Tuesday, January 22, 2008

LOVE


We sat side by side in the morning light and looked out at the future together. - Brian Andres -

Appropriately enough, the theme for this month's PCAGOE challenge is "Love." Although I'm only allowed to enter once, I spent some time making two love-related polymer clay pieces this week, and who knows, maybe I'll find time to make some more!











This is my entry for the PCAGOE monthly challenge.

The potion bottle opens with room for a little love note or token, or perhaps even a seductive scent. Strung on a 28" long necklace of handmade polymer clay beads as well as reclaimed costume beads. Magnetic toggle clasp.

I'll be back to remind you, but please visit www.pcagoe.com between noon (EST) on February 1st and midnight (EST) on February 3rd to cast your vote for your favorite challenge entry and enter to win great prizes!

This item is for sale in my Etsy shop, but if you should choose to purchase it (I'd be thrilled, but...) I won't be able to ship it out until after the challenge ends.

Now these little lovelies were serendipitous - I originally made the heart for the potion bottle too big, not once, not twice, but three times. I decided it was a sign, and made some adorable earrings. They're simple and lovely and I'm very drawn to them. But I'm parting with them in hopes that they will become a gift from a buyer to their true love.












As for the holiday itself, I think it has its fine points, but I still recall quite vividly many Valentine's Days past where watched men carrying flowers and candy boxes home to their Valentines, or couples strolling hand in hand, and I sat alone, single, on a park bench, feeling my heart being torn in two. I also feel, as many do, that the holiday (like so many holidays) has become so commercialized.

We have a rule in my house - all Valentines must be handmade. As in, by the sender. There are no other rules. It can be 2- or 3-dimensional, edible, red, blue, orange, brown, whatever. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money - it can be made of things found around the house, or the yard, or even the recycle bin. It just has to be made with love.

My thoughts? DIY your Valentine this year. (I've included some ideas below.) It will mean so much more. But if you don't want to DIY, check out my shop for some goodies!

  • Gone but not forgotten - the mix tape (or CD, doesn't matter, as long as it has a lovely cover and choice songs put into a definitive order)
  • Handmade coupons for backrubs, extra dirty dishes duty, coffee in bed, you get the picture
  • jar full of slips of paper, each with a reason that you love the person

ONE FINAL NOTE: VALENTINE'S DAY IS NOT JUST FOR LOVERS! DON'T FORGET MOM, DAD, SIS, BRO, GRANDPARENTS, AND FRIENDS! And if you're single and sad about it, use your availibility to give another couple the gift they'll treasure beyond all else - babysitting!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

With a Little Help From My Friends

I don't know what I'd do without my buddies over at the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy, or PCAGOE for short. Or without the internet, for that matter! I don't know any local people working with polymer clay, but through the wonders of the internet and my membership in the PCAGOE, I am connected to a huge group of amazing people and artists who all use the same medium, polymer clay, to all kinds of different ends. We support each other, critique each other, advise each other, brainstorm together, bounce ideas off each other, keep each other in line... it's nice to have a community.

In this post I want to feature the work of a few fellow guild members, all amazing artists. I've chosen a few of my favorite pieces from each of their Etsy shops. Click on any photo to view more of their work!