Mandala Wall Art

About 3 weeks ago I was contacted through my Etsy shop about making one of my polymer clay mandalas. Now, most of my work is small scale. I like to start and finish a project within a short amount of time. That way I can move on to my next project. But I was asked if I could do something bigger. Of course I can (have I ever said no?!)

And so it began. The customer not only wanted it bigger, she also wanted it to be domed. Hum, that got me thinking....what could I use as a base that was round, about 10" across, oven proof, and domed. Think, think, think......I think I'll go to the thrift store and have a look around.

 An old pot lid should do the trick! A few turns of a screw and the handle is off.

I was given the color scheme and made a few canes.

Next step, covering the entire lid with a pale, off-white and then starting in the center with a design.

Nope, not enough negative space. Time for a do over.

Nope, wrong shade of green. Try again.

Making progress.

A few more changes.

Finished!

After about 3 weeks, many e-mails back and forth and lots of changes I was able to create something that both the customer and I were happy with. I hope it adds an interesting and colorful element to her bathroom wall. Something that will be enjoyed for many years! 

National Martini Day

These days it seems like there is a day set aside for just about everything. Have you ever heard of some of these:  National Donald Duck Day, National Hazelnut Cake Day, National Go Barefoot Day.....the list goes on and on!  Take a look at the list of National holidays for yourself, you just might want to celebrate a few.

But today, June 19, is National Martini Day.

A few years ago I covered a set of martini glasses which both sold. Knowing this, my sisters gave me a couple..... almost a year ago.....thinking I could make some more. I guess I was just needing the inspiration to do it. Well, today was the day!

So, raise your glass and say a toast for such nonsense holidays like today...at least they can inspire me to be creative!

If you would like to be the owner of this glass I invite you to take a look in my Etsy shop. Or if you want a custom one done in another color scheme contact me. I would love to create it!

Frame It

I don't know of a better way to personalize your home or office than with photographs. Whether it's a school picture of the kids or a snapshot taken while on vacation, pictures take us back to those memorable times. Those special photos deserve an equally special frame. So this month I worked on a few.

I started by shopping at two local Goodwill stores where you can always find a bargain. I looked for frames that were in good shape and were wide and flat. I wasn't worried about the finish or even the color as these are two things that can be either fixed or covered up.

This is the first frame I did. It's a painted wooden frame that needed a little TLC. I started by sanding it and really liked the aged, weathered look so I decided to leave it that way. I made the tiles by rolling out sheets of specially blended polymer clay colors, stamping the designs and then cutting out various sized rectangles and squares. After the tiles were cured and cooled, I added a little acrylic paint, which was then wiped away, and placed the tiles around the sides, fitting them as best I could. To me that part was the most fun. Like putting together a puzzle!

collage frame

close up

This next one turned out really nice! Again, I followed the same steps as above. The only difference being I spray painted the frame solid black.

5 x 7 tabletop frame

close up

This one looks very masculine to me although I'm not sure why.....maybe it's just the colors: dark gray, brown and blue with a weathered wooden look.

5 x 7 frame with easel back and wall hangers

close up

This one was a special order for a new nursery. I think a black and white photograph of the new baby would look darling in this frame!

And finally I used up some of the left over tiles from these projects and made this little frame. A patch work, hodge-podge of colors.

2.5 x 3.5 easel back frame

Do you have a special picture looking for a perfect frame? Perhaps you could make one yourself! Or, if you don't have the time maybe one of these would be just what you need. They are for sale in my shop. Just follow the link at the top of the page.

Time Flies

It has come to my attention that I have neglected my blog! It's been over 4 months since I've been here. So, I've decided that the next few posts will highlight what I've been up to so far this year.

So, first up....
Back in January I was contacted by Polyform.... you know, the makers of Sculpey products,,,,, to do a project for them. I was ecstatic and of course I said YES! The project was to be a mosaic vase, it had to be my own original design and I had to use Sculpey III. Now, I haven't used Sculpey III in years. (I'm a Premo! gal myself.) I had forgotten just how soft this clay is straight out of the package. It's a great clay for young beginners or for anyone who has a hard time conditioning firmer clays. This project doesn't require any difficult techniques, just simple marbling and cutting. I love that you can use your own imagination with the designs to create a piece that is as unique as you are!

This is what I came up with!

Side 1

Side2

Side 3

Side 4

It was really fun planning and creating. Here's the link for all the details so you can make one of your very own!  http://www.sculpey.com/project/sculpey-iii-mosaic-vase/

I hope you give it a try. It would be a great summer project for the kids. Happy claying!!!

Wallflowers

Here's the post I promised last week. An introduction to a new product I made that I'm calling Wallflowers.

These came about due to the fact that I had made too many patterned clay sheets (I must confess, they are sooooo much fun for me!) but I had no plans for them. I would make them and store them away for another day. Well, it was getting to the point where I had to do something with them all.

This is just a few of my sheets. Some were leftover from other projects. Others I made while experimenting with scraps.

I took out my small tear drop shaped clay cutter and started punching out petals.

These were the first in the making.

 I added two more petal shapes to the mix and made these.

Here they are on my wall. Aren't they fun?

I made coordinating flowers in groups of 3 or 4 for each pattern/color. They are all available on-line.

But of course they can be used for other things, not just as wall decor.  Here are a few other ways they can be used: decorate scrapbook pages, attach them to a headband, turn them into refrigerator magnets, decorate a picture frame or mirror. Maybe you can think of another use! If so, let me know in the comments.

That's about it for now. Until next time.....