Time to vote again in the PCAGOE monthly challenge. Our theme this month is "Faux Mokume Gane."

Mokume gane is an ancient Japanese metalsmithing technique which artists in other mediums, including polymer clay, have adapted. The term Mokume gane literally means woodgrain metal or eye of the wood metal, and refers to the elaborate woodgrain patterns which can be created with the technique.

There are many ways to achieve the look of mokume gane in clay. The traditional method is to stack different colors of clay and/or translucent clay and foils, compress the stack, emboss it with a patterned texture sheet, then shave horizontally the raised areas of the stack to reveal the different colors and patterns. It requires a light, but steady hand. If you shave too deeply, you will ruin the pattern. If the cut is too shallow, you won't reveal all of the color bands.

Some artists stack the colored layers and then use a ripple blade to slice vertically, revealing wavy patterns in the clay.

My entry (number 3) was made by stacking green, red, copper metallic clays, along with black and transparent. Also used in the stack was some copper leaf sheets. After it was stacked, flattened and stacked again several times, I stamped it with an intricate star ornament stamp. I then carefully shaved off the raised areas with my razor. I cut in around the outline of the ornament and then baked it. After it was baked I sanded it in 5 grits of wet/dry sand paper and then buffed it to a high shine.
Voting is open until midnight Dec. 7th by going to http://www.pcagoechallenge.blogspot.com . You can win one of these great prizes just for voting. My donation was the purple and lavender kaleidoscope beaded bracelet in the bottom left corner.

WIN... WIN... WIN... WIN... REALLY BIG!!!
The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy Holiday Extravaganza!
How can I win?
Shop in one of the participating stores listed below from November 8th until November 30th, 2010 and your name will go in the drawing to win one of our fantastic prizes. OR send us a postcard - details will be in the participating members' Etsy shops announcements. Purchase 1 item, get 1 chance - purchase 10 items, get 10 chances. Send one postcard, get one chance - send 10 postcards, get 10 chances. This is definitely one competition you will want to be in!

What do I win?
You will win a beautiful Christmas package stuffed to the brim with polymer clay goodies handmade by our members. There are 3 prizes to win and with each prize pack comes a gift certificate.

First Prize - $75 gift certificate plus prize pack.
Second Prize - $50 gift certificate plus prize pack.
Third Prize - $25 gift certificate plus prize pack.

Who wouldn't want to be in this drawing!!! Find out all the details by visiting any of the participating shops listed below:Everything has been handcrafted by me one at a time, so they are all truly~One of a kind items. Lots of unique jewelry, collectibles and useful things. Hopefully there is something new and unique you're looking for.
http://www.allisonEkurek.etsy.com
http://www.arrowdaleartstudio.etsy.com
http://www.11BOLDstreet.etsy.com
http://www.claycenter.etsy.com
http://www.createmyworld.etsy.com
http://www.debbiecrothers.etsy.com
http://www.elysianfields.etsy.com
http://www.jkollmann.etsy.com
http://www.kellyplaysclay.etsy.com
http://www.laurelsteven.etsy.com
http://www.mandarinmoon.etsy.com
http://www.miramecreations.etsy.com
http://www.nkdesigns.etsy.com
http://www.peggers.etsy.com
http://www.polymerclaycreations.etsy.com
http://www.rengalsa.etsy.com
http://www.rmkdesign.etsy.com
http://www.rozpetalzstudio.etsy.com
http://www.thepleasantpheasant.etsy.com
http://www.ashpaints.etsy.com
NO PURCHASE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. Send one postcard per entry, and please include your Etsy name AND your email address. Mail postcards to: PCAGOE, 1126 N. Gower St., Los Angeles, CA 90038. Postcards must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2010. Winners will be announced and notified by December 5, 2010. We cannot be responsible for misspelled or illegible entries.

November Monthly Challenge

The theme for this month's PCAGOE Challenge is "Seasonal". We were asked to create entries depicting either the Fall or Winter seasons, or in the case of our members residing outside the U.S., the climate season they are currently experiencing in their part of the world. In the alternative, the members could choose to create an entry celebrating one of the holidays observed during the Fall and Winter months.
I chose to do an Autumn themed project. I love the golds and coppers of the Fall. The colors are all so warm and rich. My daughter-in-law also loves pumpkins and fall, so I created these pumpkins for a birthday gift for her. They are made by first sculpting a pumpkin shape over a glass Christmas ball. Next I made a mokume gane sheet with gold, copper and pearl premo metallic clays that I stamped with a leaf design. I then covered the pumpkin with the sheet.
The voting started November 1st and goes through midnight Eastern of the 7th. Go to our Challenge Voting Page to cast your vote. Just for voting you are eligible to receive a great prize created by one of our members.

PCAGOE October Monthly Challenge

The theme for this month's Challenge is "Southwest". I thought long and hard about what I might want to do. There are so many great colors in that part of the US. Turquoise, coral, bright yellows and golds. When I think of the Southwest I also think of Indians and their culture. I was googling "southwest" and came across some gorgeous Indian blankets, and so that is how my creation was born.

I first started by building a box. I covered an ordinary square jewelry gift box with scrap clay and baked it. After it was baked I popped out the gift box and wah-lah, had a handmade box. While the box had been baking I was making a Bargello cane to simulate a pattern I had seen in one of the blankets. After the box cooled I covered it with a sheet made with my new "blanket" cane. I smoothed it on, then extruded a rope to afix to all the edges for a more finished look. Next I drew a picture of a Kokopelli in the center of the lid. Then I cut out the drawing with my exacto knife. Next I backfilled the Kokopelli shaped hole with black clay. The tee-pees are slices of a cane that I had made for another project about a year ago. I just cut out the shape of the tee-pee and then inserted a slice of the cane. Baked, then sanded in 5 grits of wet/dry sandpaper. To describe the process doesn't take long, but actually doing it took me the better part of two days. I'm really happy with it. In my humble opinion, I believe it represents the Southwest pretty good.

The entries are all in...see them here. Voting starts on October 1st and goes through Midnight Eastern of the 7th on the same website. Five lucky voters will win one of these great prizes donated by fellow guild members and I. My contribution is the purple millefiori pendant in the second row.

It's Fall Here in the Great Northwest

Fall has officially made it to my neck of the woods. It seems as though we hardly had a summer and it is already over. This time of the year seems to go so fast too. Before you know it, it will be icy and cold. One good thing about this time of year are all the wonderful colors. The leaves all turn the most gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red. The fall flowers are all blooming too. My garden is full of mums in beautiful shades of lavender, crimson and gold. And don't get me started on all the gorgeous sunflowers. All the beautiful colors inspired me to created a few fall themed things.

First I made a few borderless canes in some fall colors. Here is a charm bracelet made with a yellow sunflower cane.and some buttons with a caramel brown sunflower caneThis is a barrette made with Autumn colored leaves. So many things to make and so little time to do them. It is almost time to start thinking about Christmas too. Lots of ideas swirling in my head.

August Monthly Challenge, Time to Vote!

This month our members were challenged to create an entry incorporating paints, foils, leafs or inks into their polymer designs. 21 members took the challenge this month. They had the option of including one or more, or all of the required elements. The only other rule is that their entry must be at least 50% polymer clay. The entries really showcase the amazing versatility of polymer clay and how it can be enhanced, embellished, and even manipulated into something which looks completely different than what it is.

Please go to our challenge voting website to cast your vote. Voting begins August 1, 2010 and ends at midnight, Eastern U.S. time on August 7, 2010. The winners chosen in each category and the voter prize winners will be announced at http://www.pcagoe.com/ on August 8, 2010. Five (5) lucky public voters, chosen at random, will also win a beautiful polymer clay prize created by one of our many talented artists. Please note that winning voters will have one week from the date we contact you and ask for your mailing address so we can send you your prize.

Here are the beautiful prizes available this month.

My entry is number 12, the colorful watercolor swirls necklace. It is hollow lentils made with pearl clay, silver leaf, metallic mica powders, and alcohol inks. I strung them together with some colorful faceted crystals and finished it off with a Swarovski toggle closure. It reminds me of a Monet watercolor painting Please go to http://www.pcagoechallenge.blogspot.com to cast your vote before Midnight Eastern on August 7th to cast your vote.

Time to Vote!

Time to vote in the Polymer Clay Artists Guild if Etsy’s July challenge! Our theme for July is “Faux”, one of our most popular themes. As you can see, 24 PCAGOE members took the challenge this month to create something “faux”, and we have 24 gorgeous entries showcasing faux gemstones, faux glass, faux mosaics, even faux food!
Go HERE to cast vote for your top three favorites in the pull-down voting box shown AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. DEPENDING ON THE SPEED OF YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION, IT MAY TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO LOAD.
Only one vote per person, please. One (1) vote consists of choosing a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entry. If you choose an entry for 1st place, please do not also vote for it as your 2nd and/or 3rd place choice. Duplicate votes will not be counted.
Voting will be by the public and by PCAGOE team members. Voting begins July 1, 2010 and ends July 7, 2010 at midnight, Eastern U.S. time. Winners in each voting category will be announced at the PCAGOE website on July 8, 2010.
Five lucky voters from the public, chosen at random, will also win beautiful polymer clay prizes created by one of our many, talented member artists! Winning voters will be notified at the close of voting and have one week from the date we contact you to furnish us with your mailing address so we can send you your prize. If you do not respond within one week, another name will be pulled from the pool of voters.

1) Tide Pool Pendant by BeeTreeByMe
Mary Ellen’s description of her entry: I am fascinated by the possibilities of combining the look of a heavy rock with the lightness of polymer clay. For the challenge I wanted to make a very Special rock! My inspiration was a unique rock tide pool in Bahia Honda State Park, Florida. The ocean tides have slowly carved the stone into marvelous nooks and crannies. This amazing Sea Sculpture is accented with wonderful little creatures that have made a home there. This pendant is my tribute to Mother Ocean’s creation The Tide Pool.
2) Faux Raku Pendant and Beads by RiverValleyDesign
Christi’s description of her entry: This is my interpretation of raku, made with polymer clay, acrylics, alcohol and a texture plate. This piece was finished with handmade beads of the same veneer, and green glass beads. Pendant and beads received liquid polymer clay as a sealer, and then were machine buffed to a high gloss finish.
3) Faux Chinese Turquoise and Antique Copper Necklace by SCDiva
Lynda’s description of her entry: I love Turquoise. Of all the gemstones I work with, it is my favorite. I prefer Turquoise with little or no matrix, like the 16mm round Chinese turquoise beads shown in my entry. I created the copper banded turquoise focal beads to match, using translucent clay, embossing powder, and my signature blends of turquoise and copper clay. The beads were cured, sanded through 8 grits of wet-dry sandpaper and buffed to a glossy finish. There is no applied finish or glaze on these beads.
4) Faux Pebble Bracelet by OneandOnly
5) Faux Turquoise and Pebbles Bracelet by CraftsbyCAG
6) Faux Amber and Lapis Lazuli Necklace by StudioSChiek
Arlene’s description of her entry: Faux Amber and Lapis Lazuli beads strung on sinew with silver accent beads
7) Faux Opal, Bronze and Coral Necklace by RMKDesign
8) Faux White Leather Cuff by 11BoldStreet
Susan’s description of her entry: Slightly tapered, the top layer was tooled with a spiral pattern and antiqued to simulate old leather that really fools the eye. A copper wire was embedded for strength.
9) Faux Serpentine Necklace by VyaKyasha
Polly’s description of her entry: The necklace is made from olive green and translucent clay for added depth and inclusions of black embossing powder to give the look of stone. The pendant is textured with leaves. The mounting of the olive pendant is black polymer clay textured with a block pattern which extends over the bails onto the back of the pendant. The accessory beads include a variety of shapes made from the olive faux stone including drum beads with an abstract design, circle beads with the leaf texture, and small round beads. Several black polymer clay beads are included as well as black pressed glass beads.
10) Oriental Totem by JanGeisen
Jan’s description of her entry: It is made entirely of polymer clay, except for the metal vertigris chinese coin.
11) Faux Venitian Glass Mosaic Pendant by PatiBannister
Pati’s description of her entry: It is entirely polymer clay with the exception of the antique gold-bronze mottled glaze on the reverse.
12) Faux Cinnebar Trinket Box by JKollmann
13) Faux Jade Pendant by KellyPlaysClay
Kelly’s description of her entry: I made this pendant for my daughter’s 5th grade Stepping Up Graduation ceremony. Her dress was the perfect shade of green to make green faux jade. The chinese words are “I Love You.”
14) Faux Rock Box by ArrowdaleArtStudio
Cindy’s description of her entry: My faux rock box came about because with a heatwave in the Northeast, and our air conditioning out of commission, I’ve been reluctant to turn on the oven, and until it is baked, my first piece couldn’t be assembled. One of the other Guild members suggested that my entry need not be cured to be photographed so I set out to begin again. Hmmm…faux. Faux. Faux what? Faux jade? Turquoise? Amber? All rocks. Faux rocks. Faux rock box! So there it was.
15) Dagwood Sandwich by Polyclarific
Amanda’s description of her entry: Each sandwich half is around 10mm long x 6mm wide and have holes in the corner so they can be used as beads. Inside the sandwich you will find cucumber, cheese, lettuce, tomato and salami. Enjoy!
16) Faux Jade Fish by ThePleasantPheasant
17) Brick by Brick Necklace by HiGirls
Lisa’s description of her necklace: This piece just evolved. I was mulling what to do for the challenge while I was waiting at Starbucks drivethru. I looked out and there were bricks-aha!
18) Faux Amber Beads by MarciaPalmer
Marcia’s description of her entry: I have been wanting to attempt these for quite sometime. The PCAGOE July Faux Challenge was just the motivation I needed.
19) Fe Faux Necklace by LaurelSteven
Laurel’s description of her entry: Faux turquoise slab nestled between faux carved white rocks and ringed with faux brown stones. A smattering of silver beads and spacers. Very “Fe.”
20) Faux Stained Glass Votive Candle Holder by ClayCenter
Berit’s description of her entry: I paint faux stained glass window clings, so my thought was to translate this to Polymer Clay. I made a kaleidoscope cane of clays mixed with translucent and covered the glass votive with it. Then I embellished it with some faux bling.
21) Imitation Lapis Lazuli Beaded Cabochon by MirameCreations
22) Faux Amethyst Agate Necklace by BlessedBeadJewelry
Janice’s description of her entry: Faux Agate in different shades of purple with lavender and purple velvet Swarovski crystals on sterling plated chain with purple jump ring accents.
23) Faux Southwestern Mosaic Inlay Tin by RenGalSA
Deb’s description of her entry: This was fun and I think I learned a lot while doing this. I wanted to make it look like an inlay piece between the borders of silver. Experimenting with different mixtures and adding different color and texture to the different ‘faux’ inlay stones was a learning experience. I never knew what would happen with the final result and decided that with faux stone - especially the malachite - you can never use enough translucent. The color takes it over and you just get more ‘glow.’ The stones used for most inlays are matrixes - splashes of color held together by resin. In this piece yellow jasper, coral, lapis, and turquoise. My one exception was the malachite where I wanted to play with the layering and add an extra design element. I made a fun big cane and will probably use it for other fun designs as well.
24) Faux Dichroic Glass Polymer Clay Beads and Pendant by PolymerClayCreations
Angela’s description of her entry: A new experiment using colorful foils and liquid polymer clay to achieve a faux dichroic look. The colorful glass-like beads and pendant are strung on a triple strand necklace with a variety of glass and crystal beads.
Voting is from July 1st through July 7th, 2010. Please click this LINK to cast your vote for your top three favorite entries.
Remember 5 lucky voters win one of the fabulous prizes shown below.

May PCAGOE Monthly Challenge

The theme for our Team May challenge is “History or Historical Event.” The only rules were that the entry must be at least 50% polymer clay and must interpret or depict the theme in some way.
This was a very exciting challenge for many of us. It is fascinating to see what moments in history, public or private, historical events or time periods influenced the members’ entries. We think you will agree, however that they are all stunning and beautifully executed. Some members chose to interpret an event or time period which affected them personally. Some entries depict history in a humorous, light-hearted way. Some are profoundly moving testimonies to survival and perserverance. All are certainly memorable.
Please vote for your top three favorites in the pull-down voting box shown AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN ON THIS PAGE. DEPENDING ON THE SPEED OF YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION, IT MAY TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO LOAD. (This link will take you to another website)Only one vote per person, please. One (1) vote consists of choosing a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entry. If you choose an entry for 1st place, please do not also vote for it as your 2nd and/or 3rd place choice. Duplicate votes will not be counted.

1) Fly Me To The Moon Pendant by BeeTreeByMe
Mary Ellen’s description of her entry: “My inspiration is July 20, 1969, MAN WALKS ON THE MOON! I watched live coverage on my black and white TV. Every kid wanted to be an astronaut! The Space-age inspired, awed and humbled us. This is my tribute to people who made dreams come true.”
2) Australian ANZAC Slouch Hat Brooch by Polyclarific
Amanda’s description of her entry: “This month we remember our fallen soldiers on ANZAC Day (April 25). We remember fallen Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War II.”
3) The Day The World Changed Forever by NKDesigns
Linda’w description of her entry: “On 9/11/2001, 2973 innocent people perished in a horrendous act of terrorism at the World Trade Center. Living in New York, this is very close to my heart. This tin will not be for sale in my shop. It sits on my desk to remind me of the Day the World Changed Forever. Inside the tin is a Flag of Honor with tiny names of the 2973 victims of 9-11 who gave their life.”
4) Medieval Manuscript Cane Set by ZoeOwyn
Laura’s description of her entry: “This set of 4 canes are all based on pieces/design elements that you could find in medaevil illuminated manuscripts. I took a class to the museum to see an exibit, and I fell in love with the little detail work in the illuminations.”
5) Headline 1920: U.S. Women Get The Right To Vote! Commemorative Brooch by SCDiva
Lynda’s Description of her entry: “My entry commemorates the ratification and passing of the 19th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which finally gave women in this country the right to vote in 1920. It also honors the first women in my family who were legally able to exercise their right to vote, my Great Grandmothers: Caralie Douglas Medlock Stoney, Julia Elizabeth Craft Moseley, Cora Lee Taylor Page and Pezzie Hinson Forrester.”
6) My Great Grandmother’s Steamer Trunk by ArrowdaleArtStudio
Cindy’s description of her entry: “This trunk represents the hard choices all of our great-(?)-grandparents had to make when they left their homes and families - all that they knew, to come to a new life in America. My great-grandparents came in the latter half of the 19th century, along with 33 other families after massive flooding for several along the Rhine left their farms useless. As I think about them packing up what little they probably had left after selling everything to survive, I imagine that final packing must have been so difficult.”
7) Ancient Shards Earrings by OneAndOnly
Maria’s description of her entry: “These have been made using inspiration from the minoanss in Greece, the palace of Knossos has still some amazing frescoes that were made 1700BC, flowers and the spiral designs are evident in may of the works.”
8) Italian-Inspired Terracotta Necklace by YoungCreative
Marie’s description of her entry: “Indulge your daydreams of Italy with this bella necklace reminiscent of ancient terracotta pottery. The focal point is a pendant, featuring inset hand-stamped images of Michelangelo’s David beside a map of Italy.”
This is my entry :) ...........
9) Famous Painters of the Renaissance by PolymerClayCreations
Angela’s description of her entry: “My choice was this tin with photos of three of the most famous painters and paintings of the Renaissance. Botticeli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo on a tin covered with gold, copper and pearl mokume gane.”
10) Sunface Kachina Pendant or Wall Hanging by RenGalSA
Deb’s description of her entry: “My entry is a tribute to Native Americans. It is the Hopi Kachina, Sunface. The Sunface Kachina represents warmth, shelter for the old, bright future, and playfulness for the young.”
11) Bathtub Gin Bootleggers by AlisonEKurek
Ali’s description of her entry: “1920 through 1933 marked a period of decreed alcohol abstinence in the United States. It also marked a period of bootlegging, bath tub gin, gangsters and general upheaval in American society.”
12) Caveman’s Wheel Pendant by IansCafe
Ian’s description of his entry: “You can’t talk history of modern invention without a homage to the birth of the wheel.”
13) Come To The Tea Party by AshPaints
Arlene’s description of her entry: “Not a political statement, just a reminder of one of the turning points in American history when patriots joined together to fight oppression.”
14) Popular Toys of the 20th Century by BlessedBeadJewelry
Janice’s description of her entry: “All of these toys, the crayons, the lincoln logs, Raggedy Ann, the teddy bear, Mr. Potato Head, and the Slinky were invented before after 1900 but before 1960! Mr. Potato Head was the latest one, in the early 1950’s.”

Voting will be by the public and by PCAGOE team members. Voting begins May 1, 2010 and ends May 7, 2010 at midnight, Eastern U.S. time. Winners in each voting category will be announced pcagoechallenge.blogspot.com on May 8, 2010.

Five lucky voters from the public, chosen at random, will also win beautiful polymer clay prizes created by one of our many, talented member artists! Winning voters will be notified at the close of voting and have one week from the date we contact you to furnish us with your mailing address so we can send you your prize. If you do not respond within one week, another name will be pulled from the pool of voters.

First Row, L-R: Barrette by Polyclarific, Covered Tin by ClayCenter, Bracelet by YoungCreative, Necklace by ArrowdaleArtStudio.
Second Row, L-R: Bracelet by HiGirls, Necklace by 11BoldStreet, Earrings by PolymerClayCreations, Earrings by ClayHappy.
Third Row, L-R: Pendant by JKollmann, Pendant by NKDesigns, Pendant by SCDiva, Charm by JenCom72.
Fourth Row, L-R: Pendant by BeeTreeByMe, Pendant by RiverValleyDesign, Pendant by LaurelSteven, Raw polymer clay cane by ToniNZ
Several of the entries are also available for sale in our members’ etsy shops, so please check them out to see these and more one-of-a-kind works of polymer clay art.
You may sign up for our monthly e-newsletter when you vote. We would love to be able to tell you about our upcoming challenges and our special promotions and charitable projects.
Our members love to hear your comments. Please take a moment to do that while you vote. Thank you!
Please join us again in June for a very special challenge. Our theme for June is “Think Outside The Box”. The members all started with the same sized blank aluminum tin and have been challenged to cover and decorate it with polymer clay however they choose. The entries will all be auctioned off to the highest bidder during challenge week June 1-7, to raise money for our team charity, Polymer Clay For A Cause, which was created by one of our members in memory of her daughter. You will be able to vote for your favorite tins and bid on them as well! Our members really put their creative thinking caps on for this one, and all of the entries are fantastic. If you are a subscriber to our newsletter, you will get a sneak peak at the tins in our May newsletter!

I made it to 1000 !!!

Feedback at my Etsy store that is. I want to thank all my loyal customers who have come back to buy from me time and again. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you. Of course thank you also to you one time buyers. Couldn't have made it here without you all.

I am having a Mother's Day sale in my store to celebrate every wonderful Mother out there. From now until May 2nd I will take 15% off your total purchase and every order over $50 gets free shipping.

What Mother doesn't deserve a beautiful handmade gift? I have so much to chose from, anything from a 24kt gold accented pen and keychain setto a pretty purple and blue millefiori floral necklace and earrings set.Or maybe she collects eggs or trinket boxes. I have several of each to chose from. Here are just a couple.

I have all kinds of unique gifts, jewelry and more to chose from. Just for being one of my followers here, I'll give you an extra 5% on top of the 15% off your total order. Just let me know before you check out and I'll adjust your invoice.

Thanks again to all my loyal customers!!

PCAGOE April Monthly Challenge

There are still two more days left to vote in the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy monthly challenge. This month's theme was "inspired by fabric". This kimono brooch was my entry. It was made to look like Chinese silk brocade.

Follow this LINK to cast your vote. Just for voting you get a chance to win one of these beautiful prizes made by the members of the PCAGOE.

My contribution is the set of colorful millefiori floral beads in the top row.

Just two more days left, voting ends at midnight eastern time, so go now to cast your vote.

Happy Easter Everyone

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. This adorable little bunny was made by Joyce of JoyzanCreations. She is a fellow PCAGOE member and very talented lady. All of her beautiful creations are completely hand sculpted without the use of any molds. Besides these amazing and beautiful sculptures she also makes some gorgeous jewelery.

Also don't forget to vote in the PCAGOE monthly challenge. The theme for this month is "inspired by fabric" This is my entry. An Asian brocade Kimono brooch. There are some awesome prizes just for helping pick out a winner.

VOTE HERE

April PCAGOE Challenge - INSPIRED BY FABRIC

April PCAGOE Challenge - INSPIRED BY FABRIC

 

This month our members were challenged to create an entry depicting or interpreting the fabric theme in some way. Our members took their inspiration from a favorite item of clothing, a particular fabric pattern, and one entry even incorporates actual fabric. Every entry must be at least 50% polymer clay.

Please vote for your top three favorites in the pull-down voting box shown at the bottom of this page. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, it may take a few moments to appear. Only one vote per person, please. One (1) vote consists of choosing a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entry. If you choose an entry for 1st place, please do not also vote for it as your 2nd and/or 3rd place choice. Duplicate votes will not be counted.

Voting is open to the public and to PCAGOE guild members. Voting begins April 1, 2010 and ends at midnight, Eastern U.S. time on April 7, 2010. The winners chosen in each category and the voter prize winners will be announced at here on April 8, 2010. Winning voters will have one week from the date we contact you and ask for your mailing address so we can send you your prize. If you do not respond within one week, another name will be pulled from the pool of voters.

April Challenge Entries





1) Fun Flower Quilt Pendant by BeeTreeByMe
2) Childhood Dress Fabric Pendant by RiverValleyDesign
3) Patchwork Purse Tins by ClayCenter
4) Spring Quilt Pendant and Beads by CraftsbyCag
5) Cubist Bangle by HiGirls
6) Silver Granite Gauze Cuff by 11BoldStreet
7) Longhorn Patchwork Spoon and Wine Stopper by RenGalSa
8) Serape Necklace by PhoenixRose
9) Paisley and Polka Dots Trinket Box by ArrowdaleArtStudio
10) Chinese Brocade Kimono Brooch by PolymerClayCreations
11) Mod Retro Look Necklace by VyaKyasha
12) Butterflies in Flight by AshPaints
13) Polymer Clay Fabric Covered Easter Egg by MirameCreations
14) Ikat Fabric Inspired Beads by TheColorOfDreams
15) Woven Fabric Structure Plain Weave Bone Bracelet by StillPointWorks
16) Pocket Change by IansCafe
17) Spring Fling Pinwheel Quilt Bib Necklace by BlessedBeadJewelry

Please follow this link to cast your vote. Remember voting is open until Midnight Eastern time on April 7, 2010.

More New Things

I have been claying for over 7 years. Don't ask me why, but I have never bought a "how to" book, until now. I finally bought myself "The Art of Polymer Clay, Creative Surface Effects" by Donna Kato. Now I'm asking myself why did I wait 7 years to buy it? I am loving it! I have hardly put it down since I got it. I have been experimenting with all kinds of new techniques, and expanding my repertoire of techniques I thought I knew. The first thing I did was make reverse images of all my stamps and texture sheets. I had never thought of doing that before. You get twice the use out of them all just by reversing them, who knew?

This heart was the first thing I made using my new found knowledge. It is faux cloisonne. It was made using one of my newly made reverse stamps. I used pearl-ex mica powders and gold acrylic paint and finished with a layer of liquid polymer clay.

The next thing I tried was a technique where you paint on transparent clay with alcohol inks. Then you put on another very thin layer of trans. On this layer you add gold leaf and stamp images with more alcohol ink. Then you add another very thin layer of trans to seal it. This barrette and bangle were made with this technique.

This tile bracelet and necklace were made by stamping black clay with a reverse stamp and then painting the raised areas with different colors of acrylic metallic paint. Then I flattened the sheet out and made tile beads. There is a method of making the beads in the book that is much easier than I had been doing. The beads have a coating of liquid polymer clay baked on the protect and give it a great shine and dimension.

I've already ordered my next book. Hopefully it will be as fascinating as this one.

What I've been working on lately.....

I was kind of missing working with my floral canes lately. A few days ago I worked on some millefiori all day. I made the beads for this bracelet, plus some hollow lentils and some buttons. After I got that out of my system, I went back to playing with the mica powders and alcohol inks. This heart is some black clay with gold leaf on it. Then I put one drop at a time of a whole bunch of different colored inks. Letting the ink dry between each color. Lastly I added a very thin layer of premo transparent over the top to seal the colors in.

This pendant started out with pearl clay and then gold leaf. Next I stamped it with a design to kind of crackle the leaf and leave some impressions. Next I brushed some red and copper mica powders on. Then I added some watermelon and salmon colored alcohol ink. After the ink dried I smoothed it out and then added a layer of transparent. Lastly I stamped it with an Asian stamp with the character for "peace".After baking, sanding and buffing, I painted it with black and gold paint to highlight the symbol.This bracelet was made for my sister for her Birthday. It is the scraps left over from the tutorial I worked on a couple weeks ago. I just took the leftovers and marbled them together then made a veneer to cover one of my premaid Ultra-light clay bracelet blanks. It looks really cool in person, the transparent and pearls clays really add a lot of depth. Hopefully she liked it.

Did you Spring Forward?

Sunshine and Rainbows
Originally uploaded by polymerclaycreations

Spring is almost here and I am so ready!! Even though we here in the great Northwest haven't really had too harsh of a winter, I still am looking forward to some warmer weather. I could live in the tropics so easy. Definately a warm climate person here. Must be in my blood. My Mother is from Rio de Janiero, and I have lived there a couple times, so I think it could be I'm warm blooded deep inside.
This photo is of a covered CD made into a suncatcher. I titled it Sunshine and Rainbows. Two of my favorite things :) It is my most popular picture posted on my flickr photostream. It has had 2880 views and is marked as a favorite by 60 people.
I have been told my art is so colorful and bright it just makes you happy to look at it. I hope it so. It makes me happy to create it.

Another Flickr Find...Some Gorgeous Polymer Clay Artwork

One of my contacts on flickr is Sherri Kellberg of BeadazzleMe. She is a very talented artist. Here in her own words is a little about her.
About Me:
I’ve been working with polymer clay for the last 6 years, developing techniques as I go, reading & researching new ideas. I find pleasure in the process, when I work with clay it soothes me, both heart & soul, it’s a healing form of art. I’ve always liked making things and working with my hands. I’m inspired each day by the beauty of nature, & its stunning array of colors & textures.I studied Interior Design at the Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota,Florida. I have an extensive background in acrylic & watercolor painting, stained glass, mosaics & Faux wall painting/stenciling. I am also an avid crocheter,knitter,(have to keep my hands busy!)seamstress & quilter.I hope this gives you an insight into who I am. Creating art is like breathing to me, I live to do it, and POLYMER CLAY is my obsession!

Here a just a few of her wonderful works of polymer clay art. You can find her on etsy at BeadazzleMe. I hope you enjoy her beautiful jewelry as much as I do.

PCAGOE March Monthly Challenge Winners

Congratulations to this months winners!!

In the catagory of voted on by the public:

1st is Yonat of YonatDascalu

2nd is Christi of RiverValleyDesign

3rd is Dottie of Stonebrash

PCAGOE March Monthly Challenge

March PCAGOE Challenge - TEXTURE!

The theme for our March challenge is "Texture." Each member who entered this month was challenged to create a textured entry. This is always a popular theme among our members, and this month, we are pleased to present 31 fantastic entries from which to choose your top 3 favorites!

The only rules are that the entry must be at least 50% polymer clay and must interpret or depict the theme in some way.

Please vote for your top three favorites in the pull-down voting box shown at the bottom of this page. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, it may take a few moments to appear. Only one vote per person, please. One (1) vote consists of choosing a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entry. If you choose an entry for 1st place, please do not also vote for it as your 2nd and/or 3rd place choice. Duplicate votes will not be counted.

Voting is open to the public and to PCAGOE guild members. Voting begins March 1, 2010 and ends at midnight, Eastern U.S. time on March 7, 2010.
March Challenge Entries: Please click on the entry title under the mosaic to see more views of that entry.

1. Cactus Flower Pendant by BeeTreebyME

2. Snake Skin Mica-Shift Bark Choker by 11BoldStreet

3. Leaf Topped Pendant by Stonebrash

4. Faux Handmade Paper Commemorative Wedding Invitation by SCDiva

5. Sea Grass Brooch by CrazyDay

6. Victorian Lace Switchplate Cover by ClayCenter

7. Faux Granite and Lapis Trintity Necklace by MichelesArtJewelry

8. Violet Textured Star by PhoenixRose

9. Salmon Floral Barrette by JKollmann

10. It's Alive! by RiverValleyDesign

11. Leafy Textured Bangle by HiGirls

12. Pucker Up! by Cloud9ClayCreations

13. Give That Doll a Pizza by Polyclarific

14.TH Influence Necklace by BLeeKreations

15.Picture Yourself In Spring by PolymerClayCreations

16.Lotus on a Gentle Pond Pendant by YoungCreative

17.Fun With Fantasy Flowers by ArrowDaleArtStudio

18.Big Focal Bead Pendant by Juliespace

19.N10-07 Necklace by JanGeisen

20.Can-Can Lace Ruffle Garter Bangle by BlessedBeadJewelry

21.Lost City Amulet Necklace by RozPetalzStudio

22.Bronze Age Pendant-Boadicea's Trove by RMKDesign

23.Paradise Ring by PipsJewellery

24.Faux Raku Picture Frame by Ashpaints

25.An Antique Textured Bangle from Anatolia by ArzuMusa

26.Rainbow Seashells by YonatDascalu

27.Forest Fairy Autumn Choker by TheSageArts

28.Steampunked Heart by DreamLeaping

29.Wooden Flower Pendant by WiredOrchid

30.Springtime Picnic Necklace by LauraBeeStudios

31.Textured Vase by CreativeArtCenter

Remember 5 lucky public voters chosen at random will win a lovely gift.

Many of the entries are also available for sale in our members' etsy shops, so please check them out to see these and more one-of-a-kind works of polymer clay art.

You may sign up for our monthly e-newsletter when you vote. We would love to be able to tell you about our upcoming challenges and our special promotions and charitable projects.

Our members love to read your comments. Please take a moment to give us your thoughts on the entries or the challenge when you cast your vote.

Thank you for voting, and please join us next month, when our theme will be "Inspired by Fabric", which promises to be VERY challenging!

Upcoming themes for 2010:

History/Historical Events (May)
Think Outside the Box (June)
Faux (July)

Please cast your vote for your favorite HERE.

A Flickr Find...Some Gorgeous Polymer Clay Artwork

I was browsing photos of different polymer clay artists a while back when I came across this very talented artist. Her name is Daniela D'Uva. She is from Sulmona, Italy. She combines polymer clay with wire, crystals, glass and stone to create some of the most gorgeous works of art you'll ever see. You can see more of her work on her website: www.alkhymeia.com, her flickr photo album and she has a fan page on facebook.