Natural Fibers

The last of the great collage papers I'm going to experiment with. Hopefully I will have something to show for all this tomorrow (besides a huge mess).

Textured Wallpaper, Etc.

Supaglypta and Anaglypta are highly textured and/or deeply embossed wallpapers. I use various wallpapers in my collages occasionally, but usually use handmade papers......... or natural fibers, such as the ones below. I purchase them from whatever source I like at the time, but I particularly like the companies, Handmade Paper (click HERE) and Collage Art (click HERE). Yes, you know where this is going. Tomorrow a couple more collage papers and then.....to the laboratory for some experiments.

Tie One On

My interpretation of Ileen Shefferman's Tie from Leslie Dierks' book, "Creative Clay Jewelry" (1994). Click on either photo for a close up of the "scorched metal" texture.

1920 Full Circle

I crocheted this sweet blue beaded crocheted rope and keep it on this antique clothes brush. This type of clothes or vanity brush was popular in the 1920's and 1930's. This one is made in Germany and is hand painted porcelain. Beaded crochet was also popular in the 1920's during the Flapper era when beaded ropes were the bee's knees. What a cute expression. Above is what she should look like in all her glory, but mine is missing her fancy ribbon. Honestly, I love the look of the low metal hip band against the softness of the colors. Yeah, she's come full circle into this century.

Magnetic Bottoms-Up Pin

Another "Bottoms Up" pin with a magnetic closure. By attaching a magnetic closure, I am able to attach it to a delicate silk scarf........

A knitted kerchief.........

A thin strap............

And the center of a tank top without it pulling, wrinkling or damaging any of the garments.

Streamer Boxes

Boxes I made from paper streamers with polymer clay embellishments. The original YouTube free tutorial from Manualidades (click HERE) is in Spanish, but is easy to follow as she did a beautiful job of filming. The insides were glued and the outsides varnished.

Above are Streamer Boxes made by Fabi (click HERE). Fabi has made many of these in various sizes and even some jewelry (brilliant). I had to try my hand at it just based on Fabi's fun pieces. Be careful, they are addictive.

Bottoms-Up Mold

Yes, my friends, one more of the "bottoms of plastic bottles" series. The bottom of this large soda bottle made a nice star shape that was deep enough to push the skull into. I gave this guy spiral eyes, a frilly do and embellished with some simple canes. I glued a magnet on the back and he was ready to go.

Amazing Mold Putty

This is one of the two-part mold making materials I use. I love it because it takes a very detailed mold.

Air Dry Polymer Clay Necklace

I made this a while ago, but am trying to get better photos of it. The flowers, leaves, buds and sticks are hand sculpted from air dry polymer clay. I glued the pieces to a felt backing; keeping it light and easy to wear. It is amazingly durable.

Polymer Clay Daily

Final count at midnight was 3,753 hits.....in a day....how much fun is that? Thank you Polymer Clay Daily!

Very exciting.

Polymer Moon Cake Brooch

I collect Moon Cake Molds that "speak" to me. Like the cat mold; love Happy Cat.

Each wooden mold has a beautiful patina. Worn wood with a smooth as silk feel. I just love them.

The legend goes that during the Yuan Dynasty, China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule and set out to coordinate a rebellion without it being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Hidden in each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.

Kitchen Rug=Necklace

I finished the kitchen rug necklace. I made some polymer clay beads to complete the design and I have to say, I am very happy with this piece.

Below was the first layer of paint.

Below is the indoor-outdoor kitchen rug I took a mold of.

Below is the mold. Amazing how it can go from that to the top photo. I love that necklace.

Bone-i-fied Happy

I used the bottom of this bottle for the brooch base. Then I pushed a faux turquoise skull into the center and embellished it with my polymer canes. These are just too much fun.

Bottoms Up

I patted some corn starch on the bottom of a water bottle, squished some polymer clay into it and voila, a beautiful piece emerged.

I used the tip of a ball point pen to make the little circles, a pin to dot their centers and drew some circles in the middle.

It is the layering of paint colors that really bring out its beauty.

I am using magnetic backs on all my pins. This one will be going in my Etsy shop this week along with the beaded crocheted rope.

All three plastic bottles have different bottoms. I'm off to try the one on the right. So much fun.

Sculptural Peyote Necklace

A little change of pace; some beadwork. This piece has been added to my Etsy store.

Free Cup Cozy Crochet Tutorial

I'm still on cup cozies. This free tutorial is from All About Ami (click HERE). I've started mine and have the polymer button all lined up.

Cup Cozie, Polymer & Free Tutorial

I used one of the 40% off coupons to purchase one of these cup cozies at JoAnn's Fabrics. Super cheap. That plastic button had to go to make room for one of my handmade polymer buttons.

If you would like to try your hand at making your own, Staci of Crafty Staci.com has a great free tutorial (click HERE) for a reversible cozy. Then you can add your own polymer button to complete the design.