Polymer Clay Daily

Goldilocks polymer

Phyllis Cahill designs not too big, not too small echoes of the a gentler world on PolymerClayDaily

“Not too big, not too small,” says Colorado’s Phyllis Cahill of her newest collection of layered circle earrings.

Script from a French poem, a leaf pattern, vintage flowers, copper discs, echoes of William Morris patterns – all combined into restful, layered combinations with subtle references to other times.

This is no Lady Gaga dove splashed across her chest. This is about comfort and calm and a throwback to nature and history. Ahhh.

And “just right” is what we’ll be looking for on StudioMojo this weekend. Heidi Helyard joins us for a video conversation about the Australian scene. Heidi is a force there and we’ll hear how she built her business, balanced her life, and how she follows US politics. Join us.

2021 party peeps

Lisa Renner's Party Peeps celebrate on PolymerClayDaily.com

I smile as I look at these polymer Party Peeps from Texas’ Lisa Renner. The colors, balloons, and hats scream PARTY as they smile and close their eyes. Maybe they’re making a wish.

If you’re wishing to snag some on Lisa’s Etsy site, too late. That party is over. Maybe she’s making more.

Lisa’s fanciful creatures often have a melancholy air about them. Maybe 2021 is pushing her in a new direction. Keep an eye out for Lisa’s online classes.

Embracing imperfection

Rozz Hopkins limited her tools and let herself play as a personal challenge on PolymerClayDaily.com

For these organic canes, New Jersey’s Rosalyn Hopkins (RozzHopp) set aside her pasta machine, rollers, and tools. She used only a Bic pen to make indentations. It was a personal challenge.

“I struggled for so many years to show my work in public. I’ve come to understand it doesn’t have to be perfection. It needs to be freeing. Something that pushes me,” said Rozz in a recent post.

Imperfection used to send Rozz off twitching in discomfort. Lately, she’s taught herself to accept flaws and even make them on purpose. “It makes life so much more interesting,” she says.  Freedom and playfulness come through loud and clear in these canes. Agree?

Meme mittens

Glass artist Terrill Waldman does a quick polymer trick for a meme on PolymerClayDaily.com

One more last minute, seat-of-my-pants, meme-themed post. Maine glass artist Terrill Waldman (TandemGlass) found the immediacy of polymer irrestistba for making a quick pair of mitten earrings.

I don’t know the whole story but I sense that Terrill has picked up a trick or two from fellow Maine artist, Bonnie Bishoff. Her quick tutorial was too cute to pass up.

Meme Monday


Chris Baird and Amy Hucks bring us Monday memes on PolymerClayDaily.com

Bright new versions of hearts, the sign of February’s celebration, from Minnesota’s Chris Baird. Her brooches are small, bursting with dots and stripes in a fireworks show of color and a dazzling quilt-like application of tiny bits.

Who knew Bernie’s mittens would spread like wildfire? This cheeky, cheery polymer version from Indiana’s Amy Hucks (SuperSculptor). “The man, the meme, the mittens,” says Amy.

 

Candid family portrait

Andrha Simonis takes a candid, hilarious look at family on PolymerClayDaily.com

Netherland’s Andrha Simonis (Andrhacula) has her hands full, but she squeezed the making of this family portrait into her schedule.

“Took forever with everything having to be done in between homeschooling and all that,” she says. “You see me in my characteristic pose of annoying my husband with a witch’s accessory.”

This hilarious, loving look at her family constellation a la Tim Burton charms us. Andrha’s FB page begins with this alert, “I’m not a morning person or a night person. There are a few minutes in the afternoon where I’m decent. That’s about it.” Candid polymer! Revenge polymer! What fun! We can relate.

Now what? We need to take a breath or two and get our bearings. This week StudioMojo will take a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in our community. Wow, there’s some good stuff out there! Your mojo’s been waiting for you! Join us.

Dove of peace signals big things

Lady Gaga signals the end of small brooches on PolymerClayDaily

My son tells me that America needs a nap. Scared, excited, relieved by Inauguration Day? Now it’s time for a nap.

But before you toddle off, let’s just take a look at Lady Gaga’s Dove of Peace brooch and agree that her fab outfit spells the end of small brooches. I’m pretty sure it’s fabric and integral to the dress. Dig deeper and see the up-close pix on Daniel Roseberry’s IG. He’s the design director for Schiaparelli,

Yes, we’re moving bigger. Today I was struck by the larger earrings at Australia’s Studio 1405. Do you need to enlarge your vision? Time to go big in 2021.

Now have a good nap.

Polymer and pearls

Cynthia parties with pearls...and polymer...for today on PolymerClayDaily.com

I don’t quite know how I developed the habit, but I always wear polymer jewelry. Except for tomorrow.

I pulled these pearls out of a box of jewels from my mother. We didn’t always (ok, never) agreed on politics but I know Ruth would approve of my wearing her pearls tomorrow. They may not be real. Who cares? There’s a woman in the White House!

My earrings will be polymer…maybe from Elise Winters or Tory Hughes or some other artist who didn’t live to see today but would enjoy the festivities. I’m sure I can rifle through my collection of Ron Lehocky hearts and find something for a patriotic occasion. Wear something celebratory and join the polymer and pearls party.

Unselfconscious polymer

Nomi Isak's wonky unselfconscious earings are endearing on PolymerClayDaily.com

Uh-oh, it’s going to be tough to explain why these almost-earrings from LA’s Nomi Isak make the cheering section in my head jump to their feet and yell, “YES.”

These slabs wrapped around wire are sort of surrealist (Dali anyone?) meets pen and ink illustration. With a hint of Native American.

What I finally hit upon is that these wannabe earrings are very unselfconscious.

I decided to read up on Nomi. She’s a writer and editor who says, “You just gotta love something for what it is and not hate it for what it didn’t quite become!”

Yep, that’s clearly what these earrings are saying, loud and clear.

 

A roof over her head

Nancy Nearing uses polymer to help her neighbors on PolymerClayDaily.com

Concerned about the devastating effects of the pandemic and with evictions looming, Connecticut’s Nancy Nearing turned to polymer as a way for her to help families. The banner that festoons the pins reminds us of the importance of home.

Each of Nancy’s $20 house pins (includes shipping) raises $15 for a GoFundMe campaign started by a local group that goes directly to families in her area.

“Money to big charities takes time to reach families who need it, This is quick and direct. It’s the best way I can think of to help my neediest neighbors,” says Nancy.

Could Nancy’s idea work for you? Consider using the polymer that’s right under your nose to help others. The details are on Nancy’s special Facebook page.