Hello and Welcome to my Blog ~ I love art of all kinds. Two of my favorites are polymer clay and paper art. I have shops on Etsy that feature both of my passions. I also love writing my blog and finding artists that have a passion for their craft and feature them. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, laughter and loads of creativity.


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Polymer Clay Matchbox Art


I love Matchbox Art ~ I created the first matchbox for a friend.  I used terra cotta polymer clay and stamped it with a swirl design.  I created a rolled edge for the top of the matchbox and added a copper flower and pull to compliment the design.  The top pulls open and displays a full set of matches.  It was such a fun piece to create.


This green and gold polymer clay matchbox was one of the first  I ever designed.  I used Gold Leaf on the heart to give the matchbox a bit of glam.


I created this matchbox for my Etsy Shop which was recently purchased .  
As you can see I am getting it ready to mail to my customer.  
I embossed a small piece of card stock with a pretty little bird scene and 
included matches to fill up the box.


Last of all I created this matchbox to add to my Etsy Store.  I decided to do 
this with black polymer clay and added silver accent pieces.   




I embossed silver card stock for the inside of the box with circles
 resembling bubbles from the sea.


Thank you for visiting my blog

Friday, December 9, 2011

An Art Doll by Sarah Angelman




I am pleased to feature this beautiful Art Doll by Sarah Angelman.

Sarah is from Georgetown, Perang Malaysia and has been an 
artist all of her life. You can visit Sarah's Shop at:




This is Lalo, very naughty pixie, which was caught in the act when sneaking around in my garden.  He is from the Kingdom of Lovinshire. He is 8" tall, a good hunter, active and very clever too.




Lalo is a one of a kind doll.  Painted with heat set paint and satin varnish.  He was made from Polymer Clay, oven baked and with a strong armature.  He has grey glass eyes and mahogany mohair.  All hunting gear, glasses and tank top are removable. Wings are interchangeable and one set is included.  He comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.




Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Spoon Handle Pendant

I am so  excited about my newest venture.  I have discovered the art of creating Silverware Jewelry.  This is my first attempt at making a spoon handle pendant and I was quite pleased with it's outcome.  

The photograph below is the front of the pendant which is a silver plate ~ Glenrose Pattern by Wm. A. Rogers. The issue date for this series of silverware was 1908.  It is a lovely pattern with so much detail and the roses really stand out on both the front and the back of this beautiful pendant.




The back side of the handle is almost as beautiful as the front, so if it accidently flips  over while wearing it  ~ you wouldn't mind a bit.  I added a black silk ribbon necklace adorned with a silver clasp which really adds to the beauty of this pendant.

The picture below shows the back of the pendant.



I had so much fun going to the Antique stores and browsing through the silverware.  I purchased some beautiful spoons at very reasonable prices. 

Monday, November 28, 2011

My Photograph of My Grandson Charlie and his Friend Channing

I wanted to share this photograph that I snapped of my Grandson Charlie and his little friend Channing. They were in Channing's Aunt's wedding and they looked absolutely adorable together.


Weddings are so much fun and to see my little Grandson walking up the aisle with Channing as they held the 'Here Comes The Bride' sign was just about the cutest thing I ever did see.

I took this photograph just before the wedding and as you can see, Charlie was very interested in a game that Channing was playing.

My son Charlie (Little Charlie's dad) was the photographer for the wedding and his photographs are amazing.  If I'm lucky,  I'll get a few of them to post.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Texas State Fair

Winning a Ribbon at the State Fair is so exciting and seeing it displayed along with hundreds of other winners was so wonderful.  There were glass cases filled with awesome artwork, so many that we finally had to ask where my mask was located.   Mine was displayed in a Mardi Gras themed case. One thing that puzzles me is why the people that set up the displays do not put the polymer clay winners all together.  The First, Second and the Honorable Mention were scattered all over the place.  They were like finding a needle in a haystack.

Anyway ~ Now to thoughts of what I should create for next year....Ummmm



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I present to you Windy Willy who is one of my newest creations.  He sure knows how to dress for the weather with his umbrella in hand and a black leather hat and coat to keep him warm.  He can be found in both my Etsy and Zibbet Shops.



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Last of all, I want to thank the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy for the beautiful pendant I received for voting in one of their contests. The pendant was created by Susan O'Neill who is an awesome polymer clay artist.  Visit her Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/11BOLDstreet




Monday, September 19, 2011

Polymer Clay Wedding Bouquets

I came across these Gorgeous Wedding Bouquets and wanted to share them with you.


They have been created out of polymer clay and are a wonderful alternative to fresh flowers.  I love the idea of having your bouquet as a keepsake for years to come.  







Wednesday, September 7, 2011

My Masked Face Received A Ribbon!

I am overwhelmed with excitement. I received a letter from the Texas State Fair that the polymer clay masked face I entered received a third place ribbon.  I have never entered anything in the fair before and didn't know quite what to expect.  You should have seen me when I read that I was a winner. I actually think I was walking on air. 



            


I have loved masked faces ever since I traveled to Venice Italy and saw them in the little shops that abound along the waterway. It is quite amazing that by covering part of your face, you suddenly become very mysterious.

I began my creative journey with polymer clay in May of 2010. I find it to be a wonderful medium to work with. I love taking a lump of clay and turning it into something whimsical and fun. My daughter, Trina, of Trina's Clay Creations has been creating wonderful figurines and cake toppers for many years.  If it weren't for her, I would not have even tried working with the clay. Needless to say, she is my inspiration.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I'm A Winner!

I follow Susan Faye's wonderful blog on TheHive. She held a Secret Garden Giveaway and I am so excited because I am one of three winners.  I won something once before, it was a six pack of beer, which wasn't my cup of tea ~ LOL!  You can totally see why I am so excited about this. Susan's creations are so creatively whimsical ~ I love her style.
You can visit Susan's shop at: 

PS: I have chosen the print pictured here and can't wait to receive it. I have a special place in my craft room awaiting it's arrival.

Secret Garden Giveaway Winners!
Thank you to everyone who participated by describing your five must-haves for your own Secret Garden! Hammocks, waterfalls, ponds, roses and hummingbirds were some of the top must-haves. Check out all of the creative comments at the end of this post.

Three names were drawn at random to receive their choice of a Secret Garden pendant or print from my Etsy shop.

SJ who said... "My secret garden will have a waterfall, porch, lots of sunflowers, trellis of beautiful flowers, and a tree". Check out her blog called Homemaker on a Dime, where she hosts blog hops, link parties, and other fun activities.
Newlywed Briana said... "my secret garden would have a cozy cottage, a koi pond, a little bridge, waterfall/stream to the pond, and roses!"

Sandy Prenzi from The Hive said: "My secret garden must have Fairies fluttering from flower to flower ~ A deep blue pond surrounded by weeping willows and inhabited with the beauty of Swans ~ A soft breeze whispering through the willows and the sweet music of the birds as they flit from tree to tree". Be sure to check out her wonderful clay creations at: 
Sandy's Creations in Clay


Congratulations to all!!!!



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

My Craft Room


An up-date on my Craft Room.




I am very fortunate to have a craft room all to myself.  I know a lot of you don't,  I have been in your shoes ~ I crafted on my dining room table for ages or what seemed like ages. I even did a stint, would you believe, with my crafting table in my bathroom. Kinda Crappy,  but just to make you giggle, I posted the picture of it at the bottom of the page.

I spent the better part of yesterday making my room more crafting friendly.  It is maddening not being able to put your hands on something you know you have or thought you had ~ oh, oh ~ that falls into my loose screw theory. (LOL)

You would be amazed at the wonderful crafty items I found.  Even some clay tools that I didn't even know I had ~ now let me tell you,  that was like digging for gold and finding the mother load!

Before I became so heavily involved in polymer clay, I was deep into making greeting cards ~ I still do, but mostly for family and friends, so that is why my small desk is in my craft room ~ I can create my cards and not get clay all over them.

This is the wall opposite my table, as you can see by the image in the mirror.  I love having the mirrored cabinet. So much room to store things, plus  the mirror is wonderful. I use it to see if the creation I made is symmetrical before putting it in the oven.  The mirrored image is a tattle tale of sorts.  It lets me know if anything is askew.


I do love my craft room ~ it is a haven from the outside world and all it's problems ~ it is a place that is inspirational and absolutely a joy to be in.



Let me tell you about my crafting table ~ I bought it at Walmart for the bargain price of $39.00. It is six feet long and folds into a three foot square so I can easily stow it in the closet if I need the room for guests.  I have two rolling cabinets underneath which houses all my crafty necessities.

Now, you might take notice of that great little cabinet on top of the table ~ All my unopened clay fits perfectly in the cubbies and it came from non-other than my favorite store ~ Michaels. It has a glass door, which I will never close, although you could if you wanted to.  I came up with an idea to be able to utilize the glass side.  I bought rubberized grip liner and hot glued it to the edge of the glass, then with Christmas ornament hangers, I hung my gripper and cutting tools.  The grip liner is thick and able to withstand the pressure of the hanging  tools.

Now that my room is organized, I must call for my muse ~ I know she's around here somewhere ~ But where?


Saturday, August 20, 2011

I know I have a Screw Loose


This  is me ~ with my Artists Beret and loose screw!




Did you ever start thinking that maybe you have a screw loose?  Well, forgetfulness is one of my screw loose theories.  Like forgetting to put a nose on a witch. Isn't the nose one of the most important parts of a witch, whether it be a really, really ugly Witch or one thats kind of a cute?  Well, I created Little Witch Wonder, but after looking at her for awhile and even posting her on TheHive and in my Etsy and Zibbet shops, I really felt something wasn't quite right. I know I create a lot of Imps, and my Imps do not have noses ~ ummm maybe that's where my mind was ~ thinking about Imps.


Well today, I said "OFF WITH HER HEAD"!  I took apart Little Witch Wonderful and gave her a brand new head with nose included.  Now then, don't you agree with me that she really looks Wonderful now?

Another one of my Screw Loose theories is having my creativity table in chaos. I start out with a nice neat area, but before long I'm searching madly for the tool I used a second ago. Low and behold, I find it after I have practically moved everything on my table. Has this ever happened to you, I ask with furrowed brow?  Now, I know it's difficult to be neat and tidy when I'm in my creative mode, but on the other hand I could be creating a lot more if it weren't for the fact that I was searching my precious time away.

I have a lot more Screw Loose Theories, which I will discuss at a later date, but for now I better get a screwdriver for my head and make some adjustments.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Woodland Creatures


You never know what you will come across while meandering through the countryside.  These little creatures inhabit our woodlands and gardens. If you are very, very lucky you just might spot one of them, but you have to look closely, because they are very tiny and extremely shy. 

I was lucky enough to find these three awesome polymer clay artists who have created some of these magical creatures.  I love the detail of the clothing and their incredible sculpting talent that they have incorporated into their awesome creations.



Stacy Fitz opened her Etsy Shop in August 2011and is from Roseville California.

From the Artist ~ Stacy Fitz
I am an artist, a romantic, and a mother of three, and the combination makes me a bit of a nutcase. I have a love for the strange, unusual, unique, bizzarre, and grotesque, all of it seems to find a way out into my art
Each of my creations is truly a labor of love, so much so that they become like children to me. I have a lot of ugly beautiful strange babies out there.


Say hello to Fiddlesticks. He is just tickled pink to meet you! Look at that smile! Can you doubt his joy in finding a new friend? Fiddlesticks is an elfin like creature that is quite happy organizing your spices alphabetically, sorting your socks by color, and making sure all your canned foods are front and faced. He is finicky and fussy, but so cheerful about it that it's impossible to take offense. 

You can see more of Stacy's awesome creations at: 

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Evgenia Khamulyak opened her Etsy Shop since May of 2011.  She lives in Girona Spain and loves making Art Dolls.



  

Evgenia named her 'Dear Grandmother of Cockroaches Oil'.

You can visit her shop and see all her wonderful creations at:


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Traci Howard opened her Etsy Shop in February of 2011
and comes from Leicester ~ United Kingdom

From the Artist ~ Traci Howard
I like to make anything from pretty much everything.Although I mainly make fantasy creatures,there are always other projects on the side.I have been fortunate enough to live and travel off my craft my entire adult life...



A handsculpted one of a kind, denizen of the faerie forest.This elf is so laid back and easy going,he can do nothing but make you smile;) He is sitting on a little log and would look fabulous in a potplant ,terrarium or anywhere near plants.

You can see more of Traci's spectacular creations at: 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wilma's Brother Wendel


I would like to introduce you to Wilma and Ima's brother Wendel. He just graduated from kindergarten and can't wait to continue his studies at the Wellington Institute of Higher Learning. He was accepted to this very prestigious school in light of his enormously high IQ.

Wendel is very particular about his looks and as you can see his cap and bow tie match his new purple glasses.  



Friday, August 5, 2011

Wilma The Bookworm

Story and Polymer Clay Creation 
by Sandy Prenzi

It's back to school for Wilma the Bookworm.  She is full of excitement and anticipation because it is her first day.  She has her favorite book " Through The Wormhole" by TOE and a delicious bright red apple for her teacher.


Wilma loves to do many things and one of the things that she loves best of all is playing with Schrodinger's cat.  Now, you would think she'd be afraid of this cat, but Wilma is very smart and extremely enlightened as you can tell by what she reads and besides that, they have a lot in common.

Wilma is anxious to meet new friends and is hoping that everyone will like her. Sometimes she gets teased because she has to wear glasses. At first, this bothered Wilma, but being able to read her wonderful books and see the big beautiful world around her made her realize that she was a very lucky little bookworm to have these glasses.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Special Inks and Polymer Clay


Posh Rainbow Inks

Posh Rainbow Inks are fantastic.  A friend of mine introduced them to me when I was creating greeting cards, but the WOW power of these inks is even more prevalent on Polymer Clay.  These inks come in a variety of colors, in earth tones or the floral brights.

I chose the floral brights for this fairy door.  The imagery is awesome and even more brilliant when you see it in person.  


I named this creation 'Flowered Fairy Door' and created it for a little fairy who goes by the name of Buttercup.  She found this beautiful vase that someone had thrown away and wanted to grow some brightly colored flowers to surround her door.  She is very happy to have such a fine door, but would love to have it placed in someone's home.  Could that someone be you?


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Lumere Acrylic Metallic Paints

This is another product that I love.  Lumiere Metallic Paints by Jacquard ( Pearl Collection )   The Lumiere isn't as bright as the Posh Rainbow Inks as you can see on the 'Golden Fairy Door' below, but I love the softness and the dimension that this ink provides.




The little Fairy is at home. You know how I can tell? She left her tiny purple slippers by the front door. I created this door out of polymer clay and embellished it with rubber stamps and Lumiere pearl paint. 


This door stands approximately 2.5" high by 3" wide.


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More About These Inks

They are fast drying and will cover blemishes in the clay very well.  You can also change the color if you are not satisfied with the one that you originally applied. The coverage works with one coat. I love the fact that the ink is water soluble, so your brushes aren't ruined.

The cost is quite high with these products, but a little goes a long way.  I suggest you use the 40% off coupons that both Michaels and Hobby Lobby provide on their websites (if they carry these products in your area) 

You might check out these links as well:  http://www.rangerink.com/store_locator_usa.htm#TX

Monday, July 25, 2011

Polymer Clay Perfume Pendants ~ Necklaces and Corsets


SandraArts

From the Artist:
I live in Sisak, a town in central Croatia with my hubby, two fantastic kids, basset hound and a parrot:)

I am a self-taught polymer clay artist.  My work is characterized by playfulness and asymmetry of the composition with carefully combined colors.  I like to combine different shapes and textures.  Each bead is unique and made with a lot of love and attention.  My work has been published in a "European Polymer Clay Book" and featured on Polymer Clay Daily. 

                                                                             Editor's Notes
Because I lived in the southwest for a large portion of my life this necklace appeals to me.
I love the details and the colors that Sandra used in creating it.

 
This little necklace is adorable.  Sandra calls it 'Love Street'.  
She can create the houses in any color combination.


See more of Sandra's creations at:                                             
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Nix Creations


What a wonderfully creative idea Matthew Nix had when he created these Perfume Pendants.

From the Artist:
My name is Matthew Nix and I call home, Collinsville, IL. I started making jewelry by accident. I wish I could say is was all planned but who really plans for this kind of stuff in life? My grandmother used to make brooches and hatpins with fried marbles. I thought they would make great pendants and quickly started selling them to stores worldwide. I then got into wire wrapping. Wire wrapping is my main passion when it comes to pendant making. I'm not the best and not the worst. I then got into polymer clay and more recently the art of fused glass.



These wire wrap perfume pendants are my original idea.

What is a perfume pendant? It is a pendant that defuses perfume while your wear it. Simply put a drop of your favorite perfume in the middle of the flower. The oils will cling to the clay petals and will emit scent, longer than wearing it on your skin.You can wear perfume and perfume oils on this pendant. You can wash the pendant with soap and water to change the perfume you want to wear on it.

This pendant is wire wrapped in nontarnishing silver wire. The flower bead is made from polymer clay. Accented with dangling swarvoski crystals and silver beads.


You Can see more of Matthews creations at:

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Dawn Shotton

Dawn is from Newcastle Upon Tyne ~ England
She opened her Etsy Shop in March of 2010

From the Artist:
I loved arts and crafts for as long as I care to remember. From watercolour painting to cloth dolls.............and anything in-between.  Recently found miniature sculpting is really fun!



This Polymer Clay mannequin stands four inches high.  The corset is decorated in lace and fabric trimmings.


You can see more of Dawn's creations at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dawnshot?ref=seller_info

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Doll on A Rocker
Photograph ~ by Sandy Prenzi


Looking for Greeting Cards?  Check out my Fine Arts Website At:
http://sandy-prenzi.artistwebsites.com/





Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Mosaic Tile Masterpiece




~ Claire Fairweather has created a masterpiece ~


Claire has named her mosaic "Our Future" It is a 30.5 cm by 30.5 cm polymer clay tiles on canvas. She designed it for the New Zealand Art Guild Annual Members Exhibition 2011.

This mosaic tile artwork has been designed to show the different phases of love during the course of a lifelong relationship ~ the future for a couple in love.

Visit Claire's website to see the key to the meaning behind each tile. You will be enchanted. http://clairefairweather.blogspot.com/2011/07/our-future-mosaic-artwork-is-now.html


Claire first used polymer clay to create unique contemporary ‘Art-Brooches’ and has been expanding her range of art and craft work, as she continues to accomplish new techniques with this wide ranging medium. She is now concentrating on creating larger pieces of mosaic artwork, using her own custom polymer clay tiles.




Thursday, July 14, 2011

Polymer Clay Fairy Doors


I love the magic of Fairy Doors ~ my imagination soars to great heights with each one I see. I am pleased to present to you these beautiful Fairy Doors. (oops ~ I have mine included ~ you can judge for yourself if mine is beautiful.) (LOL)


Wooden Fairy Door ~ by Trina's Clay Creations
(my talented daugter)
A sweet wooden Fairy Door. A little portal into the world of make believe, where anything is possible and everything is sprinkled with sunshine and fairy dust! The door is surrounded with roses and green vines. There are stones around the steps. The whole piece was made entirely of polymer clay, mica powders were used to enhance and deepen the colors, and make it look as if it's been sprinkled with fairy dust.

You can visit Trina's Etsy Shop at:


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Fairy Door created by
Betty Jo Hendershott. of Knightwork Studio


Is this a haunted fairy house? ~No~ it's a fairy portal, perfect for that special little fairy that adores spiders.




BJ is also an awesome jewelry designer. You can see her
and her daughters wonderful creations at:

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My Newest Fairy Doors
by Sandy Prenzi

I had fun creating this little fair portal. Can't you just see a pretty little fairy entering this door. Her pixie face so filled with delight as she flits from room to room.





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This little Fairy door is more like a house front. A Fairy from the Southwest would love this place to live.


You can visit my Etsy Shop at:

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Polymer Clay Mermaids


Mermaids are so fascinating. They have always
been pictured as beautiful creatures ~ with their slender
bodies, long flowing hair and extraordinary fish tails.

~ Today I am featuring three awesome Artists ~


Krishna ~ Created by Sharron Alexander




Krishna is a Stone fish inspired mermaid sculpted in a striking pose. She has stunning blue eyes. Detailed shading on her body. Water Lily body art was hand painted on her back. Her crusted tail and fins feature sparkling black, silver and purple colors. Accented with tiny beads and glitter to achieve a "stone" look. Base is multi colored rose coral-like. Hair is long wavy black mohair. Hair is accented with a crystal adorned crown. She is about 17 inches long from head to the end of her curvy tail. Entire piece is about 13 inches tall.



You can see more of Sharron's beautiful creations at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/scarletlilies09?ref=af_you_favitem


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Baby Mermaid Chelsea ~ Created by J.M.Leotti


Baby Mermaid "Chelsea" is a one of a kind (OOAK) mermaid sculpture. She is sculpted out of hand-mixed polymer Baby Mermaid "Chelsea" is a one of a kind (OOAK) mermaid sculpture. She is sculpted out of hand-mixed polymer clay, I never use any molds, and there is no other one exactly like her in the world! She has brunette Tibetan lamb's hair, which is soft and silky. She wears a crown of seaweed, shells and bubbles. Her eyes were hand-crafted and are painted a clear sea green to symbolize the power of the great ocean, and they are lined with real lashes. She has a scaly pink tail which shimmers in the sunlight. Baby Mermaid has found a treasure: a necklace, which she likes to play with in her shell. She comes with a natural oyster shell, which has been filled with soft seaweed and other little shells. She is removable from her shell. Baby Mermaid Chelsea comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

You can see more of J.M. Leotti's creations at:


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Golden Seashell Mermaid ~ Created by Elena Loukianova




This beautiful Mermaid is 6 inches tall. She comes with a display frame, which can be hung on a wall 2 small hooks are supplied on the back of the frame. Frame measurements are 8.5 in x 7 in. The figure is a One of a Kind sculpture, made entirely by hand, no molds used. The frame is also hand painted and decorated by the artist, accented with champagne gold and silver colors.

You can see more of Elena's beautiful creations at: