Polymer Clay Daily

Lighthearted horror

Nicole Johnson approaches the season with horror on PolymerClayDaily.com

New York’s Nicole Johnson takes a lighthearted approach to horror.

These grimacing big-eyed Christmas trees remind us that there are only eight days until Christmas. And at some point in the last minute frenzy, horror becomes a sensible way to cope.

We made Christmas trees at a young friend’s birthday party this weekend and It would seem that several of the young artists share Nicole’s vision. Their spontaneity tickles me.

See all Nicole’s quirky antics on Facebook and Instagram. 

Snow stars

Celine Roumagnac brightens the morning with her snow stars on polymerclyadaily.com

Enjoy the bright colors of these Snow Stars from France’s Celine Roumagnac. They’re a fresh way to start your week.

Celine takes the usual holiday red and green to new places as she combines pieces in fractal-like stacks of shapes.

See her seasonal polymer delights on Instagram.

Pumpkin-heads

Pete Simpson's pumpkin-heads remind us that Halloween's upon us on PolymerClayDaily.com

Before you know it, Halloween will be here. UK’s Pete Simpson (impsandthings) makes it abundantly clear that the holiday is near with a collection of pumpkin-heads prepared for the Faerie Fayre at Glastonbury.

“When you walk through the woods, graveyards, and paths near your home, keep an eye open for movement in the shadows. Listen for rustling in the leaves or the sound of tiny feet. Who knows what wonders you might see,” he cautions on his Facebook.

Pete’s heads look mighty convincing.

Polymer ready for snow

Karen Walker's wrapped snowmen gather for the holidays on PolymerClayDaily

The UK’s Karen Walker wraps her snowmen in mufflers with fashionably oversized buttons on their coats. They gather in a group with their pets, ready for winter.

Karen deepens the textures and highlights them with a dark wash then adds a few polka dots.

The simplicity of her shapes gives the scene added charm and you can see more examples on Instagram, her site, and on Facebook.

Festive polymer

Shelley Atwood’s brooch is a festive combination of gold pods, gilded needles, and red leaves. Alien meets suburban Texas but in a good, friendly way.

I hadn’t checked on Shelley’s work lately and it felt like going home for the holidays. Her colors are muted and slightly dark and her shapes change. The clay leads and she follows in a curious, unforced way.

Shelley created a slew of earrings for her gallery’s ArtWalk. Her UK fan, Carrie Harvey pointed out what I’d been missing. Shelley demos on Facebook and shows her work on Flickr.

Polymer ribbons

Neuwirth on PCDaily

In this season of ribbons and bows, Sharyn Neuwirth (NewEarthCraftWorks) demonstrates how you can shape ribbons of polymer. I’d guess the strips are extruded and dusted with metallics.

This Washington, D.C. artist bypasses social media pretty successfully but she offers quite a selection of variations on the ribbon theme on her Flickr pages.

 

 

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.