In the Guild.com site I found only one piece of polymer, this "O’Keeffe Pin" by Ford and Forlano. These two artists, the text says, "…primarily make one-of-a-kind jewelry, passing pieces back and forth between themselves at different stages in the creative process. With the introduction of precious materials such as sterling silver, gold, and pearls, their work is as bold and expressive as ever. Part of their goal is to transform an inorganic, man-made material into something that looks as if it was found on the beach, or growing in the woods."
A clue from Kathy Weaver of the Sandusky, Ohio guild led me to the site of Sharon MacLeod in Washington. Kathy had just googled around and found this artist who is new to me. I’m itching to know more.
Sharon MacLeod says of her work, "I use digitally printed paper, polymer clay, and tubing to create affordable, lightweight, one of a kind and limited production jewelry. Looking at a finished piece, the nature of the work is not obvious, and I am often asked, "What is this made of?"
Each piece is made individually and involves many steps: creating original art or altering and enhancing patterns from other sources, printing the paper, making the polymer clay pieces, gluing the paper to the clay and tubing, and assembling the components, incorporating metal elements, glass beads, and other materials. Multiple coats of matte varnish are brushed on to seal the paper surfaces, making the jewelry durable and water resistant."
Sharon worked as a graphic artist before making the transition to full-time professional craftsperson. She returned to designing and making jewelry in 1999 when she discovered the potential of using digital imaging in her jewelry design. She lives in a secluded cabin in the woods of southwest Washington state.
When I pore over sites, looking for something to tantalize you, I wait for that "aha" moment. It’s great to suspend all judgment and simply go on visceral feelings. I’ve learned to trust my gut and it’s often smarter than my head.
These fish by Pat Sernyk of Manitoba triggered an "aha" as I wandered through the Clayamies site and fantasized about the pleasure of working with artist friends in a cabin up in the woods in Canada. These rainbow trout are terrific.
A trip to Portugal inspired Krista Wells to embellish her door with polymer tiles and geckos.
Those of us with studio lust will want to look at Krista’s new studio in the town of Diligent River, Nova Scotia…a walk from the Bay of Fundy beach. It sounds idyllic.
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.
Here’s a nice variation from Jayne Hoffman of Portland. You’ll see more samples on her Jayzor site. Jayne comes from a quilting background which comes through in her works.
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.
This "foldover" necklace from Christy Sherman in Connecticut was inspired by a picture in a silver bead catalog. She has a tutorial on her site that explains the process step-by-step. Take a look.
The 2006 Webby Awards are now taking votes for the best weblogs of 2005. 2005 was surely the year when I discovered blogging and the community of blogs. I promised myself that this year I’d promote my product. So, cast your vote for the best blogs of the past year by Tuesday, January 10th!
Hint, hint…there’s one category for "Best Craft Blog" and/or "Best New Blog" about halfway down through the categories. Scroll to the bottom and push "submit" and you’re done.
I wandered into Kate McKinnon’s site, intrigued by the ring mounts she offers. Kate works primarily in metal and glass but I detected a polymer sensibility. I kept sleuthing and stumbled onto her journal where I came across two Cynthia Toops’ pieces…aha! My sense was right. The top one she called "Moss" and the bottom one, "Conversation".
I’m only disappointed that I don’t know the exact size of these pieces. I’ve seen Toops’ work in several galleries and the incredible detail of her micro-mosaics doesn’t come across as well in photos. Still they’re fun to look at and Kate’s site is fun to browse.
