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.