The theme for the Polymer Clay Smooshers Challenge for January was Valentines, and our members created some truly beautiful pieces. Members new and old created jewelry, trinket boxes, sculptures, and more, all based on their interpretation of Valentines. This collection features some of those wonderful entries. Be sure to click on the pictures to learn more about each item and purchase it if you like. Our members worked very hard to create these wonderful pieces and I want to thank them all for participating!
What a wonderful representation of Valentines Day!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
How to make a basic Skinner Blend
Creating Skinner blends is one of the basics of working with polymer clay. This technique allows the even gradient blending of two or more colors and was developed by Judith Skinner. You'll need two colors of clay, a 3" by 4 1/2" cardboard template (an index card works well), a straight blade, and your pasta machine.
Step 1: Using the largest setting on your pasta machine, roll out two contrasting colors of clay. Make sure you have enough clay- usually at least half a block per color.
Step 2: Cut each rectangle diagonally from corner to corner using your clay blade.
Step 3: Stack the same color triangles, one over the other, to make double thick triangles of clay. Be sure they match perfectly. Re-form the triangles together with both colors so you have a rectangle again. Run this through the pasta machine on the largest setting.
Step 4: Fold the rectangle in half and run it through the largest setting on the pasta machine. After folding before each pass make sure that the side edges of the clay are identical in color. The clay should always be inserted in the pasta machine fold first. This helps to avoid any trapped air bubbles between layers of clay.
Repeat step 4 until you get the color gradient you want to achieve. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 passes, all depending on the effect you're looking for.
And there you have it- a fairly easy technique that has all sorts of uses! Here's a link to a great tutorial from Smooshers member Drunkenmimes that shows how to use a Skinner Blend to create a leaf cane: Polymer Clay Skinner Blend and Leaf Cane Tutorial. Get creative and see what you can make using the Skinner Blend technique!
Step 1: Using the largest setting on your pasta machine, roll out two contrasting colors of clay. Make sure you have enough clay- usually at least half a block per color.
Step 3: Stack the same color triangles, one over the other, to make double thick triangles of clay. Be sure they match perfectly. Re-form the triangles together with both colors so you have a rectangle again. Run this through the pasta machine on the largest setting.
Step 4: Fold the rectangle in half and run it through the largest setting on the pasta machine. After folding before each pass make sure that the side edges of the clay are identical in color. The clay should always be inserted in the pasta machine fold first. This helps to avoid any trapped air bubbles between layers of clay.
Repeat step 4 until you get the color gradient you want to achieve. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 passes, all depending on the effect you're looking for.
Friday, January 20, 2012
How To Make a Stamped Heart Pendant- tutorial from CreativeCritters
With Valentines Day just around the corner many of us are either buying or creating handmade hearts of all sorts. In this video tutorial Michelle of CreativeCritters shows you how to make a beautiful polymer clay heart pendant which is stamped and then colored with Pearl Ex powder. This is a fun and easy project that just about anyone can do, and it requires very few supplies.
I hope you enjoyed this project and will come back for more!
I hope you enjoyed this project and will come back for more!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Featured Smoosher Vall Dawns Jewelry Designs
Valerie is the creative lady behind Vall Dawns Jewelry Designs. She gets a much of her inspiration from family, friends and the world around her. When she was younger Valerie says always had to follow a pattern precisely and without any deviation. She's always been a perfectionist and if she didn't get it she just wouldn't do it. Over the years, however, she's become more relaxed and has come to realize that everything doesn't have to be 100% "perfect". Valerie says "I still have very high standards and hold myself accountable for my craftsmanship but, realize that nature (and people are not perfect)." Sometimes it's those little imperfections that make a piece a work of art. She loves to mix different colors, and elements together to create gorgeous jewelry. Below is just a sample of the beautiful jewelry that can be found in her shop.
Vall Dawns Jewelry can also be found on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and her blog. Be sure to stop by her ArtFire shop and check out all the wonderful items she has available!
Vall Dawns Jewelry can also be found on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and her blog. Be sure to stop by her ArtFire shop and check out all the wonderful items she has available!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Hold on to my Heart- lovely Valentines collection from the Smooshers
Check out the wide selection of beautiful hearts created by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild!
To view the listings for these items simply click on the picture. Any of these great pieces would make a lovely Valentines Day gift!
To view the listings for these items simply click on the picture. Any of these great pieces would make a lovely Valentines Day gift!
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