Summertime

Summertime memories; where to begin?  Remembering waaay back to when I was younger, my friends and I would be outside all day.  Never complained that it was too hot, we rode bikes, ran around all day and just had plain fun.  We didn't depend on computers, cell phones, or any other technology like the kids do nowadays.  We thought of things to do to keep occupied and didn't complain because we were bored.  As I grew older and got married, summer was a time for vacations at the ocean, swimming, cook-outs with friends and days spent at the ball fields with my girls, watching softball games!  Now, we still go swimming {though I can't stand too much heat 8-)}, still attend softball games with my youngest daughter {with the rain this year, many games were canceled}, and vacations consist of camping {in an air-conditioned trailer!}  When I think of summer, I think of brightness, smells of freshly mowed grass, charcoal grilling, peppermint sticks in lemons, sitting on my deck and watching the lightening bugs, to name but a few.  Of course, there are more memories and activities, but, I don't want to bore you.

Here's to hoping everyone has a safe, enjoyable summer.

Think summer, think hot and just look at this Red Hot Copper set from Amazing Designs:

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--81862_product_115677164_thumb_large.jpg

What would summer be without celebrating our independence, and thinking about all the men and women still serving our great country.  Check out this set by BLeeKreations;

 

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--60000--48149_product_526724293_thumb_crop.jpg 

Of course, what would summer be without taking a trip to the ocean.  I love this piece by treeseaoriginals:

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--15118_product_1164646083_thumb_crop.jpg

There are so many wonderful artisans in our group.  I hope you have time to see for yourself and check out the polymer clay smooshers blog at http://www.polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com/


Til next time, remember;

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Orange week at the smooshers

The first thing that came to mind when I read the topic of the week was sunny Florida.  I remember the first time we went, seeing all the orange trees and picking up the hint of that wonderful fragrance.  Ahh, just something so special about it.  And, when I think of Florida, I also think of going to the Coco beach, the wonderful tropical flowers and, of course, Disney World.  This was my late husband's favorite vacation spot.  Isn't it funny how one word can conjer up so many memories?!!

Here is a beautiful piece from ArtsyClay:

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--82163_product_746776009_thumb_large.jpg

What a great way to keep sunshine in your life always.  Check out Clay It Again:

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--5434_product_1901143722_thumb_large.jpg


Not quite orange, but look at this beautiful tropical piece by tonjastreasures:

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--60000--57801_product_417573458_thumb_large.jpg

Hope you all can find wonderful memories with just a word.

Til next time:

"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." - Emile Zola (1840-1902)

Yea May

Happy May everyone!!

I began using polymer clay to make jewelry a little over a year ago.  I wanted to expand my line, add pieces that were unique, and, ok I admit it, be able to say "I made that by hand."  Not having ever worked with polymer before, I began researching on the internet.  I also bought many books from famous polymer artisans; Lisa Pavelka and Donna Kato to name a few {Amazon.com is a great place to get the books and are usually less expensive than stores.  I have even bought used books at great prices}.  This served to get my creative juices going and I jumped in with both hands.  I love it!   

If you are interested in learning how to work with polymer clay, there are multiple books, videos and tutorials that can be found out there.  Trust me, I know from experience and hours of searching. 8-}  One great site I found was for weekly tutorials by Cindy Lietz.  There is a small yearly fee, however, with that you have access to weekly video tutorials, member support and many, many ideas.  Cindy is very knowledgeable about working with polymer clay and all the varied techniques there are.  She makes things very easy to understand and duplicate.  She is offering a free tutorial of a technique she developed, called the teardrop blend.  This is a variation of the skinner blend, which mixes colors in a seamless range, usually from light to dark tones.  To view this free tutorial, check out the following link;

http://tinyurl.com/teardrop-blend


If you are familiar with Cindy, you know how helpful she can be.  If you aren't, take my advice and watch the video, see how you like it, and if you think you might want to give claying a try, keep her in mind for her wonderful tutorials.   

Till next time remember............

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

- Walt Disney (1901-1966)