a Mused Studio

Looking Forward to March!

2012-01-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

I just received confirmation for my classes at the Northwest Basket Weavers Conference in Port Orchard Washington in March! It's going to be action packed with all sorts of speakers, auctions, gallery displays and classes. I'll be in constant motion as I have three classes that extend over all four days. If you are interested there are still spaces for late registration.

Spring-ink

2012-01-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

On these winter-windy days I'm enjoying myself working on making rings and pendants for Spring and Summer Sales with this technique that seems to have "turned a corner" with the effect I'm getting. I love winter and snow but the theme of these pieces is decidedly spring themed.

I'm going to have a healthy stock of work set aside for when I'm taking basketry courses in the Spring and best of all I can see a great connection with this technique and a besketry related course I'm hoping to take!

Inky Doodles

2012-01-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

7:37 am Here's a selection of rings and pendants reading to go into the oven. I like the way they've turned out with funky sketched images and my fingers will be firmly crossed when they hit the heat. The surface layer of the clay is translucent and things can go awry in spite of my best intentions. More in 20 minutes....

8:06 am PHEW! The clay fired perfectly and after an ice water plunge there's a nice suggestion of the foils under the translucents layer. Next step- pour resin and employ buggle avoidance.

8:32 am The resin is poured. The rings are nestled in a tray of barley to hold them flat. I'll leave them all in a dark place and take them out occasionally to poke air pockets with a needle and use a mini torch to get rid of buggles. It may take all day so I'll likely put these pieces under the lights tomorrow morning.

Scritch Scratch and Blue Haze

2012-01-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

The scritch scratch sheet was a success and I made three bangles and ten pairs of bezel and resin earrings with it. The overall effect is very dreamy with shades of blue, green and purple and I've named the run of work from this sheet "Blue Haze".

Noodling With Scritch Scratch

2012-01-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

I really like scritch-scratching and poking designs into sheets of skinner blended clay then going wild with alchohol inks. Sections of the sheet can be run gently though the pasta machine to emphasize the original scratch marks. I also put a layer of translucent over sections of the sheet then add swaths of ink to get great colour effects.

This sheet will end up on FuSion Bangles and in earring and pendant bezels.
More tomorrow.....

Wild Things- imagine the possibilities

2012-01-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

It's exciting to explore basketry related blogs and websites these days because class scheules are starting to pop up! I discovered Jo Hart's Wilderness Basketry Blog and was especially interestd in her Wild Things basket- it speaks to me with it's organic undulations. I'm booked for the course in May... it will be a lovely trip down going along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula then south along the Hood Canal.

a New Look

2012-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome the the new digs! Yes- this IS aMused Studio. I like to re-invent the blog every year and this background is amazingly similar to what I see as I sit at my keyboard- blinds and reeds so it's a natural for 2012.
Along with a new blog I like to start the new year with a fun new dayplanner- an old fashioned one that doesn't need a battery of any sort and is neither Apple or Android. (I do love my Samsumg Tab tho!)
The year 1912 has always fascinated me- probably because of the Titanic so I chose this one to carry me through the year!

My calendar indicates that today I should be packing for a weekend on Galiano Island. We hope to do a bit of kayaking if the weather is accommodating. I have a fully loaded Kindle- I'm currently reading the Night Circus. I'll also take a few big plastic bags in the hopes that I'll haul in some kelp and other beach goodies that will work in basketry.
Monday is a start day for a huge polymer production push. I have to get a solid inventory of earrings and Fusions done in what is predictably a very quiet time in shops and galleries. Hopefully I'll have a nice stash of kelp drying as I work with the polymer.

Welcoming 2012 with Gifts

2012-01-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

My first project here in aMused Studio was to do the draw for the year end goodies- thanks for all the comments! I put the names in my little cedar basket and the winners are.....

Vesta Giles-

Shelley Poole-

Mary Mills-

Congratulations!

The surprises will be in the mail as soon as the statuary holidays are over!

My second project is to document what the studio looks like here on the first day of the new year. I did not clean up- I just took the photo- as Anderson Cooper might say- "I'm keeping myself honest". You can see the little basket used in the draw and some organizational turmoil on my desk. Rushes collected on Saltspring sit to the right reminding me to get a soaking bin. The polymer worktable is to the left with some balls of scrap clay waiting to be reconditioned. I resolve at some time to vacuum but I also resolve to accept that this room will never be consistently tidy.

The third project was to add the title of the last book I read in 2011 then get set to start my Reading List for 2012!

The fourth project is to head to the shore to launch my kayak - my back is working properly again and I'm feeling like a celebration!

Cheers!

A Year End Treat For You!

2011-12-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the end of a very unsettling year I'm offering to lift your spirits with a re-run of my all time ever favourite commercial. It was so fitting that Time magazine made "The Protester" the person of the year. How blessed we would be if all problems requiring people to take a stand on the streets could have been solved this happily.

Enjoy the video and the uplifting music by Charles Trenet which you may end up happily humming as you pour your champagne, then.... add a comment in the box below - I'm celebrating years end and the opening of a shiny new 2012 with a draw for three surprise gifts- each item is handcrafted here in my aMused Studio. I'll do a blind draw and contact the three winners on New Years Day for your addresses.

I know Blogger is sometimes cranky forpeople posting comments here- I've never been able to resolve it but Blogger recently added lots of cool new features so maybe the issue was resolved....if not you may be able to post as "Anonymous" just indicate who you are. I'm sure to find you!

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY

AND CREATIVE NEW YEAR!

gera

Reflections on a year....

2011-12-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

As usual I'm spending the waning daze of December cleaning out the studio. It's in transition. Polymer Clay is on the worktable but baskets of reeds and coils of dried kelp, bark and roots line the walls. Currently all my polymer is production work- earrings, rings and Fusion Bangles. Muses, large pieces or even smaller canvasses that are already underpriced don't sell in this economy and I'm finding it very difficult to be creative when work made with love and expensive materials ends up sitting unsold on my own walls.

Along with the econmic downer I suffered a blow early in nasty 2011 when I made the mistake of applying to a show that I never really had much interest in or respect for. Everyone told me it would be great to go into it. They said "everyone gets in- you'd be a shoe in"... not me. I was rejected. What a disheartening kick in the creative butt. (Maybe that's where my back issue came from!) It hurt. A LOT.

I've missed being accepted into shows or galleries before and everyone knows how it takes a while to get over it but when you miss one that you don't respect- that's particularily tough. I was also baffled because some of the images I sent to the jury had been accepted by prestigious shows! Several had even sold! I must be recovering because I'm sharing it here. Lesson learned- don't submit to a show if you don't respect it. Similarily- don't approach a shop or gallery to consign your work if you yourself wouldn't choose to shop there! Another tip- don't apply to any venue close to where you live- it's no fun walking by a place that has turned their noses up at you! Think- what would happen if they say "no"... is it right next door to a store you go to on a regular basis? A similar experience affected my shopping practices when I lived in Richmond and was trying to market my gourd art.

After that demoralizing morass I was in need of some sort of tonic to regain my equilibrium. I crawled out from under my rock and good things started to happen. We serendiptously accquired kayaks. That was a huge move for me- because I can't swim. A non swimmer in a kayak faces something even scarier than a jury that has issues with polymer clay. Falling in! (I have a very good flotation device and capsize lessons will be scheduled in the spring)

Next I began to explore basketry with the idea of combining polymer with intertwined organics. I took wonderful classes and am able to travel to lovely locations like Saltspring Island and the Olympic Penninsula. I've joined the Northwest Basket Weavers Guild and I'll be going to the annual retreat in March! I'm also eying a basket making workshop in Oregon in June.

I ended 2011 by being humbled by a seized back and hip embellished with horrible spasms. It made me grateful for knowing I would eventually get better with a modicum of discomfort compared to that suffered by many others including many very dear friends who often read this blog. I'm well into recovery now and can even perform such impressive feats as picking things up from the floor! I vow never to be in that condition again and I have booked myself into a local yoga studio!

Thanks for reading through this missive. I got some stuff off my chest and maybe even gave some good tips.You have earned a treat for following my progress, sympathising with me, encouraging me and giving me a lift by deciding to follow this frequently discombobulated blog blob.

Check in tomorrow- I have a year end treat in store!

Christmas Windows

2011-12-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

My daughter Gen has been as busy as a North Pole elf painting local windows! Her work can be seen at the Subway restaurants at Fort and Foul Bay Road and the Stadcona Centre, the Oak Bay Pharmasave, the Oak Bay flower shop and the bay windows of a private residence on Hampshire Road display the entire family!

Gen's windows are unique as they reflect her wonderful sense of humour - she has Santa's sleigh being pulled by eight tiny Subway sandwiches, on another pane Santa is grounded as a group of local teens who have taken his sleigh for a spin over the neighbourhood- They are SO on the naughty list! One of my favourites is Mrs Claus and Santa in the local flower shop- if you look closely you can see tears in Mrs Claus' eyes as her husband offers her a lovely bouquet.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and all other celebrations you may be endulging in over the next days- Cheers!

Christmas Catch-Up

2011-12-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to say I'm a lot more mobile than last time I checked in here- thanks to everyone who sent good wishes and /or helpful suggestions for treating and coping with a spasm-ing back. I think my favourite suggestion was to use satin bedding and lingerie to be able to move more easily in bed when in pain! It makes good sense if you've expeienced being unable to turn over in bed and certainly handy once you've recuperated. I'm getting a CT scan as an early Christmas present tonight and I've also found a great accupuncturist and have booked myself for regular yoga in January. I'm hoping to either get a diagnosis to fix what caused this or simply get on a path to prevent whatever it was in the first place.

On a happier note-

I was especially happy to pack a little pillow to cope with insensitive restaurant chairs and get out to meet up with some creative friends for a Christmas lunch and an annual gift swap- this year I received a pendant by my pal Wanda Shum- isn't it gorgeous? If you are in the Victoria BC area Wanda will be teaching a millifiori clsss at Island Blue on March 18th.

I'm BACK!

2011-12-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted a while because I did something to my back and have been well and truly out of commission. There was no specific injury that I can recall other than a silly stumble on a step last spring but perhaps a lifetime of falling out of trees, slipping down stairs and falling off ladders, bridges and chairs finally caught up with me and was pretty immobile for a few weeks. In order to get rid of the spasms and pain I ended up being very drugged. I have been on combinations of tylenol 3s, celebrex, dyclofenac and oxycodone and I think the drugs had nastier effects than the back pain but it's all a fog now. It was painful, boring, humiliating, scary and it's not quite over yet. I am still still very sore and have the physical sensation that somewhere along the line someone took a swipe at my lower back with a baseball bat. A CT scan is pending. I am on the mend though but am very aware and humbled to think what people who are really ill have to endure. Today I was able to get out of bed without having to strategize or ask for help, I was able to pick up my socks and drive my son to work then go do some shopping at the grocery store and I was grateful for every mundane movement and moment.

There were bright spots here and there through the two dreadful weeks and they came c/o of friends I've met here online-

One day I hobbled to the mailbox and found an unexpected parcel in the mail. An anonymous "RAC"- (random act of clayness) sent from Ontario- a fascinating collection of extruded polymer clay that suggests facinating basketry applications.

Thanks for the fun of the inspiring mystery package goes to my dear friend Georgia Ferrell- it gave me a lift on a dark day! she's well aware of my excursion into combining polymer and basketry- a great nudge iggy!

Another bright moment came from my neighbour across the water- Port Angeles resident InaRae who forwarded this wonderful image of a basket created by Deborah Kruger who is participating in the Crafts America show in Washington - I love the textural mix of she uses in a 3D object! Thanks for thinking of me InaRae- and you're right- this is the sort of direction I have in mind!

The latest bright note came from master basketry artist Stella Harding who emailed me to invite me to visit her lovely new Storylines Blog! She's posted fascinating descriptions of her process as well as marvellous photos of current work and exhibitions. There's a description of her new book Practical Basketry Techniques that has me marking May 2012 in my calendar. Hope she has an North American book tour! I long to take a class with her!

I have to say- I''m HAPPPY to be able to sit here and type- sitting on a chair was impossible this time last week . We are all so lucky when our bodies work as they should-it was a painful lesson but I'm changing my ways!

Gifts For Myself and Others- Sunday- final day

2011-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

I was on shift at our Group booth at the Gifts for Myself and Others Show yesterday. Our booth showcases the work of nine artisans and it's really fun to represent other artists!

The entire show is of the usual high standard that has been exemplified many years and it's a pleasure to stroll around the booths to see what everyone has been doing over the last year as well as see the work of several artisans who are new to the event. The show closes at 5:00 pm today.

Gifts for Myself and Others- 2011

2011-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

Gifts for Myself and Others starts at noon today! If you are in Victoria this is the place to be! Top quality jurored fine island-made craft, outstanding food by the International Womens' Co-Op and Brad Prevedoros supplying beautiful music. I'll be on shift on Satuday and Sunday mornings so look for me in Booth 31.

My Micro Booth!

2011-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

While I've been building foundation skills with basketry I have continued making clay items for sale in shops and galleries although not on the scale as in previous years. When I heard that my favourite craft event- Gifts for Myself and Others was offering space in a cooperative booth I signed up right away! It will be my only show this year...my booth has shrunk from last years corner 8x10' booth to a svelte 2x3' section of a table. No grids or wall backing! Here's my ubiquitous pre-show dining room set up with art cards, earrings, Fusion Bangles and rings being my sole offerings. No baskets or woven projects this year.

I love my new 3 sectioned table top sized shutters- our neighbours tossed them on the boulevard during a home renovation and I snagged them along with several others - after a rejuvenating spray of copper paint they look very spiffy.

Today we'll set up the booth. The shelves and displays will be "loaded" tomorrow morning and the show starts TOMORROW! My feet will appreciate that a group booth means we work in shifts so we'll have time outs through the show.

To be continued....

Joan Carrigan- Bark Basketry Workshop

2011-11-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

Some of Joan's Baskets

This past weekend I ferried over to Salt Spring Island to take a 2 day bark basketry course with Joan Carrigan. It was a small class of six- and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. The class began with a demonstration on preparing cedar and willow bark and we all had a chance for hands on use of the bark.

Joan demonstrates how to prepare cedar bark

Cutting willow bark strips

Work begins!
We were taught how to use various plaiting techniques to make three different pouches.. The bark was absolutely gorgeous in colour and texture and it was hard to decide which side of the willow bark should be on the inside or outside of the basket!

Joan teaches at her home studio on Saltspring as well as at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific
in Victoria.

Chicago- my kind of town.

2011-11-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

My first visit to Chicago was in July and we managed to fall in love with the city in spite of a humid 105F. Our friends there reminded us that their door is always open for hosting a return visit to see a Canucks game. A few months later I spotted that the SOFA show was in Chicago in November and on a whim I checked the NHL schedule and was astonished to see that both events were on the same weekend! Calendars were synchronised, airmile points were applied and the trip was on!

The SOFA and INTUIT show were beautifully overwhelming.

The exhibitors are primarily galleries from the US but many Canadian artists were in evidence. I have to say there was a modest showing of polymer clay but I wasn't looking at the many jewelry booths so I may have missed a lot. The RAM book was on a table for perusal and there was a lady there giving an enthusuastic explanation of what polymer clay actually is.
As there was so much to see my focus was polymer clay, basketry and mixed media. I was over the moon when I found out that I could take pictures!!!!
My two favourite booths were The Jane Sauer and the Tai Gallery which are both from Santa Fe and have a powerful focus on basketry. The bamboo work in the Tai Gallery was fascinating.

TAI GALLERY

NAGAKURA Kenichi - TAI GALLERY

JANE SAUR EXPLAINS A BASKETRY TECHNIQUE

Blackboard backgrounds were used in several booths- on walls or table tops

By the way- the Canucks won 6-2!

Another Fantastic Mixed Media Basketry Artisan

2011-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

My Google searches led me to many wonderful basketmakers and I have to say when I found Shannon Weber's earthquakingly fantasmagically amazing work on her website. I believe I yelped "WOW!!" out loud! I emailed her right away a. to ask about workshops- especially since she's in Oregon- one of my favourite states- and b. if I could have permission to bedeck a blog page with images of her work. She's a fun email correspondent who I look forward to meeting in person!

Pictures are worth a thousand words-

You can see how she has made this polymer clayer want to continue combining clay with fibre! Even better than pictures you can view her at work here!

Thanks Shannon-- and um, when is that next workshop?

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:32:00.001-07:00

My booootiful daughter Genevieve!

HAPPPY HALLOWEEN!

Making Progress!

2011-10-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

kelp before....

In August I untangled, sorted and dried a raft of slippery kelp on a Pender Island Beach. I brought it home and it has rested ever since in a salt crusted pile in the basement. My ever patient family have ignored it. I've read numerous basketry books, googled for info and have taken real time workshops and have finally tried my hand at making kelp baskets! It is absolutely addictive and one of those processes where the irregularity of the materials sometimes lead me far away for any pre-project sketches.
My supply stash of kelp has been wiped out and here are my first kelp baskets.

...kelp after.

I need more basket making materials, happily my garden needs pruning and I'll be heading down to the beach to see what supplies I can find there!

Cedar Demo Basket Completed

2011-10-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

I won Kathey Ervin's partially completed demo basket with the understanding that I had to finish it. Yesterday I collected up all the leftover cedar from the workshop and set to it. Here's the completed basket embellished with a piece of fungus I found on the forest floor during a hike on Galiano Island.

Cedar Bark Basketry- Kathey Ervin in Sequim Washington

2011-10-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm home again after a marvelous weekend on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. I caught the Coho ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles on Saturday and drove to Kathey Ervin's Basketry Studio in Sequim to participate in her Beginner's Cedar Bark Basket Class.

The Basketry Studio Classroom

The Olympic Mountains - Kathey's willow grove in the foreground

Kathey's classroom gallery was tantalizing inspiration as we settled in for the day's work

I LOVE this cedar bark basket- it took a year to cure after it was shaped.

Kathey's Classroom is fragrant with cedar and the walls are lined with shelves of her beautiful work as well as a generous supply of ready made kits that she offers for sale. Kathey is an enthusiastic and thoughtful teacher who stresses the importance of materials collection in the creation of baskets. We weren't able to trek into the bush to harvest cedar but we did watch two exceptional videos showing us how cedar and sweetgrass are harvested using traditional methods.

Kathey has bundles of prepared cedar available for sale

Kathey demonstrates splitting the strips of cedar

Kathey collects her own cedar bark from her local forests and log sorts as well as taking an annual trip to Alaska to collect the coveted Alaskan yellow cedar which, when soaked after a year of drying feels like smooth strong and pliable leather. We all learned to splice and slice the cedar bark to prepare the spokes and weavers...

The class was a fun group and we enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch, lots of laughter and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day! I look forward to heading to Sequim again- I highly recommend Kathey's classes!
Here is my second ever basket...

...once again it contains many mistakes as I learn but the good thing is that as I examine it I know how to approach the next one and the next one is not any "ordinary" task!
Kathey worked on a basket through the class and at the end of the day offered the partially completed piece in a raffle with the condition that the winner was responsible for completing the basket and -omg- I WON! So here is the basket as it awaits completion....

to be continued! http://www.thebasketrystudio.com/supplies/

Good Feelings

2011-10-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

I just got home from an extended long weekend celebrating Thanksgiving on Saltspring Island and that was a good feeling!
The feeling continued when I got home and received a back-ordered shipment of bezels so I could get an order finished and it sits waiting for me to take it to the Post Office- once mailed I'll have another good feeling!
The good feelings continue as I share some pictures and links of some of the creative people I met in New Mexico!

Enjoy!

I met Karen Gardiner at the Artisan's Show in Santa Fe. Her Assemblaged Angels spoke to me and when you visit her blog and read her story you'll be very moved. She's a lovely lady and good naturedly allowed me to photograph the rear of her booth- admit it- we artisans love the contents AND construction of show booths! You can see more of Karen's work in greater detail in her Etsy site.

I like Karen's use of frames and wire grids for her booth

When I was in Taos I visited an outdoor craft show and found a booth displaying an array of baskets, gourds and bark containers made by Byron Williams.

Byron Williams (left) works constantly between sales

The last creative person of the day is Annette Randell. She is the proprietor of Artemesia Gallery in Taos. Her store is a visual feast and I LOVED every second as I explored the racks of gorgeous handcrafted artwear. Sometimes I think I'd love to own a shop like that!

My First Basket Making Workshop!

2011-10-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

I went to my first basket-making workshop yesterday at Victoria's gorgeous Glendale Gardens.
The Honeysuckle Rib Basket class was taught by Salt Spring Islander Joan Carrigan . Joan is a brilliant basket maker, a very effective teacher and an absolute delight as she peppers her instructions with inventive words and phrases that make absolute sense as you poke, pack, weave and swoosh the materials into place. It was a lively class and as there was a psychiatrist and psychologist in the group we had no end of laughs about the therapeutic benefits of our choice of activity!

Joan helps us get started

At the end of the day- great work!

The verdict is in- I LOVED the process! Good thing as I currently have two more workshops ahead and I'm looking for more through this "Sabbatical" year. I need to give myself a good grounding in basketry before I'll be able to tackle some of the mixed media concepts that stare at me from my sketchbooks.
Here's my basket. As with all "firsts" it has approximately one million mistakes but I will cherish it always and I doubt I'll ever learn more from a single basket.

Reflecting and Moving On

2011-09-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

How anyone with a creative bent could visit new Mexico and not be deeply affected is beyond me. My head is absolutely spinning- I can easily understand why so many artists go to New Mexico and stay there. There is a pure celebration of the arts and an enthusiatic recognition that art is an important component of the state's economy. Even the State Capitol Building doubles as an art gallery with EVERY corridor showcasing the art of the states most inspired residents. the state shares the extensive collection in an Online Gallery. The Governor's office has a display of the state's current recipients of the Governor's Awards for Excellence.

The main lobby of the Capitol has a huge display of the Santa Fe book Artists Guild.

As I toured the building which has amazing public access I was simply in awe of the integration of government in action with the omnipresent anchor of the State's art and craft which in turn so reflects the land.

Mixed Media Buffalo by Holly Hughes

As I traveled and luxuriated in so much explosive colour and kept finding variations of three dimensional approaches with organic materials and functional applications that I want to revisit (lanterns!!) I had the familiar dilemma of enjoying my vacation but longing to get into the studio to put those new ideas into practice!
Stand by for some colourful posts here over the next few days... I'm happy to share some of the New Mexico's colourful inspiration!

Canyon Road - Santa Fe or How Santa Fe is like Peggy's Cove

2011-09-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

It was hard to meander along Santa Fe's breathtaking Canyon Road with my champagne taste and beer (or should I say margarita) budget. The narrow road is packed with incredible galleries housed in sensuously aged adobe buildings. I became obsessed with photographing gallery storefronts with mere glimpses of the artwork housed within.

The Jane Saur Gallery has come up repeatedly in my searches for contemporary basketry. It was wonderful to see the gallery and the artwork in person You can take a virtual visit by beaming yourself to the website. (just click the red link) As an artisan I got the biggest kick out of following an outside path to a patio leading to a back gallery which is a functional work zone where pieces were being unwrapped and there were several huge boxes waiting to be shipped. One label had" SOFA Chicago" on it. I could slap that label on my own luggage because I'll be heading there for inspiration in November!

Of course you are wondering what the misty landscape of Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia can possibly have to do with the undulating architecture of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Both are a photographer's dream- it's a challenge not to point the camera at random and find a luscious composition in the viewfinder.

While putting this blog entry together Iwss streaming CBC radio and listening to "Earlier"... I emailed the host to say "hi" from Santa Fe and he said hello back on the air-here's the podcast-the music is fun and Ramona is funky!

Hola from New Mexico!

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm on a vacation in Santa Fe! I have always wanted to come here.We arrived yesterday and this wonderful place is everything I expected and more. The architecture that embraces the landscape so perfectly-Windows are an afterthought- the focus is onbeautiful interiors and cool shade- so different from the west coast affection for maximum interior light.

I'm going to struggle to avoid over-using the word beautiful over the next week-

Did I mention marguritas yet?

Astrid- in the Crafts Council of BC Prohibition Tea Party Online Auction

2011-09-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here's Astrid. This Muse is currently doing campy onstage moves on the catwalk as she "works it" to get a bid for the CCBC Prohibition Tea Party. She appreciates tea but is hoping someone will have a martini in a tea cup for her.... if you like her you can bid for her online and help the Craft Council of BC continue to support artisans and craftspeople.

Kelp Baskets on Lasqueti Island

2011-08-31T15:17:00.000-07:00

Google-beach-combing for a kelp basket workshop led me to a gem- Lasqueti Islander Dazy Drake has a beautiful Bed and Breakfast at Squitty Bay and she teaches kelp basket making workshops! I'm hoping to combine a getaway on Lasquti Island with a workshop as soon as the next class is available. The ferry to Lasqueti island is a 2 hour drive from Victoria. It's a foot ferry and travel is by taxi or bike once on the Island.

Dazy advised me that I'm "a day late and dollar short" for this season but I'm on her contact list and can't wait to register to be a "basket case" for the next session!

Polymer Clay Daily and Still Researching Baskets

2011-08-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was fun because I was featured on Polymer Clay Daily! I had lots of encouraging Flickr notes and comments and they were enormously appreciated- thanks Cynthia!
My basket making research continues. I am lucky in that this area has several very talented basket makers who offer workshops. I'm looking forward to October as I've registered for a beginner's class with Kathey Ervin in Sequim Washington.

Basket by Kathey Ervin

In the meantime I have my Pender Island kelp coiled in the basement and a basketmaking book on the way from amazon.ca.... it's time for some experimentation!

The Craft Council of BC Prohibition Tea Party- served with eye candy

2011-08-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Craft Council of BC is presenting "The Prohibition Tea Party" to raise funds for regional programming and arts educations. The event will be at the CBC Black Box studio in downtown Vancouver on Sunday September 18 from 2-5 pm. The highlight of the event is a silent auction showcasing 74 pieces of delicious contemporary craft. Make yourself a nice cup of tea and savour the gorgeous collection. It's an online auction so if you see something you would like to call your own you can place a bid!

Craft Show Display Items

2011-08-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

I've received a lot of emails about my collection of craft show display items that I'll be getting together for sale. Currently a lot of the items are on loan at Dales Gallery in Victoria. The (fabulous) Island Artisans display at Dales ends on Saturday September 3rd. My plan is to inventory and photograph the collection and post the collection on my blog on Monday Sept 4th....

Fusions- completed

2011-08-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the fusion bangles made with the sheet I showed earlier. My base colour was black which gives a stained glass effect. I took advantage of a Michael's 50% off sale on pc and now I have a replenished stash of clay so upcoming Fusions will have some very different colour schemes.

Studio Blowout- Friday Findings

2011-08-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here are the final offerings until September when I'll have a large selection of wearable art / jewelry display items available. I will have lots of cool metal necklace/ pendant stands, acrylic bracelet holders etc. I'm especially interested in selling as one large lot so if you are interested to stock up in anticipation for winter shows email me.

Today I have two large lots of assorted tools and supplies.

Findings Plus

This is a huge selection including hematite chips, magnetic hematite beads, brooch pins, charms, Chinese Coin-type medallions, face molds, grommets, bead holders, metal cabochons, buna cord, sterling silver end clasps, lobster and toggle clasps and lanyard clasps and more. SOLD

Cutters

Here's a collection of cutters of all shapes and sizes. Some have never been used, others obviously have. I'm including a copper fence post topper which is super for cutting small 3x3"squares - I used these for making mini clocks and tiles. There's even a flexible ripple blade in there! SOLD

Fusions- stage one

2011-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I delivered all of my available Fusion Bangles to Dales Gallery so I have to get busy today to build up my available inventory!

Here's a starter sheet that I'll use for several bangles- it's a sandwich of skinnered clay, foils, translucent clay alcohol inks finished with stamping and scoring rough images.

An Organized Studio!

2011-08-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

There isn't anything new for sale today. I'll put up final batch of offerings on Friday. There will be display stands etc. available in September. I've really had fun with the transactions.Boxing items for minimum shipping costs has been an interesting exercise. In two cases shipping items in 2 packages cut the costs by more than 50%! I hope to see some of the creations that spring from the tools and materials I've sent out!

Here's the studio now. It's organised and the only things in here are items relating specifically to what I'm doing now and what I plan to do this coming year .

computer and administrivia zone

storage zone

worktable

Storage and funky non-functional fireplace

I've let a LOT of things go, what did I keep?

Polymer Clay

alcohol inks

foils

wire

lantern hardware

earring bezels

sari silks

found objects

resin and LEM UV box

my stash of beach kelp from Pender Island

Kelp!

2011-08-05T09:32:00.001-07:00

I'm in the middle of a restful vacation on Pender Island. Pender is one of the Gulf Islands between Vancouver Island and the coast of British Columbia. The chain of islands continues across the US border as the San Juans.

This summer has been filled with travel and not much time for hands on work I'm sending apologies to several clients who are wondering what I've been doing this summer!

I decided to actually get some WORK done by heading down to the beach to see what I could find relating to my ongoing interest in bull kelp basketry. This beach never fails to seem to know what I need and at the bottom of the trail to the beach was a massive "raft"of tangled kelp! I began to "harvest it" Untangle is a better word for the the process!. It took three separate sessions over three days as the sun gradually began to shrink the raft and untangling became increasingly easier. I have found enough scattered info through extensive Googling to know that the kelp is dried before putting it in the car and heading home so I hung my treasures on the logs and rocks. Some of the strands are about 7 meters/yards long! It's a really interesting process.The kelp has transformed from a solid vivid green to a rich combination of black, brown, cream, yellow ochre and green hues and it's not finished yet! I'm tumbling ideas for designs and approaches for incorporating polymer with this fascinating material.

I'm enjoying childhood memories of Port Alice when we used kelp for making skipping ropes as well as recalling the stings we gave each other when we used the kelp as bullwhips!

By the way- if anyone knows of a basket-maker who offers workshops with seaweed or kelp in Western North America, please let me know!

Kelp!

2011-08-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

This summer has been filled with travel and not much time for hands on work I'm sending apologies to several clients who are wondering what I've been doing this summer!

I decided to actually get some WORK done by heading down to the beach to see what I could find relating to my ongoing interest in bull kelp basketry. This beach never fails to seem to know what I need and at the bottom of the trail to the beach was a massive "raft"of tangled kelp! I began to "harvest it" Untangle is a better word the the process!. It took three separate sessions over three days as the sun gradually began to shrink the raft and untangling became increasingly easier. I have found enough scattered info through extensive Googling to know that the kelp is dried before putting it in the car and heading home so I hung my treasures on the logs and rocks. Some of the strands are about 7 meters/yards long! It's a really interesting process.The kelp has transformed from a solid vivid green to a rich combination of black, brown, cream, yellow ochre and green hues and it's not finished yet! I'm tumbling ideas for designs and approaches for incorporating polymer with this fascinating material.

I'm enjoying childhood memories of using kelp for making skipping ropes as well as recalling the stings we gave each other when we used the kelp as bullwhips! I was a quirky kid!

By the way- if anyone knows of a basket-maker who offers workshops with seaweed or kelp in Western North America, please let me know!

Variations on A Theme

2011-07-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

I went to Chicago last week and there seemed to be a continual theme at play- perhaps guiding me to a project later this summer.

While we were waiting for the cab to take us to the airport I was leafing through a back issue of FiberArts and found this image of a fascinating piece by Lyse Lemieux. I hastily bookmarked the page in the magazine and off we went.

Chicago was broiling in a humid variation of 100F which is a difficult for one who has been living in a rather chilly west coast where we have had a damp summer with temperatures in the 50s F. The stunning beauty of the city's architecture, the friendliness of its citizens, the gorgeous museums great shopping and effective air conditioning more than compensated for my frizzed hair and rumpled appearance.

My husband headed off to a baseball game and I meandered to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. The first sculpture I saw in the gallery gave me an inkling I should be on the lookout for "signs"- it's not what you look for it's what you find.

I headed into the Gallery and my first stop was the incredible Eiko & Koma: Time is Not Even, Space is Not Empty Exhibition. As I turned the first corner here's what I saw....

It is out of context as it's part of a larger installation but I think you can see why I documented this!

After the three hints I had an idea in my head and was on the lookout for the idea of garments on a hanger. Of course a stroll down Michigan Avenues "Golden Mile" gave me lots of opportunities to see clothes on hangers- my favourite was Allsaints Spittlefields. The clothes are edgy and the store design stunning!

A block away from Michigan Avenue is one of my favourite stores anywhere- Anthropologie. I like the clothes the accessories and especially the warm rustic interior effect. The Chicago store is beautiful but the best version I've visited is the one in Seattle. Sorry- there's no photo- I was so caught up in trying on clothes I completley forgot to get out the camera!

Walking back to the hotel I saw Chicago's latest piece ouf outdoor sculpture. She was attracting a large crowd and much controversy but I like her! Not sure whether she is part of the trail of inspirational hints but who knows!? She was in keeping with the temperature in the city- some like it hot!

The sketchbook is out and I'm playing with ideas based on these serendipitous hints.....but first I have to deal with a few orders for rings now that I received a long awaited shipment of bezels.

Kelp Basketry - A Natural West Coast Style

2011-07-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Cheryl Massey

The beach was my childhood playground and I recall sitting for hours contructing items with seaweed and sticks. Kelp basketry speaks to me and I look forward to incorporating it in my experiments this fall. I'll be going to Pender Island again this year and I'll be speding a lot of time collecting materials!
Two notable kelp basketmakers here on the southern coast of British Columbia are Cheryl Massey from Whistler and Patty Dowler from Sooke. Both women love gathering their materials as they walk along the shores of the Pacific Coast. Their creations echo the same organic combination of the artists intent and Natures input that Stella Harding expressed with such eloquence.

Patty Dowler

Caroline Maw-Deis- Funky Function

2011-07-15T07:41:00.001-07:00

My Google powered basketry travels continue as I follow recommended links from people who are recommending various sites and workshops. thanks so much everyone! I found myself in Carolyn Maw-Deis and Ishaq Deis' Pair a Deis Website. I was drawn immediately to Carolyn's mixed media basket- can you imagine the polymer applications with this playful approach? If you need a colour infusion take a visit to this exciting website- this talented pair have created a virtual paradise and extend their creativity to their environment in brilliant ways!

Stella Harding- Exploring Spaces

2011-07-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today I'm featuring Stella Harding- a brilliant basketmaker from England. She explains that she is "interested in dualities and paradoxes and what happens in the spaces where differences coincide. Sometimes there is chaos and sometimes harmony. Almost always there is an element of unpredictability which invites a creative response. In my practice I use basketry techniques to weave together multiple story lines." I appreciate that Stella is math phobic but finds that her hands can approach concepts that her head may not.

Stella has an incredible website that displays her wall pieces, 3D structures and wearable art. She recommends a visit to the Under Over and Out Show at Covent Gardens in London this month.

Stella offers workshops if you are across the pond and if you are short on airmiles you can look forward to her book which will be published in February 2012.

Stella directed me to the Basketryplus website which will have you agog for a good long while- a perfect spot to visit with a nice cuppa tea.

A Gallery to Visit in Victoria- Dales Gallery Presents Island Artisans

2011-07-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Twenty members of The Island Artisans Association have their work displayed for sale at Dales Gallery at 537 Fisgard Street in the heart of Victoria's Chinatown. It's a wonderful location right across the Street from the venerable Don Mee's restaurant and next door to Fan Tan Gallery. What an outing for anyone in town!
The Steering Committee has done a fantastic job setting up the huge display of work in a lovely space that dates back to the early days of the city. There's even a mysterious circa 1800s revolver that was found tucked in the walls during a renovation. With more rambunctious times far behind, the gallery showcases gleaming glass, funky metal sculptures, luscious feltworks, richly coloured and beautifully crafted pottery, jewelry and yes... polymer clay creations!
We had an Opening Celebration last night and happily sipped wine and delighted in each others creativity. We welcomed passers-by including one lady who strolled in, filled a big plastic cup with beer and wandered back to the street to continue her sojourn in the city... perhaps she prefers 2D work.

The Gallery has a Facebook Page.

The Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday.

We'll be here for a good time but not a long time,

the show closes on August 31st.

Basketry Explorations- Deb Groom

2011-07-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

I promised a much prettier picture with today's post and this one delivers.

I am running Google image searches far and wide to explore basketry approaches to "twig" the ideas I have in mind. My first search landed me on my own blog! It was a post from 2008 featuring fellow British Columbian Deb Groom. I love this piece and I see Deb has continued exploring the approach with a wonderful selection of photos of work in progress on her Flickr Site. I would absolutely love to take a workshop with her- perhaps at an upcoming Vancouver Polymer Clay Guild Meeting...?

Studio Transition...

2011-07-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

I'm transitioning the studio for a radical re-focus for the fall. I'm going to be taking basketry and weaving workshops with an eye to continuing to explore combining polymer with fiber. As you can see by looking at this appalling picture, the dreaded clean out is in progress. It's a good thing that I have basement space for storing these big Rubbermaid bins that its going to take to move out supplies and materials that won't be required including craft show display fixtures. No shows this year!

It's all out going to be of sight- out of mind... but not to be disposed of- I may need it again!

I'm excited about this transition. I'll be spending time outdoors gathering materials and travelling for courses and I'm already spending time poring through my magazines and reflecting on the approaches of dozens of incredible artists. I'll share pictures as I explore and I vow that the pictures will be more attractive than this one!

A Wonderful Gift

2011-07-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

My friend Liz knows that I've been flirting with fiber for years and luckily for me she thought of me before recycling this massive collection of Fibrearts magazine! She dropped them off on Saturday and I've been transfixed ever since! It's especially interesting to read an article about an artist that was written in 1994 then Googling them to see what they are doing now. The lack of urls in the ad section makes me realize how much has changed in the last 15 years!

THANKS LIZ!

A bitter note though- The Summer 2011 issue of this spectacular publication will be it's last.

Reaching for something from the backburner...

2011-06-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

I went to Santiago Chile last year and was on a walking tour that included a whirlwind visit to the National Art Gallery. There was an amazing exhibit on Woven Plant Fibers. I was transfixed and regretting that my carry-on baggage wouldn't allow me to purchase a sample from the gift shop. I would have loved to loiter but walking tours wait for no one. I back-burnered this for the blog AND for something I'd like to pursue. I think polymer and woven plant fibers have a lot of possibilities.

I've discovered that I live close to outstanding basket makers who offer workshops so I have something new to explore this fall!

Inky Inspiration

2011-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last fall I was lucky enough to observe Maureen Carlson give a demo on alchohol inks on polymer. After dabbling here and there through the year I've been using inks extensively lately- painting on fired clay and layering with foils and translucent clay. I'm getting cool effects with my collection of hand carved rubber stamps too! Here's a Fusion Bangle done with inks painted on fired clay.

Peeking into Sketchbooks

2011-06-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to see Suzanne Ivester's article on sketching and polymer clay in this month's International Polymer Clay /Association Newsletter! It shows some of the inner workers of 3D artists' sketchbooks including my own... I have to admit it's a bit weird seeing your "notes to self" out there for the world to see! I'm glad I used a different page for my grocery or wine store list when I was working on "Arbutus". It is a great article and what a fun project to explore on an even larger scale!

It was a timely reminder to me to pack my sketchbook as I travel to Calgary and Banff for a few days.
(Go Canucks!... )

Polymer Clay and UV Resin- Avoid the voids

2011-06-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a helpful tip for those of you pouring uv resin on top of polymer clay in bezels. Put a drop of cyanoacrylate glue in the bezel before you press in the clay. It will form an important seal between the metal and the clay. If you don't there's a chance some resin can creep under the clay in a nice dark location far from any pending UV rays. The piece is cured but unbeknownst to you there's a slippery layer of resin in a void under the clay. Eventually the pendant or earrings will be in a vertical position and gravity will draw the liquid resin downward and the uncured resin will seep out from beneath the polymer clay

and cured resin, it presents a sticky situation that you want to avoid!

The cool image is a T-shirt designed by Ron Marton in the terrific RedBubble website. His iHac T gave me a good morning pc chuckle. I have a friend in Morrisburg who would love it!

A Family of Muses

2011-06-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

These aMusing ladies have kept me busy over the past two weeks! Although two of them are still fussing about their hair and want some beaded dreads and another one has a gripe about her underpinnings I managed to round them up this morning for a group shot. The entire entourage will be heading for a debut at the Island Artisans Cooperative Gallery at Dale's Gallery on Fisgard for the summer.
As I have a lot of travel plans through the summer these days are a whirlwind of production so I will have lots of items to send along to my galleries and shops as the busy season rolls up!

On a bittersweet note, these will likely be my last Muses as I have a few artistic detours coming up- stay tuned!

Sassafras Copper Workshop-

2011-06-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed the Copper Workshop at Sassafras Art Studio yesterday. I had planned to try my hand at making findings but I got caught up in a dangly earring fervor and came home with some components that I turned into earrings this morning. I have a pendant and another pair of earings in the to-do area of my worktable.
The good news is that the kiln at Victoria Art Glass is available for firing metal clay pieces for an incredible cost of $5.00 per load. I have a nice supply of copper clay and I plan to make some pieces and have them fired there.... it's a few minutes from Mayfair shopping Mall too so I can multi-task!

Once again- many thanks to Tiffany for a terrific workshop! I highly recommend one of her metal clay classes. Even without a Groupon deal it's time and money very well spent!

Workshop Day!

2011-06-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going to take a Copper Clay Workshop with Tiffany from Sassafras Art Studio- this was a great Groupon find! I started the year on fire for working with metal clay but after all my experiments I hit a wall when I realised I needed to buy a very pricey kiln to be able to pursue my interest. I found myself refocused on polymer clay again when I began to work with inks after my trip to the Morrisburg Gathering in Ontario....I digress. This workshop will be fun and getting it as a Groupon deal was timely. My hope is to pick up some techniques for making findings to accent polymer clay--- there's a certain project I have in mind that needs some dramatic handcrafted end caps and a toggle clasp.

VERY exciting news!

2011-06-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a member of the Island Artisans Association and we are lucky to have the opportunity to sublet Dales Gallery in the bustling Chinatown district of downtown Victoria for the summer! We have an energetic steering committee who is doing an amazing job organizing the co-operative infrastructure of the endeavor and at last count 18 members who will be displaying work for sale. The grand opening will be Canada Day- July 1st!

I'm working hard to have a selection of items to add to what will be a stunning array of Island Craft.

New Piece-

2011-06-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest piece- a diptych- 2 8x8" panels. I've always loved this motif and I think this is my favourite version. A simple title- "The Home Stream".

At the Worktable... and a sense of foreboding

2011-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

I just put my completed commissioned diptych in the oven - it's taken a while to get it just right and I'm very happy with this piece! I'll put the picture up tomorrow.
I've continued experimenting with an entirely new process using multiple layers of clay- alchohol inks and scratching and stamping. I've made Fusions with it and for the remainder of the week I'll be making a family of Muses.

All the fun in the studio is tempered with a deep sense of foreboding. The postal workers have delivered strike notice and may suspend services in less than 72 hours. This means a vital shipment of findings that's snagged at the border will remain so and worse still- any gallery cheques winging their way to me will be stuck in a mailbag somewhere for the duration.

New Stuff

2011-05-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

Back again after a blog-lull. Never did get around to that studio cleanout. My Kindle, the garden and a couple of orders stopped my good intentions. When in the studio I kept tinkering with the Klimt technique and as a result I have a new look for some of my earrings and pendants - the resin sets the colour alight!

Variation on a theme

2011-05-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

I received a commission to do a diptych based on Sockeye Sunset. The new piece will be on two 8"x8" wooden panels. The working title is Sunset and Moon Rise. Work begins in earnest today. The first step will be to prime the board with weldbond and then let it dry- it will form a seal to prevent bubbling when I begin laying the clay.

I'm feeling very encouraged lately- I was just informed that "The Meadow" that was at the Crafthouse on Granville Island has been sold!

On with the Shoe!

2011-05-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm home again after a short trip to Vancouver. The city has playoff fever and this arty Canuck Car was parked on Robson Street to show the team colours! Go Canucks!
I was able to visit the art gallery as well as have a stroll around Granville Island to spark my creative process. I also spent more time than cash oggling a myriad of shoes that were incompatible with a.) The Weather b.) My polymer encrusted lifestyle c.)My family's need to maintain a roof over our heads and to eat. City hiking is harder on the feet than covering ground being in the bush or on the beach. I did serious blistery damage to my feet as I stolled the city wearing "sensible shoes" and so I replaced them with a nice new 3 inch heeled strappy pair of sandals with a back of the heel zipper. New shoes and a couple of blister pads reduced the pain considerably . Heels can be comfortable! Sorry- I am here to discuss polymer clay and got distracted.

Home again. The studio is in chaos. I have two shops that need new fusion bangles and resin/polymer art-wear. I have a wonderful commission for a diptych that will be a source of creative delight over the next two weeks. Today is a "shoveling out day" though-I have to tidy up before I can get back to work. The good news is that it's pouring outside which helps me focus on doing this rather than heading outside with my kindle.
I'm also going to re-open my etsy shop I'll be having some interesting mixed media items for sale.

Storing polymer clay sheets a la Carol Simmons

2011-05-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

I make lots of sheets of polymer clay- some are skinner blends, some are multi-layered "Klimt sheets" and some are sheets with various surface treatments. I've often found myself short on table and shelf space with all of the sheets I generate and need to set aside for later use. Last summer I met Carol Simmons and she shared her incredible collections of mokum game. I loved her mokum game but was also enormously impressed with her storage system. Each sheet is inserted in a plastic display binder. Flat, airtight and safe. Carol gifted me with some of her mokum game with the request that I show her what I ended up doing with it. Here it is, working inspirationally as the cover of my sheet book!
Thanks Carol!

assorted sheets- placed on plastic binder sheets-

Eye Appeal

2011-04-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

We went to the Artists' Reception for the CNIB Eye Appeal event. I was really thrilled to see the 3D craft work displayed beautifully in one area. My piece was a wall-mount design but looked very effective on a stand. The gala event was last night and I have absolutely no idea who ended up winning my lady- I would love to know.
The Eye Appeal was a complete sell out and will generate much needed funds the people who are not able to see the beautiful things so many of us take for granted. It was an honour to be able to participate.

The next project... "The Mural" The Inspiration Point

2011-04-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last year my daughter was involved in a mural painting project. Here she is beginning a painting of a dove.
Here I am blogging about beginning a new project based on this photo. It will combine a board and a 3d figure.

Eye Appeal and an Invitation!

2011-04-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'll be heading to another Gala-Gala-Do tomorrow night... well, it's actually the advance preview of the CNIB Eye Appeal fundraiser held at Crystal Garden in downtown Victoria. Two hundred local artists have donated work which will be raffled off to Gala-Goers. The actual gala is a jewel-encrusted evening on Friday April 29th but the artists have been invited to a special reception in the venue on the 28th. It's a wonderful chance to connect with arty friends and oggle the artwork. ...

BUT WAIT-- THERE'S MORE!! At 7:00 PM the Public is invited to take in the show too! So if you are in Victoria, consider yourself invited!

CNIB EYE APPEAL PUBLIC VIEWING

7:00PM- 9:00 PM

at the

CRYSTAL GARDEN

VICTORIA, BC

Colour Your Palate!

2011-04-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow evening I'll be heading over to enjoy a lovely evening sampling great local culinary creations with a delectable dash of colour! It's the annual Colour Your Palate event which is a fundrasiser for the outstanding artsREACH Project here in Victoria. I have a Muse- "Evelyn" and a pendant earring set in the Silent Auction which is always a little nerve-wracking but with some extra wine in hand I intend to have a wonderful time !

Evelyn- in the Silent Auction

Crafthouse at YVR !

2011-04-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

I've been selling work through the Craft Council of BC Crafthouse Shop for many years and now I'm excited to announce that my work will also be available at the Crafthouse YVR Shop at the Vancouver International Airport! I've been getting together an order or earrings, rings and Fusion Bangles for my first shipment. I'm looking forward to a visit to the airport in June when we're travelling to Calgary so I can take some photos of the store.

Here are some of the new Fusion Bangles I made for the order. They incorporate the technique I was experimenting with in Morrisburg.

Best wishes to all for a happy and relaxing holiday weekend.... and go Canucks!!

Cool Groupon for Aspiring Metal Clayers

2011-04-18T06:16:00.001-07:00

I confess- I'm a Groupon junkie. So far I have scored deals on great restaurants and now I am getting a great deal on a copper clay workshop! $67 for a $140 class. I took a silver clay workshop with Tiffany and really enjoyed it so I'm confident in recommending anyone in the area to come to Victoria for the class. There's still time to go for the deal! Here's the Link

Hope to see you there!

My Inspired by Klimt and Resin Demos at Morrisburg

2011-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I did two demos at Morrisburg. The format was for all demonstrations to be 15-20 minute sessions The Klimt Demo is temperature sensitive as it requires translucent sheets run thought the pm at #9. I once taught this particular technique in a very warm room. We had doors and windows open and fans running but the clay was gooey making for a rather "interprative" class. Things were much better this time around. The clay behaved itself nicely. My demo was very bare bones and gave the participants a wide margin to take the concept and spin it. My second demo was an introduction to UV resin. I had little kits of UltraDome available for everyone. Many thanks to UltraDome founderTerry Morris for all his help in getting materials for the kits! I was delighted to see some so many people combine the two demos so beautifully. I always enjoy seeing different takes on a concept that is so familiar to me. I was inspired to take an alternative approach with my own demo to come up with this pen.

Here are some of the pieces that launched from my Klimt and Resin demos. They were taken as we swarmed around the Show and Tell Table and things were a bit chaotic. I want to credit the artists so please let me know if you can match a name to a piece.

Barbara Colautti

Janice VanBeek

Barbara Colautti

Elaine Kennedy

Sandy Willis's clever use of a dollar store frame to create an earring display showcases her beautiful millifiori combined with the Klimt process.

Sandy's extruded spiral cane figures are accented with a layer of resin

Adria's Steampunked Resin Pendant

The two demos work well as a one day workshop which I'd enjoy teaching!

Home Again

2011-04-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm home again after my travels around southern Ontario. The trip was marvelous with the exception of having the plane hit by lightning on the final approach to Victoria. (eek!)
Morrisburg was an absolute delight. Over the last decade Margi Laurin, Vio LaPorte and pinch hitter Leslie have developed a venue that combines challenge for all levels of expertise, inspiration, fun and friendship in a very comfortable environment. I certainly hope to attend next year!

Here's a collection of pictures of some of the fun!

Morrisburg- A Great Time!

2011-04-12T04:13:00.000-07:00

I'm spending a few days in Guelph before heading home. I'll post a selection of photos of some of the events and creations from the event once I'm home again. In the meantime the group photo speaks volumes for the fun and camaraderie shared by all! The lady *in* the laptop at the centre of the photo is Vio Laporte co- founder and coordinator- she was unable to attend this year but got in the photo via Skype!

How wonderful to have a national Canadian Gathering some day. Talent abounds in this country- I was so fortunate to travel to the east and share the Morrisburg experience.

Morrisburg- 2011

2011-04-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Morrisburg Ontario 2011.

Dozens of polymer clayers head towards this town as the winter snows of Eastern Canada melt to reveal tiny crocuses along the side of frost heaved sidewalks. Beckoned by the siren song of timers, the whirr of pasta machine cranks, the cellophane crackle of new blocks of premo and the unmistakable pop of wine corks these determined women make their way with a single purpose to the Mackintosh Country Inn....

Amy June Beeny is one of those women-

This is her story.

Amy supervises the car load up for the trip from Westport- Georgia and gera seme to have been overly enthusiatic... can the vehicle's shocks withstand the challenge? Georgia seems to have yet another box to sneak on board while Amy is distracted....

Finally- shut the hatch before they think of anything else!

Bleeping GPS

When in doubt, a Google print out is back up.

F O G

The flog clears and we're at the big intersection- turn left- next stop Morrisburg!

getting closer!

The hugs begin!

Set up complete... check emails....

CHEERS!!!

Artemesia- Westport, Ontario

2011-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

I've been staying with my friend Georgia Ferrell for the last few days. Georgia is living a life so many of us dream of. She has a beautiful old house in the gorgeous town of Westport, Ontario. The lower floor of her house is a beautiful gallery- Artemesia. The upper floor is her home and studio

Here's Georgia at one of her work tables. She is a framer as well as a multi- talented artist.

A huge studio on the top floor of a heritage building... Heaven!

the polymer clay zone...

That's the sneak peek of the upstairs for everyone who visits

Artimesia and isn't a "guest of the Gallerista"

Here's the Gallery!

Start at the entry area the entry area and explore...

Work by Bonnie McLean

and Ann Gruchy

Aili Kurtis

Patrick Skidd

One of Georgia's beautiful chess sets!

(From the view of Queen Gera- I hope those bishops, cute knights and prawns protect me-

I have no clue how to play this game)

Polymer Clay is well represented by Tina Holden and myself.... and my recent visit to Abigal Connell's studio gave me a sneak peak at some of her new lines incorporating her metal work and polymer.

Tomorrow we head for MORRISBURG !

A Metal Workshop with Abigail Connell

2011-04-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

I'm in Wesport Ontario staying with my friend Georgia Ferrell a few days before we head to Morrisberg for the Morrisberg Polymer Clay Gathering. Yesterday we drove to visit Abigail Connell whose jewelery is absolutely exquisite. Abigail greeted us with a delicious lunch and then we went to her studio for inspirational instruction.

iggy( left) and - Abigail deciding on metal sheets for bezel-making

Abigail's workbench

Abigail showed me how to etch copper and thanks to her outstanding instruction I managed to produce a cuff and a pair of earrings and I'm incredibly excited with the process! Abigail will be offering workshops in in the near future and I encourage you to attend if you are able!

My cuff- first effort with copper etching

THANKS ABIGAIL IT WAS A FANTASTIC DAY!

My Favourite Muse - sketching in the air!

2011-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt my favourite Muse is my daughter Genevieve. Last year she was involved in painting a gorgeous mural on Hillside Avenue in Victoria. This photo of Gen beginning to paint a dove has inspired my next Muse... she'll be on cradleboard.

I plan to get the concept sketched as I fly from Victoria to Ottawa. I'm going to the Morrisberg Polymer Clay Gathering!

Shipping Day and a Muse in My Etsy Shop

2011-03-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was surrounded by Muses. Today the walls are empty. It was shipping day. The Muses have been nestled in bubble wrap and dispatched via Canada Post to the Crafts Council of BC Crafthouse and Sooke Harbour House, three more are in my car ready to take a ride to She Said Gallery in in the funky Ferndale neighbourhood of Victoria.

Anona-

Beverly

Sunflower

Evelyn, my remaining Muse is sitting in my Etsy Shop . (I think she's working on a project with a bezel) Her bags are packed if she should be invited into a new home!

Wholesale Show

2011-03-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I participated in the Island Artisan Association Wholesale Show. It was marvelous to connect with good friends, meet new artisans, share ideas for display, discuss which craft shows to hit and which ones to miss and to give encouragement in what has been a rough time for persons trying to make a profit from their creative endeavors. We had a steady flow of potential clients and I met some enthusiastic representatives from several venues that are interested in my work! This was very welcome as last year one of my very succesful venues closed and another was sold to someone with a different focus.

Speaking of focus- many of my photos seem to be lacking in that department but the fun of the event comes through just fine!

Two of my bestest friends were at the show - millifiori genius Wanda Shum was my next door neighbour and the brilliant jewellery artisan and tutorial diva Tina Holden braved the long drive from Tofino to display her work with her husband Bill who is also a talented jewelery designer.

from left- Polymeristas Tina Holden, Wanda Shum and Gera Chandler

My redesigned booth - I already have a few new ideas for the next event.

Tina and Bill Holden

Wanda Shum- and her funky green shag carpet

Here I am- a bit spinny with 15 minutes before we head home!
My shirt coordinates with my booth by design-
One potential customer looked at me- gave me a huge smile,
complimented the shirt and didn't even slow down to come into the booth.

Special thanks to my husband Chuck for helping me set up and take down and especially for having a very cold vodka martini in the fridge for me when got home!

Cheers!

Revised Muse

2011-03-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

This lady was made in 2009. She was originally designed to hold a bouquet of real lavender. She never looked quite right though. I removed the dusty dried bouquet from her arms and put her in the oven to warm up then I carefully cut away her sleeves and repositioned her arms. I gave her a polymer clay lavender bouquet and now she is much more comfortable looking!

The 2011 name of this Muse is "Lavender Greensleeves"

A Tale for Overwhelming Times

2011-03-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I heard the respected Canadian author Joy Kogawa reflecting on the terrible events in Japan. She expressed how we as individuals living so far away feel compelled to help but are at a loss to imagine how any effort one person could make would possibly make any difference. She related this story that was told by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr.Wangari Maathai it is both heartbreaking and empowering.

One day a terrible fire broke out in a forest - a huge woodlands was suddenly engulfed by a raging wild fire. Frightened, all the animals fled their homes and ran out of the forest. As they came to the edge of a stream they stopped to watch the fire and they were feeling very discouraged and powerless. They were all bemoaning the destruction of their homes. Every one of them thought there was nothing they could do about the fire, except for one little hummingbird.

This particular hummingbird decided it would do something. It swooped into the stream and picked up a few drops of water and went into the forest and put them on the fire. Then it went back to the stream and did it again, and it kept going back, again and again and again. All the other animals watched in disbelief; some tried to discourage the hummingbird with comments like, "Don't bother,it is too much, you are too little, your wings will burn, your beak is too tiny, it’s only a drop, you can't put out this fire."

And as the animals stood around disparaging the little bird’s efforts, the bird noticed how hopeless and forlorn they looked. Then one of the animals shouted out and challenged the hummingbird in a mocking voice, "What do you think you are doing?"
And the hummingbird, without wasting time or losing a beat, looked back and said, "I am doing what I can."

Klimting

2011-03-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

I have ordered a few items to see if I can fire bronze clay in my kiln so metal clay tools are down for the time being. Back in December I had hoped that metal clay might be part of my "line" for an upcoming wholesale show but it's not to be. Hopefully things will turn around in the metal clay department over the next few months.

I have been busy though! I'm going to be travelling to Ontario for the Morrisberg Polymer Clay Gathering. I'll be doing a demo on my Klimt technique. I have been making some Klimt sheets to use as samples and decided to incorporate them in a Muse. This led me to go through some books about Gustav Klimt and I examined some of his Reform Movement fashion designs. Klimt was a proponent of freeing women from their corsets - whether to help them breath or be more accesible for other activities might be debated. The designs are wonderful. the photographs have lovely postures too. I've used a photo of a Klimt dress design for this Muse. She's named Emilie after one of klimt's favourite muses- Emilie Floge. Her recycled silk headress is an original gera. Gustav wasn't too much into head gear. Here's a photograph of Emilie in a dress that I'll use for my next lady- the polka dots may turn into flowers.

A Metal Clay Labyrinth

2011-03-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

Trying to come up with a firing solution is turning into a labyrinth. I have Googled all sorts of sites and have run into many brick walls. I have had friends supply great links to blogs etc that have helped me work on the puzzle. Thanks so much!

I have come to the conclusion that a 1200 F torch can fire a tiny piece of copper clay but a 1550F kiln is low on fire power and will consistently fail to sinter. My hopes rose when I looked into firing PMC Bronze which fires at 1550 F but it needs a firing container to hold carbon and my Ultra Lite kiln is a bit too small to hold a pan. I have emails to various suppliers asking if there is such a thing as a mini-mini firing pan- maybe I'll get lucky. anyone know of a source for a round kiln safe pan that's less than 3.25 inches in diameter please let me know. (a tall order for something so short!)

I have ordered a temperature controller for accurate control with firing PMC3 and I found an insert for the kiln that will get the temperature up to 1650 F but that's still too low for copper.

So my metal clay projects are on hold again.

Tomorrow is a clay day- I have a 9x12 cradleboard and a project for it.... hmmm a labyrinth ??????????????

Launching a Failure Investigation- advice needed!

2011-03-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

Well- I must be doing something wrong with metal clay in my cute new Ultra Lite Beehive Kiln but I don't know what it is. I have tried to fire 6 pieces that I was very pleased with only to have them crumble after firing. I tried re-firing after the clay failed to sinter the first time only to have the entire piece turn brittle and when it broke I could see that it was blackened through and though The learning curve with metal clay is notoriously steep and can hit the pocket book hard. I've just ordered some more clay to work with. I'm using Hadar's Clay and Prometheus because I originally planned to torch fire and they were recommended for that approach but I ran into the same issues I'm having with the Ultra Lite. To date I have one tiny charm made with Hadar's clay with a torch... everything else has disintegrated.
If anyone has any suggestions for me besides buying a $1000 kiln please let me know.

Now I'll go back to mourning those pieces that turned to dust.

A Muse for a Good Cause

2011-03-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

First of all- thanks to all who gave my new logo the thumbs up- I have new business cards on order! The blog has been quiet for the last few days because I was recently invited to submit an item for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Eye Appeal fundraising Gala. Hundreds of artists donate work to be raffled at this black tie event and the proceeds go to the CNIB.
I completed a new piece for my donation- she's still untitled. She is 14" tall and 8" at the widest point of her skirt.

A better image with details is forthcoming. Making her hair with dreads was a lot of fun!!http://www.eyeappeal.org/

New Logo

2011-02-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Prepping for the wholesale show got me thinking about a new look for 2011 so I tinkered a bit with my logo.

Musing

2011-02-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

I have a wholesale show coming up in a month and I'm organizing aMused Studio offerings for 2011. After a year with a very neutral beachstone inspired palette it's exciting to crash back into colour! There's a floral focus with these tulipy Muses which were inspired by tubs of tulips at the local florist.
My lineup for 2011 will include Muses, clay on wood panels, and wearable art that will combine fibre, resin and (fingers crossed) metal clay!

My kiln is currently at the border in Ontario- hopefully it will clear customs and head west soon!

Work in Progress and a Time Out

2011-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's my desk at 6:30 am. There are a few Muses underway here and even though there's a chaotic look to it all this is a rare view of my work table with a sense of organisation! I am resisting the temptation to sit down and open some packages of Premo because last night I realised I wasn't sleeping but thinking of a new way to use white clay. Everything on the desk and in my head is going to have to go on hold though because I'm heading out of town for a few days with my daughter. We plan to have some beach walks, read and get into our sketchbooks.
Here's a webcam view of the lovely beach... any kind of weather will be fine. A storm would be wonderful and clear skies could tempt us to have a beach fire and roast hot dogs and potatoes.

A decision after a set back and a matter of time.

2011-02-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

I made two very cool pendants on Monday and torch fired them yesterday only to have them crumble afterwards. I'm diagnosing that at around 3/4 x1.5" they were too big. My tiny charm fired like a charm but I want to work with larger pieces. I'm going to set the metal clay aside and order a mini kiln. In the meantime I'm going to make some muses that may eventually pay for the kiln!

I've decided to get an Ultra Lite Beehive Kiln. I've contacted the manufacturer to see if there's a Canadian distributor. Here's a product review by Elaine Luther
* Update- the product is available in Canada from
a company in Ontario
(link removed- why give give advertising?) They are the only supplier in Canada but they sell this item in-store only and I'm a few thousand miles away! Why would they refuse a sale?... no clue- I'd have gladly paid shipping to support Canadian commerce. I've ordered from a US company.

I have a cool site to share today for those of you who, like me, lose their timers when items are firing in the oven etc. I discovered it when started torch firing and needed to count down 5 or 7 minutes.
I'm using this online timer to remind me that things are ready to come out of the oven. Very handy.

Polymer Clay and UV Resin- Ultra Dome and Luer-Lok tips

2011-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

I used these luer-lock dispensing tips from Ultra Dome for the first time yesterday and they are terrific! The air bubble issue is reduced dramatically and the fine needle like point is a tool for spreading and easing the resin flow with extreme control.

Polymer Clay on Canvas- Sockeye Sunset

2011-02-11T15:42:00.000-08:00

I am in a mood for colour!! This idea came when I was making a flyer for a show and was going through photos of previous work. I did a 3x3" mini-canvas with a moonrise and a salmon run in 2009 and it occurred to me to try a sunset. The idea of red spawning cockeye salmon was a natural addition to the theme... I'd like to go bigger with this idea. This one is 5x7" inches.

Polymer Clay on Canvas Diptych

2011-02-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

I have flowers on my mind- perhaps it's because we have drifts of snow drops and the slight hint of purple crocus shoots along the sidewalks here in Canada's banana belt. After a morning walk to the village I completed this little polymer on canvas diptych yesterday.

Packing Heat and My First Copper Clay Piece!

2011-02-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was good. I went to a lovely gallery that has been displaying my work for a while to show my latest canvases and polymer, resin and silk pendants and the proprietor said "I'll take two of everything!".
I returned home to find that my shiny new torch had arrived 3 days earlier than it was expected! This torch is not designed for browning a creme brule- it's seriously HOT. It's a BernzOmatic Trigger Start Micro Torch. It burns up to 2500F and it made a huge difference when I test fired this tiny "practice piece" charm made with Hagar's metal clay. I got the lovely peachy glow through the 7 minute firing time. I was enthralled.
Now I'm so I'm torn- I've got the bug to do a couple of canvases, a lantern and of course to learn and learn and learn about metal clay!

A cup of Tea and Flower Power

2011-02-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

It's a perfect Saturday. I was up very early and was able to complete two projects- Here's a 5x7 canvas with the Tea Time theme. I want to play with this for a while and aim to do a larger re-dux of Tea By the Sea that I did in a 5x7 format a couple of years ago. It was sold and I sort of miss it!

Springtime whispered a hint to me to add the silk ribbons to a selection of Flower Pendants I have had on my desk for a while. Rummaging through my stash of recycled sari silks to coordinate the colours was a joy.

This one is in Etsy

A Torch for Firing Metal Clay?... not a good start

2011-02-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

This was not a good start with torch firing copper.

I made a pendant with Prometheus Clay which is okay

for torch firing according to the demo on their website.

I realised in the first minute of the prescribed 5 minute

firing session that my current torch is going to have to

be replaced. The trigger has to be held manually as there's

no lock on it. My finger was throbbing! There was a flare-up

as the filler burned off but I didn't get the peachy glow.

After five minutes I dropped the pendant in cold water,

lifted it out of the water and it fell apart. This torch just didn't

get the heat up to the right temperature. I'm not ready to buy

an expensive kiln so I'm going to research one of those gas

stove top kilns... or?

Any suggestions or sources

for something under around $150 Cdn?

Something new with several inspiration points

2011-02-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

Green Shade Gate is finished and I've actually started working with metal clay! I am on the learning curve and feel like I have 10 thumbs but I am enjoying the challenge. I have a specific idea in mind that has sprung from several sources- including some work I did myself!

Lesley Blackford c/o Polymer Clay Daily

Sue McNenly

Folk art from a craft stall in Santiago, Chile

The Flower Seller... by me- I'm revisting an old idea and adding a new twist!

More ASAP!

Polymer Clay Wall Art- "Green Shade Gate"

2011-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

She's finished! The piece is currently titled "Green Shade Gate".

I enjoyed the suggestions about her hair colour- it's auburn and so many of you guessed correctly! What is in the basket? Lavender. I think she's heading to the Galiano Island Saturday market to sell fragrant fresh bunches. The suggestion for the basket to be filled with mushrooms was delicious. She's in a deciduous forest though so I think another piece with a lady in a coniferous forest searching for chantrelles would be lovely.
She's not entirely completed- this piece will be placed in a black or dark brown floating frame.

What is my next project? A hint... I'm doing a huge desk cleanup- buying a new can of butane and unwrapping my new firing block. Wish me luck!

A Plan Dashed

2011-01-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

I was absolutely thrilled last week when I received an invitation to teach a two day polymer clay workshop at a beautiful venue in Washington State. I took it as a perfect opportunity to finally put together a class teaching my crackle technique on canvas and under resin. I've been back burnering this idea for a few years now. I have always wanted to travel and teach. Having seen so many inspiring instructors from the US visit Canada I thought it would be marvelous to do the same. It didn't occur to me that the ease with which they visit Canada as paid instructors couldn't be reciprocated should I travel southward .

Here are the simple facts- I could accept an invitation to teach for room and board and travel expenses but no payment. If I were to try to teach a two day class for pay I would need to have the party that invited me go through a long process of completing forms as well as having to pay $325 US for the privilege- at that point I might be eligible for a Visa. I would have to go through this every time I was invited to teach.

Conversely American instructors may travel to Canada as a "Seminar Leader" with no requirement for a work permit whatsoever. They are welcome to teach for up to five days. They are eligible to receive full payment for their services.

I suppose I could put together an instructional DVD for sale but I love teaching and travelling. The way that this goal has been dashed is especially bitter with the inequity involved in a country with which we are supposed to have "Free Trade". I can't teach in the US but Americans can teach here.

When I cross the border into another country I feel most comfortable being honest about my reason for visiting. I'm interested in hearing from other artisans who may have solutions to this issue. How do Canadians or other nationals teach short term workshops in the US without "bending the truth" at the border?

Polymer clay wall art- the most interesting part .....

2011-01-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

The lady's face has been made and she's a very sweet character. I think this is the part I love the most about working on a piece like this. The "adornment". It's time to decide on hair colour , hair style and jewelery. The lady will be carrying a basket... but what is in it?

Can anyone make a prediction on hair colour and what will be in the basket she's carrying?

Polymer Clay Day- Resin Valentines and The Muse Emerges

2011-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was very busy for me! I "dressed" the Muse, she ended up being a bit more voluptuous than my sketch... we'll see how she reacts to the long vest with pockets I have in mind for her. Her body is fired but the arms are still raw so I can arrange her basket.

During firing times I was able to do some resin work. The four copper Valentines are going to be made into pendants with silk and sent to Side Street Studio. If you are curious about what the pieces are in, it's BARLEY...I find it perfect for making little adjustments to stop spills and it works a charm for curing dimensional items like rings.

I have bezels for sale in my Etsy shop... the hearts are almost sold out.

PS- here are the finished Valentine's pendants!

Armature in Place....

2011-01-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

Here's the armature of the lady in position for firing- the arms will be done later to get the correct positioning. It looks pretty odd at this point, like a Ed Woods horror picture from the 50s but bear with me... I think I know what I'm doing!

Here Comes the Hippie Chick!

2011-01-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY finished the foliage on my GreenShade piece and so now I can begin work on the central character. She's a funky little lady- very much a Gulf Island Hippie Chick. I determined her proportions in context with the background by placing tracing paper on the piece and doing a very rough sketch on the paper. The next step will be to build the polymer clay body using the sketch as a pattern. Yes, those are my toes at the bottom of the photo.

A Super Blog and Another Mini Low Budget Kiln

2011-01-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Susan left a comment suggesting I check Tonya Davidson's Blog for info on metal clays. It's a stunning site and I am tempted to spend my Saturday there. Tonya's Whole Lotta Whimsy Shop is terrific and whether you are a polymer or metal clay artist you'll find an excellent selection of tools that might twig an idea. Of course I checked the kilns and was impressed by the Trinket Kiln which is $200 and can fire pieces that are 5" in diameter. I wonder how thick the pieces can be though?