"Meet the Makers"

Although I love my job, it is seriously interfering with my blogging.  I do post regularly to Facebook, but have been neglecting my blog!  I am getting ready for the Walpole "Meet the Makers" show Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday and Sunday.  The Walpole Artisans shop will be decorated for Christmas and about 10 of us will be setting up at Chris Sherwin's studio at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls.  We will be giving out grab bags to the first 25 visitors each day, serving yummy treats, playing festive holiday music and of course showing you what we have each created.  Each artist will be doing demonstrations of their crafts as well.  Hope you will join us.  

Here is a photo of some handpainted Christmas ornaments which will be at the shop, and also at the Bellows Falls venue.  Also pictured are some of my latest pieces.

I finished some new clay pendants and earrings. I have to get everything put together, but think the colors are yummy. I also made some beaded necklaces which will be taken to the Walpole Coop sometime this week. I was having a wonderful quiet time working at the lake yesterday until some lunkhead decided to rev his boat motor and send a wave of water into the boat I was in, dousing me and all my materials. I was not amused even tho he and his friends thought it was hilarious!!! Oh well, some people never grow up..too bad. Stay tuned! 

Finished some necklaces...

Finished a few necklaces from the pieces I did this week.  I really love these colors.  Also posted a photo of the new man in my life.  P.S.  Don't tell the cat!!!

My favorite summer colors.....

These are just photos that I snapped at my workspace. This is what I love about working with polymer clay. All of these pieces were made with one stack of colors. The stack was just manipulated with several techniques, and not one bit was wasted! Even the scraps had some interesting designs and color combinations. Now, I have to get busy and make some jewelry!

This is seriously interrupting my sleep...

It's true...I learned how to make texture stamps with this putty stuff, and now it is stuck all over the place. It's on frames with interesting designs, leaves, fabric, pottery, anything that has a texture of some sort.  There are yellow blobs of curing putty everywhere I look!  In fact, if you visit my studio, you probably should keep your distance, or something on you may look like a good texture project, and you will get blobbed.  Not really, well maybe...

Worked on earrings today.  It's a great project to experiment with lots of texture and color.  Each piece is handpainted individually.  It takes a bit of time, but soooo much fun.  These are all going to the Walpole Artisans Coop tomorrow, but I am planning to make more this weekend to put on Etsy.

My supplies arrived!!!

My supplies finally arrived Thursday night.  I have been practically stalking the Fed Ex truck. I worked today to finish some of the pieces I did at class and made some earrings as well. The earrings and pendants are made using commercial texture stamps, and my own handmade stamps. (I learned how to do this at my retreat with Christine Damm!)  I just love the technique, and enjoy handpainting each piece.  The last photo shows the back of two pendants.  I like to make the backs look nice too.  Not quite sure how I am going to put the necklaces together yet.  I will tackle that tomorrow.

                             

Ready to get back to work...

Well, it took me a day to unwind! My head was just spinning from my "Art on the Farm" experience. It was everything I had hoped for and more. It was a beautiful drive to Vermont, and Christine and Doug welcomed me like we had known each other forever.

Christine is an amazing, talented artist, and so very generous in sharing her knowledge of polymer clay, especially surface techniques. She nudges, but does not direct your efforts. She is an encouraging teacher who allows you to experiment and develop your own style with new tools and techniques. She also provides information about products and sources. I surely got my money's worth!! I can hardly wait to finish some of the practice pieces and venture forth!!

2. Posting some photos.  I just made some textured pieces, and tried several different techniques.  None of these are finished.
4. Check out Christine's new website, www.storiestheytell.com, and also watch my Etsy store for some new items in the coming weeks.
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   Doug, Christine and friend, Carol

   
   

   

   Yummmmm!

   
   

   

   Christine at work!

   
   

   

   Practice pieces

   
   

   

   Maria, who joined in on Thursday and Friday

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Show and Tell

I participated in the Keene Art Tour May 3rd and 4th.  I was at Jim Murphy's studio along with Erin Stewart.  Jim provided us with great display space, and we had a wonderful time.  Here are a couple of photos of our setups. 

I had gone to visit my family the weekend before, and am posting a couple photos of the kids as well.

Shortly after getting home, I came down with bronchitis, and haven't posted, done any work, or added anything to Etsy--grandma's ought to have built in immunities--we have put in our time!!!

Spent some time this afternoon with the furry children--they are just so cute, all 11 of them!!!

Erin Stewart

My Display

Jim Murphy

"My Pennsylvania Girls"

Olivia

Lily

Herd of Yorkies!