It takes a steady hand and a keen eye to execute this micro-Natasha technique effectively. Kathy Dummer has both.
Kathy and Carissa Nichols (both local artists I’m proud to say) have written a two-part article in October’s PolymerCafe magazine on how to make a donut pendant that uses Kathy’s special transfer technique paired with Carissa’s wire skills.
You’ll find examples of the donut pendant on Kathy’s Flickr site. She’s just launched her Etsy site as well and you can catch more of Carissa’s work here.
FYI Note: I looked it up and the technique Kathy illustrates here is based on the Damascus Ladder by Jody Bishel and others. Valerie Wright reinterpreted the technique in Barbara McGuire’s Creative Canes
Rebecca Geoffrey ,
Most gorgeous pendants! Love, love the colour combinations!
Bettina ,
wow, stunning textile patterns – that’s really gorgeous. I love the pendants. And Kathy’s color palette i right down my alley.
Jeannie ,
I’ve been busy and have missed a couple of day’s of PC. I’m going through withdrawals. Like I say “a day within PC is like a day without sunshine.”
The donut is on the front cover and it is stunning, really, really stunning.
I’ve tried the Avery #3271 and did not have much luck. I’m going to read Kathy’s instructions over and over to make sure I don’t end up with the mess like before.
Oh, yeah, I’m also in October’s issue of PolymerCAFE. Giving away a FREE issue on my blog. http:site.jkdjewelry.com/blog
tootles, jeannie
Kathy Dümmer ,
The trick with Avery’s color shield formula is that you have to peel off the transfer before baking or that shield will bake onto the clay leaving a mess. And when you peel of the backing paper, check to see if there are any remnants of the color shield left behind. Make sure you have good lighting and you should be able to see it – it can be easily picked off with a piece of scotch tape.
If anyone is having problems with it, they are more than welcome to e-mail me at kshield0267@wowway.com and we can troubleshoot.
Cynthia, I appreciate you giving a shout out to Jody Bishel and Valerie Wright about the Damascus Ladder technique and giving credit where major credit is due. Jody really had a great idea, and I owe Valerie a lot for teaching me her variation of it.
Priscilla Lane ,
I have been fortunate to take workshops with both Kathy and Carissa. Kathy was kind enough to come to Dayton to teach us her transfer techique. And Carissa is coming to Cincinnati (to do a workshop for the Dayton guild) in October. At this very moment, I’m wearing earrings and a pendant I made at the Buckeye Bash last February after Valerie showed me her version of this technique. We Ohioans are lucky to have these ladies and other talented & generous PC artists who are willing to share their knowledge and skills with us.
Amy E Wallace ,
It only very roughly looks like some basic pieces I started making using a really fine “crinkle cut” or wavy blade, during the last two weeks. I freaking LOVE these kinds of hypnotic, totally detailed patterns. My dayjob as a fabric/bead store manager has opened my eyes to pattern like this. Imagine how the quilters out there would go WILD with a fabric pattern similar to these pieces by the Nichols. Thanks for posting a style that’s dear to my heart.
carissa nichols ,
I have never had more fun in my life teaming with Kathy. We hope to do more ‘team efforts’ in the future. Hopefully we’ll stop laughing long enough to get some work done. Kathy is a consummate and gracious artist with a DISGUSTING amount of talent and I really appreciated the chance to work with her. And thanks to you Cynthia for your kindness!
Monika ,
Hello Kathy Dümmer , beautiful pendants, please where I found the instructions on your technique? I’m from CR.
Thank you Monika
Sabine ,
These are so beautiful. I hought they were some kind of sliced millefiore technique until I read the posts and the penny dropped. I achieved some similar effects with a ripple blade, but not as fine and delicate. These artworks are just superb. Keep up the great work. Yummy colours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!