Shopping for the Best Buy

I went to Michaels to look for inspiration, while there I spied a deal I need to swing for myself. These two items are produce by two different companies and the prices are different. With a closer look I saw that the items were really the same things. I was waiting on a 50% coupon, so I could make my purchase. I now see that making a wise choice could save me an extra five dollars.

Got it...

What a nice gift for Mother's Day. Now I need to find some time to play. While flipping through the pages I have seen some nice ideas for creating texture tools. Now I am on the prowl for new texture tools.

Awaiting a new book....

Mokume Gani was one of the first techniques that I fell in love with. I felt comfortable and confident using this technique. I have not always made time for scientific experimentation and I think it has stifled my creativity. But Julie Picarello pushed this technique to a new level. I have admired her work since, I discovered her pieces on Flickr. A couple of times I saw classes she was teaching, but I was not able to attend. Julie has now decided to publish a book, AND WHAT A BOOK. I was so excited that I ordered a copy of the book the first time I saw it. Now, I'm like waiting for the blessed event - I sit in waiting for my new copy of the new book. I wish, I had been among the select few who are reading and using the book now, but I am but a common-er and I will have to wait for my copy. So I will have to learn to relax while I wait. Oh what shall I do? LOL!

Garden Gate Clasp

This Garden Gate Clasp is wonderful,and there is a tutorial. I saw it and I just had to share it. I subcribe to the Art Bead Scene, and this simple yet beautiful tutorial was posted by Heather. If you make jewelry and you look for ways to make it a one of a kind piece this tutorial should give you a large amount of pleasure.

Too Stressed, Too Busy, to p.....

I have been too stressed and too busy, to post. I have not set down to my clay in months. With life's stresses it is obvious one can not afford to pay dues to organizations that don't povide a great deal of rewards. My shop is on vacation and my clay is collecting dust. When one doesn't have time to visit the forum either, it doesn't make sense to continue membership. Farewell team P------.

Come Check it Out

I found a need to creat another blog. I have be come so busy on my clay blog, and bloggong quit a bit about other things that I felt I needed another blog. This blog has taken on the name Ardna's Sac which is my name spelt backwards. Ardna is a creative lady who does a little bit of everything. So in my creative bag aka 'sac' you may find a little bit of everything. Do it check it out.

Some up coming topics, my locs, life, and love. Maybe, that love just worked great with all the 'l'. I am looking to move my BESTeam entries to this blog also.

Debbie Jackson coming to New York Polymer Clay Guild

Debbie Jackson the author of Polymer Clay Jewelry is scheduled to teach a workshop for the New York Polymer Clay Guild, October 16 and 17. This is going to be a wonderful workshop. Debbie is an extremely talented polymer artist. Her plans are to teach Broadway Bangles, beatles and beads. The workshops are open to any one interested in attending. So please either email me or contact Valerie Hall throught the New York guild. We would be thrilled to have you join us.

Creative Friday

I have tried to make these hot summer Fridays my creative days at home. I have done some work but I haven't completed many projects. I need to get moving. I have completed some things ie. I am now a member of The NewNew Team, some peace earrings, and I created a new blog - Ardna's Sac.



See I have a couple of things coming down the pike.

This Week's Feature - Too Much of a Good Thing

Too Much of a Good Thing has loved making greeting cards with handmade envelopes that people seem to like getting. Problem is, she has a sizable inventory and hopes that maybe you'll like them?
This artist has been crocheting since 12 years old, and she manages to give away alot of thing she has made.
This crafter is open to explore new crafts, so you can look forward to finding new and different things in her shop.
With that said you know what to do...
1. Click the links in this blog and make Too Much of a Good Thing a fan, heart her shop and don't forget follow the blog.
2. If you see something you like, buy it.
3. If you like my blog, don't forget to follow me too.
4. See ads that interest you, click through and explore.
5. By all means enjoy, have fun and live life to its fullest because tomorrow isn't promised

New Blog - Ardna's Sac

I found a need to creat another blog. I have be come so busy on my clay blog, and bloggong quit a bit about other things that I felt I needed another blog. This blog has taken on the name Ardna's Sac which is my name spelt backwards. Ardna is a creative lady who does a little bit of everything. So in my creative bag aka 'sac' you may find a little bit of everything. Do it check it out.

Some up coming topics, my locs, life, and love. Maybe, that love just worked great with all the 'l'. I am looking to move my BESTeam entries to this blog also.

This Week's Feature: "Little Peach Fuzz"

Hello everyone, this week I would like to introduce you to an energized crafter - Little Peach Fuzz.
Little Peach started making jewelry mainly because of her little sister, who loves the idea of her making things. She feels that creating things is a calming experience. Little Peach is currently teaching herself to knit, so some time in the future you can look forward to seeing her creations. As you look throught this shop you will find some light hearted items. For example the A-line Green and Black Necklace. I love both the name and the colors.
This shop owner also has a blog that you can visit.

With that said you know what to do...
1. Click the links in this blog and make Little Peach Fuzz a fan, heart her shop and don't forget follow the blog.
2. If you see something you like, buy it.
3. If you like my blog, don't forget to follow me too.
4. See ads that interest you, click through and explore.
5. By all means enjoy, have fun and live life to its fullest because tomorrow isn't promised.

This Week's Feature - Omnipresent

Omnipresents states that she has been an avid jewelry designer and artisan for many years. She is passionate about handcrafted jewelry because it is completely unique and so expressive. Different accessories yield different looks and reveal different aspects of the wearer's personality. She is also passionate about new age techniques such as meditation, color therapy, and crystal healing. Therefore, she decided to combine two passions and create a collection of handcrafted regalia for adults. Her collection is not only beautiful but also serves to increase energy, enhance the spiritual health, and well-being of the wearer. She has also created different lines within the collection that cater to the tastes of different individuals: the Bliss Baubles line includes finery that inspires the wearer to achieve happiness; Goddess Gear line includes treasures that encourage the feminine energy to come forth; Harmony Healing line includes adornments with gemstones and crystals that aid in balancing; Kundalini Kreations line includes accessories that resonate with the colors of the primary chakras. Omnipresent also has a blog you should visit.

Personally I like the coral beads on this 'Key to my Heart Necklace'

Now you know what to do
*go to the shop and browse around for something to purchase
*heart the shop
*read the blog and leave a message
*do let Omni know that you stopped by.

Carousel of Colors

"The world is a carousel of colors..." I mixed some clay today using Maggie Maggio's system. I like this method best. I can 'somewhat' control the amount of clay that gets mixed. I love Cindy Lietz's color palettes, but sometimes the parts require you to mix large amounts of clay. Just today I worked on organizing my data files. I decided to save all the recipes together with a picture of the palette. I went back through Cindy's blog and found the pictures of the color palettes. Then I renamed all the color recipes so that they would be with the palette image. I think now when I look through the computer for a color the picture will be close by.
I have posted a picture of my files showing the details. I hope you can see that the recipes are listed for example 22-1a..., 2a, 3a, 4a, then the picture of the color palette, with all the colors. Try clicking on the image to see it better.

This Week's Feature: Miss Pretty Perfect

Congratulation, Miss Pretty Perfect has found a 'brick & mortar' place to feature her fantastic handbags. From the outside the shop is extremely inviting. It is no wonder the shop decided to feature this talented designer. Her handbags are so nice and practical that every busy lady needs a bag. I suggest you stop over at her etsy shop so you can see the current inventory. MPP also has a great blog where you can find out the latest and the coolest things happening with her business venture. This bag is called "Dr Quinn Travel Bag" and you should know from the TV show that Dr. Quinn was independent lady for her time.

Great Diet Food - Nah?

I have seen some wonderful simulated polymer clay food. This art is really growing. I have seen some clay food on Etsy, YouTube, Claylessons and etc. places. At first I did not think about using these items in doll houses, but that is a perfect application for these items. I have seen some items turned into jewelry piece. Oh how cute! Now I do have a young and small niece in my life. She is an old spirit, so at 2 years old, she never puts inappropriate items into her month. But my mind does wonder ... if she saw a miniature polymer clay food item, would she try to eat it? I HOPE NOT. Those of who have these very realistic looking miniature food, will have to be very careful to make sure little ones, don't accidentally eat polymer clay. What do you think?

Weekly Feature: Fish Princess Designs

This week's shop is Fish Princess Designs and this artist hails from the crafters mecca of the mid-west "Metropolitan Detroit." This area is so packed with crafters events and shows. I use to live in Detroit and crafting in that area was wonderful, and I miss that. One of the best craft source is in Metro Detroit (Munro Crafts). Well Fish Princess makes hand crafted artisan jewelry using natural gemstones, pearls, beach stones, beach glass, fossils, Swarovski crystals,sterling silver, gold and copper. All her items are made by her, and inspired by nature! If you are in or near Michigan she has a list of shows on her blog telling where she'll be during the summer. She also has a nice looking Watermelon Salad.

In her "other" life she's an accountant who has a need to release her creative side! If she's not busy on her creations you might find her in the stream-she is also an avid fly fisherwoman!
she draw her inspirations from the great outdoors... a mountain stream, a walk in the woods, the beautiful Great Lakes, a fabulous sunset, a stormy sky...she hopes you will find something that inspires you also!
Be should to stop by her shop and blog I am sure you will find them delightful.

BESTeam - Sunny Sunshine

Do check out this bright Etsy shop, because the sun is really shining on "Your are my Sunshine, there are so many nice flowers blooming. Show owner Nina also has an extremely colorful blog worth checking out.
Here is what Nina says about her work. "My jewelry designs are a result of hours of imagining and daydreaming until I finally reach that "aha" moment that makes me smile.
They are my ideas, born of a desire to create a lovely thing for you that is truly one of its kind. You will receive a piece that as been created by my own hands, my heart, my imagination and my passion with loving care and attention that can be seen and touched by you. I use recycled and reclaimed fabrics as well as vintage and new components.
To me the "adaptation" of my work can only be a compliment." Nina also has a vintage shop worth visiting. Let me invite you to visit Nina's shops and blog to see more of her creative talent.

Alexander's Designs - BESTeam Feature

This week's featured shop is a talented couple who calls their shop Alexander's Designs. Thiw couple's jewelry is a unique blend of Swarovski Crystals, lamp work and glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, fine silver, pewter, and gold. Some pieces are playful, bold with lots of color and some pieces are simple yet very beautiful.
They are a husband and wife team who love to create with their hands. They do everything from construction work to making danty jewelry. They are completely self-employed and are loving every minute of it!

You can wear this line of jewelry with confidence knowing that it is a unique piece of art, well-made and not mass produced. They hope everyone enjoys wearing their creations as much as they have enjoyed creating them."

Now you know what to do, visit, heart, read blog, and/or purchase something.

Pardo Clay

Pardo Clay is the newest clay to the polymer clay family. It has been on the market for about a year now but it is not carried by many craft suppliers. If you are interested in purchasing this clay I would suggested that you do a Yahoo/Google search to find a supplier.
As a member of the New York Polymer Clay Guild I was given a small batch of the Pardo Clay. My assignment is to report back my findings. I have had this batch for several months and I have not motivated myself to play with this new clay. So now I am doing so. I am considering writing a series of short blogs about this new product.
First impression – different marketing strategy from all the polymers in the past, is my first thought. Is there a special reason why the manufacturer packaged this clay as balls instead of blocks? If Pardo really wanted to step in to an existing artistic world, why would they change the way the polymer clay is measured. For years artists have sliced their blocks into fractional pieces for color mixing. (Halves, 1/16 and etc.) So when mixing Pardo to achieve new colors, an individual is going to attempt to cut the balls into 1/16’s and 1/8’s to mix colors. I think not. So with my first impression I would say it may have not been a good idea to market their product as balls of clay. I must say the balls are cute, though.

LotusMira This Week's Feature

Today's artist is a graduate student, earning both a law degree (JD) and a masters (MA). With this heavy academic load, I marvel at the fact that LotusMira is able to find time to be so creative. She has a blog you can visit and some how she finds time to twitter. Most of her current projects involve working with solder. She loves vintage imagery, found items, and ephemera. She also really enjoy the steampunk aesthetic. She thinks there is a lot of value both in the artistic chaos of collage, as well as in the simple beauty of something classic. Well her bracelets and earrings are a true statement of classic design. I really like these shard china earrings. The pink flower bead at the bottom, really draws me to these earrings.

So now that I have introduced you to LotusMira please do visit her shop, leave a heart or two, and consider purchasing her wonderful jewelry.