Blue Eyes and a Wild Do

I sculpted her out of ProSculpt polymer and used acrylic eyes. Her hairdo is from a deflated ball from Walgreens Pharmacy.

I used an aluminum foil armature.

She's just bright and sunny and just happy.

Texture Plate from Laser Cut Paper

The above is going to be a pin. I still want to sculpt a small black spider to put on it.

The texture plate produced some nice crisp impressions (above). I did give the baked plate a light dusting of cornstarch before applying my scrap clay.

I conditioned some scrap flesh tone polymer and ran it through the pasta machine on a thin setting.

Then took the laser cut paper and laid it on the polymer and ran it through the same thin setting on the pasta machine. Then I gently lifted the laser cut paper off the polymer and it resulted in the above. I am holding the baked piece (above) in front of a light so you can see the transparency. Kind of fun.

I know I still have to make some cupcakes. I have tons of the pretty cream color wraps (above), so will make a chocolate brownie cupcake with chocolate frosting and tiny pearl candies on top. Like yesterday's picture. Yeah, right.

Texture Plate from Laser Cut Paper

These are laser cut paper cupcake wrappers from Paper Orchid Stationary. I originally ordered a bunch of these to wrap the cupcakes I was going to make with my new Kitchen Aid Pro Line Mixer. But then, I thought "Polymer".

Especially this one. I love this spider web cupcake wrap. So, I got out Donna Kato's "The Art of Polymer Clay Creative Surface Effects" and followed her instructions on how to make a texture plate from laser cut paper. It worked, as you will see tomorrow.

But I also wanted to show you this glass "apron". Aren't they great? I'm thinking "Polymer" again.

Bead Journal June

I sculpted the two peaceful, loving birds from polymer. The Dream talisman is a transfer onto polymer.

I used antique steel cut beads for the neck piece as well as on the front design.

A couple of crystals, seed beads, a piece of turquoise and some fresh water pearls.

The base is Nicole Campanella's Beadwright bead backing material. You can find it HERE (Nicole is temporarily away due to an illness in her family. Please check back again). It was easy to use and I love all the colors it comes in. I made the pocket and lining from material I purchased at JoAnn's Fabrics. I used Krazy Glue to attach the birds and Weldbond glue to attach the material.

Bead Journal June

I was inspired by a woman who carried a talisman in her pocket. She chose something meaningful that would help keep her grounded in stressful moments.

I thought I could apply this helpful idea to myself by putting a "pocket" in my Bead Journal Project.

I can change what talisman I use; or insert a wish or two.

But, for today and tomorrow, it's about feeling peaceful, loving and full of dreams.

Viking Knit

Diana Williams of the Arizona Polymer Clay Guild gave a demonstration of Viking Knit and then proceeded to sit with each of us to help us with any problems we were having. She's a wonderful teacher and artist. The above Viking Knit directions are from "Fine Art by Rocio".

It was really fun. I finished the above piece by pulling it through the wooden draw plate (above) and then tied it in a little bow (below) and will combine it with another material to make a pin.

I found the above book helpful also (shown above and below). Right now, Art Jewelry Magazine is offering a free download of a Viking Knit bracelet. You can find it here. You may have to register, but it's free and you have access to all their free downloads. Beading Daily also has a couple of free downloads on how to start, finish and embellish your Viking Knit. You can find it here.

I also found Lois Moon's blogspot to be very helpful. See Lois' blog HERE. It's rejuvenating to learn something new!

Netted Fiber Necklaces

Inside the bag is a small Zuni Bear for good luck. I used waxed linen to make all three bags and straps.

The above bag has a tiny jingle bell inside. And that's the end of the baskets for now.

Salt & Pooper

I know, I know.....my warped sense of humor. But they just automatically make you smile. Right? I love these salt and pepper shakers from the Modern Accessories store.

Fiber Baskets Part 2

Close to the end of the crocheted fiber baskets. I used cotton crochet thread #10 for some and #30 for others. I used waxed linen, packing string, and the larger ones are a very course dyed fiber. Tomorrow is the end of the fiber baskets. I had to see if I could make them into necklaces.

Fiber Baskets Part 1

Small, smaller and tiny crocheted and netted fiber baskets. I love creating these fiber baskets. They are easy to work on while traveling, easy to display, easy to store and the variety of fibers are endless.

Happy Father's Day

Here's wishing all those "fathering" types who are caretakers, fixers, nuturers, comforters, babiers and cuddlers who give their all everyday to their families (with or without children), extended families, adopted families, friends, neighbors, pets, etc. a very Happy Father's Day

The above aren't sanded yet so they still have their rough edges. Below is from the 1970's. Stuffing a nylon stocking with fiberfill and sewing features in them was popular.

Hope your day is great!

Wire Basket No.4

Crocheted craft wire. This is the end of the wire baskets. Fibers tomorrow.

Wire Basket No.3

Crocheted thin gauge steel wire.

Wire Basket No.2

Crocheted craft wire with a beaded edging.

Twitter Me This

Most of the giveaways now include extra points or count for a double entry if you Twitter about the giveaway. I finally created an account today just for these darn givaways that I'm so intrigued with. Twitter-no idea what I'm doing.

Wire Basket No.1

Crocheted craft wire. At one time I was fascinated with crocheting small baskets. It started with craft wire and then I moved on to other materials. So for a few days, it will be small baskets.

Powerful Little Sculpture

This was a primitive polymer sculpture I did a long time ago. She's bruised, scraped, knicked and torn. She's completely twisted around, confused, sad and scared.

She knows she must let go of all the "faces" she wore to protect herself. As much as she tries to hold on to them, she knows she must let them go. So exhausting keeping up the false fronts.

She can't do it anymore. The worst thing is not knowing how she will manage without them. They are like old friends. They kept her from feeling her feelings.

But, it's time; she has sat on her hands for too long, letting this go on. She can't keep up any longer. She surrenders her control, lets go and mourns their loss. Anything has to be better than living a lie.

Certainly not a pretty little piece. Guess it's not meant to be. It's only 3-1/2" tall, sculpted from polymer, baked and then painted it with china paint, which hardens to a glaze when baked. Then I sanded most of it off to give it the battered effect.