POLYmer RHYTHMS ♪♪♪♪♪♪

Small Steps

2012-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

You gotta start somewhere, right? First I needed to clear off my work table. So, I decided to use the leftover bits and pieces of clay in front of me to start. Maybe I could meet two goals this way. I could clear the table, and use some materials that I have on hand. A baby step, but a step.

I kept it simple, so I could work quickly.

I love textured shapes, so this was fun and fast. These pieces are becoming components for magnets, pins, toggles and pendants.

Here are a few of my heart magnets. Just in time for my valentine!

Gotta go finish clearing off that work table. Almost there!
Still resolved, still resolving!

Resolved!

2012-01-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

The New Year always brings thoughts of new possibilities. For me this year, it's all in the "doing". The goals for the year will all be doable and measurable.

As it relates to my art work, my first goal is to use the materials I have on hand. For many of us crafty folks there are an abundance of supplies and materials on hand for the projects we hoped to make, plan to make , and sort of made. I have no particular projects in mind. Whatever materials I have on hand will be the starting point. We'll see where it takes us!

My other goal is to complete at least one piece using each of the tutorials I have purchased from some expert polymer clay artists who have shared their skills so generously. I have collected a few of these (and have plans to purchase more). I am excited about the learning and inspiration that awaits me as I try my hand at these projects.

So when do I start? Today will be fine. It's all in the doing. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Treasures in the Treasury

2011-12-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Quite a variety here. My Wrap Around Cuff Bracelet is included among these great gift ideas. Just click to take a closer look. Enjoy!

I love these Etsy gift treasuries!

2011-12-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

My Tee Shirt Scarf/Necklace was featured in this treasury.

Check out this wonderful collection from the Etsy Artists' of Color team. Browse the other wonderful Etsy treasuries while you're there.

Isn't she lovely?

2011-12-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

I must say, I do have my own favorites. And she is one of them!

Foldable Purse Hanger

Of course, you can't go wrong with this one either! Great stocking stuffers!

Foldable Purse Hanger

See more at my Etsy shop! Thanks for Stopping by!

Fun to Wear! Textured Toggle Cuff Bracelet/Anklet/Necklace!

2011-11-07T08:28:00.001-08:00

Textured Toggle Cuff Bracelet/Anklet/Necklace, originally uploaded by Marcia Palmer.

I am having so much fun making these 3-in-1 pieces! They are so much fun to wear. I just got back from Jamaica where I wore a different toggled anklet each day. Since I got home I have been rockin' the cuff bracelet.

The necklace is next!

Don't I Just Love It!

2011-04-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, I love it when creative divas share what they have made using the techniques from my Simply Perfect Bracelet tutorial. Everyone has their own way of saying it that's just right for them.

These beauties were made by Anke Humpert of Germany.

Love the colors!

And more here by River Valley Design

If anymore of you divas out there have tried my tutorial I'd LOVE you to share what you have created!

Year End Sale!

2010-12-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

Making way for new things in the new year! For 40% off any item in my Etsy shop just type in 40OFF2011 at checkout for an immediate discount. Offer runs through Jan. 2, 2011. Check it out!

December PCAGOE Challenge! Vote and Win A Gift for Yourself!

2010-12-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's challenge time again at PCAGOE. Our theme this month is "Mokume Gane." Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique which artists in other mediums, including polymer clay, have adapted. The term Mokume Gane literally means woodgrain metal or eye of the wood metal, and refers to the elaborate woodgrain patterns which can be created with the technique.

Voting begins December 1, 2010 and ends at midnight Eastern U.S. time on December 7, 2010. Winners will be announced here on December 8, 2010 and at www.pcagoe.com.

Five (5) lucky winners chosen at random will also receive one of the prizes shown in the prize mosaic below, all of which were created by our very talented members.

Here is my enrty: Mokume Gane Elegance - Ringed Bracelet

You can read the details and vote here.

Enjoy!

It's Still On - That's 10% off!

2010-11-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

Receive 10% off any item in my Etsy shop. Just enter 10OFF1210 in the coupon code box at checkout and receive an immediate 10% discount.

That's in addition to the free shipping on all items!

Ya' gotta love it!

If Your Were Waiting...

2010-11-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

...today would be the day! Everything in my shop is on sale 10% off. Including previously marked down items. PLUS free shipping!

The Cuff Bracelet and Primitive Elegance Earrings are among the many items on sale in my shop today!

See everything on sale by clicking on the link below:
http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/marciapalmer

Have fun!

I'm All Ears

2010-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Trying some new looks.

Let me know what you think.

October PCAGOE Challenge - Southwestern

2010-09-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Time to vote! This month, our members were challenged to create an entry depicting a Southwestern theme.

Voting is open to the public and to PCAGOE guild members. Voting begins October 1, 2010 and ends at midnight, Eastern U.S. time on October 7, 2010. The winners chosen in each category and the voter prize winners will be announced at www.pcagoe.com and here on October 8, 2010.

Five (5) lucky public voters, chosen at random, will win a beautiful polymer clay prize created by one of our many talented artists. Don't miss this one!

Don't they look fantastic! The ladies are showing off their talents with this one.

Have fun!

More Inspirations

2010-09-05T09:03:00.001-07:00

Earrings, originally uploaded by Marcia Palmer.

I love metalwork. The artwork of many wonderful artists inspires me to in my humble attempts to get that metal "feeling" with polymer clay. Maybe someday I will actually learn to work with metals or metal clay. In the meantime I will continue with my attempts with polymer clay.

(I think I'll be keeping this pair for myself!)

Paints, Foils, Leafs, and Inks - Another PCAGOE Challenge

2010-07-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! For the month of August PCAGOE members were challenged to create an entry using paints, foils, leafs or inks. The result was 21 amazing pieces that showcase the versatility of polymer clay and how it can be enhanced, embellished, and transformed to create something which looks completely different than clay.

Five (5) lucky public voters, chosen at random, will win a beautiful polymer clay prize created by one of our many talented artists.

Voting begins August 1, 2010 and ends at midnight, Eastern U.S. time on August 7, 2010. The winners chosen in each category and the voter prize winners will be announced at on August 8, 2010 at http://www.pcagoe.com/.

See the entries, the voter prizes, and voting details at PCAGOE blog page.

Have fun!

Inspired Mosaic Pendant

2010-07-29T16:08:00.001-07:00

Inspired Mosaic Pendant
Originally uploaded by Marcia Palmer

This mosaic pendant was inspired by the PCAGOE August Challenge theme: paints, foils, leafs, and inks.

The challenge with go live in a few days, so please be sure to check back to see all of the fabulous entries from our member artist.

PCAGOE July "Faux" Challenge

2010-07-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

Is that really you? Check out the amazing entries in this month's Polymer Clay Artists' Guild of Etsy "faux" challenge. These fabulously creative entries certainly show off the versatility of polymer clay, and the diverse talent of our guild.

Voting begins July 1, 2010 and ends July 7, 2010 at midnight, Eastern U.S. time. Winners in each voting category will be announced on July 8, 2010.

Five lucky voters from the public, chosen at random, will also win beautiful polymer clay prizes created by one of our many, talented member artists! Winning voters will be notified at the close of voting. Read more details at pcagoe.com.

Vote now!

Are You Faux Real?

2010-06-17T16:22:00.001-07:00

I love the look of Tibetan jewelry made with amber beads. I think I have procrastinated long enough, so I finally decided to try my hand at some faux amber beads. I used the technique from Tory Hughes' book, "Polymer: The Chameleon Clay".

Here are my first attempts:

My next attempt will be for a deeper color, and perhaps more uniform bead. Although, I do like the antique worn looking bead too.

Suggestions? Comments?

Thanks.

Talk About A Win-Win!

2010-06-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Way to go PCAGOE! I love it when everybody wins!

The PCAGOE June Challenge, Think Outside the Box, raised over $500 for our team charity, Polymer Clay for a Cause. Thanks to all the voters and bidders who participated.

Not only that, my entry tied for first place with Beth of Create My World in the voting by PCAGOE members! Congrats to all of the winners! You can see them all here.

To top it off, I won the fantastic piece I bid on during the auction. This entry, Bloom Where you are Planted, was created by the very talented Mary Ellen Nichols. I just love it!

The pictures do not capture it's beauty. You can see more of Mary Ellen's (aka M.E.) work at her Etsy shop and flickr page. Enjoy!

Let's do it again!

Button Up!

2010-06-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am still working on perfecting my transfer image technique. But what fun if that if you don't use it to create something? Okay, so I went for something simple, buttons! These could make great focal buttons, don't you think?

In the top photo the images were transferred onto white clay, and liquid clay was applied before baking. In the bottom photo the images were transferred onto translucent lay.

Well, it's back to the work table. What else can I use these transfer images for? Any suggestions?

A Special Challenge For a Special Cause

2010-06-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

The June challenge sponsored by the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy, is a very special challenge for us. The theme for June is "Think Outside The Box." The participating members started with the same-sized, 2.5" x 2", hinged, aluminum tin. Each artist covered the tin with polymer clay and other materials, in any design, pattern or colors they chose. The result is 29 amazing creations!

You can still vote for your 3 top favorites as always. But, to make this even more special you can also bid on your favorites! All tins are being auctioned off to the highest bidder during challenge week from June 1st to midnight, Eastern U.S. time on June 7, 2010 to benefit our team charity, Polymer Clay For A Cause. Bidding begins at $10 for each tin, and there is no limit. A great opportunity to own a wonderful original piece of artwork.

See the close-ups and descriptions of the entries here. Cast a vote ,and place your bid. As always, five lucky voters will get to choose from an array for wonderful prizes created by our talented guild atrists.

Thanks so much for your support.

PCAGOE June Challenge Entry

2010-06-01T15:17:00.001-07:00

PCAGOE June Challenge Entry
Originally uploaded by Marcia Palmer

My entry in the PCAGOE June challenge. See the details about our special event for a special cause here. Enjoy the entries, cast a vote, place a bid, and you could win a prize!

Thanks for your support.

Inspiration is Everywhere!

2010-05-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

The stunning beadwork of Aja Vaz leaves me breathless! I could gaze at these beads all day and never get enough. I absolutely love the colors and movement of these beads. I don't believe I have ever seen anything quite like these hollow glass beads.

If I ever learn to create something as beautiful as these beads I would be in heaven.

See more on her flickr site. A must see! Enjoy the journey!

My Inspired Cylinder Beads

2010-05-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

As planned, I did have fun this week trying my hand at some cylinder shaped beads. I purchased Lynda's Moseley's tutorial , Creating Cylinder Beads Using Image Tranfsers, and used her work as my inspiration. Lynda has some great tutorials. Detailed and easy to follow.

Well, after many attempts I did manage one satisfactory image transfer and completed a bead. I guess I need to continue to work on my prefecting my transfers. In the meantime, I also created a few beads using a veneer made from translucent clay, gold leaf, and inks.

Thanks again for the inspiration Lynda!

More fun ahead for me. Lovin' it!

Inspire Me!

2010-05-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

So often I find inspiration from wonderful artists of all mediums. Their use of color, design, or technique fuels my imagination and sparks my creativity.

To express my appreciation and share their wonderful work I would like to give a shout out to these wonderfully creative beings from time to time.

My inspiration for the day comes from a fellow polymer clay artist whose work I love, and whose dedication to the art and medium I admire. I am sure anyone who follows Lynda Moseley's work would agree that her innovations and flawless execution fuel the imagination.

I recently purchased her Cylinder Bead Tutorial, and plan to have some fun with that this week. In the meantime, I encourage you to enjoy her work here and here.

PCAGOE May Challenge Entries

2010-05-02T17:34:00.001-07:00

The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy's May Challenge theme is "History/Historial Event". Our member artists took up the challenge to created these diverse and inspiring entries depicting a moment in time.

Vote for your top 3 favorites at our team website at http://www.pcagoe.com/ between May 1 and May 7, 2010. Five lucky voters, chosen at random, will also win one of the beautiful polymer clay items created by our talented member artists.

There are 14 fantastic entries this month. Take a look an enjoy them all. Vote and you could be a winner!

Back in the Swing of Things!

2010-04-11T20:28:00.001-07:00

It's been slow for me over the past few months. Maybe it was the winter blues (although I kinda like blue). Anyway, over the past couple of weeks I feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things.

I was featured in two blogs. DivaDea featured my Duality Earrings in this post . And DoodleMe featured my Primitive Images Switch Plate in her post here. Just the boost I needed ladies. Thanks!

I already mentioned that I listed my first tutorial on Etsy. So far so good. I had been working at this on and off for quite some time. I am glad to have that completed and ready to share.

On to the next project. Ain't no stopping us now!

April Challenge Winners

2010-04-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late on this one, but I do want to say congrats to the PCAGOE challenge winners for this month. Take another look at the wonderful entries recognized this month from these talented artists here!

Please join us again for the May challenge when the theme is "History/Historical Events." That should be fun and interesting!

Simply Perfect Tutorial

2010-04-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

I just listed my first tutorial on Etsy. Of course, the project is one of my favortie things to create. You guessed it - bracelets!

The Simple Perfect Bracelet tutorial takes you through the easy steps to create a bangle style bracelet from polymer clay, and customize a perfect fit for yourself or a friend. project.

Since I can't seem to stop making these bracelets, I though others might enjoy it too! You can check out the details here.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

PCAGOE April Challenge

2010-04-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

Another Polymer Clay Artists' Guild of Etsy monthly challenge is happening right now! This month's theme is depicting or interpreting the fabric, and the entries are amazing! Voting is open to the public and to PCAGOE guild members.

Voting began April 1, 2010 and ends at midnight, Eastern U.S. time on April 7, 2010. The winners will be announced at http://www.pcagoe.com/ April 8, 2010.

Five lucky public voters, chosen at random, will also win a beautiful polymer clay prize created by one of our member artists from this prize pool! How good is that?!!!

There are 17 entries this month. Check out the entries and the voter prizes. Vote for your top three favorites here.

Congrats to Our March Challenge Winners!

2010-03-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

It's a wrap on another great PCAGOE challenge! Congratulations to the March winners:

1st place - Yonat Dascula
2nd place - Christi of River Valley Designs
3rd place - Dottie of Stonebrash

Congrats tot he luck voter winners too:
Petra Monaco
Daniella Flakowicz
David Polakoff
Maite Mora Ferrer
Stevie Rocco

Read more about it here.

Only Love Remains - Another Year and Another Altered Art Tag

2010-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

First, I hope the New Year is going well for all. I guess it's not too late to say that. ☺

As always, I begin the New Year with great ideas and intentions of forging new directions. I did find my way through a few things on last year's list, but I certainly hope to improve on that this year. As long as I do what I can each day, I count that to the good. It's only when I don't do what I certainly can do that there is a possibility of regret.

Anyway, here is my first Altered Art Tag of the year. The message always inspires. I hope it lifts you too.

Be back soon.

Okay, back to way.

Keepsake Altered Art Gift Tags

2009-12-07T16:45:00.001-08:00

I love creating these Altered Art Gift Tags, especially this time of year. Each tag carries an inspirational message, and provides me with an opportunity to use many wonderful bits and pieces I have stored away in my studio. What do you think?

Need earrings to go with my bracelet...right?

2009-11-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

More Primitive Influences

Primitive Influences

2009-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Primitive images on my mind find expression in these bangle style bracelets.

Primitive is the new contemporary (at least in my eyes).

More to come.

Let me know what you think.

More About Mudcloth

2009-08-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

A fellow polymer clay artist, treasurefield, in commenting about my Mudcloth cuff bracelet, said she wondered if the original mudcloth technique really used mud. I thought it did, so I looked up a couple of sites about the history of mudcloth. Here is site that gives you a summary of the origin and significance of mudcloth.

I also ran across a site where you can virtually design you own piece of mudcloth. You can try it here. I had fun with this, but I don't believe I'll be making any real mudcloth any time soon.

Inspired by...

2009-08-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

...the designs of African mudcloth.

Inspired by...

2009-08-02T15:42:00.001-07:00

...Ronna Weltman's wonderful textures, colors, and designs from her recent publication, "Ancient Modern". A must add for your polymer library!

Thanks Ronna!

Coming Out of Hibernation

2009-07-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

...to be continued

Woodshedding

2009-06-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been a minute since I checked in. So what have I been doing? Celebrating some wonderful family milestones, visiting family out-of-town, and woodshedding. I know you get the first two, but what about this woodshedding thing.

As I understand it, this is a musicians' term that means "going off to hone your skills". It's typically used by jazz musicians when they need time off to work things out. Well, since the celebrating and visiting quieted down, that's what I've been doing, woodshedding.

I'm practicing some new techniques , working out some ideas, just experimenting at a nice slow pace. I am excited to see what will will come of it. Maybe something, maybe nothing. But that's okay. The joy is definitely in the journey.

Right now, my mind it still working on slow, but my hands are getting pretty restless. So I am keeping my hands busy until my mind catches up.

And you can bet, I'll share it here. Until then.

Bloggers Delight!

2009-04-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

A chance for all you bloggers out there to win a basket full of wonderful gifts! WOW! You can't pass on this unbelievable giveaway!

So here's the deal....

The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy is having a Mother’s Day gift basket giveaway, and all you have to do for a chance to win it is…

1. Post a comment on the PCAGOE website with two links: a link to a PCAGOE item you like (just search “pcagoe team” on etsy) AND a link to your blog.

2. Agree to make a blog post about PCAGOE if you win the prize.

It’s that simple! (One entry per person. Thanks.)

Comment any time between now and midnight EST on Mother’s Day (May 10, 2009) to be entered in the drawing. A winner will be drawn on May 11.

The prize is this gift basket full of goodies from PCAGOE artists.

Visit the PCAGOE blog over the next several days to find out about the beautiful handmade items in the basket and the artists who created them.

What's New With You?

2009-04-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

I've spent the week working some new cuff bracelets. You know I love bracelets. I don't try to fight it! These are built over an aluminum blank armature. I've completed a couple and have a few more in progress.

What's new with you?

Back on the Block

2009-03-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Or back on the blog, if you must. Just popping into say I did finish a few pieces of unfinished business. This necklace includes a few of my faux bone beads.

And earrings to match-

And more-

...earrings too-There's more, but I'll stop here until another time. In the meantime, I'll keep plugging away at that pile!

Faux Inspiration

2009-03-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

The theme for the upcoming Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy April challenge is faux techniques. I needed a little inspiration to warm up to this challenge, so I looked for some examples to get me going. Of course, there is never a shortage of creative and skilled artists at Etsy. I found a few great examples of faux pieces and I created a treasury for all to see. Aren't they wonderful!

Well, I guess I'll have to get to work now. Enjoy these in the meantime.

Another Great Challenge

2009-03-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

The theme for the March challenge was cane work. The winning entry is this amazing set of pomegranate cane work by Cristalline.

This gorgeous Rainbow Suncather by polymerclaycreations took second place.

Needless to say, as always there were so many fantastic entries as always. Coming in third, fourth and fifth, all within one vote of each other, were Rainstick by divadea, Madame Butterfly by beetreebyme, and Winter? I Scoff! by cocojaneandme.

Read all about the winners at PCAGOE, and the upcoming April challenge theme "faux".

Amazing Canes!

2009-03-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Once again, another great challenge from the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy (PCAGOE). The theme for March is canework. Here is a collection of cane work challenge entries. To view the entries close-up, you can click on the mosaic. To vote for your favorite entry, visit the PCAGOE website and complete the form at the bottom of the post then hit SUBMIT. That's it!

You could be a winner of one of the three fantastic prize packages. Prize winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between now and midnight EST on Saturday, March 7, 2009. The challenge winners will be announced on March 8 - there are prizes for the first and second place vote-getters! Thanks for voting, and good luck!

Unfinished Business

2009-02-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

My Collection

I would venture to guess I am not alone in being an artist/crafter with a collection of unfinished projects that I am going to finish "someday". Since I have not been sparked to attempt any new techniques this week, I have decided to pull out some of those unfinished projects. "Someday" has arrived.

As you can see from the sample of my collection in the photo, I have bracelets, earrings, pendants, and half painted boxes waiting for my return. I think this is a worthy endeavor for the next few days.

Of course, I'll share it all right here!

"Someday is not a day of the week." ~Author Unknown~

And the winner is....

2009-02-17T19:16:00.001-08:00

This was a challenge for one, so I guess I couldn't lose. So what did I learn in the transfer challenge? Well, first I needed to begin at the beginning. How did I intend to use these transferred images? Deciding on how I intended use the transfers would help me choose which methods I should focus on. Next, I needed to be mindful of what type of transfers I had to work with. I had toner copies, ink jet copies, water slide transfers, and images copied on different weights of photo paper. I even threw in a couple of images I had cut from a magazine.

Once I had cleared my head and sorted the transfers, I realized I would like to have a variety of transfers available to apply to other projects. So, if they are flexible, and light in color I will have more options when I am ready to use them. I proceeded to transfer images from each type of paper onto white clay, translucent clay, and liquid clay. Most of the images were transferred onto very thin sheets of clay.

The black and white toner copied images were easiest. Burnish, wet with alcohol, then pull off. For the color copies I used the burnish, wet with water, and SLOWLY rub off method. And last, my favorite method was applying several layers of liquid clay to the image, bake between layers, then soak in water and rub off paper. The liquid clay worked well with the magazine images. I love them! They are thin and flexible and should apply easily to a variety of projects.

In the end I would say I was somewhat successful. I finally figured out what method worked best for each type of transfer. I paid close enough attention to remember how I did each type transfer, so I will not be starting all over again next time.
And one other very important thing I learned about transferring images - patience is required.

My transfer successes!

My Bob Marley Inro with a transferred image.

The Transfer Challenge

2009-02-11T19:16:00.001-08:00

dragonflyII
Originally uploaded by katco40

This is a challenge for one - me! I love transferred images on polymer clay, and I have tried my hand at it from time to time. A real "hit and miss" endeavor I must say. I have to decided to concentrate on a few image transfer techniques this week.

So, now I will gather up all of the transfers I have collected over time, on various types of paper, needing various techniques to get the image to the clay. The first challenge will be to remember which technique goes with which transfer. I have water slide transfers, toner transfers, ink jet transfers, photo transfers,... I could go on. Once I get past that hurdle, this should be fun. Hopefully, I will get the hang of it once and for all.

Maybe I will eventually use a transferred image in to create a piece as beautiful as this one by Katherine DuBose Fuerst. Her "dragonfly II" pendant is my inspiration for yet another attempt at this. You can see more of her wonderful work here.

Check back in a few days when I will be sharing my success, or not!

Congrats to the winner of the PCAGOE February Challenge

2009-02-09T17:09:00.001-08:00

The Dog Ate My Homework !
Originally uploaded by beetreebyme

This month's challenge theme was ACEO's. Mary Ellen Nicols of beetreebyme sure outdid herself with this cute one!

Here's what she had to say:
The Dog Ate My Homework !
The PCAGOE challenge is to make an ACEO !!!
I don't know a thing about them !
I 'll need to do some serious studying !
I'll have to learn all I can asap !
But, what if I can't get this assignment finished by the deadline?
I Know.......
I'll just say " the dog ate my

Click here to see all the winners.

Presenting....

2009-02-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

My texture tools!

I think I have finally satisfied my texture itch. Here are a few texture plates, texture wheels, and molds I have created over the past week or so. Also, a few small textured treasures made with my newly designed texture tools. Mostly all of this was done with scrap clay too. What could be more fun! I will definitely be making a few projects with these soon.

Okay. What's next?

Here's to Texture!

2009-01-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

Bet you thought I forgot about posting those texture plates and molds? Well, I have not! I am still working on the project and I will post what I have completed in a couple of days. In the meantime, here's to texture!

I Heard You

2009-01-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

The events of the past few days have filled many with inspiration and hope. This altered art tag was inspired by what I heard. What did you hear?

Where to Next?

2009-01-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

This week will pick up on last week's detour. Making a few texture plates and molds sparked my imagination for the designs I could make as a first step to many wonderful creations.

I have bought many texture plates in my time. As a clayer I am sure I am not alone in this. Still, there are those times when I just don't have the one I really need. Don't laugh! No matter how many great tools you have, you know you are always missing the one you need right now.

So, we'll see where this week's exploration leads me. Texture plates can be made with scrap clay, baked clay, artist carving blocks, mold compounds, who knows what else. And the objects that can be used to create the designs are endless.

If you have and ideas or suggestions, I'd love to hear them. When I come up for air I will share it all here. See ya'!

Faux Enameled Hearts

2009-01-09T20:38:00.003-08:00

My intention at the start of the week, to explore one technique, has led to my learning a few new things. I had not planned to use ink in creating these faux enamel pieces. But I ended up combining two techniques I had read about and I loved the result. The colors are deep and vibrant.

I think I had the most fun creating the texture plates. I have so many ideas for ways to use this. So no sooner than I get started, my list of things to explore grows even longer.

I am far from perfecting the faux enamel look, but now at least I have the "how-to" on file for later use.

See you next week .

Detour Ahead

2009-01-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

Here's what happened as I started out on my faux enamel exploration. I found a great article by Ron Lehocky in the February 2009 issue of PolymerCafe. Colorful "Wired Hearts" were created using scrap clay as the base and extruded clay as the "wire". The extruded clay wire is adhered to the base clay to create a surface design. This sounded like a good way to create the sections that would hold the liquid clay for my faux enameled project.

I loved the idea, plus I figured I'll make heart shapes this go round because Valentine's Day is around the corner. But, after completing a couple of surface designs I thought, "Aha! Why not create a mold from a piece that I like and use that to create the surface designs on my hearts, or whatever shape I choose".

So, I have been sidetracked for a minute making molds. Now that I have a few designs I like I can go back to faux enameling, for now. I think I will explore more mold designing next week.

Ready, Set , Go...!

2009-01-05T17:43:00.001-08:00

I have decided on my technique for this week. I have seen many articles on creating a faux enamel look with polymer clay. That's what I'll try first. Why did I pick this? Well, the technique I'd like to try makes use of scrap clay. Don't we clayers have tons of that? The idea of making something pretty with that scrap clay appeals to me.

I have seen different variations on this. While most use liquid clay, there are different surface techniques used to get the desired effect. I am not sure which technique I like best so I'll just get started and see where this takes me. Check back in a couple of days when I share my explorations right here.

In the meantime I'll leave you with a wonderful inspiration piece I found on flickr. This faux cloissone pendant is by Sherri Sneed. You can see more of her wonderful work here.

Starting a New Year's Journey

2009-01-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

I am blog challenged. There I said it. Now the question is how do the blog challenged begin a new year? Well, if you accept the challenge and add a little resolve, you could find yourself on an interesting journey. The best part being that you don't know exactly where the journey will take you.

The other challenge I'd like to dance with is actually doing something with that long list of projects and techniques I have been so eager to try. The list has gotten so long I feel overwhelmed just thinking about it. It's so easy to slide back into my comfort zone, back to what I think I know.

So where do I begin? Every journey needs a starting point. Or better yet, maybe the point is just to start. As a polymer clay aficionado I have collected more books, tools, supplies, and to-do projects than I care to count. So why not start by picking just one idea or technique and exploring it. I think I like that as a place to begin. I will pick one technique to focus on for this upcoming week. And, of course, I will share it all right here.

How's that for a start?

Happy New Year Magnets by rayfa of Etsy

And the winner is......

2008-12-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Kris from Painted Kreations. Her number was selected by the random number generator. Congratulations to Kris and thanks to everyone who played.

See all the lucky winners from all the participating shops here: pcagoe

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

2008-12-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Join PCAGOE for our Holiday Scavenger Hunt

The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of etsy is hosting a Holiday Scavenger hunt. To participate, simply go to my shop and look for this hidden image somewhere in my products. Once you’ve found the correct image, copy the url and convo me, pasting the url into the message and click send. This will enter your name into the drawing.

You must be a member of etsy. (pcagoe members excluded)

I will use a random number generator to choose a lucky number from all the entries. I will announce the winner on my blog, Monday, December 22.

The lucky winner will get a $20 gift certificate from my shop.

Good luck!

The Music of Color

2007-08-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

I have been away from posting for a minute, but I am still working my way towards sanity. Angaza is keeping me focused, helping me get back on track.

I spent about a week totally immersed in the wonderful world of color. I studied the tutorials on color scales by Maggie Maggio after being inspired by a fellow polymer clay artist, Betsy Baker, of stonehousestudio. She had the opportunity to take a workshop with Maggie in Italy. Betsy wrote about it on her blog and I was inspired to dive in heart first. I certainly learned alot. The color scales are wonderful to look at, even if I don't do anything else!

How will I use these wonderful new color mixing skills?. We shall see, won't we. (BTW, thanks to all who asked about my arm. It is healing nicely. No, I will not post a picture!)

It's All About "Angaza"

2007-08-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

This past week I decided to work on a new project. I wanted to create something I had not tried before. I had not finished anything in the past couple of weeks, and I needed to get the juices flowing.

Of course, this would be a week full of distractions. It started on Monday with second degree grease burns on my left arm. It's okay now, I'm starting to have a good relationship with my blisters as they heal. On Wednesday, when the temperature here in Atlanta hit 100 degrees, my air conditioner went out. I had family coming to town on Thursday to attend a wedding on Saturday, and my home was inhabitable. But the gods were smiling down, and the air conditioner was up and running on Thursday, just a few hours before my family arrived.

Somehow, in the midst of these events, I maintained my resolve to work on something. I found a few moments here and there to focus on my project. While browsing through books recently at the craft store I saw a doll necklace. I believe the book is by Maureen Carlson, a well known and respected polymer clay artist. I didn't buy the book at the time, but I decided to figure out how to make the project just from the picture I remembered. Sometimes, my work flows better without instructions anyway.

So with a little focus here and there I found some peaceful moments to try making a doll necklace. She's not quite finished but I am pleased with this first attempt. The word "angaza" in Swahili means "to be focused on". So my little lady kept me focused. She will be called Angaza.

Finding My Note

2007-08-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

I am a crafter/artist with a million ideas in my head. I thought maybe blogging might help me sort this thing out. What am doing? Where am I going? Does it matter?

My current passion is polymer clay. I have worked in a few mediums in the past (more on that another time) but right now polymer clay has a grip on me. I feel like the possibilities are infinite with this medium.

I have been at it for over two years and I'm still trying to find the "expression" that feels right to me. I call it "finding my note". Like a musician, hearing beautiful music in my head, and seeking the endless possibilities that it promises. I'm trying to find my voice, to find my note. The note that excites me, makes my spirit sore, and leaves me longing for more. I can immerse myself deeper and deeper into it and grow with it as it grows me. I can hear those "poly-mer rhythms" now! Sounds like a real love affair, doesn't it?

Well anyway, that's what I'm searching for. You wanna come with me?