Thursday, September 10, 2009

An Interesting Experiment

experimental 1
This past Spring when I was in Loveland doing the shoot for my book, I heard the book Ancient Modern by Ronna Sarvas Weltman mentioned several times. It was mostly things like "what color background did we use on Ancient Modern?" or "it is the same size spread as Ancient Modern." When I was in Barnes & Noble the other day, I picked up a copy and had to take a look.

I love Ronna's use of color, I love her chunky style of jewelry, and I love the textures that everything has. I let things stew for a bit and started to wonder how glass and polymer might look together. I stewed on the thoughts so long that I couldn't get it out of my head. It started keeping me awake at night, lol. SO, with my first full day of freedom, I set out to the local craft store and bought me some supplies. I already had most of the suggested tools on hand from working with PMC. I just needed the pasta machine for working the clay, the clay itself, and I picked up a bead roller too.

The photo above is my first ever piece using polymer clay! I literally spent HOURS playing with the stuff. It really is interesting. I can't decided yet if I like it or if I wasted a lot of money, lol. The glass beads I used were just some beads I had laying around. So, the plan for today is to make glass beads this morning and experiment with polymer more this afternoon. I had another sleepless night of imagining the kind of glass beads I would rather see in this design, I am working on those first so maybe tomorrow I will be able to string some up a little sumptin sumptin. That is the trouble with being a glass artist and not necessarily a beader... I don't have a huge stash from which to work, I have to have the idea for the bead I want, make the bead, wait for it to anneal, clean it and then make the piece of jewelry. *sigh* sometimes I wish I had a stash of beads.

One thing I will say, for those that are thinking about trying to play with polymer. For me, I don't work well when learning with a blank slate, I need to have a project to try. And I think that is why I was working for HOURS on things. I was too scattered and didn't know what to do. So, this is the kind of situation where I say, copy a tutorial to the letter. Learn the technique. Keep that project for yourself. And then take off with your own ideas from there. That's what I am going to do.

experimental worn

10 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

Miss Kerry... you are always so inventive! I like how you made this idea your own. Your use of color and pattern is spot on (pun intended ;-). I just bought myself a chunk of clay for something rather specific that I said, "Sure! I can do that!" Now I am hoping like heck that I can! Thanks for your inspiration today!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Holly said...

i really REALLY like it.

mairedodd said...

polymer and glass look awesome together... when you take complimentary colors and play them in different ways - translucent vs. opaque, shiny vs. matte... i love that.. i started playing with it a few weeks ago too... even started working on stamps... but i got stalled! it does look great... stick with it!

Pretty Things said...

Very cool! And you know I have an enormous bead stash, so shout if you need something to experiment with before buying a ton o' stuff!

Yee said...

Kerry.....is there anything you don't do well??

Love it!

Jen Judd said...

Kerry - I think it came out great! I've had a few experiences like that with clay, too. I spend hours and end up with only a few things that I actually like and even fewer that I can actually use. haaaaaa My most frustrating is to have the perfect design that came out one-of-a-kind based on the pasta machine mixing it together...and then it gets too hot in the little oven and gets burned!

But, I've learned lots that way. :) And, my mom will wear even burned pieces...if I tell her there supposed to look like that! haaaaaa Just kidding!!!

Jen

Cindy said...

Hi Kerry
My extent of working with polymer is with school projects with the kids..so I do have a good stash already. I've been wanting to try one of the projects from past issues of Belle Armoire...one of these days. I really like the bright color of your pendant and the size. Looks like you're having lots of fun playing!

One Creative Queen said...

I'm LOVING what you did!! I love how the colors play together - you've done a great job. I've been playing with polymer clay for a couple of years (off and on) - and I can't get things to look that good. I'm jealous - but so in love with what you did!!

Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...

I think you did a great job! Polymer clay is a wonderful and versatile medium. It is quite easy to work with (especially if you know a few tricks) and it can do and become most anything you dream it to be.

If you ever need any help or inspiration, just ask. I have tons of video tutorials and articles and am always happy to answer any questions!

Mira said...

You did not waste a lot of money. It's beautiful - and I have a strong suspicion you'll find other wonderful things to make!