Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy

www.camida.etsy.com

Who inspires you?

Because I’m a mixed media artist who incorporates polymer clay with a variety of other materials, I’m inspired by polymer clay artists Debbie Jackson, Donna Snow, and fellow PCAGOE artist Marcia Palmer who do the same. Also, the creations of clay artists Christopher Malone, Courtney Tomchick, Kimmie Cantrell and Joseph Woodford resonate with me and feed my creative soul.

What inspires you?
The colors, textures, patterns, textiles and symbols of African tribal groups are the major influences in my work. I’m also inspired by organic forms, modern art motifs and luscious, evocative color combinations.

Where do you create?
I create everywhere; mostly in my head before I ever get to put pencil to paper, or hand to polymer clay. I create while I am shopping for supplies, I create when I’m browsing in a bookstore, I create when I’m daydreaming, showering, or just falling asleep (doesn’t everyone do that?!)
Once I am able to actually work, I have the luxury of a brand new custom-built studio in the basement of my home, which was conceived, designed and built by my husband. I’ve just moved into it in the last couple of weeks, and I’m still getting used to all the wonderful space, light and comfort. I’m truly grateful for it all!

How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I’ve worked with polymer clay since the mid-90’s; first as a jewelry designer (transitioning from porcelain clay when I moved away from a shared kiln), then as a mixed media artist, after I decided jewelry was too limiting. I see my work evolving to include more mixed media projects, and perhaps larger ones; wall hangings and perhaps furniture…and I’m excited about the possibilities.

We have a winner! First place in the May floral challenge goes to ZudaGay for the lovely Cherry Blossom Spring ACEO. Congratulations!

Congratulations, also, to our second place winner, beetreebyme, for her beautiful Morning Glory Mother,

and to our third place winner, jackiesdesigns, for her lovely and detailed Flower Hamsa.

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And, of course, these talented artists aren’t the only winners in the monthly challenge. Two lucky voters have won this month’s prizes.

The Fabulous Floral prize pack goes to Allison of inthegroovedesigns.

And the necklace by PipsJewellery goes to MaryAnn of morningskyjewelry.

Many thanks to all who voted and entered. See you next month!

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Here are the entries for the PCAGOE May Florals Challenge. This month’s challenge has a theme familiar to and loved by many polymer clay artists. For this challenge, we created jewelry, art and housewares using a floral motif, and as you can see, every entry is unique. Have fun perusing our roses, poppies, and other colorful spring flower creations. Many of these pieces are available for purchase, so check the links at the bottom if you are interested in making a purchase. Good luck picking a favorite! As always, thanks to everyone who entered this month!

VOTE for your favorite entry and be entered in a drawing to WIN one of two May prizes. The first is the Fabulous Florals prize pack of 11 polymer clay items – all handmade with love by members of PCAGOE, and all with a spring flowers theme. This prize pack includes earrings by laurabeestudios, bead set by clayangel, pen by clayinaround, covered tin by zudagay, barrette by silvergate, pendant and earrings by thecolorofdreams, buttons by irismishly, thimble by polymerclaycreations, pendant by NKDesigns and brooch by beetreebyme. All together, this beautiful spring collection is valued at over $120! The second prize this month is a gorgeous lariat necklace by Pips Jewellery. Made with unique pod beads, this piece has no clasp and can be worn several different ways. There are two great prizes to be won this month, so scroll down and vote for your favorite entry!

Take a look at all of the entries for the May Florals Challenge. Keep in mind the theme 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 only to contact the winners 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 now and midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Saturday, May 3rd. The winners will be announced on May 4th. To view the entries close-up, you can click on the mosaic to see it larger or click on the slide show below the mosaic to see them individually and to read the descriptions of the items. 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.

Thanks for voting, and good luck!

To see the entries more closely and to read the descriptions, watch this slide show (click the icon below) and then hit back on your browser to return and vote!

1. Bailey Clock by divadea, 2. Rose brooch by sallers, 3. Deep in the Garden ACEO by polyclarific, 4. Basket-of-Flowers by cookiescreations, 5. Morning Glory Mother by beetreebyme, 6. Tahitian Floral Earrings by jangeisen, 7. Fantasy Flower Cocktail Ring and Earrings by pipsjewellery, 8. Cherry Blossom Spring ACEO by zudagay, 9. Poppy Collection by blockpartypress, 10. Pretty Posy by chicki, 11. Red Roses Teapot by silvergate, 12. Sunflower by time4coffee, 13. A Basket Full of Posies Brooch by artsyclay, 14. Black and White Floral Earrings by thecolorofdreams, 15. Hibiscus Unfurling by divadesigns, 16. Midnight Bloom by claychic, 17. flower hamsa by jackiesdesigns, 18. Flowers and Lace Necklace by NKDesigns, 19. Retro Flower Power by clayangel, 20. Flower Dream Bottle by zoeowyn, 21. Time for Flowers by twincreekcrafts, 22. Modern Floral Lightswitch Cover by papernclay, 23. Blue Bobby Necklace by elizabethbonura, 24. Red magenta flower pendant by zsbcreations, 25. Spring Flower Faery by ametista, 26. Spring Flowers Earrings by madeinlowell, 27. Celebration In Green by laurabeestudios, 28. Wise Woman brooch by huntersdesigns, 29. Rose On A Heart Stick by plumuniqprettiesplus