Polymeri Online 21.7.12 | Fantasy dolls, Creepy wall art, Embroidery inspired brooch and Wedding cake replicas

Polymer clay doll

SandraArteagA is a spanish doll maker artist. Her dolls are not the traditional ones you would expect when thinking of a "doll", they are all born in Sandra's heart and have a fantasy character of their own. Each with it's own special  design.
Sandra's dolls are made of polymer clay or paper, dressed in fabrics and cloths.
In her polymer clay creations she sculpts over a strong armature covered with polyfil, allowing repositioning some parts of the body.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SandraArteagA
http://sandra-arteaga-dolls.blogspot.com

Polymer clay creepy wall ornaments

CreepyStuff creates revamped weirdness, creatures, monsters & Halloween goodies. All their creepy witches, devils and zobmies are handmade without molds and are hand-painted. Halloween is getting closer!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CREEPYSTUFF

Polymer clay embroidery brooch

And to a totally different look - The ClayLoft are a polymer clay sculpture shop dedicated to purposeful jewelry & colorful accessories. Their soft colors and pleasant designs are "an emotional eye therapy", here is one of them, a vintage embroidery inspired brooch.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheClayLoft

Polymer clay wedding cake replica

Jessieraye is a polymer miniature food expert, she can take a photo of your wedding cake and create a matching replica!
This is a wonderful wedding/anniversary gift :)
There is a LOT of sugar in Jessie's Etsy store, take a look around.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/95373590/your-own-custom-miniature-wedding-cake

INKredible Polymer | NEW Alcohol Inks Polymer Clay Tutorial

Long before the era of digital age, with laptops, ipads and smart phones, there was only INK.
Incredible, isn't it?

INKredible Polymer!
Alcohol Inks Polymer Clay Tutorial

Can you imagine how the world would look like without INK?

Books, newspapers, love letters, piano notes, symphonies and art paintings might look different from how you know them theses days.
INK made the whole difference.

Thousands of years ago, the human kind began using ink for writing.
This was the beginning of a wonderful journey for this fascinating material, and for the last months, also for me.

My new tutorial is dedicated to a unique relationship between polymer clay and INK -
INKredible.

INKredible Polymer!
Alcohol Inks Polymer Clay Tutorial

I am happy to reveal my quest discoveries, while exploring, using, mixing, nearly fighting to turn Inked polymer clay into a new chemistry element :)

Although I was a complete beginner using alcohol inks 3 months ago, a special request by a friend introduced me into a new adventure.

Studying, researching, experimenting, practicing, mixing, and learning all about Alcohol inks, head to tow, top to bottom.

INKredible Polymer!
Alcohol Inks Polymer Clay Tutorial

My 3 months journey and insights are offered to you in these INKredible classes.

Click here to reveal the INK secrets...

http://www.polypediaonline.com/133688/inkredible_polymerclay_alcoholinks_tutorial

The complete package includes -
3 INKredible classes; 15 exciting projects, 8 videos and 40 giveaway pendants to celebrate my 40th tutorials anniversary.

Special promotion offer expires on June 30th!

http://www.polypediaonline.com/133688/inkredible_polymerclay_alcoholinks_tutorial

Where to shop for polymer clay accessories when in NYC?

Time to summarize some of the good shopping spots you can find in NYC and the West coast.These stores are wonderful mixed materials stores, carrying all kind of materials, tools, equipment of all kinds starting from cake decorating, beading, sewing, kitchen-ware and findings.

Here are places I love to go back to when I am visiting Manhattan and they are my personal preference of shopping :)

The first store, already mentioned in my blog several times is Metalliferous NYC, this store is a full-service supplier of metal, tools, and supplies to jewelers, craftist, hobbyists, metal workers, sculptors, and everyone interested in metal working and jewelry. If you are into silver findings you'll find anything there. You can also download their PDF catalogs and order online.The store is located on the 34 West 46th Street (next to the hotel I was staying at)

The 2nd place I love to visit is NY Cake store located at 56 West 22nd Street Between 5th & 6th Avenues.This store paradise, I can spend a day in there, checking closely every detail. They carry all the supplies you can think about for cake decorators and some of their tools, molds, cutters etc fits the polymer clay world as well. You can join their mailing list and get special announcements on special sales to your email and order online.

Blick Art Materials is also a paradise for any artist. Paints, chalks, pastels, pens, colored pencils, acrylics, glues, brushes, books and so much more! if it wasn't for the overweight (not mine! the suitcases! ;) I would buy so many things there! Located inside Bond st. in a great looking building.

A stroll along the 6th avenue is always a good idea when you are looking for beads, findings, jewelry parts and sewing materials.

M&J Trimming is another heaven. As a former fashion designer I was amazed when I first saw this store! Sawarovski rhinestones, buttons, ribbons, braids, beaded fringe, trim, jacquards, tassels, and embroideries - is this real?

Located in 1008 sixth Avenue (between 37th and 38th) this store has many items you can use with polymer clay - laces, appliques and fabric as textures, addition to your jewelry and designs, mix media findings and many more.

Another store I love to visit and not because it's any different then the others, but their service is always with a big smile :) It's a small finding shop selling silver and gold findings, gemstones, tools and jewelry supplies called BeadKraft located on Broadway 30th st.

Don't forget Staples and Wallmart which is a great resource for Bic and Papermate pens for polymer covering and for stickers, I love to stamp my own "thank you" stickers.

Did I mention Barnes and Noble for us "non USA" people who just die to have a 3 stories store full of books? a half floor just for art and crafts!

And last one is "Sur La Table" in the Los Angeles Farmers Market - a kitchen supplies store with lot's of goodies - 1$ cookie cutters! :)

So, dear shoppers, when you have the chance to pamper yourself with some "toys for the soul" - these are the places you may want to visit!

Until next time (in US) - Clay away!

Polymeri Online 15.4.12 | Abstract face brooch, White vase tutorial, Finger food jewelry, Trolls & goblins

Finally home! Feels great to be back home, sleep in my own bed, peek inside my studio, pack some orders and even stand in the kitchen and cook! :)The trip was fabulous and I found great stores for you tourists, visitors and US shoppers, crafts & polymer clay related items, I will gather them all and post them soon.

Back to the weekly inspiration - "Tramps & Glams" is the result of creative collaboration that started between Milena Babić & Miloš Samardžić since 2008. The pair create bold, unusual and surreal polymer clay jewelry. Silent film ladies,charming tramps, whimsical and surreal creatures.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93923574/reflection-polymer-clay-brooch

Take a look at this delicate and "zen-like" tutorial by Busy-Mom, After seeing a unique vase in the store, she decided to try and re-create a similar effect with a bottle, acrylic paint and white polymer clay. Simple and elegant.

http://busy-mommy.com/2012/04/diy-upcycled-glass-flower-vases.html

Finger food Jewelry is another pair (or more?) artists creating dellicious art, they are not promising to bring luck or improve Chakra energies - just to keep people smile.

You can see a close up on their behind the scenes in this link

http://www.fingerfoodjewelry.com/polymer-clay-studio/

Kathy Davis is playing with felt and polymer clay and creating trolls and goblins that are both cute and scary :) She is a pro in doll making and her creations are so detailed and beautiful.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathndolls/5199270379/

You can find one of her old featured articles in PCPolyzine magazine here

http://www.pcpolyzine.com/november2001/davis.html

California Traveling

While sitting for the laundry and dryer finishing their work I am finding some time to tell about my trip, of course in relation to polymer clay as well.

After 16 hours of flight we landed in Los Angeles and had great 3 days (2 of them in "6 flags" park & Universal Studios), needless to say that I am not a roller coaster person so mostly I was enjoying the smiling sun beams and helping the gang with the endless backpack bags (15 to be exact). One of these 3 days was devoted to seeing some of the tourist attractions, the Hollywood sign, stars avenue and the Beverly hills celebrities homes (are they really their homes? ;))

Then, moving on the our next stop - San Francisco we drove through a small town called Cambria and I took a walk along the street when suddenly I saw a familiar sight looking at me through a store window - a big turtle sculpture made by no other then Jon Anderson.

When I walked into the gallery I found lots of Anderson's creations, small and big animals wearing beautiful millefiori canes and looking shiny and elegant.

After telling the show owner I am a polymer clay artist myself she asked me if I want to see them in close and I gladly agreed. I have to say that they are as wonderful as they appear online. All those details, perfection - amazing.

Another polymer clay artist was featuring her work in the same gallery, a local artist called Jolene Chaves which is working mostly with polymer clay as a mosaic medium and combine stamping and texturing to create a framed piece. I couldn't find any details on her on google, but according to the gallery info she is a California native and has been creative in many diverse fields from photography to fabric art. The assembly of her pieces into her final collages is adhered, antiqued, glazed, coated and framed.

What a great polymer surprise!

My family and travel companions were delighted to see quality polymer clay work by these 2 outstanding artists!

Everything is going great and after visiting Alcatraz today we are moving on tomorrow to the Yosemite park and from there to Las Vegas, NYC and home. Still lots to see & buy! :)

Have a good night everyone, I am off to fold the laundry and get some sleep...

Polymeri Online 14.3.12 | Dots and circles, Manicotti beads, Jungle bangle and Little red riding hood necklace

Nataliya Solonchuk's tiny dots and circles are so sweet and naive, she is all into small microscopic details that makes a larger design. She recently joined Flickr so I am guessing her photo stream will be soon filled with more goodies.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/natashka_ribkin/6835467996/in/photostream

MaryAnne treats her jewelry designs as if they are canvas and paints. The richness in details is wonderful. I loved her journal covers, and take a look at her "Manicotti" beads! a piece of art!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28608662@N04/6214124046/

MariaEva - Niná Ramos is in her personal imaginary zoo - blue and purple leopards are a part of her jewelry line! Jungle-Bangle!

She is from Venezuela, her daughter gave her clay and materials for Christmas, her brother sent her books and that was a start of a great journey!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninanefertiti77/sets/72157628041520485/

Filoecoloridiila from Italy creates whimsical costume jewelry, full of color, irony and craziness here and there and uses resin, polymer clay, pannolenci, felt and upcycled materials to create unique and often one-ok-a kind accessories.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Filoecoloridiila

Get ready, tomorrow I am posting a new guessing game for my upcoming tutorial, this time I promise - no tiny photos! See you soon :)

Polymeri Online 7.3.12 | Curled polymer clay spoons, Funky food, Portrait stamps and Coil beads

First I have to apologize for neglecting my weekly posts, a nasty virus has caught my son and then had to pay me a visit... Mid-seasons are the worst for catching viruses! Now I am recovering and back to my duties! :)

The first polymeri link is by PolymerSpoon. Marie Laure is a french artist who works mostly in Millefiori. You can find curly spoons and various colorful creations in her flickr along with several photos of her canning process.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/polyspoon/

http://fimo-creations-polyspoon.com/

Bistro Bling is a menu of funky food jewelry made from polymer clay. The "chef" is Jane Lubin, a mixed media artist. She created her fun and funky jewelry for personal use but was soon being stopped everywhere by curious people who wanted some quirky jewelry of their own. Her website, designed as a menu is cool!

http://www.bistrobling.com/

Not polymer but a wonderful way to stamp your art! Portrait stamps! isn't this the most original "signature stamp"? I loved it! You can use Lise Grossmann services to create your own hand writing stamp. brilliant.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilimandrill?ref=seller_info

leeleebeads' photostream is full of snakes, coils, strips, curls all made of polymer clay. Leah Hagan is a clay artist and a beadmaker. She even created special themed sets for the holidays. They look like small colorful candy to me.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leeleebeads/

Polymeri Online 26.2.2012 | Play-Doh take 2, Figures late at night, Mokume wonder & The great jewelry display

Once again, Yondat Dascalu and Idit fischer-Katz (Zoota) made a collaboration to think of new ideas to use play-doh and natural clay. Two years ago they figured out a way to create canes using Play-Doh and now came up with a new idea to use natural clay as a mold for polymer clay. Since natural clay curing temperature is much higher then polymer clay curing temperature you can use it as a "shape holder" to create many shapes of polymer. Give it a try!

When I was reading blog posts in the Israeli Etsy group I found an artist called Charles Chetrit. Since he was a child he was sculpturing figures from olive tree branches. 4 years ago he was injured at work and found himself at home for a long period of time. That was the perfect time to go back to his artistic roots when he found out about polymer clay. To create his large sculptures he is using a metal bases and bringing his figures to life. Today he is the manager of the filming department on an Israeli tv channel and find the late night hours the best time to create. Thank you Charles for sharing your story with me :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtOfFaces

Samantha Braund is a multi talent artist working with polymer clay as well. Her polymer gallery in flickr is full of wonderful mokume sheets, beautiful beads and lovely colors. She is a UK based jewelry designer and her other interests include digital art, water colour painting & sculpting in various medias.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amadoradesigns/sets/72157622663496753/

Although not polymer, this jewelry display is to die for! How I wish I had one like this!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83464177/jewelry-display-by-blackforestcottage

I recently joined Cynthia Tinnaple StudioMojo's newsletter and it's wonderful! Seeing Cynthia's daily links are a great inspiration and getting her weekend emails are even greater! Check it out, she is offering a free sneak-peek in her website.

Clay away!

Polymeri Online Valentine 2012 | Hearts ALL Hearts

Valentine is a day away, just in time for 4 additional polymer hearts!

Susan Crocenzi (Sucra) created this elaborated heart wall hanging with ceramic, glass, smalti & millefiore. Susan is a Mixed-media artist teaching techniques for Mosaicists - Tempered Glass and Polymer Clay.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sucra88/6761170411/in/photostream

http://scmosaics.com/home.html

Polymer Penguin is Julee. She discovered polymer clay 6 years ago, At first she worked on the projects in the garage, but quickly outgrew it. Now, she is converted her old quilting room over to polymer clay.

Check out her wonderful heart earring set - antiqued with liquid polymer clay colored with black ink.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/polymerpenguin/6859737885/

http://thepolymerpenguin.blogspot.com/

Adriana Allen has a touching personal story in her etsy profile. Every item she creates is a victory over her unforgiving disease: arthritis. She has it for 30 years but never gave up. Every piece she creates proves her that the disease cannot stop her from doing what she loves.

As I was checking out her cuff in Etsy, it was sold! I hope all hearts will!
This link is to an additional cuff of hers - green colored.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91712423/10-discount-the-key-to-my-heart-polymer

http://www.adrianaallen.com

Check out this heart charm, looks like metal - right?
RubyShoesSam (Sandra DeYoung) did a great job with this one, sculpted into a heart, textured and highlighted to give it an aged silver metal look.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87136690/silver-and-turquoise-heart-polymer-clay

Sandra was mentioned before in PolymeriOnline on 2008 so it's time to take a new look at her art.

Have a great LOVEly holiday! I'm off to eat a chocolate heart :)

A peek into "Creative World 2012"

I may be biased but truth has to be said :) we are working with the most amazing material in the world.

For 4 days I was a part of a creative experience to introduce fimo polymer clay to thousands of people. People who never heard of it before, never touched it or saw work made of it, people who were smiling and wowing roses and flowers, admiring the possibilities and interested in knowing more about it, and it was wonderful.

As I wrote in my previous post, I had the honor to be Staedtler fimo guest artist in "Creative World" 2012. This event is the world’s biggest trade fair for the creative sector held in Frankfurt, Germany. It is the highlight for the hobby, crafts and artists’ segments.

It was so interesting to see how different audiences react to the display - fellow artists were quickly discussing techniques and ideas with me, while other people, not familiar with the polymer clay world, were checking closely and watching me work. Language was never a barrier.

My appearance included demonstrations of various techniques and products - basic and advanced millefiori caning featuring the new colors and pen collection by fimo, display of the endless flexibility of the material, methods of work, infinite possibilities for designs and unusual products made with our material.

Staedtler announced it's special luxury line of pens - fountain pen and ball point pen. These pens can be decorated with any ooak design and given as a wonderful personalized gift. They were very popular and drew a lot of attention. I made so many I can make them in my sleep now! :)

A special artist collection of pens was displayed and included pens by Carol Blackburn, Sabine Backer, Sandra Bohlmann, Bettina Welker, Sarah Shriver and my own pens.

The booth was so pampering and well accessorized! I got every thing a polymer clayer can dream of - hundreds of fimo packages to play with! ahhhh! :)

Guests! Wonderful friends came to see the show and say hello! Klavdija Kurent & Tatjana Mikolic, Kirsten Illgner, Kerstin Rupprecht, Anke Humpert, Conny and the sweet Sabine Backer who was Staedtler guest artist on 2011.

2 additional polymer clay manufacturers displayed their new products - Polyform with Martina Weller, and Kato with Donna and Bettina - they also came and said hello :)

I had little time to walk around but when I did find some time I saw lot's of interesting booths - paper art, paints, tools, adult and children diy projects, cookie cutters suppliers, beads, art and hobby materials, decorations, art books and all this was just "Creative World". 2 addition fairs were held at the same time devoted to paper ("Paper World") and "Christmas World" showing festive decorations and innovations for the coming seasons - huge, huge shows.

Unfortunately photographing was not allowed so I can only share with you my own photos.

Besides the fact that it's my first visit in Frankfurt (but not in Germany) I had a wonderful, creative adventure, one of a kind experience.

I truly felt like a proud ambassador, bringing the charm of fimo and polymer clay to new countries and new people. I'm glad I could take a piece of me, my personal joy and happiness and deliver it to new enthusiasts whether hobbyist artists or clay sellers.

I would like to take this opportunity and thank Staedtler company and team for making me feel so welcome, being the perfect hosts and letting me work with "these square blocks" which makes me and many people so happy.

I hope it's not too cold in Germany now, did I take sun with me? :) I heard that it's minus 10 now! toooo cold!

and now? Back to work!

Thank you for reading!

:)

p.s. - More photos are available in my Flickr and Facebook!

Frankfurt, Here I Come! :)

You can never know what will be the result of a small local showcase.

I am so excited to share with you the news:

In exactly 6 days I will be on my way to Germany for a very special event as a guest artist of Staedtler - The "Creative World" 2012 fair.

But first things first, here is some background -

A while ago our local FIMO importer along with Staedtler Germany and the Israeli polymer clay guild held an event discussing new trends in the polymer clay world and introducing new materials by Staedtler.

The event included demonstrations, goody bags (of course!) and artistic showcase by the local Israeli polymer clay guild members.

Since I was in the middle of my "Bags Fever Season", I chose to present 3 of my "Brocade Collection" pouches, in 3 different sizes.

At the end of the event, one of Staedtler representatives approached me and complimented me on the unique design of the bags, asked technical questions about the design, technique and materials, and then we said goodbye and I returned home.

Few weeks later, I got an email from Staedtler asking me to be their presenter and guest artist in "Creative World 2012" trade fair, taking place at the end of January in Frankfurt, Germany.

This show is introducing new trend of hobbies, as well as providing interesting workshops and live demonstrations, and they asked me to showcase my unique purses designs.

As you can guess I was very proud and happy to accept this wonderful offer!

The fair will take place on 28-31Jan @ Messe Frankfurt, with more than 50,000 people from all over the world coming, I will demonstrate my special flower canning and the "Brocade Collection" purses, giving a glimpse to an endless world of possibilities.

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on new bag designs using the new FIMO texture sheets, these sheets are wonderful, easy to use and they include fabulous new designs and patterns such as leather pattern, wood, crocodile skin, music notes, lace, baroque designs and many more!

The bags colors were influenced by the new color palette by FIMO (pastel colors) using new combinations and shapes (glasses bag).

In addition, I contributed my own edition of elegant fountain pens, which will be soon available in stores and joining the great collection of accessories by Staedtler.

This event is going to be a wonderful artistic experience, I hope I'll have some time to see a bit of that "creative goods" and I promise to keep you posted.

More photos of my new designs can be seen in my flickr gallery @

http://www.flickr.com/photos/irismishly/

If you get the chance to come and visit, or live close to Frankfurt - Please come and say hello!

I will be more than happy to see polymer friends! :)

Polymeri Online 5.1.12 | 3D beads, Watercolor jewelry, Knitted doll brooches, Polymer razor art

Conny lives in northern Germany and has some eye catching designs on her website and flickr gallery, her mokume gane beads are perfect and I loved her recent design made of small circles placed in layers, giving a wonderful 3D feel to the clay. Take a look a her flickr and you'll find lot's of goodies.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/way-of-clay/

http://www.way-of-clay.de/

Alica's water color beads and necklace looks like wrapped pearls, the turquoise shades and creamy spacers reminds me of a clear clear sea shore water with white-creamy sand.

If you need a reminder on the technique, here is Maggie Maggio's tutorial to create the watercolor beads.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alica19/6634418865/in/photostream

Irina Rybak from Ukraine creates funny brooches that will make you smile, they are "polymer knitted" with scarves, sweat-shirts and hats. so cute!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IrenkaR

Take a look at what can be created from the handles of razors! Beautiful lines, designs and textures! Marlene Brady was featured about 2 weeks ago and this one is another treasure of hers! Time to go "shave'in"! LOL ;)

http://itsallaboutcreating.blogspot.com/2010/12/disposable-razors.html

I am working like crazy on new samples to a new event I will be attending abroad in 3 weeks, more details (and photos!) soon :)

Clay away!