I like the way it’s set up and presented – you don’t need to change a thing for me (and I don’t think that you’re whining – lol).

First a quick congrats to Jeff Dever for the latest feather in his cap (which is beginning to look like plumage!).

Second… I’m so excited for you! It’s such a good feeling to have a space you love to work in. It’s wonderful to have a handy husband! I’ve got one too… but he’s more of a Jack-of-All-Trades. Whatever he builds is strong and sturdy… but… um… lacks… well… esthetic. You are tre lucky your man has an artist’s touch. 😉

Third… I was rather surprised with Paul Klee’s quote – it’s so practical! But I LOVE Groucho Marks’ quote:

“Room service? Send up a larger room.”

(Thus, more room for “stuff”! o.0)

Ooops! And regarding your question on web hunger… I think you would be the perfect person to follow the movement of mid to high end pc works, including a gallery watch and such. I think it might be time for someone in the blog-o-sphere to focus on the new heights that pc is reaching.

I also want to see more of your own work… particularly now that you have your own studio.

Ok. I’ll shut up now. 😉

I like to look at each day the artists I still wish many days with
discoveries, thank you for your work

I look forward to your posts every morning so can’t think of much to change. You somehow always find the interesting work on the web. I’ll agree with Melanie….I’d love to see more of your work, too!

Many of us start our day with you, a quick morning explore. Some days not so quick, as we get caught up in the possibilities that you present us on your blog. And those of us who have been featured by you are thankful for the opportunity of being viewed by many. A big thanks to you for your dedication!

I love polymerclaydaily just the way it is. Although I get more excited and inspired when I see the work that makes me gasp at its creativity and beauty, we’re all evolving all the time. I love that this blog shouts out a “BRAVO!!” to the new idea, even if it’s isn’t perfectly realized or achieved (that could take years!) I love that all is presented here with an openness and enthusiasm that encourages everyone — at all levels — to keep pushing for the sweet spot. The way I see it, there are other blogs out there (that I visit regularly) where I can see and enjoy fabulous works of art, but this is the one that connects the global polymer clay community with each other, celebrates the masters and divas and gives a welcome shout out to those who are still finding their voices.

I think Ronna is right about the range of work that is featured. It is wonderful to see the mix of styles, applications, and the evolution of an artists work. This is a blog I visit without fail.
Jeff Dever was also featured in the latest issue of Art Jewelry magazine, on their last page. That page is dedicated to work that is using jewelry techniques to make non-jewelry items. One of his amazing baskets is shown.

Polymer Clay Daily has its finger on the pulse of what is happening in the polymer clay art community. What’s new. What’s different. What’s great. What’s up and coming. Who to learn from. Who to watch. For those of us working with the medium it is a front row seat to watch this medium grow and shine. For the rest of the world it is a powerful catalog of polymer’s possibilities. You have a curator’s voice and sensibility and it shows. Don’t change much, but if you have a hankering to switch it up a bit how about:

1. Guest posts from some of the artists that you feature
2. A PCD shopping experience
3. More of your work
4. More Cynthia Tinapple videos like your face cane video

Thousands of sites about polymer clay? Whatever the number, Polymer Clay Daily is the obvious place to start each morning. I like the current mix of artists and musings.

However, I do see a niche or two for speculating about where the craft could be going. For that matter, while I’m dreaming, a space between Polymer Cafe and high-end arts magazines would be nice. But I’d still want Polymer Clay Daily as the gateway!

Rhet

It’s so funny to see that we talk all together in the same time about the same artist !! I just receive Art Jewelry here in France and that’s why I wanted to thank Jeffrey Dever Lloyd for his creation, he is the MANE Artist who inspire me, and I also thank you to have make me discover him. Really many thanks for that, i would’nt have found my onwn way on polymer clay without this !

Ever morning the differents PCD articles prensented inspire me, but like all of us, I would be exited to discover more of your work. It might be a wonderfull experience to have a new personal place to create …

A gallery would be great also to have a direct vew of creations, more easy may be to discover other worldwide artists when we don’t have enough time to surf on your older articles.

Whatever PCD becomes, It will remain my firt daily evasion …

Mariane S.

I am addicted to your posts. What more do I want?
There si so much you make me discover allready.
I really appreciate when you make us discover artists from around the world and when you make a backtrack to show us what is new on the pro side of creativity.
My day starts with a visit on your site. I confess I am an addict.

You and your blog have helped bring polymer clay into the 21st century. You never sound like an infomercial to me. If things seem to be turning into an uninspired grind, and you can swing it, maybe you could consider a sabbatical to travel or immerse yourself in an art or craft unfamiliar to you.

I really hope you will keep writing Polymer Clay Daily, but you’ve already made an immeasurable contribution. Maybe there are thousands of other polymer clay blogs and sites out there, but your voice is unique and compelling. Just take care of yourself and the rest will take care of itself.

Since I discovered your blog, I visit frequently and always with great pleasure. I like the links that you offer. For the text, I find nothing to reproach him, even if my English is sketchy ;-). Continue! Thank you for your work.

I’m not aware of “thousands” of polymer clay blogs — yours is the only one I visit in my busy day. Please keep up the outstanding work! (Do you have links to favorite other blogs already? — I never thought to look. That might be nice for those of us with insufficient time to do our own hunting!)

Thanks for the peek inside your studio renovations. Your observations about how you prefer to have your creative space close to the action in your house really brought home to me how much I like my own creative space to be separate. Lol It’s funny how things that can nurture and excite one person can be disruption and distraction for another.

As for the content here on Polymer Clay Daily, I still find it fresh and exciting. You’ve got a great eye and enviable research skills. I look forward to checking your blog every morning to see what treasure you’ve found for the day. And being featured here is like a giant pat on the back and a shot of creative adrenaline rolled into one. There may be other blogs doing similar things, but no one is doing it as well as you are for the polymer clay community. I feel like your blog truly brings us together as a community and pushes us to take our art to the next level.

Cynthia- I know there are a lot of clayblogs out there with more created everyday. However, you were one of the first (as far as I am concerned) AND you are a hometown hero (Go Bucks!) so you will always be the first blog I look to for inspiration. Always.

Even though you are now retired, you lead an insane life. I am grateful everyday I pull up your page and see new ideas, beautiful pictures and links to far off lands because I know how much work you put into this site.

This is your baby. Whatever you decide is fine by me. I’m just glad you do what you do so beautifully and gracefully.
Thanks……you are greatly appreciated.
c

Well said- Libby! While there are hundreds of individual sites and blogs…Polymer Clay Daily is a constant source of inpiration, information and fascinating links. Your efforts have helped to link together the worldwide community of polymer clay artists.By maintaining your focus, many lives have been enriched by the creative sparks, associations and affirmation your blog has provided.

I continue to be amazed at the dedication that you have exhibited by posting so regularily….having said that- perhaps three posts a week? (cutting back to spend more time in your new studio), a vacation from posting every once and a while, posts by guest artists, a “tip” line where readers can submit suggestions for links and posts, more of YOUR work- peeks at artist’s works in progress?

I agree with everyone else. I am amazed at your dedication. It is the first place I go everyday. I happen to like the traditional “pretty” things rather than the monsters and creepy things. But I think it is important to show a broad range of what can be done with the medium.

The real question is are you still happy with what you are doing? If you are bored, then it may be time for a change.

Your blog is a wonderful service and obviously a labor of love. It is the only blog I read daily without fail. I would echo all the accolades.

My request is to see more Asian polymer artists. I don’t know if this is possible, but I’m really curious to know what they’re doing “over there”.

If not careful, I find myself seduced into the “black hole” of the blogging world…spending my time reading rather than working. I could sit in front of the computer long enough to grow roots…the glimpses into peoples art, their lives and their inspirations are so very addicitive. So I appreciate tremendously all of the work you put into your blog…you have done the research for me and I can treat myself to the fruits of your labor. Like cream that has risen to the top, your posts are delicious and lapped up with gusto…and they allow me to return to my workbench satisfied.

The only request I have? I beg of you…don’t stop!

Just keep right on doing what you are doing!

My favourite part of the day is looking to see what you have posted!

I am inspired, intrigued, and always delighted by what I see on your blog.

Thank you so much.

I’m a bit embarrassed at the tantrum I threw. But as my toddlers taught me, sometimes those tantrums pay off and you get what you want.

Not only did I get some new ideas and ways to make this process more interesting, but you showered me with enough kudos and karma to reinvigorate me.

And heh, heh, I found out who writes really well. Look out, guest editors!

I guess I am the lone dissenter. I’ve been pondering how to express my sentiments in reply to your post and the time in which to respond has zoomed by.

Although Polymer Clay Daily was certainly not the cause of what has happened in the field of polymer clay, it did seem to me that with the advent of a “rigorously curated” PC website that the joy of sharng one’s mistakes and half-baked discoveries has gone out of the field.

The field has definitely joined the art world. Now there are the “masters,” the icons who are at every show and whose names are constantly mentioned, plus those others who are deemed worthy enough to be included, there are the sky-high prices for the work, the unaffordable classes, the seminars in Tuscany, and I for one am very sad. For the amateur, the fun has gone out of the “official” field of polymer clay.

Dot – Thanks for your comments. It’s helpful to hear your criticisms. I have to laugh at “highly curated” myself when much of the time my criteria has to do with my mood and what strikes my fancy. I try not to take myself as seriously as it may sound.

I search for new work with promise, strange work, passionate work but you’re right, I often fall back on those who I’ve known for years and who I rely on for consistently good art. I’m sure that comes across as cliquish (and it is, I’ve known these people for a very long time). I’ll make a renewed effort to mix it up more. I always appreciate when readers send in links to people they’ve discovered. The research for this site can be overwhelming and I need all the help I can get.

Your comments make me think about adding additional sections to the blog for those funny, silly, beginner efforts and for tools and tutorials which I generally shy away from. Perhaps a “from our readers” section…but I have to consider how to do that in a way that doesn’t add to much time to my online schedule.

I certainly don’t want to take the joy out of this craft for those just starting out! My whole purpose has been to share the riches that this craft has brought to my life. And I feel strongly that featuring fine work provides nourishment for those of us who have been in the craft for a long time. How to do that without alienating new artists is the tricky bit.

Thanks for making me put my thinking cap back on. I needed to hear what you had to say.

Cynthia

I think your website is wonderful and the only one I check daily if possible. Your links also make it easy to find your cited sites.

I do agree that classes are getting very expensive and rarely take them anymore. I am fortunate I am in an area with active guilds and have been able to share and learn from others.

I have also found that as polymer clay artists are being discovered, more and more are less willing to share their techniques and information. Being an artist is what you do with the technique, your creativity. What is truly yours can not be taken away.

Here’s my two cents.
You are giving an amazing service to the polymer community. I respect your decisions and know that you’ll keep the blog fresh, exciting and stimulating, as always.
It appears that we’re all out of danger and you’re going to continue.
Wonderful.
Trite, but “Thanks for all that you do.”
L

I don’t mean to repeat what others have said – but I will start with the fact that this is a terrific polymer resource and was the first really classy and stylish polymer blog. Many polymer blogs have followed and there is a lot of variation in content – some started out as polymer clay blogs and have now moved on to encompass much more variety and techniques, such as daily art muse (with PCD and DAM being my two most frequented blogs)..
Anyway, in the spirit of feedback or alternate opinions for you to ponder as you think about possible changes, I think there are a few considerations you could make as a polymerclay faithful site..
1 – there are now plenty of beginner polymer sites and blogs.. Perhaps focusing on the higher end and greater possibilities of polymer would be something that could keep your blog more valuable and maintain pcd as “The” polymerclay blog.. Moving away from “crafty” or kitchy polymerclay (these styles and types are already there for those wishing to find them – You could perhaps offer links to “beginner” sites or info for this, but keep it away from your main pages..?)
2 – Perhaps something you could offer that others don’t would be information regarding the learning of certain advanced techniques or where to find them? I noticed one comment about not being able to attend classes or workshops for this and I can relate. Tips and techniques that are related to the high end polymer works..??
3 – Because of your pioneering blog, I wonder if you would have any influence over polymer artists to make little video visuals of techniques?? (O: I have often wished that the likes of kathleen dustin, jeff dever etc would one day decide to make a little recording of some of thier processes.. (like maggie maggio has done with her colour theory – and like you did with that terrific face cane.. even the process clip of ford & forlano was like gold dust to me! It didn’t show technique as such, but it showed some little snippets of them at work..fantastic.)

Really an truly the above comments are nit picking, since the work you have put into this blog is, well, legendary. lol. I know I’m not alone in saying thankyou for all of it, thankyou for sharing.

Also, about your own personal comments and “life” that leaks into your blog….don’t underestimate its value to other artists! We all have moments of creative block, slumps, moody moments of feeling like we’re artistic frauds! etc (I have a theory about creative people and mood sensitivities..) So, when I read those snatches of genuine worries or human emotions that you may feel are “moaning moments” I feel comforted sometimes – or it gives perspective. It allows me that reminder that we all experience this, of course, and its a valuable part of your blog.. Its “You”, a creative individual who is generously sharing her own experiences and moments with the rest of us. It can be a much needed reminder of the process or personal journey involved in being a creative person.

I do more with papier mache (www.papiermache.co.uk) but am entranced by the versatility of polymer clay. Just to say that I am entirely happy with the style of your newsletter and, while I tend to be a critical reader, cannot see anything I would want changed.
I’d love to attend your workshop but since I live in East Anglia, UK, it would be a bit pricey!! At least I can easily get to Sue Heaser.
DavidO

I just re-read your construction post. I realized I skipped the link for the very reason your new studio is small and in the middle of things. I work out of my bedroom usually in a 12″ X 24″ space on a rolling bed tray. In our house our bedroom off the main room is the heart of the house. When I try to work somewhere else I also have the feeling of being punished.

Why are all these above comments so old? 8 years, 5 years ???