Another convert to polymer, Quebec’s Claire Maunsell was a professional glass blower for almost 20 years. Since her family moved frequently, she had to find a more portable medium.
She says, “I love the fact that polymer clay has many of the characteristics of hot glass – malleable, brilliant colours, ability to build millifiori canes – I could go on and on. I don’t miss the heats and burns from hot glass though!”
Look at her new faux raku beads. Ancient designs happily meet modern materials in her works which are listed on Flickr as well as Etsy.
Randee M Ketzel ,
I just spootted her work recently and was blown away by her use of colour–you really can’t appreciate it until you look at the large versions on her flickr site; she layers them so carefully. I love to see what other disciplines bring to polymer clay.
Jeannie ,
Her Etsy is wonderful. My fav’s are the distressed heart earrings.. Claire’s use of color is just refreshing.
claire maunsell ,
Thank you for featuring me – it comes as a bit of a shock to look at your favourite polymer site and see your own stuff there! I love seeing what other work you’ve found..
Jay ,
I really like making jewelry with polymer clay, but most of the books and instructions feature flowers, hearts, curly-qs and mostly dainty things. Thank you Claire for some great examples of the sort of primitive, natural, rustic look that I like so much. Do you have any books for sale demonstrating you techniques? Or maybe some stamps with those designs you used on the beads. Your work is fantastic. I was really glad to see your work on PCD. Hope to see more. I’m an amatuer, but you have really inspired me with those great beads.
Genevieve ,
Claire’s work is amazing, with colors, shapes and textures that give her pieces life of their own! She and I have done a bit of emailing and I have been so inspired by her ability to take her skills with glass and convert them to polymer.
claire maunsell ,
Thanks for your comments Jay. I really am a beginner with this medium, although I do have years of experience working as a craftsperson in another medium. I really believe it all contributes to your approach, your willingness to do ‘material exploration’ .
Sadly, no books for sale, but I would direct you to the absolute WEALTH of material that exists out there – this website (for luscious visual stimulation) for a start, and artists whose published material has been helpful to me in getting to know how to use polymer clay. Take a look at the polymer books available on amazon : I’m slowly collecting to expand my knowledge! I want to do courses too…
Lastly, I’ve also gained an amazing amount of information from the glass attic and love the informal generosity shown by all the artists who contributed to the site!
Good luck!
Artybecca ,
I fell in love with Claire’s beads the minute I saw them. They are the only polymer beads I’ve ever bought — I have so many of my own already. I just ordered two more sets from her today…I’ve got plans for a big necklace with bunches of colors. When I showed a friend a photo of what I bought he said they looked like they came from a “collapsed city” which is a perfect way to describe their rich-but-rustic look.
Dawna Sharp ,
Rustic, colorful…hmmm…I love these beads!