My local polymer clay guild, Clayville California, issued a challenge to create something “stackable” from polymer clay for our May meeting. After several ideas failed to pan out I decided to make some pendants from polymer beads that ended up looking like a cross between stones and sea glass. I love playing with color and this provided the perfect opportunity to mix and match and come up with some unusual combinations. I had so much fun that it resulted in the Stakt Series.

I likely wouldn’t have made these pendants had it not been for the challenge (and the deadline). Lesson learned: if feeling creatively stuck, bored, or stifled try challenging yourself or your guild. The challenge can be very specific or as broad as a shape or color. Hopefully, you’ll strain your brain a bit and explore a technique you’ve been meaning to try or perhaps you’ll come up with something totally new!

Thanks, Clayville!!!

Today was the day for 100 artists to turn in their completed boxes to PlacerArts. Here are a few pix of my box as it progressed over the past few weeks. I have always claimed to work best under pressure, but I think that’s just an excuse for procrastination! I was touching up and removing tape that was holding the flowers together while the epoxy set a few hours before the deadline.

Every project seems to have at least one technical problem to work out and this one was no exception. I wanted the polymer flowers to look casually piled up in the basket, which required them to be attached to one another at barely-touching points with tiny dabs of epoxy…a definite test of patience as they flexed and slid around!

I’m happy with my Flower Basket, but I was blown away by a number of the other entries of which I caught a glimpse today. Can’t wait for the show to open and my fingers are crossed that all the submissions bring high auction bids. The arts are taking a beating these days and PlacerArts needs all the support we can give.

OUTSIDE THE BOX show: April 8-May 22, 2010
OUTSIDE THE BOX live auction: May 22, 2010
PlacerArts – Auburn, CA

Maureen

I wanted to tone down the wood of my “Outside the Box” box. The finished piece may be prone to scratching so I didn’t want to fuss with paint. I found a great solution on an internet site called Extreme Restoration about the restoration of old clocks. Here’s an earth-friendly recipe suggested for “aging” new wood:

Start with clean wood and try not to handle the wood with other than clean hands throughout the staining process. I ended up with a few visible fingerprints on my piece; however, they are in an area that ultimately won’t be visible so not earth-shattering. A test piece would be a great idea to help you know how many vinegar layers to lay down to get the effect you want.

Pull apart some 0000 steel wool, place the pieces in a lidded glass jar, and add enough white vinegar to cover, plus an inch or so. Set aside to react for 24-48 hours. I expected the vinegar to change to a rusty color, but it didn’t.

Brew some strong tea to get as dark a brew as possible and allow to cool. Paint the wood with the tea (I used a sponge brush) and allow to dry. My plywood/MDF didn’t change color much from the tea, but the point is to get a layer of tannic acid on the surface of the wood.

Once dry, paint the wood with the vinegar solution. Try not to handle the wood while wet as fingerprints may be left. Now, wait for the magic to happen! Overlapping the vinegar can result in darker areas so refer to your test piece. If the result is darker than you’d like you can try sanding lightly.

My project turned a beautiful blue/gray/green. Different woods will obviously react differently. I’m very pleased with my “aged” wood and I will definitely keep this technique in my bag of tricks!

Maureen

Well, the box has been staring at me for the past 6 weeks. Drop-off day is fast approaching. I’ve changed my plans about 3 times, but I won’t divulge as perhaps there’s a good idea in there for next year’s challenge. I finally split the thing in half, sanded and smoothed it and I’m assembling some parts and pieces. I hope I’m not giving myself away!

Maureen

Synergy2 is only three weeks away. I can’t wait to see all the fabulous polymer clay work in the Gallery and Exhibit. Friend and fellow Clayville California member, Victoria James, submitted this beautiful polymer clay and pine needle basket for the exhibit, which made the back cover of the Synergy2 Exploring Connections exhibit catalog…very exciting news! The conference theme revolves around collaboration. The Exhibit showcases artwork either produced by one artist in mixed media or made by two or more artists working together (or both).

Please stop by the Gallery and say hello if you will be in Baltimore!

Maureen

Yesterday was “box day” at PlacerArts in Auburn. This is the third year (but the first for me) that area artists have been invited to reserve a box and turn it into a work of art in two months. Yesterday, we picked up the boxes. This year, they are beautifully constructed 9″ square wooden boxes. We can leave as is or deconstruct them as long as all of the pieces are used. The final work can be any size as long as it fits through the door of the PlacerArts Building!
This is a big fundraiser for the local arts. During the Exhibit from April 8 to May 22 people can make silent bids, with the highest bids being the opening bids at the live auction on May 22.

I won’t have time to actually work on my project until I return from the Synergy2 Polymer Clay Conference in Baltimore at the end of February. Meanwhile, I’ll have something to think about as I fall asleep at night. It helps to actually see the box; I’ve already crossed a few ideas off my mental list.

If you live in the area, please come to the “Outside the Box” exhibit and support the arts! For everyone else, I’ll post some pictures again when my project is finished. Wish me luck!

Maureen