sohobeads.etsy.com
Who inspires you?
My husband is my inspiration. He is always encouraging me. He brings me home presents (books, magazines, jewelry display cases) which will help with my jewelry business. He also carries my business cards with him and hands them out. How many men will do that? I am very lucky to have his support.
What inspires you?
Everything around me! I feel like I live in paradise. I live in Florida by the beach, so a lot of my inspiration comes from the beach, ocean, shells, wood, tropics, nature, etc.
Where do you create?
I have a room that was first a carport turned into a den and now my studio. I seem to have taken over the whole room, so will say it is my studio. I hope to one day have a real studio outside of my home.
How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I took two classes last year at Joann Fabrics, then did nothing. When I saw this group (PCAGOE) in April, I decided I wanted to join. I picked up my clay and started making things. I am pretty much a self taught artist. Polymer clay is so much fun to work with. The possibilities are endless.
artsyclay.etsy.com
Who inspires you?
From the time I was a small child I was inspired by my mom, who was very crafty and encouraged me to join her in everything she tried - from painting to making hooked rugs to sewing. When I was 6, she taught me to knit which I still enjoy. She opened a yarn and craft shop when I was a teenager and brought home every kind of kit imaginable for us to make. She passed away at age 87 three years ago and was still crocheting beautiful baby blankets till the end.
Growing up, I was an only child and spent a lot of time with my three cousins, all girls. Two are several years older than me, and one is four years younger. The older ones majored in education in collage, and their little sister and I were their “guinea pigs.” We did all kinds of art projects together that they learned about in their classes. I remember one time mixing up homemade clay that we had fun with.
Today, I get inspiration from friends who also work with polymer clay and make other types of jewelry, from seeing jewelry that people wear, and from things I see on the internet and in books and magazines. I like to see something someone has made and then figure out how I can change the color, the shape, etc., to make it uniquely my own.
What inspires you?
I love nature and being outside, and the beautiful mountains where I live (Western North Carolina). I love all of God’s creatures, especially cats and dogs. I marvel at the beauty of the clouds and the sky, and the way the sunlight plays on water, trees, flowers and grass, and the way colors change during the day. Another thing I love is music and when I’m in the house alone, I put on soft, soothing music that touches my soul when I create.
Where do you create?
I remarried six years ago and moved in with Mike and his son Johnathan, after many years of living alone. Having a studio was a stipulation of the marriage! I told my husband-to-be I HAD to have a quiet room or area just for my art. Luckily, he agreed. He has always been very supportive and encouraging of my creative endeavors and keeps telling me how much I’ve improved since he’s known me!
Our 4th bedroom is a combination studio, computer room and office. I have a long craft table with room to work and room to hold things I use often, like clay, tools, beads, metallic powders and paints. We bought two big bookcases about a year ago that have helped me to be better organized. That’s where I keep other supplies, books and magazines, and finished inventory.
How long have you been working with polymer clay?
In 1997 my friend’s six-year-old daughter Rebecca was wearing the most beautiful necklace with big, bold-patterned, colorful beads. I asked her where she got it and I was amazed when she said she’d made it in school. Her mom told me it was polymer clay and where to buy some, and told me to be sure to get the book, “The Incredible Clay Book,” published by Klutz which came with eight little one-ounce packs of clay. Little did I imagine how many packs of clay I would buy after that!
The most amazing thing to me is that I haven’t gotten tired of polymer clay yet, even after 10 years. I tried so many other things over the years – like sewing, embroidery, cross stitch and stained glass - that I didn’t really like or got bored with. I kept wishing I could find something I could stick with, and then my wish came true! The possibilities of polymer clay are endless. If I live to be 100, I’ll still be coming up with new ideas and learning new techniques!
Another great challenge has ended! This one was a bit difficult, as self-reflection always is, but the participating artists stretched their creativity and created some wonderful and revealing pieces! The votes are in and the clear winner was Marcia from marciapalmer.etsy.com for her beautiful piece,”Whatever you choose to do always put your heart into it”! Congratulations to Marcia! She will receive a generous polymer clay supply pack from Polymerclayproductions.com
The voting was pretty close again this month , so we also wanted to mention which artists came in 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention.
2nd Place -”Every Day is a Happy Day if you just Keep the Smile On” by artbylilin.etsy.com
3rd Place - Self-Portrait by Hardflowerstudios.etsy.com
Honorable mention -”Alissa” by divadea.etsy.com
The Voter winner and the recipient of the of the Polymer Clay Prize Packs is Dragonflylane.etsy.com!!! Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to Polymerclayproductions for sponsoring this challenge! We’ll see you again next month!!!!!!
