Usually I stay away from project books but "Clay Techniques to Dye For" is a treat, successfully combining artistry with how-to's.
The authors (Judy Belcher, Leslie Blackford, Kim Cavender, Donna Kato and Debbie Tlach) cleverly demonstrate how to use a number of Ranger products and Kato Clay in creative and fun ways.
It may take a while for the book to appear in your area. Check with the publisher (www.d-originals.com) or polkadotcreations.com to find a copy online. The earrings at right are a great new design from Judy Belcher.
Techniques that are such fun to create often become mind-numbingly boring. Take those square extrusions. A professor of fluid dynamics bought a bowl of mine that was inlaid with square extrusions. He excitedly explained the physics of how the colors merged and formed. I was fascinated. After a while, however, they all look the same.
Some artists take these techniques to another level. These "Klimt pins" photos from Donna Kato illustrate the point. She takes a simple technique, renders it in unexpected colors and then pushes it further. In this case, she gave the pieces interesting shapes, added pearls and accented one with a textured layer.
It's that second effort that makes these pieces different from the rest. We must learn to obey that inner voice that says, "Take it farther…keep going"
The Ronna Weltman article in ArtJewelry Magazine was nicely written (I just got my copy) and I loved Steven Ford saying that polymer clay jewelry is "diva jewelry." He's right, of course (his new site is working a bit better today). These colors and styles are not for the shy or faint of heart.
Be sure to look for the September issue of Art Jewelry Magazine. PCDaily gets a mention in the sidebar of an article by Ronna Weltman called "A Rarefied Medium: Polymer clay is now on the A-list for wearable art."
From an earlier Art Jewelry Magazine's "gallery" section, this description of Celie Fago's multimedia bracelet which is made of polymer clay, metal clay, acrylic paint, brass, and sterling silver. "Polymer clay and metal have a relationship of mutual benefit," Fago says. "Metal offers weight, both actual and aesthetic. Polymer clay adds richness of color." Good explanation.
Wow…lots of comments yesterday. Everyone has the book but me! That drives me crazy because I thought I was being so diligent by ordering it early in December. You all tell me that this often happens with Amazon. Who knew?
Since I'm in a rush to get to the bookstore, I'll leave you with a homegrown Sandra McCaw demo. She may kill me for publishing these 10-year-old pictures but they tickle me. I took the photos at an early Shrinemont conference. Note that the gradation was done in a "pre-Skinner" way (see the individually wrapped colors in the next-to-the-last picture). Remember how we used to blend the color for each layer separately? Bless you, Judith Skinner.
The demo shows three blocks of graduated colors. Sandra then began by slicing and swapping slices between the blocks. She reduced and recombined the resulting blocks in various ways. I hope you get the idea. And I hope I'm not in too much trouble with cover-girl Sandra. She's in the middle of a move right now so perhaps she'll miss today's post. I'm off to the bookstore.
Some folks already have their copy of this new Katherine Aimone book from Lark….and it's killing me. Amazon isn't shipping yet (though the ship date says June 7) and my order is languishing in the queue. Lark doesn't even show it on their site.
Those who have advance copies say that it's the best thing to come along for some time with high level projects and a cool gallery of exceptional work. Sandra McCaw agreed to let us publish this picture of her new work which is featured in the book (and on its cover). The delicate translucent petals beg you to touch them.
If you're one of those fortunate early recipients, feed me some tips or pictures. Does anyone know what the delay is about?
Wild and wonderful Sarah Shriver is not to be overlooked as one of the cover girls of the month! I haven’t read the article in Belle Armoire but I hear that she’s the centerfold.
If you’ve ever tried to replicate one of her precisely repeating kaleidoscope canes then added tiny striped edges and attempted a pillow bead, you’ll begin to understand why Sarah’s work is cover material.
Elise Winters’ polymer clay work is pictured on the cover of February’s Crafts Report magazine along with a profile on page 24. The magazine’s focus is on jewelry this month. Elise sees this as a win-win. Not only is this a personal win but also it signals a growing acceptance of polymer clay by the jewelry community.
Our low-tech, low-fire humble materials become fine art in a fine craftsman’s hands.
Primitive and pretty. Primitive and pink. Ronna Weltman has taken a new tack. (Her new photos might not have gotten posted on her site yet.) This light delicate look is a nice departure from the heavier designs we’re used to in polymer work.
I guess I’m already in the mood for spring.
Judy Belcher’s new book arrived from Amazon yesterday. I’ll feature a few things to entice you in the coming days. It’s filled with pictures that will inspire you. I’m sure the text is informative too but like most of you, I’m hung up on the photos.
…and just in time for your holiday shopping, Judy Belcher’s new book is out.
From the book jacket – "Polymer Clay Creative Traditions lets both beginners and experienced artisans draw inspiration from painting and drawing, ethnic carving, quilting, ceramics, sculpture, glass, metalwork, and more. Through 300 stunning photographs and fascinating text, author Judy Belcher reveals how these influences can be expressed in polymer clay. Polymer Clay Creative Traditions an invaluable guide to creating works of art that blend a great material of today with the greatest design ideas of yesterday."
