There are many beautiful things out there.

So this weekend I went to the Originals in Ottawa. It's a craft show that is more upscale than some of the others you might go to. There were many beautiful things, make from wood, fabric, silver, gold and many others. The artists were from all over Canada and we are a talented bunch, us Canadians, I tell you.
So, really I was going to scout and see if anyone else was showing polymer clay. I only found one booth that was polymer and she had sculptures. At first glance, they looked like salt dough clay but someone told me it was polymer. I didn't get a chance to talk to the artist because she was busy everytime I went by. I got her card. I can always contact her later. I talked to a few artists about their work, some were very approachable while others didn't look up at you while you eyed their creations. the fine jewelry booths had the appearance of a Mappins store, all white backgrounds and very few pieces on display. Strange for a craft show. Anyway, I went to the website for the next shows and to see how you could get a booth. You need to spend at least 800$ to get an aisle 10 x 5. You really have to sell alot to make up for that. Anyway, it was an experience and the traffic was definetely there. By 11 30 am Sunday morning, you couldn't move in the aisles anymore. I had to leave. I had been, been inspired, and been pushed enough for this time.

These photos are from one of my earlier designs. The angle isn't great but I was just trying to see if I could add photos to the posts. Still a baby at this blogging thing. The pendant is part turtle part woman. It's made of polymer and wire. This one I had covered in TLS than embossing powder to give it that shine. I like it alot. I also learned how to make it better the next time.

I've made to another day.

So, back again with more polymer clay work. This last week I've spent more time finishing a few pieces than creating more work. That means essentially sanding and buffing. Gotta say it! Yuck! Boring! Although it's kinda zen. Anyway, I'm looking into a faster way to do this part of it. I've asked for a dremel for Mother's Day. That's kinda funny, no jewelry this year! ha ha!
So, I've finished some mokume gane beads (will post when I've done the photograph thing). I think they are beautiful. I like the mix of green with the white and gold. I had enough to make a necklace, bracelet and earrings. I've used other elements to finish the piece but the focal point is my beads.
I've also make a necklace from seed beads, ribbons and a few of my clay tulips. I made it for my daughter and it turned out quite cute, or is it my daughter who is cute? So, stay tuned for the pictures coming to a computer near you very soon.

It's my first day!

So, here goes. It took me a while to find my own address. Oh well, I can always chalk it up to being more of an artist then a techy.
Now, Polymer clay, I love it. Time flies and I have to force myself to do anything else. This morning I wanted to finish a pendant. I foiled some clay, added a stamped design, baked, wrapped and rebaked. It was fine. Now, I like to use embossing powder, the Ultra Thick stuff, to add a top coat to the pendants. It has worked fine in the past. Today, I found the Ultra Thick and instead of using the clear, I used the pearl. Big mistake. I thought I would give it an irredescent shine. Instead it covered the pendant with a white pearl finish. Now mind you that could be ok sometimes but not today. I wanted to see the foil and the stamped image through the embossing powder. Live and learn. Now, I tried to fix it. Sanded it, reheated it. It did give me more of a see through effect but not clear. Too bad, I was happy with that one.
Now, another finished project that turned out better. I call it my Canadian Man. I cut clay in the shape of a maple leaf then cut out an oval from the center. Using an ivory cane I cut out another oval and added some clay to make a nose, eyebrows and a mouth. Sculpted it so it looks like a face. Installed the face in the hole in the leaf. Once baked and cooled, I carved a few lines in the leaf part then painted and removed with black acrylic paint. Looked nice. Using a silver leaf pen I painted the sides and the front with the silver pen. Lovely. Now the varnish is giving me a hard time. I get streaks on the back. It doesn't happen all the time but it's not the first time. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.