To Dot or Not to Dot...???

Hmmm, that's a good question. 

This is a polymer clay sheet that I am currently working on.  I think of it more as a clay fabric, actually.

I have the most fabulous idea of just what to do with this fabric of clay! Stay tuned, watch this spot to see what's coming next.  I'm working on it right now and it will be ready for revealing really soon.

The base is a Fuchsia and Pearl Clay Layered Translucent Cane.  Lovely colours, I think.

But I am not sure if it needs more or if less is more.

So here it is again with a sheet of clear transparency plastic over the top of it with a few slices of a pink and white bulls-eye cane.  It's something that I just thought of trying before actually committing to it... as you know, once you place a slice of clay on top of an uncured sheet of clay it sticks. Not difficult to remove unless you've mooshed it in pretty good.

I think I'll go with the dots.  Seems like it needs it on this one, don't you think?

Steel Clay!!!

 

What you say?  Steel Clay!!  Yep, that's right.  This man's bracelet is made of Steel Clay. 

What is Steel Clay? Click here to read all about it on Hadar Jacobson's website.

Believe me, it's not a clay like pottery or anything at all like that.  It's really steel!  In fact, I've actually caught myself on a magnet or two since wearing this bracelet.

I've just ordered 200 grams of it from the Eclectic Studio and can't wait to make more of these beauties.  I think that it's going to be a very good seller.

I learned how to make this at a class that I took recently at the Eclectic Studio in Sydney with visiting artist May Bartum from Queensland.  I also learned how to make the horse-shoe links in class.  I like this particular link because it reminds me of when I used to ride horses at my Grandparent's ranch in Texas so many years ago.

Copper Earrings using a Circle Cutter

Circles are common shapes in art jewelry. They are needed to make domes and they are often used to create charms. While it is easy to cut out a circle using a jewelry saw, a disc cutter (also called a punch and die set) will make the job faster and easier. I made this copper earrings using a Circle Cutter that I purchased on ebay.

Earrings Description: Hammered and domed copper discs. Black resin beads, non-tarnish artisan wire. Antique Copper Fish hook ear wires with ball and coil.

I sold this particular pair of earrings recently at the Infusions of Fine Art Cafe, Shop 3/105 Hyde Street, Bellingen, NSW. You'll find a showcase of my jewellery there. Phone 02 6655 0393. Open daily from 8am - 2pm. 

I really like having this tool.  Certainly makes it easy to cut out perfect circle discs everytime!

The cutter is made of a high-quality steel and cuts 5 different sized circles. When you receive your cutter it will be covered in a fine film of oil. This is to prevent rust. Do not rinse the cutter under water to remove the film as it will cause it to rust. Instead dampen a paper towel with hot water and wring out. Wipe the excess oil off of the cutter and dry completely. A fine residue of oil will remain. This is preferable since it will further protect the tool from rust.

View a demonstation of this wonderful tool on YouTube here.