Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Still hanging in there

Not a lot going on here. Did get a few beads and buttons made...

but I just can't come up with anything I really like. I prefer my work to be original, but there comes a time when you need to get out the books and practice techniques using another artist's work as a sample.

I want to make some canes and create some jewelry similar to that of Karen Lewis (Klew) and Kim Cavender. The best way to do this is to condition a lot of clay ahead of time, so you can proceed uninterrupted with the building of your canes. Conditioning clay is my least favorite part of the process, especially the stiffer clays, like Cernit and Fimo.

If you are not familiar with the process building a complex cane from polymer clay, check out the the free tutorials of Desiree at Desiree's Desired Creations.

There are as many ways to use polymer clay as there are artists and crafters that use it. There is no right or wrong design, and once you learn the techniques you are really not limited by much. It is an inexpensive art material and requires few tools, and can be cured in an inexpensive toaster oven. If you find that you really like polymer clay and want to subscribe to some really helpful and professional videos, be sure to check out Cindy Lietz.

All that being said, I'll leave you to check out yet another picture of me. An unretouched full length shot of me standing in front of our door.



The reason I'm mentioning this is that this shot really shows that I have packed on some winter weight and I'm going to be using this as my "before" shot for the huge amount of weight that I plan on losing. Wish me luck and keep track of my weighty musings over here if you want.

That's it for today. Hang in there and try not to let the acres of snow drive you batty. It has to melt sometime! If you don't have snow...enjoy that fact and act accordingly!

12 comments:

PolymerClayTutor said...

It is nice to see your beautiful self Susan, standing in the sunshine! Snow is excellent for bouncing that light, isn't it!

No snow here. All the plants are coming up and the grass is starting to grow. Not supposed to have to pull out the mower for a couple of months yet, but I may just have to anyway, the rate things are going this year! Strange!

Love seeing that you've been playing with your clay. (Thanks for the mention btw, that is really sweet!)

Good luck with your getting healthy goals. Need to be focusing on that more myself, but don't we all? :-) ~Cindy

Sea Gypsy said...

I have been a Klew fan for a long time. Her gallery is just yummy to the eyes. I have played with making canes, but not to the degree that I would like to. Your full length pic is great! You look great even if you don't lose a pound, but we do need to keep trying to eat more healthy. I have lost 15 this past year and that is really good for me. I decided never to get on the scale until my check ups and just try to watch my portion size( almost everything is 1/2 c). It is working so I am just going to stay with it.Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

The beads and buttons are yummy looking. I will also go over to your weight loss blog. I am forever working on that issue of my own. I wish you the best with your goals.

Ronnie said...

I have one of your hearts!!! And I wear it proudly.
As for your full length photo, I think you look great! I've added a few Winter pounds too. It's an annual tradition and it gets harder each Spring to get them to leave.

Peri said...

I think your photo and your advice are both very good. I am, sadly, not good at making canes...however, my sister is super at it. I tend to be artsy in other directions. I am anticipating the beginning of my weight loss as well, but would not send anyone a picture of my "before". Will check out the sites you mentioned. Keep making pretties!

Life Potentials Network said...

Susan, I love all your creations! They are really cool! I am anxious to check out all the links you provided in this post too! Including your weight loss one, probably where a lot of us should be looking after a long, snowy winter! However, I think you look great, but know that unless you feel great, it won't make a whit of difference what anyone else thinks! Good luck on reaching your goals! xo

Vicki's Bit-o-earth said...

Hi Susan, Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. (: I love your beads! I've always been interested in polymer, but haven't had time to get into it. I have soooo many hobbies that I don't seem to get enough done in any one of them LOL! ~Vicki

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

I took a peek at Karen's and Kim's site... All I can say is holy smokes!!!! I've never seen anything like that!!Their work is amazing!
I need to drop a few lbs. myself so we'll do it together. :> ) I know I've said this before... You are a beautiful woman inside and out. ♥
~Peanut

Tricia said...

great to see you susan! as always, i think you look great. i've packed on some pounds myself. i keep blaiming the weather and how i'm not out walking but deep down i know it's all the potato soup and cornbread!
hugs,

A Strange Allure said...

Where's all this weight you're talking about? You look the same since last I saw you...no wait, you're actually thinner...goodness, you looks good, girl!

big hugs!

Kristen H said...

You look beautiful... I love your hair like that! I am working on the weight too! I have made a pact that I cannot shop at ANY craft store (except for adhesives) until I lose 10 pounds... Then I will set a new goal for the next 10! I have my heavy photos on the fridge and in the bathroom behind the mirror. Been walking and doing the Die Hard Clean Eating meal plan!!! It's tough, good luck, Susan!

kanishk said...

I may just have to anyway, the rate things are going this year! Strange!
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