Spicing it Up
There is something about the colder weather that pushes me to use more and more spice in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I have some weird allergies including allergies to wonderful spices like cinnamon and allspice. Ugh! That makes this a horrible time of year in the states where these spices are everywhere. But if I can’t eat them, at least I can clay with them!
Spices can add colors, visual texture and even scent to your polymer! Here is a necklace by Sylvie Papillon that is all colored with spices and herbs.
If you haven’t tried adding spice, here is her chart with a number of spices and herbs kneaded into translucent clay–Curry, turmeric, paprika, cumin, mixed herbs, ginger, saffron and flower petals.
I love the way Sylvie makes her beads and the necklace is great. I’ve made spice beads before. It creates a rustic look that can’t really be duplicated with other techniques. Coffee grounds are another good one to use…such good texture. I’ve also used spirulina powder (a super green powder found at the health food store) to create a deep green.
Following along the same lines, CA Therien uses flower petals in her Memorial Beads at http://www.catherienarts.com.
Hmm wonder if they smell after baking? Love the organic color and textures from the spices.
Oh yeah … having a scent would be great. And I’ll have to try spirulina. That stuff is a beautiful intense green.