Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy

www.Kabidesigns.etsy.com

Who inspires you?

At the beginning of 2006, I was watching a Carol Duval program, where Donna Kato was an invited guest - and I was just amazed at the things I saw Donna Kato do with Polymer Clay. I started researching the internet about Polymer Clay - and then purchased my first blocks of clay! I started learning different techniques, and since that first moment with my very first block of clay - I just fell in love with it !!!! Polymer clay is truly a magical material to work with. The things you can make with it are only left to your imagination! I love Polymer Clay - in my book it is MAGICAL !

What inspires you?

My inspirations comes from Nature, Music, Colors, and The Fantasy world. I believe we can attain inspirations from just about anything.  Everything depends on our mood when it comes to creating. And I truly believe having our MUSE next to us guiding us - is the best way to start !

Where do you create?

I create my pieces in a corner of my home - which happens to be in my kitchen. I hope that one day I will have my own Craft Room! But I’m happy in my little corner - I have created many pieces full of love there !

How Long have you been working with clay?

I have about 2 years of experience working with Polymer Clay, and every day I learn more and more. I know I still have a long way to go to discover even more, there’s many more techniques to learn.

www.hollyfaith84.etsy.com

Who inspires you?

This may sound really strange, but the people who inspire me the most are complete strangers. Of course I am also inspired by the people I know and love, but I am very intrigued by the different styles I see on a daily basis. I love to people-watch and have always been fascinated by the individual styles we all possess and by overall human diversity.

What inspires you?

The first thing that comes to mind is music, because it is almost a requirement that I have good tunes flowing through the air in order to really get into a creative mood. I am also heavily inspired by nature, food, movies, and fashion. Sculpting miniatures is something I’ve always enjoyed doing because mimicking a certain food or animal presents a fun challenge.

Where do you create?

I usually get into my crafty mode in one of two places. My favorite is the dining room table because it is so big and allows me to spread out as much as I need to. Another place I often find myself is at my desk, where the space may be limited but everything I need is right there at arm’s reach. My goal is to eventually have an entire room dedicated to my arts and crafts. 

How long have you been working with clay?

I have officially hit my 5 year mark! I originally took an interest in polymer clay because I was an avid jewelry maker (which has been a consistent hobby of mine since childhood) and I craved a larger, more unique variety of beads and pendants. Then I discovered clay and began to make my own. My style has evolved quite a bit throughout those 5 years. I recently found some of my very first clay beads and it brought me a good laugh.  I’m very glad I stuck with this medium because I am now to the point that I always have an end product which I can be proud of.

www.snodovedesigns.etsy.com

Who inspires you?

From an early age my mom painted and did flower arrangements and some sewing. I think her painting got me wanting to do that. I guess I picked up her talent and I started drawing at an early age, maybe 4 or 5. I remember drawing all the time. She gave me her brushes and paints when I got older. Then my friends inspire me and encourage me with my art and Polymer Clay. Getting ideas and other artists ideas helps very much. Then I would say that many creative ideas come from God. He created us and I think He has made us creative too.

What inspires you?

That is a very good question. Many things - nature, my family, friends or textures, colors, other jewelry designs. I like to make faux stones and that inspires me. Looking at different stones, rocks,wood, trees, sky - maybe a painting or artwork.  I have recently been drawing on clay and so many things can spark and idea to draw or paint something.

Where do you create?

In the kitchen where I have a small oven and in the dining room table -  maybe watching TV.

How Long have you been working with clay?

I am not exactly sure but I believe it was in the mid to late 90’s. I started working with clay but I had limited supply until our craft store carried it. For a few years I didn’t do a lot then started  back working with it. There is always something new to learn and try. I think that is why I never get tired of working with it.

Well another fantastic monthly challenge is over. March’s animal challenge brought us some incredible items, from jewelry to figures to home decor items. Some took the challenge literally and created animals from the clay while others took facets of an animal or animals to interpret the theme. Some had deep meaning behind them and some were purely for fun. We also spanned the animal kingdom with sea life, birds, mammals and insects represented. The diversity of the items really displays the diversity of your guild. Great job everyone! Thanks so much to everyone who participated! Now on to the winners…. First Place went to ZudaGay.etsy.com for her Baby Manatee.

She says” I love manatees and have been wanting to make one for a while.” We sure are glad she did! Congratulations!!

A very close 2nd place went to a challenge favorite and former winner, Beetreebyme.etsy.com for her Animal Reflections Mirror

M.E.’s entry has an important message and reminds us to “Time to take a look in the mirror ! Take a moment each day to reflect on the Animal kingdom and the earth we all share.”

3rd Place went to Zoeowyn.etsy.com for her “My Rock” Says The Octopus Art Bead.

Here’s how she describes her entry “Under sea animal life on a bead. Large octopus grabbing onto a rock shapped bead. There are some sea stars and urchins and little snall with him. Part of his rock is a *real* stone, I just dont know what kind. ” This piece has so much detail on such a small scale!
Finally, honorable mention went to Naamaza.etsy.com for her fun Beetle.

Naamaza had this to say about her entry ” This beetle is made with an aluminum foil armature, polymer clay and beads. It is app. 15 cm long and 7 cm high (big ha?)”. If all beetles looked like this, I’m sure people would be less inclined to squish them!

Last but certainly not least, we had a voter winner too. Congratulations to Petronella from Kraplap.etsy.com. Please check out her shop as well. She has some truly amazing button creations that are not to be missed! Here’s what she won in case you missed it:

Thanks again to all the participants and of course all the voters! Join us again next month for a new challenge and another chance to win some goodies!