TOODLESOCKS STUDIO~ooak polymer clay art dolls & artisan jewelry by Sue Anne Bartocci McConnell

A passion for polymer clay and sculpting ....this time, a penguin with an egg!

2015-07-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

Having a passion for something good......anything that fulfills you and is good for others, is much more important in life than making lots of money, buying expensive cars,etc. I have been so fortunate to have found my passion in sculpting. Even though I fight a tremor from Parkinson's, I find joy in creating from clay. I have had new cars and even new houses, only to find an empty feeling. You know how you want to keep going into the garage and smelling that new car smell only to realize that it's not enough to fulfill you? What I find fulfillment in is creating something new! I find joy in knowing that my work is gracing the homes of people all over the world! How lucky I am!

I guess I'm in a introspective state of mind this evening.

I just sent one of my creations to Kentucky. It was a penguin with an egg. The egg was removable from the penguin....my own design and idea. At least, I have never seen another sculpt like that. For me, clay and art is what it's all about. I'm going to be working on a vulture for my daughter-in-law and hope to show it to you soon! Oh! I also have two goth dolls ready for fall and Halloween! I look forward to showing you soon!+

Bessie Bluebird

2015-03-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I think everyone is ready for a little bit of spring, so here is my contribution! Bessie is the second baby bluebird I have sculpted. She is about 1½ inches tall. She has a wire armature in her little birdie feet to make them more secure. I have been sculpting my animals with ProSculpt clay and it's far stronger than Fimo or Sculpey.

Tomorrow, watch for a newborn puppy!

Oma The Ostrich

2015-03-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

I'm back with some new animal sculptures! First up is a 6 inch ostrich named Oma. She comes on a base and will be shipped in her own altered box. I used Pro Sculpt for this piece and then I painted her with Genesis paints. Isn't she adorable?

Keep watching for my next two pieces! Although I may repeat animals, no two will ever be just alike because I never mold my own work. Each piece is individually sculpted.

Here is the link to Oma's Ebay auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171705921663?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Hand Sculpted Polymer Clay Miniature Bulldogs And Doberman

2014-09-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

This are my last three custom/commissioned pieces, a doberman, a mama bulldog, and a brindle colored bulldog. I will not be taking anymore requests for a while so that I can feel free to sculpt whatever comes to my mind. I'm really wanting to sculpt another ostrich, baby elephant, and an maybe an anteater! Whatever animal I sculpt, dog or other, I spend time researching that breed or species. I look at the way the eyes are set, the coloring, the length of its tail and whether or not it should be docked (although I hate that practice.).
Please watch for my work under my Ebay name, Toodlesocks. I will also post my work on here whenever I have something new.

OOAK Maltese polymer clay sculpture

2014-06-26T12:34:00.004-07:00

Here is my latest commissioned piece, a sweet little Maltese. I used the owner's dog (as pictured below) for reference. With Parkinson's Disease, the biggest challenge for me is putting in the lines for hair texture because I have to hold and turn the piece with my shaky left hand. Somehow, with determination, I still manage to detail my work. I sculpted the Maltese from white Sculpey and then painted it with white genesis paint which gave it a more finished look. She has onyx eyes and one of my hand dyed shabby silk ruffles around her neck.

I am looking forward to my next order,two more bull dogs! One of them will be have a brindle colored coat, so I'm hoping Genesis paints will work well for that look. I am enjoying a lazy summer, but keep my fingers in my clay so I don't lose my touch. If you are interested in ordering one of my OOAK dogs, please contact me at toodlesocks@yahoo.com. Unfortunately, at this time, I am not sculpting human babies or fairies. They require a much steadier hand than I currently have. One of these days, I might give in and have deep brain stimulation (DBS), but I'm hoping a new and more effective medication will be discovered before I have to make that decision.

Next month, we are going on a big family fishing trip. My husband assures me that my tremor will attract the fish as it causes my fishing pole to shake. Hey, you have to have a sense of humor to get through some of life's challenges!

Bulldog puppies in their new home!

2014-06-12T19:32:00.003-07:00

I was thrilled to find out that the collector who ordered two baby bulldogs from me found nursery items for them! They are two lucky bulldogs to be in such a loving home! I am amazed that they fit so perfectly in their bed, rocking horse, and walker! I hope you enjoy these cute pics.

If you are interested in my work, please contact me at toodlesocks@yahoo.com

A polymer clay hand sculpted OOAK miniature Schnauzer

2014-05-16T17:44:00.001-07:00

I'm on a roll with dogs. In fact, I have a list of special orders for them. I just finished this sweet little Schnauzer that you see in the photos above. Next on my list is a baby bull dog, one of my favorites to sculpt! The collector has asked me to make it jointed and I love doing that too!

Earlier today, a fellow Wheaten owner asked me if I have sculpted a Wheaten. Interestingly enough, I have not, but I have my own model for one with George, our 3 year old Wheaten. He has a summer cut right now though, so I'll wait for him to grow out his coat before I use him as my model. I have not sculpted a Wire Hair Fox Terrier, like our beloved Millie who was 14 years old when we lost her 3 years ago. I would love to add one to my list!

Polymer Clay Yorkie Puppy Dog Sculpture

2014-05-08T17:14:00.002-07:00

This cute little Yorkie is a commissioned piece that I just shipped out yesterday. This is my first Yorkie, and, actually, my first longer haired puppy. I used professional Pro Sculpt clay to sculpt this little one, then I used Genesis paints, which blend so easily for coloring a two toned animal. Her eyes are tiny onyx beads. I think her profile is darling and so are the little pads on her feet. The clay balls that I roll for them are about the size of a pinhead. As always, I altered a box for this one, but forgot to take pics of it before I sent it. It was exceptionally cute, too!

Next up is another commissioned puppy, a Schnauzer! It will be my first one for that particular breed. After that, I have a request for another baby bulldog and I love sculpting those!

If you would like to place an order for a puppy, please write me at toodlesocks@yahoo.com. I will add you to my list!

OOAK Polymer Clay Bulldog Puppies

2014-04-16T10:40:00.002-07:00

I don't think that ending an auction on tax day was a very good idea. Therefore, I have relisted my bulldog puppy set with "buy it now" or "best offer" options! Here is the new listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=171302677436

I hope these puppies find a new home! They don't bark and are very house trained! All they need is someone to love them! The don't even require dog food!

Baby bulldogs altered box

2014-04-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the altered box that I made for the bulldog puppies! I alter a box for each of my creations. As you can see, this one has various doggie ephemera on it, as well as a small doily, lace, ribbon, vintage dictionary pages, etc. The puppies, lying in their basket, fit well, with enough room left over for safe shipping. I don't think I listed the link to the auction here on my blog so here it is:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171295767028?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Three OOAK hand sculpted bulldog puppies!

2014-03-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

There was a photo of 3 bulldog puppies on FaceBook the other day. They were so darling! So, the other day, when I was pondering about what to sculpt next, my husband suggesteed that I sculpt those puppies. Here they are!
I sculpted them from Pro Sculpt polymer clay and then I lightly painted them with Genesis white paint, which is more transparent than acrylic paint, thus giving the impression of light baby fur with "skin" showing through.
I really enjoyed working on these three doggies. They are about 2 inches to 2They are made from Pro Sculpt and then I used Genesis heat set paints to give them a very light suggestion of white new born
They are about 2 in. to 2¼ in. long, just the right size for the palm of your hand! I'll be listing them on Ebay soon! I'll show you the link here on my blog.

Bunny Bella, jointed bunny

2014-03-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

I have another new bunny finished! Her name is Bunny Bella and she is wearing her new spring hat! Of course, nothing about her looks new....I hope! My intention is to make my work look old and vintage or antique.

I jointed her at the arms and legs, but her right ear keeps the right arm from moving much. I used plain old sculpey to make this lop eared bunny. I like its matte finish. Pro Sculpt and Fimo have a shinier finish when cured.

Watch for more bunnies! I'm in a bunny kind of mood!

Here's her auction link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=171274810950

Bunny Fifi

2014-03-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is the second of the two bunnies I showed you earlier. The first one was a commissioned piece. This one is up for grabs! Her name is "Bunny Fifi."

I used waxed cord to joint this bunny. I like to use it because I can pull a tight knot in it so the arms and legs are not too floppy and loose. She has tiny black beads for eyes and a hand dyed silk ruffle around her neck. I used an antique stain to give her a vintage look.

Each of my pieces is created one at a time, so no two are just alike. Because they are unique, and not manufactured, they make wonderful heirloom collectibles for you to pass down in your family.

Think Spring with these two vintage style bunnies!

2014-02-13T19:29:00.002-08:00

Here are my first two bunnies for spring 2014! The one on the right is already sold, but the one on the left is available now. If not sold here on my blog, I will list it on Ebay soon! Both are jointed like teddy bears with moveable arms and legs. I jointed them with some waxed Irish linen string. They are about 4 inches sitting and 5 inches with their legs extended. The ears were sculpted over heavy wire armatures for extra strength.

Tiny "stitches" make them look hand sewn, but they are, of course, sculpted from polymer clay!

Please contact me at toodlesocks@yahoo.com if you are interested in my work!

2014-01-29T21:27:00.000-08:00

My grandkids are crazy about the Disney movie,"Frozen," so I sculpted these cute "Olaf's" for both of them for Valentine's Day. I used real twigs from my front yard for the arms and hair and sprinkled each snowman with some fairy dust, for my own special touch! Each is holding a tiny hand sculpted heart. I plan to make an ornament for each holiday to hang on their arms. I'll make a shamrock, an Easter egg, a flag, etc. Snowmen like to celebrate the Fourth of July too!

Next up is a commissioned bunny and maybe one I can sell on Ebay!

2014-01-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

This is my most recent work, a baby orangutan named Martin. He was a commissioned piece for a collector in Nevada. See his hands? I sculpted them using my technique that you will find in my "hand tutorial" here on my blog.
Part 1:
http://toodlesocks.blogspot.com/2010/11/hand-tutorial-part-1.html

Part 2:
http://toodlesocks.blogspot.com/2010/11/hand-tutorial-part-2.html

No one ever taught me this technique. I came up with it myself. If I can make tiny hands and fingers while having Parkinson's disease, you can surely make them too!

New Baby Giraffe!

2013-12-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

I was commissioned to sculpt one of my baby animals. My customer said she would be happy with any of them, so I decided to sculpt another baby giraffe. In between Bunco parties, my kids coming home for Thanksgiving, and Christmas shopping, I was happy to finish this baby and get it off to it's new home yesterday! It will arrive in a custom altered box embellised with old dictionary pages and giraffe ephemera. I should have taken a photo of it before I shipped. Darn!

I used Fimo clay for this little guy. He has onyx eyes and has been painted with acrylics followed by a stain to give him a vintage look. I pencil in the free style pattern of his spots before painting.

Hopefully, I will find some time to make a couple of Christmas themed animals for Ebay, so please keep watch!

2013-10-01T14:43:00.001-07:00

These are my new bohemian style inspiration bracelets. Everyone can use some encouragement from time to time. The first one says "I believe" on one side. Flip the focal bead over and it says "in miracles!" The second bracelet is actually like two in one! If you need patience one day, use that side. Need some intregity, flip it over to that side!

I tediously transfer and center words onto the focal beads, then seal them for permanency.

These bracelets are stretchy, so they are easily worn and removed. Each one is one of a kind. I try not to repeat a bead on any one bracelet. Various and appropriate charms are added for swing and movement!

Here are the links to these two, but watch for more. Christmas is right around the corner!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171139408465?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171139998187?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

2013-10-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love this time of the year! I am inspired to create creatures to help keep you company while you sit by a fire, eat popcorn, and watch Halloween movies! Here are my current pieces of work, a pumpkin man with Beetle Juice stripes on his pants, and a creepy Goth kitty. Perry Pulp and Banshee would love to haunt your house! Banshee comes with one of my little pumpkins and Perry is really fun to pose in various positions. He is quite a mischievous looking little guy. I enjoy having him, and the cat, sit on my shelf until they go to their new homes!

If you would like to bring one or both of these creatures to live with you, here are the links:

Perry Pulp:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171139332760?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Banshee and her pumpkin:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171139362643?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Shabby Chic altered lampshade DIY

2013-09-07T16:24:00.001-07:00

I embellished a plain lampshade for a friend. I used ribbon trim around the bottom of the shade and flowers and beaded sprays, all from Hobby Lobby. A hot glue gun, wire cutters, and scissors are all you need for tools. The lighting for these photos was not the best. The colors are actually off white and pale aqua. Don't spend money on the pre-made ones. Do it yourself!

Repurposed vintage keys, "Believe" and "Trust"

2013-08-23T20:47:00.004-07:00

I have altered two old keys that I found at estate sales. I love to use vintage dictionary pages in my work, so I have wrapped the stems of these keys with the definitions of "believe" and "trust." They are gentle reminders to keep your thoughts positive. I sealed the papers and sparkled them for a magical look. I further embellished them with some bead dangles.
I collect old dictionaries wherever I can find them. Keys too!

Oh! The third necklace is one of my layerd pieces. I use a brass bib for the base. I blacken it for an aged look. The coin focal point has a rhinestone chain around it.

All of my work is one of a kind. I may use similar or the same elements but they are always designed in a unique way.

You can find these necklaces on my Ebay sister site under the Ebay name "Oldstorybooks," where I list other vintage and antique finds. Here are the links:

Believe

Trust

Coin necklace

Harold's Halloween ~ a jointed bear and pumpkins!

2013-08-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Silly me, I forgot to give you the link to my auction. Here it is!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171098691287?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Harold's Halloween ~ a Shabby Sweetie bear and his pumpkins!

2013-08-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here is my first sculpt for the Fall 2013 season! Harold is jointed with heavy duty thread. He wears a hat made from a vintage dictionary page. The black ruffle is silk and he wears an orange bell around his neck. He comes with 3 sparkly pumpkins! Not only that, but he comes in a box that I altered just for him!

I sculpt with Parkinson's Disease. I used to think about how lucky I was to have a passion for sculpting and how I would be doing it until my nineties. Then, the tremor in my left hand started. It began with a twitch in my thumb. I thought it was just one of those twitches that everyone gets from time to time. But, it got worse. I was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I had to learn new ways to do my work. Often, I have to lay my work on my desk, rather than hold it in my left hand. Paint must be applied quickly...in between shakes! I started out with primitive pieces and have found some peace and happiness going back to them, although I might just try a realistic baby one of these days!

I don't know how much longer I can do this, but I will continue until it's no longer possible. I hope that you won't let obstacles get in the way of your life, your loves. Please don't let the elephant in the room make you quit! Work around it. Never give up!

A repurposed sauerkraut jar! DIY

2013-08-05T13:14:00.002-07:00

Here is another repurposed jar, this one a sauerkraut jar. It now holds tealights! The knob was on clearance at Anthropolgy. I sanded the lid, but not completely. Then I used Ranger's alcohol ink to age it. I made the label using my collage maker and a vintage image from The Graphic's Fairy. This one is going to my daughter-in-law for her birthday. This could be used for an inexpensive hostess gift so save those jars!

Polymer clay sculptng tutorials and a tip.

2013-07-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to check out my sculpting tutorials. I offer free instructions for sculpting baby hands and faces. I would do videos, but I doubt you would want to see my hand shake throughout! Fortunately, the tremor is in my left hand, although the neurologist says it will ultimately go to the other side Meanwhile, I will sculpt!

My tutorial for baby faces can be applied to older faces. It all involves nudges of the clay, the amount of clay, and thinning out the face.

Don't give up! I have my down times, but, somehow, my determination wins.

A tip:
Don't be afraid to mimic someone else's work. Many of the masters learned by mimicking. Eventually, your own style will evolve.