Beginnings

It's funny, but I really struggle with this week's subject for the Polymer Clay Smooshers' blogring. If it was spring now, it would be a lot easier, I guess. New flowers, leaves, the world awakening again.

The year's beginning is not of that much importance to me, though. To me really it is just another day, all that has changed is a number in the year. This is not supposed to sound depressed or anything, I just don't like to pin changes to a certain day.

So I'm going to shamelessly steal an idea I have seen several times before and feature shops that didn't have a sale on ArtFire yet. Believe me, I just don't understand why. You are in for a trip through some great studios. Ready, set, go!

Let's start with this beautiful pendant by Jill Kollmann Designs. Don't you just love those rich, earthy tones?

Art Deco is one my very favorite styles. This lovely bracelet with its geometric design reminds me strongly of it. You can find it in the studio of 11 Bold Street.

I rarely make beads although I love them and I admire anyone who creates them. Janine Design has done a great job here. The green in these beads almost makes me forget there is snow outside!

Lynard Skynyrd is a turtle, an adorable one. He swims in the K. Bish Gallery, but I'm sure he would love to see something of the world!

Ready for some browsing of your own? I'll leave you alone then. Here are the cookies, here's some cocoa. How about lighting a candle and diving into the beauty of polymer clay?

Mythology

For me the first myth when I got to meet mythology was why the "Reader's Digest Book of Fairy Tales and Myths" started on page 732 and didn't contain any fairy tales. Well, forgive me, after all I was just a small child. I never found out if my godmother also owned the other volume.

I didn't mind because I loved this book. Prometheus and the Cyclops, Aeneas and Mucius Scaevola, Baldur and Loki, Siegfried und Kriemhild, they were all there. I read it again and again.

So when the poll closed for the Polymer Clay Smooshers' challenge with the result "Mythology", I was really excited. The only problem was it was so hard to decide what to choose.

I stuck with the Greeks for my entries.

One of my favorite stories ever was the one of Philemon and Baucis, the old couple who showed hospitality to the Gods when none of the rich people in their town did. The rich people got a flood and Philemon and Baucis got their home changed to a temple whose custodians they were until their time came. One of their wishes had been that none of them should survive the other, so when it was time, they were transformed into a pair of intertwining trees.

To honor that beautiful end I made a pendant showing the intertwining trees with the plate being from polymer clay and the bezel from wire crochet.

For my second piece I chose another one of my favorite characters - Medusa. The gorgon lady had been a beauty, but after flirting (and more) with the wrong man, Pallas Athene changed her into a hideous creature just like her sisters were. She was the only mortal gorgon, but she had a valuable weapon. One look at her hair made of snakes, her sharp eyeteeth, her long tongue and her glowing eyes turned people into stone.

Perseus finally defeated and beheaded her, being protected by a mirrored shield.

My Medusa is made from a polymer clay face cab which I caught in a wire crochet bezel onto which I added little wire snakes with their tongues sticking out. I attached the head to a barrette blank, something new for me. I can imagine wearing that very well - I might have to make one for myself ;-)

Both pieces are in my ArtFire studio now.
By the way, there is still my sale going on, 20 % off everything!

Smooshers Holiday Scavenger Hunt

I bet you thought I got lost. At the moment I feel a little as if I lost myself - or at least my ability to organize my time.

But when I come back, I do with a big bang. This time it's the Smooshers Holiday Scavenger Hunt.
Above you see the fabulous prizes you can win.

Why don't you take the chance for someday holiday shopping including a chance to win?
You'll find more information on our guild blog:
http://polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com/2010/11/smooshers-holiday-scavenger-hunt.html

Have fun and also tell your friends about it for an extra chance to win!

That's the way it goes - Romance

They met at elementary school during the lunch break. She had dropped her sandwich in the mud and small gentleman he was, he offered her his. She saw his slightly shocked look when she accepted, so they shared it - cheese and ketchup, his favorite.
After that they were almost inseparable, so much that it made their mothers smile when they saw the two walking hand in hand.


After having lost each other at high school for a while, they found back together when they met at a concert in the park.
When he saw her sitting there in the grass, her long dark hair falling down her back, her bright blue eyes, the chewing gum bubble she just had blown all over her lips, when he heard her laughing out loudly, he couldn't help but falling in love.
He approached her and when she looked up at him, he handed her his orange banana smoothie in an impulse. This time he wasn't shocked when she accepted.


They spent a fabulous time together. They played minigolf, they watched DVDs, played computer games and went swimming ... and again their mothers smiled when they saw them walking hand in hand.
They walked through the fields, looking up and he promised her to get the moon and stars down from the sky for her.


That was the moment when she told him that she loved him. And he wasn't shocked, but only held her very tight. Her heart felt all dizzy, but really happy as well.


So they decided to tell their parents. Their mothers exchanged glances and their smiles seemed to say "We knew it." Their fathers started looking into their wallets and had a stiff drink together.

She was a beautiful bride, reminding of Snow White with the dark hair, the fair skin, all dressed in white. He couldn't take his eyes off her, even after all these years.


Of course they would face problems, have one or the other fight, but they were determined to make this romance last ...


All these items were made by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers. Amazing, isn't it?

1. Oak Meadow Elementary School Maverick Earrings by Renaissance Gal of San Antonio
2. Orange Banana Smoothie Pendant/Necklace by Live Mini
3. Glow in the Dark Stars and Moon Switch Plate by Kneaded Things
4. Polymer Clay Heart Pendant by Michigan Mud Clay Studio
5. Polymer Clay and Smoky Quartz Earrings by Haffina Creations
6. Classic Red Roses Lentil Polymer Clay Bead Pair by Too Aquarius

P.S. This is fiction, but I like to think there is a couple like this out there somewhere ;-)

Joy

Let me put on my glasses. I will now very get very intellectual and talk about "joy" with you.
Forget about the glasses, I already had them on because I'm pretty much helpless without them.
Okay, let me try something else instead .... I got it, quotes!

"Joy is not in things, it is in us." You are right, Richard Wagner, but I think sometimes things can bring out the joy in us.

"Joy is increased by spreading it to others." I absolutely agree with you there, Robert Murray M'Cheyne although I have to admit I have never heard of you before.

And my favorite one is "Joy is the feeling of grinning inside." by Melba Colgrove, PhD.

You might ask where I'm heading with this post. I'm heading to the little things, the things that make me smile and give me a moment of joy even if I'm feeling down.
What are those things? That could be a headbutt from one of my cats, a last blooming rose when all the others are gone already, but also a person leaving you some of the dessert you like so much, a smile, a song on the radio that you haven't heard for a long time and that brings happy memories - but it also can be something material and this is what I want to show you now.
Off to the Smooshers! ;-)

These handmade beads by River Valley Design made me feel all warm with their beautiful bright and happy colors. As a matter of fact I was reminded of Christmas ornaments in candle light for a moment.


Now meet Cerlt the Evil who is still living in the studio of Art by Susmitha. Isn't he adorable? Sssh, have a look in the description and you'll find he's not that evil after all ...


I'm not a big fan of garlic. There's a long story behind that. This little garlic fellow however is so cute, he put a big smile on my face! He's sitting on his stopper in the shop of Pixies.


Now tell me, when have you been grinning on the inside lately and what made you?

The deep

I shouldn't have fallen in. It was an accident. One minute I was on the pebble beach, the next minute I was down there. Why I could breathe, I didn't know, but to be frank, I was quite happy about it. Now how to get back? It felt as if I weighed a ton. Granted, no one would have compared me to a feather, but that was ridiculous.
While I was still thinking about it, I felt something touching my shoulder. I turned around and, uh-oh, this looked like trouble. The something had been a tentacle and the trouble I looked at was an angry sea god.


"Listen", I started to say, but he cut me off right away. "What are you doing in my realm, human? You have no right to be here." "Ehm, well, I didn't intend to intrude you know, I just ..." "Leave now or you may never leave again." That did not sound like an invitation for tea. "I assure you, I tried, but somehow it doesn't work." He gave me a look that made my inside freeze. "Find three species of the water who will help you and I will let you go unharmed." With these words he turned around and left me standing there.
Now where was I supposed to find water creatures to help me? In a hurry even?
It seemed my luck hadn't left me all the way. I could see a water dragon coming nearer who looked very friendly and although she looked at me a little wary, she listened to my story and told me to hold on. What a ride, I tell you!


But where were we going? I found out when we stopped in front of a huge shell. Now I was the one to look a little wary. I had read about those shells, how they caught diver's legs and wouldn't let them go. Had that been a trap? I was put to shame immediately, though. The water dragon knocked and out came a crab who was almost as huge as the shell. He solemnly nodded to everything that was said and went back into his house, saying "I need time to think." Did you know water dragons are actually very entertaining? I know. We spent hours there together, talking and playing games. I wiggled around as if I were sitting on an ant hill, but finally, when I almost had lost hope, the crab came back out and nodded in his silent way.


Not too early, either. I could see the sea god approaching. I jumped on the crab's back, held on to the water dragon's tail with my hand and they did their best to pull me up to the surface. "Three species", I kept thinking. "This won't be enough." The longer we needed, the slower my two friends became and I, still feeling as heavy as in the mornings when I needed to get out of bed, couldn't help them although I could already see the sky through the water.
Again and again I turned around, just to see the sea god behind us. I couldn't get rid of the thought that he was playing with me.
Just when I was losing hope, a hand reached out to me through the water and pulled me up with ease. I was almost catapulted out of the water and looked into the smiling eyes of a beautiful mermaid.


I was saved.

P.S. This tale has no real background whatsoever .... ;-)

All featured items are made by talented members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers on ArtFire. Ok, except for the ocean.

Angry Sea God Mask by Bewitching Dreams

Water Dragon Necklace/Key Fob by Wyverndesigns

Blue, Silver and Black Clay Crab Pendant by Medusa's Adornments and Arcana

Little Mermaid Bookmark Handpainted by Phoenix Art Studio

Animal instinct

The Smooshers have a whole lot of new members AND the Smooshers have a new blog task force. Today I'll combine all those new powers.
Our subject is animal instinct.
Let me think, let me think .... hmm .... what animal would you never expect me to write about? A monkey. Nah, too obvious. A horse. Sheesh, right, that's what you are just waiting for.
Hey, I know. Cats! No one EVER would think that of me!

Ok, so I didn't fool you. Who cares? You'll have to pull this through with me now. I can't risk the wrath of basement cat or the half-vampirette, the cow cat or the lady with the stripes, aka my feline masters.

Here we go. Four new Smooshers with four very different approaches to cats.

Let's start with a cat that probably just lost his or her witch. I'm not sure if she will make it back out of the cauldron. So if any of you wants to adopt a very probably homeless black cat with knowledge of spells, rush over to C Dowdle Designs.


A lot more ancient looks this little faux ivory cat. I'm sure she never had to do with a witch, I can see her much better together with a nice granny.
But even if you are not a granny, you might want to take her in? You can find her at Rueschka by Laurel Steven.


Ha! I remember when my masters used to look like that, cute and cuddly and ... oh gosh. They can still look like that and I'm wax in their paws.
Isn't this little fellow just crying out "Take me in your arms" while waiting in the studio of Artsy Clay?


Last but not least is this cat with the expressive eyes by Blue Jane. Wow, just wow. I'm hypnotized.


Talking about hypnotized, I think it's time to feed the masters ......

Come dance with us!

October 1st is the date when the fun starts - the Polymer Clay Smooshers Masquerade Clay Ball.
This year it's not only about the masks made by the Smoosher guild members, but also some that were created by fans and believe me, you're in for a treat.
Just look at last year's masks. What a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and design ideas!


If you help us spread the word, you might not go unrewarded. Blog about this event between now and Sunday October 3rd, 2010 with a link to the Smooshers' blog in your post. Then put your blog post link in a comment right here.
And if you are lucky, you might get drawn as the winner of a bracelet by Haffina Creations! Now how does that sound? What are you waiting for??

Ginger - an artist with many talents

Where should I start?
Ginger from Gingerbell's Gifts is a truly talented lady. She makes bath and body items, like soap or that very tempting sounding bath salt soak, she makes candles and she works with polymer clay.

And what she does with that, is so amazing. Let me show you a few of my favorites - not easy to pick, I can tell you!

Take a look at this glass votive holder. Not only did she make the candle, but she also embellished the glass with these beautiful tropical flowers. Take a closer look. Can you see the little frog? Isn't he too cute??


At first I wasn't sure why I was drawn so much to this bangle, then it suddenly came to me. As a child I used to have a similar style bangle, only it was enameled and the flowers were different. I probably still have it around somewhere, but the enamel chipped off, I remember that.
To be honest, this pattern is much more attractive to me, I love the colors.


My absolute favorite is this kaleidoscope bracelet, though.
First of all I love the pillow beads, something I haven't tried myself (yet?). Second, I love the pattern. When I see it, I think knights. It's so beautiful and if I wore bracelets more often .... well, I'm still thinking.


I highly recommend to browse through Ginger's ArtFire studio and her blog. Maybe we'll meet there? ;-)

Too Aquarius - Art in polymer clay

That's what the banner of Elaine's ArtFire studio says.
In her blog she also says: "Primarily, Tooaquarius is about polymer clay beads and canes. I love beads. Beads make the world go ’round."
And these canes and beads ARE pure art. Believe me. Elaine's canes sweep me off my feet each time I take a look at them. There are so many beautiful ones that I haven't been able to decide yet. And her beads ... well, let's have a look, shall we?

I love black and white, so this focal bead has attracted me at first glimpse. I think it would look really nice with a silver wire bezel. Very, very tempting.


Beads from Elaine's rose canes - aren't they gorgeous??


And here are a few canes now to give you an idea. For those who are not familiar with polymer clay, in a cane you combine different colors of clay in a pattern that goes through the whole piece, so that when you cut off slices, they should all look the same.
Can you imagine what it takes to make such gorgeous canes? Lots of patience and a very good eye first, I'd say. They are amazing.


Meet Elaine at her website and go to her ArtFire studio if you want to see more. You do, don't you??

Positively Charming Things

Today I want you to meet Niki from Positively Charming Things.
Her pieces charm me for sure and I want to show you some that put a smile on my face.

You might remember that I'm Cancerian - we are said to be drawn to the moon. Is that the reason why that is one of my favorite pieces? The Blue Moon pendant? I love the color combination and I think it also appeals to my nostalgic soul. The way the circles overlap reminds me so much of the 60s/70s!


I know, I know, it's not Christmas yet, but I just couldn't resist these little fellows smiling at me like that. I have to smile back and maybe they'll make you smile, too?


This however is the best one. I crack up every time I look at the three-eyed alien. What I like best about it, is the one eye giving you this ... well, this teacher or Mom look. "What have you done now?" So cool!


Why don't you hop over to Niki's blog and her ArtFire studio to see what piece will become your favorite? ;-)

Fantasy Clay - an introduction

If you hear Fantasy Clay, you already might be on the right track now.
Susan whose studio is named that way indeed works with polymer clay and she has a lot of fantasy that she puts into really fun pieces. She's another member of the Polymer Clay Smooshers.

It was hard to choose from her dragons, monsters and aliens, but here are my favorites now.

Griffin is half lion, half eagle. He looks very impressive, just imagine him swooping down! On the other hand he has such a sweet, shy look in his eyes ...


I like vampires, just not the new kind. I'm an old-fashioned girl and that's why this vampire appeals to me so much, I guess.
Vlad looks a little annoyed and grumpy. Who wouldn't with all those youngsters around? I bet he never gets enough sleep at daytime!


This Face Wall Hanging is my favorite, however. Isn't this fun? And it makes you think. All those faces crammed into a little space ... is there room for one more?


Visit Susan at her ArtFire studio and at her blog and keep in mind that she loves to do custom orders!

Joan of Arc

I know I haven't written about my work for a while.
Yesterday I was being productive with listing a few things, two of which had been lying around for months, for whatever reason. I don't do WIP Wednesdays, it just happened to be Wednesday.
I also made something, though. It's something that surprised myself a bit, but I'm happy I have done it, also for myself. First comments differed and I was happy about that, too. This is not supposed to be a smooth and pretty bling piece.
The idea for it came a few weeks ago although then I didn't think it would turn out to be a ring. That's the fault of my wire order arriving and the fact that one of the "colors randomly chosen" 21 gauge wires was gunmetal.

I won't have to introduce Joan of Arc, she is famous enough.
My Joan of Arc is not a beautiful woman. She is tired, solemn, marked by the experiences she went through.
Her face is made from polymer clay in a mix of skin color and red. It's not smooth, it carries the traces of the battles Joan went through.
The "chain mail" that surrounds her face is from gunmetal colored copper wire, a color that fits perfectly.

It was a lucky coincidence that this month's Smoosher challenge is "Medieval" because it made me work on my idea. I love those challenges.
Joan is in my ArtFire studio now.

Dee is "Tamed"

Tamed is the name of Dee's ArtFire studio and also her website where I "stole" this quote:
"Tamed means to be domesticated, "to cause to feel comfortable at home", we often hear this word associated to pets, but I feel my pets have tamed me. They make my life better and inspire me to produce my art. My work is perfect for anyone tamed by the love of an animal/s."

Here are examples to show how much animals inspire her work.

Let's start with the dolphin she made for the Polymer Clay Smoosher monthly challenge "Ocean". Can't you almost see him speed up through the blue waves?


My favorite piece is this basset. He reminds me of the dog that was always with Inspector Columbo in the TV series. Think he's howling at the moon maybe?


Dee is specialized in something else, though. She recreates real animals in polymer clay and puts fiber on them to make them look even more like their living equivalents.
Sometimes she even uses original fur from the animal! Maybe I should start collecting the hair that my feline masters keep shedding ...
Here's an example. Absolutely amazing, don't you agree? Especially knowing that these are miniatures!


I can't wait to see what she will come up with next. Until then you should take the chance to check out her studio, her website and her blog.

Meet Haffina from ...

From ... Hm, this is a tough one because I don't even know where to start.
Haffina is one of the busiest, most creative persons I ever got to meet online. How she does it, no idea, but I bow to her.
She lives in Australia, is a mother of five, she beads, she makes chainmaille, she's a columnist, active in a few forums, guild master, has several shops - and she works with polymer clay. Are you tired just reading this? I am. And undoubtedly I forgot a few things!
Now here I am sitting and supposed to pick favorites from her shops. No matter what I'll pick, I'll always have the feeling I left something out!

I'll concentrate on Haffina's two ArtFire studios, Haffina Creations which is her jewelry shop there and Beads By Haffina where she offers her polymer clay beads.

Let's have a look at this beautiful seed bead bracelet first. I love the cool and classic feel to it. Quite fitting for a bride, don't you think?


This chainmaille necklace has really caught my eye. What a perfect balance in design and color!


Dark Cosmos is a great name for this focal bead. Looking into the depth I wouldn't be surprised if suddenly a shooting star or a glowing starship would appear out of the mysterious swirls.


Haffina likes to experiment and sometimes I think the results even leave herself breathless. My favorites among her faux stone collection are these gorgeous "turquoise" cabs.


I hope she will never stop experimenting and leaving us in awe. You go, girl!
And you, my dear readers, check out her studios to see so much more and don't forget her blog which will lead you to the other venues you can find - Haffina.

Let's have a look at Valerie's Stuff

Today I'll take you to Ohio to say hi to Valerie from Valerie's Stuff.

Valerie has been working with polymer clay for six years. She got hooked when she discovered mica shift.
Right now she loves to combine alcohol inks with the clay. The results are as soft looking as water color, a beautiful effect.

Although she of course makes many other pieces as well, I am absolutely in love with her tree pendants.

This one makes me think of spring right away with the fresh green color of the leaves.


I love the colors of this pendant, the pink and the green go great together!


This one is my favorite. Don't ask me why, but every time I look at it, I think "Africa". I guess it's the yellow background maybe that makes me think of very bright light. Isn't it just beautiful?


I sure hope I made you curious enough and you will go to Valerie's Stuff and look up her other great items. While you are there, also check out her blog.
By the way, did I mention that Valerie has a sale going on this week? ;-)