Polymer Clay Magic

 I'm taking Leslie Blackford's "Circus Train Car" sculpting class at Clay Carnival in Las Vegas.  The objective of the class is to create a “character piece” that tells a story.  By using details from life events and memories we will sculpt a character that reflects our own personal  journey.  My something personal is a small polymer clay magician's hat with a rabbit coming out of it.  I sculpted it from polymer clay and can't wait to see how I will be able to incorporate into my piece.

Judy Belcher And Inchies

 Last year at Clay Carnival, Judy Belcher purchased one of my Inchie necklaces.  Polymer clay artist, Lynne Schmitt took a photo and recently sent it to me.  I'm thrilled to have it, thank you Lynne.

Each inchie was bagged with one of my cards in a zip lock bag.

Some of the new inchies for 2014 was Minion from Despicable Me, Sponge Bob, Zombie Pumpkin and Crazy Haired Zombies.  I hope people will like them.  I really had fun making them.

Tooting My Horn

 The Polymer Arts has a magazine for professional and aspiring polymer clay artists ... by polymer artists for polymer artists.  They also have a blog and a Facebook page.  I was thrilled to see one of my pieces featured July 26 on their Facebook page and then realized I was part of their Design series on their blog.  You can read more about "Mixing Elements" HERE.

Yipee.

Ladybug, Ladybug……...

 More summertime bead crochet; sweet little ladybugs, yellow flowers and green grass.

 I found the pattern on the internet, but could not find the author.  I used a #7 crochet hook, Tuff Cord #2 and size 8/0 Japanese round seed beads

Watermelon Pattern

To download the pattern, right click on the above photo and choose "download".

It took me four times to see the rhythm of the zig zag pattern.  I feel funny saying that because it is probably apparent to anyone else, but for me it was trial and error.  Anyway, it is a fun pattern for summer and I hope you enjoy it.

Watermelon Bead Crochet

So, on the 4th try of drafting this pattern, I think I have it.  And, yes, it took crocheting about 3" to 4" all four times before the mistakes surfaced.   Rip out, re-string and start again.  Happy now.  I will clean up the pattern and post it sometime this week.  

Clay Carnival Inchies

 Last year I was one of the lucky recipients of a partial scholarship to this year's Clay Carnival 2014, so I'm heading back to Las Vegas for another creative, crazy, wild and wonderful good time taking seven  polymer clay workshops.  Last year for Clay Carnival I made my first series of inchies, "Monster, Robots and Zombies, Oh My!  This year's Clay Carnival is sold out so I am making my second series of Monster..Inchies - around 100.  So far, so good, I only have about 20 more to go.  I like making a few extras just in case.

Loom Sample

Playing around with color samples.  I ended up tearing it out because I wanted a more complex pattern, but then regretted it.  I had photographed it, ripped it up, put away my loom and thought I would post later.  Now that I see it, I love the bold colors with this pattern.  Pattern is from CraftsPeople (click HERE).

Happy 4th of July!

Little Taylor Ann Snyman won first place in her age group in our local Art Club's poster contest.  I loved her design, composition and sentiment. 

Wishing you a Happy 4th of July and a great weekend.

Polymer Clay Pendant

 I made this polymer clay pendant from parts of other molds and then made a mold of it.

 Needs work.  I thought I would like the solid color, but no.  Guess I will have to darken up the background and highlight here and there.  The fun of experimenting!