Radiating Love

"Whatever you do, do with kindness. Whatever you say, say with kindness. Wherever you go, radiate with kindness." --Jonathan Lockwood Huie A radiating design. Beautiful. I made a two part silicone mold of the colander and made the polymer clay heart yesterday. Today's pin was made by pressing polymer clay into the bottom of the colander. Since I used the colander to press the polymer clay into for the second pin, I will have to "dedicate" this old colander specifically for polymer clay. I will use a tin snips to cut it into sections.

Reflection

The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. William Makepeace Thackeray

Quilted In Clay

I spent a wonderful day at the Quilt Show with my friend and polymer clay artist Jodie Lawrosky. We went specifically to see Jennifer Patterson of Quilted in Clay (click HERE). The weather was beautiful, it wasn't too crowded and the show was great. Jennifer Patterson (left) and Jodie Lawrosky (middle). Jennifer's bright and cheery booth consists of louvered panels covered with the most spectacular polymer clay jewelry beautifully arranged. When we arrived at the show, we headed straight for Jennifer's booth only to find her busy creating more pieces for her new "Flower" line in her RV. She was gracious enough to take a break to come visit with us. Talk about an inspirational artist and business woman. Jennifer's website has an interesting page explaining her process in creating her polymer clay cane pieces. You can find it HERE. Enjoy.

Polymer Faux Leather Cuff

This was my third submission to IPCA's 2011 Progress and Possibilities (click HERE). I had researched armor and learned that most early armor ended at the elbow, so some type of wrist guard was necessary. I was inspired by this, and as a result, yesterday's post of the Contemporary Wrist Armor and today's piece "Modern Wrist Guard" were my polymer clay interpretations.

Contemporary Polymer Wrist Armor

A dramatically over-sized cuff was my second submission to IPCA's Progress and Possibilities (third, and last-tomorrow). My central theme for all three pieces was "Protection". The top photo was the piece submitted. When it didn't win, I played around with it a little more and added some crystals and a "brass" highlight. I think I still may add some lacing to the underside.

Polymer Chinese Fingernail Guards

This was one of my submissions to IPCA's Progress and Possibilities this year. In dynastic China, the upper class people grew long fingernails in order to distinguish themselves from the laborers. Manual labor was virtually impossible with excessively long fingernails, so long nails or just long pinky nails separated the working class from the aristocracy. This type of fingernail protector or guard ensured their nails would not get damaged. I loved how the fingernail guards came out, but they didn't photograph well. So I sculpted a strange looking textured hand to display them. A very unusual little sculpture indeed.

Polymer Fold-Over

Kind of like a "clip"; it has enough flex to open to fit over a beaded rope or large neck piece and then closes, securing it on the rope. Experimenting.

Polymer Magnetic Closure

I applied some canes and Swarovski crystals over a magnetic closure to create a focal bead(s) for one of my bead crocheted ropes.

Bead Crochet Necklaces

I finished the third Color Band necklace and started this one.

Polymer And Feelings

A picture is worth a thousand words; in this case, a sculpture. This is an old photo of some of the "Stick People Tribe" I sculpted out of polymer clay. They were so much fun to make. The tall guy seems to fit my mood today (hehe).

Words of our Enemies

I borrowed this from Lorelei's blog (click HERE).

Blue Dutch Spiral

I finally got around to adding a nice magnetic closure to my dutch spiral necklace. A tutorial from Beadwork About.com (click HERE) has a nice pattern for a bracelet that can be made into a necklace. I've been working on some right angle weave too (the beaded band on the tube top). And I have another bead crochet started and am going on an art outing today. Hope to have some photos for you tomorrow.

Polymer Clay Alter Ego

This is me in polymer clay. I love to paint, bead and create with polymer clay. I keep my alter ego hanging on the wall near my work space to remind me that not all projects have to be finished; it's ok to have trays of works in progress. Not all projects have to be perfect. I can have a painting started and be in the middle of a beaded piece while I'm finishing a free form crochet. Having said that, I have to seriously clean my workspace. She also reminds me when it's time to get a grip.

Bead Laughter by Sylvie

Sylvie of Bead Laughter (click HERE) has tons of these. Laughed till I cried and boy, did I need it. So creative.

Free Form Peyote Necklace

After I finished sewing the free form peyote piece on the purse, I got out my stash of blue bead blends and started a free form necklace. I will work on it off and on. I like having a few of these works in progress in my trays. Hope your new year is off to a creative start; mine sure is.

Free Form Beaded Purse

I sewed one of my free form peyote piece to the flap of a 6" x 8" soft leather shoulder bag. I had the peyote piece in a frame and got tired of it. This will may me happy for a while.

Memory Wire Bracelet

I did a simple dutch spiral, slipped it on memory wire and covered the ends with some beads.

Bead Crochet and Polymer

I crocheted the dot pattern and added one of my polymer clay beads. I think this is going to be a beadiful week.

Bead Crochet Color Bands

First of all, Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for the new year! I finished the second bead crochet color band necklace. The first was 48" before I joined it and the second was 47", crocheted using various brands of size 11 seed beads. I really enjoyed making these. Above is my inspiration photo from Refinery29 (click HERE). The necklaces are cording wrapped with colored yarn, string and/or embroidery floss. Refinery29 provides a free photo tutorial for the wrapped necklaces. Have fun.