Pins Worn as Pendants

 Bettina Welker's fabulous tutorial (click HERE) for her polymer clay pin converter is wonderful.

 

Pin converters have been around for a while, but new designs such as Bettina's and Lorenzo Mele's vertical adapter (above left) and Sean Brown's (above right) are so refreshing.

In 2012, I did a post on using a straw as a pin converter (click HERE).  Something quick and easy.  For something stronger than a straw, you can use various sizes of brass tubing in whatever size that would accommodate your cable or chain.  Just slip it over the pin, close, lock and slide it on a chain.

My polymer clay Chameleon Pin (below) converted to a necklace (above) using a straw.

Spinning Yarns

 Some of the talented ladies who belong to the Weavers Club here in Sun City West, Arizona were enjoying the beautiful weather and camaraderie while spinning yarn together.

Colorful socks and a red spinning wheel speak to this artist's personality.

Displays

 I used Apoxie Sculpt to create some "U" shaped hooks and then painted them to blend into the painting.   It has sparked an idea of using some small mixed media pieces as the hooks so that when the jewelry was removed, the painting would stand on its own.

 The art fair is a lot of work, but when it is over, I am so psyched to do another just based on the nice people I meet who take time to talk.

 As I am aging, I realize my time and health are limited and it is only a matter of time that I will not be able to an art fair.  Enjoying this past fair was a treat.  I am thankful.

Art Fair March 2014

 A nice crowd started to gather while I started my polymer clay demonstration.  It was so much fun.  I had some extra help, so I was able to demonstrate polymer clay all day.

I took a quick early morning photo before the fair had opened.  I had a nice location, great weather and had a good time.  All in all, a success I would say.

Dutch Spiral Beauty

 The neon and the turquoise dutch spirals intertwined, colors dancing with each other while the light happily bounces from one glass bead to another.

Polymer Mexican Embroidery

Ever since I watched Penny Jo Couch's polymer clay ribbon embroidery demonstration at the Arizona Polymer Clay Guild (click HERE), I have wanted to give it a try. Penny Jo teaches her faux ribbon embroidery technique (click HERE); most recently at Cabin Fever Clay Fest.  Between Penny Jo's demo and a Mo Clay's video tutorial on how to "embroider" with polymer (click HERE), I finally got the hang of it.  Very fun.  In fact, I am loving it.  The freeform sculpting is right up my alley.  I am doing a polymer clay demonstration today at our local art fair here in Sun City West, Arizona.  I'm looking forward to setting up my booth and spending the day making polymer clay canes, watching people and enjoying the sunshine.  Oh yes, I hope I sell too.

Dutch Spiral #3 Turquoise

I love turquoise.  Love it.  Not like Erin of "House of Turquoise" blog or her fab shop, "Everything Turquoise", but turquoise accessories or a gorgeous turquoise linen tunic (click HERE) is me.  Mmmmmmm, love that linen tunic.

Spiraling Out Of Control-Dutch Style

I started this dutch spiral and was moving right along until I noticed a thread (back in the beginning) which was twisted around a previous bead.  I tried and tried to get it to lift over until I tried a little too hard.  The thread broke, the beads unraveled and I had a mess.  Well, I thought this was a good opportunity to audition other colors and start a new one.  I would bead about an inch, not like it and start another with new colors.  Didn't like any of them.  I don't like this method.  I'm already frustrated from the first one and now add the failed samples.  Ugh.  Time for a break.  Sat on the patio, listened to the birds singing and relaxed for a few.  Came back in and started a new one that is about half finished and will post a photo in a couple of days.  But, I am still liking the colors in the first one.  I am not feeling centered lately.  This ever happen to you?

I Won The New DECOSTER Book!

WooHoo, I won Lorelei Eurto's book giveaway of the new "MARCIA DECOSTER PRESENTS" which is available on Amazon (click HERE).

Above is Lorelei's book, "Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry:  50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords by Lorelei Eurto and Erin Siegel" which is filled with inspiring designs.  Lorelei's book can also be purchased on Amazon HERE.  I am a big fan of Lorelei's blog (click HERE) where her sidebar has links to her Etsy shop (click HERE) and her web store (click HERE).  She is also on Pinterest (click HERE) and Facebook (click HERE).  She has more social media links on her sidebar (Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) to make it easy to keep up with her.  Thank you Lorelei.

Polymer Cross #2

I purchased several new cross molds and have been having so much fun with them.   Just picked up another one which is larger so I can't wait to give it a try. 

Polymer Cross #1

 I love these colors.  Below was the beginning of the painting process of the crosses the the fairy door pendant (click HERE).  That ugly container on the left has been my brush cleaner for the past 17 years; just can't part with it.  I used acrylics and some Rub & Buff to highlight the crosses.  I use a very light spritz of PYMII as a sealant.