Bragging Rights
When I'm not writing, or teaching, or cooking, or doing some other useful things, I take some time to exercise my fingers. If you've ever wished there was a play-doh for grown-ups, this is it: Polymer Clay.
Here are a few things I've made.
(Click on the thumbnails to see larger images.)
Gold Pearl-Ex powder on gold Premo Sculpey; glaze: Flecto Varathane (polyurethane floor polish). Design based on medieval Russian zoomorphic amulets (of the kind called variously "horses," "deer," or even "rabbits;" I think it's a horse).
Gold acrylic paint on white Sculpey III. Glazed with Flecto Varathane. Design based on medieval Russian zoomorphic amulets. This is another type of horse (or a rooster? a sea horse? who knows for sure). The chains sometimes ended in little bells, or in bird-foot-shaped pendants.
Gold Pearl-Ex powder on red Premo Sculpey with gold Premo Sculpey edging. The hummingbird design was stenciled using a metallic embossing stencil.
An example of a magic bead, also known as "inside-out bead" or "Natasha bead." Created by pressing together clays of different colors without blending them, shaping the clay into a rectangle, and cutting it into four quarters lengthwise. The quarters are then turned inside out to reveal a symmetrical design.
What can you do with a metallic (embossing) stencil, some purple Premo Sculpey, and Pearl-Ex powders? An eerie nightscape, apparently. This started as an experiment, and ended up as this image (glazed with Flecto Varathane to protect the metallic powders).
When does a book become jewelry? When it's done in miniature and in polymer clay. Sculpey III and Sculpey glaze. Mini-album of folk art design.
Another use for miniature book covers (this one with a thick spine) is as sticky-note holder made to look like an ancient Chronicle. Sculpey III Black and Gold and Flecto Varathane varnish.
Lil' Critter is one of my characters that have a glass bottle as armature. Be careful! Their heads come off very easily. This one is standing guard over my office. Glass bottle and Premo Sculpey. Orb: Premo Sculpey and Verdigris embossing powder. Staff: Premo Sculpey over wire armature.
A simple "tribal" mask in polymer clay, with patterned surface. Premo Sculpey, mica powder, gold metal leaf, and Flecto Varathane varnish.
Pencil
I found out that the best thing to do while whatching the kids splash in the pool and enjoying a chat with my best friend, is drawing. Since I don't do it seriously, and mostly in the summer, I don't have a lot to show off. The Dragon Watching Over His Land (and eyeing the passing caravan) started off as a challenge from my talented daughter. Sure I can draw dragons! I just usually don't want to.
It used to be horses, now it's wolves. My new fascination. Of course, it has to do with what I write. I wonder how many hours I spent drawing horses before I could sketch them in thirty seconds. I don't think I have that patience now. So take a look at the product of my obsession while it lasts.
Polymer Clay Links
- Polymer Clay Central: Everything Polymer Clay. Talk about it, read about it, learn about it. Find tips, projects, and sources for supplies. One of the oldest sites around.
- National Polymer Clay Guild: If you're really serious about it, this is the place to go. Or to find a group in your area.
- Sculpey: Tips, tricks, and supplies from one of the major polymer clay makers.
- Donna Kato: Donna Kato has her own line of clay and tools now. But she's still the great Polyclay Master. What can I say? I wish I could? Ah, yes...