Blog Anniversary Giveaway Week 3: Win a Copy of Polymer Clay Jewelry

I’m half-way through my blog anniversary celebration. I’m having a good time. I hope you are too.

This week, I’m giving away a copy of Debbie Jackson’s lovely book “Polymer Clay Jewelry: 20 Projects Plus Techniques” and one of my Mokume Gane pins.

First, Debbie Jackson’s book:

Jackson’s book is a great resource for the polymer clay beginner, for someone returning to polymer clay, or for anyone interested in using polymer clay to make ethnic inspired artwork. And that is one of the beauties of polymer clay. Versatility!

In the book, Jackson shows you how to create artwork inspired by Asian, African, European, and South American cultures. The projects focus primarily on jewelry such as pendants, brooches, bracelets and earrings. However, you’re a creative being and you can certainly adapt the techniques to other projects such as vessels, home decor, and sculpture.

The techniques you’ll learn in Jackson’s book include: Mokume Gane, building canes, making a push mold, making a Skinner Blend, carving, and using liquid polymer clay. Her step-by-step instructions are detailed and accompanied by clear color photos.

And my Mokume Gane pin:

Mokume Gane Pin

Pin Detail

Along with Debbie Jackson’s book, one winner will also receive this Mokume Gane pin. The pin was inspired by the colors of late fall with hints of Asian design. It measures 5 ” long and would make a lovely addition to any blazer or coat. The Mokume Gane design in the center features copper, gold, and black polymer clay. It is framed by textured black polymer clay and accented with copper Pearl Ex.

I rarely make jewelry anymore so this is truly a collectible piece.

If you’d like to enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post sharing one of your favorite sources of creative inspiration and why. Please include an email address when you leave a comment so I may notify you if you win.

Comments will remain open till midnight EST on Tuesday, August 23. The winner will be chosen on Wednesday. Giveaway items will be shipped via USPS and limited to U.S. residents. I apologize for the restriction on shipping.

The winner of this giveaway was Diane S. This giveaway is now closed.

Blog Anniversary Week 2 Winner

Thanks to everyone who left a comment on the Week 2 Blog Giveaway post. In keeping with the medieval theme, I chose a gold drawstring bag to place the names of those who entered the week 2 giveaway. And I also had some special help this time around. First the names were placed on top of the gold bag. Purple paper, gold bag. Nice medieval colors.

Then the names were placed in the bag….

No peeky…shake the bag

Then my assistants provided their approval.

Pippin Inspected the Bag

Woody Approved the Bag

The winning name was pulled from the bag…..

And the winner of Cris Dupouy’s book, Creating Your Own Antique Jewelry and one of my art doll necklaces is….

Marlea A

Congratulations Marlea!

Thanks again to everyone who participated. Check back this Friday, 8/19, to see what you can win in Week 3 of my blog anniversary celebration.

Blog Anniversary Giveaway Week 2: Getting Medieval

I love almost anything involving the Medieval age and the Renaissance. Old castles, tapestries, religious artifacts, knights, The Pillars of the Earth mini-series.

And then there is the lovely jewelry that adorned some of the women during these time periods. Stunning necklaces of gold and exquisite jewels. Head pieces with precious gemstones and pearls. Even some of the men were adorned with jewels. And if they weren’t wearing them, you might find them holding a jewel encrusted sword.

Following the medieval theme started in my last blog post on Carcassone, this week’s blog anniversary giveaway features Cris Dupouy’s lovely book “Creating Your Own Antique Jewelry: Taking Inspiration from Great Museums Around the World.”

In this book, Dupouy uses select artifacts as the source of her inspiration to create jewelry. Her sources of inspiration span the time periods from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance to the 20th century. For each piece, she provides a brief history, a picture of the artifact (often being worn by the subject in a particular painting), and instructions for recreating the item.

Though Dupouy’s medium of choice in this book is polymer clay & gemstones, it may be possible to recreate the items in a combination of mediums such as polymer clay, metal clay and gemstones or metal clay and gemstones.

Along with Dupoy’s book, you also have the chance to win one of my first art doll necklaces inspired by my interest in the Medieval age.

If you’d like to enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post sharing your favorite period piece, such as a movie, mini-series or book and why. Please include an email address when you leave a comment so I may notify you if you win.

Comments will remain open till midnight EST on Tuesday, August 16. The winner will be chosen on Wednesday. Giveaway items will be shipped via USPS and limited to U.S. residents. I apologize for the restriction on shipping.

The winner of this giveaway was Marlea A. This giveaway is now closed.

Polymer Clay Boot Camp One: Introduction to Polymer Clay

This fall I offered my first studio based class, Polymer Clay Boot Camp One: Introduction to Polymer Clay. The class was held over four consecutive Saturdays. In this class, we discuss brands of clay, how to use a pasta machine, basic tools, and safety; how to condition clay, how to cure the clay, and finishing: sanding, patina, and buffing the clay. We dive into several topics: the Four Fundamental Canes, Exotic Wood Grain Metal (Mokume Gane), and the Fantastic Faux.

Each class topic includes several samples, handouts, and visual demonstrations of several techniques. The classes can be fast paced and packed with information.

My first studio class included three lovely students, Eleanor, Naomi, and Chris. Each had some familiarity with polymer clay, however, these sessions gave them the opportunity to explore and play with polymer clay in a safe, supportive, encouraging environment. We problem solved, experimented, laughed, and challenged ourselves.

The final class is an open studio class where students are able to complete a project of their choice using any of the techniques learned in the previous sessions.

Here are the results:

Eleanor's Bangle Bracelets

Chris's Magnets

Naomi's Switchplate & Beads

And here we all are together:

Polymer Clay Boot Camp One 2010 Class

Thank you Naomi, Eleanor, and Chris for a great teaching experience. Your enthusiasm was contagious.

Coming next spring: Polymer Clay Boot Camp Two: Advanced Techniques in Polymer Clay.