by Cynthia Tinapple on December 31, 2008 · 2 comments
Peggy Dembicer’s “Self Absorbed” polymer clay and seed bead piece is a perfect theme for today. What were the highlights of 2008 for you? What do you want to leave behind in 2008 so that you can start 2009 with a clean slate?
Change for handcrafts
The first round of voting for the Ideas for Change in America competition will end tonight (12/31/08) at midnight Pacific Time. The competition is a citizen-driven effort to identify the best ideas for how the new administration can turn the broad call for “change” into specific policies.
The idea that, “American-made souvenirs and handcrafts should be displayed and sold in our National Parks” needs more votes to qualify for the final round. The idea was proposed by arts advocate and American Style publisher, Wendy Rosen. You can help increase the chances of this proposal reaching the final round by voting here.
Niche finalists
The coming year has started off on the right foot for these 2009 NICHE Finalists in the Polymer Clay and Jewelry/Fashion categories. Happy New Year to you all!
by Cynthia Tinapple on December 30, 2008 · 3 comments
San Francisco’s Justina Kochansky is a polymer clay sculptor and a puppeteer. “I delight in little things and hope to provide others with delightful little things…most of which have a dark aspect for a bit of flavor,” she explains.
Justina currently produces a sculptural web comic, ArticulateMatter, which is updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Her daily diaoramas are then offered for sale on her Etsy site. “It started out with a story line, but quickly evolved into stream-of-consciousness vignettes.” Currently the cast includes polymer clay squids (including Squidmund Freud and Squid Claus), frogs, and various vacuum tube creatures. Her Christmas coral reeth tickled me too.
I needed a little delight as I ponder the end of one year and the start of another. This quirky link comes from Barbara Forbes-Lyons.
by Cynthia Tinapple on December 29, 2008 · 3 comments
Chris (aka Chronomorphs or Nicrosin) created this great steampunk prop from sculpey, rubber, and a various pocket watch parts. It’s fully adjustable and flexible and lined with suede for comfort. Polymer clay helps Victorian meet Blu Tooth in this back-to-the-future piece.
Chris describes his simulated device, “This experimental prototype device, using theoretical Æther-phasing as the delivery system, is used for airship-to-airship private transmissions, hands-free battlefield communications, or real-time status updates of special operations agents.”
It’s actually a limited edition Victorian-style communication device, perfect as a prop or for enhancing a costume. Thanks to Susan Lomuto (via Watchismo) for the tip.
by Cynthia Tinapple on December 26, 2008 · 0 comments
A note from Arizona’s Debra Ann, owner of Atomic Mobiles, introduced us to her polymer clay and stainless steel mobiles in a wide variety of colors and styles, including glow-in-the-dark.
Inspired by the hanging art mobiles of Alexander Calder, Debra Ann began constructing these moving art forms when it was the subject of a fifth grade class project. She’s been selling her art online since 1995.
“My goal is to create beautiful modern mobiles that are relaxing and give you pause to think, a relaxing way to stop the world and reflect,”says Debra Ann. See videos of her mobiles moving gently here.
