Polymer Clay Daily

Ford/Forlano video

Here’s a 4-minute video that gives you a peek into the process and production of Ford/Forlano metal and polymer clay artworks. Those of us who’ve been around a few years will appreciate a glimpse of their canes from yesteryear still squirreled away in the studio. (Go here for a full view.)

That these two have been able to collaborate, evolve, and succeed in polymer clay since 1986 is quite remarkable.

Their links led me to a fun fashion show at SandraWebster and to a preview of the prestigious Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. And whose name did I spy in the "emerging artists" category? Melanie West with her biobangles! Congratulations to Melanie and thanks to David and Steve for the studio tour.

Polymer clay MealyMonsters

Today I felt like Priscilla, one of the polymer clay mealy monsters. Faced with packing and organizing for a trip out West I was overcome with inertia and ended up sitting, sneezing (allergy season), gazing into space.

These endearing creatures speak to me even though I’m rushing the Halloween season. They’re the creation of Buffalo, NY artist, Nicole Johnson, who describes them as, "whimsical, creepy, fun, strange, cute, weird, one-of-a-kind, decorative, art dolls." You can see a little of her behind-the-scenes work on Flickr and on her blog.

If you share my mood, you’ll enjoy kindred spirits at MonsterEtsy. Now I must go pack, really. Thanks to Susan Lomuto for the link.

Liedtke’s polymer clay leaves

I keep running into reminders of fall like these polymer clay leaves from Judith Liedtke of Dortmund, Germany. I like the spare, minimalist design. You’ll like some of her canine cane work as well.

Here in the US it’s Labor Day, our symbolic end of summer holiday.

Perhaps you’ll enjoy some pictures of the project I’m working on, a last minute entry into a local gallery show. My engineer husband created a wonderful system for firing polymer clay inlays. The system uses two paint stripping guns, a bench vice and the wind-up turntable from our aging microwave. Ingenious.

Mills’ new polymer/silver combinations

Libby Mills has redecorated her site and freshened her pictures with some great new work, including more silver and polymer combinations. The graphic feel of her polymer designs is mirrored in her treatment of the silver.

Each time you refresh her home page, you’ll be rewarded with a different photo. Like Pavlov’s dogs, I sit and click again and again for a treat. There are some new pieces on her Flickr page and a peek into friends’ studios as well. Have a treat-filled weekend.

Becker’s wild polymer fish

I keep finding things that help me prolong summer. Here are Ella Becker’s polymer clay fantasy fish full of color and glitter and motion.

This Israeli animator admits that, "Animation for me is not only a profession but also a way of experiencing the world in a visual way, full of color, texture and motion, working together to create emotional impact." There is raw energy in her jewelry and sculpture with color and flash that increase its impact. She gives a dynamite haircut too! Something wild for the end of summer.

Holden’s urchin imitations

This lovely arrangement of polymer clay urchin beads by Vancouver’s Tina Holden gives us a last look at the beach this summer.

Tina’s not the only one to borrow from Mother Nature, of course, but her imitations are particularly inviting and soothing – like a cool dip underwater.

I’m baffled by how Tina creates her hollow forms and glad to hear that Canada has made collecting these real creatures from their waters illegal.

Kato’s falling leaves and new liquids

Time for falling leaves, polymer clay style. You’ll find these leaf pins on Donna Kato’s site along with some other new work including more fabulous bangles.

Speaking of Kato, I’m loving the faux lampwork beads from Sharon Solly who’s mastered using colored liquid polymer from Kato Products to simulate glass. Take a look at what she’s doing. Metallic liquids should be available soon.

Garie Sim gives his own interesting side-by-side comparison of liquid clays which he colors himself with oil paint.

Bead Dreams online

The Bead Dreams competition polymer clay entries are online for your Monday inspiration. This entry from California’s Kaaren Poole is perfect for harvest time with the bunny tucked in among the verdant veggies.

While there’s no polymer mentioned in Kaaren’s website, it’s obvious that she’s transferred her love of tole and decorative painting into polymer work quite effectively.

Congrats to all the Bead Dreams participants. And remember there are only a few days left (September 1) to enter your work in the NPCG Progress and Possibilities exhibition. Apply online here.