Clayamies

Polymer clay tile mosaic Art

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:47:00 +0000

I asked Margi Laurin about the Polymer clay tile mosaics that participants have been creating at the annual Morrisburg Polymer Clay Gathering or MPCG for short.
Here are previous years assembled art works. I believe the individual tiles measure about 3 x 3 inches.The results are really quite something and I wondered how these are created. So I asked Margi.

Me:
So how does this assembly work?

Margi:
Vio and I pick a picture, blow it up and cut it into the approx number of participants. We number the top right corner on the back. They (participants) are given the paper image on Thurs. night and told to replicate it as best they can including the number on the back. They have to have it done Sat. by noon. Then I take it home, assemble, photograph and insert it onto a premade template and print. On Sunday we assemble the pic on a piece of foamcore, or whatever, by using 2 sided carpet tape and drawing numbers out of a hat. The numbers then go back into the hat and we draw for who takes it home. Then everyone gets a printed copy. Of course the first year they had no idea what they were doing and the effect of assembling it was spectacular. Now they know its coming, complain about it, but still LOVE IT and want to keep doing it from year to year.

Me: This sounds like a lot of fun and lucky winner/s!! My personal favorite has to be the Marilyn Monroe one, but the latest Lawren Harris is a close second.

Here is this years 2011 mosaic...isn't it fantastic?

Ornament Swap 2010

noreply@blogger.com (georgia) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Here are the photos of the ornamnets from this year's swap. Great work everyone!!!!!

Here amidst the photos

a word to say thanks to all this year's swappers.....

I think you all
did a marvelous job!

Sorry that the photos are so arranged,
I couldn't make them go where I
wanted them to be.....and they aren't
even the same as in the doing of it all!

If someone wants also to post one of
mine, please do, as that is the one I
forgot to take a pic for.

Ho Ho Ho,
posted by Georgia

A lazy River, Spawning Salmon and an Indian Summer in the Shuswap

noreply@blogger.com (2 Good Claymates) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:34:00 +0000

We live in the North Okanagan Valley of B.C. right on the Little Shuswap Lake where the South Thompson River flows. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot with so much nature that surrounds us each day. Our town is mainly know for the herds of mountain sheep that come down in the winter-time in search of patches of grass to feed on.

There is a four year cycle where large amounts of sockeye salmon return to the same spot on the Adams River to spawn. The trip in from the Pacific ocean is very grueling and difficult and by the time they reach their spawning grounds they have changed from their silvery color to a bright red and green. The male and female will guard their eggs until they eventually die. It is sad and yet very awe-inspiring at the same time as out of that comes new life where the young hatched salmon will make their way down the rivers and back into the ocean.

This year is quite special as their are more salmon than there has been in over 100 years. The Salmon Society together with the local Shuswap Indian Band celebrate this event at the local Provincial park on the Adams river for over a three week period. There is a log cabin there which is turned into a gift shop where local artisans work is sold and we have the privilege to be included this year which is very exciting for us.

Here are some of the pieces we made for this event. The "totem inspired" pins are a spin on the "lizard tail" technique I learned from Julie Picarello where each fish is created individually yet there are no two that come out alike.

If you click on the salmon pin below, you will see how they were put together and then sculpted on our blog.

I will also be doing some demos here and there throughout the next 3 weeks in a special tent they have set up for the artists. I will also be giving more up to date reports of this event on our blog.

Clay Creations By Amy - new work

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Amy Beeney of Ontario has some new work posted on her blog. Amy has been busy creating food miniatures in polymer clay.
Here are some examples spread out on tiles...

Miniatures have gained much popularity, with sweets, treats, fruit and every food item from Apples to Zucchini. If you are a miniaturist...what kind of miniatures do you like to create?

Confessions of a Newbie Clayer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:45:00 +0000

I am a newbie at this polymer clay creating! After trying a couple of times to attend a polymer clay class in town... they always ended up being canceled at the last minute because of low enrollment... to learn the basics, I finally just threw my arms up and decided I'd just have to learn this "art" on my own from books!

Off to the library I went. I was pleasantly surprised to find tons of books on polymer clay that I could take home with me to plunge into this new world! I was determined to figure out the ins and outs of polymer clay.
Uh huh... easier said than done! Some of my first attempts looked nothing like all the lovely pictures. Mind you I was lacking in tools, "clay conditioning" by hand was no joke and all the talk about "cooking" polymer in your home oven scared the pants off me.

Well first things first. I dug into my Art Piggybank and off to the big box hobby store I went to buy a pasta machine, some clay and a few tools. Good thing I had a 40% off coupon with me... it made the cost of the pasta machine much more bearable. It was confusing when it came to buying polymer clay... all those brands... so I just bought colours I liked. I thought you could mix and match them. Well ya... but...uh huh... sure... my adventure in experimentation and no, no's was just beginning. Ignorance is not always bliss!

Next on the list was a toaster oven. I asked around and nobody had one they wanted to pass along to a budding polymer clay artist! A friend suggested asking around on "freecycle"... a Yahoo group of folks who give stuff away rather than see it go to the local landfill. It took a couple of postings but I finally found one. It was at least 20 years old and rather beat up but it seemed to do the job! Oven thermometer... what thermometer??? I'd just do it by guess and by golly. I was anxious to get started. It had taken me a couple of weeks to get all of this *stuff* together. Enough... already...I plunged in... head first.

I won't talk about my some of my disasters... In short order, it was pretty obvious I needed more "hands on" instruction than I could get out of any book. My fingers were bloody from cutting myself with blades. I contemplated buying shares in Johnson & Johnson... my consumption of bandaids surely added to their bottom line and pushed up profits. I had a mound of scrap clay darn near as big as a basketball. Whatever would I do with it all? The frugal side of me didn't want to have to toss it all out. I had questions and no one to answer them. It was definitely "do or die" time. I wasn't about to give up quite yet.

Being a kinesthetic-visual learner, what I needed wasn't to be found in books! I needed pictures and lots of them. I needed someone to answer my questions. I needed some hints and tips I could try out. There was stuff I needed that I didn't know I needed. What's a gal to do? Well go online and see if she can find a group to hang out in. She did... and much to her surprise... two of them (The Vancouver Polymer Clay Guild and the Vancouver Island Polymer Clay Guild) were practically on her doorstep. Clayamies even had some tutorials. Yippee...

Fast forward...

Here I am a year and a half later and I think I am finally getting the hang of it! The old toaster oven has been replaced with a brand new convection oven and a real, "honest to goodness" oven thermometer. A nice big tile to clay on rests on my art table. Sharp blades have their own holders to rest in and tape along the top prevents me from picking them up on the sharp side and cutting my fingers to shreds. My gosh, now that I think of it, I haven't contributed any blood to my projects in months now. Baby wipes, Future Floor wax, texture plates, corn starch, molds and brushes, randomly scattered on my art table, show just how far I have come. Pure stubbornness and a tenacious spirit to conquer this art form have served me well.

I was ready. Ready to try out something that the thought of even two months ago made me break out in a cold sweat. Ready to jump in and go where I had procrastinated about going *forever*! My drawing was ready. Blade poised, I sliced off some clay and began to condition it. My heart pounding, I made a log. I was on my way... one eye coming up. I was about to tackle a face cane.

Are you ready for a good chuckle and to have some fun? If so, drop by my blog to see the results of my adventure into face canes! And while you are there, help me name some gossipy little old ladies made from the cane. Just leave a comment with your name suggestions and you will be entered into a giveaway coming this Friday, June 11, 2010. The giveaway... a very pretty raku lentil rattle pendant similar to the one below. This one was made last weekend with three of my clay friends... Janet, Wanda and Barb... at our clay playdate last weekend. I just had to make a second one before I forgot how to do it! You can see a photo of the second one, which is the giveaway, while you are there...

Thanks for reading and Happy Claying from Victoria,
Sharon

Tutorial - Extruded Swirl Cane

noreply@blogger.com (2 Good Claymates) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:18:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was experimenting with my extruder and discovered a fun type cane that has a sort of swirl or yin yang pattern. I redid my experiment and created this black and white design and put it in the form of a tutorial.

1. Roll out 2 sheets of clay in contrasting colors on the #2 (second thickest) setting on your pasta machine. Cut each sheet into a 3" x 3" square.

2. Stack one sheet on top of the other and cut in half.

3. Stack the 2 pieces, cut in half and then stack again. There should be 8 layers.

4. Form the stacked clay into a round log.

5. Roll the log and twist each end several times in opposite directions.

6. If the log becomes too thin, manipulate and roll the log with your hands bringing them closer together so the log is about the same thickness that will fit into your extruder. Trim each of the ends and cut your log in half.

7. Insert one of the halves into your extruder with the small square die.

8. Extrude the entire amount of clay.

9. Trim each of the ends until you get a nice pattern inside.

10. Use these individually as a small cane or cut into sections and stack to create a larger cane.

11. Here I sliced my stacked cane to create a veneer sheet.

12. And here are some fun pieces ready to bake.

Here are a few color variations. If you click on the photo you can read more about them on our blog:

Polymer Clay Tutorial - Make Mini Display Stands

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:26:00 +0000

Here is a polymer clay tutorial that shows you how to make small effective display stands for your earrings and rings using polymer clay. All measurements are approximate as you can make the bases as big as you like, but should be a minimum of 1 1/4 inches (35mm). You can embellish these further as the instructions are very basic. One should possess basic skills such as conditioning, hand rolling, and texturing. Just click on the photos for larger view and readability.

Some New Stripe Blends

noreply@blogger.com (2 Good Claymates) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Here are some new stripe blends I've been making in the Pantone Spring 2010 colors:

Polymer Clay and Resin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Hi Clayamies! My current focus is on polymer clay and resin. I've been working on wearable art pieces but I have some ideas for incorporating resin with my canvases. Here are a couple of pendants, they strike me as surreal landcapes.

gera

What is everyone up to?

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:58:00 +0000

Ok, seems no one is really ready for a swap yet, but am curious what everyone is up to lately. Maybe write a short something and post a photo! C'mon you polymer clay addicts...strut your stuff!
Here is a little something of mine...a ring

Spring Swap Idea...

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:01:00 +0000

Hi Clayamies...
I know it isn't quite Spring yet, although we spent some time on the Beach today and it was too warm for jackets. It was a quiet chat night, but had this idea for a swap and wondering if you'd be interested in it.
Each participant would start an object...a pendant, a book, a wall ornament, a clock, a something and then send it on to another participant who would either add onto it or include something as a challenge for the next participant to add onto. Finally, your original object would find its way back to you with all the other participants creativity added to it.
During the course of the objects travels we could blog here about the challenges and photos of the journey each piece is undergoing...
add your idea....

One World One Heart Clayamies participants

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:58:00 +0000

The One World One Heart Event goes from January 25 to February 15th. Here is a listing of the Clayamies members who are participitating. Click on the links below on or after Jan 25 to see what the Canadian clayers are offering as giveaways.

2 Good Claymates

Gera Scott Chandler's aMused Artisan

Louise's Polyblog

Iris' Creations, catastrophes, and polymer clay

Sandy's Simple Inspirations

Tina Holden's Beadcomber

Vio's Inside Out

Any Clayamies on the West Coast in January?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Market Square -Tourism Victoria

The Vancouver Island Polymer Clay Artists Guild is hosting CLAY DAZE

in balmy Victoria from January 22-24. What better way to spend a winter weekend?

Here's Wanda Shum demonstrating milifiori techniques at "Sojourn", our last Clay event.

Ornamental Favourites and Winterfest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Wishing all Clayamies could have participated in the ornament swap. Such a selection of goodies! Just as tasty as being in a cookie swap, at least for the eyes. And these were calorie free!

Sadly, due to other commitments I wasn't able to participate in Winterfest this year...it's the first one I've missed. It is so much fun and so I hope that if it's still on next year my book club won't have its Christmas Party on the same night. I'm sure that everyone had a great time thanks to Gera's organization.

If I had been able to participate, my gift would have probably been something along this line, as that is the type of gift I gave last year and I have been making quite a few of these recently as commissioned gifts and for galleries. Personalizing it would have been possible by imprinting the person's name on the beads, or by incorporating the letters of the name into the embellishments on the front or inside cover. Of course I don't always know in advance who's going to get the books, so I only personalize them if I know the intended recipient.

This one is filled with high grade artists watercolor paper and has made its way to San Francisco as a gift from a lady I see at the Brandon Gala of Gifts each year. I hope she liked it!

Hoping clayamies and all who read this have a very joyful Christmas.

Winterfest - Someone knows my Colours!

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:14:00 +0000

I was surprised to get a trove of treasures from Amy Beeney aka Amy Eyelashes (visit her blog to figure out the nickname ;). I couldn't figure out who my Secret Santa would be, but ooh was it fun 'trying' to guess.
Amy sent me not just something I can wear, but things I can use to incorporate into my own work. Amy how did you know my kinda colours?? lol Well, these are some of my favorite colours: blue, green, purple and bronzes (and black, but thats a contrast). Holiday ensemble, Ultrasuede cord, Glitters, buttons, and filigree pieces... Thanks Amy!

Secret Santa Gift from Liz

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Here is the beautiful pendant Liz made. At first I thought the image was a transfer but when I saw Liz over the weekend she told me it's something else all together. Liz printed the image from an old poster from Seville she figures the image is from around the 1920s. The image is printed on shrink plastic. Thanks so much Liz. I love participating in the Secret Santa it really helps get me in the spirit of the season.

From My Secret Santa

noreply@blogger.com (georgia) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Georgia here, posting photos of my lovely gifts from Tina, my secret santa.

Many thanks to Gera for getting us all together and hosting this wonderful annual event.

It was a super event and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did... and I even managed to stay awake for a very long part of it!!!

hugs to all

Winterfest Gift- Shhhhhh... I am being amused!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Winterfest gift to Gera from Vesta!

Winterfest 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Violette Laporte) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:23:00 +0000

Last night, we held our yearly Winterfest. All this, because of Gera's initiative and organization. Thank you Gera! There was an exchange of gifts among the participants, usually something related to polymer clay. We receive those in advance by snail mail, and open them online. We don't know who our "secret santa" is until we open our gift. It makes for a lot of fun and laughter: an online party.
My secret santa who remained secret for a long time was Georgia and this is what I got (I was spoiled): I will use the papers in a book, the little mould and cabochons, flattened wire, glass curlie cues will also be put to good use. I also got a pendant with silver wire. Thank you very much Georgia.

See you all next year!!
Vio

noreply@blogger.com (Vesta Giles) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:56:00 +0000

My prezzie from Gera! Happy Winterfest! - Vesta

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:28:00 +0000

The Ornaments are coming....

noreply@blogger.com (georgia) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Just a quick report on the arrival at Beeks Lane Godfrey post office of a number of parcels...

and the knowledge that several more are on their way...

i don't know whose these are, as i haven't had a chance to go out to the post office as i am working this week at the gallery... however, i will go very soon and post a list...

are you reading this????? by now all swappers should have their ornaments in the post, or certainly ready to put them there tomorrow!!!!!

i shall get out the whip on friday if i haven't received them all... lol

cheers and happy holidays to all..

georgia who will be walking thru Westport on Saturday in the Santa Claus Parade!!!

ORNAMENT SWAP 2009

noreply@blogger.com (georgia) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Just a reminder that you have one week to sign up for the 2009 ornament swap!!!

Join the 20 who are now on the list... Georgia, Vesta, Moyra, Barb A., Tina, NancyQ,
Gail P., Lawrence, Gen, Iris, Wanda, Carolyn B., Sharon H., Heather, Cynthia, Vanessa,
Sandy W., Jem, Marie R.

If you have signed up and don't see your name. please let me know...

thanks and yours in lovely new ornaments!!!
iggy

A mini Tutorial and maybe a Ring

noreply@blogger.com (Beadcomber) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:16:00 +0000

I just published a tutorial on how to make this on my blog. Hope you like it...

Speaking of Ornaments.....

noreply@blogger.com (georgia) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:56:00 +0000

ORNAMENT SWAP 2009

Fellow swappers and all clayamies...

Here are some photos from former swaps to intrigue you to joining us this year for the Clayamies Ornament Swap 2009

These are just some of the delightful ornaments made for last year's swap....

So, come on you all and join us for some wonderfully crafted ornaments for your 2009 tree.

So far our swappers are, and please let me know if i have missed anyone...
Vesta, Amy, Moyra, Barb A., Tina, Nancy Q., Gail P.,
Lawrence, Gen, Iris, Wanda, Carolyn B., Sharon H., Heather, Cynthia
Vanessa

UPDATE: Sandy W., Jem, Marie have joined our swap.
Along with myself that makes 20!!!!!
Are there any more of you out there? Remember deadline for signing up is November 6. At the moment,
five is the minimum number of ornaments you must make, but of course, you can make one for each swapper if you so desire.

Email me with your snail mail address when you sign up.

Here are the details:

1. sign up by November 6
ABSOLUTELY NO LATER

2. your ornaments will be due to
me by November 20!!!

3. i will give you the number of
swappers on November 7.

Please see clayamies yahoo post for September 11, although PLEASE note that ornaments are now due Nov. 20!!!