Polymer Clay...and more...

retreat....

Being at retreat always inspires me....BUT I have come home with a horrible cold, and lots of personal stuff going on that has taken the wind out of the sails....and I'm trying to regroup.

A little bit about retreat.  Kimberly Arden never seems to let me down.  She is a simply an incredible artist, a sharing, giving person, and talented in everything that she does~ I think her only fault is that she's a little shy (NOT!).  Kim has been an inspiration forever.  If I wasn't Kathy, I think I'd want to be Kim.  I love this woman for everything that she is ~ and I feel lucky to consider her as a friend.

Isn't this wonderful?  What can I say?  For more info on Kim, check out her link on my side bar.  Kim sells her work at Art Fairs and Galleries. 

Tomorrow...a little more on what's happening in my life....

another new necklace

my silence

It has been a hectic few days....sorry no post!  I spent the weekend with my sister in Columbus.  We had a great time.  Picked up my niece (our Ms. Emily) at the airport, and we were first on hand to see the diamond engagement ring.  YES....she had a magnificent St. Patrick's Day.  We spent Sunday afternoon trying on bridal dresses. (OK...just Emily, not my sister and I!)  What fun!  On the other hand, I have been really upset as my brother is having a very difficult time with this round of chemo treatments.  It is terrible that our treatments for this disease are so barbaric.  I have always been a person that believes that somewhere out there is a cure.  Our medical profession is just making too much money on this horrible, horrible disease.  Please let me be wrong.  If, in my life time, I find out that there has been a cure, and my little brother and my mother had to suffer so, I will not be closed mouth about it. 

I leave for Michigan and clay retreat tomorrow.  Spending the night Wednesday with a good clay friend in Michigan, then off to retreat.  I'm sure it'll be fantastic, as usual.  Picture 60+ people who love clay...making and sharing...it's a wonderful time.  Hopefully will come home with new ideas and new creativity ......

It's been a day from...

It has sure been one of those days!   Work was not fun.  Installing new carpeting.  And the contractor, well, I just don't know!  When they are supposed to be there at 9:00 AM and don't show until noon....it was just a disaster!  I came home and was trying to put some jewelry together, with not much satisfaction.  My puppy...OK, he's 10 years old, and close to 100 pounds....just was not going to let me work today!    He is my comfort and my best friend, but TONIGHT my best friend decided I should spend time with him, and not beading!

On another note, we are having the first meeting of the Ohio Lakeshore Polymer Clay Guild in about three years tomorrow evening.  It will be good to get together with old friends and share ideas again.  AND I'm getting excited about retreat next weekend!

new design

Here is one of the new designs I've been working on.  The photo is not as clear as I'd like, because it is only a scan.  I'm inspired right now to do some of this unusual type jewelry.

new colors......

I've been working on some new things....every year it becomes a challenge for me to create something new for repeat customers.  I depend a lot on fashion forecasts for color.  When you're creating jewelry, you'd better have an idea of what colors people are going to be buying!  These are some of the new beads.  This is my first major use of Kato Clay, and I'm happy with the results.  The first group I made with a salmon, gold based green, and yellow gold.  THEN when I pulled out the green and red adventurine gemstone beads I purchased to use with my beads, the green was totally 'off'.  So...this first group of beads will be used with olive jade instead.  It works much better!  I've started constructing necklace and earring sets...trying to do some really different asymmetrical work.  For a better look...click on the thumbprints. 

it's my grief for today....

OK, now I'm trying to figure out how to get decent photos in to the content of my blog....I do it one way, and they're WAY TOO BIG ...  another way and they're way too small......   What IS my problem....I'm trying to be creative showing you my creations....so far, no go!

Getting Started

I guess I'll never know until I start!  This post will be the beginning of my thoughts on polymer clay and jewelry design.  I'm sure there will be the mix of my family and friends here, too.  Be patient with me as I'm learning.  I'm sure that 'somewhere out there' is a "blogging for dummies" book.  I guess I'll learn as I go!