Your Craft Business in the New Year
December 31, 2012
Ponderings
With the New Year now upon us, I thought I’d take a moment to share a blog I’ve found rather enlightening over the last few years.
When one gets serious about art, that business aspect almost always creeps in. To sustain our art (or obsession as it often is), selling our work becomes a necessity. Artists are usually business minded so it is very helpful to have a helping hand in that area.
The Craft Business Biz blog written by Terri Belford covers that one area of arts and crafts that most of us would prefer to think about as little as possible. It can be a bit heavy on the dramatic marketing in the way the blog is set up, but the advice is generally pretty good. For example, his post earlier this month on making your business stand out is just a short list of common sense things you can do to help boost your business. Terri only posts a few times each month so it’s not stuff you’ll be getting hit over the head with. But it is great to get those little reminders to think about improving your business on a regular basis.
The New Year should not be the only time you work on improving what you do, but it is a good place to start.
Outside Influence: Art on Nature
December 30, 2012
Inspirational Art
When I first saw this array, I thought it was polymer and ingenuous work at that. But no … it turns out to be leaves. Beautifully painted details on dead leaves by Elena Nuez of Spain. But its not the painting of each leaf that is so enticing, rather it is the arrangement, the collective impact that gives this image it’s impact.
Even more wonderful is the variety of ways Elena photographs these. On her web post she has several different arrangements and angles from which she photographs them. The photos–the compostition and view–are the art.
In terms of how we can translate this into polymer, there are several things you can take from this. One, the shapes and colors are perfect for polymer and these patterns could be easily reproduced. It also might give you ideas for making a batches of forms and then playing with the arrangement of them until you either find an arrangement you like for a brooch or wall piece or as a collection you can continue to play with for your own enjoyment. Also, consider that the photography of your work can in itself be art with polymer the subject that helps create the images rather than the polymer being the end product alone. Just a lot to ponder. And enjoy.
Crackly Goodness
December 29, 2012
Inspirational Art
I couldn’t let the last days of the year go by without stopping to admire a little crackle. These sumptuous discs here are the work of Barbara Fajardo. She developed a technique that layers alcohol inks to get a multi-dimensional texture with, of course, lots of fine crackle.
In this case, the polymer is a carrier rather than visual element, but even without knowing the particulars of Barbara’s technique, it’s unlikely that there is another material that could be paired with the inks and manipulated so as to develop the light crackling effect. These are some of the most magical aspects of our medium–the plasticity and ability of polymer to take on a wide variety of other mediums.
Even though color is what often draws us to polymer, it’s the physical characteristics of the material that make it so versatile. One of these days I’m going to count how many ways we can use it just for crackling.
In the meantime, we hope Barbara has the opportunity to develop a class for CraftArtEdu on this beautiful technique. She has four other classes available there right now. If you want to see more applications of Barbara’s crackly goodness, take some time to look through her Flickr page.
Color Through the Centuries
December 28, 2012
Polymer issues, Ponderings
Have you ever wondered why certain colors become favorites for a period and then are abandoned almost overnight? The predominance of colors is often a result of social or global circumstances. I found this chart below and the accompanying post highlighting the change in fashionable colors over the decades quite interesting.
I don’t know that anyone can actually guess what colors will come from a change in global or local circumstances, but a historical view could give you a direction if you are looking to change up your line this coming year. Even if not, it is rather fun to see where we have been and where we’ve come to over the years in our society’s color preferences.
Stepping out in Vibrating Color
December 27, 2012
Inspirational Art
I know, I know … many of you are resting up after a long, well-fought holiday season. The rest is certainly deserved. But there is no rest for the wicked. Especially if you or your customers have big New Year’s plans!
I actually look forward to dressing up for New Year’s more than for Christmas gatherings. New Year’s is a time for pizzazz, a time for glamor and glitz (without over doing it of course!) and a time to shine.
The first day of the year is a day of hope and high energy, so why not dress to reflect the sentiment of a new start? It doesn’t have to be all jewels and gold, either. Certain color combinations, not to mention visual textures, can really add energy to an outfit. This piece by Two Good Claymates (Carolyn and Dave Good) has a little bit of all of this. Purple and green, a very energetic color combination, set off with the hypnotic look of Damascus canes and faceted beads. That’s dressing it up.
I haven’t decided what to do for this New Year’s eve, so I need to get myself into the studio and whip up something for myself … for a change. Why not put some time aside in the studio to make yourself something wonderful for the new year?
A Filigree Farewell to Christmas
December 26, 2012
Inspirational Art
Perhaps you are all a bit tired of Christmas, but I only just found this beautiful set late last night and thought one more holiday piece could be shared.
Leah Hagen of LeeLee Beads is a polymer filigree fanatic. She seems to have explored every possible approach for winding thin snakes of clay about a bead. These “Vintage Christmas” beads are a charming example of Leah’s varied filigree approach.
If you have an interest in polymer filigree, embroidery, or lace like applications take a look at Leah’s Flickr page.
All I Wanted for Christmas …
December 25, 2012
Inspirational Art, Ponderings
… I already had.
I am blessed with the most wonderful family anyone could ever wish for. We all actually really get along, respect each other, and encourage each other’s dreams. I also have many amazing, dear, and caring friends, some that I’ve known for ages, some quite new, not to mention the wonderful network of acquaintances and colleagues I can always count on to keep me on track and make me feel useful and needed by coming to me for help, as well.
And on top of all that–already more than any one person could possibly hope for–I have the most supportive, generous, and helpful readers, both here on the blog and at The Polymer Arts magazine. What more could a girl ask for?
I do hope all of you, whether you celebrate Christmas today or not, are surrounded by your dearest ones and are able to take time to truly enjoy and appreciate the season with all it’s many blessings.
Our cute little Christmas tree trio was created by Afsaneh Tajvidi of JooJooLand and was her Christmas blog greeting a couple years back. Thanks to her and all of you who share your gifts with all of us.
Outside Inspiration: Time in the Kitchen (and yes, it is Monday)
December 24, 2012
Inspirational Art
I know I usually do outside inspirations on Fridays, but let’s face it … most of us are probably not in the studio today. Many of us are in the kitchen. So here’s a thought. Where I usually stop to point out how something made in another medium can be translated into polymer, how about we take our skills and creativity we hone in our studios to the kitchen with us?
There are many culinary items that can be made more appealing and get you that desired “wow” factor by applying techniques and design ideas you already employ in polymer. Design elements like color, balance, line, texture, etc are all applicable to food. The area with the widest opportunities are in the sweets. Just look at these adorable cookies. Cut and stacked shapes, small dots and lines of detail … you’ve probably done something very similar with polymer. So you can see how simple it would be to do the same with frosting or fondant? These fun cookies are by Naomi of HelloNaomi.com.au of New Castle, Australia. (Could you even eat these?! They’re so cute!)
Cookies and cakes have an easy and direct translation for polymer art, but don’t hold back when it comes to be creative and colorful in the kitchen. Appetizers can be so much fun, too. For instance, arrange that ubiquitous veggie tray into something more enticing by making a Christmas tree shape out of the broccoli with carrot chips and cherry tomato ‘ornaments’ and sliced sweet pepper ‘garlands’. Wrap that soft cheese block with a peeled celery bow (or real ribbon … I’m sure no one will try to eat it … right?) Or instead of a nut and cheese log, how about a nut and cheese wreath?
I just think we, as creative people, should never limit ourselves by putting all of our creative energy into our primary material. There are all kinds of materials and moments your skills can be applied, where you can be creative and delight the people around you, not to mention the fun you can have yourself. There is no better time (or excuse) to do so than during the holiday season.
Now go ahead, go get crazy creative in the kitchen today!
Yes, It’s All Worth the Aggravation
December 23, 2012
Ponderings
I have somehow managed to avoid most of the trials and tribulations that are usually a part of the holiday season. Not that there aren’t other non-holiday tribulations putting up hurdles before me but I am very grateful for being an artist and for being able to make, with tons of love and caring, gifts for the people on my list. I am also so grateful for the internet … for letting me shop from home for all those things on my list that just can’t–for some silly reason–be made from polymer clay!
But I do see the hectic lines in the face of my friends and family. I’m sure many of you have or are having those kind of moments. So here is a holiday thought for you. Just remember why you go through all you go through during the holiday season. And who benefits from all you do.
So … have you had that moment yet? The moment when we just stop and stare at the bedlam that now exist in our studio space from the last few weeks of madness? With the holiday season winding down, what do we do with all the scrap canes, cut up bits of clay sheets, and half completed pieces?
I would suggest, first of all, to not relegate it all to the scrap box. Just put the bits aside. Your brain is probably overloaded if you have spent a lot of time in the studio finishing last minute orders or putting final touches on holiday gifts for friends and family, and you are probably in no shape to judge what is worth saving or not (And yes… some of us are STILL working on those final touches!). Save these for a week or so down the road when you’ve had a break and given yourself time to breathe.
When you do get back to the studio, realize that the extras and bits you have may still have some surprises left in them. Although your leftovers may no longer be useful because they were holiday specific, or they just didn’t work out for the project you created them for, if you rethink and repurpose them you may come up with some very happy incidental pieces.
Here is a charming little bug created by Kim Deters that came from an unsatisfying pink cane. She didn’t like what she originally had so she added some other canes to it and … surprise! It brought about the creation of this wonderful piece.
If you need some ideas about how to recycle or repurpose your extra bits, see our Summer 2012 issue of The Polymer Arts magazine, which is all about such ideas. (You can even see a sampling of that issue here if you don’t have your own copy yet.)
Have a great holiday weekend!
Read More
Of all the elements we work with in polymer, color may seem to be a primary consideration, but in reality, color is one element we can actually do without. Form, balance, rhythm … these elements will always need to be considered no matter what you do. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, eliminating color and working with essential elements is a great exercise in honing your design skills. It also puts you on a path to creating challenging and often very rewarding work.
Angela Schwer of Dilly Pad doesn’t just practice eliminating color, she primarily works without it. This ceramicist creates wall pieces with form and texture. The collective pieces are not composed for the buyer of her art but are rather sent as a set of individuals pieces that her customers can arrange as they like. Her Etsy page shows several possible arrangements for each set. A random composition on a white wall with these white flower ’tiles’ makes it appear as if the wall is sprouting flora of its own.
If you have an abundance of clay in one particular color and you’re not sure how you’ll use it all up, an exercise in monochrome might be just the thing. You could create a series of objects made from small forms like the petals created here … just form, repeat, and gather them in an organic form for easy yet compelling pieces that themselves can be gathered and arranged on a wall, door, or piece of furniture. Small form arrangements on a vase, book cover, or frame could result in some stunning work, not to mention the possibilities with all forms of jewelry. Released from the color consideration, I bet you’ll find a whole world of possibilities you had not considered before.
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Mosaic art is a rather interesting art form. Although it falls into the realm of craft due to the construction component, it is more like painting in the way form and imagery are created by choosing individual color, shapes and/or texture for each point of the surface it is created on. It takes both 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional design considerations with the results having a very unique texture that spans both. Polymer is not that dissimilar. We work in 3-dimensions but often focus on surface design. So it’s no wonder that some clayers are heavily inspired by mosaics.
The pendant below is a kind of crossover between polymer and mosaics. Barbara Sperling doesn’t actually create a mosaic but the canes and textures give you the sense that it is mosaic art. If you think about it, building imagery for canes works very much the same way as mosaics, choosing colors and shapes for each point of the image.
Barbara also chooses colors and foils that hark back to the ancient mosaics seen on old Roman and Greek floors and columns. It is the combination of elements here that make this appear to be so much like ancient mosaic work, a synergistic gathering of color, texture and imagery.
Barbara has many more examples of this kind of work on her website here.
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Who doesn’t like a nice swirl lentil? They make beautiful, intriguing beads that can really draw attention. You can make them from any type of clay, old canes, or scrap pieces. And anyone can make them. Well, anyone can make them but doing them well and with originality is the tricky part.
Greece’s Klio Tsaliki has way too much fun with her lentils. She does a lovely job of combining colors together in such a way that the one word that cannot fail to come to mind is ‘delicious’. These swirls lentils below remind me of fruity and juicy candies. The colors and the wave of lines spreading our from the center just draw you in.
One other thing I really, really like about making swirl lentils is the zen like state they put you in when you get to making a large batch. If you need a break from the stress and rush of the holidays, I can’t imagine a more relaxing yet productive time than sitting down at the studio table and swirling away.
If you’re looking for more swirl lentil inspiration, check out more of Klio’s work on her Flickr site or Etsy page.
Read MoreA simple idea to share today–the use of liquid polymer as a textural medium applied with a free-form drawing approach. A nice, thick liquid polymer such as Fimo Deco Gel or Sculpey’s Bake and Bond will stay raised so that you can draw lines, squiggles, dots or whatever you desire onto the surface of your clay or the surface of anything you can then bake.
I remember seeing these pieces by Libby Mills some years ago but never got around to playing with the idea … but for some reason I’m thoroughly enamored of the idea this week and have been scribbling away.
You can see that Libby often colors her liquid polymer or burnishes it later on. Alcohol inks, oil paints and mica powders can be used to color your scribble medium.
My experiments with other liquid polymers lead me to discover you can actually scribble with them if you take a couple extra steps. I found that adding an abundance of powdered colorant such as pastels, iron oxides or mica powders can get thinner, self-leveling liquid polymers to stand up quite a bit … but only for a little while. They will eventually spread. However, if you use a baked piece of polymer and warm the clay first, the lpc will set on the clay at you scribble. I use my trusty hot plate/mug warmer to heat up the cured clay then, leaving the piece on the warmer, I can draw away. It even works on perpendicular surfaces. You can also warm the cured clay in the oven and then draw on it but you’ll need to work quickly before it cools down too much.
So what do you think? Time to put your scribbling skills to work?
Read MoreMy weekend was largely spent judging entries for the IPCA’s Progress & Possibilities competition. (If you are a member, you are eligible to cast votes for the Member’s Choice portion of the competition. Check your email for you invitation to vote or go to the IPCA website to request a voting token be sent to you.) The use of color this year was either very bold or completely subdued. Going subdued can be relatively easy compared to going bold and having to judge when enough is enough.
I thought this when perusing pendants created by Cathy of Dumauvobleu. Her work is a bombardment of color as well as visual texture. But, for the most part, she does keep it from getting out of control. This pendant below is, I think, pushing that boundary but it just sits on the edge of tipping over. The well dispersed use of blues manages to hold it together and the sun like image created by the cane slice and radiating lines on the bottom right create a focal point that where your eye can rest, even if it can’t do so for very long with all that is going on.
After that, the success of a piece like this comes down to skill and finish. The inlay is well done without any noticeable spaces and the edges are blended with the use of pin prick points so even if the color and texture strikes you as a bit overboard, you can still call it a well done piece.
Make note as you look around at the work of various artists, how some can pull off a great looking piece even when the attention to finishing is obviously not a priority. Then there are pieces that may not be particularly original or dramatic but you are entranced by how well finished they are. Of course, when both design choices and finish are well done, it is a work to just drool over.
Read MoreBecause I can’t get my studio under control for the life of me this season (okay … let’s confess … it’s hardly ever under control) this has been my mantra this weekend. And shall be for a while longer.
Of course, this only works as a legitimate mantra if you actually complete some work! Which, luckily, I have. Whew!
Read MoreWith all the red and green and focus on the Christmas holiday, I wanted to take at least one moment to stop and bow to other observances that also occur this holiday season, not the least of which is Hanukkah.
Growing up, I was lucky enough to have friends of many different faiths and a church youth group that took time out to introduce and let us experience the traditions of other faiths. Of the Jewish traditions I was exposed to, the storytelling was my favorite. Being a writer and creator of written stories, even in my very young days, I took to the richly detailed, and often very dramatic, tales my Jewish friends and church group leaders read to us to heart. So, although I didn’t have the rabbi reading to me, as depicted by Gwen Pina here in the adorable scene below, the idea of the Jewish Storyteller does still warm my heart. Plus, it gives us all a chance to smile at the sight of Gwen’s charming work.
Gwen, one of the most prolific clayers in our community, creates a whole range of work influenced by a variety of cultures, most prominently the native history of the southwest. For more smiles, you can peruse her work on her website here.
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Have you been looking around for some last minute gift ideas to make? I saw this little book and just couldn’t help but think that the older kids on my list (some of the much older kids … like my mom) would get a kick out of a tiny book … but in polymer.
Kira Nichols, of the humorously named blog Oops, I Craft my Pants, created these little books with paper and pen, gluing her paper crafted inchies back to back so the books can be flipped and displayed with different images showing.
We could do the exact same thing with polymer! Creating thin little polymer inchies with holes punched in the top, you could treat both sides of the polymer for the two-sided reversible option, or you could make them book covers with little blank sheets, or you could have more inchie polymer images inside. Take the reversible flipbook idea beyond inchies and books and think of the pendants you could make with polymer art that could be changed up with just a flip over of one layer. Get my drift?
In any case, there are ideas here that need to be explored. So … go play. I will be.
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