Why?

I beaded the top section of a purchased paper mache' armature and then veneered the bottom section (which had been brushed with liquid polymer clay) with thin slices of a extruded polymer clay canes.  I made this piece for a polymer clay competition in 2010 (click HERE).  The extruded squares and circles represent the many stepping stones in a woman's life.  The paths that turn corners and go in circles.  Some cracked or broken completely; some smooth and beautiful.  I struggled with the "off" proportion of the beaded top and polymered bottom.  I made an extra piece for the bottom thinking I would be able to balance it out, make it work.  Then I realized, there is no making it work, it is what it is.  I made this piece during a friend's long and painful treatment for breast disease during which she would ask "Why?".  

Tie A Couple On

My interpretation of Ileen Shefferman's Tie from Leslie Dierks' book, "Creative Clay Jewelry" (1994).   I made three of these polymer clay ties way back in the late 90's and still enjoy wearing them.  I posted the third tie back in 2011 (click HERE).   I have been searching for a reasonably priced vintage corset  for quite a while and finally found one while antiquing on Saturday in Wickenburg, Arizona.  Even as a prop, it is not the easiest garment to put on and off the mannequin.  I cannot imagine actually having to wear one of these.  Ugh.

Beaded Rain Stick

I couldn't leave our cactus rain stick plain so I wove some leather and added beading at the top and some feathers and pony beads at the bottom.  I beaded fringe to match the strip of material and now enjoy the look and sound of our rain stick.

Sculptural Beaded Flower

Large sculptural beaded flower done in peyote stitch with a netted border.  Center has Chinese Jade beads.   The lower part of the flower is done in fringe stitch to suggest grass or brush.

Unique Displays

Very cool displays at the Clothes Hound in Prescott, Arizona.  Everywhere I looked, I smiled.

Shoes for dancing to those old records.  Plywood shelving, walls and displays showcased the owner, Candy Hull's fun accessories, jewelry, handbags, shoes and women's apparel.

It wasn't just shopping, it was an experience.  Seriously fun.

See the little red bowl to the bottom right of their window?  It was kept full of fresh water for the puppies lucky enough to be shopping "The Square" in Prescott, Arizona.  So, if you are in the area, stop by Candy's shop at 122 S. Montezuma in Prescott and enjoy!

Beaded Sponge #3

Big, bold, beautiful, beaded sponge #3 is light weight and flexible.  I like this one as a sculpture rather than a neck piece.  The hand squeezing the beaded sponge is my favorite.

Sculptural Beaded Focal

I used a sponge for the armature, but removed it when I got the shape I wanted.

Beaded Sponge #2

A big, bold, beautiful, blue sculptural beaded focal piece.  Abstract beading over a light weight sponge.

Beaded Sponge #1

A big, bold, beautiful, beaded sculptural focal piece hung horizontally (above) or vertically (below).

I made several of these; one in yellow, pink, green and blue.  All beaded over sponges.  You'll be soaking up the fun over the next few days.

Pets In Polymer

Little "Sophie" didn't turn out.  I gave it a good try, but I couldn't accomplish what I wanted.  The background overwhelms and the colors are too stark.  Where's the aspirin?

Pets In Polymer

I did a transfer of the photocopy on to polymer clay, but added a thin layer of translucent over it and baked.  After it cooled, I distressed it, rubbed acrylic paint into the marks and wiped it off.  I lightly buffed the entire piece, front and back.  I made a herringbone necklace to hang the sterling silver hinged bail and pendant on.

Pets In Polymer

I used a photo of my friend's dog "Chelsie" and photocopied and reduced it several times.  I transferred it to polymer clay and then used a colored pencil to enhance the detail (top left).  I baked it after adding the color pencil and sealed it with a thin coat of Magic Glos. The bottom photo shows all the transfers and images I was not happy with.  Try it, you'll like it.

The Reveal of Humblebead Creations

Heather Powers' new book "Jewelry Designs from Nature" is available through Amazon (click HERE).  It can also be purchased in major hobby and craft stores such as Michael's Crafts, JoAnn's Fabrics and Hobby Lobby.  

Hop on over to see what these talented artists have created with their Heather Powers' Humblebeads:

Amazing Designs                         All Pretty Things     

Sundown Bead Designs               Inspired Adornments

The Beading Yogini                    The Cerebral Dilettante

Amy Beads 

Also check out Heather's blog (click HERE) and 

Art Bead Scene (click HERE)

Our challenge was to use the Humblebead, the inspirational picture and poem to create a nature inspired piece.

I used the tree branch and colors from the inspirational photo below, but I toned  down the browns, pink and greens so Heathers' Meadowlark Pendant would shine.  I used an antique silver chain as the silver light after a storm.  A bough of green raffia is woven throughout the chain.   The glass leaf symbolizes growth, creativity and joy.

Since the pendant easily pops in and out of the polymer clay tree bezel, I thought I would try my hand at creating another one.  I like the first one better, but the below experiment was fun.

I hope you have fun visiting each blog and seeing what wonderful pieces they have created.

Freeform Polymer & Wire Bracelet

Spiral wire and woodland polymer clay accents. This was really fun to put together.  I will be making more the first chance I get.

Don't See Your Comment?

For whatever reason, my blog accepts some comments and not others.  I, myself, cannot comment on my blog anymore or "reply" and that frustrates the heck out of me.  I have removed word verification thinking that might help, but so far, nothing.  I am seeking help from Blogger, but in the meantime, I thought I would let you know that there is a glitch somewhere and that I am working on it.  I value your questions, input, feedback and opinions. Very much appreciated.  If you haven't seen your comment published or you have had problems leaving one, you now know why.  -Marlene

GOT IT FIXED!!  (I think)

Gemstone Necklaces

Labradorite, garnets, fresh water pearls, turquoise chips, chrysoprase and chalcedony in various sizes and cuts.  I strung them so they would lie in graduating lengths, but find I wear them as shown in the top photo. Love the icy aqua green and the pale iridescent hues of the blue, grayish green of the labradorite.

Protective Garland in Polymer

I read an article on protective amulet garland worn in some countries to protect them against the unknown.  I was inspired by the meanings behind the signs, symbols, shapes, colors and natural elements in the garlands.   I went for a more contemporary interpretation of protective garland and hung slices of my polymer clay canes on a light weight chain to be worn across the chest. 

Bead Crochet Workshop

I finished section one of Judith Bertoglio-Giffen's online bead crochet workshop "African Stripes"and am starting the second section.  This is the first time I am working with drops-I love the dimension they give the rope.  I'm attempting to complete two at a time, but we'll see how long this lasts. 

Beaded Necklace

I made this necklace years ago from a Bead and Button magazine pattern by Ann Egan.  It has turquoise chips, fresh water pears and Bali silver accents.  The findings and closure are sterling silver.

Leopard Bead Crochet Necklace

I'm still paying around with the leopard pattern, adding and subtracting borders around the spots.  Fun, but I think I am done now.

Smokin' Earrings!!

These earrings are from the 1980's (I think).  Too funny, right?  I wore them in the mid 90's and sure had fun with them.

Turtle Necklace

I made this necklace in 1998.  I drilled some holes in the little resin toy turtles and glued in some eye hooks.  Incorporating the turtles into a vintage necklace sure gave it a different look.  I wore the heck out of this necklace and it is finally beginning to show the wear.  It's been fun.

Bead Crochet Leopard Pattern

I wanted to try the below pattern for the longest time.  I love it.  It goes well with the black cube bead crochet and Section 1 of Judith Bertoglio-Giffin's African Stripes (bottom bracelet).  I'm also working on a leopard bead crochet necklace that is coming along nicely.  

Above is the 6 around bead crochet pattern for the leopard print.  Click on the photo for a larger view.  I was not able to copy and paste the author's name, but here is the link (click HERE).

Happy 4th

Polymer clay bees in the bug catcher and polymer clay ants on the picnic table.  I made these last year (click HERE) to decorate my table for the 4th.  Wishing all of you a safe, fun and happy 4th.