Blast from the past part 2- Cloisonne type beads

Cloisonne type beads

 

These are very easy beads and quite fun to make, this was published in November of 2008 in this blog.
It was published in a magazine before this, I believe 2004.
I love these and they are easy and very fun to make.
Have a great week you all!

 

Blast from the past- 1st installment BPCanes

It is way too hot to take pictures. I was thinking that some of my content in the beginning of my blogging adventure was pretty cool, so sort of like summer re-runs on TV, I am going to re-post some of these babies that I really like.
Silence on a radio, no picture and sound on a TV, and no words on a blog are always a little disconcerting.
May your summer be cool.
May your drinks be cooler,
and may your heart be content.
Blessings all over all ya all!!

Just a note: Bead Space is no longer a viable link, but bead patterns are readily available all over the web!
Click on the title header below to take you to the full blog post!!

Extruder Canes with Bead Patterns as a guide

I put up the color mixing chart yesterday for this project!

Millefiori is the glass technique of bundling or layering colored rods of glass together to form images and then cutting the cross section of the bundled or layered glass to get a little tile of an image. These colored rods of glass are called canes. I have seen this technique duplicated in many mediums, ceramic, candy, food, and polymer clay, and it can sometimes seem almost impossible to achieve, but if you start with basic design, bulls eye canes, open spirals and checkerboards just to name a few, you can combine those to make more intricate pictures or images, called advanced caning. Anytime two or more simple patterns are combined it becomes advanced. I have found a way to make intricate canes that is so easy to do, yet gives the impression of intricacy and complication. Bead patterns and a Makin’s Clay extruder are great for attempting this.

Dawn Schiller's new book

Dawn Schiller is a very talented sculptor and she has finally written a book. Yay!! Dawn, I am very proud of you!

She has step by step photos and shows you how to make these lovely Fae Creatures from scratch. With detailed instructions and great pieces, this looks to be an asset to the polymer clay books library available for sculptors today!

Dawn is not only one of the most talented sculptors that I know, she is funny, quick-witted, and a dear friend. I am thrilled that she is published and I am thrilled for all of you. No matter where you are in the world you can enjoy Dawn's talent.

Dawn has a wonderful website with her works shown http://www.oddfae.com/
She has an etsy store http://www.oddfae.etsy.com/
Sells on ebay http://myworld.ebay.com/autumnthings/
Has a blog http://www.oddfae.blogspot.com/
She has and ArtFire store http://www.artfire.com/users/oddfae
And also a Cafe Press store http://www.cafepress.com/oddfae
Also has a fan page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/71326176904/
She shows at Comic- Con in San Diego and has been there for the last few years.

That finding is one of my Hoarders Closet findings. Yay Dawn!

Pre-Orders on Amazon are welcome and it won't be long before it is out!
http://www.amazon.com/FaeMaker-Making-Fantasy-Characters-Polymer/dp/1440313660/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1339479914&sr=1-1&keywords=faemaker

But if you cannot wait to get the book, Dawn is teaching a class in the San Diego area before her Comic-Con appearance. She is going to show you how to make her assistant Fetch. I believe there are only a couple of spaces left.

Another bib necklace!

I am sorry I haven't been around lately. I am getting ready for my classes at the Cabin Fever Clay fest.
It is now open to day visitors, so if you live in the area of Laurel, Maryland or surrounding areas and you want to take a few classes, this would be a good place to do it.
I will try to keep you up on what is going on while I am away.


Here is another way to use the Hoarders Closet bib finding. It is such a fun and versatile finding to play with. The brass ones can even be drilled.
Check it out here:
http://mariesegal.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year-finally.html


This is yet another way to use the bib finding.
Brass or silver bib finding 
24 gauge brass of non-tarnish silver Artistic wire
Spool of tiny gold chain or silver chain
Assorted beads, chain, and findings
Flush cutters
Chain nose pliers

Thread the 24 gauge wire into the loop on one side of the bib finding.
Bend a small bit over and twist the wire together.

I am going to use a mix of red, black, and white beads, glass, polymer clay, and some chain.

String on a few of your beads. I am using some of the smaller ones on the ends.

Pull the beads back and the wrap the wire around the end of the finding a couple of times.

Like so.

Push a couple of beads down the wire.
How many you use is up to you and how big the beads are.

Wrap the wire around a couple of times again and then push more beads down and wrap again.

I took the wire and wrapped it around the big black bead and the under.

I just keep adding more beads and wrapping.

This is not something that has to be perfect.
Here I am stringing some of the small chain on to the wire.

String on some more beads. Add some more loops of wire. Add some more chain.
You get the idea.

I haven't had time to finish this, but you get the idea


Now go have fun and make something.

Pennant Necklace- diy part 1

I see pennants all over Etsy now days. I thought it would be fun to make jewelry using that theme.

I also used the vintage chain I have been selling in the Hoarders Closet. It is sweet, small, strong, and great to work with.

I documented this one to share with you, because it is so much fun to make and wear.

I made both kids sizes and adult.

You will need:

1 color of Cernit (I used Turquoise and Light Green) You could even make each flag a different color, just have fun ;-D
Clay machine
double ended knitting needle
22 gauge artistic wire in Non-tarnish silver
Triangle cutter in 5/8" size

Round cutter in 5/16" size
Alphabet stamps (I got mine at Michael's)
Flush cutters
Rosary pliers or needle nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Tiny Chain

1. condition clay and make soft and pliable, roll out in the clay machine on the 2nd thickest setting.

2. I am making the name "Sarah"
Cut out 10 of the triangle shapes.

3. Cut 5, 3 1/2" to 4" pieces of 22 gauge wire with the flush cutters.

4. Place the middle of the wire over one side of the triangle cutter and bend the ends over the edges.

5. Place the bent wire on one of the sides of the triangle. Put the wire down from the top about 1/16".

6. Place one of the triangles over the wire and on top of the triangle on the bottom. Line the two triangles up and press together.

7.  Press the triangles together and focus on the top of the triangles where the wire is.
I like to pick these up and make sure all the edges are pressed together well and the wire is centered and press well at the wire.

8 Do the same thing to the other 4 sets of triangles and wires.

9. Stamp pennants with letters.

10. Press in deeply and firmly for a clear print of the letter.

 11.  Check the edges and make the pennants are flat after stamping.

12. Using the 5/16" round cutter, I cut out 10 circles from the sheet of clay rolled out on the 2nd thickest setting. Roll these into balls.

13. Use the knitting needle to poke the hole in the beads.
Turn the bead over and poke the knitting needle back through the hole you just made to even the holes out on both sides.

14. Poke through.

15. Bake on a piece of corrugated box cardboard in a preheated 275 degree oven for 30 minutes, shut off the oven and let cool in there until you can touch the beads.









Continued in part 2...

Come play with us

Cabin Fever  Clay Fest in Laurel, MD is just 2 months away - Feb. 17-22, 2012...have you registered yet?  27 Workshops - 15 Instructors - 1, 2, 3 or 6 days of non-stop creative fun!  AND -You could win a $200 scholarship just for attending!  Register for the pre-conference only, the conference only, or both...pick your choice of instructors!  Still time to ask for that holiday gift you've wanted!  Visit the website here at: www.polymerclayfests.wordpress.com It's not too late...there is still time for you to attend and win! It’s easy … all you do is register for the regular 3-day conference!  Winners will be selected and awards given during the conference. To register, download registration form here. We have another year with a full schedule (workshops descriptions here) of incredibly talented instructors in polymer clay, metal clay, mixed media, and metalworks including Blair Anderson, Jana Roberts Benzon, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Lindly Haunani, Liz Potter Hall, Linda Hess, Doreen Kassel, Barbara Lewis, Shannon Nelson, Kathryn Jo Ottman, Nan Roche, Lynne Anne Schwarzenberg, Marie Segal (the 2012 Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award Recipient), Sarah Shriver and Laura Tabakman.   If you haven’t attended CFCF yet, it’s an action packed one to six days of non-stop creative learning and fun and we want you to be part of it!  We will also be honoring Marie Segal with the Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award at the Tuesday evening celebration and there will be an opportunity for you to bid on some incredible items at the silent auction!  Want to donate an item?...donation form is attached! Review the workshops descriptions here and fill out your registration form and send it in.  It’s that easy!  Then, two (2) lucky attendees will be selected at the Tuesday night celebration. For additional information, please email cabinfeverclayfestivals@yahoo.com.   To register, download registration form here. Kathryn Ottman Central MD PC Guild, PCCAF and Cabin Fever Clay Fests www.polymerclayfests.wordpress.com cabinfeverclayfestival@yahoo.com

Picture this!!

I found these little frames, which are actually slide holders.
These look great in scrap books.
I used them for templates and made some clay frames which can also be used in scrapbooks, made in to jewelry, or magnets.
What about Christmas ornaments with pictures in them?

You will need:

Cernit Biscuit, White, or Opaque white (You can use other colors, I just used these for these pictures)
Clay machine
Clay slicing blade
Exacto-type blade
Textures
Pinata inks
Slide frames
small stencil brush
Metallic inks (brilliance, MicaMagic, these heat set and are permanent)

All links above lead to my husband's on-line store, the Clay Factory, as always thank you for looking

Condition and roll out your clay on the 3rd thickest setting in your clay machine.
Lay the slide frame on the clay and trace around it cutting with your blade.

I have better luck cutting with a exacto type blade on the inside of the frame.
You can stipple with a stiff stencil brush.

Put on a little Pinata alcohol ink.

Then add another color and daub with a paper towel to blend (Kind of) ;-D
You can bake this one just like this or...

Stamp with gold metallic ink and bake. Tah-dah frame done! Scrapbook and flexible frames.
What about a necklace?
I will play with this later for ya!

Here is another way. Roll out the sheet of clay and then roll through with a piece of lace fabric to texture.
Cut out frame from this sheet.

Highlighted with Distress ink so you can see the texture. This wonderful ink (love for my cards) is not the best to use with Polymer clay, it really never dries and will rub off. Great for step by photos though, YAY!

Here it is colored with another metallic ink and then blushed with a gold ink to further accent.
Bake and go! That scrapbook is waiting. Also you can glue to the cover or paper with a small bead of glue along each side and the bottom and you will be able to slip a small photo in and out of it when the glue has dried..

Here is another way. Roll out your clay on the above setting and then roll through with a texture plate.

Ink and bake.

Back with more on this later.
Happy Tuesday, ya'll.
Have a great week, go play now!
I love you to the moon and back!!

Finished onthe 15th, Fave Crafts Blog hop

Today is the Fave Crafts Blog Hop Finished on the 15th. It is about recycled products.

Click on the blog hop button above to go there and see all of the recycled crafts. Or cut and paste below
http://www.favecraftsblog.com/november-blog-hop-recycling-crafts-giveaway/
It is a contest again if you feel like voting.


I have been busy with life and finding less and less time as we are getting towards all of the holidays. There are so many things to do when your granddaughter is almost 3. Santa pictures, play, Christmas crafts, play, play, play, play, and more play. She is in to role playing now and I have been all of her friends, her stuffed animals, TV friends, swiper, and Uniqua (TV characters). It is fun, so I am behind.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone and may someone like my grand daughter light your life up and show you how to remember how to play and imagine!!

Here is my latest tin can project "Tin Can Taco box".
Just add food.
The instructions to cover the box are from the last Blog hop and here.
http://mariesegal.blogspot.com/2011/10/finished-on-15th-tin-can-pumpkin-box.html 
You could even make a pumpkin with out the face for thanksgiving treats.
Have a great Holiday.

Let's talk Turkey!

Gobble, Gobble!!

I thought it would be fun to have a tutorial on a simple turkey.
This could be made in to a magnet or pin.

You will need:

Caramel Cernit
Opaque White Cernit
Poppy red Cernit just a pinch
Orange Cernit
Black Cernit just a pinch
Clay Machine
Clay Slicing Blade
Bamboo skewer
Sun like cutter from Flowers and leaves Makin's clay cutter set
5/16" Kemper Kutter flower
3/4" Kemper Kutter Round



Condition Opaque White clay and roll out in the clay machine on the 4th thickest setting. You can roll through the machine several times to get a nice smooth sheet.

Cut out one of the sun "like" shaped cutters and lay on work surface.

Condition and roll out the caramel on the 3rd thickest setting. Cut out one of the sun "Like" shapes.
Place the caramel one on top of the white one and off set it so the whites points show between the Caramel points.

Flatten the two together with the palm of your hand, preferably the rounded cup of your palm.

Cut out two circles of Caramel out of the round 3/4" cutter. Put them together and roll into a ball. Then using your forefinger roll on one side of the ball and rolling in to a bowling pin shape.

Like so!

With the back of the clay blade (careful now!) Make a mark about 1/8" to 1/4" down from the top of the small end of clay bowling pin shape.

Bend the tip over at the mark.

Place the bowling pin caramel shapeon the  two cut out sun "like" shapes and press the thicker end to the shapes like you see in the picture.

Make marks with the end of your blade around the turkey body where the indents are around the outside of the sun points in the brown flower/sun are. This step is optional, but does add a little more to the turkey.

Roll out the orange clay on the 2nd thickest setting and cut out two of the 5/16" flower.
Push them out of the cutter and pinch two of the petals of the flower together.

Place the flowers that are now feet, with the pinched petals in the back,under the thick flattened end of the bowling pin caramel shape.

Cut out another flower shape.
We are just going to use this for the size, so roll that flower in to a little ball.

Roll on one side of the ball  to shape it in to a shape it in to a little teardrop.

Just like this.
Place this little teardrop thick end first on the end of the bowling pin caramel top of the bowling pin.
You will able to see it in the picture after I put the eyes on.

Roll out a very small coil of black and cut off a tiny, tiny section.

Cut two of them and roll them into balls.

They a will be very small, like a 1/16".

Here is the placement of eyes and beak.

Now we are going to make the pieces for the waddle. Roll out a small coil of the poppy red.
Cut off  two short pieces and one long one.

Roll them all in to balls and then roll them in to elongated teardrops.

Place one of the two small ones on top of the head.
Then place the other.

You can see where the red pieces go, here.


Looking a little like a turkey now.

Poke two holes in the beak, so he can breathe.

With the side of the flower cutter mark the chest with marks for feathers.

Like this.

 Use the flowers cutter and cut out four flowers  out of the caramel sheet that is rolled out on the3rd thickest setting.


Put two together and roll in to a ball.
Do that with the other two.

Roll those into teardrops.

Flatten those teardrops.

With the back of the blade mark both wings on the tips.

Now mark the wings with the flower cutter and mark horizontal marks on the tips too.

Place the wings on the thick end of the body.

Your turkey is done.