If yesterday’s post put you in a flowery mood, you’ll want to follow today’s links to Kim Korringa’s garden. She posts her signature whimsical caned designs on her web site. Kim’s fish cane tutorial is a popular one.
On her Etsy site she lists one-of-a-kind designs like this multi-color fantasy flower necklace backed with stripe-edged black disks. Pure spring.
Judy Belcher sent the link along. The sun is shining and spring is on its way. Have a springy, sunny weekend.
These polymer clay tab and slot faux pebble beads are a new design for me. In fact, they’re a first effort and I’ve been test driving them to make sure the pebbles aren’t too delicate for wearing in real life. They’ve passed the test nicely.
In the upcoming online class at Craftcast with Alison Lee I’ve promised to tell everything I know about polymer pebble making. That sent me back to the studio to figure out just what I do know. Uncomfortable situations often provide the spark I need for creative solutions.
This is my newest trick and I can see using for lots of non-pebble applications as well. Join me and Alison on December 2.
Ponsawan Sila‘s polymer clay flowers were inspired by one lonely dahlia bloom she grew in her garden this year. Her enthusiasm and optimism may help you find yours this Monday.
She generously shares her tutorials for the canes on one site. On her blog Ponsawan shows the results, jewelry she assembles from slices that have been stacked, stretched and manipulated into a wild garden of blooms.
This row of simple, rustic pendants by Lynn (UnaOdd) is even more appealing when you see the molds she made using plants from her garden and Knead-a-Mold. “The final mold can be used in the oven (for polymer) and is food safe as well,” says Lynn.
I try to stick to my “no products” rule on PCDaily but this idea grabbed me and I had to share.
Genevieve Williamson’s blog (JibbyandJuna) led me to the link. The two artists went to college together and you can feel a sympatico vibe in their work. Have a simple, rustic weekend.
You may be used to making polymer clay buttons to match fabric, here’s an idea that turns the tables. The picture isn’t great but the concept is terrific.
Enterprising polymer clay artist and seamstress Jema Hewitt has begun using Spoonflower, a print-on-demand fabric company in North Carolina, to make fabric from photos of her polymer clay canes.
She explains that, “I just took a photo of my polymer clay slab, tweaked it and cropped it in photoshop and saved a 300dpi jpg. The polymer clay is on the left, the fabric on the right of the photo!” Click on the picture and look closely to get the full effect.
The UK artist is considering producing a line of corsets or waistcoats from her polymer-inspired companion material. While corsets were certainly not the first items that popped into my head, Jema has 20 years experience in the theatre, bridal and costuming business and after a browse through her sites (Kindred Spirits, Steampunk Jewellery, Etsy and her blog SparklyJem) you’ll see how it’s a natural next step for this designer.
It’s an exciting concept to consider at the start of your week.
Maureen Carlson’s necklace tells a charming story and invites a dialogue…and isn’t that what we want our jewelry to do?
She tells of her winter trip to a family reunion in simple polymer clay beads. And she suggests several ways that you might use this technique to tell your stories.
I saw Maureen wearing this intriguing necklace and wanted to know more. Now I’m itching to make one of my own. Enjoy this little video of our conversation. Maureen’s new jewelry-sized face molds will make their debut in November.
One of the techniques that built a buzz at the IPCA retreat in Chicago was the faux batik method that Heather Campbell demoed. Faux batik fits perfectly with Heather’s complex, gilded and textured style and looks in sync with the approaching fall colors. She’s uploaded some new samples to her blog.
I missed the Chicago event in July so I’ve spent the afternoon trying to research a bit more about the process. The closest I’ve come is Judy Belcher’s method in her Creative Traditions book.
I’m not sure that’s how Heather is achieving her effects, but either way my mind is reeling with ideas. Already variations on this theme are popping up on the web. Thanks to Lindly Haunani for pointing out what I missed.
Shapes cut from soda cans and covered with polymer clay are the trick behind this playful necklace from Laurie Prophater. The telephone wire used to secure the beads to rubber cord complete this reuse, recycle design.
A complete how-to of Laurie’s process appears in the autumn issue of Belle Armoire jewelry magazine. Laurie’s working on more variations using this technique that you can see on her Flickr site.
When I told a friend that I wasn’t ready to share my studio work this week, she suggested I show my bedroom instead. I ran upstairs and snapped a few pictures of the polymer clay in my bedroom. No tidying, no photoshopping (ok, I omitted the chair that catches laundry).
I wake every morning to a collection of vibrant colors and patterns created by wonderful friends. Their stories inspire me and their friendships keep me going. Enjoy this peek at some of my inspirations.
book.
