"Peace, Love, Art" Polymer Clay Filigree Mosaic Wall Art By Sarah Pennington - Hip Earth Designs

One of my projects earlier this week was this lovely art set, “Peace, Love Earth”. Since I love sharing my creative process, I snagged several photos while I was working to give you an idea of how this 3 piece set took shape.

I have been brainstorming this project for a while and hoped I could finish it in time for the Grayson Gallery‘s Earth Day Themed Final Friday monthly show, last month. But, I ended up letting myself get preoccupied with other projects and didn’t make the show’s deadline for entries.

So, when I finally got a chance to get started on this project, I already knew what colors I wanted to use on each symbol of the design – and that I wanted to use primary and secondary colors to pull the essence of a peaceful rainbow into the set. I also knew that I wanted the colors to be roughly blended in different shades vs. solid colors – in order to create a more dramatic effect in the finished set.But I wasn’t sure if the colors I was planning to mix up to make the heart would turn out exactly how I was envisioning. The colors I had to work with didn’t wow me when I put them side-by-side – and I didn’t think they were going to blend together in a way that would produce a color scheme that would complement the colors in the peace and earth symbols.

However, once I had all the colors extruded and laid out together – the colors looked amazing together and I knew that I was right to have followed my color intuition.

Colors chosen and extruded for polymer clay filigree mosaic project.

The next step was creating an outline for each symbol. For this project, I cut out backing pieces in white clay, on which to apply the colorful strands – the outlines were easy to cut using circle and heart cutters from our creative supplies stash.

Here I have laid each of the symbol outlines on top of the weathered wood pieces they will later be mounted on - just to get a better visual of how the finished set will look.

At this point, I began the meticulous process of coiling and placing each strand of clay to fill in the outline of each symbol.

The peace sign was a little challenging because the inner openings had to be cut out by hand.

The symbol isn't exactly perfect or symmetrical - but that's art!!

The heart was a bit easier to piece together because no additional hand-cutting was required.

Here you can see how I hide the ugly edges and gaps between strands with other hand-pieced polymer clay elements.

Next, I began working on the earth symbol – the piece in this set that would require the most precision.

When it comes to polymer clay filigree mosaic - I find it best to start in the middle of a piece, so that strands and coils are easier to place and to keep you from damaging and denting parts already set into place.

And finally, after all the symbols were finished, baked and cooled, they were carefully mounted on the weathered pine boards.

Don't you just love how the bright colors contrast so strongly and beautifully with the greyed, weathered wood?

Well, folks – that’s all I’ve got for you this time. Check back soon to see what I did with the leftovers from this project – and leave me some comment love! I’d love to know what you think about my work. Suggestions and constructive criticism are always welcome too!

One of the projects I’ve been working on for the show is upcycling old wine, liquor and other glass bottles and jars into beautiful works of art, decorated with hand-sculpted elements of polymer clay.

So far, I’ve managed to carve out enough time to transform three old glass bottles into some truly eye-catching artworks.

Grape pod and colorful polymer clay filigree bottle art.

Perhaps my favorite of the three is this faux glass, boho-lantern inspired piece that was created by covering the surface of an old Jack Daniels’ bottle with colorful clay tiles and applying extruded strands of antique gold poly clay between each tile to create fake soldering.

Boho-lantern inspired bottle upcycle project using polymer clay to create a faux stained glass surface.

This beautiful bottle was actually a bit of a failure – if you consider my original plans for the piece. I had hoped to make the colored tiles more translucent, but my failure to research beforehand led to these bright and vibrant (but unfortunately opaque) faux glass tiles.

I started out by mixing up these vibrant colors and drawing the tile layout onto the bottle.

Then each piece was hand-cut and positioned carefully into place on the bottle's surface. A process that took several hours to complete.

At this point, I was concerned that the clay would not turn out transparent after baking. So, I decided to apply texture to the surface of the raw clay using a rolled up ball of aluminum foil and my needle tool to create recesses I could later fill with paint to produce a faux aged look.

Next, I conditioned and extruded lengths of antique gold colored polymer clay into round noodles of varying diameter that I applied over the cracks in the polymer clay tiles to produce the fake soldering. The covered bottle was then baked until the clay was hardened. After the clay was allowed to cool, I covered the entire surface of the bottle with black acrylic paint and wiped the excess paint off the surface so that it remained in the tiny indentations created when I added texture to the clay before. Finally, after the paint had dried, I applied multiple coats of clear, protective Pledge finish.

My polymer clay artist friends over at the Polymer Clay Central Forums were helpful in pointing out where I went wrong – (you cannot, as I did, mix opaque colors with translucent white and hope to achieve translucent colors) but were still impressed with my happy accident and how I was able to turn it around and create something beautiful out of a project that did not go exactly as I had in mind from the start.(By the way, If you’re a polymer clay artist and you’re not a member of this great forum – you need to be!)

I couldn’t be happier with how the finished piece turned out – I don’t think it would have looked nearly as nice if the clay had actually been transparent. Because then I would not have applied the black paint, which I feel really helps make the colors of the piece pop.

Go ahead and browse through these additional photos that show off the details and colors of the finished piece. And leave us some comment love when you’re done.

I’d love to know what you think about the finished piece – please leave some comment love. <3<3<3

Yet few have actually had the opportunity to watch the full process unfold – until now.

I’ve actually been meaning to share this for a long time, but working a full time job and trying to run a business can often lead to things being forgotten or put on back burners.

In fact, for lighting the fire under my ass that caused this post, I’d like to thank Willow and the other team captains over at the newly-re-named (by me) Etsy “Sales Chasers’ team for featuring our shop and items last week on their blog. See that blog series HERE.

So without further ado….enjoy the ride!

The first step in my process is creating a sketch to use as a guide. I do this for at least 90% of my pieces, especially the more complicated designs.

Design sketches are sometimes colored in, always contain scribbles and notes and never look exactly like the finished product.

Then, to make it easier to use the sketch as a design, I tape it into place on the piece of wood I intend to mount the finished piece onto. And then I place a semi-transparent sheet of wax paper on top of the sketch and tape that down to the wood as well.

The wax paper layer allows me to place the clay on top of the sketched design and lift it off easily to transfer to a baking sheet for curing.

After the sketch is ready to go, I work on picking out colors for the design, as well as mixing any special color blends not available in pre-packaged clay.

Several minutes are added to the process when it's necessary to custom blend color hues. Luckily for this design, only one custom blended color was necessary - the light green drop of clay stuck to the middle container in the right stack of the picture above.

Next, I condition the clay and shape it into long, skinny cylinders that will fit into my extruder. The clay is then pushed through the extruder to create the shaped “noodles” of clay that each design is made up of.

This photo is from another project, but shows a sample of what the clay "noodles" look like after the clay is run through the extruder

I usually ready all my colors and lay the different colors of clay “noodles” into loose piles on a wax paper lined baking sheet for easy access.

Then I start applying colors of clay to the design sketch, usually starting in the middle of the design and moving outwards.

The end of each strand of clay is carefully cut using a narrow blade utility knife or polymer clay slicer.

I continue to place one strand at a time into the design.

Even when a design seems pretty easy, it can be a really time consuming process just to get the center of the design finished.

After the center of a design is finished, I continue working slowly outwards, one strand of clay at a time and one section of the design at a time.

And sometimes when I don't know exactly what my plan is (as was the case of this turtle's limbs) I somehow figure things out as I go along.

As I approach the outer edges of the design, I often find myself going back to layer on details.

Like these tiny spots of brown clay that help to mimic the natural, spotted markings on many breeds of sea turtles.

And the multi-colored spots added to the turtle’s shell, to make the design image appear more realistic and to add depth to the finished piece.

The process may take some time, but it's so much fun to watch each piece come to life as each tiny element is added.

After I finished the shell of the turtle in this wall art design, I had to get started on the water details around the turtle

I opted to use various shades of blue and white to mimic the look of real waves and to create a whimsical feel for the finished design.

Often times the outer edges of the design can be the most time consuming, since more cutting is required to fit the pieces into place around the center of the design.

But eventually it all starts to come together beautifully...

And finally, once the entire piece is finished – I pull the wax sheet loose and lift it and the pieced-together design slowly and carefully placing it on a baking sheet. The piece then goes into the oven to bake until hardened.

After the piece has hardened, been removed from the oven and had a chance to cool down, it is then carefully glued into place on the slab of aged, barn wood.

The barn wood mount was actually a snap decision - but I just love how the colors pop against the rustic wood texture. That's definitely one happy accident!

And so – that’s what the process looks like. Don’t ask me to post a video – I doubt you’d enjoy watching 10 or more hours of me talking and singing to myself while each little strand is carefully placed by hand into the design. LOL!

What does your process look like? Share what you do with us by leaving a link or comment below.

Happy making!

This piece received an Honorable Mention ribbon in the November 2012 HeART of the Parks juried art show at Grayson Gallery and Art Center

Thanks for reading THIS, our first blog post of 2013!

We hope the new year is treating you well – it’s definitely keeping US busy!!

Fortunately, we love it that way and we’ve got big, big plans for 2013…

Here’s some things we’ve got in store for the new year:

• Launching the wall art line I started, which includes 2 pieces that placed or received honorable mention in my local, Grayson Gallery HeART of the Parks, juried art show in November.
• Becoming traveling sales ladies. That’s right, this year we’re shooting at attending several arts and crafts fairs. We’ve actually already got one fair scheduled and squared away – the Blazin’ Bluegrass Festival in Whitley City, Ky September 19th through 21st.
• Building a more professional and larger display booth for arts and craft fairs in the coming years.

What’s on your list for the new year? Trying anything new? Got any big plans you’re looking forward to?

Whew! 2012 is speeding right by – we can hardly believe it’s almost time for snow, gathering with family, and celebrating the holidays!

One of us is a little more prepared for the holiday season -

My mom has been busy making these really awesome ornaments. She’s always had a knack for trimming a tree with some gorgeous and intriguing ornaments – from her infamous beaded Christmas spiders ornaments to her rustic, real deer antler tree-trimming.

And this year, she hasn’t failed at impressing me with these stunning ornaments she made using various and intricate polymer clay techniques – caning, filigree and hand-sculpting.

We’ve already got one custom order in the works and we’re working on negotiating another. Looks like we’re in for a busy but fun holiday season.

Better get yours while they’re hot – prices are bound to rise with demand!

Click Here to view our entire selection of Christmas ornaments.

Click to Visit the Holiday Ornaments Section of Our Shop - or email us at hipearthdesigns@gmail.com to place a custom order.

Hip Earth’s shop turned 9 months old yesterday. And between working my shifts at the hotel and running our business, it’s been a long time since I’ve really sat down to read a book that didn’t have anything to do with polymer clay or the various facets or running an online, creative business.

This spook season, I decided I’d treat myself to a horrific stay-cation, right from my own living room!

Book One:

I started off with an Anne Rice classic that’s been sitting on my bookshelf since my angst-y teen years – The Witching Hour.

I’ll confess – I’m a terribly slow reader. I’ve been reading on this book for 4 weeks now, and I’m still about 200 pages from finishing, so I’ll be lucky if I get to read much else on my Halloween reading list, but I may end up finishing all of Anne Rice’s “Lives of the Mayfair Witches” books before I’m through. Of course, I’ll have to carve some reading time out of my busy schedule – but that’s something I will always do gladly!

What’s are you reading right now? Do you have any horror books you’ve set aside to read this haunting season?

Although the Grayson Gallery & Art Center began hosting shows in May 2011, this was my first official visit to the gallery during opening hours.

And, i must say, it was a perfect way to unwind after the crappy day I had at my creative-soul crushing “day job”.

It was a great evening all around. The featured artist, Christine Kuhn, creates the most amazing mixed media art – I have never seen anything like it before. In fact, the method Christine uses is one she developed and includes layering resins, paint, paper, mixed media and other ephemera.

Christine is so talented it gives me chills, but she’s also an amazingly genuine and charming person. And her personality really shows through in her pieces. She chatted with me quiet a bit and even allowed me to snap a picture of her next to my favorite of her pieces, Saturday Morning.

Artist Chrstine Kuhn and her creation: "Saturday Morning"

I should also mention that well-traveled, musician Leslie Brooks was there to entertain us with Bonnie Raitt covers, as well as some of her own, original songs. Including one she wrote about missing her Kentucky home while she was traveling out west.

Leslie can also play harmonica while strumming her guitar - which reminds me of Bob Dylan and made me smile.

AND! I also finally had the opportunity to meet the gallery’s coordinator in person. I boldly told him his Facebook marketing for the gallery was horrible and offered to volunteer my time and give some social media marketing advice to help attract more visitors to the gallery.. I’m so excited that an art scene is developing in my small town, I’m anxious to do whatever I can to help the gallery grow and continue to attract visitors and get the funding and donations necessary to keep it open.

I hope you’ll be able to join us for one of the future events. On the final Friday of every month, the gallery is open from 6-9pm – and again on the final Saturday from 10-2. Additional events may occur at other times- I’ll be sure to share future show information here on the blog and on our Facebook page.

I promise that won’t always be the case. And I offer you the following explanation for my flakiness where the blog is concerned.

First of all, it’s really time consuming trying to start a business and list new products in an online shop. Especially if you have a part time job too.

So, since our successful return from our first craft show….

www.hipearthdesigns.com

I have been a busy, busy, busy lady.

I have tweaked the website (Did you notice the new social media buttons in the top right? – I suck at html, those were sort of a bitch to do, but I love how they look with the current blog theme.) I’ve also tweaked keywords in our Etsy shop to improve our search engine rankings, I’ve slowly been adding our boho fashion accessories and home decor items that were leftover from the craft show.

And most importantly, I’ve failed to blog as often as I hoped for because I have been busy reading and researching other blogs to try to figure out a new direction to take our blog.

I have read so much throughout April, and I’ve got clarity on a large handful of the problems that had been stumping me in regards to marketing our business.

I have a few more maintenance things to work on during this last week of April, but starting next week, I’ll be spending more time relaunching our new and improved blog. Things won’t be perfect – I still have a lot to learn so I’ll be looking for YOUR feedback to make the right adjustments.

So, with that said- what would you like to see more of on our blog?

I’m planning on blogging more DIY Craft Tutorials, as well as featuring other artists and blogging about boho fashion. What other topics should we blog about that would fit our style and business?

I can hardly believe the big day is already upon us! Of course, we only signed up 3 and 1/2 weeks ago – but boy, what a quick and hectic 3 and 1/2 weeks it’s been!

It’s been…madness!

I didn’t have time to update the blog much this month, but you’ll be happy to know we kept busy creating new inventory for the show….

Made a few more cigarette case wallets.

Aren't those colors amazing?

And look at how vibrant that sun is!

We also made a few pieces of wall art…

Perfect for any bohemian bungalow...

Or any old hippie...

And we recycled some old t-shirt into my new favorite fashion accessory…

Boho headbands!

And our Facebook fans suggested that I make a few in UK colors - Go Big Blue!

And I even had to squeeze in some time to fill a handful of custom orders for some really awesome ladies…

This bold little guy was commissioned by our new friend in Georgia.

And my best friend commissioned this piece as a 'Thank You' to a new friend she made during her recent performance in the play "The Hot l Baltimore".

And another good friend commissioned these bright earrings featuring our beloved "Mod Mum: stamped design.

Tomorrow morning we’ll rise bright and early and head out no later than 8 a.m. to make the 2 hour drive to Lexington to participate in the first Sidewalk Sale and Artist’s Market hosted by Vintage Creations on Lime at 712 North Limestone in Lexington, Ky. If you’re in town – stop by and see us! There will be live music, free face-painting and approximately 10 local and in-state artisans showcasing their beautiful and authentic handmade creations. It’s sure to be a colorful, inspiring and educational event for all! We can’t wait to get there and we really hope you stop by – just to say hi and have a look around!

So neighborly, in fact,  that our local donation centers had to stop accepting food and clothing for tornado victims because they had more clothing than they could store and so much food they are worried it will begin to spoil.

But that doesn’t mean those families are out of the water. Thousands have lost their homes – some have shells remaining that have been condemned, others have only minor displacement issues. But then there are the others- the one’s who’s homes are now in a million pieces scattered across a yard or a field. These people can still use our help.

This weekend we’re partnering with a couple of our fellow Kentuckian artisans to host a flash sale.

So, shop for a good cause this weekend at these great Kentucky shops:

Kym’s Kreations- Winchester’s local jewelry artist Kym Pelfrey makes an amazing assortment of necklaces from all sort of materials. Her shop also includes gorgeous wire-wrapped tree of life pendants and fun button rings. There’s definitely something for everyone at Kym’s Kreations. And starting this weekend Kym will be donating 20% of her sales to tornado relief efforts throughout our commonwealth.

Creative Chocolate Supplies-  If you’re into cake decorating, you’ll love the sweet deal Rhonda Georgian is offering at her cake and candy supply shop this weekend. This weekend only, Creative Chocolate Supplies will be sending 40% of their sales proceeds to Kentucky Tornado Relief. So satisfy your sweet tooth and help out your fellow Kentuckians.

The Fish Jig Lady-  Who ever thought of wearing fishing lures as jewelry? Layla Sutherland – owner of The Fish Jig Lady shop- that’s who. Layla has some nifty earrings made from bass and crappie lures that the outdoorsy woman will adore. Stop by her shop and have a look around.

Hip Earth Designs-  Last, but certainly not least, our shop will be donating 10% of our proceeds to the fund. As an added bonus, we’ll also be donating 10% of any custom orders make this weekend. We’ll be giving our proceeds to the West Liberty Elementary School which was condemned. The school is moving to an old factory in town and they are in need of a temporary playground to bring normal back to the children’s lives.

Help us help them recover!

Happy shopping!