tools that I've had since high school. They worked very well for greenware so I figured they would work with polymer clay also. Since they are made of metal and sharp I get clean lines and less distortion when carving.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I love to do stained glass windows and sun charms. I would love to get back into natural clay. I enjoy metal working and just started getting back into beading and wire-work. Unfortunately I think I'm one of those people that needs to be making something and I love to create beautiful things.
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
Re-baking. Being able to bake a piece over and over again without damaging it, is a great way to create very delicate artwork.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
Caning...I can't do it. I will say though that when I was trying to get the hang of it, I discovered some amazing color combo's that I might not have found otherwise.
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I would like to learn how to make beads out of polymer clay. I know it should be easy but I think its like canes for me, something my fingers just don't want to do.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Oh yes! I live the beautiful Pacific Northwest and we have this wonderful color palette of greens, browns, greys, muted blues and whites. I also have a thing for antiqued metal colors and the wonderful thing about polymer clay is that it mixes like paint. I like to keep a block of burnt umber around to warm up colors for instance.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I get out into nature and I like to jump around with styles, one day I will make a bunch of floral pieces and another day I'm all about the metal and barbed wire in my work. I think not staying with one ideal keeps things moving creatively for me.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
Stopping what I'm doing. If I find myself sitting at my desk just staring at a pile of clay and nothing is happening, I will go do something else. Sometimes even just doing the dishes or whatever, that usually works out the kinks in the creative side of my brain.
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Sculpey Premo. I like it because the range of colors and the durability after baking. Some colors can be a little soft but I just leech them.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Make sure that if your going to add beads or embellishments to your polymer clay creations, nothing you add is acrylic...found that one out the hard way
You can find Strange Whimsy online at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/StrangeWhimsy, http://www.flickr.com/photos/strangewhimsy/, http://www.facebook.com/StrangeWhimsy, http://twitter.com/#!/StrangeWhimsy, and http://www.strangewhimsy.com/. Be sure to stop by and see what she's creating now! ;-)
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Monday, October 17, 2011
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!
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Visit the Smooshers Blog
Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Autumn Rain by CreativeCritters
One of my favorite things used to be sitting out on the dock in the lake and watching the rain fall in the water. Looking across the lake the trees that lined the opposite shore were wearing their beautiful Autumn colors. This Raku pendant from Danas Jewelry Etc. reminds me of the patterns the rain made on the water, which reflected the colors of the trees. 
Yes, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year! So enjoy these rainy Autumn evenings and spend some time browsing the shops of these talented artists!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Meet Smoosher member DreamWeaversDesigns
Polymer Clay Smoosher Jan, of DreamWeaversDesigns creates beautiful, colorful polymer clay jewelry and was kind enough to answer a few questions about her work and how she started smooshing clay ;-)
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I chose polymer clay on a whim, just to see what could be done with it. I honestly thought it would be something like play-doh, and am so glad I was wrong. To be able to mimic so many things is amazing.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I am self taught and used all the resources I could get my hands on to learn everything I could. The internet is fantastic for researching and with You-Tube, you can virtually learn anything. I also started my own library, grabbing every book I came across! It's great to go back through them now and understand what everything means.
What is your favorite tool to work with?
I don't know that I have a favorite tool yet, but, I could not live without my pasta machine. I also recently purchased a buffer and just love how it makes my pieces shine.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I did dabble in some wire wrapping and made several pieces. I'm now using a kumihimo loom and am making braided strands for my pendants.
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
So many techniques, so little time! Right now I am working at perfecting the mica shift technique, and think this may be one of the top favorites. I love the 3D effect and after sanding and buffing, the glassy shine is incredible. I also like mokume gane for the different surprises that come with every slice. One cane can make so many different looking pieces.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
I don't necessarily have a least favorite technique, as I haven't been able to try them all! I must say that getting the perfect kaleidoscope cane is not that easy for me. I would love to be able to make the crisp, clear, colorful works of art I have seen others make.
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I really want to learn how to make boxes. Also, just coming up with the perfect design to showcase the piece is always a goal.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Right now, I haven't mixed any colors "on purpose" to incorporate into a design. When I have mixed, it's random and usually as a means to use up left overs.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I am always looking at jewelry and browsing the internet. I usually don't have a specific design in mind when I start working with my clay, and really try to focus on making one of a kind pieces. I just go with the flow and technique and decide how it's going to look as I continue working.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
I recognize that everyone gets in ruts and I'm no different. If I find that I'm not making a piece that makes me happy, I'll stop for a while. Then I may go browsing and pick up my polymer clay books, or just visit some sites of famous polymer clay artisans and I can feel that "getting excited" spark.
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I mainly use Sculpey Premo clay as I find it fairly easy to condition and I like the results. Recently, I have bought some FIMO, if I couldn't find the Premo in the color I wanted.
Visit the Smooshers Blog
Join the conversation on the Smooshers forums
Thanks for stopping by!
With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I chose polymer clay on a whim, just to see what could be done with it. I honestly thought it would be something like play-doh, and am so glad I was wrong. To be able to mimic so many things is amazing.
How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I am self taught and used all the resources I could get my hands on to learn everything I could. The internet is fantastic for researching and with You-Tube, you can virtually learn anything. I also started my own library, grabbing every book I came across! It's great to go back through them now and understand what everything means.
What is your favorite tool to work with?
I don't know that I have a favorite tool yet, but, I could not live without my pasta machine. I also recently purchased a buffer and just love how it makes my pieces shine.
Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I did dabble in some wire wrapping and made several pieces. I'm now using a kumihimo loom and am making braided strands for my pendants.
What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
So many techniques, so little time! Right now I am working at perfecting the mica shift technique, and think this may be one of the top favorites. I love the 3D effect and after sanding and buffing, the glassy shine is incredible. I also like mokume gane for the different surprises that come with every slice. One cane can make so many different looking pieces.
What is your least favorite technique and why?
I don't necessarily have a least favorite technique, as I haven't been able to try them all! I must say that getting the perfect kaleidoscope cane is not that easy for me. I would love to be able to make the crisp, clear, colorful works of art I have seen others make.
What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
I really want to learn how to make boxes. Also, just coming up with the perfect design to showcase the piece is always a goal.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Right now, I haven't mixed any colors "on purpose" to incorporate into a design. When I have mixed, it's random and usually as a means to use up left overs.
How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I am always looking at jewelry and browsing the internet. I usually don't have a specific design in mind when I start working with my clay, and really try to focus on making one of a kind pieces. I just go with the flow and technique and decide how it's going to look as I continue working.
What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
I recognize that everyone gets in ruts and I'm no different. If I find that I'm not making a piece that makes me happy, I'll stop for a while. Then I may go browsing and pick up my polymer clay books, or just visit some sites of famous polymer clay artisans and I can feel that "getting excited" spark.
What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
I mainly use Sculpey Premo clay as I find it fairly easy to condition and I like the results. Recently, I have bought some FIMO, if I couldn't find the Premo in the color I wanted.
Be sure to check out all her beautiful creations!
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Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Autumn splendor in polymer clay
Just wanted to share this awesome collection of Fall items from the the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild members ;-)
Autumn Splendor from the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild
Curated by CreativeCrittersCollection Curator
"A collection of splendid Autumn items from the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild ~ enjoy!"
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