Polymer clay by SILASTONES

wire

2011-09-08T15:25:00.003-05:00

I like working with wire. In college, I made pins that bare people name, in cursive, using a toughest wire to bend. The kind that dentist used to make braces for people with crooked teeth in the old day.

I stumbled upon a artist who used steel wire to make her jewelry. I like the way it look, so I gave it a try. These wires are tough but forgiving at the same time. Much easier to work with, but my fingers are stronger from working with clay. Not as soft as Artistic wire and the price is just right. You can get them from ACE Hardware Store. I used it to make my rings and ring blanks too.

So I decided to coil it up, made the links, loops and jump rings. My finger tips hurt for a few days, but I really like the result. I decided to dangle small, little beads on it.

I went back to get more wire and found a smaller gauge. Perfect. One of the ring I made last year, I lace the thinner wire through the bigger wire. I like the look and always want to explore more with this form.

I played with the wire and came up with this idea of making a frame and fill it up with clay. Not a new idea, but it will be different look.

Here's one I fill up with a piece of Mokume gane.

Pretty, I like it.
What else I can do with it? Stay tune.

Ideas

2011-08-02T10:49:00.005-05:00

People often asked me where do I get my idea from, especially when they looked through my ring trays, and found out that I had made 365 rings last year, and finished the "Ring a Day" project. The ideas are all around me, some are in my head, some are things I've seen on "Bing". Some ideas came when I look at the magazine, got WOW from other artists' works. My head is full of ideas. I can used one everyday as long as I can think, and if I don't use it, my head will explode.
Last week my son came back from college, so I went to see Harry Potter with him. He didn't let me buy a big bucket of popcorn with extra butter and extra large drink, but that's ok, I still love him. While watching the movie, I had this crazy thought of how each wizard carry their wands. Since the young wizard now wearing tight clothing, not long and oversize robe like the older one. Hum, how can you keep the long, sharp, deadly object in your pocket? Harry even pulled one out while he was sitting on the bed.
Ok, I admit, I am a little bit crazy sometime, but it gave me the idea of how I should make these " Magic Wand" bracelets that wrap around the wrist and ready to be used as needed.

Design is the problem solving, and I think I have solved the problem well this time. Have fun with your crazy idea, don't be shy.

Ponsawan Blend

2011-05-19T21:16:00.007-05:00

If your passion is Polymer clay, first thing in the morning, after your first cup of Joe, you turn on your computer and check out Polymerclaydaily. Every time I see my work featured there, I fell like I just won a lottery.
This time Cynthia gave the title "Ponsawan Blend" to me. I can't help but laughing. This blend, I have to say, I dreamt it. No kidding. I was planning a bead making class for members of Indiana Bead Society at their monthly meeting which means we will make some beads, baked and they can take the beads home within 2 hour. A few of them took a workshop with me before, most are clay virgins. I want them to make beads using blend sheet, but learning skinner blend is a class by itself and I only have a few pasta machines. So I went to bed worrying and the clay fairly came and told me to simplify the blend. The idea is to line up the color from light to dark, overlap them a little bit, fold and run the sheet through a pasta machine. With a few run, the sheet will be blend, almost perfectly.
The class went well with the help of Le Ann, Kathy and Ann. I divided them into 3 groups, 3 tables with a few pasta machines and each of us take turn teaching different technique at each table, then we rotate. At the end of the night everyone went home with a handful of beads.
I am using the blend to make these mini roses, you can see the tutorial at http://www .polymerclaybeads.blogspot.com/

Here I used the petals to make a cute flower for clip-on earrings.

Pebble-like beads

2011-05-11T13:16:00.000-05:00

Back then when it seemed like everyone was making Pebbles, I was hesitant. You see, when they were so worried about who made it first, who was the originator. After all, we just copy of Mother Nature.

My goal this year, with the TADA365 Group, is to make a Collection of Jewelry and my theme is "Lush garden". I am working on elements and things that we will find around the garden. I wish to have a small garden in the backyard where Ada and I can enjoy it together. This way the jewelry that I sell will be more meaningful to me and my customer.
I gathered few stuffs together to use as inclusion; real sand, embossing powder, diamond flake and salt. I rub the salt into the beads to get extra rough texture and poked a few holes. I really like the result.

Fimo translucent clay gave out flakes or bubbles, so they look different. I like the Pardo translucent the most and I only have 1 box left, help me.

I decided to try Inka Gold paint from Viva Decor. The result is different kind of color, more metallic look, but yet, earthy.
So, here's my take on Pebble -like beads, and more colors to come. They are fun to make :)

RAD - Ring a day project

2010-12-28T16:43:00.009-06:00

Ring a day project will be concluded on December 31, 2010 which means that I had successfully made three hundreds and sixty some rings this year. Quite an accomplishment, I might say.
During the December month, all the members of the group have been so very active and we all have emotional roller coaster. It is nice that we don't have to make any more rings, but at the same time, we want to make the best rings we have ever done. We also looking forward to the next year, next project. We want to keep the idea going, stay together and learn from each other. I had already sign up for RAW - Ring a week and TADA365 - Tangible Advancement of Daily Adornment, of which you commit to making progress everyday of your 2011 on your art jewelry creations. Show your daily steps forward with photos. Goal is at the end of the year you will have at least one collection or series that is show ready. Sound good, isn't it? First I told myself that I would never sign up for anything that I have to commit for a whole year, but if I can finish the year long project, then it's worth to challenge myself for another year.

What did I get from the RAD project? Well, let see, I was asked by Lark Book for permission to publish pictures of some of my rings, some will be exhibited along side with other rings made by the members of the group in Seattle, sponsored by SNAG. I never have my works exhibit before. I made a bunch of friends, I woke up everyday for a year to see incredible and crazy ideas of how to make ring. I made a ring for "Ring Swap" and enter the dark side by making this "Humbug - the Blue Monster", inspired by the movie "Nightmare before Christmas". And I received this beautiful ring made by Lorena Angulo. I've been drooling on her works for many months.

My life will never be the same again after RAD. Look what I made from this Purple Potato. Many people join the group not because they were known to make rings, but an opportunity to force oneself to learn.
To view all my rings, go to www.flickr.com/photos/polymerclaybeads/sets
To view more than 16,000 rings, go to www.flickr.com/groups/rad2010

IPCA pre-retreat class - Bevy of Rings

2010-12-19T15:04:00.004-06:00

Bevy of Rings

Learn how to construct a variety of rings using Polymer Clay, decorate one with a few slices from your existing canes. We will also learn how to make Watermelon Ring using Mokume Gane and a Faux metal ring with twists and stitches.
You will have a chance to view my entire collection of 365 rings from the Ring a Day project and discover the endless possibilities of Polymer Clay combined other media.
A total of 3 rings will be made and finished
Q&A plus additional demos at the end of the session
Instructor: Ponsawan Silapiruti
Date: Wednesday, July 13
Level: All
Min # of Students: 3
Max # of Students: 10
Price: $95.oo US
Prerequisites: None
Special Tools: Wrench sockets
Other Supplies: Clay and wire for the rings will be provided. Bring your own canes to decorate the rings and share. Small scale sculpting techniques will be taught. Bring small tools, needle nose pilers, small wire cutter, a small table lamp and magnifying glass, etc.
To register and receive a complete supplies list, contact Ponsawan via e-mail silastones@aol.com

Auction for Ada - Round two is over

2010-10-07T13:11:00.026-05:00

Thanks everyone for a successful first round of Auction for Ada. More items need to be auction off to the good home. If you would like to bid on any item, just send me a email silastones@aol.com to tell me which item you want to bid on and how much. I will update the highest bid as it come in.

Artist: Ronna Sarvas Weltman

This beautiful "Wednesday Night on Mars" necklace featured in her new book "Ancient Modern - polymer Clay and Wire jewelry"
is about 3 1/2" long. You will bid on the necklace and the signed book by author.

Item No. 1 - Ronna necklace & book.

Artist: Grant Diffendaffer

This recursive molded beads is about 1 1/2" Dia. x 3/4' thick. You will bid on one necklace.

Item No.2 - Grant necklace.

Artist: Judy Dunn

This beautiful Origami Crane is 5" from one wing tip to another. you will bid on one bird.

Item No. 3 - Judy Red Crane.

Artist: Artwork by Juliet

This pretty earrings is2" long. You will bid on a pair of earrings.

Item No.4 - Juliet Red earrings.

Artist: Susan Turney

This gorgeous pendant is 1 1/2" x 3" long.

You will bid on one pendant.

Item No. 5 - Susan pendant.

Artist: Barbara Forbes-Lyons

This pretty bracelet is 8" long made with Glass and silver beads. You will bid on one bracelet.

Item No.6 - Barb bracelet.

Artist: "Mo" Maureen Taylorson

This pretty pendant is 1" x1 1/2" with matching earrings. You will bid for a set of necklace and earring.

Item No.7 - Mo necklace & earrings.

Artist: Elsie Smith

This colorful pendant is 1 1/2" x2 1/4" .

You will bid for one pendant.

Item No. 8 - Elsie pendant.

Artist: Maureen Thomas

This Faux wood bracelet with glass beads, strung with stretch cord, will fit to most waist.

You will bid on one bracelet.

Item No. 9 - Maureen bracelet.

Artist: Kat Gedrich

Big, bold and beautiful beads. This necklace is 22" long.

You will bid for one necklace.

Item No. 10 - Kat necklace.

Artist: Artwork by Juliet

The Polymer clay teapot pendant was made by Diana Kelsey is 1 1/4 x 1 1/2". You will bid for one necklace.

Item No. 11 - Juliet necklace.

Artist: Lynda Struble

These pins are so adorable. You will bid for both pins.

Item No. 12 - Lynda Pins.

Artist : Ellen Rumsey Bellenot

This pretty pendant is2 1/2" x 3", come with a black cord.

You will bid on one pendant.

Item No. 13 - Ellen Pendant. Artist: Judy Dunn

This gorgeous Origami Crane is 5" from one wing tip to another. You will bid on one bird.

Item No. 14 - Judy pink Crane.

Artist: Ponsawan Sila

This pin is one of the series "Woodland Pin". The pin is 1 1/2" x 2 1/2". You will bid for one pin.

Item No. 15 - Ponsawan pin.

You will have 9 days to bid on these items starting on Saturday, October 9th, 2001 at noon, and the auction will end Monday, October 18th, 2001 at noon (Central time).

Happy bidding. :)

Auction for Ada - Round One is now over

2010-09-24T09:57:00.034-05:00

Dear Friends
Thanks everyone who participated in the Auction for Ada last year. After, successfully, auction off half of the donated items, I realized that we paid almost 25% to Ebay. Still, I have a few items left and would like to continue the auction through this blog. I will run the auction myself. Here is how you can participate. If you would like to bid on an item, the must have item, or items, you can email me: silastones@aol.com, to tell me which item you want to bid on and how much. I will update the highest bid as it come in and will contact you as well.
There will be a couple rounds of auction and each one will last for 2 weeks. I will contact the person with the highest bid of each item for payment arrangement. A small shipping fee will be added to the final bid.
If you have any question, please do not hesitate to ask.
And, if you can help spread the words through your friends as well, I would greatly appreciate it.

Artist: Wiwat Kamolpornwijit
This gorgeous necklace is 16" long, the pendant is 1"x11/2". You will bid on the necklace and a pair of earrings.
Item No.1 - Wiwat Gold & Silver Necklace.
Artist: Wiwat Kamolpornwijit
This gorgeous necklace is 18" long, the pendant is 1"x31/2".
Item No.2 - Wiwat Black & White Necklace.

Artist: Yonat Dascalu
This gorgeous pendant is 11/2"Dia. with 16" cable.
Item No.3 - Yonat Blue pendant #1 .

Artist: Christine Kelsey
This gorgeous necklace is 18" long, the pendant is 13/4"x21/4".
Item No.4 - Christine Mica Shift necklace.

Artist: Sophia Lenz
This Gorgeous necklace is 16" long, the box pendant is 11/4"x2"x3/4" with a pair of earrings.
Item No.5 - Sopia Box necklace.

Artist: Kim Cavender
This gorgeous face pin is 1 1/2"x 2 3/4".
Item No. 6 - Kim Face Pin.

Artist: Judy Dunn
This gorgeous Origami Crane is 5" long from one wing tip to another.
Item No.7 - Judy Purple Crane.

Artist: Yonat Dascalu
This gorgeous pendant is 1 3/4"x1" with 16" cable.
Item No.8 _ Yonat Pink Pendant.

Artist: Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg
This gorgeous focal bead is 1 1/4" dia. and 1/2" thick, comes with a pair of earrings.
Item No. 9 - Lynne Ann Focal bead.

Artist: Wiwat Kamolpornwijit
These gorgeous earrings are about 1/2" square.
Item No.10 - Wiwat earrings.

Artist: Yonat Dascalu
This gorgeous pendant is 1 1/2" dia. with 16" cable.
Item No.11 - Yonat Blue Pendant #2.

Artist: Judy Dunn
This gorgeous Origami Crane is 5" from one wing tip to another. Made with Polymer Clay.
Item No.12 - Judy Orange Crane.

Artist: Christi Friesen

This Steampunkery Chameleon was made by Christi during class in 2009. It is 2 1/4"x 1 3/4" .

Item No. 13 - CF Chameleon.

Artist: Christi friesen

This cute Dragon was made by Christi during class in 2009. It is 2 14"x1 3/4" .

Item No.14 - CF Green Dragon.

Artist: Christi Friesen

This gorgeous Red Bird was made by Christi during class in 2009. It is 1 3/4"x2 1/4".

Item No.15 - CF Red Bird

Artist: Christi Friesen

This gorgeous garden pendant was made by Christi during class in 2009. It is 1 3/4'x2 1/4".

Item No.16 - CF Garden Pendant.

Artist: Christi friesen

This Lion was made by Christi during class in 2009. It is 1 3/4"x2 1/4".

Item No.17 - CF Lion.

Artist; Christi Friesen

This gorgeous Crystal Bird was made by Christi during class in 2009. It is 1 3/4"x2 1/4".

Item No.18 - CF Crystal Bird.

You have 2 weeks to bid on these item starting Saturday, September 25th,2010 at noon and the auction will end Friday, October 8th, 2010 at noon (Central time).

Again, Please email me : Silastones@aol.com

The Jewelry connection

2010-09-17T20:57:00.007-05:00

The Jewelry Connection is the on-line, live program on Sunday afternoon at 2 pm.. Host & producer, Mona Hair, was kind enough to include me last week among the other Artists who participate in "Ring a Day" project.
My section start at about 30 minute into the program, and it last for about 10 min., but if you have time to watch the whole program, you will learn about other artists as well. Since she did not contact me in advance, there is a few misunderstanding about the necklace on the cover of the book that was not my work, but it belongs to Barb Fajardo. 4 of my necklaces were in that book.
Other than that, it is nice to know that my works bring a lot of smiles and inspiration to many.

Feast of the Lantern

2010-08-29T13:42:00.003-05:00

Every year, at Spades park on the eastside of Indianapolis, there is an outdoor show that let the artists show/sell their arts from noon to 11 pm. At dusk, hundreds of lanterns are lighted throughout the park.

One year, I had a few lampshade kits that come in pieces and when put together, accordingly, they look very pretty at nite. People will line up to buy the lampshades from us. This is good because I made so much money selling them, at the same time, they are not handmade item. I just put them together, add the light and sell.

This year I don't have high hope, people walk around, looking and said they were just looking but didn't have any money to buy.

My son came and went. He had to go dance at the even downtown. The neighbor were laughing because he stayed for 20 min., bought a bar of soap and left. It's Ok, I thought, I didn't think I'll be very busy. But I was wrong.

I think people are still buying, but more of the functional objects, not paintings, not jewelry. My neighbor sold soap she made in her kitchen for $5 and it went crazy. Her soap is 100% Vegan. It's so trendy, I even bought one that has Dandelion as one of the ingredient.

I sold a few ankle bracelets. That was enough to cover the booth fee. Without those lampshades, I would have spent 12 hours in the park, not making any money. May be I should start making soap. We all have to use soap, right?

Recently on Facebook, I am able to contact my nephews in Thailnad and talk to them. Both are the starving Artists who are trying to sell their arts and crafts at the fair. One is selling a stuff Teddy bear and one is selling candle and tea that his Japanese wife made. They both are graphic designer.

Imagine if I could go home now and or have my nephews here, we will share a booth and I won't be abandon in the park, at midnite, all by myself.

Ruffles Potato Chip

2010-08-09T19:27:00.002-05:00

I asked my husband to buy me a bag of Potato chip, he came home with Lay's Original Potato Chip. I told him I don't like Lay's, I want Ruffles, the one with wavy. Next he came home with Lay's Wavy. Love you too, honey.
Today I mixed Pardo Professional Art clay -Translucent with a bit of Pardo Jewelly clay - yellow and came up with this Ruffle Potato Chip ring.
I am very please with the Pardo clay and having fun with it. It holds the shape while sculpting and very strong after bake.

CHA Super Craft Show @ Rosemont, IL

2010-08-04T18:22:00.004-05:00

Last week, me and my Polymer clay friends volunteer to help Miss Lisa Pavelka during her classes at CHA, so off we went. Thursday nite, I pulled up the chair from my room to the other room, and we talked, and we laughed, just like having a slumber party all over again.

The next day we arrived and was asked to help at Viva-Decor's booth. As you might have known, they are the distributor of Pardo clay. I ended up at Mr. Amando's booth did the demo using Pardo clay with the Jewelry Blanks that they are selling. Back and forth between Armando's booth and Miss Lisa P.'s table while she took a break and talked to others, we feel in love with paints that Viva-decor has. http://www.viva-decor.us/

I've been watching and wanting to buy their product, but it seems like they are hard to find. We talked to the owner who had no idea how desirable their products are to all crafter, not just clayer, I hope pretty soon we can buy the whole product line here, in US, somewhere.
It had been a great experiences helping in class, booth sitting and demo. Viva-Decor and Miss Lisa P. had been so generous with the sample, as well as Mr. Amando, who finally realized that he should give us some samples. So, here's is his web site. They has so many "Blank" we can use, especially rings :) http://www.amatestudios.com/

Viva-Decor had launched a new Pardo Professional Art-Clay and I got to take some home to play with. Here is the glass I covered with translucent clay. The new clay are stiff, not soft like Jewellry clay, which suitable for canning. I am pretty happy with it. May be I will make some canes tomorrow.

Here are some rings I made yesterday. Using jewellry clay - Fossil Wood. Clay is easy to work with but I am still adjusting. I've been using nothing but Fimo for all these years. I also used some paint on there. It is a paste almost like Rub n' Buff.

This ring I used some paints from Viva-Decor. I love all the colors, they are so rich and shimmering. I want them all.

Thanks you Miss Lisa P. and Viva-Decor for the opportunity and a good reason for me to get out of the house. Thanks for my friends who had been there and always there for me. Thanks for wearing my jewelry and showed them off at CHA.

We stopped to have dinner at Polish restaurant. It is a buffet, so yum-yum. I had something that my mom used to make for me when I was young. Thanks Kathy for such a good memory.

Summer time fun

2010-06-20T18:04:00.007-05:00

Last summer, a friend of mine posted this picture on her blog. It was a watermelon from her garden. She said I wish I could wear it as bracelet. So I made her a watermelon bracelet.

Here's the picture of her wearing it. She was so excited.

It was the end of summer so I though I'll start making them early next year.

It made with skinner blend sheets. One is with red and white and one with green and white. The out side made with 3 layers of different hue of green, poking with tools then shave off the thin slides here and there to reveal the pattern below. You get it, right?

Since I am still working on the "Ring a day" project. Why not a watermelon ring? This is my ring#151. I think they are cute and fun to make as well.

I am trying to make 2 rings a day and put them on my ETSY store. At bead&Button, many people had asked to buy my rings, but I just want to keep them all till I finish the project. Then may be I can auction off the whole collection. What do you think?

Bead&Button Show 2010

2010-06-13T15:19:00.008-05:00

Thelzeda and I had decided that we will try to go to bead&Button together this year. We used to go with another friend, Lona, who passed away in 2008 the same time as Ada was in the hospital and a month late, Thelzeda lost her husband. This should be good for us to get on with our lives and do what we like to do.

As usual, we got to Milwaukee around 4 o'clock. I made a tour, look around first, mark the booth for revisit, said hello to friends and vendors that I know, dropped of my jewelry for display then shop. Not long before I used up all my money trading for a handful of beads.

I took some pictures of the "Bead Dream" contest. Lynn Ann wone first place in Polymer clay category. You can see more HERE

The next morning, I volunteer to demo at International Polymer Clay Association (IPCA) booth. Perfect location at the top of the stair, I laid out my things and did a quick demo. Many had stopped by, it was fun. After walking around a little more, I bought some wire and settled down at Julie Picarello's booth to make some rings for the Ring a day project. After checking in with Christie Friesen with her new Steampunkery book and ate some of her Chocolate, I proceeded to check out Beadroom booth to see if someone had bought my beads. A lady bough all of my Black&White beads and she wanted more. She is an artist from new York and that's a good new, I need to contact her right away.

Back at the hotel, Thelzeda and I did show and tell and tell each other what kind of ideas we have to use what we just bought. Thelazeda will shop from the minute they open till minute they close. The next day we will round up to get thing we want (but not necessary all we need) before we head home.

Saturday morning, I decided that I had enough of the show so I walked to The Art Museum. I met beautiful, Miss Lisa P. who asked me to consider joining her on the cruise. With tears in my eyes, I felt very honor and gave her a hug. May be, in a couple of years. Leaving Ada for 3 days is hard enough.

I walked pass Thomas Mann's booth, he was not busy. I asked him if he can show me how to use jewelry saw. He can't believe I've never use it before, but it is best to learn from the pro, right? I manage to cut a small circle out of a wooden piece. He was delighted. He shows me his video, kits and asked, "What can I sell you?" I said "Nothing, I only have enough money for gas to go home, but will order on-line later", then say thank you and good bye. I don't think he was happy with me.

At the Museum, I found a room full of Gloria O'keeffe' painting. What a find for me. Woo-Hoo, you know how I love her works. So inspiring I just want to come home and start painting. It was nice to see the city and be by myself.

You can see the picture of the Museum and city tour HERE.

We left Wisconsin with the hope to come back next year. Saturday's crowd was so thin, it felt like Sunday. All the vendors looked worry. I hope they made good enough sale to keep the show going. I notice that people didn't just buy beads but also interested in making their own materials and beads.

It was nice to see friends, to make new friends and learn something new. Hope we can all go next year. If you could, please bring a supply of good chocolate to share, we had to share the last piece of Christie's Truffle at the end of the day when we were tried and hungry. The trip was good, not much traffic jam in Chicago area, we didn't get lost or took a wrong turn as always.

See you all next year.

Claying or Drawing ?

2010-05-31T19:37:00.004-05:00

I tried to keep busy, running back and forth, in and out of Ada's room, I have 5 to 10 min. to clay. It is hard to come up with a big project, or get the whole thought together and come up with something in a scale and quality that I would like to do.
I made some beads, send them out with my friend who is a vendor and sell through big bead shows around the Midwest. I used to do that a few years back, successfully. But She did not sell any strand in Atlanta last week. Very discouraged. I am making a few more trays so she can sell them at Bead&Button in Milwaukee. Not excited about it but it will help pay for the trip. Oh, I will be there for a few days, my vacation.

Since I am still make rings for "Ring-A-Day" project, I wrote some tutorials and post them on the other blog.
May be I should move my work table away from Ada's room, get away, lock myself up till I can make something. I am not strong enough to do that, I want to be with her.

We took Ada to the Museum a lot and the flowers in the garden were in full bloom, so I took a lot of pictures. Scott's also sending pictures of his Wisteria, Tulips, Iris among others flowers. I pick up some paper and pencil and start sketching. From the note card size to 9"x12" size and suddenly, I felt very happy.
here's a sample of one of my drawing. It is a fantasy garden with lots of flowers. I could never have a garden like Scott's, so I draw mine.
A few drawings later, I had this in my head; "Claying or Drawing?"
I feel like I am at the dead end of claying. Really, when some thing you do for fun turn out to be a job (because I need to make some money), it took a fun out of it.
I also feel like I am so far behind my creativity with clay. Looking at other people works, it is hard to catch up.
May be I will draw and paint for a while, forget about the clay. may be I will get my groove back, who knows, who cares?
P.S. I posted last nite and the next morning heard the news about Kathereen Dustin's struggle with her art. Shouldn't I feel better by now?

Black and White

2010-05-13T12:24:00.003-05:00

Month of May means Indy 500 racing spectacular here in Indianapolis. We live not too far from the track and can hear the sound of the engine from home. I had been asked to make checker beads. Just simple Black&White, right. It is an annoying process to touch black clay and have to clean your fingers real good before touching white clay. But the result is pretty good. I might do more with this 2-3 color combo.

Also Ada and I visit the Indianapolis Museum a lot. Just walking outside in the garden give us enough to see. I like to take photo of the flowers and plants. Then, occasionally, I will pick up pen and paper and make a sketch from the Photo. If I can sit still long enough, I would like to make a larger drawing. It is a small note card, for now.

New beads

2010-04-29T19:55:00.003-05:00

Some new beads today, square shape, kinna pillow style. The colors came out very nice and they are pretty easy to make. Just twist and twist and twist. I will send them out with my friends who sells beads at bead show in Atlanta to see if they would sell. Then off to Bead & Button in June. I also stopped by Bead Angle bead store to see if Connie wants to sell some of my beads again. She thought I should charge more for my beautiful beads.

These are a few ankle bracelets I made using my new beads and some of the seed beads I bought. They are so colorful and happy :).

It is going to be a busy summer. I applied for a few shows, big and small so better get busy.

Springtime Bracelets

2010-04-08T16:19:00.002-05:00

Here are 2 of the new bangle bracelets for my Spring Collection. Made with a few of flower canes that I made. I like the bright and cheerily color and also they are bulky yet light weight. I did not sand it down. I think leaving all the cane slides exposed has given the bracelet the feel of real handmade.

Polymer Artist Showcase

2010-04-04T22:12:00.006-05:00

I've been published. 4 of my works were included in Tejae Floyde - Polymer Artists Showcase. I am so excited and very pleased. Here is the link to the book.

I will order one soon. Thanks Tejae.

I also re-make the Black, white &Brown beads. My friend, Lisa, wants them. I made these beads before and they sold quite well. I am going to send my beads to Bead&Button Show this year. My friend has a booth and she sells my beads for me. Usually, I made enough money so I can shop for some pretty beads that I want. I need to make about 4-5 tray of beads.

I also make these little square beads which I use then to make bracelet and ankle bracelet. These beads are flat so they don't press against the wrist or ankle. You can view the tutorial HERE.

So, if everything is going according to my plan, I will be able to go to Bead&Button for a couple of days. It is my favorite place to visit in June. Oh, did I mention that I will also display my necklace, ring and bracelet at "Natural Touch Beads" booth. I have been incorporate the resin beads with Polymer.

I still making rings and still have fun with it. Also apply for 2 art shows in September. Last year, I asked Katherine, Ada's friend, to help me with the show and I was complaining that this was so much trouble, I wasn't sure it worth doing. Katherine reminded me that Ada would have love for me to go out and do shows, and she was right. Keep fingers cross, I hope they let me in.

300 more rings to make

2010-03-15T12:38:00.005-05:00

Today I made and posted the picture of my 65th ring on a group called "Ring a day" on Flickr.

It had been fun and challenging at the same time. The goal is to make one ring a day for a year. That's 365 rings. I have my own goals to follows. For example: I will try to make rings from materials that I already have at home, or someone gave it to me. I will try to used different kind of materials together, and, if I could, I will take up basic Metalsmith class, or convince my DH to show me how to solder.

Most of my rings are made with Polymer since I have a lot of it and I start making flower canes. I also used glass beads, wire, felt, stones, brads, small toys, etc. I also try to set up prop and taking good photograph.

Here is my favorite model, Mr. Middle. He has a screw sticking out of the other end. I think he meant to be a towel hanger, but I have so much fun using him instead of showing the rings on my wrinkle finger.

You can see more of my rings and Mr. middle HERE.

A few pieces of mine at Synergy 2

2010-03-04T18:52:00.004-06:00

This is the mosaic pieces by Lauri Mika. She asked 30 Polymer clay artists to send her a piece of 2"x2" work that represent us and she then put them together. The artwork was auction off at Synergy and I am glad to be a part of the project. When I got the first e-mail, I was delighted, then the second e-mail came, I started checking the "CC" and found the name like; Cynthia Toops, Donna Kato, Dayle Doroshow,.. a few more names that I make me feel like I was going to get panic attack. It was the most difficult 2"x 2" that I've ever made. I think I put too much Mica powder on it but I felt really fortunate to be given the opportunity to put my name and my work next to others. I think Libby Mills is the proud owner of the pieces. Humm... I wonder how much it went at the auction.

Second, I sent a pin to Synergy so they can put it up for auction. Really love this pin and had a second thought before I sent it to Susan Lumoto (thanks Susan). I named it "Two faces have I". The pink beads look like eyes. I think all the materials just fit together perfectly.

It went home with someone. I hope she like it.

I am saving $1 a day for 2 years so I will have enough money to go to Synergy 3. Then I can blog about it, you know, I enjoy telling the story. The "Synergy" jar is on my table now.

My new obsession

2010-01-29T09:58:00.009-06:00

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

2010-01-28T18:29:00.003-06:00

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

2010-01-05T19:22:00.008-06:00

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

2010-01-03T09:29:00.003-06:00

Rings

2010-01-02T19:07:00.010-06:00

Benefit Ada

2009-12-12T22:49:00.002-06:00

Ebay auction - benefit Ada starts today. We received more than 80 items donated from Polymer clay artists around the world. Kathy Stuart had finally put some of them on Ebay today. Thanks Kathy. There will be more to come but check out http://www.ebay.com/ and put "benefit Ada" in a find box.

Red & Black w/ a touch of Gold and Silver

2009-12-06T19:50:00.005-06:00

Thursday nite while I was sitting at my desk wondering what should I make. I had a showed on Saturday and had already put price tags on everything and packed them up ready to go. I went on Face Book, my favorite place to go to talk to my friends, a piece of metal caught my eyes. I used it before and got a good result. may be I should do something. So between typing and chatting, I made these Red & Black beads with a touch of gold mixing with silver. next ting I know, I made enough for a necklace, so I baked them, then strung them and it looks so good. I like it, I like it, so much. I wore it to the show.

I guess there will be more to come, Black with different color because I intend to keep chatting on Face book. I can chart my friends in Thailand, I chat with my nephew and my son who doesn't pick up his phone when I call, and my clay friends who live all over the world. A place where I can complain about my life and someone listen. A place where I can share my happiness and joy, and someone is happy with me. At the show last Saturday, the girls from Indy guild came by to help at my booth. Something about Polymer Clay that make people happy, care and be kind to others.

Red, White and Green

2009-12-04T08:16:00.001-06:00

Start out this Holiday season with these tiny snowmen. They are about 1" tall and as cute as they could be. Perfect size for earrings.

Next, I covered the lid of baby jar food with clay and made snow and holiday theme with them.

Next are the Star Holiday Ornaments. With a Festive hat and a few Rhinestones, this turn out to be really cute and fun project.

I also put the white and blue hats on the ornament to cerebrate our Indianapolis Colts Football team. With their 11-0 win, I hope they can GO-ALL-THE-WAY to Superbowl.

The tutorial for these projects can be found at my other blog HERE.

I also will have my only show this Saturday. The Eitlejorg Museum is having a Holiday Market and they are kind enough to keep me on the list. Our local guild will join me there to promote our group. We will launch our first e-bay action on the gifts that have been donated by the Polymer clay artists all over the world. The benefit will go to Ada's fund to make sure that she can have as much Cheerio as she wants.

Where have all the leaves gone?

2009-11-04T20:23:00.007-06:00

This is the right side of my front yard. Lots of trees as you can see. They keep the house cool in the summer, but lots of leaves to rake around this time of year. So we just pile up the leaves in the back yard and forget about raking it. There are more trees in the backyard and still some on the trees, so there will be a couple more raking before it's all clean up.

I like to rake leaves and look for the perfect leaves on the ground. I like the crispy and crunchy sound when I step on them. The smell of dried leaf reminds me of the time when I was young. During summer, my dad will take me and my brother to the tobacco plantations around northern part of Thailand. He worked with the Tobacco Company. My kids used to do front flip on to the pile of leaf. Each year, we have more and more leaves, and the tress are getting taller and taller. We barely have a sunny spot on the yard, so not much grass to mow in summer.

And we have 3 doggies who roam the yard. There is a patch of sunny spot near Ada's room. May be we can fence that area away from the dog and we can have a garden for Ada, I wish.

I also make White&Blue beads for the bracelets. The Indianapolis Colts has won all of their games so far, may be, may be, some Colts' fan want to buy a cute bracelet.

My last Dahlia is still blooming. It is small and does not have a perfect form but Scott is jealous. Last month the temp. in Chicago area had dropped down below 32, so Scott lost all of his Dahlia. He was sad.

More time to clay for Scott. can't wait to see what he will WOW us with.

Mushroom

2009-10-26T12:21:00.011-05:00

I started making these mushrooms after I came back from the IPCA Retreat in Chicago. The inspiration came from the odd looking stuffs and creatures on Leslie Blackford's table. They are beyond my imagination. Only Leslie can come up with such things.

I start using left over skinner-blend for the mushroom cap, my flower cane for the gill, and I can see endless possibilities.
How about orange-yellow mushroom?

How about Witch-Hat-Halloween Mushroom, with tiny pumpkins. Cute ha!

Then come along Christmas Mushroom, with tiny tree.

Or Easter Mushroom, Patriot Mushroom in July.

Last week at Claypen chat, Jackie asked us to make something for Breast cancer Awareness, so here's my Pink Ribbon Mushroom.

Fall color

2009-10-08T19:59:00.006-05:00

I mixed up a plate full of fall color clay and wonder what can I do with them.

Fall color acorns

Fall color acorn earrings.

Flower necklace

2009-09-20T18:53:00.010-05:00

With the Flower cane I made, I came up with the design of the necklace shown here. I am not satistfied with it yet, so it will sit on my table for a couple of day. But I finished the tutorial for my flower cane. Nothing fancy, but I am sure the beginner would enjoy it.

Here is the link to my EASY FLOWER CANES.

Here are some of the earrings I made using the flower canes. I will post the tutorail about that later.

My first Dahlia

2009-09-15T21:47:00.008-05:00

Finally, my first, my very own, Dahlia is in full bloom.

You might have seen pictures of beautiful Dahlias from Scott's garden. Among other things, Scott is the Dahlia Master. This spring, Scott sent me a box of 20 dahlia tubers, so I can plant them in my garden. Unfortunately, my yard is very shady under tall tree's canopy and Dahlia loves full sun. I found a semi-sunny spot and plant 15 of them, only 10 sprout. Gave a way 2 to my friend and send 3 with my husband so he can grow behind the shop. They were eaten by the rabbit along with other flowers

In the box, came a page long instruction, a bag of slug bate and a bag of bone meal. I also got instruction via e-mail, something like the use of Vaseline and tie to the pole, ;), etc. It was a lot of work but something for me to do in the morning after getting out of bed before I go on with my daily routine.

By the time Scott was cutting his first bucket of Dahlia from his garden, I got my first, little, tiny bud. By the time Scott was cutting his third bucket, my first Dahlia is finally bloom. I told him about it and he said YEH! Scott's dahlias was about the size of dinner plate,about 6"to 8" to 12", mine is about a size of Barbie's dinner plate, about 2". I have about 25 buds waiting to open and I hope they bloom before winter.

I also got a lot of inspiration from pictures of the Dahlia that Scott sent me. Two years ago I was lucky enough to get a vase full of flowers from his garden when he came in town. They are so beautiful and so elegant. The form and color of each one are so seductive, I just want to grab a brush, paint, canvas and pretend that I was Georgia O'Keeffe and made those flowers came alive on my painting. Only in my dream.

I put a tutorial about how I made my EASY LEAF CANE on my other blog, and I will show how I make the flower cane later on. This is very funny because I used to swear that I will not make cane. I changed my mind then. LOL

I am in the process of putting those flowers and leaves into a necklace. Will show that later.

P.S. The Vaseline will help prevent some bugs to climb up the plant by rubbing it to the stem, and dahlia plants are tall and slender so they need to be tie to a pole or plant stake, especially when you have a big, giant flowers like Scott has.

My old house

2009-09-07T13:46:00.003-05:00

This is the picture of the living room of my nephew's house. He just turns 30. I was taking care of him when he was born until he was 2. I came to US to go to school and ended up staying here for 27 years. I went home every 2-3 years but did not have a chance to spend time with him. Thanks to Facebook, I am now reconnected with my nephew again. He follows our footstep and became an artist, a designer. He designed and built this house on the land behind our old house. Instead of living in the condo, highrise in the city, he choose to live on the ground. You can see through the window, on the background, my old house. It must be almost 100 years old, built with teak wood so it withstand the climate for 4 generations.
You can see more of his house Krit & Mariko's house here. Notice the Japanese influence in the design and the way he left the space for the existing tree. Love it, love it.
Also the dinning table was the one that we used since we were kids.
Next year we will tear down the old house, keep the wood, of course, and build a studio for him. I am so proud of my nephew, and can't wait to see what he comes up with the new addition.
Krit and I had agreed to do corroborated work for Synergy 2 next year. He asked what can I make with Polymer Clay, and I told him that I can make just about anything with Polymer clay. We will see.

First Tutorial after a while

2009-09-03T14:01:00.006-05:00

I just finished posting a new tutorial on my other blog and realized how much I missed doing this. So checkit out.
Nothing fancy, just how to make a mold and used it for texture.

Shell texture earrings Tutorial

Ok, I give up

2009-09-02T23:45:00.007-05:00

Yes I did. Why? Because the idea of me making up a project and send it to the publisher so it will get publish and I will be able to collect some money for my idea, seems like I have to do some work, lots of work and I just want to play. I have saved up a few projects, took pictures and wrote down the instruction, but I have never send them in. The though of holding it back for 6 months or a year till they get published seem like an eternity. Then the new idea became an old idea and I wouldn't care more or less about it.
I will dig them out and post them on my blog, just like before.

Sorry I have to break up my promises, but I have to follow my heart.

So I will start today with how I covered the tin at the retreat.

I covered the tin with a sheet of Green clay, then pinched out a tiny bit of clay (with finger nail)and rolled it into a tiny ball, rolled it into a tiny snake, and kept rolling on one side till I get a point. Then I used the needle to picked up each one and push it into the base. I called this "Katherine Dustin Wanna be" process.

Next, I made a dandelion (I'll show you how I made it later), some leaves, a tiny house, a lady bug, some stone path and stuck them on the base. Filled the entire surface with green grass.

For the tiny pebbles, I pinched out a tiny piece of clay from different color clay, rolled into tiny balls and flatten them lightly. Lined them up randomly. With my finger, I pressed lightly on to those pebbles (they will stick to finger), then pressed them on to the side of the base.

The Monarch butterfly is the cane made by my friend, Scott. I cut a thick slide off the cane, trimmed off the translucent around it, stuck a small copper wire into it, pushed the other end into the dandelion. Called it "The greener grass on the other side of the fence" and I won.

Maureen Carlson, my table mate called it "The Who's House". So I made a matching ring with a mushroom on top where the "Who" family went camping this summer.

I hope you like it. Now that I feel much better, please come back because I have more to share.

IPCA Retreat - Chicago

2009-07-19T21:48:00.005-05:00

I had a chance to attend the IPCA retreat last week. It was a wonderful experience and I had a great time. This is my first retreat and it sure won't be the last. As you know, I haven't been able to sit down and clay and finish a project as I want to. The first day I was there, I was lost, confused and felt guilty that I left my daughter home. I sat down at the table in the back of the room, next to me was Maureen Carlson, whom I met at Synergy last year and Leslie Blackford.
As people start walking around the room, some familiar faces, some new faces stopped by my table and looked at my rings. I showed everyone how to make it and Christi F. wanted to buy one, then Lisa P. wanted one. I ended up selling and making more rings each day.
I have to admit that I can't sit still or stand still long enough for the demo. There are many artist who demo and shared their wonderful techniques. Most of the time when I saw other artist's works, instead of asking them how they do it, I like to figure out myself. The challenge of trying to figure out how they do it is more exciting.

I finally had time to sit with Leslie Blackford and she showed me how to make these bird. She grew on me. These two lovely birds I made while she was stepping out and told me to do something with it. LOL It is not easy to think outside the box, but I think I got the hang of it.

Speaking of box. Lisa P. gave us a small tin to cover. I just finished the pink and purple ring above so I decided to make some grass with a Dandelion (the official flower of my yard). The beautiful butterfly is a cane made by Scott.

We went out to dinner and I told people that I did not read Dr. Seuss books for my kids when they were young because it did not make sense to me. Maureen was talking about the "Who" so I made a tiny little house for the "Who" under the Dandelion. The title of the box is "The greener grass on the other side of the fence". I won 1st place and received a box full of wonderful things from Lisa P.

It was nice to get away so I can clear my head, gather some thought and feel good about myself again. Driving home during midnight hour by myself was quite a challenge though. So many clay friends who care about me and my daughter just filled up my heart over the weekend. Spending an evening with my best Friend and his mom was memorable. To be able to get out of the house and be sure that Ada will be very well taken care of is a good feeling.

Life is still good.

Wild things are back

2009-06-15T14:16:00.005-05:00

Yes, "Wild things" is trying to make a come back. I am able to get more hours for the nurse to come and stay with Ada, so I can sit at my work table longer. There are a few changes even though I can sit and work as long as I can. My table is in front of Ada's room and I am still going in and out as she might needs me. First, I start making cane. Oh yes, if you know me, this is a big one. I am able to make a few flower canes to use in the pendants and beads. Love those skinner-blend and had to use the last piece of it, so I stacked them up. By using Mokume gane technique, I came up with another pendant. This is getting more fun.

Second, I am using the same design or similar one, this way I can make enough beads to finish a necklace or two using the same color palette.

Third, using the same clay so I can get the same color or same hues every time. I started using different clays and had to go back to Fimo because the colors does not blend in together easily. For example. if I run red and yellow through the pasta machine, I do not want orange line between them. Is that make any sense? Fimo is more firm and good for caning.

Hope you like them. More are coming up.

UFO-Unfinished Object

2009-06-03T21:07:00.004-05:00

I have some free time today so I looked through my stuff and found some UFOs. Since I had made a whole bunch of small beads fro the bracelet, I am able to find enough matching beads for them.

Those "Bubble" pendants I made a few years ago. They were quite a hit back then. The copper components were made for decoration or using with scrapbook.

The donut pendant is the last stone I bought from Hong Kong. With a little bit of this and that, I finally finished the necklace.

You can imagine my work table is full of beads and things. I work better with everything at my finger tip. Bad habit, I know.

Stone pendant, pebbles, Polymer Clay beads and pendants, Czech glass beads, seed beads, Thai silver beads, waxed cord, copper components.

Pen and Paper

2009-05-27T20:48:00.007-05:00

The last time I had to take Ada to visit the doctor , I grabbed a sketchbook and some pens with me. I started drawing a flower and kept on going. Pretty soon, I filled up the page. I used to bring beads to string, but one time I spilled all my beads on the floor. Not good.

These are flowers, not any thing in particular, but I like flower.

I felt peaceful and calm, almost like meditation. By keeping my hand busy, I stopped thinking or worrying. I have a few more pages and my friends suggested that I make a stamp sheet out of it. What do you think?

Premium recycled drawing paper, Micron01 pen by Sakura; blue. Faber-Castell - Pitt artist pen; Sepia.

My favorite necklace

2009-05-27T20:30:00.004-05:00

I bough the orange Lucite beads from Natural Beads a couple years ago at bead&Button Show in Milwaukee. I went a few times with my friends and made friends with so many vendors that they will give me special discount. It is one thing I really missed.
Not sure what to do with the beads, I liked them and bought them any way.
Last week I went to the local Art shows with friends. My son told me to wear this necklace so I did. A few compliments and someone even asked whether I bought it from the show.
I usually don't hang on to what I made but I really like this one.
Mokume Gane technique, Fimo clay; orange gold, brown, caramel and a sheet of foil in between.

Re-strung

2009-05-26T17:39:00.003-05:00

This is one of the two necklaces I have. In January I mailed all of my jewelry to Thailand so my friends would auction them off at Class Reunion. It was a hit. Everything went home with someone. It made me feel good that my friends, who were very picky, and most of my classmates still working as Architects, actually like them.

This necklace did not travel to the other side of the world. Call me picky, but I don't like the way it look. So today I decided to re-strung this necklace. By replacing the red cord with the brown cord, The necklace looks lighter and much better.

I haven't make any necklace for a while. I need more time to sit down at the table and gather all the toughs., to preciously execute the technique to achieve the result that I want. These days I just make tiny, little beads for the bracelets and ankle bracelets.

I am not sure anyone still read my blog. I will blog more often and show you what I made. Nothing totally new, but I still clay. Oh I did some drawing too. Will tell you later.

Mokum Gane technique, Fimo clay and Premo clay. Patterns were made with a piece of Medical divice.

Steampunk Chameleon

2009-05-21T19:16:00.008-05:00

Here is the Steampunk Chameleon I made during Christie F. workshop. I thought I could spend more time with her, but Ada was sick and had to go to the hospital. It was so nice to meet and said hello to on-line friends who took times to come.

Many had sent items or items for the auction. Kathy and Le Anne were so overwhelmed with the generosity . We had received about 80 items. It turns out to be a big task, so please be patient while we figure out what to do. We will put it on e-bay.

I still playing with clay when I have a chance. Just making simple beads and make some bracelets. It is hard to do big project since I barely have time to sit at my table.

I also make these dangling things. It can be used to decorate the cell phone or hanging on the purse. It is the good way to use odds and ends. Rachael, Ada's friend, who comes to see Ada every Thursday is getting married. I make those for her as wedding favor. I think I need to make about 200. No fear. As for my own wedding favors, I hand-painted 1000 key chains by myself. Oh yes, we had that many guests at the wedding. It was an all day long event, started from 7.00 am through midnight.

Another good new is that I will have a chance to go to the retreat in July. An angle had grant my wish. Thinking about claying all day make me feel guilty, but I do need to leave the house and do my thing.

I am so touch with the kindness and generosity of Polymer Clay community. One group in particular is the "Claypen" at Polymer Clay Central chat room. Every Thursday at 11.30 am., claypens from around the world will come together and share what we make, ask questions, answer questions, and talk about everything. Here is the photo album of what we made and share every week. Stop by if you have time. Log in through Polymer Clay Central. Those girls rock.

A slide show from CF workshop.

Christi Friesen workshop

2009-02-20T11:45:00.000-06:00

Christi Friesen Workshop & Benefit April 17-19, 2009 Indianapolis
Christi Friesen has offered to do a 3 day workshop, April 17, 18, and 19th, 2009. Three fun-filled days of generously discounted classes. The Indiana Bead Society can't begin to thank Christi for her help in this event.
This workshop is a benefit event for polymer clay artist Ponsawan Silapiruti 's daughter, Ada. You may know the story: On March 2, 2008, Ada was a vibrant, caring young woman full of life, excitement, and promise. On March 3rd 2008 she was in a coma with brain damage and broken bones. Hit by a drunk driver that sustained no damage. The world changed for Ponsawan, Ada, and their family.
Full details and online registration at: http://indianabeadsociety.org/class-friesen.htm
The Indiana Bead Societ hopes that you'll attend the classes or consider a donation to Ada (and Ponsawan). Ponsawan blogs about Ada's progress at http://dearada.blogspot.com .
Featured work by Ponsawan Silapiruti. "You are the Sunshine of My Life"

You are the sunshine of my life

2009-02-09T12:48:00.001-06:00

Mosaic in Clay

2009-01-29T09:00:00.007-06:00

"Five Maids a Laying"

From scarf pin to wall art, one technique leading to another, between changing and feeding my daughter, the desire to paint and making something big enough to hang on the wall, combination of mosaic and quilting, and everything else in between, I came up with this, what-should-we-call-it, Mosaic in Clay.

This piece is 6"x12" in dimension, the small square mosaic pieces are 1 cm. x1 cm. Some pieces were made with canes that I made and some with canes made with my friends. Look closely for the details.

I wish I had more canes but it is not the thing I like to make. Each mosaic was formed by my fingers. Most of them are different but there are a few "look alike". It's perfect for me who "get bored easily and hate repetition, and can't sit still very long". I can work on one color at a time, get it done and start on another color the next day.

I start out by making a small piece, 6"x6", baked and mounted on the board. Here's the pictures of the first 2 pieces.

After baking, I found out that the colors got darker and all the details in each piece made it looks "too busy". So I decided to try a bigger piece which I ran in to a small (or big) problem of baking it. My clay oven is too small, I have to sneak it in the "real" oven.

I can make each pieces, bake them and glue them together, like a real mosaic", but the way that the pieces fit together gave out the result that none other material can do. I can also burnish them together and it will look more like painting (go back and see the pin from the last post).

Again, this is just the beginning of some thing big and fun that I will be making. Hope you come back and visit more often.
Hugs

P.S. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK.............

Most of the flower canes I used were made by Keila Hernandez, some are from C.A. Therien and some from Scott Mizevitz. The bull-eye and geometric canes are mine.
Before I start, I made up a bunch of little pieces 1 cm x1 cm. with different colors, many from scrap clay, skinner blend sheet, slides from Mokume gane, and many I make at the spor to make sure get the piece with color that I want.

Here is the piece with random color which is more fun and easier to make.

If you have some canes left over or canes ends that you don't ues, you can send them to me. It would make the piece more interesting details.

P.S. I will offer the "Mosaic In Clay" for sale at my ETSY store (Silastones) as soon as I think they are good enough for sale. So far I only finished 3 pieces and not totally happy about them. Different designs are in the process. Thank you

I thought you would never ask

2009-01-10T23:31:00.004-06:00

Anonymous said...
With no pins, how do these stay on?:)Thanks.

Finally,

someone had read my blog again. Yeh. Here are pictures of the back of the pin.

I embedded the wire into the back of the pin, and bent it into 2 hooks. Then I tied the elastic hair tie to one hook, wrap the pin and elastic around the scarf (second pic.) then hung the elastic to the second hook. Val la!

The elastic holds the scarf snugly so you can use it with thicker or thinner scarf, and if you lost the elastic, you can easily replace it.

Now, I promise, I will write the tutorial, someday, when I have more time. :)

Pinless Scarf Pins

2008-12-11T22:31:00.010-06:00

On the day that I finished my last scarf pin, I burnt my right hand, my stove, the hood, part of the cabinet and almost burnt down the kitchen. But I finished all the pins I want to make, so here they are.

The first set are pins that covered with the sheet of slide canes that I made.

These two were made with the same cane but different arrangement. They look totally different. Amazing!

Now these pins are much more fun because they were made with scrap clay. I was not happy at first when everyone seems to like these pins more than the first set. Well, I spent so much time making canes, slide them carefully and line them up perfectly, but with the scrap clay, I just kinna throw them together. Not fair.

Well, I did enjoy making those pins and people seem to like the idea of this "pinless scarf pin".

I added the curly-q from the thin strip of Skinner Blend sheet as my signature on the pin. For you; Susan Lomuto.

Oh, I do have another thing on my list to do for 2008; I want to make big, wall piece. I actually start working on it, so, hopefully, I will get it done by 2009.

I won't be able to clay for a while. I hope I sold all the scarf pins. All of the necklace and bracelets will be sent to Thailand for the auction at the class reunion. We will get a new kitchen and I hope next year, things will be better for us.

2008 New Year's Resolution List

2008-12-01T17:43:00.013-06:00

It is almost 2009 and I finally have a chance to look back at the list of things I want to do in 2008. It was the same list I had for 2007. First, I promise to learn to make canes. Not that I don't know how, there are so many tutorials out there and lots of advice from the experts who always laugh at me because I don't make canes. Second, I want to make Scarf pin. Third, I want to get into more art shows.

Last month I saw a tutorial on-line. It is different. Not a flowers cane but more like geometric design. I gave it a try, with a twist, I came up with these cool designs the I am excited about. I am not going to take any credits for it. I'm sure someone out there had done this before, but, the point is; I am making canes.

And here they are.

I cut them up into thin pieces and put them together.

Now the scarf pins. I have been thinking about the design for a while. The object is to make a pin with no-pin, but will hold the scarf together, light weight and look like a piece of artwork. And here they are.

The flowers on the pin are from canes that I bought from Keila Hernandez. The white flowers are mine. Not bad, ha.

About the shows, oh well, I'm sure you all know what had happened to my daughter, but I do have one show coming up this Saturday at Eitlejorg Museum.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the love and supports that I got from the Polymer Clay community. Instead of turning out the light and cry myself to sleep, I pick up the clay and play with them, make something . I also go on-line, check out other artist's works which always gave me an itch, to Clay.

Passage through Hong Kong

2008-10-21T18:40:00.007-05:00

This summer I had a chance to visit Hong Kong for a couple of days with my friend, Angkana. You can read about my trip HERE. As we strolled along the narrow steps from street to street, we came upon the vendor who sell souvenirs near the Antique Dealer district. I stopped and looked. An old couple greet me with smiles. It is the Eastern traditional amoung the street merchants that the first customer is very important. Buying or not, this will dictate how yours day will be. So as a first customer, I always buy something, which mean I can make a bargain and also get a good price. Angkana was waiting patiently while I sort through trays pendants, ran my fingers through tray of beads, picking and looking. For me, it was like a treasure hunt. I must get the best one. An hour passed and I realized that Angkana must had enough of looking at the stone. She must be curious and wanted to knows what would do with a pile of stone that I bought that day. Well, my dear Angkana, this one for you. I had turned them into beautiful necklaces.
Thanks for being my friend.
My new collection, using stone pendants, metal pieces, loose beads that I bought from Hong Kong, and my own polymer clay beads, as well as "stuff" that I had from years and years of making jewelry. Some of the necklaces are half way done. My friend said I must have spout hands to be able to work on top of taking care of Ada 24-7. This is what I do when I can get away, to enjoy myself, to relax and to forget about the horrible things that happen to my life. I need to use my talent so I will not run out of creative juice.
I hope you like them too. I am selling these necklaces at "Twisted Sisters" and if you want any of these, just email me.

My "High Flying" Son

2008-10-16T17:03:00.002-05:00

My son, Archie, is specialized in defying gravity. Since he was 5 years old and got his first lesson in Gymnastic, he had put his strength and ability to the limit. Almost humanly impossible sometime.
This past weekend, Archie, the B-Boy, was invited to perform his dance at the new, International Indianapolis Airport and he actually gets paid to do that. Isn't that sweet. he came back home with dislocated shoulder and a sore hand that will need surgery next month, but he is happy and I am too.
I am working on my new collection, using materials that I bought from Hong Kong. Please come back at the end of this month and help me celebrate.
Since we had to remodel our home to make it suitable for our daughter, I have a space near Ada's room where I can work and be near her. I think she like to watch me while I am working and I'm sure she is happy that I can find time to do things that I like. It's the way I cope and keep my sanity.

Donation

2008-10-06T21:52:00.002-05:00

If you would like to donate money to help Ada and our family, please visit Ada's blog; www.dearada.blogspot.com. The donate button has been installed. It money will be sent via PayPal.
I also would like to run an auction site for her. Many friends would like to donate something that can be auction off. May be we should put them on ebay. Do you have any suggestion? With ebay, we will get connected worldwide. It's a lot of work but I will get more help soon.
Thanks for those who already made the contribution. And thank to Kim Cavender for the post on her blog. Big hugs to everyone.

Twisted Beads, Jana Robert Benson's style

2008-09-30T19:44:00.006-05:00

During the past 6 months that I was away from home, my clay and my pasta machine, surfing the Internet is the only thing that connect me to the outside world. Reading other people blogs, websites and watched my clay friends put their new works on-line make me envy. Every chance I get, I clay. It help me kept my sanity and gave me hope that someday, I will be able to put my new works on my blog again.
With a few minutes here and there, while running from home to the hospital, and a few pack of clays, I can make a few small beads. Put them on the tile and carefully place the tile in the cigar box, bring it home and bake so I can make a few bracelet while I was away. That's how the "Hurricane Beads" came about and I don't need to use pasta machine to make those beads. Jana Robert Benson's twisted beads always make me feel exciting. Last night I came up with these twisted beads made with the mess up "Hurricane beads". They look cute and very organic, and unpredictable. They are fun to make.
Ada and I are home now. I will have a new studio next to her room so I can work and play with clay.
May be, when I have more time to sit down, I can make a larger one.
Thanks Jana.

Here's the bracelet I just finished.

Very "Ponsawan" I might say.

I think I got my "muse" back. What do you think?

Now that I have a bowl of beads

2008-09-19T16:51:00.012-05:00

Now that I have a big bowl of colorful beads, I can start making something fun. During the summer, I strung them with some seed beads, tied them up with the waxed cord that I have, and turned them into ankle bracelets. Make it shorter, I get the bracelet, make it a little longer and I get a necklace. This has worked out well because:
1. I cannot repeat myself, yet I still making one-of-a-kind necklaces because they will never look the same.
2. Customers who prefer handmade jewelry are so happy to wear my pieces. It is almost like I made it especially for them when they were told that I made my own beads.
3. With the same material and design concept, I like to experiment many different styles.
4. All I need are some pretty seed beads that will only enhance and compliment with my own beads.
5. I used my handmade button as a clasp so I don't have to worry about the price of the silver that had gone up to the "not affordable" items. The piece looks all together as a complete design.
Ok, I have been making jewelry for many years, this is the design that complete itself and I am still having fun making them.
Many nurses and therapists had become a proud owner of my bracelets. I hope it would remind them of Ada and mom and the time that we spent together. Thank you for everyone who help taking good care of my daughter during our 6 months staying away from home.

Making my own beads

2008-09-19T16:51:00.008-05:00

Now that Ada and I had settled down at home, I can continue to blog again. So many things to share but let me start with these little "Hurricane Beads" I made with scrap clay. During the past 6 months, while I stay in the hospital and nursing home with Ada, I found sometime to make small bracelets and anklets and sell them to the nurses. I used to visit my friend who sells good quality Czech beads, but I found out that most people cannot tell the different between top quality glass beads and cheap, China made beads. So I started playing with left over clay and come up with a small size, colorful beads that customer can appreciated more because they are all hand-made.

Not only I have a perfect size beads, but also the color I want and the hole is running from side to side, not top to bottom, which make it lay flat when stung.
I also make the small buttons to use as clasp.
Last week, when Ike landed in Houston, I watch the weather Chanel and it occurred to me that my little beads look like the eye of the hurricane. These beads are easy to make and tomorrow I will show you what I made with those beads.
Happy to be back blogging again. Thanks for everyone who left comments and visit Ada's blog.

With clay in hand

2008-08-04T02:11:00.003-05:00

Hello clay friends,
After 5 long months, I can go home in the evening and sleep on my own bed and get a chance to play with clay for a few hour before I go to bed.
My daughter will come home soon and I will becoming a stay-at-home mom again, but this time, I cannot wait to stay home. More time to clay and being able to sell my jewelry on-line is such a blessing. I found a few more local shops that want to sell my jewelry and my friends in Thailand had already place the orders.
I am beginning to pick up the pieces of my life.
Hugs

Dear Ada

2008-03-20T22:13:00.003-05:00

I decided to set up another blog for my daughter, so I can update her condition as well as celebrate her life.
Read all about it at www.dearada.blogspot.com

minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day

2008-03-13T08:37:00.002-05:00

It had been 16,320 minute, 272 hour, or 11 and a half day since my daughter accident, still, she is in coma. She is showing sign of reflect action; moving her arms and legs when gets pinch, open her eyes half way, twisting her body. She's still unconscious, but hopefully the doctor can wean out the drugs and she can regain consciousness by her own, we hope. No promising what so ever.
I stopped crying after 7 days, no more tear to cry. Fighting my way into the crowded visitor room, gather some couch, chairs and table. I sleep there during the night so I can catch the doctor in the morning then go home. I can see her anytime I want. Many of her friends and my friends had stopped by all day. Many had dropped off dinner. I had my moment but the anger had subsided but the fear of the unknown had set in. What if, what if, what if.
Let's pause our lives for a minute, give your love one a hug, tell them you love them, because you will not know what will happen in the next minute. next hour, or next day. Group hug everyone.
Thanks for all the kind words, pray and encouragement.
Ponsawan

And the wall came tumbling down

2008-03-03T05:39:00.003-06:00

Nobody like bad news, but I think I have to tell.
Start with good news. Coming back from Synergy, I received several emails from Magazine Editor who interested in my works and want an article as well as a book.
Then the parent's worst nightmare began. My daughter got a car accident. A (apparently) drunk driver had hit her car head on. With severe brain injury, fracture skull, broken ankle, she is fighting for her life at Critical care unit at the hospital. She is still in coma and I am fighting to be strong.
Sorry about the bad news. Please remember me, I'll be back when I can get my life together.
Hugs
Ponsawan

Out of comfort zone

2008-02-29T01:28:00.009-06:00

I took the "Creative Spark" seminar with Dayle Doroshow at Synergy. One of the exercises we did was that each of us had to pick up 4-5 paint chips with color of our choice from the table. Then we had to pass them on to the person that sit next to us. "Do something with those colors" she said. Trying to lead us out of our comfort zone. Go home and do something with it.

My neighbor handed me her choice of color. These are not my color palate. I started to get panic. I have to come up with something quick before I throw those paint chips into my bag and pretend that I've never seen them before. I made a quick sketch and told my neighbor to write down her name and email address. I'll do something with it, I promise her.

It was 1:30 am when I stumbled upon those paint chips. Just do it now, I told myself. Frantically looking for the right color clay. Darn it, this is not my color. Finally, I started mixing the color, as close as possible to the paint chip. How can I put those colors together? Add some pearl into each color. Technique? Skinner blend, of course, works like a charm.

It was 3:00 am when I finished this pendant. It's not my color palate, it's not symmetrical, it is not quite "me" but I like it.

I'll mail this out to Bonnie Platner, my neighbor. Hope she like it too.

Next, I will attempt "Dan Cormier's Blend". It should be fun.

Good night for now.

P.S. This experience can cause painful headache, nauseous, or a panic attack. Please proceed with caution. Take some Advil and a deep breath. Come on , be brave.

Sunday morning in Baltimore

2008-02-26T22:21:00.011-06:00

I got up early on Sunday, packed up and headed out the door with my camera. Grant had mentioned about more beautiful buildings up the street, so I went. A short walk turned into a three hour tour.

Travelling alone is not as bad as I thought. I did a lot of thinking and analysing of myself. I really like looking at the building, the structure, the details and the design. I took many pictures of buildings, cityscape, landscape, garden and flowers. What is so special about those buildings you might ask? The design, the process of how you can turn the idea that you have in your head on to the paper, then turn the 2 dimension drawing into the 3 dimension object. Artists with the background in design can see thing differently. We think in 3D. I usually have the whole design of the necklace in my head when I start unwrap the clay package.

So, to all my blog fans, please come along as I attempt to put "The Architectural side of me" and "The Polymer Clay side of me" together and become "One".

For more pictures of the City of Baltiome, you can see them here.

At the Banquet

2008-02-25T00:04:00.002-06:00

I can't remember what I had for the main course, chicken may be. But I do remember the dessert.

Good night from Synergy

2008-02-23T22:00:00.003-06:00

Last day, an emotional day, I don't want it to end. So much to see, so much to learn, so many people I want to talk too.
This morning I was escorted to the convention hall by the nice young man whose last name is longer than mine. I was admiring the Architectural details of the old buildings in downtown Baltimore, Grant was on his way so we walked together. I took some more pictures of those building and will do more tomorrow before going to the airport. I went downstair to ACC show to help my friend, Wiwat at his booth. Stopping at Ford&Forlano (again), many new pieces were on display today and they are different from what we had seen before in their works. More colors, bright color, more details, small pieces piece together. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches that shows great design, high level of craftsmanship that took 20 some years to develop. While I was down there, someone asked to buy the flower ring that I wore. I looked around and sold it. People are spending money on arts and crafts, lots of money which is good news.
All the seminars at synergy were aimed to teach you how to think, how to design, how to develop your own style, to help you get your work to the next level. I am ready to go home, get on my pasta machine, and find new possibilities, new things that I can make with clay.
I also sold 3 necklaces at the gallery, thank you very much. I also gathered enough courage to talk to Jeff Dever and tell him how much his works had inspired me since the first day that I saw his work in the magazine.
This Polymer clay community are full of generous people. Everyone is so nice to me. Donna Kato gave me a hug and showered me with lots of kind words. She told me to keep doing what I am doing. I hope I can keep it up.
I will miss walking back to the hotel with Maureen Carlson and other girls. It was a nice walk. The one I will remember as well as all the experiences I have at Synergy. I will definitely do it again next year. You should come too.

Synergy

2008-02-22T21:00:00.005-06:00

Hello from Synergy
Marian and Thezeda thought I should look more presentable at the conference. They dragged me to the mall to get my eye brown arched (and it hurt really bad), get my nail done and tried on some make up. I went home to dye my hair. It took so much effort to make me look dolled up. Scott reminded me to take business card, my medicine and toothbrush. I tried not to forget anything. It is strange to travel alone, I haven’t done that often.
Ada came home, finally. We talked, she cried, not certain of what to do next. She likes it there in Paris. Very cultural, she said, and people are nice. She cooked Thai food for the family and they love it. I don’t know she can cook.
I finally get to Baltimore in the afternoon, stepping out of the Hotel, and there she was, Mrs. Carol Duvall herself along side with Donna Kato. I wait quietly until Donna turned around and say “Hi Ponsawan”. Wait a minute, she actually knows my name. “I love your work” she said. Ah, excuse me! I just smiled, mumbled thank you. Can't say anything else, I lost my jaw, dropped it on the side walk.
And it had been like that the whole day, many people told me they read my blog and love it. I saw some familiar faces like Grant Diffendaffer, Marla Frankenberg, Judy Belcher, Kim Cavender, Maureen Carlson, Christi Friesen, Kelly Russell, Keila Hernandez. Some long distance friends; Bettina and Iris Mishly. Some famous bloggers; Cynthia Tinapple, Susan Lomuto. My blog’s fans; Jana Roberts Benzon, Seth Savarick and many others who had told me “I love your blog”. Now this is quite overwhelming to me. I better stop blogging until I figure it out what is going on. LOL NOT! I took a seminar with Dan Comier, it was about the new way to make the blend. It got me so excited. Can’t wait to get home and try it. This is good stuff.
The gallery was the highlight of the day. Finally I get to see all the works that had given me all the inspiration and courage to design, to create, to make beautiful things. I saw the works of Jeff Dever, Kathleen Dustin, Elise Winters, Louise Fischer Cozzi, just to name a few.
My roommate from Canada (Cynthia Blanton) thought I was quite a celebrity today. LOL
I am happy to be here among all other fine artists. The first time in 26 years living in this country, I felt that I belong. This is my world, and I am here to stay.
Second day was even better. I hung out at Christi Friesen's table, she handed me some clay to play with. You got to clay everyday, she said. Many new products from many vendors. I bought some faux bone started playing with it right away. Mike and I introduced our self to Staedlter. We both won the Hope-on-a-rope contest last week at CHA. My friend, Wiwat had a booth at ACC show down stair, so I went to see him. Stopping at Kathleen Dustin's booth gave me goose bump. Her new line of Pot purse is so incredible. It gave me hope that, next 20 years, my works can look like her, if I try harder. I had complete my list of what to see when I went to Ford&Forlano booth. Don't make me describe it, i can't. It is my ultimate dream come through to see their works in person. You got to see their works with your own eyes. What can I say? I must have a big crush on those guys who working with Polymer clay. I worship their works. All the edgy design and imagination that we, women can't express.
Tomorrow, I will go down to see Ford&Forlano's works again and again. He might have to shuffle me off his booth. What can I say? I lost my jaw, drop it so many times, many places.
Good night and will report back to you tomorrow.
P.S. For more interesting notes about the seminar, please fast forward to my Synergy roommate; Cynthia Blanton @ www.cynthiablanton.blogspot.com

Hope-on-the-rope

2008-02-13T22:24:00.003-06:00

Here is the picture of the Hope-on-the-rope necklace that got me into the winner circuit. I won the Best use of Fimo category. It is a fun necklace. I connected 2 little bottles together to resemble the hour glass, then fill it with tiny little hearts. If you flip it over, the little hearts will fall through to the bottle below. It is designed with kid in mind, just like a toy that a child can play with while getting a treatment or waiting for the doctor to come in. The name of the necklace is Time & Love will heal. It is a perfect theme for Valentines' Day, Isn't it.
You can view the top 25 winner's necklace at www.amaco.com
Congratulation to all the winners. We did good, didn't we? And all for the good course.
Happy Valentines' Day everyone. May peace and love be with you at all time.

Synergy, here I come

2008-02-04T22:04:00.001-06:00

I just sign up for Synergy, the conference in Baltimore. First, I'm not sure if I should attend, but when my Green necklace was featured on Polymer Clay Daily, I felt like Cynthia Tinapple was calling me. I should go. This is a chance to put myself out there with other polymer clay artists whome I had been admired for years. A chance to display my works in the same room, same table with "those famous names". I consider myself a beginner compare to those famous names, so this is also a chance to learn, to explore and find out how far I can stretch my creativity, my imagination, and my ideas.
So, go to my Etsy store and buy something, so I don't have to live on cheese and cracker while I'm there. Thanks for you support. :)
Hugs.
Thank you. I would like to sincerely thank the Synergy staff who had worked hard to make everything ready for next week. I like the fact that all my e-mails and requests have been taking care of on the same day. Did you guys ever sleep? :) I think I will give everyone a big hug when I get there.

Ada in Paris

2008-02-04T21:49:00.000-06:00

My daughter is in Paris. She went to visit her boyfriend who came over to visit her last August. I told her that if he ever gets himself all the way here across the Atlantic ocean, maybe he really loves her. Remember when we were young and stupid and in love. LOL. I let her go, follow her heart, so at the end of this romantic story, there won't be any "what if" or "I should have". She is happy and David is very nice to her, I like him a lot. She will be back, I think, I hope. I miss her a lot.

Sitting pretty

2008-01-30T20:53:00.000-06:00

My old friend in Thailand bought my necklace for his wife. He actually bought 2 necklaces for her. What a lucky lady!

She makes my necklace look good, doesn't she. Relaxing in her white shirt at the balcony of her condo, near a golf course, on top of the hill, in Phuket Island, Thailand. I envy her.

It mush be 85 degree there, with a nice warm breeze from the ocean and a nice sunshine. What am I doing here, in a freezing cold, in the frigit 19 degree? May be I should go home.

Will you miss me?

The morning after

2008-01-25T22:55:00.000-06:00

Last night, I stayed at the restaurant until 2 am. We open up the wall between the existing dinning room and a new bar area. It was excited. Dust flew all over the place. We have to wipe all the counter, table, chairs and wash all the dishes again. The construction guy broke the saw at about midnight, so we have to call his supervisor. Then he slipped and fell off the ladder. He was OK. The next morning we patch up the wall, put paint on and start wiping the white dust, again. Around 5 o'clock, my boss decided that we will let people sit at the other side, so we all on hands and knees cleaning up the room. We did not think we are going to make it today but all the guests wanted to sit in the other room. Here's why. I think it looks really nice. The bar is not quite finish yet, still a lot of work to do. More pictures and wall decoration will be hung.

The last picture is the view from the existing dinning room. We rearranged the furniture, added some new decoration and this restaurant will be "the place" to dine in Broad Ripple area.

Now I can go back to my clay table. :) Yeh.

Life coach

2008-01-13T23:41:00.000-06:00

This is a note that my friend, Cheryl, wrote for me. The first time we met, I was waiting her table at Thai resaturant. She gave me a compliment on my bracelet so I told her that I made it. Cheryl and Mary were about to open the new Bead Store at the time and she asked me if I would like to work with her. So we became friends. Fast forward to later when I was struggled with what to do with my 3 tray polymer clay beads and jewelry, Cheryl quickly mapped out what I should do and told me not to come back until I got part of it done. And I did.

Last year, we volunteered to be on the Board of Director for Indiana Bead Society together. She always email or slipped me a note before the meeting to tell me what to do and what to say. When I want something done, I called Cheryl and Mary. During the last 2 month when my life was such a mess, Cheryl came over with a note to tell me what to do, step-by-step. She is not only a good friend, but my life coach, my mentor and I cannot thank her enough to be there for me when I need her.

My commitment with Indiana Bead Society is done. Thanks to my team: Mary, Cheryl, Bonnie, Joyce, Francie and Carol. Now I can focus more on Polymer clay. I think I will ask Cheryl to map out what I should do this year. I know it is going to be a great year.

Under construction - Part 3

2008-01-09T15:51:00.000-06:00

The construction is moving along slowly, but we are happy with the outcome. The wall and ceiling are painted, track lights were mounted, now if we finish putting stain on the bar and cabinet, then we can cover the floor. Last night, with a little bit of my elbow grease, Austin and I stained the bar and tonight we will work on the cabinet. We already laid out the equipment behind the bar, and, wheww...., everything fit together like it meant to be. I got a permission to decoupage the big table at the far end of the wall. It shapes like a lip, so I will have fun with that, (thinking about Mick Jagger), if I have time to do it. Work is crazy everyday, but I get up every morning and want to go to work, that's the good sign, right?

I still clay during the night, since I don't need much sleep like I used to. Funny how I always wonder why my parents can get up so early in the morning.

Here are some painting I was working on. They are small round discs that I will put frame on and turn then into pendants.

Thanks for everyone who email me and asked some questions. It is nice to know that someone actually read my blog.

Leather stamping tools

2008-01-07T23:46:00.001-06:00

I stopped by at the Leather Craft Store and bought some new stamping tools for my texture sheet. There are so many to choose from especially the leaves and flowers which I intend to use the most. For those of you who do not have a store near by, I will put these tools for sale on my Etsy store soon. Let me know if you are interested.

From pendant to necklace

2007-12-27T02:28:00.000-06:00

Here is the necklace put together from the pendant and beads that I made last week. I hope you enjoy the tutorial and try this technique for yourself. I do not wish to call this my own invention because it was the combination of techniques I've learned through my journey with Polymer clay and still, there is a lot to learn and explore.

I also made this Red necklace early this month. Shown, how I prepare the pendant and matching beads.

This necklace I sold to a gentleman who bought it for his wife. I sold 2 necklaces for another gentleman who also bought them for his wife too. They are all Red necklaces.

Now that I got this technique down to the science, it's time to explore a different one.

Here's what I am working on right now. Still, the technique needs to be refined but I've gotten a good result so far.

This one is a drawing from the book that my son gave to me as a present. It is a book with pretty photographs of the fishes and animals that live under the sea.

Sad to tell you that I bombed this pendant in the process, so it will sit in a jar until I figure it out what to do with it.

Oh, well, that's how we learn from our mistakes.

Questions & Answers

2007-12-23T22:18:00.000-06:00

Q: What kind of rubber stamp sheet that I use?
A: I used Barbara McGuire's rubber stamp sheet. www.barbaramcguire.com She is also on ETSY, you can order her stamp from there. Her stamps have deep grove and thin lines, perfect for the technique that I use.

Q: What kind of varnish that I used?
A: If I am using Metallic powder on my beads, I put on one coat or two of Fimo Gloss varnish. I used to put varnish on everything until the customer asked if I can make it Matt, so I stop putting varnish on my beads. I don't sand and buff my beads, occasionally, I brush on a thin coat of Future floor finish.
Sometime I sand and buff my pendants. It depends on the design and the look that I want. Most of the time I just rub it on my pants, or a piece of carpet to make it smooth and has a little bit of sheen on it.

Q: If you have any questions and want to ask me, what can you do?
A: Feel free to email me with any questions that you have. www.silastones@aol.com I am on-line all the time.

Q: You want to buy my jewelry, how?
A: I have my jewelry on consignment at Lilly's boutique in Zionsville. I also sell at craft shows and art shows around town. If you see something that you like, email me. First come, first serve, because most of my works are one-of-a-kind. I am also trying to put more stuffs on my ETSY store. My friend also sell my beads at Intergalactic bead show.

Thank you
Hugs
Ponsawan

Pendant 101

2007-12-18T00:10:00.000-06:00

I just post the tutorial on my other blog of how I made my pendant. You can see it HERE.
For the sake of the argument, many people had called it "Hidden Magic" technique. For me, there is no magic there because I was the one who hide the treasure underneath that Black&White sheet, so I know exactly what the result is going to be.
There are many different ways to do it and it is "Magic" because your will get the image that is unexpected, just like the techniques used by many French clayers.

***The rubberstam sheet that I used is from Barbara McGuire's. www.alteredartsource.com ***

What to do with a slab of Mokume Gane

2007-12-15T15:57:00.000-06:00

I really like this technique of layering the different color clays together, poke it with different kind of objects, then slide it with the thin blade and hope for the good. Rule of thumb that I use is to alternate the darker color with the lighter color, for example; dark blue, pearl, dark green, then light blue. Also sliding it in an angle will give you the pattern that looks like waves with bubbles.

Now what to do with it.

For this slab, I make the cuff, which was part of the claypen project then I covered the Altiod box. After shaving it for a while, with the bottom layer, I got myself a perfect pattern for the pendant. So I got 2 necklaces out of it and probable 2 pair of earrings and a ring that i am going to make next.

This way when I do the show, I can group my jewelry into a set with similar design and color. Now that I have Blue&Green, next will be Pink&Purple, Red&Copper, Brown&Orange, etc.

Under construction part 2

2007-12-13T16:15:00.000-06:00

The construction project is underway. I feel like myself again, walking through the construction site, checking the drawing, the dimension and picking out floor material, wall color and furniture. You can see the counter bar is taking shape, the liquor cabinet behind the bar with space for the big screen TV, the ceiling is ready for the track light and the floor is ready to covered with dark brown vinyl, wood look alike material which will prevent slippery when wet. All the materials used are soy sauce proof. You should see the contractor's face when he saw me pouring soy sauce on everything. LOL . After all, this is a Sushi restaurant and soy sauce do stains. Now, up stair will be the banquet room, I called it the "Red Room"

As you can see, it is RED, very red. I picked the color and love it. The dark brown color from ceiling and floor should tone it down. The utility pipe will be copper. A couple of Geisha paintings would definitely gave this room a talk of the town. I asked my boss if i can do Mural Painting upstairs. What do you think? We will cover the windows with Bamboo. My boss will visit Ikea next week to pick up the lighting and lamp shades.

We should have fun decorate the place. My boss totally trust me on this, which is nice. I hope we get it done in 3 weeks so we can have our New Year party in the "Red Room"

Recycled artwork

2007-12-11T22:04:00.000-06:00

Inspired by the post on Polymerclaydaily, I was looking for the way to alter these discs that I painted sometime ago. Not that it is ugly, but not good enough for me. Throw them away or do something with them. I started out by wiping them with the wet paper towel, some paint came off but left the nice blend of pastel color. With the Speedball carving tool in hand, I started carving it. First, the leaves, then swirly pattern. Not bad, ha!

I still have a box full of clay pieces that I made and don't know what to do with them. Cut them into small pieces and cover a counch, not a bad idea either.

Here are some discs that I put the frames on them. The "Sunset on the rough sea" is leaving to Paris with my daughter. The other were send to Thailand to be auction off at the Class Reunion along with a necklace, a bracelet and more pins. All the money will go to the good causes.

Gingko box

2007-11-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

More Altered Altiod boxes. This one I stamped the Black clay with Gingko stamp sheet which gave me a deep impression. I used another one of my Beauty Supply Store finds as paint.You are right! I was using the nail polish. The result is breathtakingly and stunningly pretty. Of course, inhaling the toxic fume from nail polish kinnda make me felt like I was using drug or something. :)

May be I should wait for summer so I can do this outside in the open air.

Deep Purple

2007-11-18T23:00:00.001-06:00

This is another box I just finish. The color purple is so pretty in person, it is so hard to take a good photograph.

This is a result from the "Beauty Supply Store" find. It had become my favorite place to go, right across the street from my store. They start giving me discount because they like what I made with the eyeshadow.

Black & White Beads

2007-11-18T22:51:00.000-06:00

I've, secretly, learn how to make cane. LOL. I always tell people that I don't make cane, just simple Jelly Roll. After helping "Cat" in her class at Bead&Button, I felt like I should give it a try. So, here they are. Just like most of my works, they look more "Graphic" than "Realistic". So don't ask me what kind of flowers are they. They are flower look alike.

Pearl Powder for Polymer Clay

2007-11-11T21:36:00.001-06:00

Here's the "secret" that I 'd promised to reveal. The metallic powder, or the Pearl powder that I used are eyeshadows. I stumbled into a Korean Beauty Supply store and saw these small bottles of eyeshadow, so I bought a few. The results are stunning and if these powders are to be used on your face then they should be non-toxic, right. They come in a small bottle which allowed me to buy several colors.

If you don't have a Korean Beauty store near by, or do not have enough courage to go in one, I offer these powders on sale at my ETSY store @10 bottles for $20.00.

If you happen to have the beauty supply store near you, may be, you should venture out of your way to discover something new and different. Be creative and don't forget to share.

P.S. You can order the powder from ETSY now, I ment to put 5 sets on there not just 1, duh. You can also email me or send in the check. Thanks for asking

More boxes

2007-11-11T14:14:00.000-06:00

2 more boxes, the Gold one is Rub N' Buff and the Blue one is made with the "Magic" Powder. :) Pretty, isn't it?

The Power of Mint

2007-11-08T23:57:00.000-06:00

My new toy, the Altoid box. Just decided last night that should give it a try. I finished 2 boxes. Both using Barbara McGuire's rubberstamp sheet.

The silver one I used Rub&Buff and the colors one I used the "secret" powder. LOL. I will tell you soon what they are and how to buy them.

I've asked Matt if he would save me his Altiod box after he had finished it. He put his mint in a plastic bag and gave me the box. Later, he makes a joke about a bag of mint that make him looks like a drug dealer. So, Matt, this one for you.

Don't under estimate the power of the Mint and the empty tin box covered with Polymer clay. I think he will like it.

And I will have many, many tins to cover in the up coming year.

All the leaves are Brown

2007-11-07T00:45:00.000-06:00

And the sky is Gray.

My leaves are Silver and Gold. :)

These are my new leaf pins with magnet backing. Simple to make but looks sophisticate, isn't it? Light weight but durable. Thanks to my private on-line tutor. Without your technical support, it won't look this good.

Hum, do you want to guess how I make those leaves?

The round pendant in the middle is the disc I painted. Just put the frame on it so it can be used as a pendant.

Back on the drawing board

2007-11-04T19:24:00.000-06:00

This is just an update for my fans who might wondered if I am still around. Before I called myself a Polymer clay Artist, I was a beader. Before that I am a stay-at-home mom and a crafter. Before I quited my job as a landscape Architect to be a full time mom, I was an Architect. Now I am a book-keeper at the Sushi restaurant named Naked Tchopstix. I am making $10 an hour just like when I started working 20 years ago. No complain here, I am thankful for my second chance in life to go back to the workforce. Also eating Sushi everyday is not bad either. My boss want to expand the restaurant so I offered to draw a plan for him, now I am back on the drawing board.

I still pretty rusty, after all, the last time I was on the drawing board was 15 years ago.

I am the old breed of Architect who still draw with pen and paper. AutoCAD version 1.0 was the one I learn in college but I am pretty sure making a sketch by hand is a lot faster than using a CAD, for me that's it.

I still clay, but not as much as I used to, so I have to apologized. The construction will be done in a month, then I will go back to clay again.

Monet - Yellow Irises with Pink Cloud, 1903

2007-10-14T22:53:00.000-05:00

Ponsawan - Yellow Irises on Polymer Clay, 2007

Faux Raku Beads

2007-10-14T22:46:00.000-05:00

I start making the Faux Raku beads 3 years ago and they were popular at the Bead Show. I used Fimo Metallic Powder which gave out the vibrant color but they were discontinued.
These are my new beads with new powder that I'd recently acquired. It is easy to use and easy to blend.

Faux Raku

2007-10-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

I am playing with the new Metallic powder that gave out the brilliant color. I am back to making Faux Raku again. Many people want them. I am very excited about this new found. They cost so much less and not hazardous to your health just like others powder.

The pretty Rhinestones make them look more sparkling, don't they? And, of course, stamp sheets from Barbara McGuire make them perfect.

Painting on Polymer Clay

2007-10-03T18:58:00.000-05:00

I spent a lot of time knitting scarves with my daughter. We went to get yarns from Hobby Lobby. They have pretty yarn on sale at 99 cents, and they also have a manager who rang all of them up at 99 cents. I think he fell in love with my gorgeous daughter.
Beside doing bookkeeping for the restaurant called Naked Tchopstix; the owner had decided to expand the restaurant that will double the size and have a small bar in it, and I also will play a role of an Architect in that project.

I am still playing with clay. New project, new ideas and I am having fun with it. Ok, ok, first I thought I will not post it on my blog, but many of my fans were disappointed not to see any thing new in the past few weeks. I am painting on clay. Here's some of the pictures.

These are not very good pictures of the cabochon. I took the picture as soon as I finished it so I can paint another one. Many are the picture of the flowers from Scott's garden.

Scott has a blog now, you can see it HERE. He wrote about the Blue ribbon he got from his "Best Bloom" Dahlia.

These cabs will be made into pendants. I'm in the painting mode not a finishing mode, so please give me some ideas of how to finish them.

I also have a store at ETSY now for a month. Just have 5 items on that for now. Please stop by www.silastones.etsy.com

An afternoon in the park

2007-09-30T18:00:00.001-05:00

We used do this every Sunday, going to the park. We will first stop at the playground, then walked down the trail to the river. Took off our shoes and played in the water. On the way up from the river, my kids raced up the hill and sat there wait for me to dragged by butt up the hill. I can't remember why we stop doing this, but it was a nice day today, so we went to the park.

The playground seems smaller and not much of the challenge like it used to for the boys. We walked down to the river but did not go in because Ada has to go to work. We still talked about the time when Arthy walked through the mud in his booth and the booth got stuck in the mad, so he fell down and covered with mud.

We had a great time today, laid down on the grass and talk to each other. Archie did the flip like always. I love my kids. We like to spend time together as much as we can. Ada is thinking about going to Paris. It will be hard to let her go.

Tagged

2007-09-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged twice by others blogger. To tell you the truth, I don't like it at all. Tagged is like the Chain letters that we received way, way back when we still write with pen and paper, not with finger and keyboard. Some of those letters had stated that if I won't send out 10 letters to 10 people, then bad things are going to happen to me, but I still alive and well.
I don't send out the tag, or chain letter, or chain email, but I understand how some people really enjoy it and hope that more people will visit their blog later on.
So, I will play along by posting 8 facts about myself, but I will not tag anybody else. Sorry to have to put an end to the game here. Please don't hate me.
1. I cannot swim.
2. I cannot jump rope.
3. I learn how to ride a bike when I was 25 and drive a car when I was 30.
4. I reverse letters and numbers, so misspelling and dialing a wrong phone number is normal.
5. I don't know left from right.
6. I used to be upset with myself about No. 1, 2,3,4 and 5 but at the age of 50, I made peace with myself and accept who I am.
7. I like to play golf. Just me, the stick and the ball. Trying to hit the ball and hope it will land somewhere that you don't have to look for it, is not easy. It is the best way to discipline yourself because there is no one else to blame if your score is +25.
8. I am working on a project that I am proud to call it my own. It is the co-op project with my best friend, so you have to come back to see it later.
Ilknur is the one who tagged me, so go see her blog, ok. http://www.bosphorusglass.com/

Jungle Fever

2007-09-09T13:03:00.001-05:00

Another Saturday at my work table and here are 2 more necklaces to add on to the "Wild Things" series. I made the Blue and Oranges pendants 2 years ago when I thought I had to put varnish on everything, the other one was the pendant I made recently. I bought purple flower and green leaf from B&B. All the colors seem to go well together.

Also yesterday was the day for Penrod Art Fair. I was put on the waiting list this year and was quite upset until it rained all afternoon. Now I felt bad for all the artists at the show because they must be really disappointed. I'll get in next year, I just know it.

Facts: By using the same brand of clay, FIMO, I am able to match the color of my new beads with the color of the pendant I made 2 years ago.

Happy claying

2007-09-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

Finally, the whole Saturday to clay. I am so happy to be able to sit down at my table and make something.

The first one is trans. with some metallic powder over raspberry. The color looks mysterious. I will have to explore more with that. Also the metallic powder I used is something new. I have to experiment with that before I can tell you more.

Next are the snake skin over different color base beads. I will make more of those for sure.

The third one is the pendent and matching beads using the technique I learn from our French Polymer Clay friend. They will turn into a necklace one of these days.

I also have the Black& White beads in the oven. A nice lady who lives in Kansas but comes here to visit her fiance, always takes all of my Black&White beads. May be she will be here next week. I better be prepared.

My friend who sells beads for me had booked 9 beads shows around the Midwest. She wants my beads so I better get busy, busy and busy.

I also have a new idea for my new collection. I hope you come back and see them. Scott had been a big support these days. He is coming next week with his flowers.

Neo is up and walking well. He still drags his feet a little bit. Thanks for asking about him.

I will visit my niece tomorrow. Then will hurry back because it is DH"s Birthday. We might go out to eat or go to Rib Festival. Yum, yum. Have a nice Holiday everyone.

Booth Utopia

2007-08-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

I had a show today. It was called Feast of the Lanterns. They lit the lanterns all over the park at night and the show run from noon to 11 . I set up my booth a bit differently this time. I put more bright color shirts on the mannequins and lined them up at the front. In the back I have a table with my tree and trays of beads and earrings and bracelets. It seems to work this time because more people walked into back of the booth to look at my beads but I only sell one necklace. I think because the location of this show was different from the last show, more male than female this time so the jewelry did not sell well. In the evening it was crazy at my booth because I put out the lanterns and and they had stopped the traffic. Everybody just wanted one. They also wanted to buy shirts and skirts on the displays. I did the greeting, the smile, the I made my own beads, the I give you discount if you buy two, the this is one of a kind things, you know all that and they seemed to work this time. Thanks for all the advices I got from many of my PC friends.

But you know me, I might change the set up next time. Just for fun. :)

French Connection

2007-08-24T08:17:00.000-05:00

From Polymercalydaily, I saw this technique used by a French Polymer clay artist, so I email her and she wrote the tutorial for me. How nice!
I tried it and loved it and did a demo at the Guild meeting last week. Everyone was excited about it. You can see the tutorial HERE.
This is a similar technique that I always use, putting different layers of clay together, stamped and slided the pieces. This one is different because the skinner blend gave out the effect that look like air-brush with different color. Also the pieces that were slided off will be used to make up another design, so you won't get the pendant that look exactly like the image on the stamp sheet.

Snake skin

2007-08-24T08:11:00.000-05:00

These are cool looking beads, aren't they. I just covered the black beads with the cane. Oh, yes, I made cane. LOL Very complex cane I must say. It is my left over sushi rice cane, just trans. with white. Imagine the possibility of covering gold, copper and every color clay with it. Yum, can't wait to try.

TIPS: I used translucent clay made into 1" dia. log and about 3" long. I covered it with white sheet, reduced to a long, long log then cut into pieces and put them together into a big log, the reduced it down. I made base beads with different color clay, and cut a thin slide of cane and covered the beads, baked and plunged them into ice cold water.

My after-mid-night-love-affair

2007-08-17T20:44:00.001-05:00

I haven't been sleeping well lately. There are so much going on in my life that I, not only spend my waking hour thinking about it, but also spend my sleeping hour the same way. So, what to do when you wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep.

See, I am having an after midnight love affair. I toss and turn in my bed thinking about it. Who to blame but myself, and a gentleman who is very dear to me. He sent me the pictures of the pretty flowers from his garden. I am crazy about flower, I just love them. I look at the pictures all evening and still dream about them at night. So what the girl to do. I got my drawing paper and a couple of the pencils and start drawing those flowers. I email the picture to Scott and went back to sleep. The next day he send me more pictures.

Now, before I go to bed, I just grab the pencil and paper and draw a flower, email it to Scott, go to bed and sleep well knowing that I had made someone very happy. This is going to be a long term love affair (with the flowers, of course), Scott just send me 300 more pictures. Sweet dream, Ponsawan, and thank you Scott.

Polymer clay by SILASTONES

wire

Ideas

Ponsawan Blend

Pebble-like beads

RAD - Ring a day project

IPCA pre-retreat class - Bevy of Rings

Auction for Ada - Round two is over

Auction for Ada - Round One is now over

The Jewelry connection

Feast of the Lantern

Ruffles Potato Chip

CHA Super Craft Show @ Rosemont, IL

Summer time fun

Bead&Button Show 2010

Claying or Drawing ?

Black and White

New beads

Springtime Bracelets

Polymer Artist Showcase

300 more rings to make

A few pieces of mine at Synergy 2

My new obsession

Synergy and Collaboration

Metal or Clay

Woodland Pins

Rings

Benefit Ada

Red & Black w/ a touch of Gold and Silver

Red, White and Green

Where have all the leaves gone?

Mushroom

Fall color

More tutorials

Flower necklace

My first Dahlia

My old house

First Tutorial after a while

Ok, I give up

IPCA Retreat - Chicago

Wild things are back

UFO-Unfinished Object

Pen and Paper

My favorite necklace

Re-strung

Steampunk Chameleon

Christi Friesen workshop

You are the sunshine of my life

Mosaic in Clay

I thought you would never ask

Pinless Scarf Pins

2008 New Year's Resolution List

Passage through Hong Kong

My "High Flying" Son

Donation

Twisted Beads, Jana Robert Benson's style

Now that I have a bowl of beads

Making my own beads

With clay in hand

Dear Ada

minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day

And the wall came tumbling down

Out of comfort zone

Sunday morning in Baltimore

At the Banquet

Good night from Synergy

Synergy

Hope-on-the-rope

Synergy, here I come

Ada in Paris

Sitting pretty

The morning after

Life coach

Under construction - Part 3

Leather stamping tools

From pendant to necklace

Questions & Answers

Pendant 101

What to do with a slab of Mokume Gane

Under construction part 2