Awol ... Christmas in July ... working on my stash/preview

What can I say? Day job, heat ... age ;-) All of that is wearing me out at the moment and I can't do things like I want them to do. Sorry about that. I'm alive, though. I am. Don't forget that when you don't see me around much the next few weeks.

I thought however I really should drop in for a bit of the latest news.

Let's start with Christmas in July. Did you know that many of the Smooshers are having a sale for this event? Check out the guild blog to see a list of all the shops participating!

Yup, I'm in there, too. 10 % off each item.

Now to show you that I am not just sitting on my butt, looking DVDs and snuggling with cats, here are a few still unlisted pieces I made over the last few weeks. Should any of them catch your eye and you want to take advantage of the sales price in July, you know where to find me. Just shoot me a message.

I used up my red goldstone beads and aren't they a perfect match?

A fossilized shell in a netting of gunmetal wire with tiny freshwater pearls

The "Doily pendant" ;-) Onyx donut filled not with jam, but different dark beads

Free form serpentine cab made into a heart with fine silver wire crochet accented by rainbow moonstones

Mmmm, Deronda O'Neills clear bubble beads teamed up with fine silver wire crochet beads of my making covered with tiny red carnelian, black and green onyx

Sunflower ring, this is not the only flower I have made, either!

Wait for me, will you? I promise I'll be back! ;-)

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?

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 ......

Sales and giveaways - wherever you look!

I already told you about the Polymer Clay Smooshers Masquerade Clay Ball where you can win a fabulous bracelet.
But if you think that was it already, you are way wrong.

Handmade in Europe, my other ArtFire guild, started a great Halloween giveaway game today. There is not just one prize, but a whole lot of them, a coupon booklet for all of the participating studios, among them humble me. I offer a 15 $ coupon for my ArtFire studio.
Come and play with us!


And there's even more.
DaWanda has started a discovery sale. You'll get 15 % off in participating shops that you haven't bought from before, including mine!

Are you as excited as I am? :-D

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??