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 :)

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!