Polymer Clay Daily

Printing

Potter, poet, printer Ebby Malmgren finds that she can call upon all her talents by using polymer clay for her printing plates. "Soon after I started making prints I realized I missed the 3-D possibilities of clay and it occurred to me that polymer clay might be a solution," says Malmgren.

Her detailed description of the process makes me want to experiment. See one of her prints at the left and the polymer printing plate at right.

The artist splits her time between Annapolis, Maryland and Taos, New Mexico. She recently received a lifetime achievement award from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. Many thanks to Susan Rose who alerted me to this wonderful artist.

Rattlers

Jana Roberts Benzon has a designed a necklace that says "Beware!"

Jana was inspired by the rattlesnakes in Utah and simulated their warning signal in a polymer clay necklace. Her "Vrindavana Rattlers" are much more colorful than the snake's and they rattle when shaken.

DaVinci

I've sent you to this site before and it's time for another look. Velvet DaVinci has changed its format a bit and beefed up the artists' sites.

I salivate when I hover over the links that say "more images." And the portraits of the artists feel like an added bonus.

Did I mention that there's no polymer clay represented here? Their loss. The designs are spectacular. Thanks go to Ronna Weltman for the link reminder. 

Loco

Whenever I'm stuck in the design doldrums, I head for France (well French web sites) to give myself a whole new look.

I'm not sure who's behind "Benita Loco" but the site is chock full of strange and interesting polymer clay creations. The technique is usually rough but the sensibility is self-assured and chic. And the necks of the models are always young and lovely.

If you tire of the polymer section, you'll find colorful treats in the rest of the site too.

Magnetism

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stay focused on polymer in my web surfing last weekend. I ended up ordering books and CDs and this wonderful ring (actually, two are pictured here) from Dynomighty.com. Magnetic jewelry has always intrigued me and a magnetic ring offered too many possibilities to resist.

I'm hoping I can cover this baby with polymer clay. Think it's possible? My favorite magnet user is Cathy Johnston who closes her perfect miniature books/pins and purses (scroll down her class page to see this wonderful design) with magnetic clasps.

Look to the right on the home page. I've added a select list of recommended blogs in the right hand column. I'll keep the list short so as not to overwhelm you. These blogs are quite special. Happy Monday.

Great minds

The person behind yesterday's "empty vessel" blog is none other than Susan Rose who's been forwarding terrific links to me for months! Small world. Beautiful blog. Bookmark it.

And of course she's sent a couple perfect links to round out our week of "intensity." While artworks made from fruit pits and spools of thread may seem a long way from polymer clay, they round out our week of demonstrating how what's in your head and your heart translate into art.

Zen post

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art."

Leonardo Da Vinci

And a couple of links to intense sites (here and here). It's been a frantic day that needs some calm.

Magnet Magic

I usually stay away from the techniques and products side of polymer clay art but this tip was just too good to miss. The clank of the pasta machine handle hitting the floor is a familiar (and annoying) one.

Thanks to Debbie Woznick of Denver's Mile High Guild you may never hear that sound again. All you need is one of those strong magnets which come in the same diameter as the handle. Put the magnet on the end of the handle and insert it into the machine.

The magnet may fight you a bit as you approach the machine but with a little coaxing, it works. Supergluing the magnet to the handle is probably a good idea. I love a simple, elegant solution. Thanks, Debbie.

Homework

The topic of intensity seems to have struck a chord with readers. Take a look at a couple more along the same line. Harriet Estel Berman creates bracelets from tin cans and Kate Cusack makes pins from zippers. It's the "vision thing" that speaks loudly. These artists are following their own creative impulses and aren't waiting for the next new technique.

Since it's back-to-school time, here's one for homework. Visit the site of the Plastics Historical Society. The next time you're asked about when polymers were discovered, you'll be able to answer with confidence.