What's in a name?

"That which we all a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Thank you, Mr. Shakespeare.

Sorry to disappoint you now, but this rose doesn't smell at all because it's from polymer clay. I got some carving tools and this is one of the first results. I might not have a green thumb, but there's no way I could water this rose too much or too little. Nice, huh?

The other thing I like about this necklace is the way the crochet ribbons are set on the focal part. The idea came suddenly and I really think I'm onto something here for other focals. My mind is already working ....

Summer scent

By the way, this necklace was made for the Polymer Clay Smooshers challenge with the subject "Fusion" (of materials and/or techniques).

Tribal

When I saw that this month's challenge for the Polymer Clay Smooshers had the subject "Tribal", I felt a little clueless at first. It might have to do with the fact that the word "tribal" used in German usually means a special style of tattoos.

The idea for my first piece came from an online game. Who would dare to say inspiration can't come from about anywhere? Not me for sure. The game was about archeological finds and this is what came out of it.

It would be wrong to say I was inspired only by that game, though. The netting part, done on fangs, even if these are made from polymer clay, practically cries out Delia Stone. Thanks Delia!

"Rulaman" fang polymer clay earrings

The second piece was a mix of inspirations. I wasn't sure what kind of animal I wanted to use, a bear, a polar bear, a wild cat ... so I started to cut the clay and it ended up as an anteater. I love anteaters, so I was quite happy with that, too ;-)

The rope coming with the pendant is crocheted from gunmetal colored wire with seed beads going all around.

Tribal "Anteater" necklace

This challenge took me back to one of my favorite childhood books, "Rulaman".

As you may or may not know I live in Southern Germany, in Swabia. In our area there are a few very cool caves which as children we of course had to visit, with family or on school field trips. In 1878 David Friedrich Weinland, a Swabian zoologist and author, wrote about those caves when they were still inhabited. My godmother gave the book to me and I can't say how often I have read it since then. Cavemen, fights with cave bears and lions, burial rituals (one fight didn't go so well), hunting descriptions, summer trips to the lake to stock up on fish, the first Cromagnon people arriving, all that was described in such vivid language - and on top the fact that it could have happened just like this where now I lived .... wow.

The book is still published today, by the way. Just saying ...

Got chocolate?

I have been bitten by the needle lace bug, no doubt. And even if you might think, this is getting boring, it's another shell I caught in my net.

The difference is this shell is made from polymer clay and it was not planned. In fact I was working on a clay idea. The first attempt turned out a little too big, so I went for a second one. Suddenly I was hit by a wave of impatience. I grabbed the clay in sight and mixed it all up, then just as suddenly I pressed it on the shell in front of me (now you know the other project incorporates a shell, but that's all I'm telling you in case it doesn't work out ;-)). Carefully I turned my clay to get the pattern on the right side and cut it to the right shape.

I don't know about you, but it definitely reminded me of those chocolate shells ... cravings welled up inside of me. The only chance to take my mind off chocolate was to start netting, so that is what I did. The pink freshwater pearls fit the colors of the shell perfectly.

This month's challenge of the Polymer Clay Smooshers is "Nature". I guess I got my first entry :-) It's listed in my ArtFire studio now.

Guiltfree chocolate necklace

Life

Today I started reading the book by Jean Shepherd called "In God we trust: all others pay cash". Not being American I didn't know him being a radio personality, but I know the movie "A Christmas story" which includes some of his childhood adventures.

I'm at page 60 now and already cracked up laughing, but he also made me think with a few of the things he said. When does the point in life come which decides about which road you will take - to become one of the big guys and girls who have the say or one of the "others".

And frankly, which road do I want to be on? Success, admiration, money, celebrity status, those are nice things, but are they the only things of which life is made up?

Is life just about being one of the biggies? I hope not because there are so much other fun things.

Looking at the sun coming out again after a long period of rain or snow for example.

Silver, blue and gold medaillon pendant by Phoenix Art Studio

Sitting down, reading a book and stroking the cat.

Sassy cat brooch ooak by Blue Jane Art

Have a picknick underneath a tree and hear the leaves rustle in the wind.

Silver tree of life earrings by Emily Claire Creations

Take a second to smell the roses.

Rose garden with swallowtail butterflies barrette by Gingerbell's Gifts

I'm not saying life is or should be all about fun. I'm just saying we are forgetting the little things all too easily ...

All featured items are made by talented members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild on ArtFire.

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!

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?

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? ;-)

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? ;-)

The world of Creative Critters

Creative Critters - that is the ArtFire studio of Michelle from Ohio.
Michelle says she has been an artist since she was a child and started playing with her first lump of Play Doh. She also says that when she is not outside tending to her gardens, taking walks or watching the animals, she likes to create.
And boy, does she create!
Not only does she work with polymer clay to make sculptures and jewelry, but she also sews and knits.

Her studio is full of great items, whimsical sculptures, dolls, teddy bears and they are mostly inspired by fantasy. Don't expect the usual stuff, though. Michelle definitely gives each item her own special touch.

Now the tough part was to choose some favorites of mine to show to you. As Michelle also loves cats, I thought it would be ok to let my cats help me, but surprise, surprise, they didn't choose any of the cat items. I guess they don't like to share the attention.
Ready? Let's start.

I expect you all to go awwwwww now because that is what this cute little seal deserves. Aren't the eyes just perfect?


"The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew" by Robert Bolt is an English play for children. The "Augsburger Puppenkiste" turned it into one of their puppet play and it's one of my absolute favorites. What does that have to do with Creative Critters, you ask?
Well, this little fellow always reminds me of it!


This piece, the Lion Fish mermaid, just blows my mind. Isn't it gorgeous??


Check out Michelle's studio, I'm sure you will find something that you like, and while you are at it, why not hop over to her blog as well? Have fun!

Meet Valerie from Emily Claire Creations

Huh? If her name is Valerie, why Emily Claire Creations? Valerie says she is so inspired by her two daughters that her studio was named after them.

When I think of her, I think faux. Faux stone, faux ceramic, faux metal - I love how she mastered to imitate things in polymer clay to make them look real.
She herself is not "faux" at all. She is a lovely person, witty, helpful and incredibly talented. I'm very glad to have met her.

Now let's have a look at some of my favorite items in her ArtFire studio.

I love trees and I like the feel of these earrings. They remind me of little tokens that we used to collect as children, only much more beautiful!


With this item Valerie would have fooled me at first sight. I really thought it was precious metal clay and was surprised for a moment because I didn't know she worked with it. She doesn't, it's polymer clay. Isn't it amazing?


Now to my very favorite piece, the Spring Wild Flowers choker. How she made the clay resemble sandstone like this, I don't know, but I love the effect she created.


You can also find Valerie on her blog and now last, but not least at all - she is having a sale, 15 % off!! What are you waiting for? Run!

Time to lift the veil

You remember a few days ago? The birthday gift?
It has arrived safely!

There is this friend, you know. I mentioned her before. She is such a witch! In a good sense. We are both Terry Pratchett fans and that was what brought us together. I like to call her Granny Weatherwax, she calls me Nanny Ogg (for people who don't know Terry Pratchett ... maybe you should check out his books, they are great fun).

And then there is Jamie from Glasstastic Treasures. In her lampwork bead studio you can find sea critters, camels, dinosaurs, hearts, corn-on-the-cob, so cool, and and and ....... and a witch's cauldron. Black with a filling of green bubbly stuff. My friend is not that much into jewelry, so I had to think hard how to do the cauldron justice.

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and howlet's wing,-- For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble." Shakespeare sure had a way with words and then it clicked and I went to do a little magic of my own. Long grey hair, a battered pointed black hat, clutching her broken spoon, stirring the poisonous looking boiling green goo, there the tiny witch (1.5 inch including the "grass") is standing. She looks concentrated, I guess the potion has to be ready in the morning. A love potion? Something to heal sick goats with? Or maybe a facial mask! "My" witch wrote that she liked her. I bet the two are getting along just fine! ;-)

I just remembered that I turned another of Jamie's awesome creations into a gift.
This time it didn't become a witch, but ................


The UFO with the seed bead lights is silver tone wire, crocheted in shape.