A Chicken and Egg situation

One Easter, about 5 years ago my search for Easter crafts for my Sunday school class led me on an amazing journey  into egg land ; and I couldn't wait to start my own  project inspired by the array of designs on display, and taking the opportunity to  incorporate the marbling and inlay techniques I has been experimenting with that year. 
Just google Decorated Eggs and have a look at the wonderful images
They also inspire some of the most diverse and creative decorating techniques found. Whether its  African(Ostrich eggs),   Eastern European (Pysanka painted eggs) or Western European (Faberge eggs)  there's an egg out there for you !
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Decorated Ostrich Egg

Faberge Decorated Egg

Pyskansa Decorated Eggs

Eggs are symbolic of so many things - birth, new beginnings, regeneration and nurture. So much folklore  and so many traditions are wrapped around this vehicle of recreation, that I've always held a fascination for these delicately decorated items, and a marble egg  can feel so organic and soothing to the touch. 

I started my marbled inlay egg  about 5 years ago (and no, it did not take me 5 years to complete) , at some point it went onto my 'work in progress' pile !
I used a blown chicken egg. The symbols of a leaf and hearts were chosen  for love, abundance and growth. The colours were chosen for  a vivid effect  -  I chose metallic clay, which when incorporated with the colours  gave it depth;  red for the passion , blue for rebirth, purple for spirituality. I hope you enjoy the results !

 My marbled inlay egg (click on image for close up view !)

My marbled inlay egg (click on image for close up view !)

Love is all around !

So...I managed to get some items ready for Valentines, but it was a close call ! If Valentines is about love, then what better than to showcase what I love doing !
When in a hurry, I turn to Polymer clay for it's versatility, colour choice and cost. My valentine hearts were made using a marbling pattern, achieved by twisting two logs of clay, one black one red. I then divided the candy cane twist into 2 and twisted the resulting logs again. I then flattened the cane and rolled on a separate base of clay and 'raked' the resulting stripes giving the nice marble effect. The design reminds me of Tie-dye fabrics which give a zigzag pattern depending on where the dye touched the material. I shall look out for some examples ! In the meantime, enjoy my hearts, from me to you !
Don't Forget to take a look at our Showcased Artists !

Polymer Clay Hearts, baked and ready for sanding and polishing and setting

A Beautiful Set of Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet, and blocks of raw polymer clay

Detail of marbling effect on heart shape polymer clay pendant

Polymer Clay Hearts, with Wire and seed bead inset encased in resin

Out with the old ?

Happy New Year to you!

I find this time of year is a boon; it’s just the right time for me to consolidate my existing projects and think about starting new ones.

In years gone by, I would round up excess or leftover material and donate it to crafts groups and charities in the full knowledge that I could easily get more and start again.

This year, as part of my austerity drive, I am going to recycle my hoard and finish or create new projects from what I already have.

My supply mountain is quite impressive because I am interested in many crafting disciplines. I have tools, clay, paints, fabric, beads, yarn, parchment and wire to name a few things!

The next obvious crafting landmark for me is February – Valentines to be exact. I’ve always managed to miss this holiday crafting opportunity because it comes right on the back of Christmas, giving one hardly enough time to plan and execute complex projects.

I think that hand crafted, goods will be big this year, as people try to reflect more heartfelt meaning to their gift giving.

Speaking of hearts, I attended a silver metal clay class last October. The one day course was fun. We were a class of about 12 of varying ability, and we were able to complete a set of earrings, pendant and ring - I chose hearts as my motif for the pendant and earrings. The clay itself is costly and one would have to achieve a high standard of finish if you were going to sell your work. The items are pure silver when fired and can be hallmarked at approved centres.

More on this craft as projects come up.

In the meantime, enjoy my efforts with this new medium. The diamond shapes were my first attempt with a home kit.
Search Amazon.co.uk for metal clay 

Adjustable Ring in Metal Clay, Pure Silver after firing - October 2010

Pendant in Metal Clay with Cubic Zirconia CZ crystals embeded

Heart Shaped Metal Clay earrings

'Diamonds in the Rough' of Metal Clay - using home kit