One year ago today I wrote this post. I shared about my new found love for using polymer clay and how I was intending to set up shop to sell. My ‘Etsy Birthday’ (day I set up my Etsy shop) isn’t until December but this week marks the week I started creating with polymer clay.
It all started while searching for jewellery findings (bits to make jewellery with) on the net. I discovered a great online shop called ‘Over the Rainbow‘ run by Heather. Heather sells polymer clay and its often a lot cheaper to buy off her in Australia. On Heather’s site she had a section all about Millefiori caning. I’d never heard of this before although, like most people reading this, I had seen it (think of those candy/lolly shops where they roll out the lollies and make hundreds the same). The more I read the more I wanted to give it a go so I bought three packets of fimo, yellow, black and white (which turned out differently to what I thought - see below). I also joined the Australian Polymer Clay Guild that Heather runs. Thank you Heather - you are responsible for my polyclay adventures!
One year ago I had no idea what the terms ‘polymer clay’ (I called it Fimo which is a brand name), mokume gane (a technique) or ‘letting a cane rest’ meant. In one year I’ve had a great time teaching myself the millefiori cane method, mokume gane and generally learning as much as I can about this versatile medium.
The best way to describe it is in pictures. For example, here’s the very first batch that came out of the oven:
You may notice that its a blobby mess. Thats because at that point I did not know that I’d bought transulcent clay and not white. I thought they would look fabulous until I took them out of the oven. I still like those yellow and black beads though.
After trying my hand at miniatures, sewing pins and a range of very flat pendants, I started to enjoy the process of discovery more. I realised that theres a abstraction to this medium, something you can both control and let loose at the same time. This is the thing I love! If I want to make something specific, I can but if I want to see what happens when I mix two colours and cut diagonally I will get a surprise!
My caning method isn’t that perfect but I’m getting there. Some early efforts included these:
but more recently I’ve done these:
As time has gone by, I’ve moved away from the kitch:
and more towards the artistic (if you like):
I’ve even tried my hand at wire wrapping:
I’ve made miniatures, beads, pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair clips, barettes, napkin rings, bookmarks, decorations, aceos, artwork, phone charms, keyrings, buttons, magnets, thumbtacks, brooches, rings, tins, a jar, spoons and a mask.
I have issues with the thin line between art and craft (or craftsmanship and handmade) so those areas where I felt were a little close to the craft line have slowly been weeded out (important to me but not to others).
All along this last year I have really enjoyed this journey. I have found creating things this way a great outlet for my passion for creativity and design. I have also found that selling online has allowed me to cover my costs and keep going. I have met some amazing people, especially via the Polymer Clay Artists Guild Of Etsy (PCAGOE) which I am part of. I have learnt everything I know so far via the internet and to this day am yet to meet another polyclayer here in Perth (I’m sure they’re out there).
I have four online stores now. They are:
To finish off, here are some of my personal favourites. These are items I’ve made that mean something to me. They either mark a step along the process of improvement or they are things I particularly like. Thanks for sharing my Polyclay Birthday with me!!
Stumble it!
