Sunday 30 December 2012

2013 Challenges

In 2013 I am aiming to push myself to develop my own polymer clay style further so of course I'll need some polymer clay challenges:)

I am currently taking part in the wonderful free online course on Voila! 'How to Become a Better Artist' and I haven't done so well at keeping up due to other commitments but I shall pick that up and try and do a unit a week whilst I'm not crazy busy. It's provoking a lot of thought and creating plenty of 'Ahh' moments. Thank you Christine!

I am also going to take part in the 12 polymer projects 2013 Flickr challenge. That shouldn't be too hard - 1 project a month I can handle that even in the busy months I am sure. Thing a day or even a week for the year is a big commitment I'm not going to take on this year! I shall aim to take part in the thing a day challenge for February on Polymer Clay Central again as I really enjoyed that last year and February is generally a quiet as well as short month.

I have also set myself a personal challenge (well it's a public one now I've shared it here I guess!) to make use of some of the many tutorials and books I have and haven't actually used! So trying to be realistic I am aiming to give myself some time to try some of those throughout January and February. March will get busy due to my exciting trip to the IPCA conference in Altanta - Synergy 2013. One project a week which I shall share here with you - briefly reviewing the tutorial/book and showing the results, that should be at least 9 projects if all goes to plan.

I am also making a commitment to finally update my brand comparison I originally did when this blog was just starting. I tried out Premo, Kato and Fimo soft and classic the first time (see picture below). This time I want to do a more thorough comparison comparing features such as translucence and strength as well as sculpting and caning qualities for the brands Premo, Kato, Fimo soft, Fimo Classic, Pardo and Cernit. I bought all the clay a while ago from Penny at www.clayaround.com - in fact it was at Polymer Pamper Play in March - shocking I haven't had time to do it since then! If anyone has another brand of clay they wish to send me to try out alongside these please get in touch. I'm aiming for before March but will see how carried away I get playing with all those tutorials :)

Polymer Clay brand comparison showing canes made from different brands of polymer clay
Spliced flower cane made with Kato, Premo, Fimo Soft and Fimo Classic in that order left to right

That should all keep me busy! I also have plenty of social plans for the year as I turn 40 in August so will  make the most of celebrating:) I am really looking forward to 2013!

Anyway I hope you have some exciting plans for 2013! What are you going to do to make it your most creative and fun year so far? I hope 2013 is filled with fun, friendship, laughter and creativity for you all!

Monday 17 December 2012

Happy Christmas - say it with owls :)

I would like to wish all the readers of my blog a very Happy Christmas and a 2013 full of friendship, fun and creativity! Thank you for following me I really appreciate having you along for the ride. Hopefully I will manage my aim of being more organised in 2013 so will post a little more regularly than I have managed recently! In the meantime here's a Parliament of Christmas owl ornaments...



Finally all my Christmas sales, orders and workshops are over so I can now sit back and enjoy time with the family, and hopefully some polymer clay time for me. I have so many ideas I have had to put on hold due to lack of time, it's just a matter of trying to decide which to pursue first!

I am looking forward to an exciting 2013. In March I am off to the International Polymer Clay Association Conference - Synergy 3 in Atlanta! I am so excited! Hopefully I will meet some of you there! In April I am taking a workshop with Sarah Shriver organised by the London Polymer Clay Group. which I am also really looking forward to along with another Polydays  weekend organised by Alison Gallant in the Autumn.

I am currently taking part in the online course organised by Christine Dumont on Voila! about 'How to Become a Better Artist'. Now I have a polymer clay addiction but no art background (I come from a background of science and teaching) and this is ideal as it is challenging me to look at things in a different way. I am hoping to dedicate some time in 2013 to developing my own artistic voice and will of course share my journey with you as always.

Have a lot of fun!
Cara

Sunday 9 December 2012

Pop Up Shop, Workshops and a Ring bowl

If you are in the Bristol area I am taking part in the Making Things Club Pop Up Shop and Making Emporium in the city centre so do pop in and say Hi! I will be in the shop 10-4pm on Thursday 13th, Saturday 15th and Friday 21st December. Some of my jewellery and little creatures including my Christmas ornaments will be available in the shop all the time until Christmas Eve.

I am also running a Christmas Presents Workshop in the Making Emporium side of the shop on Sunday 16th.  I will show you how to make a polymer clay retro cane and then how to use that to cover objects to make unique and useful gifts. Please get in touch if you would like more details or to book a place.



Here's one of my latest creations - a birthday present of a ring bowl for my sister. It matches her wedding jewellery which you may remember if you've been following my blog for a while. If you are new here or need a reminder you can find the blog post about it here.

I hope all your preparations for the festive season are going well

Cara