Art, Adventures & Everything else...

Current Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:29:00 +0000

If you don't subscribe to our newsletter did you know that you can read the current issue on the website. Here is the link:

http://crafterscafe.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=42

Part II: Phathlates, Mixing, Baking & Conditioning.

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:11:00 +0000

I have done my research on Phthalates and have concluded that the debate will rage on for a long time if they are safe or not. The reason this is important to us in Polymer clay land is because Phthalates were a key ingredient in making polymer clay soft. It has been explained to me that Polymer clay is PVC with a plastisizer (phthalates) and colorant added.

The concern is that the Phthalates will get on your hands and be absorbed by your skin with resulting potential health risks. There is good news, recently polymer clay companies have been reformulating clays to conform to the new standards to be Phthalate free. Cernit was one of the first clays to become Phthalate free.

One of the down sides of using alternative plastisizers is that most new formulas are softer then the original versions. Presumably safer - but softer.

This is a good time to remind everyone that safety should always be a concern when working with any craft supply. Especially when including young children in your crafting playtime. There is no shame in wearing face masks when working with powdered pigments, wearing gloves when touching any product that leaves a trace behind and don’t forget to protect your eyes as well. Work in a ventilated area, even a simple fan pointing out a window will help. And don’t forget to read and pay attention to the precautions on labels – they are there for a reason!

I think back to the time when we didn’t use seatbelts and parents didn’t think twice about smoking around kids, now we are accustom to strapping in and hopefully everyone is smoking outdoors (or not at all!). It was reconditioning our behavior for our own safety and that of our children. If they learn at an early age about taking precautions it will just be second nature to them.

Back to polymer clay and using proper precautions. Before you get started working with your clay it is a good idea to rub your hands with a good hand lotion. This makes it easier to wash them when you are ready. I also like to have a spray bottle of alcohol to spray on my hands and baby wipes or paper towels for quick a clean up during the session.

Here are some obvious but often ignored rules that you really should follow; do not eat when working with clay, not only do you not want to ingest the film on your hands you don’t want chips in your clay, although herbs and seasonings are fun but more on that later, once you use a tool, for example a cookie cutter, knife, roller, etc on your clay do not return it to your kitchen. This is the recommendation of clay manufacturers. Believe me if they thought it was safe they would say so. Finally wash your hands. Here is what I think works best. Wash with lotion, then spray with alcohol, scrub, rinse, then wash with soap and water. Since you used alcohol you may want to use the lotion in the end.

Many beginners wonder if it is okay to mix clay brands. You can mix clays; in fact some artists have created special blends that work best for them. For instance, Polymer Clay cane expert, Lynne Anne Swarzenberg uses two different brands of translucent clay for her fabulous flower canes. When baking clay that has been mixed bake at the lowest temperature and at the longest recommended time. You will not burn clay by over baking in time only by baking at to high of a temperature.

Speaking of temperature, how do you know if your oven is good to bake in? First of all get a good oven thermometer. If you are using your home oven use the thermometer and make sure your settings are calibrated. If you are planning on using a toaster style oven there are some things you need to check first. Turn it on – do the elements get red and glow fast, then turn off? You may want to not use that type oven. If the elements slowly warms up, that is a good start. Now put the thermometer in the oven, watch it. Set the temperature to say, 275 degrees, does the temperature creep up then stop or does it spike to say 325 then go back down? If it spikes do not use you will burn your clay.

So now that you have an oven set at the right temperature there are some things that you can do to help prevent burning. Don’t bake anything to close to the elements in an electric oven. Keep at least 3” away or you risk burning. You can also create an oven in an oven using two metal pans clipped together. This solves two things, in the rare event you do burn it, you can quickly remove to the outdoors without allowing fumes to escape indoors. Also, it will help even out the temperature using the oven within the oven.

For my last topic today I will answer the question, what is conditioning and do I really need to do it? My answer is yes! Even with the softer clays that seem to be workable right from the package. Many artists believe that conditioning clay increases the strength of the clay. So, what is conditioning and how do you do it. You just want to work the clay until it feels flexible, doesn’t crumble or break when folded. The easiest way to do this is to remove the clay from the plastic wrapper, cut into at least 4 sections. With a roller flatten each piece to about ¼”. Roll through pasta machine on the largest setting. Complete with each piece, put two pieces together being sure not to trap air. Fold in half, always placing fold on the rollers, this helps squeeze air out. Continue this until when you fold the clay does not crack. You are now ready to create!

Next I will offer up some tips and tricks that I have learned.
Happy Claying!

good wiki article

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:10:00 +0000

While doing so research on Phthlates I came across this wiki article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymer_clay it is a good description of how I heard stories of where Polymer Clay was created.

Back to my research...

Part I of a beginners guide to Polymer Clay

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Not all Polymer Clays are created equal.
As with most products there are distinct differences from brand to brand. And every artist has there own opinion of which is the best. I have been working with Polymer Clay for over eight years and the following is a review of the clays that I have used. The opinions here are based on my own experience, information I have learned from reading books and watching demos & participating in classes from artists like; Lisa Pavelka, Lynne Ann Swarzenberg, Maureen Carlson, Christie Friesen, Keith Brown and many more.

All these artists have contributed to my experiences in one way or another and sometimes I can’t recall what I picked up from whom. So I would like to acknowledge them here in a general statement of thank you to all that have contributed to directly or indirectly to my experience with the magical material called Polymer Clay.

Sculpey III: For me this clay is too soft to work with and when cured it is too weak. The cured surface is not easily buffed and therefore I rarely consider working with this clay.

Premo: Easy to condition but too sticky for me especially if working in a warm area or have warm hands. I don’t like how the clay sticks to itself and sometimes cannot be parted. Again, I rarely use this clay.

Fimo Classic: Although it does have its place in the world for some artists it is just too much work to condition for me. You also need to keep the clay just warm enough to remain workable during your session. It is a strong clay when baked but for me not worth the added efforts of conditioning this clay.

Fimo Soft: I haven’t worked with this clay a lot but it is a good middle ground for clays available at the big box stores. Easy to condition, strong when baked, it is soft, as the name indicates but not too soft to work with.

Kato: When Kato came on the market I was using Premo and Fimo Classic. I liked using the clay because it was easier to condition than Fimo Classic but not sticky like Premo. However, it was inconsistent in firmness from color to color and batch to batch. I also discovered that older canes are now difficult if not impossible to reduce. Although it has been about two years since I used Kato it has not been reformulated and I think I will give it another try soon.

Cernit: Known for its excellent sculpting abilities in 2008 a full line of colors became available. It was the first Phthalate Free Polymer Clay on the market. More about Phthalates in the next issue. The clay is easily worked from the package and conditions easily. Although it is a bit softer than I like a bit of leaching to firm it up and it is a very workable clay. Since I dread sanding clay, I especially like that I only need to give it a buff with old denim for a nice matte sheen.

Transparent clays: Most manufacturers make a transparent clay. I have not found a better substitute for transparent than the bleached Premo.

Liquid clay: Fimo is rubbery when cured, Liquid sculpey is not clear enough for me. Hands down the best liquid is Kato Liquid medium. It is hard, clear and shines when cured correctly.

So there you have it. Again these are my opinions and each artist feels strongly about the clay they use. If you are just getting started out you may want to consider what you will be most likely using the clay for. For example; sculpting, caning, flat work, etc… Will you be painting for finishing your work, do you want to polish to a shine or just leave it alone from the oven.

I offer an introduction to polymer clay class where we start out exploring the different types of clays, cover all the terms and jargon, then get down to making some fun items. The class can be taken over 4 weeks leaving you plenty time to play and work on techniques learned or in a two day workshop, class sizes are small to insure one on one instruction. Private classes are also available. Click here for scheduled classes or contact Sue at crafterscafe@gmail.com to schedule session.

Please be sure to check out the next topic.
Tips, Tricks and important things you need to know. Including a discussion on Phthalates, mixing brands and is conditioning really important?

Flag Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:15:00 +0000

One hour before going to work at the American legion I decided that I needed some patriotic jewelry. Just like me, waiting to till the last minute! So a quick trip to the studio should do the trick. A look around and I was drawn to my clay, a pack of red, white and blue. Okay, now what, this needs to be quick. Ah, a star cookie cutter, I rolled out a double thick #1 sheet of blue and one white, cut two white stars, then cut two 1" x 1" squares of blue, cut two stars right in the center, removed the blue stars and discarded. I then placed the white stars in the blue holes. Carefully combined the two together, matching up lines. Reduced then multiplied to a 4 star cane. Reduced again.

I then made a striped red and white cane. I wanted to be able to combine the two into different patterns so I left them separate. I then placed slices on scrap clay, smoothed, then cut out shape using a template that I made from the heart punch.

Here are links to the supplies that I used; pendant blank and cernit polymer clay.

Including baking I did this in under 40 minutes! a new person best.

It's here, it's here, it's here!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:53:00 +0000

The first shipment of the new 6 oz Magic Glos is here! If you haven't tried Magic Glos start with the 1 oz bottle at $8.95 - but once you start you just can't stop.

The new 6 oz retails for $44.95

Decorative Soap, Herbal Soap, Glycerin Soap; Crocheted Gifts; Hazel's Soaps & Things

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Looking for a quick and unique Father's Day gift - check out this website. They have a soap that says it cuts the human scent - something hunters and fisherman look for.

Decorative Soap, Herbal Soap, Glycerin Soap; Crocheted Gifts; Hazel's Soaps & Things

New products coming in..

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:37:00 +0000

They are arriving slowly but surely. Some of the Tim Holtz items I have ordered are in, so that you didn't have to wait any longer I added what I have. Keep a look out - there is more to come...

sue.

Here is what I have added so far: http://crafterscafe.com/store/index.php?main_page=products_new

If you could only have two...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Everyone loves craft / art magazines. I have subscribed to a few over the years. Seems like everytime I get a new subscription the ones I get are disappointing.
I loved Expressions, remember that one? I had been picking up issues at the craft store using coupons but now that is over, so I am ready to plunk down some cash and commit . But which one or two should I get. So many to choose from. What are your choices? Please let me know. If there anything new out there, perhaps?

second designer announced

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:29:00 +0000

Who is our newest designer????

I am still looking for someone who uses the Lisa Pavelka Line of products and /or Polymer Clay...find application on the website.

RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:43:00 +0000

The winner is associated with the winning entry is:
104 -mavis k.parker

Congratulations Mavis, you will soon be contacted on how you can collect your prize.

RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget: "Result:
104
Powered by RANDOM.ORG"

stolen artwork...have you seen this

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:40:00 +0000

our first designer is named...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:48:00 +0000

We are so excited to annouce that Cecilia Swatton is the first member of the design team to be selected. She is a wonderful person and artist and I am thrilled to be working with her.

Read more about Cecilia by clicking here

We are still looking for a mixed media jewelry designer and someone that loves to work with the Lisa Pavelka line of products and polymer clay in general.

Details and application is available here

Do you use a cricut machine?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:33:00 +0000

I came across Craft Edge Scrapbooking Software while surfing the web. They offer a downloadable product called Sure Cuts A lot.

Here is what they say about the product:

""Sure Cuts A Lot" is an extremely easy program to allow you to cut your True Type fonts and various shapes on your CricutTM Machine. With the combination of using your Fonts and importing custom artwork (SVG), the possibilities are endless!"

Click here for more information

Crafter's Cafe is putting together a design team.

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Click link to apply

http://crafterscafe.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=38

We are growing faster than I can keep up! I find my days filling orders, doing paperwork and talking to customers. I am not complaining at all but it really has left me with little time to create. My goal has always been to provide as much information as possible on how to use the products I sell and currently find that hard to keep up with. So, I am currently looking for three creative minds to join a newly formed design team.

The selected members will receive an automatic 10% off all items in the store, free shipping on all orders, plus an additional $20 per month added to your account for you to spend on products to be used in submitted projects.

You will be asked to submit at least one project by the 20th of the month. If you are selected to be a team member I have a special site for you to visit, there you will complete a wish list of new products that I am considering adding to the store. Just for completing the wish list you will get your $20 to get you started creating.

Click the link above to apply.

Are you JUST a crafter?

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:49:00 +0000

I am going to revisit a topic that I brought up a while back. A friend recently said that she "is just a crafter". I asked why do you say "just" your work is beautiful?

Crafter - why do some think it is a dirty word, something to be ashamed of. Does what you create define who you are? Or is it the process that defines you? When you hear the word Craftsman does it bring up visions of someone tooling away in a work shed making a fine piece of furniture? How about, Artist? Do you vision someone standing in front of a canvas, paints spread on a palette? What do you see when you hear Crafter?

Who are you? How do you define yourself and your work? Can you be an artist that creates crafty items or if you create cute useful crafty items are you condemned to a far less superior world known as "just a crafter"?

Powertex prices down again

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:22:00 +0000

I just reduced the price on Powertex Textile Hardener again. Prices are now at or below wholesale prices. If you are familiar with Paverpol, Powertex is a similar product. These are closeout prices and limited to stock on hand only.

Click here to shop

created some free backgrounds

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:49:00 +0000

I have been playing around digitally and created some backgrounds and some other "grunge" images here are a few that I thought I would share with you. The images in this post are free for you to use on your blog or website. If for commercial use please give credit as an alt tag.

I created the words transparent so they can be used on top of background images.

More to come...any suggestions? I was thinking ART, CREATE, HOPE

Finished Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:52:00 +0000

I used a 16" copper chain from Crafter's and added the pendant and a polymer clay bead. I also added a few small links at the neckline (not pictured) to increase the length a bit more. They can be added and subtracted to change length.

I like the asymmetrical look. I never was one for repeat patterns.

If you are intersted in purchasing this necklace click here.

Free tutorial - copper pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:16:00 +0000

I created an unedited, unscripted tutorial on how to create this pendant. Later I will make into a necklace, but here are the steps.

Step 1: Add Lisa Pavelka Foil to Polymer Clay (I used Cernit Phthalate free clay)

Step 2: Stamp on Pendant with Pearl Ex Essentials Black Ink
In this step I stamped in the foil using the About Face texture stamp by Lisa Pavelka, I used Pearl Ex Essential Black for the ink.

Step 3: Glue Polymer clay piece in blank bezel frame
Be sure to glue the pendant in the frame - I used Polybonder - it is a high temp cyanoacrylate glue.

Step 4: Add Magic-glos
This is my favorite part - adding the Magic-Glos! Magic-Glos is a one part, UV cure epoxy, that self levels. A little practice makes perfect with this product. In the video I mention putting into cure oven - I should have said cure light. I told you it was unedited and unscripted!

If you liked the tutorial and would like to create one of your own here is a coupon for 15% off the products used. 32cb6184bd is the coupon code.

If you were stranded on an island....

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:37:00 +0000

and you could only have 10 art / craft supplies (not tools) what would you want? I think my list would be...
1. White paper, handmade
2. Transparent Powertex (for my adhesive)
3. Drawing Pencils (yeah this is one item...hey it's my list)
4. Gold Paint - I think I use gold in everything I make
5. polymer Clay
6. Magic - Glos
7. Pinata Inks
8. Black permanent ink pad
9. Colorbox ink pads
10. Foils (by Lisa Pavelka)

I think this is my list - what's yours?

May contest

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Here is the giveaway for this month. I also posted instructions on how to complete this project. Link is on page after you sign up for contest. Click image to enter.

a different kind of art...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Many of you know that I love the cook. Since I sold the cafe' I must say I have been in a cooking rut. I think my creative juices are finally flowing again. Yesterday I went to the store to get something for dinner, not really knowing what I was going to make. That is when I saw to thick, center cut pork chops calling my name.

I planned on stuffing with just plain ole bread stuffing when it hit me - Apples. I had to use apples. Here is my list of ingredients, I am guessing at quantity since I really didn't plan on remembering.

2 slices bread cubed then crumbled

about 1/4 cup sweet onion

1 sm-med apple diced

about 1 tsp of rosemary (should have added a bit more)

salt and pepper to taste

about 1/2 tsp of marjoram

about 1 tablespoon of parsley (fresh)

1 egg ( I think I will try some juice next time rather than egg)

stuff chops, brown then bake at 350 degrees.

The flavor was really good but I think I would brush some apple sauce on top the chops when baking to add more juice. If you leave out the egg you don't have to worry about getting stuffing up to 165 degrees. I like my pork at 145 degrees but that is personal preference.

Let me know if you try my recipe and how you liked it.

new contest... open until 4/30/09

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:28:00 +0000

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED - PLEASE LOOK FOR THIS MONTHS CONTEST.

Did you know....

That you can win all this by enter
ing our contest?

Good Luck!!!

Easter Crafting fun was had by all...

noreply@blogger.com (Sue Farace) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:40:00 +0000

The girls had a great time creating some fun Easter crafts. We made an egg holder, polymer clay gold cross and basket of chickies - A good time was had by all. My next kids craft will be for Mothers Day on May 8th from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM