Featured Smoosher XPressions Dolls

Smooshers member francine, of Xpressions Dolls on ArtFire.com sculpts expressive and whimsical art dolls in polymer clay. Each of these delightful dolls are one of a kind creations which were crafted by hand and are highly detailed.  The imagination and creativity that goes into each one makes them a unique gift from the heart. Can't you just imagine the delight of unwrapping one of these wonderful characters?  Francine has been sculpting these fun character dolls for eight years.  She says that making them helps her relax and get rid of the stress of every day life.  She finds great pleasure in being able to give each character a human-like expression that makes them a bit different from the norm.  As you can see, Francine is one talented polymer clay artist!  These dolls each have so much personality and each one is sure to bring a smile!
 

 
 
  
And this is just a small sample of the amazing creations you can find at Xpressions Dolls!  Be sure to stop in and meet all the wonderful characters created by this talented Smoosher!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Meet Smoosher member KaelMijoy

 Smoosher member Korrina, of Kael Mijoy creates beautiful one of a kind polymer clay jewelry, home decor, and more.  She was kind enough to answer a few questions for us and share a little bit about her passion for polymer clay.
 

With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
I didn't- it chose me. Actually, I've been crafting since I was big enough to hold a pair of scissors. I tried everything I could get my hands on and couldn't stick with anything for more than a few months or a year at most. Tried polymer clay and couldn't put it down. That was 9 years ago (about the same time that I started homeschooling, as a matter of fact) and I don't see an end in sight.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
Internet. I had a little bit of clay and wanted to mess with it but couldn't figure out much on my own. So, on a whim (didn't really think I'd find much), I Googled it. My first project was a lace cane that I made beads out of. Then I started buying books and checking them out of the library. Now, I still read every book I can get my hands on and am constantly searching online for new ideas.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
There are a lot of tools that I couldn't live without- I don't think I could pick just one. Pasta machine, a good blade, my extruder and its pusher, and my heat gun are probably at the top of the list, though.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
Not really- I do crochet when I need something portable to keep my hands busy and once every few months I will dig out the quilt top or my cross stitch (both of which were started about 10 years ago) and work on one of those for a few days.

What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
Filigree- no, wait! Micromosaic... no, relief sculpture. Um, caning? I really don't know. It depends on my mood at any given time, although, I do tend to go in bursts. I'll spend days (or weeks) on one technique, only to wander off and come back to it a month or so later.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Sculpting tiny stuff. I just can't keep my hands steady enough to do it. I could never be a miniature artist.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
My dream is to go on a pc retreat. I would love to meet other polyclay artists. There isn't anyone in my area who does it besides me. I love architecture and eventually I'd like to sculpt Hogwarts castle and do some of the LDS temples in relief sculpture.
Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
Almost always. I use Kato- the color choices are limited. Even when I do have a lot of color choices available, I can seldom find one that's "just right." I'm super-picky about color.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
I almost never make the same things twice. I follow my mood. Our art won't invoke feelings in others unless we put a bit of ourselves into our work. My best pieces are the ones that I felt the most vulnerable emotionally during their creation.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
When I get stuck, I watch for beauty around me (there's plenty of that up here in the Grand Tetons), I watch for inspiration in the books I'm reading, I pay attention to the colors and textures of the things around me that I've taken for granted, I flip through my art books and surf the internet for images that catch my eye. And if all else fails, I clean my craft room, discover some supply or tool that I've been meaning to try and forgot I had, (or notes on a technique I want to try) and my muse comes back to me.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
Kato is my favorite- Fimo and Premo are my backups. I would use Kato exclusively but I can't get it locally and I don't always plan ahead enough to get it online in time. I love the texture of it, love the pureness of the colors for mixing, love the way it feels when it's baked. My only complaint with it is how hard it is to sand. That's the one thing I prefer the others for.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
With all of my responsibilities as a wife, mother of 6 kids, homeschool teacher to 5 of them, nurse to the one with diabetes, owner of one small business, and partner in two more, polymer clay is my therapy. I seriously think I would go completely crazy without it.

 
You can also find Kael Mijoy online on Flickr,  Twitter, and her blog.  Be sure to check out all the wonderful creations this very talented artist has to offer!


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How To Make a Teddy Bear Christmas Ornament in Polymer Clay

This video tutorial, made by Michelle of CreativeCritters, will show you how to sculpt a miniature teddy bear ornament in polymer clay.  This cute little bear, complete with Santa hat and warm scarf, will make an adorable addition to your Christmas tree!

I hope you enjoyed this video and will go on to make lots of little Christmas bears! ;-)
CreativeCritters can also be found online on Flickr, Facebook, her blog, and YouTube.

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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!

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Merry Christmas from the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild!

Merry Christmas from the Polymer Clay Sm...

   Curated By: CreativeCritt...

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Photography

The Polymer Clay Smooshers have handmade gifts for you!

Find wonderful handmade Christmas gifts created by the very talented member of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild!

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Meet Smooshers member Fantasy Clay

Smooshers member Susan, of Fantasy Clay, has been smooshing polymer clay for over 10 years and was kind enough to share a bit about her work and her methods for creating these wonderful pieces.


With all the mediums available for crafting why did you choose Polymer clay?
Polymer clay lets me explore almost anything- I can play with colors, textures, form and that is just the beginning. I can make almost anything I can think of, I am limited only by imagination. Even better, I don't need a kiln, it's inexpensive, it bakes in my oven in about an hour, and it's non-toxic.

How did you learn to use polymer clay? Internet, experimenting, books, classes.....
I first started with a kids book which taught some basics and had simple projects that encouraged taking trajectories. From there I hit the net. I got a big boost when Dinko Tilov's book came out in 2004. I had known his work from PCC so I couldn't wait for it and it added a lot to my toolbelt of knowledge.

What is your favorite tool to work with?
My hands are my favorite tool, I like to squish and touch. With a needle tool and my hands, I have the basics to do a decent sculpture.

Do you like to work with any mediums other than polymer clay?
I've used other mediums including oil and water painting, pencil, yarns, wool- but now I just use polymer clay (and what I need for embellishments)

What is your favorite polymer clay technique and why?
I love sculptural and textural techniques. I love the freedom and the creativity, even when I have a defined goal, like a cake topper made to order. When I am doing something like my dragon necklaces, anything goes.

What is your least favorite technique and why?
Caning. Precision is key, 'Nuff said.

What is on your "to do" or "to learn" list?
My biggest "to do" is to try to find a focus and really hone my skills in that area and perfect it.

Do you mix your own colors? Why or why not?
I HAVE to mix my own colors, if only because I love the exploration of color. I love using analogous palettes, like shades of one color, mixing your own colors is the only way to get those shades. Even more, the colors define my work- my colors are mine, I think the worst thing Polyform does is advertize its new Premo colors as "we did the mixing for you". Hands off, that is my job and joy.

How do you keep your designs fresh and original?
Are my designs fresh and original still? I'm not sure. I keep trying new techniques and sculpting different things, often just doing a different pose requires new skills.

What keeps you from getting into a creative rut?
When I get in a rut, I usually need a kick start. I go back to making some of my basics, usually one of Christi Friesen inspired dragons. The shape is simple, just simple snake, mix up colors, make a face, add some more color and it starts rolling...
I make sure I don't focus on a sellable piece but just enjoying myself.

What is your favorite brand of clay if you have one and why?
If I could only have one brand, it would be Premo. The clay is firm but giving. It also has the best mica colors of any brand. They've dropped some of their crucial colors, actually the 3 most primary colors - magenta, cobalt blue and zinc yellow but it still has many of their original artist colors.

Is there anything else that you would like to add? 
You have to do what you love. And keep trying to do it better.
Copper and Blue Mosaic

You can also find Fantasy Clay online on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Indiepublic, YouTube, and her blog.  Be sure to stop in and check out all her wonderful creations!  And right now she's offering free shipping on all items from her ArtFire shop!

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Mica Shift Pendant Tutorial- written by DreamWeaversDesigns

This tutorial was written by Smooshers member DreamWeaversDesigns, originally on her ArtFire blog.  She was kind enough to share the post with us as well.

Mica Shift pendant tutorial.

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The above necklace and earring set were made using the mica shift technique.  Finished pieces were placed on memory wire.  Black crystals and white glass beads were used to complete the look.

I love mica shift!!  Mica shift is a polymer clay technique that shows up as a 3D or ghost image.  There are certain clays that have mica particles in them and when these particles are manipulated {by rolling the clay in one direction over and over with a pasta machine}, the mica lines up.  When stamped, shaved, or just cut, the clay has areas that are darker and those that are lighter, giving a two toned effect.  The images one can capture are amazing; the 3D effect is awesome.  Pearlized clay can also be used to achieve the ghost image.  The following is my method for getting this great look.  I wanted to make this tutorial for those who may be interested in the technique, but were hesitant to try it.  I hope it's not too long!!

Start by assembling your tools.  I used Premo pearl clay, cranberry Adirondak ink, a flexible blade, a non flexible blade, an acrylic roller, stamp of choice and my pasta machine.

   

Cut off the amount of clay you think you will need.  I used 1/4 of the 2 oz pack, which is plenty for the pendant I am making.  I then roll out the clay on the widest setting to get ready for applying my alcohol ink to tint {This was a great tip from one of the Smoosher's!}.  Note, you can darken the clay by reapplying more ink after the first coat has dried.  Placed your prepared clay on your tile.
 

After the ink has dried on your clay, fold it in half and start running it through the pasta machine.  Inserting the fold first will express all the air in between the 2 halves.  I rolled my clay through the pasta machine about 30 times to make sure the ink was thoroughly mixed.

Once you have selected your stamp, impress the prepared clay.  {Make sure you apply even pressure so the design is deep enough.  Sometimes this takes practice.  The great thing about polymer clay and this technique is, if you make a mistake, you can start all over.}  Once I was satisfied with my stamped impression, I began the slicing process.  Due to the pressure used to imprint the stamp, my clay is good and stuck to the tile.  I hold the non-flexible blade at an angle, starting at the side farthest from me.  Then I drag the blade across the piece, slowly shaving off the raised layers of the stamped impression.  {This too takes practice.  I have made many mistakes and sliced too deep.}  Once you have been doing it for a while, you get a feel for how to hold your hands to make the right depth slices.  The goal is to shave off all the raised areas so your clay is fairly smooth. 

     

After I have shaved off all the raised areas, I used my acrylic roller to flatten the piece even more. {Some people prefer to roll their piece through the pasta machine to achieve a smooth surface; I prefer using my roller}  Use a light hand when rolling and change directions to avoid distorting the image.  Because of the pressure to apply your stamp; then the slices you take off, you are left with a thinner sheet of clay.  Gently use your blade to remove the prepared clay off the tile.


  I like to use the remainder of my tinted clay, rolled through the pasta machine at the widest setting, to use as a backing.  Place the shaved sheet over the plain sheet and roll with the acrylic roller to remove any air bubbles.  Next I cut out my shape using the flexible blade, gently push down the edges of the piece and smooth by running my fingers down the side.  I feel this gives the pendant a more finished look.  Then I pierced the top for stringing the piece, embellished with a flat back crystal and baked according to the instructions on the clay pack in my convection oven.  For this piece I baked it for 40 minutes.  Note: please observe all safety precautions when working with clay, sharp tools and the oven.  Keep the area well ventilated and never use tools, utensils or ovens for food items after used with the clay.

 

Once my baking was done, I immediately placed the pendant in an ice bath.  I feel this brings up the image.  After soaking in ice for 20-30 minutes, I was able to use my micro mesh pads to sand the piece, than I buffed it to a high shine on my power buffing machine.  Here is the finished product, ready for stringing.

Thanks for taking the time to review this, my first, written tutorial.  Feel free to let me know what you think!!

You can also find DreamWeaversDesigns online at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-mw/, and http://dreamweaversdesigns.blogspot.com/.


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