Inspiration

For the past week I have been stringing bead after bead. I am going to test wear two necklaces and a bracelet this weekend. I was inspired.

From where do you get your inspiration?
I finally finished a large and intricate beading piece last Sunday. I felt the weight lift and was free! I took Tuesday and Wednesday off work and took the time to design some new pieces.

My design process may begin with a color, or a shape. Or simply the flow of energy. The picture on the left is a crop of a pic I found in the web quite a while ago (I save pictures I find interesting) and happened across today. Look at the energy and color! (btw this is a painting completely engineered in PS!)  One of the necklaces is a flowing stream of yellow/gold seed beads interspersed with grayish bubbles of glass, reminds me of a bubbling river stream.

The inspiration for another piece came from items at hand…lucite and semi precious cubes. A wonderful fall creation developed.

What inspires you? Can you save it, or do you need to work on it immediately? Are you consistent and disciplined? Or like me…all over the place?

All important facets we need to know about ourselves. The more you know you, the better you design!

Valerie

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ACEO craze

The ATC (artist's trading card) or ACEO (art cards, editions and originals) originated way back in the 16th century. For more history Art-Cards.org

Today it seems every branch of art has found a way to adapt the diminutive size. The challenge is to squeeze desirable art onto a small canvas. I do work small...but what story do I have to tell at 3.5 x 2.5 inches?

What made me do it? The PCAGOE February challenge is "ACEO"!

And that is my story...
Valerie

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A quick note…

I am still here… Am truly sorry to those of you who come looking for a new bit to read. I am frantically working to meet a deadline. And am a bit out of sorts with the current polymer political brouhaha.

Stay tuned…

Valerie

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Finding oneself

Remember when finding yourself meant figuring just who or what you are? Usually It was a parent talking about an older teen or young adult… “He/She just hasn’t found him/herself yet.”  And once you passed 23 or 24 (for females, usually males had a bit more time … or forever!) the phrase was no longer appropriate. You either found yourself or you were certifiable.

Well…welcome to cyber space. Now you can find yourself all over again. I did. Just this morning as a matter of fact. My home page is set to Polymer Clay Daily. And there I was. Found myself.

Then I looked at my mail and followed a link. Found myself. Handed an award! By Nicole Campanella aka Beadwright.

This award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:
1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs. 2. The Blog contents inspire; it strives to encourage and offers solutions.3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences, and Beliefs.4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.
The Blogger who receives this Award will need to perform the following steps:
1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved- preferably citing one or more older post to support.4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award Conditions.5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

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While I am not so certain I meet all the criteria stipulated dear Nicole, I cannot begin to say how honored I am you thought me deserving!

This weblog was started a few short months ago in October. I was not sure I would have anything to write, let alone anyone to read what I wrote. I find polymer clay wondrous. A fascinating medium whose mysteries have not all been discovered. Sharing the discoveries leads to more mysteries revealed. My wish is for this nebulous place in the ethernet helps you on your journey to discovery. My dream for this watering hole to become an oasis.

Now it is my turn to open the award door.
This time to one eminently more deserving than myself.

Cynthia Tinapple of Polymer Clay Daily

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Back to reality! When was the last time you searched for yourself on the web? Be careful, you may get lost for hours……….

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Staedtler Bottle of Hope Challenge

Just found out…I am a finalist. Oh MY!!!!
The entries are not being posted for viewing until the winners are chosen. End of January. I so want to see all of them! This is the first time I have tried entering and just to be a finalist…wow!

Valerie

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New Design

Ahh….finally a new design.

It is very hard to come up with something truly new. When you think you have, you open a magazine, book or webpage and see your design in full-glorious color. With someone else's byline!

This lariat design I believe is something new. The concept of a lariat is not new. The method of construction is.

 

I always wear a new design to ‘test’ wear ability and strength of construction. Yesterday I wore this out to lunch at a friends home. The girls had to try on the piece. Slips on and off with ease. Construction is extremely secure…I am pleased.

I now have the neckpiece in several designs.

My greatest challenge is what to do with all the polymer clay pieces I make. I do so admire those artists who create delicate jewels from polymer. I do not. Therein lies the challenge. What do I do with these chunks of polymer clay? How do I dress the polymer pieces to become wearable, desirable art?

I’m working on it…

Valerie

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February!!

Ok, what is everyone concentrating on for February? Hearts? Inauguration? For me the 9th brings a minor holiday, the new year for trees, and since we seem to focus on food...fruit from trees. In particular the dried fruit and nuts I find so tasty!
Hmm...Washington and the cherry tree and it is February and it is President's day.

Can't say this rambling is sparking MY muse. But (there is always a but, however, whatever...) I have been playing with hearts which I abhor! And (guiltily) admit am finding fun. Albeit in a kitschy fashion. Stay tuned for some sneak peeks.

I am thrilled with the feedback on the baking parchment transfers. The reports seem to indicate that Canon inkjets are the most temperamental. If your printer is a Canon some adjustments in the process may need to happen. I am hearing that the print is transferring. However the transfer is not permanent. An additional step is needed to make the transfer permanent. A fixative or layer of liquid clay would be my first try.

Continue to share your results with me and each other. There is something about a perfect tiny image preserved in a piece of wearable art that is wonderful to behold. And to say you made it yourself...oh my...

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O L D (really old) copy prints

RE old laser transfers. I was cleaning out some stuff and rediscovered some Staples color copies I had made a couple of years ago (at least 4).
These are copier color onto plain paper.
I am fairly certain they will transfer onto liquid Kato. BUT not wanting to bother with a heat process.

I mixed liquid polymer medium (Pebeo brand) with a bit of white acrylic (so I do not have to worry about the color of the base clay and can use junk!).
Then applied two rather thick coats to the image side of the paper.
Allowed to dry.
Apply water liberally.
Rub off.

This first picture is of a couple of sheets that have gone thru the above steps! The second is of a focal bead with one of those transfers wrapped around a core of Fimo and cured at 275F for 40min. Yes, withstands the heat just fine.

Perfect transfers that I can use to wrap around clay bases.

Any acrylic polymer medium can be used. Even acrylic paints. If using paints, I would use a better brand such as Liquitex. The better quality paints are more elastic and will respond better to the abuse in this method!

Have fun…

Valerie

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Social Networking

What to choose. All or concentrate on one or two?

Twitter seems suited for those who are mobile phone addicts. I signed up and my cell phone was inundated with text messages until I figured out how to stop ‘em! Interesting.

I’ve been asked so many times if I have a facebook account, I finally looked at it this week. Also very busy. Seems a bit more user friendly. You can link your blog and Flicker accounts. Nice. Puts everything in one location.  I have created what facebook calls a ‘page’. It is a cleaner look. However it seems you cannot invite friends as with the standard format. I am still trying to figure this out!

What do you use? Or are you one of the sane ones and don’t!

Valerie

 

For those wanting to try, I have listed the parchment I use at Etsy. Small quantities. Cheap.

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