Outstanding Polymer Clay Inspirations

If you've been reading Inspirational Beading for awhile, you probably already know that I enjoy admiring the designs of artists who work with materials that I can't - or won't - use. I suppose it's one part envy as well, especially when the art is as incredible as this.

Spring Rose Windows Necklace
by Silvia Ortiz de la Torre

I've been a huge admirer of polymer clay since it made its truly big splash in the art world, and came dangerously close to being referred to only by a particular brand name. Back then, everyone just called it Fimo. Everyone wanted Fimo incense burners and macrame jewelry with Fimo beads.

Today, there are many polymer clay brands that stand out, each with their own qualities that make them suitable for different artists' needs. And there are so many amazing artists out there putting them to the best use. These are just a few examples of the types of polymer clay designs that take my breath away, and make me wish - only briefly - that I hadn't sworn off all plastics that aren't thread.

Timeless Opulence by Sabine Spiesser





Rainbow Cat Face Cabochon by graphixoutpost





Polymer Clay Necklace by Silastones





Curley Knot Necklace by Kathleen Dustin





Cyan and Yellow Rose Beads by Rolyz Creations





Little Dove Necklace by Piper Pixie Designs





Tropical Flower Beads by tooaquarius





Mehndi Elephant Necklace by Moonsafari Beads





Out of the Blue Necklace by Design Theory





Dreaming Necklace by Dandelion Jewellery





Butterfly Beads by SevenWestDesigns





Otherworldy Necklace by Silvia Ortiz de la Torre

It would seem I'm particularly fond of millefiori - especially abstract designs - and polymer clay applique. Do you have a favorite style or technique for polymer clay designs?

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Swap with Kikka

Kikka, one of my favorite blog friends, who always leaves encouraging comments on my posts, has a cute frogs collection.  I found a pair of gold plated tiny frogs earings and asked Kikka for her address in order to send them to her.  We exchanged emails and decided to make swaps.

A lovely vintage picture in a beautiful silver frame.  A very cute little bead handbag.
Two yummy looking cherry cakes.  Beautifully made food packages which I'll keep
for a kitchen scene.  I love everything.  The two Finnish very yummy candy bars, are
alas, no longer with us.....

Here is a better view.  The paper doilies under the cakes are gorgeous, I don't know how they are made.  With a  punch maybe...Shall have to ask Kikka.

I forgot to take a photo of what I sent Kikka.  She will probably show it on her blog.

THANK YOU KIKKA!!!

Blessings to all

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Amarrei's Rocker

Am I reverting back to my childhood, or channeling my inner child? It sure seems like it, my last three posts have all been about things for kids. I swear this should be the last one for awhile.
Last summer my mother-in-law bought a cute little rocker at a yard sale for her newest great granddaughter. Now it wasn't bad to start with, but it had that '60s French provincial thing going on, so I thought maybe we could bling it up a bit.
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Chihuli

I don't think Mr. Dale Chihuli has to worry about competition from me. I tried to make ornaments in his style, following Heather's  tutorial and this is the result.  Of course it could have been better  most of my permament markers, except the red and yellow, were dry and almost useless.

I found this little display case with the little ceramic ornaments inside, in a pop shop. I bought is inspite of the fact that it's badly made and wasn't cheap but miniature furnitures are not easy to find here.  Together with other pieces, like the tea cart, it can go into an auction scene or a store selling second hand merchandise. (I have plans from here to eternity.)

The doily on the tea cart is one of my first crochet  attempts   It is very simple and made from white sewing thread. The silverware need urgent polishing.

I wish you a wonderful Sunday with all my blessings.

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Time Capsule: Tubular Peyote

Although I would never know about it unless I went searching through the archives, I am always surprised by how similar my current projects can be to those I was creating three years ago. I’m currently working with tubular peyote stitch, and getting a little frustrated at my own attachment to outrageous tension, which is ruining the ropes. I’ve been considering looking back on some older tube designs to see if the same problem was there, and sure enough, in Feburary 2010 I was working on my all time favorite tubular peyote necklace.

As part of my series on mythology, I took a little inspiration from the three-headed Chimera to make a cascade necklace with a rope base. Even just looking at the photos, I can tell that I had much more relaxed tension back then. Too much right angle weave has created an obsession with taut threads, I suppose.

Do you struggle with tension from stitch to stitch? What’s your most troublesome technique?

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Zara's Apron

Well, I thought I was done making aprons. Don't get me wrong, I love making them, but I just didn't think I would need anymore, anytime soon. Last summer I wrote how to make 3 aprons out of a shirt and a pair of jeans 1-shirt-1-pair-of-jeans-3-aprons . For Christmas I made my daughter and two beautiful granddaughters aprons out of one shirt, and my son-in-law a barbecue apron out of some canvas with a duck on the pocket that I printed off the computer. Sorry, no pictures of theirs, I was in a hurry to get them mailed off for Christmas. So, like I said, I thought I was done until a friend called up and asked if I could make an apron for her granddaughter Zara.
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Miniature "Glass" Dale Chihuli Style

The other day when I was surfing the net,  I discovered Heather OCain's wonderful blog.  In Heather's post dated 27 September 2012, I found a tutorial for making  wonderful "glass" ornaments Chihuli style.
Years ago, Dale Chihuli held an exhibition of his stunning glass works within the ancient walls of the Tower of David in old Jerusalem.  It was an experience to remember.  The effect of colors and light was pure magic.
I felt like being transferred to another legendary world.

 

Heather's work  1:12 dollhouse miniature scale.

An original Chihuli

Another original Chihuli

Another Heather's ornament

In her blog there are more tutorials for very original, modern wall ornaments.  Also very impressive 1:1 jewelry.

Now I'm going to experiment and see what comes out.  Will show it in my next post.

A very warm welcome to new followers:

Leilany - Miniature creations by leilany
Mari Nieves
Heather
Liduina

Blessings to all.

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