Polymer Clay Daily

Conversation with Judith Skinner

The Skinner blend has been one of the most effective weapons in every polymer clay artist’s arsenal since 1996 when Judith Skinner developed and refined the concept.

In this interview with Judith, she tells a bit about the history of the Skinner blend and about her own history in the software industry. Did you know that in the 1970s she and a partner created the weather graphics systems that we see on TV?

There’s more…including plans for a book illustrating the many variations on her original concept. I needed a break from web surfing so I sat myself down for an afternoon of video editing. Hope you like.

Damm’s spontaneous polymer expressions

This collaborative piece with Christine Damm’s (StoriesTheyTell) polymer beads and Deryn Mentock’s wirework looks just right for Monday.

Christine has only worked in polymer for a year and she explains that, “I have been a potter, a dressmaker, a textile designer, a graphics artist. All my creative paths have led me to this one medium, which awakened my true creative style. It is the most versatile, colorful and technically flexible art material I’ve ever worked in. And it has my favorite artistic characteristic: it allows the most spontaneous expression of my vision.”

Her work shows an ease and confidence that is expressed in simple round beads and complex color. The blogs of both Christine and Deryn are inspirational reads. You’ll find them on Etsy (here and here) too.

Vanover’s modern mosaics and your votes

David Vanover’s (Revonav) Modern Mosaic earrings show a thin layer of polymer adhered to a graceful spiral of silver. Polymer clay has been working its way into more of the gold and silver pieces created by this Washington, D.C. artist. You can see more of his fine works on his Etsy site and his Flickr page.

Your vote counts

Thanks to all of you who responded to Monday’s post, Cynthia Malbon’s entry has inched up to the top of the list in the Eight O’Clock Coffee contest. There are just a few days left to vote (only U.S. residents, however).

Wouldn’t it be great if we could send her over the top and make her a $10,000 winner? It’s not often that you can help a fellow artist with a few mouse clicks. That’s all it will take. Have a winning weekend.

Belcher’s calming polymer creations

Judy Belcher has been preparing polymer clay samples for an upcoming class and she’s posted them on her Flickr page.

I’m loving her calm, precise patterns and monochromatic color palette after this week’s wild creative rides. We need these deep breaths to restore us.

But Judy’s not altogether calm. She adds surprise and dimension to the pieces with applied cane slices and juxtaposed patterns. The tiny colored o-rings used as spacers add another touch of excitement. Thanks, Judy,

Daniels’ canes sculpt time

At five years of age, David Daniels had a coffee can full of clay that he and his siblings started playing with on the kitchen table. They never put it away and he’s never stopped playing with clay. At thirteen he won his first contest. MTV, Sesame Street, movies and more came later.

Clay sculpting and caning led to animation and the development of his own stratacut process which he describes as motion sculpture or sculpting time. He explains, “That’s my gift, I see time from the outside and I see motion sculpture and see how the pieces all flow together and we’re a part of all that.”

I had to watch his video sampler several times with my mouth open before my brain began to catch up. If you like to cane, this brilliant guy is a must see. He adds that, “I intentionally leave crudeness in the mix, I could control it more, and I choose not to because it is less interesting to look at.” The interview with David Daniels is here. His tutorials at the bottom of the interview give you a sense of his process.

Susan Hyde sent us this mindblowing link.

Name West’s bio creation

Melanie West’s newest polymer clay life form needs a name. This undulating orange pod is the newest in her Bio series which has been inspired by nature’s extravagant forms, colors and patterns.

Perhaps this piece appeals to me because it looks like a psychedelic soft serve ice cream cone.

Click through the rest of Melanie’s flora and fauna inspired collection (plus her Trunkt gallery here) and help her name this baby.

Malbon faces decorating

Doll-maker and polymer artist Cynthia Malbon gives a guided tour through her Weare, NH home that will leave you relaxed and inspired. My favorite touch is her sculpted polymer clay faces used as drawer pulls on an old repainted dresser. They add surprise and Cynthia’s unmistakeable signature in a small upstairs bedroom.

Her warm colors and attention to detail make her farmhouse totally charming and that’s what you’d expect from someone who creates such lovingly crafted polymer clay dolls.

Cynthia’s been chosen one of eight finalists in an Eight O’clock Coffee contest (here’s the story and here’s her entry). If you’ve got a few minutes, go and vote for her. Signing up and jumping through a few hoops might help her win $10,000. Voting ends August 11.

Lyrical polymer from Lombardi and Holler

Rome’s Marina Lombardi (Ali di Libellula) makes lyrical jewelry by pairing delicate polymer clay focal pieces with pearls, filigree, stones and crystals. She coaxes microspheres into just the right spots for hints of color and texture.

Her pieces are often photographed with a bit of reference material in the background – wallpapers, fresoes, illustrations. It’s very effective and there’s more on her Flickr site.

Marco Holler sometimes collaborates with Lombardi. The duo dressed up a swirl lentil bead by adding an image transfer and gold embellishment to produce these beautiful romantic Italian earrings. See more of their collaborations here.

It all puts me in mind of vineyards and villas and vacations. Have a great weekend.

Russell’s polymer/pmc combinations

Maryland’s Kelly Russell has resurfaced on the web with a new blog, Beadfuddled. If you’ve ever been skeptical about combining polymer clay and precious metal clay, Kelly will remove all doubts.

On her blog she prepares for workshops and works through problems and house renovations. She’s a fine craftsman and a fearless experimenter.

Kelly’s new at blogging so leave her a comment to let her know you’re watching.

Tinapple upstairs/downstairs polymer

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.