I urge all polymer clay artists to consider attending what is sure to be a wonderful and inspirational conference. The theme is “Exploring Connections” and the emphasis is on artistic collaboration, from artists working together on a single project to a single artist expanding his or her horizons by combining other materials with polymer clay. Please check out the Synergy2 website for more information.

I am once again working with Judy Belcher and Mary Fassler to organize and manage the Synergy2 Gallery, where all attendees are encouraged to display and sell their polymer clay works. The 2008 Synergy Gallery was amazing and I predict the Synergy2 Gallery will be even better. Imagine the fabulous works of 80 artists lined up row after row all in the same room for you to see and purchase!

If you want to kick your work up a notch or two or three I strongly recommend that you consider attending the conference. The sooner you register the better your chances of getting into the presentations that are of most interest to you.

I thought I’d start posting a message now and then about an unusual tool, gadget, or material that I can’t live without. I used this little scrub brush a number of times today so thought I’d start with that. What artist doesn’t love having an array of tools to make their work easier? I’ve used these little nail scrubbers from Lee Valley Tools for years and have recommended them to lots of friends. They are sold in pairs or by the dozen so I have them stationed in lots of places in my house and polymer clay studio. They are actually manufactured for hospitals and surgery scrub rooms. I use them for scrubbing veggies, cleaning my rubber stamps and texture sheets, and they are especially great for cleaning hands and fingernails of polymer clay, paint, garden dirt, etc. Plus, you can’t beat the price!

I’ll be at the Gourd and Arts Festival in Folsom, CA this Saturday and Sunday (September 26-27). During setup today I saw the most gigantic gourds for sale. If you’ve ever cleaned a gourd to use for an art project you know what a lot of work goes into just the prepwork. There are sure to be some amazing gourd-related pieces and a lot of other artwork as well. I’m in booth 19 so stop by if you decide to check it out.

I’ve also had a few other art show confirmations in the past week or so. Please check out my website’s Events page for more details and links.

Maureen
Maureen Thomas Designs

A while back a generous member of Clayville California (my local guild) opened up her home for a metal play day. Because we have a number of artists who already work with metal we had lots of tools, gadgets, and materials at our disposal. I brough a sheet of copper and was able to texture, torch, use a dapping punch and block, etch in an etching tank, and watch a rolling mill demo! I was intrigued enough to invest in a few basic tools of my own and have finally gotten around to using the beautiful bits of copper that I have in my studio. I love making polymer clay beads and I enjoy mixing other materials with them in my jewelry. Here are some samples of what I’ve been working on. OK, back to work!

Maureen
Maureen Thomas Designs