Calla Lily Hair Sticks, A Handmade Polymer Clay Tutorial

For this tutorial you will need the following;

• Green, orange, and white polymer clay (Fimo, Sculpey, Primo…It’s your choice… I just use what’s cheapest)
• Water based polyurethane
• A blade
• A small paint brush
• A rolling pin of some kind

How to:

Using the white polymer clay, work a small piece of clay in your hands to condition it (roll it out like a snake and then roll it into a ball…then a snake…then a ball…you get the idea). This gets the clay warm and then it will move more easily under the roller.
Once it’s conditioned, roll out the white to about 1/8” thickness and cut out the calla shape. Set it aside for later.
Condition the green and orange clay just like you did with the white.
Roll the green into a 4”long stick that has a diameter of between ¼” and 1/2″. Taper the end making the length 5”. Roll the orange into a 3/4” long stick with a ¼” to 1/2″ diameter (same as the green) and taper it at one end making it 1” long.

Attach the large end of the orange stick to the larger end of the green stick by smooshing them together and then gently rolling out that section until smooth.

Lay the orange end of the now 6” stick on top of the white calla cut out making sure that the cut out comes below the orange line.

Wrap the cut out around the stick and using your fingers, pinch along the edge of the cut out all the way around. This will give them a more delicate and realistic look. Next, pinch the tip and curl the end. And lastly, use your finger to smooth the bottom of the cut out into the green stick surface.
Using the instructions on the polymer clay package, bake the finished hair sticks making sure that they’re really straight. Once they’re cooled give them two or three coats of polyurethane and let them dry.

Aren’t they sweet?

I’ll be enjoying one of those afternoons where I will be cruising the internet and finding inspiration again and again, meeting new artists, and just loving the access we have these days because we’re all online. I mean, it’s such a wonderful thing that we can interact with artists across the world and experience them and their handcrafted art right in our own shops, or homes,  or studios. Anyway, so there I am cruising along and having the most glorious fulfilling experiences when *BOOM* I view an advertisement for handmade polymer clay buttons at the amazingly low price of $.03 each, shipped free anywhere…and my happy cruise totally crashes when it hits me that I could never afford to make them this cheap and even worse, if I could I’d surely be a slave to my art.

I began to wonder if I was nuts. I mean, if someone can buy handmade polymer clay buttons online for just cents, why on earth would they pay dollars for mine?

Well after much tortured thought the answer suddenly and gently came to me…because mine are unique. It sounds so simple but it’s true. It was easy to figure out how they can mass produce these handmade buttons. The canes are most likely HUGE, the clay is probably purchased in large quantities more inexpensively, and chances are they are made in an assembly line style. Now in my books there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s quite efficient and everyone wins but it’s a whole lot of the same flower button design, for example.

For some buttons I make small canes and from each one I get roughly 8-16 buttons. I take my time to design them and enjoy the infinite possibilities. I love to create the canes and each button is hand sliced with a razor, hand smoothed, and molded to shape and size.

When I make character buttons like the cute owls shown in the image below, some details like the eyes and wings are made from canes and the rest is hand-sculpted. Then each button hole is gently poked through, one at a time.

Some of the buttons that I create are patterned on top like these yummy raspberry ones in the image to the right.  I even use my own handmade patterned imprints from polymer clay instead of buying and using the silicone ones that are sold at the craft stores.My colors are mostly hand mixed and I’ll even add pearl powders occasionally to give them a special shimmer in the light.

Best of all is that my designs change and are updated very regularly. Don’t worry though if you like something you’ve seen a while back because I’m sure I could reproduce something very similar you’d equally enjoy.  I love custom orders too and will work with anyone who wants something special.

Now this doesn’t mean that you don’t buy the mass produced buttons. I say “Shop away!” because that’s an unbelievable deal but when you’re looking for something special that will add that unique and perhaps special or personal touch, I’m your gal!

Oh, one more thing…Start’s Arts has free shipping too:) Bam!

Classic Charm and sophistication! Perfect Wedding day and everyday selections flaunting signature woven pearl style, over-the top design, rhinestone brooches, and fabulous beading…wow factor indeed! Every piece has a story and as you embark on this journey why not participate with such Broochaliscious style…besides, your neck is just too hungry to pass these up! Total Accessorization and timeless style and design. ZiLLA’s QuEeN brings you Wedding Delights & much much more!

Charmed,
ZiLLA’s QuEeN

Shop: www.ZiLLAsQuEeN.Etsy.com
FB: ZiLLA’s QuEeN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ZiLLAsQuEeN

In order to create my art, I first cut the stone that will go in the piece, then design around that.  Here are two stones cut in the lapidary in the past week.  The first is a piece of Lapis Lazuli about 2.5 inches long and it is very heavy.  Will probably use it in a horizontal position in a necklace.  Way too large for a ring.

The second is a free form cabochon made with “Pudding” jasper.  Feel free to change the adjective ‘dding’ to anything that you think describes the stone.

I will wait, but am currently working on a mixed metal pendant (gold and silver) with a highly included rutilated quartz *16 mm round faceted stone.  Another project is a ring to ask Debbie to marry me “again” next October on our anniversary. A friend is cutting this as I certainly can not do it in my shop.  Any way, that is the news so far for the day after Thanksgiving.

John

How do you do Vintage? The beauty in Vintage lies within the actual pieces’ ability to speak with you. Brooches are my favorite pieces to “Remix!” As I received these fascinating pieces Broochaliscious ideas took flight! Fabulous brooch finds placed together, offering total accessorization…just scrumpscious! Jewelry transformed with fantastic necklaces with the thinking “your neck is just too hungry to pass these up”! The brooches long lasting appeal doesn’t stop there…Broochaliscious designs from the Queen highlights Vintage-Inspired Handbags adorned with charming gloves, sparkling brooches, & handmade bib flower necklaces that can double as belts! One-of-a-kind pieces to reflect timeless style & design! Lovely accessory & keepsake!

So when the QuEeN wonders, “How do you do Vintage?” please reflect on the history, gift, and legacy behind such pieces as they reach our hands. The journey is what captivates me and sending these pieces on even further is the real gift! Beauty is truly within the eye of the beholder…so kindly BEHOLD THIS and share the love on your neck!

Charmed -ZiLLA’s QuEeN 
As always, The Queen reminds you…”Never leave home without your charm!”

www.ZillasQuEeN.Etsy.com

I just wanted to share with you a short contest I just ran on my facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ShendoeCeramics) that was super fun and easy for my friends.  I was just about 16 people shy of my 2011 goal of having 400 fans, so I ran a contest asking for existing fans to share my site and if one of their friends became the 400th fan, then both of them would get one of my handmade porcelain necklaces.  It worked wonderfully and in two days I had my winners!  To say thank you to all of my friends on Facebook for participating, I gave them a coupon code for my etsy ( FRIENDS11 ).

Just thought I would share this idea with all of you … feel free to use the coupon code and join my FB page.

Thanks for being part of the handmade community,

shen…

www.shendoe.etsy.com

One of the things that make handmade jewelry so appealing is that no two pieces are ever identical. Even if you purchase a piece that has been made several times, it will still be different from the others like it simply because you cannot exactly duplicate handmade design.

In addition, many people who create handmade jewelry opt for pieces that are less common than what is traditionally worn. This allows those wearing the jewelry to create a look that is individual to them and will never end up being just another part of the crowd.

Handmade jewelry is also popular because it is often so affordable. Where some pieces may cost an enormous amount, handmade jewelry is often considered to be less expensive. You are paying for the materials and the person’s time creating a one-of-a-kind piece and that is appealing to many.

The simple fact is that there are plenty of reasons to love handmade jewelry. Whether it be the look or the cost, you are certain to find your own reason to love it.

The next two, the last finished this morning, were crafted from prismatic beads in the shop inventory.  The first was made with copper goldstone beads and copper chain and findings.  The second was crafted from specular hematite beads using brass plated steel wire and findings to complete the necklace.

Today, one of my friends will be coming over to the shop to begin his journey toward gems and jewelry.  He is young and wants to begin learning.  So today he will start learning about gems and their properties.  With temperatures predicted in the 90s this weekend, I will enjoy staying inside to work in the shop at my bench.

Rebeca says: ” I would love for my book to help elevate the standards of maille.  Chainmaille as a jewelry craft form is relatively new, so there are no strictly defined standards of what is considered technical precision like there are for other jewelry media.  I don’t expect beginners to be perfect, but I sometimes see people who consider themselves “experts” posting or publishing photographs of pieces with very poorly closed rings.  My guess is, a lot of people don’t think that it’s a big deal.  Or they’ve been taught by someone who has poor closures, and it never even occurred to them that seamless closures are an option. To me, though, having perfect closures and smooth, shiny rings are critical.  I hope that people flip through my book and see what a difference seamless closures make.  And then, I hope that maillers everywhere make it a point to always aim for perfectly closed rings.  Of course, there are plenty of maillers (especially ones who frequent online forums) that already do so.  You are my peeps — let’s elevate this artform together! ”

Chained also painstakingly  goes into details on various metals and how to care for them. This is so important, honestly, I wish that I had a reference book like this around when I started weaving. Rebeca takes you through years of her own trial and error and puts things in simple understandable terms. You may not think much of  it, but finding the right pair of pliers is huge. I personally have probably 20 pairs of pliers and only use 2, the book sends you to the right tools to start. I guess what I’m saying is “Chained” takes the guess work out of chainmaille for beginners and gives great tips for the more advanced chainmaillers out there.

The tutorials are set up from basic to advanced so that you can grow with the book. I don’t know how many people start doing chainmaille, buy a bunch of stuff and then give up. Chainmaille can be difficult that is why it it critical to start off slow with basic weaves and then move on to more difficult intricate patterns. You need to truly build your weaving skills, and “Chained ” walks you through the steps. Starting with simple Japanese weaves and then progressing on to more complex patterns.

The other critical thing I looked for while reviewing the book is ring size. As I’ve taken my own journey through the art of weaving chainmaille I’ve noticed patterns in English Units, Metric Units, AWG (American Wire Gage), SWG (Standard Wire Gage), all these nuances will affect your finished work. Blue Buddha takes the time to give you proper ring sizes as well as their metric conversions for each weave so that there is no guess work. This is a huge time saver, ring size is one the of the largest struggles you will find when you start weaving chainmaille and “Chained will lead you down the right path.

The book goes through Japanese Weaves, Byzantine Weaves, Helm Weaves, and what Rebeca calls Coiled Weaves. These various techniques will give you a good foundation for weaving chainmaille. I would of loved to see her move into some Perisan Weaves or Roundmaille variations, but there are so many weaves out there I’m sure she had to edit herself or the book would be 500 pounds. Maybe we’ll get a sequel one day, hint hint, if you are listening Rebeca.
Rebeca says:  “Heh, heh.  Hint Taken. You are not the first to suggest a Persian chapter.  I have already started to think about a second book, one that is tailored more toward Intermediate/Advanced Weavers.  Right now, Persian will likely be a chapter.  If not, I’ll probably develop some stand-alone PDFs for the Persian family of weaves.  And you’re right, there was a LOT that we couldn’t fit in Chained.  My original manuscript turned out to be 260 pages, so my editor had quite a lot of editing to do. An entire chapter (on Mobiusing) got cut, along with several projects from the other chapters.  Look for a supplemental PDF of “The Deleted Scenes” sometime in 2011 for these missing projects.”

One of my favorite aspects of the book is that she gives artists the right to use her designs to create jewelry for sale. Believe it not most of the  books out there, not just chainmaille, restrict the artist from selling the finished work created from the designs in the book. Sort of silly uh? Like there is a copyright police man out there searching the web for infringement. Well Rebeca, being a femailler and jewelry artist at heart, insisted to her publisher that this be waived and that artists would be free to sell their finished work. If your interested in an autographed copy, which I did, you can get one here “Chained” Autographed. Blue Buddha will donate $5 from the sale of every signed copy to Friends of Franklin Fine Arts Center

This necklace in particular I found quite stunning.

As well as this lovely headband.

Hanny’s work is just stunning to say the least. I’ll leave you with one more beautiful necklace.

Necklace element Earth, the mother of all flesh, plants, waters and seas. Middle part indicates fertile earth with flowers, grass and fertile soil, the connecting part is the rain that irrigates the earth, the upper part of the life-giving sun heats up everything It consists of 3 parts. First – the center is sewn on sequins, rocailles, chopped rocailles and plastic beads attached to the felt, which is still lined with orange-red deerskin The upper part is made of fiberglass with a cabochon cut rocailles. The two main themes are linked rocailles two color sewn plastic balls, mounting is several rows rocailles over other plastic balls. On one side is attached to a carabiner rocailles 4 The Council, on the other – the shorter strap sewn to the ring. Overall length is 51 cm, fastened to the snap hooks and rings. The necklace is designed asymmetrically

To see more of Hannybeads check out her shop on The Handmade Artists’ Shop

Elle’s Beads was never intended to be a business venture.  I started beading and making jewelry as an outlet for dealing with some of the depression and anxiety I was going through after starting my first “real” job in a new city after college. After a few months of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to open shop on Etsy and I’ve been selling my work ever since.

The designs I make are almost always one of a kind and reflect my personality and eclectic sense of style.  I have a line of LGBT pride jewelry as well as dozens of other funky, colorful pieces.  This year I’ve added lines of metal bookmarks and beaded cell phone charms, perfect even for those who don’t wear much jewelry.  I also make fabric accessories, including brooches, pins, and barrettes.

Environmental responsibility is a big issue for me and so a lot of my work reflects that.  I only use scrap fabrics for my accessories and often incorporate broken vintage jewelry, vintage buttons, and other second-hand embellishments into my work.  I make beaded and resin magnets and often use recycled bottle caps or even creative items like old keys and eyeglass lenses in my creations.  

You can find Elle’s Beads (and me!) all over the web.  I have shops on Handmade Artists Forum, Etsy, Zibbet and my own website.  I have an active Blogger blog, Tumblr blog, YouTube channel, Twitter, and Facebook page.  I’d love it if you stopped by and dropped me a line.  One of the best parts of starting this business is the wonderful friendships I’ve made with other artisans and lovers of handmade!

Until next time,

Elle

One of my favorite pieces is this Mosaic Letter “A”. Linda of Creative Artworks will help design a custom piece to your liking.

I can just picture this in a kids room over their bed or even a more adult piece for a bedroom or family room.

Her stained glass pieces really come alive as well such as this Tulip

These are just a couple examples of Creative Artworks talents make sure you stop by her shop on the Handmade Artists Shop to see more!

I just recently started selling on Etsy, but have been making all kinds of things since I was a little girl. My mom taught me to knit, crochet, sew and embroider and I do all that now – and more.

I have welded metal garden art, sewn clothing and bags, glued ornaments, made molds with plaster and replicas with resin – and I am really excited about incorporating as much of what I like to do into the items that I sell.

I use recycled materials from around my home, vintage and used materials from estate and garage sales, and new things that add interest. My main objective is to use recycled materials, but my overall goal is to create something functional and interesting to look at. I consider it a challenge and I love it! 

Check me out on Etsy.
Read my blog.

Monday, November 2 http://mailleetc.etsy.com/

Greetings, and welcome to Maille Etc, where you’ll find kits, tools, jump rings, and, when available, ready-to-wear jewelry.
We’re Green! All of our sterling silver jump rings are made from 100% reclaimed silver – no mined sources here! We feel good about that, and so will you and your customers.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31739892

Everything you’ll need to create this stunning chainmaille bracelet is included in this kit, including a jump ring tool and a very handy triangle scoop! Weave this bracelet for yourself or for your friends – they’ll love you, and, be warned, they’ll demand more of your talents!

Tuesday, November 3 http://colettesboutique.etsy.com/

Beautiful selection of handcrafted sterling silver and semi precious stone jewelry. This shop also has a selection jewelry tutorials for learning to make your own.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30906932

Sleeping Beauty turquoise, sterling silver, and Swarovski crystal handcrafted chandelier earrings.

Wednesday, November 4 http://eiriel.etsy.com/

Welcome!
          Eclectic jewellery includes chainmaille, pearl and unique jewellery that make fantastic gifts for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries or for yourself after a hard week! I love custom orders, so please feel free to convo me if you have any special requests.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27725340

Something for the boys! Aluminum and rubber chainmaille bracelet. Suitably rugged for wearing during ‘manly’ activities such as hiking, chopping down trees, manning BBQs or just being your own blokish self, these will compliment any man’s wrist!

Thursday, November 5 http://shapedbyhand.etsy.com/

Our jewelry is made with a love for creativity and a desire to provide each person who purchases one of our pieces with a one of a kind work of art. Most of our jewelry is made using various wiring materials such as sterling silver, copper gold filled, gold plated, and color craft wire. Wire is one of the best mediums to work with because it is so malleable and lends itself to endless possibilities. Wire working allows for us to create truly unique pieces.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27349625

Iridescent Swarovski Crystal cube beads in shades of blues and greens.

Friday, November 6 http://yaffaknit.etsy.com/

W E L C O M E ! Scarves, slippers, socks, gloves and hand warmers, hats and bags – it is all for you! COZY, SOFT AND WARM WELCOME to Yaffa’s Neat Knitting Shop!

I am a creataholic for as long as I remember myself.
Always hungry for challenge of making, learning, designing something new using paint, fabric,yarn, wood, metal,beads and crystals,ceramic…you name it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20399740

Deliciously loving gift for your beloved to keep the hands as well as the heart warm and tender.
The gloves are made with world famous 100% pure Merino wool from New Zealand and decorated with tiny pearls.

Saturday, November 7 http://pennyfarrow.etsy.com/

Handmade leather accessories. Beautifully crafted handbags, small cases/coin purses, journal covers, and bible covers.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28901058

This matte black leather purse is another of my black on black series, it features a gorgeous variety of texture and line and compliments the black clutch and the moon-flower shoulder bag. It is stitched with fine caramel brown linen thread,which provides a subtle highlight, and is fully lined in black pigskin

Sunday, November 8 http://torajewelry.etsy.com/

Carefully and lovingly handcrafted colorful chainemaille jewelry.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27419886

Lovely double spiral weave front clasp necklace with Swarovski Crystal heart.

Lots of great items in this weeks team shops! I hope you have an easier time than I did choosing one as your favorite to Spread the Love. Don’t forget to post your favorites on the Etsy thread at http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6334537

Visit Tamdoll on Etsy

I am a stay at home mom of three-Charlotte who is 3, Draven who was 2 in July (yes, they’re super close-15 1/2 months apart) and a newborn, Mason. I have a wonderful husband, Jonathon. We’ve been together for almost 10 years and have been married for almost 5. He’s the best thing that could have happened to me. 

I’d like to introduce my Etsy shop, The Little Ballerina which was inspired by my 3 year old daughter when she all of a sudden wanted to be a ballerina. I made her a couple of tutus and decided to start selling them since I had so much fun creating the two for her. When that started taking off, I thought I had to promote some more with accessories. I love making tutus, and will make your custom tutu just the way you want it. I’ve also made a variety of bows and will customize them just for you.

In my shop I have many different style clippies, 2 styles of tutus to choose from, an assortment of clippy and bow holders, and many other types of accessories. Check it out for all your little girls’ needs! I’ve had a lot of fun making these and hope to continue to do so for quite awhile. I put 100% into everything I do and make.

Visi my Etsy shop The Little Ballerina.
Read my Blog.
Follow me on Twitter.

My name is Tracey and I am a mother of two wonderful boys and I LOVE designing jewelry! After losing my day job (of 10 years), I decided to open my own store and sell my designs.

I have always been creative, but jewelry design allows me the freedom to express myself. Ginger Kitty Designs offers beautiful handcrafted jewelry and accessories, and I run a ‘Trade Friendly Store.’ I have designed and handcrafted each piece of jewelry you will find in my store, and I will make every effort to make sure you are a happy customer and have a positive experience.

I am the original creator of a line of jewelry made with nail polish, called ‘Nail Polish Jewelry Line.’  I can custom design any of the jewelry you see in my stores or on my Flickr account, or I can make you a completely unique piece of you – in whatever color or style that suits you.

Most of my designs can be customized to your needs. I can change the size of bracelets and clasps, the color of beads, and change earrings to clip on. Ginger Kitty Designs now also offers jewelry repair. If you have a piece that needs to be restrung or is broken I can more than likely repair it.

I have found that selling my designs is very rewarding and I love when a customer says, “wow it is just beautiful!.” It brings great joy to my life and a smile to my face!

Check out my Etsy Store.
Find my work on Artfire.
Find more of my work at Flickr.
Follow me on Twitter.

Driven by the life philosophy of making everything a little bit better, I sketch and stitch to make my environment more beautiful and interesting. I am inspired by modern life, nature, and, of course, people. All kinds of crazy, beautiful people.

I love experimenting with different subjects and fabrics, and am always trying to bring humor and a touch of the unexpected to my work.

While still relatively new to my craft, I look forward to becoming a master in this lifetime, and continue to educate myself on new techniques and stitches, and am expanding my work with applique art.

In addition to my Etsy shop, I am creating more complex pieces to be shown and sold at local galleries in upstate New York.

During the day, you can find me at a local publishing company where I work as a production editor. Sounds dull, but it affords me the opportunity to meet and be inspired by people. All kinds of crazy, beautiful people.

Check out my boutique items at:  www.crazybutcute.etsy.com

Or Flickr, where anything goes: photos/crazybutcute/

Or follow me on Twitter for regular updates about what I’m eating: http://twitter.com/crazybutcutesew

As a Christian, it is heartwarming to see the warmth and joy coming from other Christians on the Etsy site. I have met some special people there.

Kimberly is also very supportive in the Handmade Artists Forum, leaving generous supportive comments about other artist’s creations, along with tweeting and stumbling their creations.   She’s one busy lady!!

Kimberly is  a multi-talented artist, who paints a variety of glassware, from  butter dishes, vases, mugs, but she also paints some stunning toasting glasses, perfect for a cherished wedding keepsake.   If you don’t find just what you are looking for, Kimberly  will gladly work with you on a custom design just for you.    I think if I were to get married again, it would be so cool to have glasses painted to match my bouquet, don’t you?  She also creates glasses that are perfect for other special occasions, or even everyday use to brighten up your life.

If you are looking for a unique gift for someone special, then check out some of Kimberly’s wrapped sea glass pendants.   She has some very beautiful pieces, green, white,  warm brown, blue,  sea glass pieces wrapped in Sterling Silver,  and even a couple of birds nests that are adorable and elegant at the same time! 

Here’s just a small sample of what you will find at Makin The Best Of It

“There’s just something about chainmaille that completely intrigues me.  It may be that it is so much like a puzzle. This certainly isn’t a new trend, perhaps a revised trend would be a better way of putting it.  After all, the art of chainmaille is over 2,000 years old”, according to Monique, creator of Tora Jewelry. 

We often think of armor when we think of chainmaille, but it’s so much more than that, it is also some quite fascinating jewelry.  Monique says: “There are European, Japanese and Persian weaves, but the Celts, Romans and the Norse were the original proprieters of maille. Much later around Shakesperean times chainmaile began being used as jewelry.”  This past January, Monique bought some jump rings, pliers and taught herself the art of chainmaille! Monique states that her shop name ‘Tora Jewelry’ comes from her love of tigers and Japanese art. Be sure to watch for more exquisite designs from Tora Jewelry in the future.

Be sure to visit this self taught artist’s Etsy shop.

You can also read her Tora Jewelry Blog.

or her ArtFire studio here:  http://knitsandmorebywlsm12.artfire.com

I am an artist, jewellery maker and lover of all things nature. I have a husband and a daughter, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 3 chickens and a cockerel, a vegetable plot and the proverbial partridge in a pear tree!

I am a jewellery/hair accessories designer and maker, and I design everything from beaded hair flowers to the simplest necklace-I design for all occasions and specialize in weddings. I make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, haircombs, hairpins hairvines..tiaras…brooches and much more- in fact I am always open to suggestions! I will make and design jewellery/accessories for weddings, debs, first communions and other formal occasions.

See more of my work on my blog at Doyle Jewellery Design.

You can also join me on Twitter.