Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy

This month’s challenge was another feast for the eyes and a librarian’s dream. All participating members used their creativity to the fullest when creating their book inspired pieces. The voting was close this month, but as usual one piece stood out among the rest and that was Humblebeads “Wild Thing Beads” inspired by the classic children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. She translated the colors and graphic nature of the llustrations perfectly into a gorgeous set of beads. I can only imagine what she will turn them into! Congrats!!

A very close 2nd place went to”The Secret Garden ACEO”created by juliespace and inspired by the book “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett .

3rd place went to a regular in the top 4, beetreebyme for her “Order of the Phoenix Broach” inspired by the Harry Potter book of the same name written by J.K. Rowling.

And finally, honorable mention went to KabiDesigns for her very innovative “Charlotte’s Web Pendant” inspired by the book of the same name written by E.B. White.

Congratulations to all the winners and a big round of applause for all of the entrants this month, you did an incredible job!!

Now on to the winners of the voter drawing. The first prize pack went to Erica of teacupelephant.etsy.com and the 2nd went to Marsha Markle. Congratulations and thanks to everyone that voted and commented!! Thanks again to everyone who entered and voted! Don’t forget to check back next month to see what these talented artists come up with! The next challenge will begin on October 26th at noon!

www.glassclayhouse.etsy.com

Who inspires you?

I think it is the energy of the people that I love in my life that inspire me the most. If when I’m creating something, and I have a particular person in mind that I’m making it for, I’m thinking about them while I’m making it. So I think that it is in that whole process that the item turns out looking as it does. 

What inspires you? 

Color and texture, clever, beautiful, useful items inspire me. Nature is very inspiring. Also input and reactions from people that see my work. Anything can cause inspiration. I also have very vivid dreams, and I will at times dream of things that I will then wake up, write down some notes, and then set about to create.

Where do you create?

I turned my garage into my studio, and since I live in Southern California, the weather never really gets too extreme one way or the other. So it’s very comfortable, and so far is working out okay. There is also a workout room that gets turned into my temporary studio during the cooler winter months.

How long have you been working with polymer clay? 

Well, years ago probably about 12 to 15 years ago I used to work with polymer clay. In fact, I still have Christmas ornaments that my daughter and I had made out of polymer clay. But it was very different back then. Very hard to condition, etc. So I lost my patience with it and moved on to creating and crafting using other mediums. Then about a year ago, I was in a Micheal’s store, and for unknown reasons bought some blocks of Premo, took them home, and started playing with it. I then went on-line and did a few searches. When I saw what beautiful things people were creating with it, and the potential that was there, well I was hooked. I absolutely love the versatility of this clay.

Here are the entries for the September Book Challenge. Well, with back-to-school on everyone’s mind, we figured we should hit the books too, so this month’s challenge was to create a polymer clay item inspired by a favorite book. The members have not disappointed this month, and have yet again come up with some truly amazing ways of interpreting the theme. Thanks to all that participated!

VOTE and WIN one of 2 incredible Polymer Clay Prize Packs (created by PCAGOE members) listed below and valued at over $75 each!!!!

All you have to do is vote for the winner and you will be entered into a drawing for a fabulous polymer clay prize pack created by the talented members of the PCAGOE. Take a look at all of the entries for the September Book Challenge. Keep in mind the theme of Inspiration from a favorite book and how well the piece interprets the theme. Once you have chosen your favorite, please complete the form at the bottom of this post and submit it (please note that e-mail addresses will be used to contact the winners only and will not be used for any other purpose) . Two winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between noon on September 26th and midnight (Eastern Standard Time)on September 28th. The winners will be announced on September 29th.

To view the entries close-up and to read the descriptions of the memories, please click on the title links below the entry photos. To purchase any of the items, or to see what else the artists have to offer, click on the shop names listed below the entry photos.

Thank you and good luck!!

1. The Order of the Phoenix by beetreebyme.etsy.com
2. Pilgrim’s Progress ACEO by Polyclarific.etsy.com
3. Giant Jam Sandwich by Faffcreations.etsy.com
4. Pickwick by Amyandwhalen.etsy.com
5. The Secret Garden Pendant by Zudagay.etsy.com
6. The Secret Garden by juliespace.etsy.com
7. Little Prince earrings by divadea.etsy.com
8. The Jewel is in the Lotus-necklace by gabriel.etsy.com
9. DON’T PANIC! by breezydawndesigns.etsy.com
10. A crack in the sidewalk and The giving tree. Pendant and matching earrings by papernclay.etsy.com
11. Pegasus by blueladystudios.etsy.com
12. The Hungry Caterpillar Picture Frame by blockpartypress.etsy.com
13. The Dominique Necklace and Earring Set by madeinlowell.etsy.com
14. The Golden Compass by pollyhyper.etsy.com
15. Charlotte Web Pendant / Necklace by kabidesigns.etsy.com
16. Good Earth Pendant by thecolorofdreams.etsy.com
17. Wicked, OOAK Pop-Up Puppet Art Doll by elizabethbonura.etsy.com
18. Pippi Longstockings by DancinJules.etsy.com
19. Snowy Owl Christmas Ornament by artsyclay.etsy.com
20. 101 Dalmations by ittybittiesforyou.etsy.com
21. Wild things beads by humblebeads.etsy.com

Vote Here:

www.beetreebyme.etsy.com

Who inspires you?

I’m not sure if my family inspires my clay work or just tolerates it !!!  I am grateful for their support and willingness to live on pizza when I’m short on time.  Actually, almost everyone inspires me!  Artists, jewelry designers, people I meet.  Other people’s tastes, interests and emotions show me the world from different perspectives.  That leads me down different paths and inspires me to try new ideas.

What inspires you? 

Nature is my biggest source of inspiration for designs.  Almost all of my work is fashioned after realistic or fantasy flora and fauna .  My inspiration for color comes from everywhere.  The natural world , magazines and unknown sources . Sometimes color combinations just pop into my brain .  I think most of us store inspiration without realizing it . Then we draw from it as needed.

Where do you create?

I have to say this …… ANYWHERE I WANT TO!!!  That’s the wonderful thing about clay.  I can work anywhere!  Sometimes even in bed on a lap tray!  But most of the time I work at my dining room table .  It’s a big Victorian oak table I inherited from my grandmother.  It has always been in my life and is part of many fond memories.  I think it brings me good vibes.

How long have you been working with polymer clay?

I’ve been working with clay since the late 80’s.  At that time I had a farm and sold fresh herbs at local farmer’s markets.  I met a vendor who was making great pins that were collages of cane slices.  I experimented and came up with design for a vase style brooch that would hold a tiny herb bouquet.  The brooch upside down looked like a skirt to me. That became my angel and fairy design.  I never looked back after that .  There is always something new to try with clay .  I LOVE it!