Craft Test Dummies

A while ago my pal Lisa Pavelka was showing off her fabulous Pardo Jewellry Clay by Viva Decor at CHA Winter 2011- it’s so flexible after baking, you can actually use a paper punch to cut it! So I got to thinking- why not cut it with a Cricut? I played around a bit, and [...]

Here’s a great, quick Father’s Day gift you can whip up in no time. I originally published this tutorial on CraftsUnleashed, but I thought it should be shared here, too. These would also be cool zipper pulls for luggage or backpacks, too! Sometimes it’s a little, functional gift that shows Dad how much you care- [...]

One of my crafty loves is polymer clay, and I’ve reviewed  Studio by Sculpey (may it rest in peace) and Pardo Jewellery Clay by Viva Decor. Newest version on the block? Pardo Art Clay by Viva Decor. Lisa Pavelka has been working with Viva Decor for a while now, and she likes this formulation so [...]

Jenny visits Viva Decor to see their line of crafts, craft tools, Pardo polymer clay and paints. Endorsed by Lisa Pavelka, too.

Jenny previews the projects she made and introduces her review of Lisa Pavelka Signature Series Craft Foils on www.CraftCritique.com

Jenny gives you the scoop on the giveaway of polymer clay items on FaveCraft.

Last Saturday we had a GREAT Polymer Clay 101 class at Grand River Beads (check out their website for their calendar.) We had 6 enthusiastic participants, and we covered the following: brands of clays and their properties prepping clay texturizing release agents application of pigments tools curing ….and some of my own little tips! We [...]

I was making my blog rounds this morning, and ran across this idea from Crafty Goat. And since I love polymer clay AND bottle cap art, this worked for me! (Alternatively, I could use my polyclay and then have a brew. That also works for me!) Anyhoo, she suggests making your own molds from cool [...]

I’ve been working on some enamel-like effects on polymer clay pendants, and I made these a few weeks ago. I love Lumiere paints- they are acrylics with mica powders in them, which make them metallic and shimmery. However, I had problems with them bubbling when I went to heat-set the glaze on top. Maybe I [...]

I taught a class at Stamplistic today – of ONE! I had only expected two, but then….well, life happens. So it was just Sue and I and a bunch o’ clay.  We made happy pieces (sorry, I forgot my camera!) but I did take a snap of the class sample I made last week.  It’s [...]

Ever since I was introduced to polymer clay, it’s been labeled as “non-toxic” and that’s been a major selling point for me. You can cure it in your home oven with no ill effects, your kids can use it, it’s appropriate for institutional use, it’s safe. But is it? Recently on one of my PC [...]

Well, I was the April Fool yesterday – I had a class scheduled at Grand River Beads and didn’t even remember it! Fortunately, Eva is the best and pulled me back to earth. I was honored to have 2 class participants yesterday: Dawn, a dear friend and former colleague, and Kathy, a new kindred spirit. [...]

I’m in a swap at my CPS group, and our theme was Faberge Eggs. I played around with several ideas, but since I’m on a polymer clay kick, well, I thought I could make it work. I also used some lovely German Scrap from ArtChix and some rhinestones to finish them off. Whaddaya think? To [...]

We had a blizzard here the past coupla days, so we hunkered down and stayed cozy and safe. I decided to play a bit more with my new extruder, and my brain is buzzing with possibilities. Unfortunately, I was so over-stimulated that I forgot to mind the clay oven, and I scorched a number of [...]

I’m gearing up for my favorite green holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. Since my birthday is only 3 days later, it’s been something of an extended holiday for me. (BTW, Earth Day comes in second as my favorite green holiday. Sorry.) Anyhoo, I always celebrate with cards for the family, dressing up the kids, sometimes even [...]

I had my first wire wrapping class today with Melissa M. at Grand River Beads. As you may know, I’ve gone off of the deep end with polymer clay cabochons using metal leaf and inks. So I figure I have to learn what to do with them! I’m so glad I took the class. I’d [...]

I was visiting some of my favorite blogs, and I was reading Crafty Goat’s Notes and her “revised” take on the Studio by Sculpey Clays. She’s finding that right out of the package, it’s too soft….and some of her older clay (the first batch sent out by polyform to be tested by PC artists) is [...]

Only 3 ingredients, but OH! What an outcome! My arty friend Jenna came with her daughter yesterday for a play date, and we couldn’t help ourselves in a little clay demo, too. The kids were rapidly decompensating, so we only had time to make a sheet of clay: I took this photo without flash so [...]

So I took 2 cabs that I formed over the lightbulb, sanded them, then baked them together using TLS and my embossing gun. The result? My first hollow bead! I’m disappointed that I can still see the seam. Maybe a little alcohol ink over it to cover it a bit? Hmmm. More to experiment with…. [...]