Sculpting-the Beginning

I have started working in a new medium-air drying clay.  It is excellent fun.  So far I have tried silicon molds and sculpting by hand, and the prospects are incredibly exciting.  All that is left is for me to figure out what sort of paint will best work for the effects I want-then I can supplement my other designs with completely original pieces that cannot be duplicated except by me, and eve then they won't be exact.  My molds are of cameos and roses...they will make such romantic designs when they are finished!

A Crystal Summer

Something about the reawakening of the plants and scenery during warmer months is conducive to creativity. I find myself drawn to organic shapes and rough-cut stones that evoke the earth rather than highly fabricated and polished pieces.  It took me forever to figure out how to make wire-wrapped pendants out of unpierced stones.  I must have thrown away three yards of wire before finding a method that didn't require super glue to attach the wire to the stone.  Speaking of stone, while I was in Texas on vacation I purchased a little velour bag of quartz and pyrite stones, plus a couple of really nice amethyst chunks.  These are the pieces I'm using for the wire wraps. Now that I know how to make the pendants, I just have to find the right cord and practice my Chinese adjustable knots. I can't wait to show off these new pieces...they were definitely outside my comfort zone as far as technique goes, but it was worth it.

Fun Haul and Inspiration

Recently, we found a slew of fun and interesting beads and charms from a local boutique.  It really helped to boost the diversity of our products.  some of the pieces, like big ceramic roses or brightly painted coffins, really stretched my boundaries and resulted in pieces which I really love.

Products that resulted from this megahaul and subsequent mega-creative session include Boneyard, Muertos, Dracula's Garden and Skulldiggery.  They were very satisfying to make...I just hope others can enjoy them too.

Here's a peek at one of them: 

Browse the rest of the collection for yourself here.