Tantalizing Tools

I try to add sparingly to my toolbox but sometimes I just can’t resist. If you’re trying to cut down on your purchases, don’t take a look at the supplies at Ten Seconds Studio. There are some sweet texturing tools. My favorite is the roller pictured above. It’s great for small spaces. You may find the texture wheels useful too. There’s a list of suppliers on their web site.

Debbie Jackson (debbijack@columbus.rr.com) carries the tools as well as the blue texturing tool pictured below. This gem, designed for traditional ceramics, is perfect for roughing up hard-to-reach surfaces. I used it on my new picture beads bracelet to achieve leather-like feel. Contact Debbie for more info.

Ranger Inks

These inks were all the rage at the last conference I went to. I should have paid more attention but I try very hard not to get thrown off course by the lastest sparkle and flash. The word is that Hobby Lobby carries these Ranger Inks.

I can’t tell you much about these Adirondack Alcohol Inks other than that they gave the clay a watercolor/metallic effect that was quite pleasant. You should have seen the user’s hands though…completely and permanently dyed. Rubber gloves are highly recommended.

Here’s a bead made by Donna Kato using the inks.

Extruded Polymer Yarn

I found these in Marie Segal’s web gallery. They’re lovely crocheted polymer jackets! Marie and Syndee Holt have written an article on their techniques. Marie says she’s worn the jackets. They’re quite warm and weigh over five pounds each!

Online Inspirations

It’s been a pleasure to discover gems like those on Kathleen Dustin’s site as I begin to build a list of links to polymer artists. What treasures you’ll find online.

If you’re in need of inspiration, revisit the artists’ sites on the “links” page in the green bar at the top of this page.

Feeling Colorful

I’m about to do some color work with Lindly Haunani (see her new color swirls at the left) and Maggie Maggio so I’m steeping myself in color. Here are some wonderful online resources if you’re feeling colorful. Warning – A couple of these sites are processor intensive…not for dial-up connections.

Color Perception
Color Blender
Behr Paint
Colour Lovers
Color Schemer Online

To London to See the Queen

Perhaps the Queen won’t be in the class but Donna Kato, Leslie Blackford and Judy Belcher will be in Nottingham at Main Street Studios this month. Scroll down on the Studios web site to see their work.

Oh, the things they’ll teach and the things they’ll learn.

Painting in Space

That’s what James Lehman of Akron, Ohio, calls his work in polymer. You’ll want to spend some time wandering through his site. The size of his works is inspiring…way beyond the teeny things we sometimes get caught up in. His work is also pictured in the 400 Polymer Clay Designs book.

Skinner Art

Who better than Judith Skinner, mother of the Skinner Blend, to design this great necklace whose color gradually grows darker? She donated the item to the Pingree silent auction. Judith has a new website you might want to visit.

This triangle of Skinner blend folded over onto itself to form a bead is a pretty clever twist on her theme as well.

Fetishes

Looking for a diversion? Be sure to see the gallery of participants in Donna Kato’s Feat of Clay Polymer Clay Shoe Challenge at the Polymer Cafe Magazine site. It’s sure to inspire and delight.

Treasure Trove Online

Wander through Karen Murphy’s wonderful collection of polymer beads and jewelry.

You have to contact her to purchase some of these lovely things …real collectors items. The photos are quite dark but it’s a treat to peruse the history of polymer clay reflected in her selections. There are some early works of wonderful artists.

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