When I received a set of templates and textures designed by polymer clay artist Melanie Muir I was thrilled about the possibilities. I usually make my own templates and textures but choosing from pre-made textures and shapes was quite freeing. I chose “Beach” and “River” texture themes. One would think that I would have chosen […]
Metal clay: New ideas and design explorations Read More »
Reviewing my notes for my new CraftCast class. This one is going to fun! Learn how to use scrap silver in sand casting to make new jewelry! You learn the basic tools needed to get started wax carving and sand casting. Not into wax carving? You’ll learn what other materials you can use to make
Playing with fire on CraftCast! Read More »
Don’t miss tonight’s FREE LIVE online webinar, I LOVE Tools #5 Join us at 7:30pm ET Click HERE to register. Even if you can’t make it, make sure and register so you get a link to the recording. You will get to see some amazing tools plus get lots of coupon codes to use for
Join me, Alison and a host of others tonight on CraftCast for… Read More »
I love great craftsmanship. It can be in the most ordinary thing, but if it is well crafted it tells me that someone paid close attention to every detail. I somehow feel a kinship with whoever made the piece. I guess this is part of why I’m a designer. Earlier today I was trolling the
Stunning work in the ancient art of pebble mosaics Read More »
I found this great little video on YouTube by Aniko of My Mandarin Ducky. www.mandarin-duck.com She has wonderful videos on polymer clay and a great Etsy shop with polymer clay tutorials. Check it out this video on how to make textures using a ball stylus. There are 50 designs!
50 Texture made with a ball stylus, polymer or metal clay Read More »
Thinking about going to the BABE! Show in Oakland? Well here is a coupon! With the extra cash you might be able to buy a couple more beads! If you are at the show come up stairs to the classrooms and drop by and say hi! If you come during lunch we can chat plus
Want a discount on coupon for BABE! Show? Read More »
Last week we announced an official stockist in the UK for the Woodland Chic Texture Sheet Here is a little bit about Emma of Bluebell Design Studio and a couple of photos of her work. If you are in the UK you can save on shipping by ordering from Emma. About Emma Emma Gordon is
Emma of Bluebell Design Studio – Metal Clay and Woodland Chic Read More »
This weeks featured artist is Janelle Delicata. Janelle shows us that simple designs can be as stunning as complex ones. She took the classic lentil shape and used the Woodland Chic Texture Sheet in an creative way. By orienting the faux bois texture horizontally, she turned wood grain into ocean waves! I love that she
Woodland Chic Design Exploration 8 Read More »
I’d like to welcome Emma Gordon of BlueBell Design Studio in Scotland as a new stockist in the UK. Residents of the UK can save on shipping by ordering from a local source. To learn more about Emma here is a blurb from her website. To order the Woodland Chic Texture Sheet from Emma here
Announcing a new UK stockist for The Woodland Chic Texture Sheet Read More »
Here’s a handy little tip for the studio. In my recent www.craftcast.com class Renaissance Replay, the project called for LOTS and LOTS of gemstones. I used to keep gemstones organized by using triangular bead trays. The problem is that if you have a lot of gemstones you used a lot of trays. To make thing
Tips for organizing the jewelry studio: gemstones Read More »
Just to let everyone know that my Florida Workshops are almost full. Check the Florida Guild website.
Florida Workshops almost full Read More »
I so thrilled to announce the Woodland Chic Texture Sheet officially is available at Rio! It seems like it’s been forever that Candace Gates of Dynasty Stamps asked me to be part of her Artisan Series. She’s asked a handful of artists to participate by designing texture sheets. Wonderful artists like Gordon Uyehara, Wanaree Tanner,
I’m so excited! My Woodland Chic Stamps are now available at Rio! Read More »
My facebook friend and fellow CraftCast Intructor ( check out her fab tutorial ) Melanie Muir entered some pieces in the Bead Dreams Competition at the Bead and Button Show. Turns out she was in the same display case that I was in! Of course she WON! What place did she win?… drum roll please……….wait
Melanie Muir’s work at the Bead and Button Show Read More »
The past couple of months have seemed like non-stop traveling with hardly time to change my clothes, let alone clean the studio. ( or answer emails properly ) Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to be doing what I do, meet the people
Metal Clay Tools: The Basics – Cards and Slats Read More »
If you are looking for an interesting way to set stones in metal clay and if you are a subscriber to Art Jewelry Magazine check my article. It’s a this link http://art.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/Projects/Subscriber%20Projects/2011/09/Frame%20stones%20in%20Metal%20Clay%20Bezels.aspx Also I still have room in my classes at the Bead and Button Show. Sign up today. Intro to PMC, Nest Rings, Shrine
Stonesetting in metal clay Read More »
By request of Kathleen at Chain Weavers. If you have ever wanted to make your own custom texture stamps for metal clay or polymer clay here is an inexpensive, yet perfect solution! If this looks familiar it’s the same eraser that we use in the Rio Rewards PMC Certification Course. Carves smoothly, is compact and
Make your own custom stamp for metal clay with an eraser. Read More »
Day two What a great way to start the morning with this fun and creative group. Willing to humor me with my jazz hands request! Spent the morning working with these guys. I’m so lucky to have them in my life! Special appearance by Mark Nelson, you might have seen him on Baubles and Beads.
Day two of the Rio Grande Senior Retreat Read More »
Hi everyone, By request from Michelle and for those who missed my virtual book signing and metal clay tip event on CraftCast, here is the video!. In it is my new technique for making granulation effects with micro beads, mold compound and metal clay! Check out the video and let me know what you think!
Granulation Effects in metal clay Read More »
I’m always looking for interesting things to blog about that I think my readers will find interesting. A couple of weeks ago I looked out of the door of my studio and saw it. The first signs of Spring, and the welcome sight of my garden coming back to life. One of the first things
Design concepts obversed: complementary color Read More »
You are invited to a demo on the world of textures! March 24 I’ll be doing a free demo at Spring Beads everyone is welcome. It should be a fun time and I love sharing new things! PLUS I’ll be talking about my new book and doing a book signing. Woodland Chic: Metal Clay Jewelry
Houston Area! Book signing and metal clay demo Read More »