Pikes Peak Polymer Clay Guild

Celena & Martin of the Filigree

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Deer Girl with Yellow Bird - ooak Art Doll Figurative Sculpture, originally uploaded by theFiligree, Celena & Martin.

Here in Colorado Springs, I have been missing the abundance of wildlife that we usually see in our backyard. There are still birds and the occasional deer or raccoon, but where are the others? Ahh, I think I have found them, hiding out in Tennessee.

Celena and Martin, the husband and wife team of the Filigree, curently live outside of Nashville, and create fairy tale polymer clay and mixed media dolls and sculptures. Martin Øbakke works on sculpting and illustrating these fantasy figures while his wife, Celena Cavala, weaves stories of their world in the fairy tale nonsense news, The Filigree.

Enjoy their work at these sites:
http://www.thefiligree.com
http://thefiligree.etsy.com
http://facebook.com/thefiligreequarterly

Mini bears demo for Sept. guild meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Bear with bird friends - by Jainnie Jenkins

Hi everyone! For this coming Sunday meeting I'll be demo-ing mini bears! I was having a hard time figuring out what I wanted to demo, and my husband said, "do what you like...you like bears" so bears it is.

I've been making a bunch of different types of bears and will bring these to the meeting. If you are interested in trying to make your own bears, here is a supply list:

--Raw Sienna clay (or any brown clay) (1 block should be good)
--White clay (1/2 block or less)
--Translucent clay (1/2 block or less)
--Yellow cadmium clay (1/2 block or less)
--Black clay (small amount)

Tools:
--pasta machine, roller, or hands for conditioning clay
--Ball stylus (optional)
--Regular stylus (with pointy tip)
--Colour Shapers (optional...these are tools with various rubber tips. I like to use Size 0 Cup Round, and the Size 0 Taper Round)
--Cutting blade or Xacto knife

Another optional item is:
Acrylic paints (these are for creating washes over the bears after they are done baking. I used black and white paint).

Here are a couple pics of some of the bears I've made. Like I said, I'll be making more before the meeting! See you there! (And I'm also including a pic of our bear that frequents our backyard.)

And please remember that Membership fees are due this month and we will be having elections for board positions that are open. :)

--Jainnie

Mini bears - by Jainnie Jenkins

Mini bear - by Jainnie Jenkins

Mr. Bear in my backyard (he's a good bear!)

Kiva Atkinson - miniaturist extraordinaire!

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:17:00 +0000

Drunken Octopus - by Kiva Atkinson

I must admit something...I love Kiva Atkinson. And if you don't know who I'm talking about, well read on to find out! Kiva is an International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) Fellow who loves to make polymer clay miniatures in 1:12 and 1:24 scale and...has a penchant for the funny, wacky, and unusual...which is exactly why I love her. A lot of her minis are food related, but she also does some other wild and bizarre creations, the googly-eyed ones...you'll see what I mean. Oh, and she lives in Honolulu, Hawaii...my hometown!

I'm posting a bunch of her creations along with a number of Halloween-ish ones for those of you who want something other than cute pumpkins 'n kittycats! Enjoy! And then head on over to Kiva's links, listed below.

Green Figs - by Kiva Atkinson

Moroccan Chicken Kebabs - by Kiva Atkinson

Snook Board - by Kiva Atkinson

Tacos - by Kiva Atkinson

Giant Fruit Platter - by Kiva Atkinson

Skeletal Fish Pie - by Kiva Atkinson

Chinese Potstickers - by Kiva Atkinson

Egg Roll Heads - by Kiva Atkinson

Mango Heads - by Kiva Atkinson

Toast Heads - by Kiva Atkinson

Peeping Oyster Bowl - by Kiva Atkinson

Halloween Breakfast - by Kiva Atkinson

Eyeball Soup - by Kiva Atkinson

Mummy Noodles - by Kiva Atkinson

Pumpkin Basket - by Kiva Atkinson

Salty Bones - by Kiva Atkinson

Witch Treats - by Kiva Atkinson

Drunken Squid - by Kiva Atkinson

Links:
Kiva's Miniatures
Kiva's Miniatures Blog
Kiva's Flickr Photostream
Kiva's Ebay Page

Zentangles and Textures, Meeting Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:33:00 +0000

During our June meeting, Jerry Hunt and Peggy Davis did a demo on Zentangles. Members were asked to bring white polymer clay, black Micron pens, and if possible, a heat gun.

Zentangle inspired pendants (and a mixed media one!) by Eva Rosado

Jerry also shared (during the August meeting) some of the zentangle pendants that Betty Wilkinson made. The instructions for making our own zentangle pendants were to condition the clay and cut them into your preferred shape. Smooth on cornstarch to each piece and place them in the oven to bake. After they have cooled, use a micron pen (with pigment ink) to draw your designs. Heat set with a heat gun on a ceramic tile, or put back into the oven for 5 minutes. Seal with fimo glaze. Julie Eakes has an interesting zentangle book out you may want to check out.

Micon pigment ink pen - used for drawing Zentangles

Julie Eakes - Clay Classics Inspired by Zentangle

Zentangles from Cathie Graeser and her grandkids

Zentangle inspired pieces, by Betty Wilkinson

Zentangle inspired pieces from Betty Wilkinson

More Zentangle inspired pieces from Betty Wilkinson

Besides all of the lovely Zentangles shared during the August meeting, members were also asked to bring Mold Maker or Bend n Bake clay and various stamps or textures. A few of us created texture sheets. Mold maker is more flexible after baking but Bend & Bake is also fun to make texture sheets with. Tejae likes to make hers thin enough to go through the pasta machine with a sheet of clay.


Sculpey MoldMaker (Super Elasticlay)

Sculpey Bake & Bend Clay

For my own texture sheets, I've used both Super Elasticlay (Mold Maker) as well as just plain scrap clay. If using regular clay, I just make sure to dust lightly with talcum powder so the clay impression will release easily. I've made texture sheets with rubber stamps...but I enjoy adding additional texture to really make it "my own." It is also fun to create your very own texture sheet using such tools as a ball stylus (they come in different sizes) and various pointy things such as bamboo skewers!

Barrettes made from texture sheets - by Jainnie Jenkins. The gold one was made from a texture sheet made with multiple rubber stamp impressions, then adding in little "dots" with a ball stylus. The blue one was made from a texture sheet (seen in the corner) made of dried alphabet pasta. (The top one was not made from a texture sheet.)

Polymer clay pendant -- by Jainnie Jenkins. The background was made from polymer clay and silver leaf. The center was made from a texture plate. I used an oriental fan rubber stamp, impressed other flower beads, then added various lines around those impressions. The possibilities are endless!

Polymer clay pendant by Jainnie Jenkins. This was made from an impression of a plastic texture sheet. After baking the textured clay, I added in liquid polymer clay for a cloisonné effect.

Textured polymer clay beads by Jainnie Jenkins. These were made from texture sheets and/or rubber stamps.

Textured beads by Jainnie Jenkins. These were made from a handmade texture sheet. I used a ball stylus and bamboo skewer to make all the designs. Then I baked it, dusted with talcum powder, and took clay impressions. Pearl Ex was rubbed over the top to highlight the texture design.

We also gathered around the tv to view Nan Roche's "Special Techniques in polymer clay" video. An oldie but goodie!

Nan Roche - Special Techniques in Polymer Clay video

At the end of the meeting Jerry collected our names on pieces of paper to do a drawing for a Donna Dewberry Sculpey texture sheet. Bev drew Tejae's name! :)

Sculpey texture sheet - by Donna Dewberry

See you at the next meeting!

Pics from April Guild Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:10:00 +0000

Here are some pics from the April Guild Meeting. Tejae did a demo on how to shoot better photos of your work -- with very little fancy equipment I might add! -- and of course I think I was taking pics with my iPhone of all things..., and Robert Wiley and his wife visited our group from Texas and ended up doing a demo for us.

Tejae discussing how easy it is to take better photos

Tejae taking pics of members' work

Robert "Bob" Wiley showing Peggy Davis how to do the "Sutton Slice" technique

Filling a rubber stamp with a Skinner Blend


Press, press, press Peggy! Get that Skinner Blend in there!

More pressing!

Now to shave away the excess clay

Careful for Bob's fingers! :)

Peggy Davis, ever so intent on her clay work

Butterfly wing rubber stamp with Skinner Blend

Feeling happy after all that work

Bev observes Peggy's Sutton Slice butterfly wings

Peggy Davis with Robert Wiley and his wife

Peggy Davis' vase with Sutton Slice Butterflies...beautiful!

Claywork by Robert Wiley

Assorted cabochons by Robert Wiley

Claywork by Robert Wiley

Claywork (Sutton Slice Technique) by Robert Wiley

Thanks to Robert for showing us the Sutton Slice technique. We were all quite intrigued! And Peggy, your vase and butterflies came out beautifully!

If you'd like to learn more about the "Sutton Slice" technique, check out Lisa Pavelka's Business Card Holder project from HGTV.

Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead - Sugar skull mini masks

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:32:00 +0000


Sugar Skull masks - polymer clay, glitter, acrylic paint, varnish - by Jainnie Jenkins

Wow, I apologize for not posting for a couple of months! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of summer!

This spring I participated in Sarajane Helm's mask swap again, and decided to do Sugar Skull masks. I had seen these sugar skull candy molds down in Taos, NM, but found out that they are available from La Fuente Imports (which has their warehouse here in Colorado Springs!). Mold making is still a bit tricky for me...I don't know if I am just impatient or haven't quite got the technique down, but my molds worked well enough for the purpose.

Sugar Skull masks - by Jainnie Jenkins

I was feeling a bit concerned that I added so much painted decoration instead of it being "clay" embellishment, but I still like them. Now if only I had started much, much earlier...but why does that never happen for swaps?

Sugar Skull masks - by Jainnie Jenkins

Here are some other pics of my masks. Thanks for taking a look!
Jainnie

Sugar Skull masks - by Jainnie Jenkins

Sugar skull masks - by Jainnie Jenkins

Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:01:00 +0000

Some springtime and easter inspired clay creations...enjoy!


Filigree Rainbow Eggs - by Starless Clay, and Bonnie art doll - by Colleen Downs

Selection of Easter Cakes and Panoramic Easter Egg - by Sarah Maloney

Mouse with Easter Basket - by Elsyian Field Originals


Daffodil Cake with Chicks and Easter Charlotte Cake - by Sarah Maloney

Miniature Easter Display - by Caroline of Hummingbird Miniatures

Miniature Bunny Cookie Jar - by Blue Kitty Miniatures

Miniature Chick Cookie Jar - by Blue Kitty Miniatures

Easter Egg - by Signeera

Guild Member Spotlight - Peggy Davis

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:31:00 +0000


Peggy Davis - Steampunk Cuff

"I can't thing of anything in clay I wouldn't try," says PPPCG member, Peggy Davis. "I like steampunk because you can put just about anything on the item you are making and it will look pretty good!" Claying for only 3 years, Peggy says she loves to learn everything she can from the books and classes she takes.

Peggy Davis - Steampunk pendants

Peggy Davis - Flower & Butterfly clay and resin pendant, and Flower Cuff


Peggy Davis - Christi Friesen inspired Dragon, Rona Starvas Weitman inspired "Easter" necklace, and Flower clay and resin pendant

For the Rona Starvas Weitman inspired necklace above, Peggy says, "The colors remind me of Easter. I like these type of necklaces because you can just let your imagination go and create any type of beads."

Hopefully you will be inspired by the many different techniques here. Thanks for sharing with us, Peggy!

Faux Demo with Barb Harper

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:58:00 +0000

This past February, Barb Harper gave a terrific hands-on demonstration of faux techniques for guild members. She brought an abundance of visual inspiration for her faux bone, ivory and jade, including full color print-outs and art pieces from her own collection that she and other artists had made...enough in fact to fill two tables!

Eva Rosado (PPPCG member) - Faux bracelet

Barb demonstrated not only faux techniques, but also provided tips on finishing by applying light or dark colored paint, and also shared molds she had created to use with the faux clay. A very informative class, for sure! Thanks, Barb, for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

Tejae Floyde - An Artist with Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:07:00 +0000

"Live Artfully" Hanging Heart, by Tejae Floyde

With this being the month of love, it's time to spotlight what our guild member and webmistress, Tejae Floyde, has been up to!

"My passion is sculpting heart shaped art with meaningful messages," says Tejae. "My mission is love: to make the world a better, kinder, more loving place with the art I create and by providing heart keepsakes for others, to help nurture their relationships and show their love for one another."

Tejae's Encased Hearts Class at CraftEdu

After looking at her beautiful hearts, you know you'll want to learn how to make one. Jump on over to CraftEdu to check out Tejae's Encased Hearts Class, and even preview it for free! You still have time before Valentine's Day! But of course these are perfect for many different occasions, or just to show someone how much you care. :)

Make sure you also check out Tejae's blog for an exciting chance to win one of her mixed media hearts! This is her first year participating in the One World One Heart blog event in which participating bloggers each post something on their blog to give away. Tejae will be drawing a name on Feb. 17th to win this hanging heart...and look, there's a little polymer clay heart to tuck into the "love" pocket! Sweet! Just leave a comment with your name and blog address under the One World One Heart post. Good luck!

Make sure to also check out her new bronze hinged heart made from one of her favorite hearts. A perfect and very special Valentine's gift!

Thanks for all of the wonderful work you do, Tejae! You make the world a brighter, lovelier place!

PPPCG Library List

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

Here is a listing of the guild's library. If you have any books or dvds you'd like to recommend, please let us know. And of course, if you have any items to donate to our library, that would be fabulous!!

BOOKS:
Allen, Jamey - Five Directions In Polymer Clay
Aimone, Duncan Katherine - The Art of Polymer Clay
Aimone, Duncan Katherine - Beading With Crystals
Bananto, Nanette - Polymer Clay Jewelry
Belcher, Judy - Creative Traditions
Blackburn, Carol - Polymer Clay Beads
Cavender, Kim - Polymer Clay For the Fun of It
Carlson, Maureen - Fimo Folk
Carlson, Maureen - Clay Techniques with Pasta Machine
Claxton, Judy - Rubber Stamp Gifts
Dean, Irene Semanchuk - 20 Projects - Weekend Crafter
Dean, Irene Semanchuk - Faux Surfaces
Deeb, Margie - The Beader's Color Palette
Determa, Cecilia - Fimo Clay-Mates
Dierks, Leslie - Creative Clay Jewelry
Dierks, Leslie - Creating with Polymer Clay
Diffendaffer, Grant - Polymer Clay Beads
Ewy, Jana - Friendly & Fashionable
Friesen, Christi - Under The Sea
Friesen, Christi - Welcome to the Jungle
Friesen, Christi - Dragons
Friesen, Christi - Birds of a Feather
Friesen, Christi - Cats Big and Small
Friesen, Christi - Polymer Clay and Mixed Media
Dinko and Boris Tilov - Sculpting Mythical Creatures
Galvin, Lisa - Do-It-Yourself Décor
Gikow, Jacqueline - Creative Functional & Décor Objects
Hacker, Kathie - Making Great Impressions
Heaser, Sue - Polymer Clay Techniques Book
Heaser, Sue - Polymer Clay Jewelry
Holdman, Tina - Exploring the Rainbow
Hughes, Victoria - Polymer - The Chameleon Clay
Innes, Miranda - Jewelry
Jackson, Debbie - Polymer Clay Jewelry
Kato, Donna - Art of Polymer Clay
Kato, Donna - Surface Treatment
Kato, Donna - Millefiori Techniques
Kimle, Patricia - Polymer Clay Inspirations
Lareau, Mark - Wire Techniques
McCall, Sandra - Stamping Effects
Maguire, Mary - Polymer Claywork
McGuire, Barbara - Polymer Clay Design
McNeill, Suzanne - Classy Clay With Rubber Stamps & Wire
McNeill, Suzanne - Wire Jewelry
Pavelka, Lisa - Elegant Gifts
Pavelka, Lisa - Quick & Easy Gifts
Pavelka, Lisa - Polymer Clay Extravaganza
Peterson, Linda - Bead Techniques
Ralph, Emma - Get Creative with Polymer Clay
Reich, Cheryl - Polymer Clay Mixed Media Jewelry
Rufener, Shirley - New Techniques & PMC
Sargeant, Georgia - Adapting Quilting Patterns
Skinner, Judith & Sarajane Helm - 1000 Jewelry Inspiration
Salamony, Sandra - Polymer clay For Everyone
Thompson, Suzann - Melt Art Impressions
Weinbery, Suze - Totally Stamp Art Impressed
Weltman, Ronna Sarva - Ancient Modern PC & Wire Jewelry

VHS Tapes:
Carol Duvall Shows - V-CD-1 through V-CD-20
Carol Duvall Specials - Holidays
Carol Duvall Specials - Making $ With Crafts
Carol Duvall Specials - Cute Critters 1
Carol Duvall Specials - Cute Critters 2
DIY Network - Jewelry Making
DIY Network - Craft Lab
DIY Network - Craft Lab
Gibson, Gwen - Innovations PC Series
Gibson, Gwen - Master Artisan - Ancient Images
Hoivik, Lavonne - Miniature Fimo Flowers
Haunani, Lindley - Tantalizing Translucents
Crossan, Margene - Sculpting Characters
Roche, Nan - Special Techniques
Segal, Marie - Advanced Millefiori
Kato, Donna - Intro to Polymer Clay
Kato, Donna - Creating Vessels
Kato, Donna - Millefiori Basics
Kato, Donna - Potpourri of Polymer Clay Techniques

DVDs:
Belcher, Judy - Millefiori Story
Doroshow, Dayle - Inspiration - International China
Doroshow, Dayle - Inspiration - International Provence

Amy Vangsgard - Clay Illustrations

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 04:26:00 +0000

Amy Vangsgard - Finger Puppets, Advertisment for Focus Car Magazine, Ford Motor Company, 2002

Amy Vangsgard works in "painted clay relief" using polymer clay and acrylic paints, often mounting her pieces on painted masonite, then photographing her works for clients. She has done work for a variety of companies with her images being used in books, greeting cards, educational materials, magazines and more. I'm in awe. This artist has some extreme sculptural talent and a quirky, fun sense of humor. You've just gotta smile. :-)

Enjoy her website: http://www.amyvangsgard.com/
Amy's Zazzle Clay Shop: http://www.zazzle.com/amyvangsgard


Amy Vangsgard - Cake Woman, Certificate of Merit: Society of Illustrators Dimensional Salon, 2004

Amy Vangsgard, "Family Vacation"

January guild meeting postponed

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!

Our meeting today has been cancelled due to weather issues. We will have our faux demos in February.

Thanks!

Faux inspiration!

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 04:44:00 +0000

3 Bears made of faux ivory, by Luann Udell

Here are some links and inspiration to help get you revved up for our upcoming faux demos in 2011!

We'll be seeing demonstrations for making faux ivory/bone and jade. Here is a short supply list for you to start working on and gathering up before our meetings:

-- your usual polymer clay tools
-- at least 2 - 2oz. blocks of translucent polymer clay
-- at least 1 - 2oz. block of white polymer clay
-- at least 1 - 2oz. block of ecru OR beige clay
-- some small amounts of blue, green, and yellow polymer clays

Polymer Clay Daily has some posts on faux ivory and bone. Check out this post, from May 31st, on artists Luann Udell, Genevieve Williamson, and Elvira Lopez del Prado. And this one, from June 4th featuring Laurie Prophater. Sarajane Helm's site also has some examples of her Victorian Hand Beads made of faux ivory which I must say are quite exquisite!

Mixed-media necklace with faux bone pendant, by DesertWindDesigns

If you do a search on Polymer Clay Daily for faux jade, there are a number of posts as well. One of those mentioned Lynda Moseley's research which resulted in her discovering that there are six different colors of natural jade. Did you know that? I sure didn't!

Faux jade earring, by ojamaa9design

Asian necklace by Margit Böhmer

There are also different resources for you to learn about faux techniques. There are many books which include faux tutorials, with at least a couple of them having that as their focus:

Victoria (Tory) Hughes' book: Polymer - The Chameleon Clay
Irene Semanchuk Dean's book: Faux Surfaces in Polymer Clay

And of course, you can find lots of tutorials and tips online if you Google "faux ivory bone polymer clay" or "faux jade polymer clay."

These appear to be faux bone/ivory over pill bottles, by Michelle Ross

Are you excited?? People will be asking if your pieces are "faux" real! Haha. Okay, I couldn't resist!

December 2010 - Ornament swap, silent auction, and potluck!

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Suzanne K.'s mice ornaments -- all tucked in for a long winter's nap!

We had a wonderful time with the ornament swap, silent auction, and potluck this month. There were 10 members participating in the ornament swap with quite a diverse selection of ornaments! Our silent auction brought in money for the guild, and hopefully we can have even more offerings in the future (you know you don't need ALL those polymer clay books and videos you have!). Members had a great afternoon conversing with one another, sharing their polymer creations, and enjoying each other's culinary treats.

Upcoming demos for January and February: Faux

(Sorry that I still don't know all the guild members' names! When I get the names, I will credit them in the photos!)

The following pictures, as well as the one at the top of this post, are from the ornament swap.

An assortment of colorful filigree and caned trees, cactus, and more!

Mother and child ornaments

Cute polymer clay santas, angels and "gingerbread"!

Polymer "lights" by Jerry Hunt (I think that's who made them!)

Polymer xmas trees and other ornaments by Bev Pressey

Truly 3-dimensional snowflake ornaments by Barbara Watson! Made out of thin stamped cut-outs and assembled together. These lay flat, but open up when hanging.

Cookie ornaments -- good enough to eat!

Textured and cutout ornaments by Betty Wilkinson

Angels, ready to watch over you! Made by Barb Harper.


Slipper ornaments with plumeria flowers, by Jainnie Jenkins

Guild member with her polymer clay necklace. She had some pieces in our silent auction!

Guild members looking over the silent auction

Guild member's piece, inspired by Laurie Mika

Fabulous textured blues! Polymer clay necklace by a guild member.


A memorial piece made in honor of a guild member's husband. This is made up of tiles made by guild members.

Close-up of memorial frame

Guild members eyeing the goodies of the potluck!

Suzanne K.'s sleigh with rein-bugs! Undeniably cute!

Close-up of Suzanne's sleigh

Suzanne's rein-bugs (not sure what she calls them, but that's what I call them!) -- such cute expressions!!

Happy Holidays everyone! See you in January!!

Artist Doreen Kassel

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:58:00 +0000

Ornament made by Doreen Kassel

This evening I came across the artist, Doreen Kassel. I'm in love! This New Jersey artist is a former illustrator of children's books and products, and now makes the most delightfully quirky creatures.

Christmas ornament by Doreen Kassel

She forms and sculpts polymer clay over glass ornaments, then rubs layers of oil paint over them post-firing. There is something quite satisfying about being able to see the layers of clay and paint in her pieces, and her fine attention to detail with facial features and expressions.

Christmas Ornament by Doreen Kassel

I had to look up some of her inspirations -- E.H. Shepard and William Holbrook Beard -- and instantly recognized their works. Shepard is the Winnie-the-Pooh author, and Beard is known for his paintings of animals (most notably bears) engaged in human activity. I can only imagine the wondrousness of her dreams, and how charming and amusing to be surrounded by all of these creatures in her studio.

I'm going to bed tonight and dream of dancing bears.

Website: http://www.doreenkassel.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/uncommoncreatures
Be sure to also check out her tiles, jewelery, music boxes and adopt a piglet pages!

Polyform Products decides to keep zinc yellow and cobalt blue

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:56:00 +0000

After much disappointment and uproar amongst the polymer clay community, Polyform Products has issued a statement on their Facebook page (on page 5 of comments):

Polyform has reviewed all of your heartfelt comments in reference to Premo Cobalt Blue and Premo Zinc Yellow. In response to your needs we are going to find a way to keep these colors available for you. We will work with distributors and will post the information as soon as we finalize the details.

To answer some of your other concerns:
Frost has been renamed White Translucent in order to clarify it’s color to new users. The color has not changed.

Copper has changed, there will be a color recipe to create the older version of this color. The new Copper color is closer to the color of a new copper penny.

The fluorescent colors have been discontinued. Two new colors, Wasabi and Candy Pink, are quite bright and sure to make a “color pop” in your creations.

The recipes for discontinued colors, with the exception of the fluorescent colors, will be available. Many of the recipes use new colors so releasing the formulas now will not help you. We’ll release the formulas on January 3rd when the new colors are going to be available to ship.

We are really excited about our new line of Premo Accents, Premo and Sculpey III, as we’re sure you will be. Designers who have already used these colors are singing their praises. They’re on trend, as well as colors designers have requested.

Your comments were heard, your loyalty appreciated.

Hooray for everyone who took a part in this issue. It's great to know that collectively, we can make a difference! A big thank you to Polyform for listening to the clayers!!

New and Discontinued Colors from Polyform

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:51:00 +0000

(Note: This blog post is meant to be informative on the issue at hand, and reflects the opinions of the blog mistress, not of the PPPCG)


Carol Simmons' pendants made with colors mixed with Zinc Yellow and Cobalt Blue. Thanks to Lindly Haunani for posting this on her site.

There has been a LOT of buzz on the internet regarding Polyform's decision to discontinue the primary colors of Zinc Yellow and Cobalt Blue. According to Polyform, they will have recipes for many of the discontinued colors...but I think we will have to wait and see about that. For those who have done color scales/mixing using books such as "Polymer Clay Color Inspirations," and incorporated these colors in their palette, this is a serious blow.

Here are some links with information and comments on the issue:

Carol Simmons Designs: Say It Isn't So

Polyform Products (Facebook Page): New Colors! (and note: discontinued ones!)

Lindly Haunani: Not So Colorful Changes

Crafty Goat's Notes: New (and Discontinued!) Premo Colors Announced

Tonja's Treasures: Polyform Follow Up: The Upset Continues

Polymer Clay Central Forums: Post Our Opinions on Premo Color Changes
Polymer Clay Central Forums: Premo Rant - Colors Discontinued in 2011

Polyform has descriptions of their new colors (and lists of discontinued ones) on the Facebook link above (the 2nd link). Here is what they posted:

We are bursting with excitement – new colors with endless possibilities are just around the corner. It’s an unbelievable line-up with colors you requested. Have you ever imagined . . .
• Peacock Pearl –eye-catching in lustrous, confident extravagance
• Magenta Pearl – Glowing romance translated into art
• Sunshine – innocence as sweet as a day running through the sprinkler
• Navy – shades of royalty, commanding an audience
• Pomegranate – juicy, rich and irresistible on the tip of the tongue
• Denim – your favorite pair still fit, go ahead, try them on
• Bronze – statuesque brilliance glimmering in view
• Antique Gold – The classics are hard to ignore
• Bright Green Pearl – dew kissed spring grass glistening in the morning sun
These are only a few of the fabulous line-up of new premo! colors.

Watch for our 2011 New Line of premo! Accents
• Magenta Pearl • Purple Pearl
• Bright Green Pearl • Peacock Pearl
• Translucent Blue • Translucent Red
• Translucent Yellow • Translucent Yellow
• Translucent Green • Blue Glitter
• Red glitter • Frost White Glitter
• 18K Gold • Copper – updated color
• Antique Gold • Bronze
• Blue Granite • White Granite
• Gray Granite • White Translucent – replaces Frost

New 2011 premo! Colors
• Denim • Spanish Olive
• Navy Blue • Blush
• Wasabi • Pomegranate
• Candy Pink • Sunshine
• Rhino Gray

The following [Premo] colors are discontinued: Red Pearl, Green Pearl, Cobalt Blue, Sea Green, Copper, Zinc Yellow, Frost, Fluorescent Green, Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Red and Glow-In-The-Dark – We’ll have recipes for most on our website.

Here’s the buzz about new Sculpey colors – fresh and trendy, always a crowd pleaser –

New for 2011 Sculpey III colors
• Pewter • Jewelry Gold
• Copper • Suede Brown
• Fuchsia Pearl • Glow-In-The-Dark
• Plum • Deep Red Pearl
• Candy Pink • Sky Blue
• Lemonade

The following [Sculpey] colors are discontinued: Lt. Pink Pearl, Vanilla Crème, Pale Pistachio, Sunshine, Pottery, Stonewash, Tomato Red, Sunset, Ivory, Atomic Orange and Lemon. We’ll have recipes for most on our website.

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It will be interesting to see just how many recipes they actually have for those discontinued colors, and how close they are to those colors. But as many have stated in forums and blog posts and comments, you cannot mix a primary, such as zinc yellow or cobalt blue, so don't get your hopes up on seeing recipes for those.

I'm sure many are curious about the new colors coming out, and time will tell if those will be lasting or just another trend. I can't imagine going into a craft store looking for that new color that looks like "innocence as sweet as a day running through the sprinkler." Seriously?

Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments by artbylilin

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Gingerbread Cookies Ornaments, originally uploaded by artbylilin.

Need some holiday inspiration? Check out these crazy cute clay gingerbread ornaments from Flickr user, artbylilin. I just love the subtle texture on the "cookies" and how she makes extruded clay look like icing. She also shows how you can take a simple form (the gingerbread man) and create many different variations of it.

Start digging out those cookie cutters you never use in the kitchen and start utilizing them in your crafts!

Kokeshi Dolls by sämyii

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:42:00 +0000

kokeshi dolls, originally uploaded by ::sämyii::.

Here is another burst of color for you on this Friday!

Sämyii, from Macerata, Italy, makes some of the cutest things. These colorful kokeshi dolls with their somewhat rigid, polymer clay hair toppers just tickle me pink! I love them.

Made with a wooden base, she bakes on the clay "hair," wraps around fabric for the clothing, and paints on facial features. So simple, yet so fantastic! Who says polymer clay has to be difficult?

Check out her Flickr site for more pics and other handmade items, as well as her Etsy shop!

Tammy Durham - A color and texture wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Tammy Durham Polymer clay art inspired by Gustav Klimt, originally uploaded by Tammy Durham.

One of the things I love about Tammy Durham's work is her bold use of color and texture. This Colorado based artist/illustrator and painter found polymer clay in recent years, and it is evident that she enjoys the medium. Her recent work, inspired by Gustav Klimt, is like looking into a candy store. I can't help but smile and want to savor every little piece!

Tammy has found traveling a source of inspiration and food for the creative soul. Among the many places she has visited are Spain, Madrid, Italy, Montreal, and Aruba, and she has even recently resided in the South of France! What a lucky woman.

If you would like to travel through Tammy's artwork, you may do so through her website, www.TammyDurham.com, or through Flickr.

Polymer clay tissue box - by Jen Dott

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:57:00 +0000

I love seeing new, unusual, and creative ways to use polymer clay. This artist, Jen Dott, had me laughing! Who nose (excuse the pun) what she'll do next!!

Get ready for December's Guild Meeting!

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:10:00 +0000

Here are some of the happenings for December 12th:

1. Ornament Swap: If you are interested, please email Barb at flyinbarb (at) aol (dot) com. This is the correct email address (no "g" in it). Participants will make 11 ornaments, one of which will be donated to the guild's silent auction. You will get back 10 different ornaments from other participants.

Ornaments should be made of polymer clay but can be embellished with anything you wish. Include a hook or some way of hanging the ornament and attach your name to the ornament.

Please contact Barb if you would like to participate but can't make it to the meeting. Arrangements can be made for you to mail your ornaments to her.

2. Silent Auction: Bring your old polymer clay, tools, supplies, books, and even polymer clay items to donate to the silent auction. All proceeds go back to the guild.

3. POTLUCK: We are having a bring-your-favorite-dish potluck. I heard something, I think from Kaye, that there can never be too many desserts! Please remember to bring serving utensils if your dish requires it.

See you then!

November Demo by Peggy Davis - Spirit Doll Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:48:00 +0000

At our November meeting, Peggy Davis showed us how to make Spirit Doll Pins. She cuts out the shapes and imprints texture on them using texture plates or other textured items, and dusts them with various Pearl-ex colors. Kato liquid polyclay is used sparingly to attach small pieces of clay to the main piece. A few holes are added around the sides for embellishments post-baking. Don't forget to add some seed beads for eyes!

When the pieces are done baking and are cool, Peggy adds beads, charms, and different types of yarns (fun furs, eyelash yarns, etc.) for hair or to just give your Spirit Doll a really wild look! The possibilities are endless. You can easily make these into ornaments, gift tags, or whatever your heart desires.

Thank you, Peggy, for showing us this wonderful project!

Hello from your new Blog Mistress!

noreply@blogger.com (Jainnie Jenkins) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:25:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

My name is Jainnie and I am your new Blog Mistress for PolyTalk. I kind of love that title, "Blog Mistress." It makes me think of pirates for some reason...like, "There's me olde blog mistress! Bloggin' about clay and other nonsense!"

I've done polymer clay for quite awhile. Recently I found a piece that was dated "2002," so I think it's safe to say I've been working with clay off and on over 10 years. I love making cute things, unusual things, textured things, and beautiful things. There are still lots of techniques I'd love to learn. Like a lot of crafters, I have a TON of craft supplies.

I'm hoping to feature guild members from time to time, and showcase their work. If you have pics of your polymer clay items, please send them to me. Or, you can bring them to a guild meeting and I will take pics of them with my nifty, handy digital SLR camera.

Please make sure to check out our PPPCG Facebook Group. What's cool about that is it's a way for guild members to stay connected between meetings. You can post comments, questions, links, and photos, and there is even a chat feature, if you like to do that. I was telling those who haven't plunged into Facebook that you have the option of how involved you want to be, so really, it's not scary at all. Technology can be a good thing!

Here are some pics (not the best, most were taken quite awhile back!) of a small sampling of my work over the years:

Little Bear

Fan Pendant with stamped images and texture

Pendant, based upon Desiree McCrorey's Moss Agate Bead tutorial


Polymer Clay Hair Clips - The one in the middle is made with a rubber stamp and texture, the bottom one I made with my own texture plate made out of dried alphabet pasta

"Cloisonné" Pendant - stamped, then filled in with tinted liquid clay

Morning Glory Pendant with canework

Little Geisha girl pins

Ramen Noodle Bowl pins - it's tricky making the noodles. You need a color that looks right and you also have to cut the noodles so they have straight sides. If you just roll them out, they tend to look like spaghetti or worse yet, worms!

"Gecko-lele" - I loved geckos and anoles when I was in Hawaii. They were everywhere. I also learned to play the ukulele. Thus, "Gecko-lele" was born. He was a small guy and I was afraid he'd burn in the oven when firing, so he stayed in the raw state. The ukulele is now partly broken off. I guess there will be another one sometime!