by Cynthia Tinapple on February 27, 2009 · 5 comments
Polymer clay artists love the science and the process of making lentil beads (here’s Desiree McCrorey’s how-to). I see plenty of examples and no one makes a finer, more consistent lentil than Wisconsin’s Laura Timmins.
Here’s her Flickr site with some new examples like her “Ocean Color” versions shown here. She generously shares her process in a visual step-by-step on her web site.
Combined with color-coordinated handmade cording and soothing designs, her pieces captivate wearers. Have a captivating weekend.
Note: Keila commented that I missed Laura’s new Etsy shop. For another twist on lentils, you might want to take a look at Barb Fajardo’s bead gallery.
by Cynthia Tinapple on February 26, 2009 · 2 comments
South African miniaturist Karin Ashdown makes a mean little sliced ham from a polymer clay cane. And I can’t for the life of me think how she makes sliced bread look so real. Look through her sites and her Flickr page for more mini-yummies.
Perhaps Karin’s cleverest idea was to plunge items into a roll of toilet paper to hold them while they dry. This would be great for beads on needles…and so handy. Forida’s Michele Holley sent the link along.
by Cynthia Tinapple on February 25, 2009 · 1 comment
Germany’s Caroline Gaedechens (on Etsy as NuitBlanche) is an illustrator who mostly creates 2D illustrations and soft sculptures.
She has a penchant for glow-in-the-dark polymer clay, however, and her monsters and magnets (scroll sideways) are somehow a perfect blend of scarey and reassuring.
As I was exploring the web’s nooks and crannies, I also discovered that Luann Udell has an Etsy site. 
Her jewelry and fiber collages are inspired by the Lascaux cave in France. This ancient cave, long considered the birthplace of human art, is filled with paintings of prehistoric animals.
by Cynthia Tinapple on February 24, 2009 · 1 comment
A polymer clay illustration by Toronto’s Jessica Fortner was spotted in the last week’s NYTimes. The article, I Want My Free TV, was about the delay of the long-planned switch from analog to digital television.
Jessica is a 26-year-old art school graduate who creates 3D scenes using a variety of materials. She’s looking forward to doing stop motion animation and children’s books. Read more of her story in this interview (the interface is a little challenging, hit the jump to page button).
