Outside the box

The polymer clay smooshers guild has regular challenges.  This months theme was beach.  The challenge is not mandatory, but, a way for the artisans to "think outside the box" and create something we may not have otherwise thought to do.  I had several ideas for the challenge and ended up with a necklace that incorporates some new techniques, new to me that is. 

I think I am most pleased with the palm tree and the parrots.  If other artists are like me, they rethink and critique their work all the time.  Even though I love this necklace, I keep wondering how it would look if the shells and parrots were set a little different, maybe lengthwise vs hanging off the stringing wire.  I'll keep looking at it...and critiquing....and looking....and critiquing...and....

Saturday show

It was a gorgeous day for a show....as long as one had some shade.  Nice breeze, plenty of people, just a few sales.  But, what else would you do on a Saturday?  I certainly didn't feel like cleaning!!  One of the things I've learned about crafters is, they are really nice people.  Met a few the past two weeks.  It made the days even better. 

Our site on the grounds of the fire department.  It was nice to have the car right there.  Sorry about the glare on the picture, had to use my cell phone because I forgot my camera.

This is Sara, another vendor at today's show.  She makes the cutest baby gifts.  We were both a little slow with traffic, so we ended up bartering a onesy for my grandson for the pendant she is wearing.  It worked out well for both of us!  Check her out at http://alittleannafaith.com/ 

No more shows for a while, so I need to rearrange my crafting area.  Will probably move it downstairs so I have more room to spread out and, hopefully, get a little better organized.

Hope you enjoy your weekend.

Rainforest

This weeks Polymer Clay Smooshers blog ring topic is Rainforest.  Funny, my daughter and I just watched the movie Medicine Man, with Sean Connery.  For those of you who haven't seen it, it is set in...a rainforest.  So, I have fresh visions of what this word brings to mind.  Of course, heat and humidity, but also green, green and more green.  Spots of brightly colored birds, plants, and of course plenty of water.

The colors in this Green Goddess plaque fit in perfectly to the theme this week.  Check out more items from Sassy Clay Creations to view her other wonders!

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--19206_product_1333448314_thumb_large.jpg

Amazing Designs makes polymer clay flower magnets {among other things}.  Here is just one of her orchids.

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--81862_product_2094846521_thumb_large.jpg

Green, green and green.  That's what you see in a rainforest.  DesertWindDesigns made this leafy pendant.

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--90000--82760_product_1874394451_thumb_large.jpg

Remember to check out the smooshers on ArtFire for the Christmas in July sale.

Til next time, remember:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Americana

Hope everyone had a safe and relaxing 4th.  Lucky enough to have a 4 day work week, though what a week it's been.  I almost think it's not worth the extra day off, what with all the work you have when you return!  

This weeks Polymer Clay Smooshers challenge is Americana....quite appropriate, don't ya think??!! Of course, what better representation of America, than red, white and blue. 

Here is a beautiful bracelet made by Blue Morning Expressions;

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3672_product_1921028173_thumb_large.jpg

Need individual beads to make your own unique creation??  Look at BeadsbyHaffina.

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--29747_product_2145588719_thumb_large.jpg

Cane work comes in all types of designs.  The idea is to make a continuing pattern throughout the clay, that can be sliced for use in any number of ways.  Think rolls of cookie dough.  Canes can range from a simple bulls eye {one color wrapped around another} to very intricate patterns that simply amaze.  If cane making is not your forte, just browse My Polymer Clay Canes for creations you can purchase and use in your own jewelry making adventures.  Here is one that shows the true meaning of Americana.

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--60000--34712_product_611061148_thumb_large.jpg

Well, I need to get busy for our show Saturday.  Let's hope the weather cooperates and the shoppers are out ready to buy.  Oh, by the way, look at our shop on ArtFire for the Christmas in July sale. 

Til next time;

"Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame."

- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)