Holiday Ornaments in Polymer Clay

Every year I like to make a little something for friends and family.  Last year I made wine toppers!  

This year I was on a mission to make some ornaments.  Not only for gifts, but I wanted to put some in the galleries I am in.  

I am so thrilled with how they turned out.  Honestly, these are ornaments I'd hang in my window to keep all year long (and yes, I did keep a couple for myself!!)

I used polymer clay, wire, wooly wire for color pop accents, and gemstones, art beads and such to create them.  It was REALLY fun!  

Here is a peek at some of them, but for a full gallery, visit my Facebook page (message me if you are interested in any)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.915737905163117.1073741878.214196618650586&type=3

I am going to list them on Facebook in an event this afternoon for anyone who is interested.  They are decorated on both sides, measure about 2" x 6.5" (each is a little different).

Here is a close up of a few with their backs shown.  They all have crackle on them and a matte finish which I love!!

If you want to learn to paint polymer like these are, with the crackle finish, you can purchase my tutorial here
http://www.stacilouiseoriginals.com/product/not-part-sale-painting-polymer-crackle-technique-tutorial

Happy HOlidays!  I hope everyone is having a chance to create some handmade happy to spread with loved ones this year!!!

August: Beadfest Prep and End of the Summer Fun

Beadfest is always a marathon to prepare for.  So many beads to make.  I started late this year, due to a million little things......it has been that kind of year for me.  

(I am in booth 572B this year, so come and find me, at the back end of artisan alley! Coupon for $5 admission at the end of post)

Anyhow, it is now only 3 days away and I think I will be ready!  It has been a blur of beads and painting and sealing and pricing and putting together kits!  Here is a peek at all I have done in the last 4 weeks............

making the beads

Painting (and crackling and sealing) the beads, which required some extra organization

and there was carving to be done.....

Set had to get tied together...........................

trays had to be arranged..........................

there was bronz clay that got made, fired, antiqued, polished and sealed......

Practicing my set up

first run

still working on it- it needed the shelves for more space, I like having lots of jewelry samples

Plus, my table is on an end, so I needed the right side to also be a "front" for people coming from that direction.  I think I got it mostly worked out now (I will have a sign up and a drape over the busy table cloth as well)

I finally have arranged trays of finished beads (they just need pricing, which will take the last two days I have)

I am teaching a class on Sunday as well, my Gypsy Wire Choker class

...........so there were kits to make!!!!

and lots and lots of wire to anneal (I used my gas stove ILO my torch and wow what a time saver!!!)

and then there was packaging them and labeling them, which I had help with............

AND, in the last 4 weeks, I have also found time to join the family with a couple day trips to the shore

and some time at Musikfest enjoying great music and friends

selfie with my brother 

I really cannot believe all I have done in the last 4 weeks.  I am going to need a vacation (and sleep)

(my September is never easy either!  It's catch up, tutorials, an anniversary- and three kid birthdays- plus getting in the groove with school starting- I will take a weekend for me in October!)

Even the kids have gotten the bead bug and dug out their beads to make jewelry the other day!

Anyhow, I hope you can come and see me at Beadfest Booth 572B- Artisan Alley, in the back.  I will be in a booth / corner with Marsha Neal Studio, Nikki Thornburg Studios and Diane Hawkey.  It will be so much fun!

Here is a discount coupon, just save it to your computer and print out to get in for only $5.  Feel free to share it too!

Oh yeah- one more thing-

I moved my Painted Polymer tutorial from etsy to my own Indiemade shop.  So if you want to purchase it, you can purchase it here now!

Contrast: Blinging up my Rustic

I finally decided to try adding a little "bling" to my rustic.  I love contrast, and I am surprised at myself, for not trying this sooner!

I love how Gaia Copia uses crystals with her natural shapes, like her ammonite and crystal earrings.

https://www.facebook.com/GaiaCopia

So I ordered me some crystals and got into it.  

I spent a day making these before I left for our trip, and just could NOT wait to paint them and see how they looked finished.

So then of course, I painted a few before we left too, because I am so impatient.

(they are mid-paint here)

So when I got home from vacation and went to clean off my desk, I could not just put these to the side, they were begging to be made into something right now.  

So of course, I obliged.

So now I can move onto other things on my list.  

Do you ever have that happen?  That you can't move onto what you are supposed to be doing, because you just HAVE to finish something that sparked your creativity?  Happens to me all the time!

These will be going to my next show with me, Tinicum Arts Festival, next weekend the 11th and 12th.  I will post pictures on Facebook though, and if anyone is interested in them before the show, please contact me.

https://www.facebook.com/stacilouiseoriginals?fref=ts