Spring Calyx Show

Hi, everyone.  I just wanted to let you know that I have been accepted into the lovely Calyx show again , and I will be exhibiting on April 21.   I have been busily making some new pieces for it, in bright spring colours (while trying to ignore the endless snow outside!)  I will try to post pictures of the new things between now and the show.

The Process

I follow the Art Bead Scene blog, and they have a monthly challenge to make a piece of jewellery using a painting as inspiration.  This one is by Erte, and the warm red of the dress against the cool blue of the sky really appealed to me.  I had lots of ideas percolating in my head, and finally forced myself to go down to the studio and try to make some of them happen (the deadline is tomorrow).  None of my original plans happened, as it worked out, but I was determined to finish this challenge.  The central bead and the blue bead are polymer clay, made by me, as are the two etched metal rings.  The red focal pendant ended up with a distinctly Asian feel, but I feel it captures the motifs in the dress.  The blue bead represents the snowy sky. 

 And, the aftermath.  Some trays of beads that "auditioned" for the piece.

 My very messy worktable.  Creativity is NOT a tidy process!

On the twelfth day of Christmas....

my true love gave to me: nine pairs of Christmas tree earrings!  I have been busily making these for my co-workers.  I don't really bake, except for polymer clay, so this seemed like a good way to go.  The first pair were the red and white striped ones, inspired by a pair I saw on Polymer Clay Daily.  Then it became a challenge, how many variations could I come up with, and still stay within the Christmas tree shape.  

Must be the Christmas spirit

I have been enjoying having time to get down to my studio on a regular basis.  Can't say I miss the relentless grind of Christmas craft shows at all!  Apart from making beads to sell on etsy,  I can just make whatever I want.  

 Wanted some Christmas coasters, so why not make my own out of polymer clay?

 3 of the ornaments I have been making.  They are polymer clay on a glass ornament base.  They share the same palette of colours, yet they all look different.  

Ornament with a base of red and gold foil, covered with a crackle cane.  

The whole gang, hanging out on the coffee table!

Day After Calyx

The Calyx show was yesterday. Thanks to everyone who braved the snow to come and see me.   I worked really hard to get ready for it, that looming deadline always seems to inspire me to create new things.  Here are some pictures of newer work:

 Domed polymer pendant necklace.

 Pendants strung on hand-painted silk ribbons

 Elastic strung panel bracelet.

 Etched brass with faux ivory panels riveted on.  I really like how this one turned out.

Very long lariat style necklace, with polymer and embossed brass leaves.

Calyx Show Coming Up!

I have had the honour of being selected to show my jewellery at the autumn Calyx show again.  The show will run this weekend, and I will be participating on Saturday, October 20.  The show is well worth seeing on both days; there are so many talented artists showing their paintings, pottery, jewellery and fibre creations.  I have been working on some new ideas for this show (as usual have run out of time to implement all of them!) I will try to get some shots of the new pieces posted here, and on my flikr site in the next couple of days. 

In Praise of Serendipity

I have been busy cranking out sets of polymer clay beads to (try) and sell on etsy.  It is a slow slog trying to get a following from buyers, but I am nothing if not stubborn!  However, I was finding making nothing but beads a bit soul-destroying, so have decided to mix it up and make a few pendants, too.  I especially like this one, which utilizes the interesting edge of a mokume gane sheet of clay.  And a pair of earrings to match, while I was at it.  Anyhow, feeling much more inspired now, so armed with the latest Pantone fall colours, I am heading back into the studio.  Who knows, I may even post about it here!