Shades of Gray - & some Black and White....

September is right around the corner, and the Westerly Cooperative's September show "Black, White, and Shades of Gray" will be set up this coming week. It's always fun to see the new show, and I'm particularly interested in seeing how many of the artists are able to come up with at least something that fits the month's theme.

As I showcased here a couple of posts ago, I had made some silk screened pieces in the theme's colors - and was very pleased with the results. I made one more silk screened piece - a bracelet - that's different from any others I've made before. Here's a snapshot:In thinking about other options in these color-ways, I remembered the dragon flies on polymer rocks that I made about a year ago....I decided to re-visit pebbles - the gray part of the theme just seemed to fit. What fun! For some reason, one of the pebbles begged for a silver snail, so I made one from PMC. I just love my little pebble set! They're so smooth, I can imagine rubbing them all day.

I also made a "granite" stone with silver leaf for sparkle and a genuine silver (PMC) leaf on the top!












Of course, I couldn't resist making a few of the triangle dangle earrings in these colors. Here are some of the results.



I'm not sure if you can see it, but the gray pair are made with a Skinner blend bull's eye - and the effect is subtle and lovely, I think.

A New Cane & More Loose Beads

Last weekend, the Southern Connecticut Polymer Clay Guild, of which I'm a member, hosted our own "Clay Day" where we all bring our own projects, and clay and play together. It's always a good time - like-minded folks with no pressures, just a fun get-together to create and visit. We had a great time - how could we do otherwise?
I do owe a special thanks to Deb, who generously shared a new cane idea she had picked up elsewhere with the rest of us. We all loved it - and many had to try it out right away. I was in the midst of other things, so waited until I got home to try the new idea. Here are the canes I've made, and some samples of those canes turned into beads or jewelry components. Just love the look! I haven't begun to explore all the possible color-ways with this one. I'm sure you'll see more examples in future posts. In the meantime - what do you think?

















Also, here's a snapshot of some of my beads on background cards for a loose bead show that's coming up quickly. I need a few more sets, then I'll be ready.

Definitely seems to be a color "trend" to my beads this year...

~Kristie

It's August - and I'm back!

I'm back! Of course, you probably weren't aware I was away. My husband and I just finished cycling - that's right, pedaling with our own legs - up several mountain passes in the Rockies of Colorado. Amazing views, and tough climbs - especially on a tandem. Really beautiful country.

Now we're home, and I'm busy with beads and clay. I'm working up the samples for the various workshops I'll be teaching this fall. I've got the first bracelet made. This is the class I'll be teaching at Nature's Art in September. More photos of other samples will be forthcoming - as soon as I get off the computer and get back to beads and clay! Keep checking back, and take a look at the workshops and classes page for more info.

I also have a loose bead show at the end of the month, so am working away on my polymer. Here's a sample of the first set I completed. I love chrissy canes, and had to try this experiment. I'm really quite pleased with the results. :)

Triangle Dangles

For some reason, I can't seem to stop making these little earrings. Maybe it's the motion or the variety of options. Whatever the reason, these triangle shapes have kept me occupied for quite a while.

The polymer triangles aren't difficult to make. I make sure the clay is well conditioned and bendable, and roll it on a medium setting on the pasta machine to be sure it's even depth. The size of the triangle cutter you use determines the size of the resulting three-dimensional triangle.


I used headpins and narrow knitting needles to help form the triangles. They also made the holes I used later for assembly.
As you can see, I've used sterling silver drops, silver heishi, pearls and crystals to compliment the polymer. So many choices!

More Bargello

A few weeks ago, I shared my first bargello beads. At that time, I asked for suggestions for other patterns, and Alice suggested tropical colors. So, here they are: green-blues for the clear waters, beige and tan for the sands, and purples for wonderful tropical flowers. As you can see, I also played with shapes a bit. Fun!

Black, White, and Shades of Gray

Usually, I don't manage to work on new items for the Westerly gallery until the month before a show. This time, however, there was a special call for some items to be available early. The theme is "black, white and shades of gray" so I immediately thought of silk screening on polymer. I gently textured the clay using an organza fabric, and it created a perfect foil for the silk screened designs. These earrings have an oriental flare, and I really like them. Thought you might want to see them, too.
I've also made a silk screened pendant to go with some of the earrings.

In addition, I made a black and white kaleidescope cane which I used to create some beads. Of course, once you make beads, you still have to do something with them. Hence, the resulting necklace which uses silver jump rings and freshwater pearls to join the beads.

Earrings with Sparkle & Shine

Yesterday, I mentioned I had a few things to share. So here's more. Today, it's all about earrings. I love making pendants - their size seems to invite you to do more. Earrings are smaller, and the challenges are different. I decided to try something new.

I've put the earrings in two sets. This first grouping has lots of shine. I'd just gotten some metallic foils, and decided to see what they would do. Yes, there are also a couple of pairs with heat-set Swarovskis. There's just a bit of glint as the earrings move during wearing.

Then, I got caught up in 3-D again. I really love manipulating the clay to see what happens. I gave each sheet of clay a different finish on each side. In this way, you see glimpses of both finishes on each pair. Sort of a peek-a-boo effect. Centered on the folded tips are tiny pearls or more heat-set Swarovskis. These earrings are smaller than the other set, and have a look I find both dainty and fun.

Bargello: A Classic Stitch - in Polymer!

I know it's been a while since I've posted here. My husband and I have been in Europe, bicycling in the Black Forest area in Germany for 3 weeks. It's an incredibly beautiful place, and we had a wonderful time. But there were a couple of things missing...Most of all, we missed our girls. Our three Australian Shepherds are a huge part of our lives. Every dog we met made us miss them more -- and in Europe, we met a lot of dogs. The other thing I missed was creating with clay. A lot. So, now that I'm home, I've been playing and experimenting in my work room - and have a few things to share with you.

First, I'd like to share 2 special beads I made. I'm a member of the Southern Connecticut Polymer Clay Guild (SCPCG.) We have a traveling show which rotates amongst libraries in the state, giving patrons a view into the world of polymer. A call had gone out for new items, so I decided to try something I've never done before.

And here they are. This is a bargello pattern, first developed by Laura Liska. I made one bead with wide stripes, the other with thin stripes, just to see what the effect might be. This is a process that requires specific steps. It took me a while to make them, and I'm pleased with the results. Now I'll have to try it in another color combination. Any suggestions?

Damascas Ladder ~ Two Versions

A few weeks ago, I posted a photo of some canes I'd made based on Lindly Haunani's version of the Damascus Ladder. Recently, I've also been playing with the traditional Damascus Ladder. I just finished up a couple of pieces using the different canes, and thought I'd share them here.

To me, the canes based on Lindly's version look a bit like pieces of stained glass. There is a special glow that seems to emanate from the clay.

The traditional form of the Damascas Ladder creates wonderful swirls and stripes. I love both looks. How about you. Do you have a favorite?

Beadweaving ~ Chevron Stitch Flowers

More beadweaving! Just a quick note to show you the project for June at Nature's Art. It may not look like it, but both bracelet bands are made from the same stitch. A small change in edging, and the use of different color beads really changes the look. This is one of the things I love about beadweaving. Everyone chooses different colors and contrasts, and the end results are always unique and individual. I'm a bit more partialy to the red and white piece, though the shimmer of the gold and green is really lovely....Your choice?

Shells as Cabochons

Just finished a sample of the project I'm teaching at Nature's Art in May. Beaded cabochons typically use a specially prepared and cut stone as the centerpiece. For this project, participants may choose items which have thicker sides than usual - items such as shells, uncut stones, or agate slices. The stitch even creates a piece which is reversible! Here's a preview of both sides of a small cream abalone shell. More info on the class page.

Gallery Opening & Show

Hello, Hello!! I know I haven't posted a lot recently, but I have (another) good excuse...I've been working like crazy to get some pieces made and assembled. And here's the reason:

I'm excited - and a bit nervous - to announce that I will be a featured artist at the Artists' Cooperative of Westerly for the month of April. I will be showcasing my polymer jewelry, with a few pieces of a new porcelain and polymer combination I've recently begun making. One of the things I'm including in my exhibit is a set of storyboards. Each of them explains a different process I've used to create the polymer pieces, complete with actual slices from work in progress to help clarify the steps. I hope people find them interesting and informative. Here are a couple of samples:
The April show is themed: "Scratching the Surface - Textures." The show opens on Tuesday, March 31, and runs through Saturday, April 23. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Opening Reception will be held on Wednesday, April 6, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Wine and refreshments are served. The gallery is located at 7 Canal Street in downtown Westerly, Rhode Island, just down the street and on the opposite side from Dylan's restaurant. For more information, you may visit the web site: http://www.westerlyarts.com.

I am sharing the large street front window with a gentleman who makes mosaic glass tables. The Cooperative has artists representing a wide variety of mediums including pottery, porcelain, woodworking, silver, sculpture, glass, watercolor, oils, pastels, photography, fabric work and a variety of mixed-media.

Should you find yourself in Westerly during this time, please stop by! ~Kristie