All About the Clay

I have had a minor fascination with polymer clay for a few years. I have a bunch of colors of clay and tools I've bought over the years, played around with a little. Ever since I started messing around with it again to make the middle dangly thing for the Suncatchers, my fascination has jumped to the front burner. I don't really want another hobby, I don't want to make figures. I just want to learn to do what I want to use it for, better. I bought Polymer Cafe the other day - thinking about subscribing. Fifteen bucks for 4 issues. The articles, questions, projects, seem like what I'm interested in.

I am absolutely mesmerized by working with the clay, the little I've done. I could condition/knead that stuff until my hands fall off. It's so amazing that you can combine as many colors as you want and with enough kneading, it 100% perfectly becomes a new color. When I swirl two colors together and put it through the pasta machine, it's better than dark chocolate. Oh wait. Never mind. But I almost can't stop doing it, watching a new design pop up each time.

I made my first cane last night. It was crap so I squished it up. It was pretty small so the detail was lost. I read today that after making a cane, one should let it sit for 15-30 minutes to let the clay harden up again a bit, before attempting to slice it. When you are done making the cane, it's still warm and soft from being worked with your hands. I tried to slice my cane last night and it squooshed. Too soft. I'm learning already!


Aren't these beautiful?? These hearts are made with transluscent chrysanthemum canes, which I learned to make here.

And I'm learning stuff from the lovely and talented Heather Powers. I can't remember how I stumbled upon her site. I think I can learn stuff from her as an artist and a business owner. Check out her beautiful Monet beads. And she's going to be on HGTV's Crafters Coast to Coast! One of my very favorite shows!

Lastly, if you read the comments on this post you'll see that I inquired if that pendant is for sale. It is. I bought it. Should be here tomorrow. I'm so excited!

A) I bought a piece of jewelry for myself.
B) It contains a beautiful polymer clay bead.
C) It was created by an independent artist, who is a very nice person, to boot.

I swear that's my last impulse buy for a good long time. First the laptop, then the Dyson, now this necklace. I think aliens have invaded my body. But boy, am I happy.