Power Tools Baby!

I've been anxious to try a sanding technique with my clay pieces. So, today I raided my husband's tool shelf and stole his Dremel and sand paper. First, I sanded the brass-framed pendants with 400 through 800 grit; then, finished by using a buffing tool on the Dremel. Really time consuming....but worth the wait. Here's a shot of the finished pendants. The colors are perfect for fall. :-)

Brass Framed Pendant

Today I worked on a few brass framed clay pendants. I found an instruction guide for this on the web. I still need to sand and polish it, but thought I'd share a peak at the work in progress.

A Signature Piece

I finished the clay gradient necklace today and attached one of my signature beads to the end of the chain. Slowly but surely I'm building up inventory.

Humblebeads

Last week I ordered a few beads from one of my favorite bead artists, Heather Powers. I've been reading her blog for a while now and was really interested to see her work up close. After receiving the package yesterday, I now understand why her business is called Humblebeads. When I look at her intricate and high quality work I'm humbled to see how much I still have to learn. Here's a picture of my new purchase. You can buy Heather's beads at http://www.humblebeads.com/.

My Signature Stamp

The more blogging I do...the more I'm convinced that an artist's signature is important. Most clay artists have a mark that signifies the piece is unique and their handywork. So, this past weekend I started a stamp project. Essentially, I'm designing a tool that will enable me to sign my clay work...so to speak. I experimented with clay, paint and my dremel tool in hopes of showing my initials in a darker color. Here's a glimpse of the work in progress. I'm still not happy with the results, but it's taking shape. Ha ha ....no pun intended.

Snowflake Colors

Here's a picture of the Snowflake earring colors:

• Black (1 pr. available)
• Copper (1 pr. available) - top of tree
• Teal (1o pair available)
• Crimson (12 pair available)
  
  

Looking for the Perfect Stocking Stuffer?

I like to give away lots of jewelry...then, wait to see which pieces are a hit. It lets me see which designs I should keep or abandon. From the recent buzz, it seems that most people like the "flying aphids." However, much to my husband's dismay, for marketing purposes I've decided to rename the pattern "Snowflake." Fashioned into ear rings and elegantly wrapped in a box, these Snowflake beads makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Alternately, I can put them in an organza bag so that you can attach them to the top of gift box.

Friends & family - Let me know if you're interested in purchasing any for Christmas. I'll take orders through Thansksgiving. $10 a pair ~ includes the box or bag + personal delivery. You can pick from burgandy, teal, copper or black. I'm heading back to PA for Thanksgiving, so I can make deliveries to Grove City, Beaver County and Eastern PA. Just shoot me an email with the number, color, and wrapping choice (box/bag).

Gradient Design Takes Shape

I've finally broken my flower rut by using the gradient idea to design a new style of bead. I folded the clay (pictured in the previously post) accordian style to form a cube. Then, I cut it into 4 pieces and staggered the direction. Finally, I turned the cube into a roll and wrapped it with a few other colors. ...and there you have it, gradient beads!

Clay Gradients

I spent a few hours surfing this weekend and discovered how to make a gradient using 2 contrasting shades of clay and my pasta maker.

Check out the 'How To' guide on Desiree's Desired Creations.

Hmmmm.... what new jewelry designs can I make using this technique!

Yummy Dinner Inspires Clay Project

Last night we sent our friends, the McMahons, home with some extra clay. (You can see Bryan McMahon in one of my August posts.) Apparently inspired by the yummy pizza we ate at Lynwoods; they sent these pictures today.

Dad McMahon calibrated the oven with a thermocouple (a true engineer!) while chef Bryan carefully places the new creation on the rack! The recipe for polymer clay is 275 deg F for 15 min.













Can you smell it?









Well done guys! You even captured the unique edges of the Pizza. While I use polymer clay primarily for beads, these pictures are a great example of other fun clay projects. You can pick up clay supplies at any craft store. It's a great creative activity for kids and adults alike.

Pendants and Pizza

I finished this pendant necklace just in time to grab Pizza with our friends tonight. This creation was inspired by the "Bag of Gemstones" I purchased back in August. See my Christmas in August post for a little background. The focal point of the piece is an Autumn Jasper gemstone accented with gold and red beads.

Return of the Flying Aphids

I've been on the road for about a month and wasn't prepared for our global marcom week at work. Thankfully, I work with a wonderful team who took care of every last detail in my absence. As a thank you for their help, I made a few sets of ear rings with the "flying aphid" design - see my August post for a little background on the name. I attached them to 'Thank You' notes with a simple paperclip and a ribbon.

Beading with the Kiddos

I spent Labor Day weekend with my husband's family and brought along the clay tools to spend some time beading with the Kiddos. Here's Sophia (age 3) stringing the clay beads we made. Check out the look of concentration on her face.

My sister-in-law, Diane, joined the fun and created cool clay shapes for the kid's necklaces.

Finally, here's Sophia and Caroline (age 2) modeling their new jewlery. Caroline's sad face is a result of the finished brownie. :-) The last shot is of Reagan (age 6) who helped make the beads and Kathryn, my sister-in-law, modeling a St. Patrick's day necklace. Click a picture for a larger view.