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Hi Everyone, I have a new page on Facebook.

This project has been a long time coming and I'm hoping that you can check it out and click the "Like Button".

Here's the link www.facebook.com/veradesigns. There are many things I plan to add to this new page, but right now please "Like it", and I'll keep you posted from there. This new page is where I will be spending a lot of my time. Thank YOU!

Intermediate: Precious Metal Clay (PMC3 Silver) Class





What a fantastic way to colour coordinate your wardrobe!



Date: Saturday December 3rd, 2011 - 10:30am to 4:30pm

Location: Elizabeth Bay Studio Apartment, Sydney

Prerequisite: Must have already taken an Introduction to PMC Class.

You will learn how to construct a PMC pendant with a Polymer Clay inclusion without the use of glue. It’s a simple mechanical “Lock” for the polymer clay component. This technique is also known as the Reverse Bevel Bezel which was perfected by Linda Bernstein who is a USA Senior PMC Instructor.

Designing Jewellery with Polymer and Metal Clay is a fabulous way to balance your design with colours, texture and patterns.

The pendant design will include a tube bail for *hanging on cording, wire or anything that your heart desires.

You may even texture the back of your pendant so that it can be worn on either side; a reversible pendant.

Materials student should bring: Pen/Pencil & Notebook (if you would like to take notes) and an Apron. Magnification: I have a couple OptiVISORs to loan out.

Included in the fee are the following: 16 grams PMC3 Lump clay, tuition, notes, use of various tools and supplies in class. A selection of polymer clay slices will be available to complete your project. You will also be taught how to give your piece a polished mirror finish. *Hanging material not included.

Cost: $165.00 with 50% non-refundable deposit required upon registration.

Please note: *Deposits are non-refundable for cancellation within 14 days of the class commencement. Full payment is required 30 days prior to class beginning.

Availability: Yes.

Registration: Click here to book your seat now!

There is currently no wheelchair accessibility and students with disabilities should enquire about the suitability of the courses prior to attending.

2012 Contemporary Clay Jewellery Course Outline

My Little PMC Bird House

There are a couple of Welcome Sparrows that live in my shed.  They come back every year.  It worries me that they keep building their mud nest in there 'cause when we go away... we have no choice but to lock it up.  But they come back again and again.  It doesn't seem to worry them.

Sometimes they even speak to us in their birdie way, whilst we're having breakfast on the back veranda... they come and swoop in to get our attention.

I know what they want and immediately go over and open the shed door for them and they shoot straight through.

Today, as I prepared to leave the farm for a luncheon-date with friends in town another friend came for a visit.

This time is was a two-metre long python snake that used to live in the old chook house that I demolished long ago.  I didn't like to demolish it but it had to go because it was falling down.

The carpet snake (python) used to live in that old chook house.  It was easy picking for it... when there were chooks and eggs.   I never did get to raise my chickens.  It turned out to be something on my wish list after moving out here.

However, I did get my rose garden.  That was short lived because the wallabies (mini kangaroos) loved them more than me.  It was impossible to keep the beautiful flowers on them because as soon as they came out... they were gone.  Who knew that wallabies loved roses so much.

So anyway, back to the python.  It crawled up under the pickup truck.  So driving that ute to town was not to be today.  I was more worried about it getting chopped up by the fan motor, than getting strangled, so I left it.

I hope that it's made it's way out.  And what about the welcome sparrow's nest?  I wonder if the babies will be safe from that snake.  Somehow,  I think they will be fine because it's a long way up there and I haven't seen a snake up on the rafters before; not in my shed anyway.

So what does this story have to do with these images?

Only that I was in the mood to build a bird house with PMC today.  Just got a little side tracked with the snake.

Anyhow, I think that I prefer the patina with the golds, blues, greens and purples that came out  in this piece.

Contemporary Viking Knit Jewellery

It's only about 2-1/2 weeks until the Canberra Contemporary Craft Retreat where I'll be teaching Viking Knitting.

It's going to be a full on weekend with 20 different classes on offer.

If you missed the enrolment deadline... not to worry as it will be back next year.

The image at the left is an example of what the class will be making on the day but with Antique Bronze Wire.  I love the richness of the darker wire as you will see in the last three Viking Knitted bracelets below.

The hand-crafted lampwork bead is called "Waterfall" and made in Australia by Karen Hall.  You can see more of her fabulous lampwork on her etsy site Aussie Fire Beads.  If you could see this bead in person... you'll agree with me that it's like Blue Fire, that bead. Her beads are hand made in her Adelaide South Australia studio using Lauscha and Moretti Glass. Totally Fabulous!

In preparation for the Contemporary Craft Retreat, I have been spending the last couple of day making these Viking Knitted Bracelets to go on my trade table.  It's been great fun.

Just now stopped to take some pics because I've run out of the toggle and clasps so waiting for them to arrive in the post, so that I can get straight back into it. As you can see in the image just below (missing toggle & clasp).

Wow, it's a great feeling!

 

I just got back from two days of teaching Introduction to Precious Metal Clay classes in Sydney at my Apartment Studio in Elizabeth Bay and discovered that my Contemporary Clay Jewellery Course happening at Camp Creative Bellingen is NOW FULL.

This is one of those moments when I'm quite happy getting a big fat red X.  You know how you dreaded getting that mark at the top of  your paper in grade-school?  Well this time it's a good thing!  I love it, I love it , I love...

Check out my web page for examples of what my students will be learning.

Kaleidoscope Cane Jewellery

Here's an example of a Kalediscope cane that I made recently, with Premo Polymer Clay, for a class that I'm teaching in the Hunter Valley Southern Highlands in November.

This is an image that may be used in promoting my class at Studio Amara.  The class is scheduled for Sunday the 20th of November in Berrima, NSW.  Kathy Guerts is now taking booking for this class.

I really like using the Skinner Blend technique in this particular cane because it gives it so much dimension.  Quite 3D, I think.

Pretty good colour variations with less than three blocks of clay.

As you can see... I was having a little fun with Photoshop's layering and cloning tools in the image above.

I love the way that you can create unique and original jewellery with Polymer Clay. 

The Bizarre Little Bracelet

 Well here it is.  The Bizarre little bracelet  that I just made as a sample for a class that I am teaching at a local high school on a polymer clay techniques.

This is why I needed that Black Premo Clay.  I am so glad that the clay came good in the end as I was down to my last block of black clay. The stone skull focal bead is sure to be a treat for the boys in the class.

I've also planned on an alternate bracelet for anyone that prefers more of a traditional design.

Just to the left is an image of all the polymer clay bead parts that the secondary school students will be making on the day.

Plus the spooky little skull bead; just in case someone wants that affect.

They'll also be making a pair of polymer clay earrings for themselves, their mums, girlfriend, nanna, a teacher.  Who knows.  Who ever gets them will surely love 'em.

This particular one was as tough as an old tire

I've just conditioned an old block of Premo Black Polymer clay that I had laying around for a while and I gotta tell you "It was as touch as an old tire... you know like one left out in the sun for ages". 

I could tell as I was slicing it up that it was going to give me a hard time.  Every slice was dry with white bits.  Thank goodness for the Sculpey Clay Softener.

It only took about five or six drop of the clay softener and a little bit massaging to make it right as rain.  I nearly thought that I was gonna have to bring out the ole' food processor.  Good thing that I didn't have to go that far with it.  Anyhow, all's good!

Okay, now to get back to the claying table. No rest for the weary.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONTEMPORARY CLAYS CLASS

I am now accepting expressions of interest for this class that will be offered towards the end of the year.

This one day class is designed to showcase the versatility of the three Contemporary Clays used in the CCIP Certification.

• Air Dry Clay (Makin's Clay ®)

• Polymer Clay (Sculpey – Premo!)

• Metal Clay (PMC – Precious Metal Clay)

The class focuses heavily on techniques: you will learn about the use of moulds, finishing your piece professionally, application of embellishments such as Pearlex Powders, construction and adhering your clay to other objects.

Three innovative projects will be covered allowing you to create components to assemble:

• Air Dry Clay – Raku Vase

• Polymer Clay – Journal or sketch book cover.

• Precious Metal Clay – PMC & Polymer Clay Earrings

This class also allows people who wish to enrol in the Contemporary Clay Instructors Program to have the work created in the Introduction Class credited towards the completion of the CCIP Certificate One.

Participants will receive a $100 credit off the price of Certificate One.

Materials student should bring: Pen/Pencil & Notebook (if you would like to take notes) and an Apron.

Includes most materials - you will need to supply a small A6 spiral notebook (approx 105 x 148mm). Plus a small bud vase - glass or porcelain 15cm high x 7cm base x 3cm mouth). This class includes instruction and written notes.

3D Kaleidoscope Cane



Bearded Purple Iris Cane

I've taken a little bit of a break from working with PMC.  Although I am really enjoying PMC... I needed to get a sample Kaleidosope Cane made for a class that I have been asked to teach in the Hunter Vallery, in November.

Yes, it's been quite a challenge getting this cane to come out with a 3D affect.

Did it with only two blocks (equiv) of clay.  I had to get really creative with the use of the clay.  There's a Skinner blend in there, as well as a striped loaf cane and a spiral cane, too.

Lots of technique in that little baby.  I'm telling you.

"Nirvana" the Second in a Series of Six

Here She Is

 Yep, she's a big one alright!  Definately a showpiece.  This is an Advanced Level Technique in PMC that I will be teaching in my Sydney Studio Apartment further down the track.



Sacred Heart "Nirvana"
Fine Silver with 4mm Cubic Zirconia
Measures: 2.3cmW x 1.8cmD x 4.2cmH
Weight: 19gms

 The second heart in the Series of Six.

 This one contains a crown of thorns over the body symbolising bondage and suffering which is evident on the surface of its breast; in the vein of a parched and encrusted wilderness.

This heart does not contain a flame, meaning that the suffering has terminated. She holds a three petal flower head on the crest signifying healing and within it is a jewel representing the presence of a precious existence.

To Wing it or Not to Wing it

Well here is the Spider Heart with a red flame that I riveted to it with copper wire.

I'm not so sure if I like the Faux Bone wings that it's sitting on. I had planned to attach the wings with rivets but now I don't know.

One thing that is putting me off is that the wings look a bit like antlers to me. That's not so sexy.

Another option is to use two-part epoxy but that would be a permanent bond. So if I were to use screws to attach the faux bone to the heart... it's easy to remove and then I have to work out a way to hang it.

So many decisions and so little time.

"Nirvana"

Nirvana - that is the name of my second heart in the Series of Six.

On my worktable is a heart that I have been working on today.  It's nearly complete.  This one contains a crown of thorns over the body symbolising bondage and suffering which is evident on the surface of its breast; in the vein of a parched and encrusted wilderness.

This heart does not contain a flame, meaning that the suffering has terminated.  When it’s complete it will hold a three petal flower head on the crest signifying healing and within it is a jewel representing the presence of a precious existence.



Nirvana

The reveal won't be long.  I'm just waiting to receive a delivery of metal clay safe cz's that I ordered from Jennifer Tattam at Metal Clay Australia yesterday.

The "Spider Heart" with more revealed

After receiving a blog response from fabulous, PMC Artist and good friend, Pam Annesley from Perth, Australia... last night.  I did as she suggested regarding the partina.

I took a bit high grid micro paper to bring back to silver the high spots.

Worked wonderfully and now the beautiful details is revealed.


And it look great, too!

Thank you, Pam for the excellent suggestion!

To visit Pam Annesley's fantastic website for classes in Perth and awesome gallery images go to:

http://www.metalclayartstudio.com.au/

I'm now ready to work on the wings.  I think that I may do that today.  The red flames with Red Anodised metal is gonna have to wait until next week... that's when I'm expecting my order to come in.  More soon!

Behold the Spider Heart

As you can see I've maintained the general shape of the heart... however, it decided that it wasn't to look like the sketch.

I'm okay with that; except that I'm not so sure about the patina.  I think I might clear it off and bring it back to shiny silver.

I'll still add the wings and flames though, 'cause I really like that idea.

Might sleep on it tonight. Who knows, I may feel differently about it in the morning.

Sacred Heart sketch

It's great to be back after a long holiday in the states to see my family and long time friends.After visiting San Antonio, Texas, I was inspired to create a series of sacred hearts on my return.

Life has been so busy and things are finally settling down that I'm back in the studio making some of these things a reality.

I began this morning sketching out an idea of what I have been formulating in my mind. As I drew and erased and drew some more I finished with this image and now on my studio bench envolving beautifully.

It's a mixed media piece.  The wings will be made of faux bone and rivited on.  I think that I'll make the flames from 24 gauge Red Anodised Aluminum sheet and rivet that into the top opening of the hollow form.

I'll post up a finshed pic when it's all completed.

Twelve New Things in time for the 12 Days of Christmas

I've just photographed a dozen of my unique handcrafted jewellery and now preparing to package them.  They will soon be listed on the Australiana Online website for those shopping early for Christmas pressies.

Shop Online

www.australianaonline.com.au

Some new creative idea

I'm back in Australia after a five week holiday in the USA visitng my family and friends.  It's been a great opportunity to catch up with everyone and in that time I've also acquired some new artist ideas that I can't wait to explore when I get home.

I'm in Sydney at the moment for a few days just to get readjusted to the passing of the international date-line. I must admit that I came home with a couple extra suitcase that I hadn't planned on purchasing which are busting out at the seams with heaps of creative books and art supplies. It's past of my plan in teaching other creative art mediums.

I'll share pictures as I explore these new ideas. I think that I'll start with a series of mixed media collage art with the idea of recording stories recalled by my, middle, brother of our times growing up in California and Texas. My brother, Joe, is a great story teller and he has a fantastic memory.

PMC & Polymer Clay Leaf Pendant

This is a PMC technique which allows the combination of PMC and Polymer Clay without the use of glue. This is also know as the Reverse Bevel Bezel and has been championed and perfected by Linda Bernstein who is a USA Senior PMC Instructor. It is just  one of the projects in the CCIP program which comprises 2 levels of certification, that I teach in Sydney and my Bellingen Home Studio. You can read more about the Certification Program on my website.

Hello my Little Chickadee - an Introduction to PMC Class in Sydney



Hello my Little Chickadee



Introduction to Precious Metal Clay (PMC3 Silver)

Date: Saturday, May 28th 2011 - 1:00pm to 4:30 pm

Location: Elizabeth Bay, Sydney

Prerequisite: No experience necessary.

This workshop will show you all the techniques and tips to create your own unique fine silver jewellery. PMC is a unique jewellery making material. This user-friendly product is a malleable substance that is composed of fine silver particles in an organic binder. PMC is an amazing medium invented in the mid-90’s. When fired, the binders burn-off and you are left with a piece that is 12-15% smaller and made of 99.9% pure silver, more valuable than sterling.

In this class you will learn how to shape, texture, cut, sand and file PMC and then after firing with a small butane torch you will learn how to polish the finished work. You are given the choice of completing either a pendant or a pair of earrings.

You will also learn about adding patina and polishing using both hand and a rotary tumbler.

Materials student should bring: Pen/Pencil, Notebook & Apron.

Included in the fee are the following: 9 grams PMC3 Lump clay, tuition, use of various tools and supplies in class.

Cost: $140.00 with 50% non-refundable deposit required upon registration.

Availability: Yes

See website for more class listings on http://www.veradesigns.com.au/

Shattered Heart

I've discovered an Online University (is what I call it) where I'm learning how to use Photoshop Elements more effectively.  This site was recently introduced to me by Jack Meagher a fellow member of the Bellingen Arts Council.  I'm so glad that he told me about it 'cause now I can finally work out how to use this software better.

The site is called http://www.lynda.com/ and there are so many videos to watch on "how-to's".  It's really awesome.  As you can see was playing around with layers and gave this PMC Heart, that I made awhile back... quite a spirital look.  I'm gonna keep playing around with it in the next few days.



Introduction to Polymer Clay Class in Sydney

Faux Bone Beads & Jewellery Construction project

Date: Saturday, May 28th 2011 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Sydney (Elizabeth Bay)

Prerequisite: No experience necessary.

This beginner's class teaches you how to replicate the look of bone/ivory. You will learn the basics in working with polymer clay and how to condition, etch markings into it and permanently set paints to create depth and dimension. You will complete the cane and then create your own unique handcrafted piece of jewellery on the day.

Materials student should bring: Pen/Pencil, Notebook & Apron. Also bring along some favourite beads that you would like to include in your bracelet design. There will be a selection of various beads available for purchase for those interested in doing so.

Included in the fee are the following supplies:

• Polymer clay
• Acrylic Paints
• Sanding Papers
• 25cm length beading wire, toggle & clasp, and two crimp beads.
• Use of pasta machines, bead piercing tools, brushes and oven.

Morning and Afternoon Tea provided. One hour lunch break allotted, there is a great selection of cafes nearby or you may bring your own lunch.

Cost: $120.00 with 50% non-refundable deposit required upon registration.

Fabulous Filly inspired by Christi Friesen

I've been working on a bit of sculpting this week. This is a Fantasy Horse Head focal bead, incorporating fibres and crystals from an online tutorial on Christi Friesen's website.

The thick black wire running through the horse's mane will be removed after baking; the tunnel created by the wire is for hanging on a necklace.

I've used some Swarovski Crystals, glass beads and pearlex powders as embellishments.  I think this horse looks as sweet as candy.  Reminds me a lot of the cotton candy that I loved to eat, as a child, when I attended the State and Country Fairs in America.

Check out the downloadable tutorials; they are very affordable.  This one was only $5.99 with easy to follow step by step instructions.

Christi Friesen is returning to Oz for another Polyclay Workshops Tour.

Christi's Australia Workshops - Destinations TBA Oct 14-30.

I've saved the dates in my calendar 'cause I want to be sure and get to as many of her classes as possible.  I attending one a couple years ago and it was wonderful.  She is so funny and a great teacher.  I am sure that her classes will be in the major capital cities

Hybrid-Human Sculpture

Just back from a marvelous day at Lex Sorrentino's sculpting studio.  This is my first time working with Sculpey Living Dolls clay.  I love it's natural skin tone colouring.

Here's a pic of the Hybrid-Human that I created on the day.  Looks a little spooky with those white zombie like eyes, huh?!

Learned a great trick on how to remove wrinkles in the clay... in finishing.  Use a smooth, heated,  riverstone that's been dipped in hot water and run it all over the clay.  Like magic it irons out all the creases.  Fabulous!

Later I'll post a pic of the finished sculpture with blue head spikes, a little face colour and yellow eyes. 

Spirit Leaves "SOLD" at the Nexus Community Gallery

I am so happy to tell you that my framed "polymer clay art" was sold at the current "Members' Exhibition" at the Nexus Community Gallery, at the Old Butter Factory, Bellingen.  It actually sold before the exhibition even opened.  A local business women, Katrina, called in to see what was being hung the morning before and saw my entry.  She had an immediate connection to it and bought it on the spot.

Notice the prominate "Red Dot" which means 'SOLD'.  I love red dots, especially when they're displayed in very close proximity to my artwork.  Framing by Graham and Sandy of the "Oasis Moon Framing" shop in Raleigh.  I was thinking that an ornate frame would be the perfect thing for this one when Graham and Sandy said that a silver frame would be what this artwork commanded.  I knew the moment I saw this frame that it was made for this one. 

The current exhibition, where you can see my "Spirit Leaves" framed artwork is on exhibition until the 14th of January, 2011.  I am so proud of how well the leaves flow in this piece.  It really has a great sense of movement and depth perception.  I taught this process and technique to Year 10 High School Students just before the Christmas School Holidays.  Click here to see their artwork using this polymer clay technique.