Under The Sea

With summer fast approaching, even though weather in a portion of the country may not seem like it, My thoughts have turned to the beach and the ocean.  I'm glad that I live within an hour of the Atlantic Ocean.  I don't think I could go very long without the sight of the pounding surf and the tang of ocean air. 

Every year, my husband and I walk the beaches in Maine.  I've found everything from starfish, shells and driftwood to a lobster pot that had pulled loose from its moorings during a storm and washed ashore.  So this week's Polymer Clay Smooshers Guilds blog roll post is apropos  of the coming season.

 As I've stated before, polymer clay lends itself brilliantly to creating all sorts of art.  The following pieces show its versatility and the talent of the people working with it.

Marina The Mermaid by Creative Critters  is a whimsical piece of marine art.  I love the fish that is sticking its tongue out!

While a piranha isn't technically from the sea, I just love this one' toothy grin.
SteamPunk Piranha by Desert Rubble

This Sand Dollar Pendant by Bead Comber  reminds me of the sand dollars I've found walking the ocean's edge.  Except this one's whole.  I usually find them after they've been battered against the beach.

 

I don't know if Koi are fresh or salt water fish but this Orange Koi Cane by Art Maker's Worlds  is amazing.

I love the expressions on the fish faces on this Whimsical Tropical Fish Candle Holder by KKS Polymer Cly Art

Now, after seeing all these wonderful ocean related items, I really need to get myself to the beach!

Exterminate!

My son is getting married soon and he asked me to make a set of bride and groom wedding cake toppers.  He wanted a pair of Daleks from Dr. Who (yes, he is a geek).  Here is the the groom part of the set.

Groom Dalek

Creatures In Polymer Clay

Polymer clay lends itself well to sculpting.  Pieces can be sculpted in stages, baked, and put together either using a glue suitable for polymer clay or liquid polymer clay which is then baked again to cure it.  Or the polymer clay pieces can be sculpted as a whole and then baked.  Polymer clay is sturdy, once baked and can be sanded and painted, as desired, after it is cured.

These artists of the Polymer Clay Smoosher's Guild on Art Fire have mastered the technique of sculpting with polymer clay.  The pieces I've featured run the gambit from the sublime to the whimsical.


This Moss Green and Lavender Dragon Pendant Necklace by Fantasy Clay  
looks like she has a secret that she might be willing to share.

The Octopus With Glo-In-The-Dark Skull Halloween Collectable by Creation In Clay
has a steam punk feel to it.
                                                                                              

 

This White Baby Mouse Cake Topper Ornament by Quernus Crafts 

is adorable and would wonderful on any baby shower cake.

The Polymer Clay Frog - Girl by Handmade Specialties     could sit on your child's shelf or inspire their imagination to put on a puppet show.

 

anyone would love this whimsical  Zebra Necklace by Black Dog Jewelry   

  On the whole, polymer clay is a versatile medium that lends itself readily to sculpting using various different techniques. 

Hello Yellow

So, this week's topic for the Polymer Clay Smoosher's Guild Blog Roll is the color yellow.  Now, yellow is not one of my favorites when it comes to clothing, but I must say I found some gorgeous examples while looking through member's shops.

This Bold Tropical Bracelet by Desert Wind Designs is reminiscent of the hot tropical sun on vibrant flowers.

   






  The Glow In The Dark Gold KokopelliDancers + Suns Tribal Candle Holder by Creative Critters  has yellow suns to highlight the golds and blues of the piece.

The sunny yellow flowers on these Millefiori Angel Earrings by Harrison Hollow Designs  are both delicate and elegant.

The Fairy Flower Pendant by KaelMijoy  is a gorgeous piece of cane work.

And last, but not least, is this yummy Sweet Surprise - Polymer Clay Desserts Necklace by Mystical Me Designs  

the yellow cupcake looks good enough to eat!

Mokume-Gane In Polymer Clay

Mokume-Gane is a mixed metal laminate with distinctive layered pattern, in which sheets of metal were stacked and heated to form strips that could be forged and carved to increase the pattern's complexity.  Developed in Japan in the 17th century. it was mostly used for sword fittings until a decline in the katana industry forced artisans proficient in this art into making purely decorative items.

The mokume-gane technique can be used with polymer clay.  The technique consists of different colored  sheets of clay that are stacked, then textured using a variety of tool and cutters.  The resulting block of clay is then thinly sliced to reveal the interesting pattern created.  These thinly sliced pieces can then be used as a veneer on any polymer clay piece that you choose. 

Another method is to roll out sheets of  different colors of polymer clay on the thickest setting of your pasta machine.  Then applying different materials, such as, gold or silver leaf, acrylic paints, mica powders, or alcohol based inks.  You let these applications dry, then press them together firmly and top the entire stack with an unpainted sheet or polymer clay.  Then you texture and slice the block, using the same method as mentioned above.

I've never had much luck at this technique.  I think I need a new and sharper clay blade to make it work but the following artists from the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild on Art Fire have mastered this intricate technique.


 Greystone Pink Layered Polymer Clay Pendant Necklace by Art Asylum

Polymer Clay Mokume-Gane Pendant by Sharp Art By Dawna      

Stars and Asteroids Art Bracelet by Drunkenmimes