Polymeri Online 24.12.13 | Polymer succulents and fish, Mother nature in clay painting, Mix media jewellery, Colourful ladybug tutorial and iPhone/iPod clay chargers & Merry Christmas!

First let me wish all of you celebrating Christmas, a merry holiday with lot's of smiles, joy and wishes fulfilment!

May 2014 be joyous, pleasant, peaceful, pampering and healthy year, with endless happy family, friends, work, hobby moments!

Links?

La Derallista's clay art

Tiny little cactus pots and other succulents plants are a part of LaDerallista's world. Spanish artist Iratxe Maruri sculptures and creates her small pots as well as fish and other creatures by hand, no molds are used, and she combines other materials such as wood and acrylic paints in her pieces. 

LaDerallista tiny pots

They are so cute it's hard to choose which photo to feature!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaDetallista

Mother nature painting

Doodled creations from the Phillipins is mostly creating small cake toppers figurines and small personalised keychains but this picture, posted in her Instagram is a bit different from her usual art, It was a special ordered commissioned work; polymer clay painting of mother nature. 

The fact that polymer can be 2 or 3 dimensional produces such unique results! 

https://www.facebook.com/doodledcreations

Monika's mix media jewellery

Monica Rotta is a Facebook find. She is a mix media polymer clay artist and use various materials in her work - fabric, metal, beads, paints, powders, possibly foil and more.

In her Facebook page you will find several of her organic looking designs and some of her experiments in clay. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monica-Rotta-Designer/304631722974278?ref=hl

Polymer clay ladybug tutorial

Take a look at this cute beetle/lady bug project posted on Pinterest (by Belkomor), take a piece of clay, form a thick button shape and mark the eyes and middle line, then cut (I think it's cutters) it's shape and pinch with your fingers to form a half dome. Then, cut it's bottom to create a flat base. Bake and add acrylic paints or chalks!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52635889368659265/

Clay charger

Last trick is dedicated to your iPhone electric charger, once again there are no boundaries with polymer! 

Wondering what these are? No, they are not inros, these are charger covers made of clay! Emily Miller made millefiori tiny covers for chargers! No need to ask "where is MY charger??" any more, (these are common questions in our house!) Each one has it's own!

Great gifts!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/studioem/11371481404/

Merry Christmas!

Polymeri Online 17.12.13 | Natascha Style flatware, Liquid clay & silicon molds, Galaxy Christmas tree ornament, Upgrade your chair with polymer clay and Unusual bracelet wooden bases

Natascha Style Utensils

Dulany Lingo is a mother of 2 from Texas and was a glass artist for many years before she discovered polymer clay. When she moved to Colorado in the 90's she built a large studio and started doing all the things she wanted to do for years - photography, wood boxes, quilting, knitting and changing surfaces on just about everything.
Polymer clay is her primary passion at the moment and even though having successes and failures she can't seem to go more than a couple of weeks without wanting to try something new (aren't we all?).
She has several favourite techniques but she also like B&W colours, stamping, extruding and so many more! After experiencing with art galleries "politics", as she calls it, in the past, a local gallery  encouraged her to sell her polymer clay work which is very successful. Her flatware are wonderful! So colourful, happy and joyous! Loved her Natascha style! Don't miss her other designs, a real treat.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/duart
http://www.duartstudioclay.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58406892@N05/

Peel-Off-Silicon-Molds

Creative Mold people (Russia) are "playing" with molds as well as polymer clay.  Maria Kosava, an artist familiar with many materials, is the designer of these molds and textures.
In one of her free tutorials she is demonstrating the use of liquid clay (she mentions FIMO gel as a better choice) along with metallic powder or other pigments of your choice, placed on her molds thouroughly , carefully discarding leftovers and then baked in a pre-heated oven (just like a regular silicon tray we use for baking) for 15 minutes.
The result is a beautiful colourful, flexible, 3D sheet which can be used in your final polymer clay projects.
http://creative-molds.ru/article_info.php?articles_id=10
In Russian and in English (hope the translate works)

Polymer Clay Tree Ornament - A new galaxy?

Have you seen this "out of this world" tree ornament?
"WingOfClay" (Adrienne Lojeck) posted her galactic tutorial experiment, using red glass ornament, pointy tools and copper paint!  Thank you Adrienne!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=417670.0#axzz2mtYzUhL6
https://www.etsy.com/shop/WingsOfClay

After

Before

Ora Mazor, a polymer clay artist from Israel is using her polymer skills to upgrade an old rocking chair into a beautiful polymer mosaic one.
In her Pinterest board, she shares her item renewal projects, small furniture mostly, by using a variety of techniques and coatings: polymer clay, stones, ceramics, glass and more. Time consuming but worth it!
http://www.pinterest.com/oramaz/my-creations/

Irina's wooden bracelets bases

Last useful link to spend money (I'm guilty!) is Ukraine Irina's wooden beads and bracelets blanks. I already ordered several and would experiment with it as soon as it arrives (*have to find free time).  Their unique forms and shapes seems perfect for polymer clay covering and their weight may be light enough to carry it. I shall have to be patient and see.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ukrainianwoods

Another large scale project is at my door step (not a tutorial this time), I hope to post photos as I go, meanwhile I am warming myself in the evenings in front of the tv with my granny square project which is slowly growing. 40 squares are ready, 100 to go. I guess by the time winter is over, my blanket will be ready. :)

Keep warm!

6 Tips to protect your polymer clay work from being stolen while in an art & craft show

The upcoming Christmas is a a fantastic opportunity for many of us to show and sell our polymer clay work and even though it's actually an enjoyable as well as pleasant setting, it’s also important to be aware of theft.

Here are six methods to "get rid of thieves" while working at art & craft shows:

1. Welcome Shoppers
Smile and be sure to welcome every person which approaches your presentation area. :)
This really encourages sales, tends to make shoppers feel desired, as well as discourages thieves.
I have discovered that numerous suspicious individuals will shift and then leave if you provide them with a friendly greeting making eye-to-eye contact. If you're able to recognize somebody and point them out if you see them again, these people don’t wish to be caught taking anything of your stuff.

2. Employ A Companion (friend? A teenager neighbor?) & Be Watchful
It truly helps to have more than one person in the sales space.  One could help you along with shoppers while the other one can finish a sale and wrap the gift.  That way you can continually be watchful and provide excellent customer service simultaneously.  Having someone (or even two) to work at your own presentation space is one of the ideal way to prevent theft.  An additional pair of eyes may slow down any thief's tries.
Also, do not ever abandon your booth un-watched.  Asking additional participants to protect your booth when you go to the ladies room isn't best because they could possibly be occupied with their own customers which leads the way for skilled thieves to view your display as well as walk off with goods.

3. Become An Ideal Neighbor
Speaking of additional participants, having a good working connection together with your nearby neighbors may also prevent thieves. Once you set up, be sure to clear boxes as well as packaging content. Mess could make it more convenient for any thieves to act.  Additionally, make sure to be totally organized once the people are permitted inside so you aren't pre-occupied and you will be able to focus on customers.

4. Create Your Display To Prevent Theft
Arrive early and set up your exhibit so there is nothing away from your sight. This particular is especially essential with your money.  Putting on a vendor apron with cash pouches or perhaps a  purse to hold your cash is extremely important.  Don’t leave it available where somebody might get it.

5. Know The Rules/Contract
Understand your contract with the exhibit administrators. A standard agreement says that the vendor's property is your own risk rather than the show's responsibility.  Many agreements declare that the show managers will not be responsible for theft, damage or loss of property.

6. Why Not Change The Display?
Shows running several days provide a chance to change your presentation area. Examine what worked and what is actually a better set up.  This will give you a chance to design your area better.  There is an additional advantage because some exhibits provide a lot of repeat participants who are able to become repeat customers the next day if the booth will be set up to display different items.
Also, it is wise to keep a watchful eye on potential customers even though you may helping another customer.  Remember, someone may inquire simply to draw your attention away while someone else may take products from the display.  Caution is necessary at all times.

And most of all, Enjoy! There is something SO fulfilling with the thought that your beloved jewelry or polymer clay art being worn, given or owned by a new person in a new home! (Sometimes it is hard to parted from it but this is a whole different post to discuss)...
Don't forget to check out my post regarding what to take with you to your show!

Christmas Polymer Clay Projects! How-to Collection to some of my favorite holidays tutorials!

Finally we got some rain and cold this weekend, the past week was pratically summer with 30 Celsius (!) and it seems like winter will never come.
Israel's winters are notoriously known for their short period, it's funny that we even sell winter cloths, 1 month top and it's back to flip flops...

In this chilly spirit I am gathering some of the online Christmas polymer clay projects you can find online, some of these were posted in my blog in the past (taken from my YouTube channel) and some are fresh ideas for you to experiment just before the holiday approach or while you are spending your time warming up near the fire place with family, friends or having quality time to yourself (keep your clay away from the fire, though...)

Polymer clay Snowmen Pens Free Tutorial

One of my most popular projects was the Snowmen pens, a fun project for children and adults, don't miss it, it's so easy and so cute!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6jef-RdMOY&feature=share&list=PL5OFbmvLBKtWYwviLx_fMYUon4XHoezqk&index=1

Christmas Tree ornaments

Christmas Ornaments to hang on your tree! Gather your cutters, clay and blades and start playing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMTc4CNcYPY

Mistletoe FREE tutorial

The Mistletoe FREE video project which was a part of the "Flower Academy" tutorial, this project can give you endless ideas and new tools and techniques to create with polymer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1tzByxGjJg

Crochet polymer clay photo frame

You can even take this crochet heart project and convert it into a beautiful Christmas photo frame using holidays colors!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7d_36iCTFo&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL5OFbmvLBKtX_lHEm010Ndbpg2vv7sIA4

Spinning tree ornament

and of course the recent How to spinning ornament made of strips of polymer clay, baked and painted.
You don't have to use an extruder for this project, you can also roll your sheets flat in the pasta machine and cut them manually, or use the fettuccine rollers to cut them wider.
Don't work with too thin strips so it won't break when you drill it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoLyI9pgvv0&list=PL5OFbmvLBKtWYwviLx_fMYUon4XHoezqk&index=1

Ginny's snowman tutorial

Ginny Baker is creating whimsical clay characters and all breed dogs items for over 22 years, here is a video of her demonstrating her handsome snowman sculpture!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fauvn7OP3J8
https://www.etsy.com/shop/designsbyginnybaker

Tree charm tutorial video

Here is another cute project by IHaveAStrawberry for creating miniature tree charms, using tooth brush as a texturing tool and liquid polymer clay + green acrylic paint as the "frosting" material on the charm. They do look like cookies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQHUkGkbrkE

Polymer clay wreath video by Deb

Deb is sharing her mini-wreath tutorial as a part of a bigger project. Her creations are so adorable!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HAcvVX6d_g


Don't forget to checkout my Brocade collection tutorial for creating polymer purses that can be easily transferred into a colorful illuminated tree ornament with a small led lamp inside it!
http://www.polypediaonline.com/133688/polypediaonline_brocade_hemisphere

Illuminated ball sized purses/ornaments - Lights on...

and...Lights off!

Have a cool (yet warm) weekend!

PolyPediaOnline News | Free Spinning Christmas Tree Ornament Project, Free Tip on creating your own impression mold and Pre-Holiday Savings

Create a spinning tree decoration for your Christmas tree!

I know many of you are working hard on your final holiday preparations, cooking, cleaning, getting last minute gifts, we are dealing with the same issues here - Hanukkah is starting today!

It’s a very rare occasion (first time in over 100 years!), Thanksgiving and Hanukkah almost on the same date!

The combination of gratefulness and lighting our home is so appreciated and gives us the opportunity to show our love to our beloved, It's always a good time to say thank you to all around us who makes up happy, right?

So, can I steal a moment of your time? I promise it will be worthwhile...

I'm giving away gifts too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Free Christmas video project;

It started as a fun project for my son's science class and ended up as a Christmas ornament class - for you!

This is a fun project you can create yourself or with friends and family!

Add this tree decoration to your spinning ornaments - indoors, outdoors, polymer can handle all!

All you need is clay in your chosen colors (red, green and white?), permanent markers, extruder (optional), a piece of wire and you're ready!

Click here to view the video, I'd be happy to hear your comments!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoLyI9pgvv0

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Use corn leaf to create
your own impression mold

Free tip for creating your own texture mold;

If you know me long enough you'd know I cannot put aside my recent projects that easily, I am still playing with the flower academy tutorial and looking for creative ways to make my own tools and materials.

Since the industrial corn impression mold was one of the most popular molds in making our polymer clay flowers, I looked for a real corn leaf to make my own leaf impression.

Flower academy polymer clay
life like flowers, used with the mold

The leaf was dried for a full week flat, between dishtowel paper (changed each day) and on top of it, a heavy book. When it was completely dry It was pressed onto scrap clay using a roller, and... voila! a new "zero cost" impression mold!

Corn is one of Thanksgiving symbols, right?

Don't forget to save a leaf and keep aside for your polymer clay projects...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally, I wish to thank you personally.

I want you to know how much I appreciate your support of my PolymeriOnline blog and PolyPediaOnline tutorials website.

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about polymer clay, and that your creative self has matured as a result. I know I am learning new things everyday. Inspiration and creativity makes me happy.

Thank you for being such an important part of my life and my passion.

I am inviting you to join me for a seven-day polymer clay "Extravaganza":
Our "personal 2013 PolyPediaOnline CyberDays".

From today until midnight on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 I am sharing my personal polymer clay joy, offering you the very best discounts of the season.

Missed a promotion sale of one of your favorite techniques?

All tutorials are now offered for 20% OFF*!

This is your chance to learn a new class that was on your wish list!

Mention CODE “Christmas20%OFF” on checkout and a refund will be sent to you on PayPal within 24 hours of purchase.

Choose from the all 54 tutorials available and start creating today!

Millefiori canes, jewelry of all brands, shapes and types, liquid clay and alcohol inks techniques, life like flowers, Extruder wonders, faux ceramics, and many more...

Click here -

http://www.polypediaonline.com/133688/Contents-Table

Wishing you a happy thanksgiving / Hannukah holiday!

Polymeri Online 19.11.13 | Sabine visiting Israel, Textures textures, Copper wire bordering, Polymer and alcohol inks, Discovering a new polymer galaxy, Miniature acetate eye glasses

It's already tuesday. Time is running when we are busy...
As you already know from Facebook (or maybe not yet), Switzerland polymer clay artist Sabine Backer is my guest in Israel the past week. We had a great week, traveling around the country, leaving enough for the next trip, weather is perfect, sunny and warm.
Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, Haifa; getting familiar with new cuisines (Falafel, tahini, hummus) and!.... getting a new tattoo for Sabine! Surprising moments noted here!

Texture, anyone?

Googling around the net looking for new ideas and inspiration, I found a pin by Jill Palumbo, pinned by Tibby Craythorne, who decided to make her own textures using plastic doilies, lace and textured scrap book paper. I used lace and doilies but plastic ones? didn't think of these.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/388365167836175725/

You can also use Anna Jour technique for making your own texture using transparent film and liner for stained glass/ceramics. Anna is using this method in her Mokume Gane beads.
And, Laura Tabakman carving sheet technique for creating your own textures -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauratabakman/499650970/

Pam's copper wire beads

Pam Sanders says about herself she is a very eclectic mixed media artist, obsessed with making things. She loves bizarre art.
She uses copper wire in her art as a decorative border around her beads, as if it is a thread sewn into polymer.

Wire can do wonders in a polymer piece, who ever master it's techniques has a gift in his hands.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/polypam/4993673506/

Polymer & Marker inks

The polymer clay Russian community is always a gem of inspiration and ideas.
Masha Koekak creates these inked rings and beads. Their size range from 3 to 7.5 cm, The technique include creating a clay sheet, painted on all sides with alcohol based markers. The markers create a thin layer of paint, each is sealing the tone of the previous color. Interesting effects come out as a result. The final piece is sealed with a thin layer of FIMO gel and it is bright and colorful especially on day light!
http://polymerclayfimo.livejournal.com/4835373.html
http://masha-koekak.livejournal.com

Polymer Galaxy

Another link from the cold country girls is presenting a new polymer clay galaxy discovered recently. Cosmobo created a solar system made entirely of polymer clay - Sun, venus, mercury, earth and all others are a beautiful collection of pins or pendants. Cosmobo is using cernit in some of her projects and I can see more materials and goodies hidden inside her designs.
http://polymerclayfimo.livejournal.com/4871313.html
http://cosmobo.livejournal.com

miniature eyeglasses from wire and acetate

Rose Favero posted a cool tutorial for making super miniature eyeglasses from wire and acetate. Naturally this is not polymer but can be a great addition to your polymer clay faces!
All you need is scissors, pliers, tweezers, office hole punch, acetate and wire.
http://aventuraeminiatura.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/tutorial-dos-oculos-por-rose-favero.html

Next week I am back to my regular routine. Having a short pause from all duties this week,  and spending quality time touring the country with Sabine was enjoying and fun.
Have a great rest of the week!

Polymeri Online 6.11.13 | My winter promises, Rustic polymer clay buttons tutorial, Dreidels and ornaments, Polymer airlines, Reversible necklace moon and stars cane and Dragon heads fantasy

It's the middle of the week and I'm getting ready for a special polymer guest coming to visit me here in Israel. I'm so excited to see her again and we plan to enjoy a full week together, touring around the country and see the main attractions.
If you're wondering who it is, you'll have to wait for my next post or follow me on FB, I guess we will post pictures there...

After the intensive work I am taking a short break from polymer clay work (no worries, just a short one) and working on another favorite craft - crochet. This winter I promise myself to start (and hopefully finish) a "granny square" blanket, so I purchased a tutorial by Lisa Clarke and started to work on my squares. Some of them will be flowers, some others. I am still a beginner with crochet but the repetitive process is so relaxing and enjoyable.

A crochet carpet I made from torn bed sheets, 
Guess who is enjoying it's beauty and comfort? 

Starting to work on my squares

Lisa Clarke's Rustic Buttons tutorial

Lisa Clarke, my virtual crochet mentor, which is a very talented knitter and a polymer clay artist, shares in her blog many of her trials, projects and ideas.
Here is one of them showing a cool way to create rustic-looking buttons by using clay, powders, cutting and exchanging shades/shapes and these are rolled flat to create a pattern sheet as a base to her buttons. Really cool!
http://www.lisaclarke.net/2013/10/24/how-to-make-rustic-buttons-even-when-it-all-goes-horribly-wrong/

Shulamit Raanan's Dreidel

One of my Israeli colleague, Shulamit Raanan is already organized her shop for the holidays - both Christmas and Hanukah with fun dreidels and ornaments. Every year I want to make my own dreidel and every year something is keeping me from doing it... maybe this year?
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShuliDesigns

Polymer on planes?

Thomas Otto is covering air planes! No, seriously, it's not United Airlines planes, they are a bit smaller, He then add a cool looking pilot (mouse!) and Tada!
He shares his process of creating an armature with wire and aluminum foil and after the base is ready, he is covering it with clay.
Looks like a lot of hard work!
https://www.facebook.com/thomas.otto.100

Moon and stars cane tutorial on YouTube

Teresa Pandora Salgado published a video on YouTube showing you how to create beads. It is a basic class but it is always nice to see new ways of work and Teresa mentioned a new material she is using as a finish to her polymer clay pieces - Aleen's Jewelry Pendant Gel. She mentions it in her next Reversible necklace video. Teresa is also recommending to save your coffee lids to use as side support while reducing your canes. Recycling!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJzkzmUlwWc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Dragon heads by Makosla

Makosla Creations (Canadian artist Astrid Ayora Carvajal) focuses on Dragons and fantasy sculpture. She is doing mainly dragon heads but you can find cats and other designs as well.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MakoslaCreations
http://makosla.com/polymer-clay-jewelry/

Have a great week! Weekend is only few days away :)

Polymeri Online 23.10.13 | Coffee anyone, Twisted side of polymer clay, 17 ideas for jewelry hangers, PC Bowteek, Ahemm picture of me 20 yrs ago and new Flower Academy upgraded IKEA picture frames

Now that most of the hard work on the Flower Academy tutorial is behind us (all that's left is packing and packing), I can go back to my regular routine and post interesting links from the world around us.

I stumbled across Italian Duecentogrammi's work via Intagram, then followed her into Facebook, enjoying the view. 

Colorful millefiori patterns & designs are surrounding her work, so bright and wonderful! 

In this Coffee set she decorated plates, cups and a pitcher! Geometric patterns are her main focus and they combine beautifully with the rainbow skinner blends.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/duecentogrammi/172383894855

http://www.duecentogrammi.com

Another polymer clay artist I found via Instagram was UK DeeRaaArts, Kirsti which is playing with polymer clay for 6 years now. She mixes her cartoony, colorful and happy side, with a dark, mischievous, slightly twisted side, as she calls it. She posts her process photos in Instagram, look her up and follow.

https://www.facebook.com/DeeRaaArts

http://deeraaarts.bigcartel.com

ArchitecturArtDesigns blog posted 17 creative diy ideas for jewelry hangers. You can use those simple yet impressive ideas by collecting some of your un-used or neglected home tools! Garden tools, boxes, cloth hangers and even a grater! Click the link below to get inspired.

http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/top-17-creative-diy-ideas-for-jewelry-hangers/

Last one for today is PGBowteek (Shannon) Etsy boutique where she creates every bow with lot's of love!

She is a wife and sahm of 8! (I admire these mothers!) and also have a grandson.  Shannon has been creating bows since 1993 but been online since 2000. Every hair bow is decorated with a matching polymer clay center and the final result is so fun and cheerful! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PGBowteek

Last Reminder! If you're still looking for a special gift for yourself (a blooming tutorial) or for your loved ones, how about creating a magnificent flower brooch for your auntie? A flower bouquet for your mom? A set of flower pot magnets for your cousin? A beautiful flower decorated mirror for your sister? 

Create beautiful and colorful bobby pins for your bridesmaids? Dramatic flower ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree? Add pizzas to your home with cheerful holy branches? Decorate your gifts with life lasting Mistletoe branches?

The options are endless!

The Flower Academy tutorial is still on promotion and dozens of new students are joining the "Academy",

Thank you Sage Bray and Cynthia Tinnaple for the feature!

Here are 3 photo frames I made a couple of days ago, upgrading simple IKEA frames with acrylic paints and adding fantasy flowers for decoration. Isn't this colorful and happy? 

My son, age 10 months (He is 14 now....time flies...)

My daughter Maya

Yes, and that's me, 20 years ago... So 90s! ;)
My husband will never forget his bordeaux suit ("...why did I choose this color?!"..)
He did not imagine it would match the frame color, 20 yrs after...

Get answers to 11 of the most burning questions regarding the Flower Academy tutorial - All your urgent questions are answered in this link.

Just in time for the Christmas holiday, join the hundreds who watched the FREE Mistletoe video offered as a complimentary gift -

In case you are wondering who is the sweet girl in our photos, that's my lovely daughter, Maya, who gracefully agreed to all her mother's requests (ahemmm and there were quite a few...) and posed as our flower girl model.

 

Don't miss the special offer expires on November 1st!

Make sure you start early and create the most original Christmas gifts!

http://www.polypediaonline.com/polymer-clay-tutorials-life-like-flowers-polypediaonline.html

As Gabriela said -

..."This must be the most extensive flower guide in polymer ever made; there are quite a few for air dry clay or sugar, but those don’t of course solve technical issues related to polymer clay, nor do they offer such variety of projects. Well thought out and well made!..."

Come and follow us into the garden..

http://www.polypediaonline.com/polymer-clay-tutorials-life-like-flowers-polypediaonline.html