Polymer Clay Daily

Last minute creations

Kathy Koontz' handy magnetic and easy vases for last-minute gifts on PolymerClayDaily.com

South Carolina’s Kathy Koontz (Flowertown_Originals) reminds us that there’s still time to make a gift or two like these small magnetic vases that would look so pretty on a fridge or a wall.

“The leaf imprint was done by pressing some leaves from my lantana bush into the clay before curing and then highlighting the design with white paint. Simple and minimalist,” she says.

Kathy offers polymer covered seam rippers, crochet hooks, and buttons among the items on her Etsy shop.

It’s faster (and more fun) to create something at home than it is to get caught up in the holiday shopping crowds.

Salads and polymer

Jane Cox turns simple wooden kitchen utensils into special gifts on PolymerClayDaily.com

The UK’s Jane Cox (JaneLovesCreativity) turns simple wooden kitchen utensils into special gifts.

She winds comfy colors of extruded polymer strings around the handles, smooths the clay and polishes it to a shine after curing.

Imagine a friend smiling as she stirs dinner or serves salad with the spoon that reminds her of you.

There’s plenty of time to create these before the holidays, right?

We’ll be peeking into Tory Hughes Santa Fe atelier this week on StudioMojo. See how she surrounds herself with samples of luscious colors before she begins. Join us!

 

Polymer brushes

Wiggins on PCDaily

Yes, there’s still time to try your hand at unusual polymer gifts like these artist brushes from Angie Wiggins. A neighbor gave her some horsehair that she wanted to put to good use.

Add your handmade touch to keys, pens, bottles, utensil and tool handles, switchplates, card cases and such. If the basic item can withstand 275-300 degree temps, add polymer and you’re good to go.

Not sure? Put the undecorated item you wish to cover into the oven to test its ability to survive the heat.

Then go and be inspired by how Angie embellishes bowls and makes light pulls, business card holders and other items of delight. Time to get busy.

 

Cheers! Holiday polymer

Smith on PCDaily

Traditionally Staci Louise Smith makes small gifts for lots of friends and family at Christmas. This year, after three days playing in the studio, she had gifts and a new line of polymer wine stoppers.

These will definitely be added to next year’s show inventory she says. Of course, wine stoppers aren’t just for Christmas, in fact, these have a beach air about them.

Smith on PCDaily

Staci shares her method (and lots more pictures) on a blog post and on Facebook.

She joins the two elements by drilling a shallow hole in the top of the cork and the bottom of the bead. Then she inserts a 14g wire, joining bead and cork. She epoxys both ends of the wire.

The intense carving and soft shaping of these beads shows how much thought and effort she’s put into her small gifts. And sharing them with us is generous as well. Staci’s friend, Karen McGovern, sent the link along to make sure we wouldn’t miss it.

Polymer phone decorations, bookmarks

Olena from Kiev, Ukraine has filled her entire Etsy shop with polymer bookmarks and cell phone accessories guaranteed to elicit smiles.

PCDaily first spotted the bookmarks with legs last May and the phenomenon has exploded. Look at all Olena’s legs and shoes designed to help keep you on the right page.

Too late to order for this holiday? You can make your own using cell phone jack plugs. Hang a festive bead from your cell phone. Thanks to Genevieve Williamson for the link!