More Mica Shift: A Peek Inside

As you may have guessed, I really love the effects one can achieve with the mica technique. I decided to try something with a little more contrast and a different focus. It's a bit like taking a "peek inside".

In some cases, the "found" object led the way to custom color and design. In other cases, the clay determined the piece inside. Here are a few more:

What a Difference Materials Make!

My husband and I are just back from a 12 day trip to Michigan. We spent a week of that time bicycling 45 - 65 miles per day along the east side of Lake Michigan from Montague all the way to Mackinaw City. Lovely country, some beautiful views, and hills!! .... all of which my legs are still feeling...

However, cycling wasn't the hardest part. The most difficult was being away from our three Aussies, "the girls." They are a huge part of our lives, and we miss them when we travel. The other piece that was hard for me was being away from my clays and beads. I had lots of ideas which I sketched at evening time, but I really missed the actual hands-on "doing."

So, when we got home, I finished up a sample bracelet for one of the beadweaving workshops I'm doing. I wanted folks to see how very different the same piece looks made out of different materials. These examples, I think, show it quite clearly. This particular stitch looks very elegant and classy when made up in Swarovski crystals. On the other hand, it has a more subtle effect when made out of natural stones. Here are side-by-side photos - what do you think?

Two New Events for Fall!!

Hi!
Just wanted to let you all know that I've added 2 new events to the fall calendar. One is a "sort-of" class - but something several folks have been requesting. The other is definitely an event - and one I hope many of you will decide to attend. Both take place at Meiklem Kilnworks on the Franklin/Bozrah line.

The special event will be in held on September 17th from 6:00 - 9:00 (or any portion thereof). This session is free of charge, and is designed to give people an opportunity to make Bottles of Hope. Come cover tiny bottles with polymer clay, decorate them any way you want, and donate them to the Bottle of Hope program. Bottles of Hope are small glass bottles covered with polymer clay and given to cancer patients. They symbolize a wish and a hope for health This project was started in 1999 by a Rhode Island cancer survivor and has spread internationally. For more information about Bottles of Hope, visit http://www.scpcg.org/bottlesofhopepage.htm. Visit www.meiklemkilnworks.com for info about the evening.

The other session is something several of you have requested - a time to finish the uncompleted projects, start a second project based on one done in class, or fix a problem that has you stuck - and unable to continue with your piece. Cost is only $10 for the evening which will be eld on Wednesday, October 20 from 6 to 9. Creative endeavors, good company, and the opportunity to finish a project - YES!