My new obsession

I was asked to join a group on Flickr called "Ring a day". The objective is to make one ring each day with material that you can find. Oh, why not, I have been making rings for a while and just figure out how to make ring band from Polymer clay.
I don't do metal clay, I am not working with metal either, just some metal wire, so clay will be my main material. I can sew, knit and crochet, so I will incorporate that skill into my rings. I only made 18 rings so far, but every morning and every night when I have a chance to sit at my work table, I will make a ring first, then something else. I intend to put more creative thinking into each ring and want to see how far I can stretch Polymer clay as my main material. You can view more of my rings at www.flickr.com/photos/polymerclaybeads

Wish me luck, cheer me on, cause this will be a long, long project. I hope I can get through it.

Synergy and Collaboration

As much as I want to attend Synergy II in Baltimore next month, the chance is pretty slim. The ultimate goal is to witness Ford & Forlano new works, of which I can rest in peace after that. LOL, I can't yet but the idea of "Collaboration" between two artists and to collaborate different materials into clay work is not new. In fact, I am practicing it everyday.

First, let me introduce my collaborate partner, Mr. Scott Mizevitz. He is a very talented artist and a very dear friend of mine. We share ideas, lots of ideas of how to work with clay and use it to the limit. Scott's works are so details and he crafts every millimeter of it with his skillful hand and high quality craftsmanship. He takes time looking at every details and it shows. Me, on the other hand, sloppy, get it done fast so I can move on to next project.

Scott is also an antique collectible. He has a house full of art and craft materials which he, occasionally, send some to me. He had taught me to appreciate things that are handmade. A desert plates that was hand-painted by someone years ago. I learn to slow down and take more time with my work and to appreciated my artistic skill. Those goodies that he sent, especially the antique Rhinestones, make me slow down and rethink my works and how to collaborate different materials into polymer clay.

Here are samples of my new works; a series of pin made from different kind of materials, held together with Polymer Clay.

This pin consists of shells and coral pieces I collected while in Phuket Island.

Other pins are made with shells from Florida seashore, stones and some of my beads, rocks and pearls.

Those tiny rhinestones sure add some bling to the pieces.

Every night, I sat down at my work table, arranging and playing with different materials, then I put them together. Each pin has its own story; what it is, where it came from, or what it looks like. I am in the zone, I am in my world and I am in control. Be able to keep my sanity and get those "things" out of my head, everyday, is a good thing.

Metal or Clay

A few years back, when you went through the grocery store check out, you will be asked; "Paper or Plastic?". I found that to be very annoying. Now a day, I like the self-check out lane, where I can use my own bag.

But choosing between 2 given choices is always difficult, Metal or Clay? I like to work with Polymer Clay because of it's versatility and affordable. Still it is consider plastic and can also chip or break easily which require a min. thickness to make the object strong enough.

I like the idea of putting different objects together and create a "collage" pieces. Most artists do that with the help of Metal or Metal Clay. I love clay and will stick with clay. Here are some of a few pieces I made while searching for the right technique.

I used Black clay with a few pieces of antique rhinestone that Scott has given me, a few pearls and some stones that Mo sent me. Then put on the Metallic powder, Gold, Silver or Copper, baked and put clear varnish on top.

So it is clay, that looks like metal. I am pretty happy with the result. They look like antique costume jewelry. But why do I have to make it looks like I was using metal? I decided to leave the Black clay alone, may be clear varnish on top of it, for the shinny look.

And here is my favorite one.

This pin is going to China with Kirsten, Ada's friend. I made this pin using a few shells and drift wood that Kirsten picked up while on her vacation in Florida. A few beads from New Mexico, South African beads from her brother, John. Ada and I will miss seeing Kirsten. She is one of a few friends who visit us regularly.

I'll post more pictures of the pin later. Scott is sending more rhinestones and pretty things. I also put them on the rings as you can see. Bling and more Bling, Scott said. He is also served as my Tech Support since he has more experience and expertise working with clay than me. Couldn't have done it without you, Scott. Thank you.

Woodland Pins

Rings