Gallery on PMCConnection

Gallery of metal clay jewelry on PMCConnection.

Up to My Neck in Bugs

Received an email from my daughter's friend who asked if I create 20 dragonflies in metal clay, which would be very expensive;  but I had an idea for her.  What about dragonflies in polymer clay?  She loved the idea!  I have been creating the dragonflies with blue green and purple bodies and wings of transparent with steel gray.  However, I received another email from her saying she had forgotten to tell me she wanted them in silver!  So I will be creating silver dragonflies.  I will make the bodies in silver polymer clay and use the wings I have already prepared.  To keep the dragonflies together, I inserted two pieces of 20 gauge wire for the body and wire across the body and attached each of the four wings.    I also will be using heavy gauge floral wire to mount them for the mason jar floral arrangements the dragonflies will be used with for the event in June.  As soon as I get a silver dragonfly made, I will photograph one of each and share with you.  As soon as I get a silver dragonfly made, I will photograph one of each and share with you.

Working in Bronz Clay

I recently began working in Bronz metal clay. Mostly because I wanted to create a python snake toggle and clasp. Well, I studied the mechanics of the kiln settings and educated myself about working with the Bronz clay. Working with the clay is not much different than silver metal clay but the firing and kiln settings are different. I placed the dry, cleaned, snake toggle and clasp into the carbon in the stainless steel lidded container and fired per the directions I have. The circled snake came out ok, but per directions on reduction in firing, it was a bit large for the size toggle clasp I wanted to use on my necklace. The second, third and fourth circled snake part came apart. I stopped at this point, I wanted to enter the IPCA's Progress and Possibilities contest and time was getting close. I had already created a python skin cane in polymer clay for my beads. I added tumbled picture jasper beads and lava beads to my necklace. I used the very first Bronz snake toggle clasp I created and I think the necklace came out pretty much like I had envisioned. I called the necklace "Slither"
I did not win or place, but I enjoyed the process and will twik the Bronz firing!
Here's a photo of my python necklace:
             

                                                                                                                 

http://www.bitsofclay.com

My Animoto Video

My Animoto Video

How Much Ink Do You Need

In working on samples for a new class, I have been creating jewelry using alcohol inks on transparent clay, with varying results. The results, I've found, depends on the amount of ink, the clay and the backing for your pendant or piece you are creating. I prefer to use the inks, diluted with rubbing alcohol for a more watercolor wash look. The inks grab and penetrate very quickly into the clay, so I have been diluting the inks with alcohol and applying the ink from plastic palette wells with a small brush or q-tips.

What Are People Buying

After attending a wholesale show on Monday, I observed guests buying bling. Perhaps this is a one time Holiday shopping for all. Guests were buying! Bling was everywhere. Clothing, holiday decorations and jewelry. I, myself indulged in bling by purchasing an outlandish Holiday wreath for my front door. I thought, "why not" create some holiday excitement and enjoy. Quite a change from the evergreen wreath with fruit and nuts with a red bow.
In another booth, costume jewelry is big and sparklely. Large earrings, necklaces, watches with lots of rhinestones and bright colors! Animal prints are very much with us. Purses, jackets, scarves shouted animal prints as well as feathers. Lots of feather lapel pins, hair accessories and in floral arrangements,
In my own handmade jewelry, I am including beads of python design and clasps made to imitate snakes. Another is feathers. Caned polymer clay feathers and metal clay feathers. You will want to try some!

Be Thankful

This Thanksgiving season, I am especially thankful to God for my husband's return to good health, as well as my precious family, my good health, and all the good things I have in my life.  After this time of illness with my husband, I am more aware of my true treasures and people in my life.  I had not stopped and reflected on the best things in my world and had taken many things for granted.  I am being more positive and thinking and hoping for the best in each situation and in the people around me.  I am appreciating each day more and trying to see the glass half full instead of half empty.  I am trying to remember to smile and be more pleasant.  I try to slow down more and take each task with more thought, like creating a piece of jewelry for someone.  Value the flaws in handmade metal clay and polymer clay jewelry.  Life is not perfect and neither is any handcrafted piece of jewelry.  You will see the flaws that other people cannot see.  So, during this Thanksgiving season, let us be for thankful for the people and things that really matter. 

The Colors of Fall

  When I think of Fall, I think of all the colors of leaves in my yard and surrounding me in our woods. They are just beginning to turn colors in east Tennessee. When I think of creating Fall jewelry, I naturally think of colorful leaves and leaf shapes. Of course, jewelry can be made any in color or shape imaginable. I usually make a three or four color Skinner blend cane of Fall colors and insert veins, a center vein, wrap the cane in another color or black and shape the cane into a leaf cane. Cut into slices and make jewelry. I like to use Brass or Copper chain with the design. Here's some examples:

What Will Be Seen This Fall

From my observation so far in my research, the classics in clothing, more fitted jackets, fur is everywhere and Python pattern in shoes, purses, clothing is hot.  I see the hemlines are lowering to the knee or maxi length.  Pearls, lots of pearls to go with the classics.  A nice white shirt and tailored slacks with several strands of pearls looks nice.  Jackets are more fitted, closer to the body.  Coats are more tailored, also.  I like to take all this in and create my own style--that fits my lifestyle and my shape.  I think that is a great approach for anyone!  How does that affect my jewelry style and designs?  I will have to see.  I may not change a thing and I might inject a new line or collection.

Marilyn
www.bitsofclay.com