Rustic Fused Glass Pendants

I just wanted to show a  couple rustic fused glass pendants.

Remember I got the kiln in the fall?

I used it a lot in the fall and then took a break from it.

But I wanted to show some of the unique results we got with it.

Glass pebbles, wire and a glass base.

This one is pieces stacked. 

 I think it turned out like an ancient shield...

And the last one for today is this one.

Working with glass is definitely more of an experiment than most things I do.

There does not seem to be a definite set of rules or results.

Some of this is due to our novice status.

Some of it is due to the fact that we are using glass scraps with unidentifiable COEs.

Either way, when we open the kiln, we never know what we will find.

There is a great joy in that...

Thanks for stopping by....

Steampunk Polymer Beads

One of my great loves this past year has been playing with Sculpey polymer clay.

I love rolling it in my hands, pressing things in to texture it and then coloring and creating finishes that give it a new look.

I have always loved beautiful beads but when I actually get some, I save them.

I am not sure what I am saving them for...

So in April, when I started ,making my own beads, it opened a whole new world to me.

It was a world where I could create anything I could imagine.

This has led to many fun experiments.

Today I am sharing my steampunk beads.

I used these to make some fun stretchy bracelets.

They are easy to get on and off.

You can see I did a variety of finishes as well.

I love these.

I hope they appeal to you perhaps, too.

Thanks for stopping by....

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I've Got the Blues...

My dad was an engineer by trade.

And an artist in the evenings and weekend.

He worked with redware clay and made folk art figurines.

I am guessing that is where some of my love for clay comes from.

I am finding more and more that having it in my hands brings such peace and relaxation.

He worked in redware clay.

I work with polymer.

My favorite is Sculpey.

After I make the beads, there is also the mad scientist part of playing with finishes.

This piece was a play with beachy blues.

These beads do not have the crackled rustic look that I started with.

These look like they rolled in the ocean waves for a while and were worn.

I love that.

The texture really pops with this finish...

I think the clasp should be as pretty as the beads.

These handmade clasps make me smile.

I love forming them and then hammering them.  

The dogs always try to come and help since I am sitting on the floor for the hammering.

Everytime I make a clay piece, I feel like there is a piece of me in it.  

I know every handmade piece has a part of the maker in it....

But the polymer is different for me.

Maybe because I rolled it in my hands to warm it and bring it to life first.

Maybe because I feel a connection to my dad while doing it.

Maybe because the dogs infuse some of their love too while I am making clasps.

Whatever the reason, my clay pieces always make me smile.

Hope they do for you too.

Thanks for stopping by....

Linking up with these great blogs.

Shark Shores Necklace

Today I wanted to share a necklace that celebrates my love of jewelry making and my daughter's love of sharks and marine life.

I used a shark tooth to make a mold so I can make many, many sharks' teeth.

I love to use natural elements in my designs, but if possible,I like to preserve the actual element.

Making a mold from it is a great way to do just that.

The tooth pendant is complemented by polymer beads in beachy blues.

The silk strip allows the necklace to be adjusted from short to long.

Waxed linen cord is so much fun for knotting with my chunky beads.

Even though it has been a cold 2015, this puts me in the mood for warm weather and sandy beaches.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these blogs.