tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178709322024-03-13T11:48:52.899-07:00Clay happeningsMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-55330006343974689782011-01-19T17:56:00.000-08:002011-01-19T17:56:08.766-08:00NEW Clay Happenings<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi everyone. Sorry it's been so long since I popped in. Life is HUGE is my excuse. But as a result of the 'time out' I've had the chance to grow. This also means I am now inspired to share more of what I am learning, not just on techniques and teaching but in all kinds of deeper ways too. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently i heard an interview with a guy called Rick Jarrow. He said "“What I want HAS to be in relationship to you. Without some kind of community connection, without some kind of 'we', the ’ I’ wanting what I want is almost satanic.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, with all this in mind, welcome to the 'new' Clay Happenings, a more holistic look at life, growth, claying and the claying community...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What's new:</strong></span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Camp Creative Contemporary Clay Jewellery 2011, students and their work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zrNrZJkkMH1j1Sfb19kHzuYAoQbQ2nC0WKDlKaF43Ur1-2L9PX8zVY_bX_jLgGCAIHU_jmrsEu5f7XMXXZlFNoF7fKnjw9IcTqyC60cHKYejJcnL0ISd7O7BFM3NV69Epb5OhQ/s1600/Bellingen+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zrNrZJkkMH1j1Sfb19kHzuYAoQbQ2nC0WKDlKaF43Ur1-2L9PX8zVY_bX_jLgGCAIHU_jmrsEu5f7XMXXZlFNoF7fKnjw9IcTqyC60cHKYejJcnL0ISd7O7BFM3NV69Epb5OhQ/s320/Bellingen+089.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPX2e_41AWkcurBsPRfgHwlfXYSL-9yWJd3KCzpWLuEVAHUpI2ODQrWlWEZky5hq0VnMIAFr9DYpZSC16_Fwwa-u-OsT4ZV5n01pooUDslDSBTz2GK0apDJ2CwrybBRZlrR6-Jw/s1600/Bellingen+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPX2e_41AWkcurBsPRfgHwlfXYSL-9yWJd3KCzpWLuEVAHUpI2ODQrWlWEZky5hq0VnMIAFr9DYpZSC16_Fwwa-u-OsT4ZV5n01pooUDslDSBTz2GK0apDJ2CwrybBRZlrR6-Jw/s320/Bellingen+092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBNHmJqiFsD0EUgNaDj7Qb6_7XP-MyfwLFqY6rM-D8cGIC_TeBLVNxykeppNEpWTUM1_v3zV8XBqfOAHMRptuBUAy1IKF0J2DUX4nOZAr3HBtQNWqJswVfYW4ErN1yef9M-ccCA/s1600/Bellingen+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBNHmJqiFsD0EUgNaDj7Qb6_7XP-MyfwLFqY6rM-D8cGIC_TeBLVNxykeppNEpWTUM1_v3zV8XBqfOAHMRptuBUAy1IKF0J2DUX4nOZAr3HBtQNWqJswVfYW4ErN1yef9M-ccCA/s320/Bellingen+071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm just back from teaching a week at Camp Creative in Bellingen and wanted to share a bit of my experience with you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tho I've taught many workshops in the last 8 years or more, I am still learning. Some things that I picked up from having just completed the Cert IV in Training and Assessment shined through and improved my teaching methods and intertwined with that was my willingness to be open to discussion with the class and with other collegues...to really learn from it, to make changes to improve everyones experience of the workshop.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things I learned. That if you ask people for feedback, they give it to you. Be aware where your mind wants to jump to defence and breathe through it, let the knee jerk defence response just slide away and continue to just be open to 'support', know that this person is supporting you in finding improvements. This attitude of openess and genuine willingness to give value to participants leads to the manifestation of something greater than just teaching techniques and doing your job. Over 50% of the group of 16 wrote back to me thanking me. I've never had that kind of response before. One such response was: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"You were just fabulous - I think you did a marvellous job with the numbers. Your patience and willingness to teach AND learn from your students makes the difference. Your enthusiasm is just infectious"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two changes I'm making.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1: Get peoples email address from the organizers and send each participant the tutorials and notes before the workshop date. This means you don't have to print them out yourself (saving a lot of time and some money too) because they print out their own hard copy to take to the class, enabling them to check tutorials themselves if they get stuck and 'teacher' is busy with someone else. It also gives them the benefit of reading through them if they want to get a feel of the big picture of claying.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2: Have a 'ten clay commandments' sign </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ie 1)Tho shalt not touch the work of others in it's raw state. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)Tho shalt look at where the cutting edge of the blades are whenever you pick it up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(not that I had any injuries thank goodness, but I'm just giving examples here). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learned through Cert IV TAE that people learn differently to each other and that while speaking it is important, so is getting them to read it and so is demonstrating and getting them to follow...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, you get my drift. Hope this is helpful to some of the other art/clay teachers out there...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh...and as another reminder, here's that quote again...I just love it</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “What I want HAS to be in relationship to you. Without some kind of community connection, without some kind of we, the ’ I’ wanting what I want is almost satanic.” Rick Jarrow</span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-54097069037204293692009-10-07T14:43:00.000-07:002009-10-07T15:17:55.655-07:00Inks, landscapes and silver frames<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDbOFq_Ecss_hU2jjbaeiqxLohIdNOPiMajPQwQ4JU-doIewEAGgcRLTkqedwCAtneUtxTZBVJOolI5c53KTS3lU595GidnbCHmwPOooobjNf1ChZTr8F1bUI-1HMq566TrI5gg/s1600-h/landscapes+and+inks+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDbOFq_Ecss_hU2jjbaeiqxLohIdNOPiMajPQwQ4JU-doIewEAGgcRLTkqedwCAtneUtxTZBVJOolI5c53KTS3lU595GidnbCHmwPOooobjNf1ChZTr8F1bUI-1HMq566TrI5gg/s320/landscapes+and+inks+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389983749001659938" border="0" /></a><br />These pieces, like many new things I make, are created by me but are influenced tremendously by other teachers and artists I admire. Donna Kato has a fabulous tutorial in her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polymer-Clay-Creative-Surface-Effects/dp/0823013626">surface designs book</a> on how to use gold leaf and inks. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcbysusan/">Susan Turney</a> explored Donnas technique and took it to new levels with her beautiful work. We chatted in depth about how to get a specific look and her advice helped me tremendously. Unfortunately for her polymer clay fans, she has been lured into fabric art recently and we don't get to see much polymer clay from her anymore. The pmc silver frames idea came from Janice Abarbanel who wrote an absolutely fabulous tutorial on using sterling silver frames (which she also supplies) with polymer clay, available in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5347683">etsy shop</a> for those who don't want to make their own from pmc like I did here.<br />Anyway, I thank all these talented and generous artists...and give you my own take on this technique. I am teaching this technique (top ones, not with silver frames) in Sydney in Novemeber, still one place left. Check my<a href="http://polymerandmetalclay.com.au/workshoppage.html"> website</a> for details (scroll to bottom of page)Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-55023915603404729022009-08-23T13:56:00.000-07:002009-08-23T14:33:03.382-07:00Angels<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBAj95VtI076gIu9hJIS3PAY-CWErt0plfG9iPnS1KnOw9h9ye1UgwvG7L072R7tGDhmqvZX48nf9t0eICq9Xq1RvYvSOMHNcZ_imds8TW2OTwmcPy5Q2slHidAgLPTPtiKwiJA/s1600-h/clay+pics+232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBAj95VtI076gIu9hJIS3PAY-CWErt0plfG9iPnS1KnOw9h9ye1UgwvG7L072R7tGDhmqvZX48nf9t0eICq9Xq1RvYvSOMHNcZ_imds8TW2OTwmcPy5Q2slHidAgLPTPtiKwiJA/s320/clay+pics+232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373274892783186866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVOSxFthe4ItnfUTonffH6yL_4Th93ciGd1bmqmiWHC9rYIUIyD5qozIkE5IrAv_jKk83F_BroSvof1gJqEOUvUPY5I7-HjqDqjT_oXJ6jH9KnFaG7UPgYWl3SRCPuWASd_bW8Q/s1600-h/clay+pics+225.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVOSxFthe4ItnfUTonffH6yL_4Th93ciGd1bmqmiWHC9rYIUIyD5qozIkE5IrAv_jKk83F_BroSvof1gJqEOUvUPY5I7-HjqDqjT_oXJ6jH9KnFaG7UPgYWl3SRCPuWASd_bW8Q/s320/clay+pics+225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373273919849222930" border="0" /></a><br />Recently someone turned me onto angels, saying that whatever you want to name them/it... go within...there is great support when you ask for it. I've tried it. It's true!<br />Then the subject of angels came up again...someone else sent me a link to Robbie Williams <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUCdDzfEsF4&feature=related">great song</a> out about angels, a real heart opener...<br />And sometimes they come when you least expect it...like when I turned up to teach a wonderful group from the Bribie Island Community Arts Society. On my arrival, I was greeted by Dee who announced that she was my Workshop Angel and immediately started to direct people to lift things out of my car, make coffee for me, make sure I had everything I needed and that the workshop ran smoothly. I can't tell you how wonderful that was! So big thank you to Dee, my Workshop Angel. And also a big thanks to Sandi, another angel, who gave me a bed for a couple of nights and served the most delicious Indian food for dinner and made me feel so at home.<br /><br />Now I'm gonna be spoiled for all my other large groups like Grafton Artfest and Bellingen Camp Creative. Maybe I should put up an ad "angel wanted, apply within" (haha.. apply winin...get it?)<br />Anyway, here are some examples of the work that the Bribie Island participants made on the weekend.... and a group photo too...<br /><span class="062592819-23082009"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"></span></span><span class="062592819-23082009"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#0000ff;"></span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-9706335471624769862009-06-25T14:07:00.000-07:002009-06-25T14:33:47.365-07:00Musings and mountains<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXZxxgF_tSwtszpMIHuQDpQ7o2UXuNsKveFK6hX50rfTxS9JL3M7B_oNry-ZycEJWEaQBg2-Cy9o3WSBC95oeM9id6UzLE_MTW4qFmf_V4qWuHzpCiCduCG6NaVntFMUiNZTG1g/s1600-h/goldleafinkedlandscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXZxxgF_tSwtszpMIHuQDpQ7o2UXuNsKveFK6hX50rfTxS9JL3M7B_oNry-ZycEJWEaQBg2-Cy9o3WSBC95oeM9id6UzLE_MTW4qFmf_V4qWuHzpCiCduCG6NaVntFMUiNZTG1g/s320/goldleafinkedlandscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351381169030589730" border="0" /></a><br />I've always had a facination with mountains. Magestic, immovable, solid...just gazing at one gives me a sense of peace. It's no wonder cartoonists depict gurus sitting on top of them! It's not surprising I ended up living on a property that overlooks the well known landmark of Mt Chincogan in Mullumbimby which often ends up inspiring me to make landscape pendants in polymer and silver clay. This time I've used gold leaf and alcohol inks and covered with translucent clay. I made a batch of them which I still have to sand and polish but here is one finished. I will be teaching this technique in Sydney in November along with some other fun techniques. See my <a href="http://polymerandmetalclay.com.au/workshoppage.html">workshop page</a> for more details if you want to learn how to make these too!<br /><br />Speaking of inspiration, Amy Crawley is a mixed media artist I really admire. Her work often reflects something profound, some inner workings, something spiritually enlightening. She has a great blog I subscribe to and often throws in quotes that strike a cord with me.<br />Recently she asked for submissions from people for their favorite quote. Being a lover of good quotes, I submitted one too. Read about it <a href="http://moonroommuse.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/monday-reflection-28/">here</a>.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-48391111285760922792009-05-29T12:24:00.000-07:002009-05-29T13:19:35.367-07:00Nepalese clayers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MrSiiIQpYr_jSeqeYyuqLC4W_Ua2eGhaFIx-mQipvOiGtzU_PwE-QEzAucokUrYgM_1YjqxC0oLM8ai1XldZKpAL_pk1ykrCnPZ3HIUEX0k7comkP4vRDxcTIJKa14WtVRwUGg/s1600-h/nepal03.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MrSiiIQpYr_jSeqeYyuqLC4W_Ua2eGhaFIx-mQipvOiGtzU_PwE-QEzAucokUrYgM_1YjqxC0oLM8ai1XldZKpAL_pk1ykrCnPZ3HIUEX0k7comkP4vRDxcTIJKa14WtVRwUGg/s320/nepal03.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341342606944071090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl4R33ky712Qp-dk8seSZLw4O-lVAI8HVnZoXTzZSocDbCGQTHcJPx0eWv9TAAY8iTjlaG4eHZkdEdsTMZQ77b95N9Fn9ftcETIJh2G1Utd8opzIGe3M3W4-uJEDoDec3F0Tnng/s1600-h/nepal02.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl4R33ky712Qp-dk8seSZLw4O-lVAI8HVnZoXTzZSocDbCGQTHcJPx0eWv9TAAY8iTjlaG4eHZkdEdsTMZQ77b95N9Fn9ftcETIJh2G1Utd8opzIGe3M3W4-uJEDoDec3F0Tnng/s320/nepal02.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341342222993261954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDTyj-nHX0GWiWSG6JL4U6npou8SD4Sps1J9nZdkFIXGNDcjApkFwIz0Iks9xHFQEnMvZMKPai5WnKltjEutI-KRTaxV4AfmFB-FD9NbkC07lFaYOhOMd3bBgs0QjVWpnTkHiPA/s1600-h/nepal01.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDTyj-nHX0GWiWSG6JL4U6npou8SD4Sps1J9nZdkFIXGNDcjApkFwIz0Iks9xHFQEnMvZMKPai5WnKltjEutI-KRTaxV4AfmFB-FD9NbkC07lFaYOhOMd3bBgs0QjVWpnTkHiPA/s320/nepal01.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341337652210894066" border="0" /></a><br />Every now and then, something comes along that touches your heart and compels you to take action. If ever there was a plight worth supporting, it's this one. My friend Wendy Moore, an australian polymer clayer living in Nepal, has been teaching Nepalese women jewellery making skills and polymer claying skills to help them become empowered and self sufficient. They are survivors of violence, domestic and trafficing (selling girls into prostitution) and are looking at ways of generating an income for themselves and their families.<br />We are working on ways to get them more clay and supplies, the difficulty is that even if we amass an army of people happy to donate clay, the postal service is very unrelaible. If anyone can shed some light on successful ways to get clay through to Nepal, please write to me at madbeader@westnet.com.au<br />In the meantime, there is more info at the <a href="http://aussiepolyclay.21.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?p=9242#9242">Aussie Polyclayers forum</a><br />for those interesting in trying to send small amounts of clay to keep them busy till we come up with more permanent and successful solutions...Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-79166773396878378012009-05-16T14:27:00.000-07:002009-05-16T21:06:50.063-07:00Inro (wearable vessel)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tEFS7wteoSKtlJHVYjptF_uPPLUf2v-bf8cELBhJnazVOzJWf9gqJZXSmOk8osKetMGM6aSmYmjIifDB4hiuEIfqD6GvStLUsFG9PBLgTNeT72XLk3xSIavvi6kP55dqTqbxzw/s1600-h/clay+pics+164.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tEFS7wteoSKtlJHVYjptF_uPPLUf2v-bf8cELBhJnazVOzJWf9gqJZXSmOk8osKetMGM6aSmYmjIifDB4hiuEIfqD6GvStLUsFG9PBLgTNeT72XLk3xSIavvi6kP55dqTqbxzw/s320/clay+pics+164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336540540209312466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi354H576jrfMruybqbp5q2jQnJ7OU3bdi5UXyBkzbVWJihHRuiCm1xocCwxzIx5-ohwAy9qfL_vcbXB6xR9sSdyyB8agUWcfvQfniBAu6ZZd2ZXhops2hr8H66or4dqwkZDTfQIQ/s1600-h/clay+pics+172-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi354H576jrfMruybqbp5q2jQnJ7OU3bdi5UXyBkzbVWJihHRuiCm1xocCwxzIx5-ohwAy9qfL_vcbXB6xR9sSdyyB8agUWcfvQfniBAu6ZZd2ZXhops2hr8H66or4dqwkZDTfQIQ/s320/clay+pics+172-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336539499786801298" border="0" /></a><br />Out of that mess (see messy table previous post) came this delightful little number. Moulded over an EMPTY cigarette lighter, screen printed and stamped with my very own hand made stamp using photopolymer plates.<br />This inro is a lot easier to make than the previous ones I've made. Like <a href="http://clayhappenings.blogspot.com/2007/12/feeling-romantic.html">this</a>. In fact, it took me less than three hours where as the other one took me around 8 hours! I've written a tutorial on this latest one for Australian Beading magazine's October issue...and since that's such a long way off, I'll remind you when it's out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-50604156398628309152009-05-12T23:07:00.000-07:002009-05-12T23:19:55.307-07:00What's on your table?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2hJMQxMkeV19dbFe1XFza3o7MSa3vFklCvdspA76FIxOA-zg-Hn1T-R-P86-eNjfzoL8ibL_ZPdeYRfJqbTcIw2atZBij4YkC9joJWK3dqbAHE3RYaSKzCnae9s3HyUlPl2kww/s1600-h/clay+pics+121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2hJMQxMkeV19dbFe1XFza3o7MSa3vFklCvdspA76FIxOA-zg-Hn1T-R-P86-eNjfzoL8ibL_ZPdeYRfJqbTcIw2atZBij4YkC9joJWK3dqbAHE3RYaSKzCnae9s3HyUlPl2kww/s320/clay+pics+121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335189006129376370" border="0" /></a><br />Valerie Vaharoni asks in her blog what's on your table? I love her <a href="http://valerieaharoni.com/">blog</a>, well worth subscibing to. Anyhow, I'm one of the messy ones. I used to feel a bit embarrassed...till I saw that all the artists I like trash their tables as bad as I do. So it is with gratitude I come across pics like Valerie Vaharonis.<br />Here's a squizz of mine...Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-4214014625128985482009-05-07T18:05:00.001-07:002009-05-07T18:08:25.779-07:00New look websiteI have a fabulous excuse for so few blog postings last month...I have built myself a new website.<br /><br />Check it out <a href="http://polymerandmetalclay.com.au/">here</a>.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-6945611247786752372009-03-31T15:19:00.000-07:002009-03-31T15:37:59.439-07:00Silver Clay Workshop in Mullumbimby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YkCfArn5uzvi5VV7joykxpvZyGUCIFgOy4D2YiuVDznNJrPljVrhe5-B4yLQ8oNS80I7C8d_VPYiLv6o_Vpcqm2Ucid0pF3KzU4UKYHClUphL56k_gjUzilY0I657TvxDfg48g/s1600-h/earrings+workshop+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YkCfArn5uzvi5VV7joykxpvZyGUCIFgOy4D2YiuVDznNJrPljVrhe5-B4yLQ8oNS80I7C8d_VPYiLv6o_Vpcqm2Ucid0pF3KzU4UKYHClUphL56k_gjUzilY0I657TvxDfg48g/s320/earrings+workshop+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319483788940782434" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm holding a beginners silver clay workshop in Mullumbimby for the locals here. I'm also testing the value of talk back radio...am doing an interview on Bay FM on their Arts Canvass segment on Thursday 2nd April at around 10.15am. So tune in if you're interested...<br />Details of the workshop are:<br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">in Mullumbimby</p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoBodyText">Perfect for the beginner or those wishing to breathe new life into their jewellery making, come explore the revolutionary new medium of silver metal clay used to create fine silver jewellery without the need for casting molten metal.</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Saturday 25<sup>th</sup> April, 10 to 4pm </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Cost: $80 plus materials (dependant upon the size you’d like to make, approx $40)</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">66845576 </p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Earrings are an example only. You may choose you own design…or make a pendant!</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-2664861834913524522009-03-26T19:15:00.000-07:002009-03-26T19:49:44.956-07:00Slaying! Nope, not the dragon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBqzKqljWlad8yrxsqzl-1Io5VJb5pTOa1kb31jooHZRS-NTK7s99jRCTSD3oMdOOe1_SvM5CxCJdTaUltmB8zstKgVg2WEcQ763gcjreJVXOwD9suRvC5aPy9SaHEDJrf_6b4g/s1600-h/texturedwithspiral.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBqzKqljWlad8yrxsqzl-1Io5VJb5pTOa1kb31jooHZRS-NTK7s99jRCTSD3oMdOOe1_SvM5CxCJdTaUltmB8zstKgVg2WEcQ763gcjreJVXOwD9suRvC5aPy9SaHEDJrf_6b4g/s320/texturedwithspiral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317693298338573106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNQMZuLQmgSrTmX0fPKvBddyACdOCoQhdQXLd0hb2aHuxt9EBVyZXOMgf06-fum07UF6sEiMJ0TlEVXqwYXPE8Td6YjtZdEhpjg4ubpMUzvpr9InQikHOSXsMMBbBbHCP6aI4mQ/s1600-h/goldmoondomependant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNQMZuLQmgSrTmX0fPKvBddyACdOCoQhdQXLd0hb2aHuxt9EBVyZXOMgf06-fum07UF6sEiMJ0TlEVXqwYXPE8Td6YjtZdEhpjg4ubpMUzvpr9InQikHOSXsMMBbBbHCP6aI4mQ/s320/goldmoondomependant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317692902340649746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWTENnig4DNOStWChtm-j7In4YLgj8tmIdQhW5DDK3X5oQAaML5pSj0EgQJVzX1pOm8KuSYkm2muV4b17F4MBDvV8RuId0uAq0zGH_8rJAtOFW4CwZiaylsv5cCDPyxvPGif7sg/s1600-h/squaretexturedwithopal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWTENnig4DNOStWChtm-j7In4YLgj8tmIdQhW5DDK3X5oQAaML5pSj0EgQJVzX1pOm8KuSYkm2muV4b17F4MBDvV8RuId0uAq0zGH_8rJAtOFW4CwZiaylsv5cCDPyxvPGif7sg/s320/squaretexturedwithopal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317692576884440066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUr6N4UrT0g6ML-ewCXco5Aw33ttbG9RvGGZcFbjgKm4ogqf7hGaxM6t6kz13CDCCM75lv7WDMZSXDGA40ysDAolRqxcMyywWdfR7SzEndHk3wc9YccM1UI3rFriDfYkp0042JQ/s1600-h/earringwithcz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUr6N4UrT0g6ML-ewCXco5Aw33ttbG9RvGGZcFbjgKm4ogqf7hGaxM6t6kz13CDCCM75lv7WDMZSXDGA40ysDAolRqxcMyywWdfR7SzEndHk3wc9YccM1UI3rFriDfYkp0042JQ/s320/earringwithcz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317692255090857266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGdPsVZ2wTeK8YD7pOjdVqCQWMEMYxxb_0x9_a9JNHhsIaKPPkypv_akt8xN8euHfqot-H92e6P2Cx3MC5N2ySQLWXdtWwBHkfTExR7x-y-OFphSHsWP-6OokdsERsC2_K56qkA/s1600-h/kombipendants.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGdPsVZ2wTeK8YD7pOjdVqCQWMEMYxxb_0x9_a9JNHhsIaKPPkypv_akt8xN8euHfqot-H92e6P2Cx3MC5N2ySQLWXdtWwBHkfTExR7x-y-OFphSHsWP-6OokdsERsC2_K56qkA/s320/kombipendants.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317692056482767298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvXBxPRWZHMC0BnEXqr7WJhnJ-IxXDbf8cUgNwU23ayiryMbDfG1sjRDZ7R2vG4qrUf1SVXe6vuhjk9g3kn-mAEJgFiAEVCRNGgwvZrLFnwxUnERWR8DsL2ylhB1tNV_-Fk7mwg/s1600-h/domedtexturewithcarnelian.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvXBxPRWZHMC0BnEXqr7WJhnJ-IxXDbf8cUgNwU23ayiryMbDfG1sjRDZ7R2vG4qrUf1SVXe6vuhjk9g3kn-mAEJgFiAEVCRNGgwvZrLFnwxUnERWR8DsL2ylhB1tNV_-Fk7mwg/s320/domedtexturewithcarnelian.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691900804225826" border="0" /></a><br />A wonderful clay buddy of mine from Albany WA once termed silver claying as 'slaying' and it stuck. I've been in slaying heaven for the last three days. I wanted to combine gems (which can't be fired) with silver clay so I fired a pre-made bezel cup into a hole (made with 'it' as the cutting tool) learned from Hadar Jacobsons first book 'The Handbook of Metal Clay". Great book and well worth the purchase. Pity I stuffed up the part where the stone falls nicely into place...it didn't, it went in on a slight angle and got stuck, I couldn't pull it out. So Ms Impatience decided 'oh stuff it' and pushed it as far as it could go, still on an ever so slight angle...which ofcourse made fitting the bezel snugly around it nice and neat an impossible task. Lesson learned. Next time I'll be placing dental floss underneath the stone till I know it's sitting right. Live n learn.<br />I've had success with applying gold to silver...adding paste (or better yet, acs overlay paste!) directly after it's cooled from firing, then two/three layers of gold paste or aura 22, drying before each next coat, torch fire and burnish gold while still hot...a tip I got from Jen at <a href="http://metalclay.com.au/">Metal Clay Australia</a><br />I also made Curt a kombi pendant...there's been a shift in our relationship and I felt the urge to make something precious for him. It HAD to be a kombi didn't it! He loves it.<br />All in all, a very satisfying few days. I'm so glad to be settled back in.<br />Off to another art trail exhibition/promotion at Hammer and Hand this evening...talking art and drinking red wine, both of which are right up there in the top ten of favourite things...Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-17187272767541419362009-03-24T14:17:00.000-07:002009-03-24T14:25:33.820-07:00Sydney workshop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuKaGygq_qx7CBu-lkXRnwVJqXBpg3MkixAoJmbUy-5mwXVgWYFY0bCAGxw2oc2yg5YBzz8wJiyJJjVASQQZfRFVNb0dKrZ8a-1CsnhsrApb2ti_MsJTUvqzY2lg38e64scYNCw/s1600-h/3356223078_080d2691a8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuKaGygq_qx7CBu-lkXRnwVJqXBpg3MkixAoJmbUy-5mwXVgWYFY0bCAGxw2oc2yg5YBzz8wJiyJJjVASQQZfRFVNb0dKrZ8a-1CsnhsrApb2ti_MsJTUvqzY2lg38e64scYNCw/s320/3356223078_080d2691a8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316867935200670690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiithrvX6vOyDwkb2fXX9qPwotAvjdoULiMgy0Q1J9MKAFgtTpRONTI8S91i1tq5oWJvAjgDFoL0jFLZQPkFp6FSg5j0NnizX2FaZHRwZKz62paOtOCy30eJr1tHF4LD6OAgj3HkQ/s1600-h/3356073750_16fd8fd388.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiithrvX6vOyDwkb2fXX9qPwotAvjdoULiMgy0Q1J9MKAFgtTpRONTI8S91i1tq5oWJvAjgDFoL0jFLZQPkFp6FSg5j0NnizX2FaZHRwZKz62paOtOCy30eJr1tHF4LD6OAgj3HkQ/s320/3356073750_16fd8fd388.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316867589250866562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG77GWZX7fYLebKaPbdoi-0Lf7puSlksa9eOHriDc245M4VtEhCoVxsNoZrSQMJ2owd42jsrh7eIR8rukl1FvqIvqRvS-2WUaU2c8cKDlnYAQbs5LZHZPi0R3gI6MhFpPCOF1slg/s1600-h/3356073746_2d7af26455.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG77GWZX7fYLebKaPbdoi-0Lf7puSlksa9eOHriDc245M4VtEhCoVxsNoZrSQMJ2owd42jsrh7eIR8rukl1FvqIvqRvS-2WUaU2c8cKDlnYAQbs5LZHZPi0R3gI6MhFpPCOF1slg/s320/3356073746_2d7af26455.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316866875544653842" border="0" /></a><br />Here are some pics of the Sydney workshop in early March. We all had a simply marvelous time and I will be back in October for those of you who want more! Perth will have to wait a wee bit longer as I plan to go back in March. Wonderful to have a bloke at the Sydeny workshop, thanks to Carl for being brave enough to hang out with the women.<br />The group pic, for those who want to know who's who...from left to right...Maria, Kerry, Janet, Carl, Kathy and moi!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-933534092445457182009-03-10T17:21:00.000-07:002009-03-10T18:26:04.573-07:00Perth Polymer and Silver Clay workshop fun!<div align="center"><blockquote><p align="left">Last weekend I taught a precious metal and polymer clay combo workshop in Perth made available to <a href="http://aussiepolyclay.21.forumer.com/">Aussiepolyclayer</a> members and <a href="http://www.metalclay.com.au/gallery/instructors.html">CCIP</a> artisans. What fabulous fun we had! Made even more so by the bonds that have been formed over many years of chatting online at the Aussiepolyclay Forum. Many of us know each other quite well but have never met in person till now so you can imagine how wonderful it was to finally get together for a weekend of clay fun.</p><p align="left">Thanks to my folks for opening up their home for this wonderful event and to all those who participated, a huge thanks to you all for making it a joyful gathering.</p><p align="left">Special thanks to <a href="http://www.textileworkshops.com/">Pam Annesley</a> for hijacking me straight after the workshop for an extra two days of claying and experimenting at her home studio in Bindoon. </p><p align="left">Stay tuned next week for pics of the Sydney workshop coming up this weekend and also the announcement and pics of the polymer jewellery challenge for both groups.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9T2po-Du6bFqb1XDjT55JwU5sg9QVFAdjfCHh57c40GIWRkuTQwBEmGbaNQOlWGCVo6kjJPkkCFp9id4OHiIl02TLgCFbylkiRGCHuBcwq4ILpjZlTs6w4snQ8AuHKhXKDjfxg/s1600-h/P1010587_edited.JPG"></p></blockquote><blockquote><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311729312234413522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9T2po-Du6bFqb1XDjT55JwU5sg9QVFAdjfCHh57c40GIWRkuTQwBEmGbaNQOlWGCVo6kjJPkkCFp9id4OHiIl02TLgCFbylkiRGCHuBcwq4ILpjZlTs6w4snQ8AuHKhXKDjfxg/s320/P1010587_edited.JPG" border="0" /></blockquote></a>Debbie and Lex have one of many cheeky moments while I lend a hand.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM6BY7V6WoBzghhhyphenhyphenhX0SX8ol420QP-s4qA8979_kek2dFzHAAtYy-yxDmgqKfJFU6VtQBxsh_ozeoYFvmrkLK34Q5eofo9EW5Es6qulWVws7HiC44SdB32TX-Sjdr8CWBV4YUA/s1600-h/P1010552_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311729190533990306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM6BY7V6WoBzghhhyphenhyphenhX0SX8ol420QP-s4qA8979_kek2dFzHAAtYy-yxDmgqKfJFU6VtQBxsh_ozeoYFvmrkLK34Q5eofo9EW5Es6qulWVws7HiC44SdB32TX-Sjdr8CWBV4YUA/s320/P1010552_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> Zarina finger painting!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvm1EdqrAPBXU3-1IPg67e_Sz5BJktNB5O84SrHvN41jC1iB11A2mvT6pzQmziCbpzY_doGPaqtTyrJWlTPyGAZqt67sWsopxNVeL4SncqhsSsDK-6k0tH0h5kOU8EBrFjybX8g/s1600-h/P1010551_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311729029228859666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvm1EdqrAPBXU3-1IPg67e_Sz5BJktNB5O84SrHvN41jC1iB11A2mvT6pzQmziCbpzY_doGPaqtTyrJWlTPyGAZqt67sWsopxNVeL4SncqhsSsDK-6k0tH0h5kOU8EBrFjybX8g/s320/P1010551_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Julie merrily painting a polymer clay sheet.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss_bN-srshmflLK7frKth8bCjvCAqZoPqYKtQCYr1XDSB5B1Qv1Pjj_NN6he7ekHgb5FTJtkBf_cg6oZtlKJJAs06BiETpzsxzzljOPkW6M_cq2MXOtO0_kvsidtY3u7xwlg3dA/s1600-h/P1010537_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311728860855372610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss_bN-srshmflLK7frKth8bCjvCAqZoPqYKtQCYr1XDSB5B1Qv1Pjj_NN6he7ekHgb5FTJtkBf_cg6oZtlKJJAs06BiETpzsxzzljOPkW6M_cq2MXOtO0_kvsidtY3u7xwlg3dA/s320/P1010537_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Zarina in an 'ooops, careful' moment! We can all relate to this one!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQpnV3yr8CWbbKnKmNeKhbCltBNk9u0gI4AfVlteX_C5YuNO0YXI48-PGwCd-KxUUCOyu41eKvB1fX8JRPbIyxceZaTPkDk4X7UVWXSkZnSsCibiLEFge2OwE2ax7YmZ_30DI1w/s1600-h/P1010533_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311728721520973266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQpnV3yr8CWbbKnKmNeKhbCltBNk9u0gI4AfVlteX_C5YuNO0YXI48-PGwCd-KxUUCOyu41eKvB1fX8JRPbIyxceZaTPkDk4X7UVWXSkZnSsCibiLEFge2OwE2ax7YmZ_30DI1w/s320/P1010533_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Lex and Debbie working with silver clay<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJmbOFZdhbD5RVLf1a2_cyiO8RBHGqEHIYesnwUhjt6G-mwple8W1yK5oIaOOtvt2BIO7-XPQinBC8UmBMaDCwbNFoyCrizzYUG3H5vove9PLnjg_lo8NwhevNkLyIdruKnMAHA/s1600-h/P1010523_edited.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311727968487177842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJmbOFZdhbD5RVLf1a2_cyiO8RBHGqEHIYesnwUhjt6G-mwple8W1yK5oIaOOtvt2BIO7-XPQinBC8UmBMaDCwbNFoyCrizzYUG3H5vove9PLnjg_lo8NwhevNkLyIdruKnMAHA/s320/P1010523_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> Julie cutting strips of silver clay.<br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGyP0jFYbv3vMyzq6ZA3LLFZoegNAxcYHB9GsNxx8gI3saqKDDN7bW7AP7crCHCeODVfibwjyG_FyOzZ3LX3ywMC1VgQlt7V4-tZeMwm-RMJZdMI0YDuzFKOqXp22HOpt_GobzQ/s1600-h/P1010597.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGyP0jFYbv3vMyzq6ZA3LLFZoegNAxcYHB9GsNxx8gI3saqKDDN7bW7AP7crCHCeODVfibwjyG_FyOzZ3LX3ywMC1VgQlt7V4-tZeMwm-RMJZdMI0YDuzFKOqXp22HOpt_GobzQ/s320/P1010597.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p align="center">Group pic...left to right...Silvia, Merryl, Lex, Debbie, Zarina and Pam. Front, Mel and Julie.<br /></p><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI2-ivzmSQqcZNFMGoE7bP-J2QAwSYykzZsJFWH5H_NsXdnU2zxGEY8YM2BA3qO_zgye1kPlFMoIVt03J-NfjYfd3Ndryi1Dz3e_5vYrwGkkZoMw_TNjnqL3ncn96-as3q_R8Ng/s1600-h/P1010501_edited.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirI2-ivzmSQqcZNFMGoE7bP-J2QAwSYykzZsJFWH5H_NsXdnU2zxGEY8YM2BA3qO_zgye1kPlFMoIVt03J-NfjYfd3Ndryi1Dz3e_5vYrwGkkZoMw_TNjnqL3ncn96-as3q_R8Ng/s320/P1010501_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p align="center">Examples of the pieces that were being taught.<br /></p><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOol6i3229q49a3UtkrgrirSKcF5pqDVo5yFpiOHhjC32Gpe4elNg37cX1NSi0uY5hYdGQP7lNB9D7RhCrTqwkweD7I5THgbowEj3cnzi9oWNzh1PDX7X94gKW7Y6sS8OqkmIrQ/s1600-h/P1010507_edited.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOol6i3229q49a3UtkrgrirSKcF5pqDVo5yFpiOHhjC32Gpe4elNg37cX1NSi0uY5hYdGQP7lNB9D7RhCrTqwkweD7I5THgbowEj3cnzi9oWNzh1PDX7X94gKW7Y6sS8OqkmIrQ/s320/P1010507_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><p align="center">Talk about concentration!<br /></p><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG85cbJPRUKVZVOjW4RozAZZptl6I6sn9KBn6-LDCPOUtsTwMXPH78ldpyFchGREsDtm7A-CrFqhv_U9q30CCoLKRexLSevKc129A3I8DzGFHvU9OJfOYMh-g6ZIa7DnjtvIexmQ/s1600-h/P1010546_edited.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG85cbJPRUKVZVOjW4RozAZZptl6I6sn9KBn6-LDCPOUtsTwMXPH78ldpyFchGREsDtm7A-CrFqhv_U9q30CCoLKRexLSevKc129A3I8DzGFHvU9OJfOYMh-g6ZIa7DnjtvIexmQ/s320/P1010546_edited.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Ooey gooey painting fun!<br /></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-51045576153185706432009-02-17T13:49:00.000-08:002009-02-18T13:47:12.933-08:00On the cover!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVATDg8cVN-n5wmGCmTX3xKq8uFbyaMrGUTQElaleBOB7ghGoqjkDc-6_PETJKYNDve_Yd1FoYaNsLzSLLpr5ygn5W8tFgsmZjHdYIH8ObqxVQ188fPxfQm1FnuCQFENhr0wN68w/s1600-h/mels+front+cover+piece.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVATDg8cVN-n5wmGCmTX3xKq8uFbyaMrGUTQElaleBOB7ghGoqjkDc-6_PETJKYNDve_Yd1FoYaNsLzSLLpr5ygn5W8tFgsmZjHdYIH8ObqxVQ188fPxfQm1FnuCQFENhr0wN68w/s320/mels+front+cover+piece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304256065894256450" border="0" /></a><br />Wheeeeeeeeee! I made the cover of Australian Beading this issue! It's a real thrill...and makes my heart glad for all kinds of reasons. When I picked up that first pack of clay and had my first play about 8 years ago, I knew instantly that I'd finally found my 'niche'. Hardly a soul even knew about polymer here in Australia, <a href="http://aussiepolyclay.21.forumer.com/">Aussiepolyclayers</a> was only an idea in the founders head <a href="http://www.polymerclay.com.au/">(Heather Richmond)</a> , it formed a year or two afterwards. There were no Australian online polymer clay shops, no workshops taught, no books available. I was on my own. But... I'd found other people with the same focus at <a href="http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/">Polymer Clay Central</a>, a USA based forum. I absorbed everything I could about polymer clay online...the PCC forum members were an amazing source of inspiration and help...I discovered there were books and videos...even a tv program in the USA dedicated solely to polymer clay that a friend taped and sent me...I just devoured it all...and I played. I played and I played. And I fell more and more in love with this stuff. Now I teach all over Australia, exhibit in Byron Bay and..... have a piece of my work on the cover of a mag. Just shows you the power of passion!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-80476864529393692782009-02-16T12:36:00.000-08:002009-02-16T12:59:28.184-08:00Ruffle beads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AwO_EatcQsUFVx83E5pzs8PwhazIjoxZ9dFtnu2UU3Zm8RctW0aCyfjYVLGY8V-Ra9t6pWHpSD8t53_NrCSVgStEBuV5lFhVg9IftvxaC1HonaIwdEBCclseCy2Z0_7vmxdP-Q/s1600-h/lucywithrufflebeads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AwO_EatcQsUFVx83E5pzs8PwhazIjoxZ9dFtnu2UU3Zm8RctW0aCyfjYVLGY8V-Ra9t6pWHpSD8t53_NrCSVgStEBuV5lFhVg9IftvxaC1HonaIwdEBCclseCy2Z0_7vmxdP-Q/s320/lucywithrufflebeads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303502596442144498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1Xvd-pDu1X_DfTTvLC66yxGaABN62VRt9qc16ItkHFbotO3r6qKXxrU7GCMWCIBwXPhWMv_cuK7pDOmA81q4lOCLy4vkEeVeHjnnOuXy6sutTyPdm1DLsBVKvLu9hjQAxhbRiQ/s1600-h/rufflebead02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1Xvd-pDu1X_DfTTvLC66yxGaABN62VRt9qc16ItkHFbotO3r6qKXxrU7GCMWCIBwXPhWMv_cuK7pDOmA81q4lOCLy4vkEeVeHjnnOuXy6sutTyPdm1DLsBVKvLu9hjQAxhbRiQ/s320/rufflebead02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303497694339909666" border="0" /></a><br />What I love most about the internet is that it's been the vehicle for connecting and making friends with people all over the world as well as a constant source of inspiration and education in just about anything that interests me. One such friend is Christelle Van Lingen , a wonderful polymer clay artist living in the USA who has been making these beautiful ruffle beads for some time. She recently wrote a tutorial on them and asked me to test it...and here it is! Delightful isn't it? And not as hard as I thought it would be. Lucy was here that day, she has never touched polymer clay before and I asked her if she wanted to play along with me... she was sooooo thrilled with what she made...she used two 'petals' for earrings too!<br />And <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21132925">here</a> is the link to Christelles etsy shop and this marvelous tutorial!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-48536478552260681942009-01-14T22:27:00.000-08:002009-01-14T22:36:19.593-08:00Sydney/Perth Workshop Examples<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaXsqCENNI70QmdSRJ-FDEb-SGjYuYkop_mpHPjx0_4Temh_smXdo2IwPBnUX_HsomxCKYy7CEW1z6sYQC_Qoll1bBTgL89kQitDfCKXHhKzJo5Ilc6w44wAnZJdctXGIfK1gbw/s1600-h/Clay+pics+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaXsqCENNI70QmdSRJ-FDEb-SGjYuYkop_mpHPjx0_4Temh_smXdo2IwPBnUX_HsomxCKYy7CEW1z6sYQC_Qoll1bBTgL89kQitDfCKXHhKzJo5Ilc6w44wAnZJdctXGIfK1gbw/s320/Clay+pics+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291404492711818498" border="0" /></a><br />These are some different colours and finishes I've been playing around with as examples for the upcoming workshops I'm teaching in Perth and Sydney. I've also used silver leaf instead of gold for a change. The spirals (made from scraps left on the table) and pillow beads are finished with fimo gloss and the pendants and tiles are finished with Lisa Pavelkas Magic Glos which is more like a resin.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-63223255703241126422009-01-13T17:21:00.002-08:002009-06-03T17:11:47.639-07:00"Praying for Nature" wheel beads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v-KMkYaVk-q0G3tlfbjhK41yiNGHuZRGpO8SPxh2OFWzZkZZt31_zhhyltB3-kuIZ4NesTUzT3dd6R71JqiUA2hVF26P4MOzBjaYAwOuWi2Xi5cYMmN6eHo5EO8ah8n533pCbg/s1600-h/Clay+pics+033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v-KMkYaVk-q0G3tlfbjhK41yiNGHuZRGpO8SPxh2OFWzZkZZt31_zhhyltB3-kuIZ4NesTUzT3dd6R71JqiUA2hVF26P4MOzBjaYAwOuWi2Xi5cYMmN6eHo5EO8ah8n533pCbg/s320/Clay+pics+033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290954752068698466" border="0" /></a><br />Inspired by the beautiful BVLGARI tubogas technique and those fabulous <a href="http://www.fundamentalbuddhism.com/store/prayer-wheel.html">tibetan prayer wheel</a>s... the middle ring moves around freely. I love the deeply etched stamps and home made textures I used to create these beads and couldn't resist the play on words...nature needs all the help we can give it if the planet is to survive...<br />Strung on magnetic clasped steel cable threaded with softglass and pewter daisy-like beads. These are keepers!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-37997978409682346752009-01-08T18:32:00.000-08:002009-01-08T22:08:02.260-08:00Aussie Hearts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThkRkmfSCR-ldp9xnxuHBIXQg5IKEDpiUV4tbADLXfTMQ45mcl97h5G38Z1u2azr-NEtAs2rqaYYeqEKSKaqabIVmkZJtiR0sh5oxzpLGCCEu9SVKbiGZ-H_dW5PUraNEA6nb-g/s1600-h/100_2591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThkRkmfSCR-ldp9xnxuHBIXQg5IKEDpiUV4tbADLXfTMQ45mcl97h5G38Z1u2azr-NEtAs2rqaYYeqEKSKaqabIVmkZJtiR0sh5oxzpLGCCEu9SVKbiGZ-H_dW5PUraNEA6nb-g/s320/100_2591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289171772915764050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Called aussie hearts because these colours are so aussie, they mimic the colours of the traditional aboriginal paintings with those delicious rich hues...<br />Using Premo polymer clay and Kathi's fabulous <a href="http://www.dragonsglass.com/tutorials/my-brain-in-clayor/">brain cane tutorial</a> (three cheers to Kathi!). That tute is a little ripper!<br />What I like about the brain cane is that it's great for heart and other shapes because it doesn't mind being distorted like a geometric pattern would, in fact, a little tweeking here and there makes it even more interesting. Go on, try it! You know you want to...:)<br />It's been a real 'heart' focus for me this month. Our jewellery collective Hammer and Hand, is holding a 'hearts and witches' night and exhibition for friday the 13th of Feb, the evening before Valentines day. We're all making pieces to suit the theme. These (and the pmc hearts of the previous post) are my heart contribution, they will be for sale on the night. For the 'witches' side of the theme, I'm attempting a broomstick in silver metal clay. A very talented Lisa Moody from SA made one a few years back and I just loved it. I'm halfway making one of my own, am using a gnarly stick for the handle, yet to work out the brush part...Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-82084142800365407412009-01-08T16:36:00.000-08:002009-01-08T18:11:29.278-08:00Heartscapes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYftNF_ErtFCArDCcMc7ONOs0qAGQtv_30vKxnfr4QjojG6KEIZ98YQoTt4XEF66MK4qZZw0ES132N2l0UzFjfwnn14Mr1WAvan0GEuRDkCu8rpGEq3Vp6t-2rkqmKQT0HgCF8w/s1600-h/100_2586.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYftNF_ErtFCArDCcMc7ONOs0qAGQtv_30vKxnfr4QjojG6KEIZ98YQoTt4XEF66MK4qZZw0ES132N2l0UzFjfwnn14Mr1WAvan0GEuRDkCu8rpGEq3Vp6t-2rkqmKQT0HgCF8w/s320/100_2586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289086938954181714" border="0" /></a><br />Lets start the new year off with hearts. I'm calling these silver clay hearts "Heartscapes". They mimic my own heart, patterned with life's ouchies, big and small, in fact, made more beautiful for it all, so long as one stays open.........Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-14552593447004589052008-12-05T19:55:00.001-08:002008-12-06T13:41:07.922-08:00Polymer and PMC pendants<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T7p9SaN-9d25nQvhC6L6FB9KV6i_A-WN4hzJ0IBqY87qcNmJFrlFAx0F0hkueJFu2OxV5WUTQDr56EOtzmAq0m-9ZJpGq5sO92Aeus9OFT_8YBIDezYqLclM4xREd1VXl7GQdQ/s1600-h/Clay+pics+290.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T7p9SaN-9d25nQvhC6L6FB9KV6i_A-WN4hzJ0IBqY87qcNmJFrlFAx0F0hkueJFu2OxV5WUTQDr56EOtzmAq0m-9ZJpGq5sO92Aeus9OFT_8YBIDezYqLclM4xREd1VXl7GQdQ/s320/Clay+pics+290.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276521190738041490" border="0" /></a>More ideas for a polymer and pmc workshop I want to teach. Pendants painted with metallic acrylic paints and covered with translucent. The rectangular one has a strip of gold leaf sandwiched between translucent..and a window of arnold grummer flakes mixed with liquid clay. And for that touch of class, I added hand made pmc bails and garnets set in pmc...Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-60856312275916330722008-11-30T12:12:00.000-08:002008-12-05T15:55:07.107-08:00Hammer and HandI've joined a jewellery artists collective called Hammer and Hand in Byron Bay. The way it works is that each of the seven artists display their jewellery ( gold, silver, stainless steel, pmc, polymer clay, glass) in a shop which is a part of the new Byron Artists Trail and give one day of their time to man it. There's a jewellery bench for us to work from while we're there and I believe cappuchinos can be delivered! Heaven on a stick for this little hermit who hardly gets out into the big wide world.<br />As luck would have it, I join them just days before the opening of the new Byron Artists Trail...which is on Friday this week. If you're in the area, pop in for a drink and nibbles anytime after 5...or come any time, we're open 7 days a week, I'm there every Tuesday, come and watch me play with clay!<br />Hammer and Hand at<br />1/4 Ti-Tree Place, Arts and Industries Centre<br /><div><span style="font-size:0;"><span class="468184904-30112008"><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span class="468184904-30112008"><a href="http://www.byronartisttrail.com/">http://www.byronartisttrail.com/</a></span></span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-12762706716245479892008-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:002008-11-17T15:09:53.966-08:00Experimenting...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V8ruc9e7KcVhMjenncDqic2kRCrZsYOxLvGZ-Q9aUVDU7mLeU7IXorGmeLwRO1O9v5YgCjxLykqSfBTthrLaShaSNiyw8tJSt6QNFnCzqiHuS0xeXVxhsQNiCS6TTqLRXvsIHA/s1600-h/Clay+pics+277.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V8ruc9e7KcVhMjenncDqic2kRCrZsYOxLvGZ-Q9aUVDU7mLeU7IXorGmeLwRO1O9v5YgCjxLykqSfBTthrLaShaSNiyw8tJSt6QNFnCzqiHuS0xeXVxhsQNiCS6TTqLRXvsIHA/s320/Clay+pics+277.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269756766725741938" border="0" /></a><br />These pieces are not finished. I probably won't finish them as they've both got a terrible case of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">moonies</span>. I suspect the paint's moisture content is the problem although I made sure they dried thoroughly overnight. I've used Stuart Gills <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Byzantia</span> acrylic metallic paints before underneath <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Premo</span> Frost with good results...so I was disappointed to find <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">moonies</span> develop this time. Such a pity because I love how the rest of it has come together. Oh well, back to the clay table!<br />ps I do like the opal effects from the Arnold Grummer flakes, seems the best way to deal with these are to mix them with liquid clay and bake a thin layer directly on a tile...comes up a treat!<br />Edited to add: It just dawned on me what's causing the moonies...it's been raining here non stop for the past two days in our semi tropic climate...might have to put off using translucents for when the sun is shining!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-7727278212534750282008-11-11T16:02:00.000-08:002008-11-11T16:32:04.965-08:00Metal clay focal toggle clasp<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIp30SG_CcJqUmuHeMOdRPeEUW7xfOGOwngcX6cm8xYJMxYbsDazUMH1ssZlw2SaDi-EtvdAFi5QenMBze-Lfau8fr3Mkv58dzBHFBvNgQC5TePChLe46VuHWqqwVcZ4xK-1umg/s1600-h/Clay+pics+224.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIp30SG_CcJqUmuHeMOdRPeEUW7xfOGOwngcX6cm8xYJMxYbsDazUMH1ssZlw2SaDi-EtvdAFi5QenMBze-Lfau8fr3Mkv58dzBHFBvNgQC5TePChLe46VuHWqqwVcZ4xK-1umg/s320/Clay+pics+224.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267555498223773426" border="0" /></a><br />Here's something different for me. Not the green...we all know I love green...but I've never made a large focal toggle clasp before and rather like the way this came together. Thanks to Ann <waves> <waves to="" ann=""> for the idea! Don't you love how arty people share ideas and learn from each other. That leaf charm is a sage leaf...a leaf I had read wouldn't take the PMC paste well. Ha! Just goes to show you not to be put off by what you read. I've thrown it together with some green turquoise and freshwater pearls. Remind me to take a proper beading class. I've no idea how to use thread, I've always wired my necklaces with a really ultra flexible wire but only for simple necklaces like this. The instant I want soft dangley bits and additional loops of pearls, I'm in trouble cos the wire doesn't cut it. So it's off to a beading and knot tying class in 2009! Good heavens, that's only about 6 weeks away! Whoosh! What a year!<br /></waves></waves>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-68644732439137835532008-10-28T13:45:00.000-07:002008-10-28T14:07:49.891-07:00Now is the time to smell the flowers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcmIwEZ1N05fL0BkBCfW9GzTcwycWsGVpWflsvq-eUh_baSDiMTysLcMzMlVDXv-0j_-2yfAJg6APTwD9zzXvk4nxUY6EmsYpxqQN06rvrynwcK97vXmKVtXEfS1k1OgnhBpSzA/s1600-h/At+home+099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcmIwEZ1N05fL0BkBCfW9GzTcwycWsGVpWflsvq-eUh_baSDiMTysLcMzMlVDXv-0j_-2yfAJg6APTwD9zzXvk4nxUY6EmsYpxqQN06rvrynwcK97vXmKVtXEfS1k1OgnhBpSzA/s320/At+home+099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262313798546918818" border="0" /></a><br />It's very weird...I hear all this stuff on the news and see all the red arrows on the stock market...the media is having an absolute field day with all the hype that everyone is listening to and clucking about...and yet...my own world doesn't reflect this. I'm still in my studio almost every day creating or sharing what I know. I'm still watering the garden and picking flowers. I'm still taking the dog to the beach a few times a week. The sun still rises like the big beautiful orb that it is. Sure, my teaching diary isn't as full as it was...and I can't go to all the workshops I want either. I'm drinking $8 wine and growing vegies. If money gets really tight, as it's done before and not necessarily because of the 'market', then who cares that I can't have that holiday or buy those Berkies I want. I don't. I still have me...cuddles with my dog...artful adventures... flowers...friends... endless love, creativity, abundance everywhere I look. My tummy is full, my heart is open...and as luck would have it, I have enough clay and equipment to last me well into next year...<wicked grin=""><br />When the goddess gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When business is quiet, we all get to stop and chill for a while...a pity it took economic distaster to get us to slow down, but there ya go! That's often how it is. I'm sure you'll all agree that now is the time to get creative...in our work and in living our lives. I love how <a href="http://christinekane.com/blog/why-there-has-never-been-a-better-time-to-be-creative/">Christine Kane</a> puts it..."Being creative at it's deepest level means that you're a creator, not a reactor, that your life is your work of art, that you get to choose what to put in it."<br />If business is slow, then NOW is the time to write tutorials for mags...to attempt those projects you never had time for...to learn new skills...to start a blog/journal/write a book on claying and creativity...to approach those summer schools/colleges/vacation care and aged care places regarding teaching workshops...to do demos at markets/fairs/sidewalks/exhibitions...<br />Life is what you make it. Always was. This is simply just another opportunity for you to shine. NOW is the time.<br />Kinara (friend pictured) doesn't miss a chance to smell the flowers...<br /></wicked>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-43305599345951142902008-10-25T16:59:00.000-07:002008-10-25T17:03:28.830-07:00Earrings from another time<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_SwHFIiICeu_qIgze6ARxxrEK08LSr4oLuYNrxDZD_K4YoRiksoe69Pcj89drlAACGL4R9y0Me6x8YDUxQOf9ryOrUvR7we438ATrwoeiNVYrIaH4DVSA8S6wGhEZq991Miiig/s1600-h/Clay+pics+193.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_SwHFIiICeu_qIgze6ARxxrEK08LSr4oLuYNrxDZD_K4YoRiksoe69Pcj89drlAACGL4R9y0Me6x8YDUxQOf9ryOrUvR7we438ATrwoeiNVYrIaH4DVSA8S6wGhEZq991Miiig/s320/Clay+pics+193.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm really enjoying the look of these, they look like earrings from another time, unearthed. I must get myself some gold wire, that's what lets these down, they need gold ear hooks.<br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17870932.post-81329760328489143392008-10-23T17:09:00.000-07:002008-10-24T12:29:01.555-07:00Keum-boo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_4RXK53a58Kmei8WdqxIUM8NF7tLXGS4dQG6QO7qXj3DOE_nsRkZ5xoTtoOF8wS4xvsKcIGWNelCJ8ohgH7JE6b_DacxKVVAMvthRGA91M7TF7667XJbGZT48Mv-LYe2JNKywQ/s1600-h/Clay+pics+183.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_4RXK53a58Kmei8WdqxIUM8NF7tLXGS4dQG6QO7qXj3DOE_nsRkZ5xoTtoOF8wS4xvsKcIGWNelCJ8ohgH7JE6b_DacxKVVAMvthRGA91M7TF7667XJbGZT48Mv-LYe2JNKywQ/s320/Clay+pics+183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260804544789974482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While in Sydney, I had the opportunity to learn <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keum-boo">Keum-boo</a> from Roz Eberhart at Eclectic Studio. Oh my! I was instantly hooked.<br />I can envisage many happy hours ahead immersed in golden goodness! I particularly like it for when I'm going for a really ancient feeling piece which I think these little experiments have highlighted well. I want to make little boxes now!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991232094012252013noreply@blogger.com1