Toy news and toymakers haven’t appeared on our radar very often but after a look at ToyCyte.com, it’s apparent that we need to fix that. Toycyte covers toy artists, including a number who work in polymer clay. They’re growing in number, in expertise and in popularity.
Meredith Dittmar may be familiar to you already. Her small polymer “my guys” regularly sell out (check out her holiday versions) and she’s got a large following for her wall art, animations, and illustrations as well.
ToyCyte’s blog post led me to Leslie Levings and her polymer clay beastlies (pictured here). She’s been making these charming characters since fourth grade and all that practice has made her very good at bringing the clay to life. Check out her videos and her Monday night show and be sure to read the site’s interview of Leslie here.
To top off my exploration, I clicked on the Mike Leavitt link. We’ve featured Mike before and his Barack Obama figure is outstanding. ToyCyte’s interview picks Mike’s brain as he makes art.
I’m sure there are more polymer clay artists on the site. I’m overwhelmed with this talent and need to catch my breath and explore further.
Betsy ,
It’s unfortunate that so many toy and children’s apparel artisans will be forced to stop selling their products due to the unintended consequences of the CPSIA (Consmmer Product Safety Improvement Act) that goes into effect in February.
Many will be forced to close up shop because they are unable to meet the costly third party testing requirements for each and every product. Read more about the law and what you can do to help our US craftspeople stay in business here: http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/
Maureen Carlson ,
Wonderful post, Cynthia.
In a related area, Katherine Dewey ( http://www.elvenwork.com ) tells me that there is a whole big world of polymer clay users out there who create models for the game industry. You can find some links on her site.
Imagine how much polymer clay the sculptors are using in comparison with the jewelry artists! Always makes me smile because as a sculptor I often feel a bit lost at the polymer clay guild gatherings.
Jeremy ,
Hi Cynthia–thanks for the writeup and mention of the artists. I had practically forgotten about polymer clay as a medium until I ran into it again by way of several artists named above. We cover a variety of toy types–vinyl, resin, plastic, plush–but lately more and more “others” like wood, metal and now clay. It’s a really affordable way for toy fans to get handmade custom pieces. Similar types of toys made out of vinyl cost a ton more. Stay in touch!
naomi ,
polymer clay is the best! you can also mix it with cotton and get intersting results
themutees.etsy.com
Stephanie ,
Hi! I’m building my daughter a dollhouse and I want to make a bunch of the toys for it- from clay- I’m wondering if there is something I can do to make clay more child friendly- as in stronger not to break if dropped? Thank you!!!!
Steph
Cynthia Tinapple ,
The polymer is really quite strong when it’s baked. My daughter and I got started in polymer when we were making pizza and cake for her dollhouse. She’s 30 now. Enjoy your special times.
ct
Stephanie ,
Thank you!! 🙂 I really do