Polymer Clay Magic- Jewelry from Polymer Clay

Today is just an eye candy post.

Lots of polymer clay goodness and that is all.

Enjoy....

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Primitive Blush

Since it is still February, I am going to share another piece with reds and pinks.

This necklace incorporates beads with different colors and finishes than I usually use.

I like to experiment with pieces that feel a little outside my comfort zone.

The pale pastels in this necklace are not my traditional palette.

Now, the waxed linen cord knotting is totally me. 

I find knotting the cord very meditative.  

It is one of my favorite things to do while watching tv.

I will say, this piece has some of my favorite beads styles.

I am crazy for those flattened disks in any size, shape, color and texture.

I also love the heart on the left side.

The back of the necklace has lots of variety.

Lots of pinks, yet the deeper colors keep it from being too sweet.

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Primitive Polymer Love Necklace

I wanted to share another of my favorite clay pieces today.

I know Valentine's Day has passed but I always think of February as the month of hearts.

This polymer clay piece is fun pinks and reds.

It is not too sweet though.

I love making my own steel clasps.

I love forming them and pounding them to work harden them.

  They suit my primitive pieces so well.

And they work really well.

I love texture and great finishes.  

The crackled finish makes these pieces look like ceramics or stone.

I love that.

Sculpey clay is my very favorite to work with.  

I prefer clay that condiditons easily.

Sculpey clays are perfect for that.

I am so happy when there is clay in my hands and a tray full of pieces ready to be cooked.

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Grubby Primitive Hearts for Your Valentine's Day

I think most people have a defining style...

Contemporary...

Modern....

Primitive...

Country...

Cottage chic...

Funky....

Up cycled...

When you see their work, you know immediately that it is them.

I am not sure if this is true of me.

I like all the styles listed above and make things that fit all of those categories.

My daughter describes what we do as "eclectic".

I think she nailed it...

So today I wanted to share these sweet primitive hearts for Valentine's day.

I have made them for years but I still love them.

I start with inexpensive muslin.

Draw your desired heart shape on a piece of card stock.

Cut it out.

Trace the shape on a doubled piece of muslin.

I usually do a whole bunch at the same time.

Use your sewing machine to sew the shape.

Leave about an inch open to stuff it.

Cut out the heart and turn it right side out.

Stuff it with polyfil.

Hand sew the opening closed.

Then comes the fun part.

Paint the fabric with latex or acrylic paint.

I like to buy oops paint wherever they mix paint. 

 This used to be very inexpensive.

That is no longer true in my area.

It is still cheaper than having your paint mixed and if you find a color you like, you are lucky...

While the heart is still wet, roll it in a pan of ground cinnamon.

Set it to dry.

Once it is dry, brush off the loose cinnamon.

Add a little homespun strip and embellish.

I like to use naturals: cinnamon sticks and rose hips are favorites.

Then you can fill a bowl or send them in an envelope as a sweet surprise for someone you love.

You can also paint them with other colors before you roll them in cinnamon like the brown one below.

A little primitive love for you this winter day...

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Sweet Felt Winter Ornaments

It is time for another ornament.

These are fun because they are perfect for now with Valentine's Day coming up or you can use them later.

You need:

two pieces of felt

Embroidery floss or crochet thread

a needle

 and some poly-fil stuffing

a hot glue gun and glue sticks

Cut out two shapes that are the same for the front and the back.

I used circles and hearts.

Blanket stitch them together but before you finish them, add a bit of stuffing.

Then stitch closed.

To make the rose, use one piece of felt.

I use a sheet purchased at the craft store.

Round off the corners with scissors.

Then make a very huge spiral by cutting the felt and staying about 3/4 inch away from the edge.

Continue to go around and around until you get to the center.

I like to make my lines a little wavy to add more interest to the flower petals.

Once done, start in the center of the felt and begin to roll it.

 

Continue to hold and roll it.

  You can add a drop of hot glue every so often if you wish.

Keep rolling until you have used all the felt. 

Glue the end firmly in place.

Then just glue the rose to the front of the ornament.

For the hanging loop, I just use the needle to add a piece of thread through the top of the ornament and tie it in a loop.

You can do any color combination that appeals to you.

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Sweet Handmade Valentine Cards

Let's make some valentines.

Handmade ones are my favorites.

This little card starts with two little cardstock bunnies.

I usually make a whole sheet of them at a time.

I printed my sentiment on some red paper and cut a heart shape around it. 

I used a marker to give it a stitched look.

Remember that old twisted paper ribbon?  

I still have some so I untwisted it and cut a larger heart from it.

I love the texture.

Are you wondering why I said cut out 2 bunnies?

Where is the other one?

He pops up inside of course.

To make him (or any other element pop up when opened),

cut a second piece of card stock a little smaller than the first.

Cut two slits about a half inch apart in the center fold.

When you fold the card, push the strip out and crease it with you fingers.

Glue this card inside your main card.

Then just glue your element to the bottom of the tab.

Easy and so cute.

For the last two cards, paper punches make quick work of them.

Punch out a ton of little red hearts.

You can use extras for confetti in the card....

I love when people open things and get a surprise.

I am not always sure they like them...

A long time ago, family members learned to open my envelopes outside or over the trash can...

I have not done that for years. 

 It may be time to try it again.

Emboss a greeting you like.

Die cut a bowl.

I have had that Sizzix die cut forever but I still love it.

Assemble your card and add a stamped greeting to one (or more) hearts.

Die cuts and punches make this go faster but this next card still takes a few minutes.

Punch your hearts from red and pink card stock.

I used a leftover heart from the card above to stamp a sweet greeting.

I have had this little heart and key punch for quite some time.

Tie the key to the heart with some thread.

Die cut and emboss your tree.

I layered several pieces of card stock to mat this card.

Then I just glued it all together. 

 I like using Tacky Glue for the little hearts.

You can do enough of any or all of these cards to send a sweet greeting to your favorite people for Valentines day in an evening or afternoon.

If you can get someone to help, it's even better.

My daughter and I often do assembly-style cards.

I love that together time....

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