Pollyhyper Talks Shop

RedBubble.com

2010-03-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

I came across RedBubble.com at least a year ago, thought it was a great idea, mentioned it to some people, and then promptly forgot about it. WELL. This week, I have not been able to keep my crafty little mitts off of it! I ordered some cards/prints of works by sadeyedartist (great artist!) through them, and got SUCKED in. It's a little hard to search there for anything in particular, but that has just led to me spending more time exploring the site and finding artists and pieces that I love!

Not to mention inspiration. I can definitely feel some inspiration coming on, and I hope that after the baby comes I will find at least a little time in my life while I'm on maternity leave to toy around in Photoshop and get back into the swing of things. Luckily, it's something I can do one-handed! Maybe open a RedBubble shop of my own... and maybe, just maybe, finally get around to joining the local art league... maybe. Baby steps. Right now, let's just think about making art for art's sake.

Pardon Me, Have You Seen My Mojo?

2010-01-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I've felt the creative juices flowing through my blood. But... the first step is recognizing you have a problem, right? And the second step is feeling the envy, the admiration, the twinges of motivation when you see work by artists you admire. I'm starting to feel those twinges, and that's a very good thing.

Right now I'm almost 8 months pregnant and seeing some time at home looming ahead. Maybe I can coordinate baby naptime and Pollyhyper getting her creative groove back on. In the meantime, I'm going to try to start posting here again, for now about other artists I'm diggin'...

Lauren Lemon
I came across this lovely lady's photography yesterday after a mutual friend posted some pix she took of him and his family.
To say she has a way with color is an understatement. And she exudes whimsy!

R yan Schude
Came across Ryan Schude through admiring Lauren Lemon's work. I believe she is the model for this pic.
Ryan, your work is amazing. So theatrical - I want to see the films that these stills are not actually part of. I believe he is using HDR techniques, if I am not mistaken, in a way that I am trying to learn to emulate - this is a technique which has been way overdone, but when used correctly and sparingly, makes for images that will knock one's socks off. I highly recommend taking a look at the rest of the images on his site.

Note: I hope both photographers are ok with me posting my admiration of their work! I'd love to talk to both or either of you if you ever have the time! Great job, people!

Valentines Day is Fast Approaching!

2009-02-12T07:53:00.001-08:00

Every year my Cabana-Boy and I make each other valentines. I honestly would be so disappointed if he were to buy me a card, even if it was dripping with gold and diamonds, because I treasure the cards he makes for me and the ones I make for him. Love is put into them.

This year I'm running a little late and low on creative inspiration. I've done so many variations - traditional doily-laden cards, 3-d mobiles, baked good shaped like hearts... what to do this year?

These are from last year:
From me to CB. The back reads I ♥ you with all my heart, J + H

From CB to me: tri-fold with pic of 2 parrots kissing in the moonlight.
Inside reads "Mated for Life. Happy Valentines to my Lovely Wife."

Luckily, I came across this website recently with patterns for cut paper pop-up cards. I'll be attempting this one:
Valentine Kiss

If I Only Had the Time

2008-12-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

I've had to learn recently to just say "no". To invitations, to things I want to buy, to responsibilities I want to volunteer for and participate in. I always want to be a part of EVERYTHING, and the problem with that is, I wear myself too thin. I get tired, I get cranky, but more than that, with so much on my plate, I can't give any one thing my all - there simply are not enough hours in the day. And when I do things, I like to do them right, and all the way.

In the past few months I have parted with a lot of craft supplies. Piles and piles of fabric (which went to good, creative homes), beads I'll never use. I have some of those colored sheets of foam and about 5,000 stray crayons all set to donate to my church's youth group/religious ed room. I've stepped down from some administrative duties.

For the most part, I have decided to focus on and only on my photography, photo restoration, house restorating/decorating, and my polymer clay. Oh, and crochet, but that's something I do when I'm not really doing anything, like when watching a movie, so that doesn't really count, IMO. I need to learn to leave all those other fun projects to others. I need to remember that it's not only ok but REALLY good to buy handmade from others instead of looking at something and saying, "cool - I could make that!"

In the spirit of buying handmade, and/or letting others have the fun, I present to you a few cute projects, links, and general things I have fallen in love with lately. Maybe you'll find a project here you can make for someone for a holiday gift, or buy for someone knowing that it was handmade from the heart.

How About Orange: Tiny pincushion tutorial

(made from plastic bottlecaps, which aren't recyclable - but they ARE reusable!)

I'm also in love with lots of the fabrics and products in this blogger's shop:
howaboutorange.etsy.com

While we're at it, here's an awesome idea for making a wreath from those same bottlecaps, courtesy of monkeydogstudio.etsy.com,

These earrings are made of wire and thread - big, but not heavy!
Treehouse Earrings by FunkyLobez

Wild Aqua Mushroom Plini by magicbeanbuyer.etsy.com

Hand-felted pea pod brooch by vaivanat.etsy.com

A fellow member of the PCAGOE and an amazing artist, OrganicOdysseys.etsy.com uses textures found in nature - leaves, seeds, etc. - to texture her polymer clay pieces - AMAZING!

Bok Choy Switch Plate by OrganicOdysseys.etsy.com

Where Have I Been?

2008-12-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Where Have I Been? Good question! I've been around, but obviously not blogging. Sincere apologies to my five readers. ;p

First order of business: Time to vote for the PCAGOE Challenge! This month's theme is, of course, "Winter," and there are MAD PRIZES to be won this month, so don't miss your chance to vote and be entered to win!

Visit www.pcagoe.com between now and midnight (EST) on Thursday, December 4, 2008 to vote, and be automatically entered to win one of SEVEN prizes!

Next up, a small request - instead of buying the same old stuff this year from your local big-box retailer, consider buying handmade, or buying local, or visiting your own town's mom'n'pop-owned stores. Or... DIY!

And third, something funny I received in my email this morning. I'm on Lee Silber's mailing list (an author who everyone should check out - he writes about organization, management, etc. for the creative person and he's GREAT!) and his newsletter included a link to this list:

The 10 Dimensions of Creative Complexity (or, "10 Reasons that Creative People Drive Us Crazy")

1. Creative individuals have great physical energy, but they become extremely quiet when they are at rest. This restful period can lead others to think that they are not feeling well or that they are unhappy, when the truth is they are fine.

2. Creative folks tend to be both highly intelligent and naive at the same time.

3. Creative people are disciplined and playful simultaneously. In some creative people, this can mean that they are responsible and irresponsible at the same time as well.

4. Creative minds move between a spectrum of fantasy and imagination and a firm grounding in reality. They understand the present and need to keep in touch with the past.

5. Creative individuals seem to be both introverted and extroverted, expressing both traits at once. An image to explain this might be that they are shy showoffs, if you can picture that.

6. Creative people are sincerely humble and extremely proud in a childlike way. It requires ego to have a risky, fresh idea. It takes self-doubt to hammer it out to a workable form.

7. Creative folks don’t feel as tied to gender roles. They feel distinctly individual. They don’t feel the barriers of authority or the rules of what they are “supposed to do.”

8. Creative individuals are thought to be rebellious. Yet, in order to be creative one has to understand and have internalized the traditional culture. Therefore creativity comes from deep roots in tradition. Creative people are traditional and cutting edge.

9. Creative people are deeply passionate about their work, yet can be extremely detached and objective when discussing it.

10. Creative people are highly open and sensitive, which exposes them to pain and suffering, but also allows them to feel higher values of joy and happiness.

PCAGOE Monthly Challenge - Dia De Los Muertos

2008-10-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

PCAGOE MONTHLY CHALLENGE!

It's that time of the month! ;) No, not THAT time of the month - it's time for the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy (PCAGOE) Monthly Challenge!

This month's theme was "Day of the Dead," or "Dia De Los Muertos," a Mexican holiday that focuses on remembrance of friends and relatives who have died. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Yours truly actually got her act together in time to enter this month!

Please take a minute to vote on your favorite entry (you don't have to vote for mine!) and be automatically entered to win a great prize package featuring work from PCAGOE members.

You can vote once between now and midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, October 3. Winners will be announced on October 4th. To view the entries close-up, visit the pcagoe siteand click on the mosaic to see it larger or click on the slide show below the mosaic to see the entries individually and read the artists’ descriptions. To purchase an item, or to see what else the artists have to offer, click on the shop names listed below the entry photos. Thanks for voting, and good luck!

Hey, and be sure to pass it on to friends!

Today Only! Last Chance!

2008-08-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

I need these books OUT OF HERE! Today only, then they're gone.
Priced to sell - make me an offer if you're interested in more than one.

Shipping via Media Mail unless otherwise requested. Please comment here or email me ASAP at pollyhyper@gmail.com if you are interested.

The Practical Encylopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement, v. 1 (A to AME)
$3 + shipping

The Practical Encylopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement, v. 4 (BOO to CEN)
$3 + shipping

Creating a Look (Hardcover) - Inspiring DIY interior design ideas. $4 + shipping

c. 1989, 96 pages. Lots of instructions for different techniques/stitches with color photos.
$3 + shipping

Greystone's Creative Hands - The Complete Knitting, Dressmaking, and Needlecraft Guide,
Vol. 3, c.1975 $3 + shipping
Crochet
Dressmaking
Embroidery
Embroidery on Tulle
Fashion Flair
Home Sewing
Knitting
Machine Knitting
Needlepoint
Cross-stitch
Pattern Library
Care of Fabrics & Fibers
Tatting
Toymaking

How To Profit From Flower and Herb Crafts
by Ellen Spector Platt
c.1996 $3+ shipping

- finding your niche
- selling at shows
- setting up your own shop
- effective advertising and promotion
- pricing
- professional attitude

The Arts and Crafts Marketing Book
Mark Publishing "Be Your Own Boss" Series
by Steve and Cindy Long
c.1988 $3 + shipping

"YOU CAN MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR ARTS AND CRAFTS!" - Steve & Cindy Long

From the front cover:
"You Can...
- learn Steve & Cindy's Money-Making Secrets
- turn your hobby into cash
- start from your own home for a few dollars
- make extra cash or have a full-time business

216 pages.

Also:

The Encyclopedia of Household Hints & Dollar Stretchers by Michael Gore, hardcover (missing sleeve, otherwise good condition), c. 1977, 472 pages. $2 + shipping

This Old House Kitchens: A Guide to Design and Renovation (Paperback) $3 + shipping

PCAGOE July Challenge - "Personal Hero"

2008-07-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Time for the July PCAGOE Challenge! This month's theme was "Personal Hero."

Please, I beg you, take a moment or two to vote on your favorite. As a member of the PCAGOE, it is my duty to recruit views and votes! And it's fun! And you can win cool stuff!

Click here to go straight to the site and vote (scroll down on the site to below the list, below the pix, to vote)

The entries:

The prizes

PCAGOE May Challenge - Vote & Win

2008-05-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Please visit the PCAGOE website between now and midnight EST on Sunday, May 4th to vote for your favorite entry in this month's Polymer Clay Challenge!

This month's theme was flowers.

The entries...

the prizes - you can win just by voting!

The fame
the fortune
the GLORY.
VOTE NOW!
and tell a friend!

PCAGOE Challenge - PC Covered Eggs - Vote & Win!

2008-04-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

So I was supposed to be entering this month's challenge, but covering an egg is a lot tougher than I thought, and I just plain ran out of time! But never fear, there are tons of amazing entries - this month's theme, polymer clay eggs, was very popular.

PLEASE take a minute to peruse the many amazing pieces, and choose your favorite - when you vote, you are automatically entered to win one of the awesome prize packages shown above. VOTE NOW - THANKS!

Support handmade!

Getting To Know Me, Getting To Know All About Me

2008-03-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Chicki!

Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I always draw a blank when I try to think of interesting things about myself!

Fact #1: I'm a homebody, more and more every day, and particularly since we bought our dream house almost 5 (!) years ago. There are plenty of days when I don't leave the house at all (except to go out in the yard) and I'm perfectly happy. Some of those days I'm home alone. I really enjoy alone-time, although I also love spending time with my friends and family.

Fact #2: Most of the guys I've dated or crushed on in my life have had a name that started with a J. I married the last one.

Fact #3: I really hate talking on the telephone, but I'm all about email and other online communication.

Fact #4: I have a great love for Indian food, and I really wish some nice Indian family would move into the neighborhood and offer me food in exchange for... polymer clay jewelry? Garden veggies?

Fact #5: In addition to tooling around with polymer clay, I also do digital photo restoration and retouching, and some art photography on the side. Check out my website: http://www.secondimpressionphoto.com

Fact #6: I live very close to the beach, and I LOVE being in the ocean. I'm not big on sunning myself on the beach. My friends tend to call me a "fish."

Fact #7: My birthday is 7-11. My husband is so lucky - how could he ever forget that?!

I tag...

Stormy Designs
Rubarb Polymer Art Designs
Folk Art From The Heart
Polka Dot Creations
Camida - ArtVenturing
Iris Mishly
DancinJules

Roar!

2008-03-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

Time once again for the monthly PCAGOE challenge. This month's theme is "Animals" and there are all kinds of animals represented in the entries. Choose your favorite and vote at our website, pcagoe.com. Voting closes at midnight on March 3rd, and the winners will be announced March 4th on the site!

I myself didn't enter this month (although I plan to get back in there next month, when the theme is polymer-clay covered eggs!) but one of my pieces (the butterfly pendant in the top center) is included in this month's prize pack, which will be given to a lucky voter chosen at random:

Bottles of Hope

2008-02-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Bottles of Hope project began in 1999 when Diane Gregoire, a cancer survivor and polymer clay artist, put her talents to use to spread hope to others going through chemotherapy and cancer treatment. Using polymer clay, she decorates small glass medicine bottles similar to the bottles that the chemotherapy treatment comes in, and gifts them to other patients as a symbol of hope.

The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy is active with the Bottles of Hope project and I have just completed six bottles to donate - I have a feeling I'll be making more, as they were a lot of fun to make! The bottles I made are sealed shut, because I made sure to fill them with hope and wishes for good health and happiness for their recipients!

(click to view larger)

Think Warm!

2008-02-21T08:47:00.001-08:00

I shouldn't complain, as I live in a fairly mild climate, but man, it's cold out there! I think that it feels especially cold because I'm comparing it to the recent unseasonably warm weather. Regardless, I'm ready for spring, and it appears I'm not the only one with springtime on the brain...

StormyDesigns is waiting for these little ladies to come back out and frolic in the spring blooms.

Pair of Sculpted Ladybug

Button/Ponytail/Cellphone Charms- $9 at StormyDesigns.etsy.com

Mosaico's lightswitch covers will make that indoor light a little more bright and sunny until the real thing comes back.

Evening Sunflower Decorative Switchplate - $12.50 at Mosaico.etsy.com

Clayspirits' flowers remind me of childhood days filled with sunshine and flowers and candy!

Spring Flower Necklace - $48 at Clayspirits.etsy.com

The Artists' Lounge - Making Progress!

2008-02-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

Since I'm being a real perfectionist about it and it's going to take me FOREVER before the Artists' Lounge is what I would describe as "finished," I am responding to requests for "during" pix. I apologize for those of you who have trouble loading this picture-heavy post - I don't know how to do a cut on Blogger. If you know, comment and let me know, and I'll hide them.

First, let me introduce the family.

Pippi, ever-willing, props up Jeremiah's arm while he tests out his new oil pastels, his reward for accompanying me to the Michael's (I gave him my extra 40% off coupon and told him to get whatever he wanted.)

Hummus, my main man (don't tell J!) checks out the new arrangements.

Eddie LOVES the "new" shag rug. (Not new, actually - it used to be wall to wall in my grandparents' sun room. I grew up playing on this rug, and when the moved I had them tell the new owners that if they didn't want it, I'd love to take it.)

Luna, Queen of the House and Resident Evile. "I want you all to get OUT of MY ROOM!"

Now, the room.

It's already a much more productive work environment!

Many hours and cursewords later, I fixed the mat (I fixed it, alright!) and hung the pic. Awesome artwork, but very silly un-standard size. If you look closely, you can see some of my handiwork. As a rule, since art school, I NEVER EVER EVER cut my own mats, but what can I say? I'm broke!

This corner is my workstation for "crafts" vs. "art." Mainly for polymer clay, although I will most likely be found getting into other sorts of mischief here on occasion.

I used my 40% off coupon for this spinning paint organizer - I totally needed it!

My ribbon.

New/old (thrift score) sewing box to be used for findings. More notes on Flickr.

More storage. More notes on Flickr.

This area will be the office workstation, where I can focus on my photo restorations without the distraction of the fun clay supplies. ;) TV, DVD player, and mp3 player ready and able.

These shelves are actually, for the most part, much more organized than they appear. Click on this pic to see Flickr notes.

THIS is what's left to organize! HELP! Just kidding, it's not so bad considering how much I've already done!

And, of course, I scored a car full of random art supplies the other day, so I have to find room for even more stuff!

Valentines

2008-02-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Every year, my husband and I make Valentine's for each other. That's the rule. We can't spend any money on gifts, although we do often (as we did yesterday) go out for a nice meal or date of some kind. But there are no diamond pendants or other expensive gifts. I can't imagine it any other way. I now have a collection of amazing mementos of our years together. Each one was made with so much love.

This is the front of my husband's valentine to me. I unfolded it to show the whole picture at once. You can't see in the scan but the moon and stars are metallic silver.

And the inside...

The front of mine to my husband...

and the back...

TRUE LOVE DAT!

Ahoy!

2008-02-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

If there are any devoted readers out there (??? Speak up!) wondering where I've been, I just want to assure you that I am indeed alive and well. February is always a rough month for me. The weather here in Delaware is so flippy-floppy - it's in the teens/low 20's today; last week it was in the high 60's. The sun makes very strong appearances, then nearly disappears for days on end. I decided yesterday that I need to buy an outdoor thermometer for my bedroom window, so I know what I'm looking forward to when I get out of bed each day, because you really never can tell. Oh, climate change.

I've been unmotivated to do much aside from drink hot tea, eat hot soup, and keep snuggled up on the couch, covered by blankets and cats and dogs... sipping tea and eating soup. BUT... I've been hit with an organizing bug, or rather, I'm completely fed up with the haphazard work environment and the splay of craft supplies throughout my house.

For those of you who don't really know me or my house, let me say this: I have a lot of stuff. I love stuff. I'm a stuff afficionado. I'm trying to crack the habit but it was a long time building and it will take some time. I'm married, with no kids, and my husband and I live in a very big house with lots of rooms. Rooms of stuff. We have 4 bedrooms in the house, assigned the following status: (1) Master bedroom, (2) Guest Room, (3) Yoga Studio (a.k.a. "Fortress of Solitude") and (4) The "Slackers' Lounge."

The latter used to house our television (on which we watch DVDs only) until I realized we were bringing food up there much too often and got grossed out and made my awesome husband help me move the entertainment center and all its components down to the living room (where I cringe every time I see the "idiot box" staring at me - I can't wait to be able to afford a flat screen t.v. that can be hidden behind something!)

Since then, slowly but surely, my art supplies have begun to take over the living and dining rooms, where I have brought my supplies down to make art while hanging out with the husband, watching movies, etc. Of course I rarely bring them back up and put them away, especially since it's either late at night, or I'm mid-project.

It has to be done: transform the "Slackers' Lounge" into the "Artists' Lounge."

Requirements:

Room for me to work with clay and also retain some sense of posture (ie. no hovering over coffee table!)
Room for large toaster oven to bake pieces (and get that stuff out of my kitchen!)
A space for Husband to draw, and a place to keep his sketchbooks and supplies on-hand.
A place for Husband to relax and get comfy if he just wants to watch a movie while I work.
A desk for my computer, printer, and scanners.
A television and DVD player
A way to play music
Plenty of bulletin boards
Inspiring artwork on the walls
Organized storage of:

Clay supplies
Crochet supplies
Photo restorations/Photos to scan (of these there are MANY)
Bills/documents
Other art/craft supplies (ribbon, paper, adhesives, paints, etc.)

No disturbance of kitty window bed
Overall an inviting place to spend our time

I think that about covers it. :)

As we speak, I am about 80% done with the space, after 2 weekends of working on it. Still need to get the new artwork ("Rise" by Kurt Halsey)
matted and framed and hung, and put a wire on the back of one of the 3 bulletin boards so I can hang it. I bought and hooked up the tv and dvd player, and moved my radio with the iPod hookup from the guest room to the ARTISTS' LOUNGE. The desk things are in the desk area, but not yet organized, but most of the art supplies are in place.

I'm almost done, and I'm getting itchy to get going making art again! Stay tuned for pics of the new space, and then pics of some new pieces, I hope!

Your Vote Counts!

2008-02-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

Time again for the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy's monthly member challenge! This month's theme was, of course, LOVE.

Click on the picture below to visit the PCAGOE website and vote for your favorite polymer clay piece. You'll be automatically entered to win a fabulous prize yourself! Voting ends midnight EST on February 3rd - GO VOTE NOW!

THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR VOTING (please comment if you do!) and STAY TUNED FOR THE WINNER!

LOVE

2008-01-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

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!

How To Write A Love Letter and some more advice on the same idea

How To Write A Love Poem

Absolutely Simple Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

1,193 Poems About Love & Desire

Classic Romantic Poetry

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!

With a Little Help From My Friends

2008-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

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!

Did Someone Say My Name?

2007-11-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

(click image to enlarge)

I am proud to announce that I am featured today on the website/blog for Delaware Bride Magazine. You can check it out yourself by visiting their site and clicking in the top-right corner on "First State Fetes" for 11/30/07. That's a mouthful, so I've copied a screenshot here.

PCAGOE November Challenge: Mokume Gane

2007-11-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

VOTE AND WIN!

Entries:

1. Mokume Gane Frame and Switchplate Cover by divadea.etsy.com
2. Butterfly Necklace by polyclarific.etsy.com
3. Red-and-Gold by TejaesArt.etsy.com
4. Christmas ornament 2007 by gingerbellsgifts.etsy.com
5. Mokume Gane Pendant by janzio.etsy.com
6. Retro Swirlz by breezydawndesigns.etsy.com
7. Pink MG Pendant by glassclayhouse.etsy.com
8. Mokume Gane Earrings by huntersdesigns.etsy.com
9. Mokume Gane Necklace by NKDesigns.etsy.com
10. Mokume Vase Brooch by beetreebyme.etsy.com
11. Earthmother Mokume Gane Pendant by ovenfriedbeads.etsy.com
12. Gift Box by juliespace.etsy.com
13. Mokume Gane Bead Set by thecolorofdreams.etsy.com
14. Teardrop Mokume’ Gane Beads by clayangel.etsy.com
15. Half Moon Pendant by RGcreations.etsy.com
16. Cuff Bracelet by marciapalmer.etsy.com
17. Plum Wine-Mokume Gane Mirror - gabriel.etsy.com
18. Mokume Gane Pendant by kabidesigns.etsy.com
19. Mokume Gane Egg Ornament by madeinlowell.etsy.com
20. Mokume Gane beads by Karooart.etsy.com
21. Shattered Mokume by naftali.etsy.com
22. Mokume Gane Vase by amyandwhalen.etsy.com
23. Cherry Blossom Perfume Atomizer & Mirror Compact by pollyhyper.etsy.com
24. Holiday Pins by papernclay.etsy.com
25. ACEO LOVE by elizabethbonura.etsy.com
26. Under the Microscope Brooch by blockpartypress.etsy.com

It's time once again for the PCAGOE monthly challeng e! Here are this month's entries. The theme this month was to create a polymer clay item using the mokume gane technique.

Mokume gane is originally a Japanese metalworking technique that was adapted as a polymer clay technique. Mokume gane is created by layering very thin sheets of polymer clay, then distorting the stack with any number of tools and then shaving off thin slices to show off the colors, layers and patterns created within the stack. You can also add inclusions such as metal leaf and inks to create further variations or use stamps and texture plates to create interesting imagery. Here is a mokume gane tutorial created by one of our members, papernclay.etsy.com. This technique offers up a ton of possibilities, and our members have done a great job in showcasing the many different variations mokume gane has to offer. Many members had never tried this technique , so amazingly some of these are first time efforts. Thanks to all that participated!

VOTE and WIN the incredible Polymer Clay Prize Pack (created by PCAGOE members) listed below and valued at over $150 !!!! This month’s prize includes earrings, necklaces, a bracelet, loose beads and pendants, brooches, a pen and holder, a magnetic refrigerator vase and a cell phone charm, as well as a copy of the Winter 2007 Premier issue of Make it Mine which includes lots of great craft projects courtesy of Polymer Clay Productions and Kalmbach Publishing Co. The PCAGOE Member who wins the challenge this month will win $20 and as well as the Make it Mine Magazine and the book, The Best of Bead&Button Magazine Polymer Pizazz, also from Kalmbach Publishing Co.

All you have to do is vote for the winner and you will be entered into a drawing for a fabulous polymer clay prize pack created by the talented members of the PCAGOE. Take a look at all of the entries for the November Mokume Gane Challenge. Keep in mind the theme of using the mokume gane technique and how well the piece interprets the theme. Vi sit the PCAGOE website and vote for your favorite - please note that e-mail addresses will be used to contact the winners only and will not be used for any other purpose . Two winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between 12noon on November 26th and midnight (Eastern Standard Time)on November 28th . The winners will be announced on November 29th.

To view the entries close-up and to read the descriptions of the items, please click on the title links below the entry photos. To purchase any of the items, or to see what else the artists have to offer, click on the shop names listed below the entry

A final note: As much as I appreciate the unrelenting support, please don't vote for mine just because you love me! Vote for the one you love most, regardless of who made it - there are so many great entries to choose from!

Thank you and good luck!!

VOTE HERE!!!

Custom Bling In Her Stocking This Year?

2007-11-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

There's still time to order a custom piece for your favorite person (or for yourself!) in time for the holidays! Place your custom order by November 23, 2007 (that's next Friday - can you believe it?!) to guarantee delivery by Christmas (if you need it sooner, just let me know!)

As always, free shipping!

If you're not sure what you want, message me at pollyhyper.etsy.com or comment here and I can help you decide where you want to go - photo transfer pendants, pins, and other jewelry, even ornaments! I can take your photo and transfer as-is, or make it black & white, sepia, and now silhouettes!

A perfect gift for that family member who has everything... they don't have one of these!

VISIT ME ONLINE AT POLLYHYPER.ETSY.COM!

Skip the mass-produced plastic this year and buy handmade! Or, better yet, DIY!

.... did you?

Too cute to waste

2007-11-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

"A Very Blustery Day"
Silhouette Transfer Pendant & Pin Set

"Victorian Miss"
Silhouette Transfer Pendant & Pin Set

Two sets that are already listed in the shop, with more on the way....

Ran into some problems with the finish/coating on Round One of my new pendant series, but they were just so darn cute, I couldn't bear to toss them, so I have marked this round down extensively in my Etsy shop. The pieces from this batch are adorable, and the finish is not really an issue except that I don't want to misrepresent my work. I have been wearing one and have gotten nothing but compliments on it! The next bath will be fine, as I will go back to Plan A (and no longer mess with a good thing!) and the prices will go back up.

If you're reading my blog, I would really love if you would comment and say hello and/or share your thoughts!

Please stop by my Etsy shop and check out these and other pieces! And please consider making or buying handmade this year. Support handmade!

Click the image above to take the pledge!

October PCAGOE Mask Challenge Winners

2007-10-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

What a banner month for challenge entries. PCAGOE'ers, you truly outdid yourselves.

Congrats, Juliespace.etsy for winning 1st place for your Floral Disguise Mask. You should be very proud - you earned it with all that hard work and attention to detail!

Congrats also to 2nd place winner, blockpartypress.etsy and her“Avian Prince Mask”

and also to 3rd place winner gabriel.etsy for her Hallowed Mask.

Honorable mention went to another fantastic entry from new PCAGOE member Saltandpaper.etsy for her Octopus Mask. Great work!

Congrats also to the two voters selected at random to win the prize packs. The first prize pack is going to Janet Holmes and the second is going to Hannah from Elegantscarf.etsy.com.

Many, many thank-you's to all who took the time to look at our entries and vote. Your support and wonderful comments mean a lot to all of the PCAGOE members!!

One more brief mention, before I go...

It's just about time for the release of the November 2007 PCAGOE newsletter. Subscriptions are free and open to all crafters and appreciators of Polymer Clay art. We even include some exclusive coupon codes for PCAGOE member stores available ONLY to subscribers!

Simply visit our website at www.pcagoe.com and fill your name in the yellow square at the top-right of the homepage, just below the PCAGOE logo. If you want to make sure you receive the November newsletter, be sure to sign up now! Oh, and be sure to add pcagoe@gmail.com to your email safe-list, so we don't end up in your spam!

PCAGOE October Challenge - Masks

2007-10-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

PCAGOE's (Polymer Clay Artists of Etsy.com) monthly challenge and giveaway is underway! Go to www.pcagoe.com/, vote for your favorite and be entered to win one of 2 prize packs values at over $100! Vote between now and midnight(EST) on October 28th!

Sigh... I was really excited about this month's theme, and really looking forward to making a mask, but non-crafty to-do's took priority. Everyone who entered this month did such an amazing job - I don't know how I could have competed with such fine artwork!

Go! Vote! Now!

and while you're at it, think about buying handmade this holiday season! I've pledged here to do just that, and ask that anyone out there shopping for me consider the same!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Going somewhere special?

2007-10-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you need a necktie. Or five. Or fifty.

Buy them here, five or fifty!

pollyhyper.etsy.com

(I've got some zippers and other supplies for sale too, not to mention my polymer clay image transfer pendants, which would make an AWESOME gift for that certain someone. And if you want a custom piece, step on it and let me know - time is running out for custom holiday orders!)

Or, if you'd rather not wear all 50 around your neck,

Projects:

Paisley Necktie Schoolbag

Necktie Skirt

Necktie Corset Belt

Necktie Halter Top

Necktie Elf Hat

Another Necktie Skirt & A Necktie Purse

Necktie Daisies

Necktie Tampon Cozy

LOTS MORE PROJECTS INVOLVING NECKTIES!

Your Favorite Book - September PCAGOE Challenge... VOTE!

2007-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Voting has begun for the PCAGOE's (Polymer Clay Artists of Etsy.com) September challen ge!

This month's theme was "your favorite book." I think every. single. entry. was truly amazing this month... but then I say that every month, now don't I?

Visit www.pcagoe.com , vote for your favorite, and be entered to win one of 2 prize packs values at over $100! Vote between noon (EST) September 26th and midnight (EST) on September 28th!

2 great prize packs up for grabs!

I know you're all leading hectic lives, but a lot of people put a lot of time and energy into this artwork, so if you could, please take a minute to click on the mosaic, take a closer look at the pieces, and choose your favorite. Then, let even just one more person know about the contest, by word of mouth, email, blog post, message board, however you choose. And for extra bonus points, post a comment on my blog to let me know you've read, voted, and spread the word! I'll pass a note on to Santa that you've been a good little boy or girl. :)

One more thing - I know, I know, I rock so hard-core, but I will not know nor care if you vote for someone else, so choose your favorite, don't just choose mine because you know me or because you read it here!
Enjoy and good luck!

My PCAGOE September Challenge Entry

2007-09-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Done with 2.5 hours to spare!!!

The theme this month was to interepret a favorite book. I chose "The Golden Compass" from Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. The book is actually due out in film form this fall, but I tried to rely more on the image of the alethiometer that the book had formed in my mind, and minimally on the images from the new film.

Of course, it's not what I imagined in my head - it never is! - but I'm really happy with how it turned out:

I used this challenge as an opportunity to try out a few techniques I've been wanting to try, many inspired be fellow PCAGOE members, including gold leafing, inlays, and different transfer technique than I usually use..

Glyphs illustrated by Jeremiah Smith, an amazing artist AND husband!

Wish me luck! And don't forget to vote - please, not necessarily for me, just for your favorite entry!

Vote from September 26-28 at www.pcagoe.com!

Spread the word!

I'm Featured!

2007-09-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am the featured artist this week on the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy's (PCAGOE's) website:

http://www.pcagoe.com

Please comment here, or there, or both, and let me know you're looking!

It's been a busy but productive week. Five finished pieces and one nearly-finished, and this feature on the site. Also, some new ideas brewing....

Sneak peek - all but one of these new pieces are as yet unlisted!

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ORDERING CUSTOM PIECES TO GIVE AS HOLIDAY GIFTS, THE SOONER, THE BETTER! PLEASE REMEMBER THESE DO TAKE TIME, ESPECIALLY THE CUSTOMS.

A friend in need

2007-09-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

To all my friends in the art community, including fellow artists and art appreciators:

A fellow polymer clay guild member, Scott Garrette, has found himself and his family facing hard times.

Here is info from his latest blog post:

I need to get to New York and I need help! I'm listing all my Artwork at different price levels to accommodate a full range of financial assistance. My Etsy Shop

On Sept 4th,2007 we unexpectedly lost a Great man, Robert Giampia Sr. Father of my wife and her brothers, a loving Husband, Son-in-law, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Poppy to my children and my wife's nieces, Friend to many, God-father to many, and soo much more... Please send your thoughts and prayers to our/His family... (link to obituary here >> http://www.nyjnews.com/obits/Obit1.php?pid=2331732 )

My wife flew to New York the same day and is there with her family grieving and helping with all arrangements. I am in Kansas City, Missouri with our two young children (2.5 years and 5 years) and need to be there, at least for a while. My wife needs to be with her family for a while during these hard times and I need to be there with our kids to help her. There are more issues than grieving, but to retain family privacy all I can tell you is they could use all the help they can get.

It has been a difficult month for our family, as our 2.5 year old son
had brain surgery on Aug. 10th, to remove a large tumor. Everything
went well for our son, and the tumor was benign. He is our little miracle boy, alive and full of energy!

One good thing is that just before my son's surgery my wife's parents
came to visit from NY,NY. We had not seen them in about a year due to hardships. Then came the surprise surgery, and they came out again, totaling about 2
weeks in our home with us and our children. I feel really lucky to
have had that time with him... He was 59.

***Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated!!! Even if all you can do is tell someone of my needs***

I really can not afford to go, but I'm going anyway. I've already booked a flight for my kids and me for Monday Sept 10th. As bad as things can get, never give up hope... I'm not giving up, my hope is strong. Please tell anyone and everyone you can think of about our situation and direct them to my Etsy shop @ http://www.scottgarrette.etsy.com for details. I'm really hoping for a miracle here, and you can help!!!

In Memory of a Great Man, Robert L. Giampia. Sr. August 20, 1948 - September 4, 2007

We all know what it's like to be in need and reach out, and hopefully you too can help, either by purchasing one of his amazing works from his Etsy shop, or at least by spreading the word some more. He also makes amazing polymer clay jewelry, but I don't see too much of it listed in his shop - I don't know for sure, but I bet you could commission him to do something for you later on, after he has had time to take care of the most important obligations, his family.

Please forward this information on to anyone you know who might be able to help.
More of Scott's past work
A feature last month on Scott and wife Victoria on Polymer Clay Daily - read it, it's very interesting!
His wife, Victoria's Etsy shop

These are two great people who gave up their 9-5 jobs to fulfill their dreams of being artists and raising there children in a straw-bale house in Missouri!

An Etsy Meme - I've been tagged!

2007-09-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

I was tagged for the Random 8 Meme today by the ever-lovely BlockPartyPress and what perfect timing, as I've been wanting/meaning to post a new entry but haven't been able to get my ducks in a row and do it.

Here are the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
3. Tag eight people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving them a comment on their blogs.

8 Random Pollyhyper Facts:

My shop/blog name, Pollyhyper, is in fact a mangling of my maiden name, Holly Piper. I've always used Pollyhyper for my art-related endeavors. I would like to do an anime-type illustration of Pollyhyper... one of these days. When I got married, I couldn't let go of the Piper, but I did want to... connect to my new family, so here I am, Holly Piper-Smith.

After taking a typing class in high school, I developed a strange habit of typing (on desks, my thigh, in the air) things as people said them. It was truly strange and I still do it occasionally. The very strangest part was finding out that my cousin, who I barely know and who lives all the way on the opposite coast of the US, does the same thing, but with her toes. I'm a kick-ass typist, though!

I call myself an undiagnosed lazy obsessive compulsive. A friend and fellow photography colleague recently summed it up for me as far as my artwork goes, when we were discussing how how I haven't had much time to be a "photographer" lately, since I've been busy with polymer clay, etc., by saying "You're one of those people that can't work with just one medium; your art takes you all over the place."
I took it as a compliment.
I am also a slob and a (recovery-in-progress) packrat. Working on slimming down possessions - I want to live a simpler life in which I know where things are.

Sometimes I have prophetic dreams. They haven't helped me win Powerball yet, though.

I have one brother who is 3 years younger than me. He's 6 feet tall and burly. I'm 31, short and look young. Without question, everyone assumes he is older.

I have a love-hate relationship with computers and the internet. It sickens me how attached I/we/society am/are to them, but I couldn't do half the things I do or know half the wonderful people I know if it weren't for the darn things.

We haven't had t.v. (by this I mean channels) in our house for over 6 years. We have a DVD player and a Netflix account, though, and I've seen a LOT of movies.

My birthday is 7-11 and my husband knows that he's totally screwed if he ever forgets such an easy date! I'm a Cancer all the way - homebody, maternal, nurturing, but I can be VERY moody and I wear a protective shell. I'm tenacious and strong-willed and like to get my way, and I usually do. But if I can, I'll do ANYTHING to help someone, especially friends and family.

TAGGING:

Fresh Peaches Designs
Ben Can Dance (can't wait to hear about Ben!)
Mosaico
Marcia Palmer
Dancin Jules
Knitting by Zen
Iris Mishly (Polymeri)
Polyclarific

Please Vote! And Win!

2007-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Voting has begun for the PCAGOE's (Polymer Clay Artists of Etsy.com) August challenge! Visit www.pcagoe.com, vote for your favorite, and be entered to win one of 2 prize packs values at over $100! Vote between now and midnight(EST) on August 28th!

The entries:

and the prize packs!

On the Process

2007-08-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in the last post or two, I've been spending a lot more time lately working on photo restorations and organization for my other time-sucking beloved hobby/side-job, www.secondimpressionphoto.com. I had a custom pendantorder in the works, though, which I just finished up and wanted to share.

This was a custom order for a very, very patient friend. It is to be a gift for her sister-in-law, and there's a photo transfer charm of each of SIL's grandmothers. It took me FOREVER. I hope they both find it worth the wait!

As of Wednesday night, I had decided it was some of my worst work ever.

As of last night, I had decided it was one of my favorite pieces I had ever made.

After it was "FINISHED!" I laid awake in my bed, unable to sleep because completion of this piece had jump-started my brain and I could NOT stop thinking about all the new directions I want to take my work in.

I can't even tell you how many times in the process of making this piece I started over, screwed up, backtracked, cursed, cried, and just all-around wanted to give up.

I have a love-hate relationship with the custom orders. They are truly my favorite thing to make, but they can be the hardest. First off, light skintones and other light colors can be tough to transfer without breaking/smearing/tearing the image. Second, especially if it's a person, you have to make sure it looks like that person. Whereas with a "stock" item I can embellish over any area that's not perfect, or just put that project aside, with the custom pieces I have to do it over (and sometimes over, and over and over) until it's perfect.

Then comes the real trick, which is knowing when to step away and take a break. Before you overdo it. Before you stop being gentle enough. Before you look at it so long that it looks like a piece of crap in your eyes. STEP AWAY. And sometimes you really have to step FAR away, or you'll end up hating the whole craft. And one should never make art because they feel like they are obligated to. One should make art because there is a passion inside that must be brought forth, because they truly enjoy the process and the product, because the creation of the piece leads to good feelings for themselves and/or for others.

There is a certain satisfaction, or joy might be a better word, that I get from making the custom pieces. I feel like I have created a new heirloom, rejuvenated a memory, turned a little ball of clay into a piece of history. I know, or at least hope, that my custom pieces hold a special value for their owners, and I consider these pieces little historical treasures. It is the same joy I get from restoring old photographs for people, except in this case, it's much more fashionable. :)

When I finished beading that necklace, I felt like a huge burden - not the project itself, but the feeling of dissatisfaction I had been suffering from, the dread of packaging up and mailing something that I wasn't at all happy with, because time had just run out - had been lifted off my shoulders. It all came together in the nick of time, and I felt like my joy of working in this medium was renewed and expanded as I packaged up the order and rushed it to the post office.

The real fun comes when I hear the feedback from the recipient. Fingers crossed.

Inspired by Kolyla & a New Transfer!

2007-08-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

My last post, in which I interviews http://nickolya.etsy.com/ left me itching to cut some paper. There's a door in our living room which faces west and in the evening, when the sun sets, it blasts through the sheer curtain. 2 + 2 = 4!

Cost = Free
Look = priceless

And then it was time to get down to business. I'm about take that previously-discussed hiatus from polymer clay, while I work on some photo restorations, but first there are still a few things to be done.

One is now done - an image transfer ornament for my parents' 35th anniversary which is today.
Weren't they groovy? 1972!

This was also my first foray into using copper bronzing powders from the dollar store makeup section. Thank goodness it was for my parents, because just as I finished, the bottom point of the heart broke off! I mended it pretty well, but if it were for a paying customer (as opposed to my parents who love me, mistakes and all), I would have had to start all over again!

In progress are two custom pendants I'm working on - 2 grandmothers of one lucky lady!

Don't forget that I do custom orders, which make great holiday gifts! Order early and get to the head of the holiday rush list, and have an ornament in time to put on the tree, or a pendant in time to put around your sweetie's neck!

Now that I have to put the clay away, I'm dying to work with it more. Isn't that just always the case...

Lastly, breaking news: I'm featured today in a treasury made by someone from Adorn Magazine! It's one of my supplies, not my artwork, but that's ok - it's still exposure, and it means someone from Adorn was at my shop!

Interview With Paper Artist Nickolya.etsy.com

2007-08-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

"Moscow" by Kolya Manion

My favorite activity as winter approaches (it does seem odd to even think about winter now, in the heat of summer) has always been folding up white paper and snipping out triangles with scissors to make paper snowflakes, which I then cover my windows with to welcome winter. I've done this nearly every year since I was first allowed to play with safety scissors. Over the years, the patterns have only gotten slightly more intricate, and I still feel the same childlike glee as I snip and snip and cover everything around me with confetti. It's a fragile, precise process, and I am in awe of those who take the art far and beyond the paper snowflake or chain.

Paper is so delicate, yet sturdy, so crisp and white and clean, yet often barely noticed as we have surrounded ourselves by it.

Once a tree, now an empty canvas, next a novel, or a drawing, or a grocery list, its potential is infinite. It all starts here.

And often with simplicity comes grace. I recently came across nickolya.etsy.com, the Etsy shop of Nicholas "Kolya" Manion, a Visual Communications student and paper artist in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, who also has a background in architecture. His works are as delicate as the paper stock they are made from, yet strong and visually sound as the skylines which they depict.

"London" by Kolya Manion

I recently had the opportunity, through the power of the internet, to interview this artist who literally lives on the other side of the world from me. Here's a snippet (excuse the pun!) of our conversation:

Pollyhyper: How and when did you begin working with paper?

Kolya: I've always loved the tactile qualities of paper, but I've only been working exclusively with it this year. My cut-outs actually came out of a life drawing class; I was frustrated that I wasn't able to capture the three-dimensionality of a human form with my stick of charcoal, and so I started cutting into my drawings to bring them to life. At the same time, I didn't want to create straight sculptures out of paper... I found the interaction between two- and three-dimensional form far more interesting.

Pollyhyper: Tell me about your background in architecture and how that comes into play in your artwork.

Kolya: I studied architecture for three years at the University of Queensland. I loved it, but in many ways I found it a bit limiting. Model-making and the creative process were always the aspects which interested me most anyway, rather than the problem-solving elements of plumbing and construction etc. I'm able to explore those areas more freely as a fine artist and designer.

Architecture and my paper works actually overlap to a surprising degree. In the architectural field there's a long tradition of using paper/cardboard "marquettes" (mock-ups) to quickly and easily explore ideas of space and form. Using paper I'm still able to explore these architectural ideas, but on my own terms. So best of both worlds really...

Pollyhyper: What are your other interests? Travel is obviously a big one.

Kolya: My other main interest is graphic design (which is part of my current degree), so I spend a lot of time drawing/printing/designing etc. And my wife is a start-up fashion designer, so I love that too!

I absolutely love to travel. This past Christmas Rose and I went to Europe for the first time, spending a month living in London and a fortnight in Paris. In Paris we stayed in a flat that used to be Picasso's dining room! He actually painted the view from our window, which was pretty extraordinary! I've also visited Japan, and my brother used to live in Hong Kong so I've spent some time there too. I'd love to travel more, but sadly flights from Australia to anywhere really are very expensive. Long-term plan is to move to London; it's such an amazingly creative place.

Kolya's A3 skylines were actually born from another collection of work; he started by collecting found objects from around his city, and became interested in the stories behind them and what they represented. One of his very first pieces was a silhouette of St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, cut out of a flyer for the Brisbane Russian Community Easter feast. From there, it was a natural progression to create a wider skyline of Moscow (at top), and then on to other iconic or 'world' cities which speak to everyone. Kolya has already completed a piece from the New York skyline, and is currently working on Seattle and Chicago - he's open to suggestions!

Skyline of Dubai carved into a Russian 100 Ruble note by Kolya Manion

Kolya has recently started a new series of pieces using different world currencies. On his Etsy listings, he sums it up perfectly:

Money circles the globe
forming links between cities
on opposite sides of the world.
I must give them a voice
and share the stories they tell...

If you find your way to Brisbane, you may likely come across one of Kolya's works in a bus shelter or pinned to a notice board. He says "I like the idea of releasing my work back into the world that inspired it. Plus it gives people a little taste of my larger works." His next goal is to make 20 pieces, each over 1 meter (3 feet) high and leave them in bus shelters.

To see more of Kolya's beautiful work, visit him at his Etsy shop, as well as his website, http://www.nickolya.net/. (Be sure to let him know you read all about him on my blog!)

PCAGOE JULY CHALLENGE WINNER!

2007-07-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

Big congratulations to BeeTreebyME who was the July winner of the PCAGOE challenge!

The theme for July was "Summer Memories." What a STUNNING piece!

Here is her description of her inspiration for this entry:

“My summer memory is of being able to play outside after dark .

The world seemed transformed by the darkness.
My friends and I loved to catch lighting bugs .
We kept them for awhile in jars that became like lanterns!
We were captivated by the magical glow !
Summer nights still hold a special magic!
This little guy owes his light to the magic of “glow in the dark ” polymer clay!” m.e.

BeeTreebyME is one of our newest members of the PCAGOE, and has already been hard at work participating in the monthly challenge and other guild events and activities. Stop by and check out her shop full of gorgeous polymer clay work. Welcome to the group, and once again, CONGRATS!

The August challenge theme has been announced as "The Ocean." I've wanted to participate in the last two monthly challenges, but just been short on time. I'm not promising anything at this point, but I think a nice sit by the ocean is in order, and I'll see if I have an epiphany.

Coming soon, I'll be posting my first ever blog interview! If you're anything like me, this Etsy seller's work is going to take your breath away...

Thoughts on Hiatus and Promotional Supplies

2007-07-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

As some of you already know, I have a second side business doing digital photo restoration. Yes, I like to overload myself with time-consuming hobbies that I love and hopefully can make enough money off of to support the habits in the first place.

Well, I'm in the midst of a big photo project, and a massive amount of un-fun things like taxes, appraisal classes, and getting ready for a Labor Day yard sale, and something has gotta give. So...

In the next month or two, I won't be making any polymer clay pieces, aside from any custom orders that come my way, which I am still always VERY happy to make. I will, however, be using these months for brainstorming new ideas, as well as thinking about improvements upon my techniques and my packaging/promotion/etc., and will get this photo job done, I hope (I must!) in time to get started on some new amazing stock for the holiday season.

THEN, after the holiday Etsy rush has passed, I'll have all this new work for my restoration portfolio, and will probably take that January-February stuck-in-the-house misery and put myself to work on a new website for Second Impression.

So that's where I am right now.

Now as far as promos go, I won't be ordering anything yet, but there's nothing like looking at promo catalogs. Oh, the things you can get for only 39 cents apiece!
However, I need to set myself some boundaries...

Size - the promotional product really shouldn't be any larger/heavier than my pendants, or my shipping is going to go though the roof. So no Pollyhyper mugs. Hmm, too bad.
Usefulness - I don't want to waste my money on giving away something that no one really wants or can use.
Cool factor - It should be cool(ish) and should, if possible, reflect my style. Which leads me to... what IS my style?

So those are some things I should think about. In the meantime, just because I can't resist, here are some ideas, for better or for worse.

I love these things.

Custom air freshener.

Custom sewing kit ($$)

Your basic button pin

these could be fun with a good design,

and I know people collect them

Custom
measuring tape

And, of course, there's always the promotional pen. Or something handmade. I don't want to to spend a lot of time on these things, because that will take away from other projects, but I also don't want something crappy that screams "PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT CATALOG!"

PCAGOE July Challenge - Vote! Win!!

2007-07-26T07:55:00.002-07:00

It's that time again, cats and kittens. Time for you to choose between the best and the brightest of this month's entries in the Polymer Clay Guild of Etsy's (PCAGOE) Challenge!

Voting starts at NOON (EST) today, Thursday, July 26, 2007.
This month's challenge was to " Create something inspired by your favorite summer memory."

As always, I ask you to please vote, and, if you know anyone in the challenge, to please be impartial and choose you favorite piece, regardless of who made it or who is your friend, etc., etc. We in the PCAGOE are all grown-ups who are looking for a fair competition, and we're all having fun and being creative, and that, not winning, is the point. BUT, that said, YOU, the voter, could win some cool prizes too!

While you're there, don't forget to sign up for the monthly PCAGOE mailing list (the sign-up form is at the top right of the page, just below our logo!) which yours truly is heading up, and which is due to start in all its glory at the beginning of next month! It will be full of fun, news, bargains, and sneak peeks!

Vintage Vandals at the Wurst Gallery

2007-07-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

This project (this is one of many) is amazing and inspirational. And HILARIOUS.
Unfortunately, Blogger doesn't allow rollovers.

Check out some more Vintage Vandals at the Wurst Gallery!

Pssst! Also, voting starts tomorrow at noon for the PCAGOE JULY CHALLENGE!!! Don't forget to vote!

2007-07-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to BlockPartyPress (fellow PCAGOE member!) for pointing me towards Spell With Flickr.

Well, I thought I'd check in even though I've barely made much since I last posted. Summers are happily busy at my house. It's one of the benefits of living near the beach - everyone wants to come visit you during the summer. But everyone wants to come visit you during the summer. So while things are quiet-bordering-on-boring for the rest of the year, summer is nuts! I love it, though. I love the excuse to do the touristy things like go to the boardwalk and get Thrasher's Fries and Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard. Somehow sitting in standstill traffic in 98-degree heat doesn't seem so bad when you have friends in the car who are so excited to be sitting in traffic.

The point is, I haven't gotten my hands dirty with any clay lately. I haven't even had time to put all my supplies away, which I need to do before the weekend so we can use the dining room table to play some poker and the like.

I did make this page to contribute to the 2008 Diary Project being put together by Fantazya:

It looks like it is going to be a super-cool diary, made up of pages designed by different Etsy sellers and groups, and I can't wait to get my hands on one. I'll post when they go up for sale! It also gave me a chance to try out my new Wacom tablet for the first time, and to have some fun drawing with it and getting used to the feel of it before I start using it for my photo restoration & retouching. Which, by the way, is going to start taking up a lot more of my time, so I think for a while my Etsy shop will be limited to custom order and fits of fancy. No more mass produced pendants. Oh, and I think I see a price increase in the near-ish future, because with the USPS price hike, and using more materials these days, I'm not seeing much of a profit. So if you see something you like in my shop, BUY IT NOW!!!

For you fellow sellers, I thought I'd post a few links about the selling (versus the crafty) side of things I came across which might be beneficial...

http://www.indiedesignermarketing.com Online promotional techniques for Independent Clothing and Accessory Designers
http://etsyshops.com A guide to successful selling online for crafters and independent designers, with a focus on Etsy.com
http://trythisathome.typepad.com
Artrepreneur - the Collision of Art & Business

Just a quote for today

2007-07-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

"I hope you will go out and let stories happen to you, and that you will work them, water them with your blood and tears and you laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom."

-Clarissa Pinkola Estes

I found this on a blog quoting another blog, quoting another blog, quoting another blog. Coincidentally, Clarissa Pinkola Estes is the same person from wrote the quote on my Wild Woman necklace.

Tomorrow I turn 31 years old. I don't know how I feel about that. Part of me feels like I'm still a child, and another part feels like I have wasted so muchprecious time, and that I am way behind "schedule."

Thoughts today of time, direction, childhood, youth, age, experience. I expect these themes will be apparent in upcoming work.

In the Spotlight!

2007-07-07T13:27:00.001-07:00

SOHO Beads has featured myself and another amazing PCAGOE member, Scott Garrette, on her blog. Go check it out, and check out Scott's and SOHO's awesome talents while you're at it!

And don't forget yours truly! Stay tuned, because I've got all kinds of new tricks up my sleeve that will get listed in the coming weeks (months?)

HOUSEKEEPING! CHEAP BOOKS!

2007-07-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

In an effort to get rid of some stuff (and trust me, I have a LOT) I am parting with my beloved collection of vintage (and a few new) craft, decorating, and gardening/herb books. Some are good, some are great, some are not-so-great, but they all have one thing in common - they are taking up space here and need to find some loving new homes.

To keep things as painless as possible for all involved, I am including my shipping costs in the price, so free shipping a la Media Mail for all within these great United States. If you need it faster, or internationally, let me know and we'll work something out.

I take whatever you can squeeze through Paypal at pollyhyper@gmail.com
If you want more than one or two books, I'm willing to be haggled.

Craft books and patterns can be found at pollyhyper.etsy.com
(they won't let me sell this stuff over there)

HOME DECOR - ooh la la!

The Complete Basic Book of Home Decorating, Edited by William E. Hague. c. 1976 by Nelson Doubleday, Inc. Hardcover with dustjacket, 523 pages. VERY GROOVY.**** $12
The Paris Apartment by Claudia Strasser. c.1997 by Claudia Strasser. Hardcover with dustjacket, 143 pages. Lots of color pix. "Romantic Decor on a Flea Market Budget"***** $6
The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement, Vol. 1 (A-Ame), by Greystone Press. c. 1971 by the Meredith Corporation. Hardcover with dustjacket, about 200 pages, freed library edition. Super-groovy, lots of technicolor pix. **** $5
The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement, Vol. 4 (Boo-Cen), by Greystone Press. c. 1970 by the Meredith Corporation. Hardcover with dustjacket, about 200 pages, freed library edition. Super-groovy, lots of technicolor pix. **** $5
Budget Living's Home Cheap Home - a Room-by-Room Guide to Great Decorating, from the editors of Budget Living Magazine. c.2004 by Budget Living, LLC. Oversized paperback, 192 pages. ***** Great tips! $12
Interior Decoration A to Z by Betty Pepis. c.1965 by Doubleday & Co., Inc. Hardcover with dustjacket - freed library edition, 224 pages. **** Lots of photos, mostly black & white. $5
The NY Times HOME Book of Modern Design, Styles, Problems, and Solutions by Suzanne Slesin. c.1982 by Suzanne Slesin. Hardcover with dustjacket, 270 pages. Lots of pics. Very edgy for it's time - hey, it was a NYT publication!***** $9
Creating a Look - a Practical Guide to Achieving 12 Looks From Around the World, by Liz Wagstaff. c.1999 by Quadrille Publishing, London. Hardcover with dustjacket, 160 pages. **** (a little ruffling of sleeve). THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK. $8

GARDENING & HERBS - grow your own!

The Herb Book by John Lust (for real), c. 1974 by Benedict Lust Publications. Paperback, 660 pages. ** $5 From the back cover:

Soothe your nerves, cure your cough, color your fabrics, perfume your bath, stimulate your lover, spice your sauces, stop your nightmares, freshen your breath -- with herbs... THE HERB BOOK: the most complete catalog of nature's "miracle plants" ever published.

Suzanne's Garden Secrets by Suzanne Warner Pierot, c.1978 by Suzanne Warner Pierot. Hardcover with dustjacket, 240 pages. *** $4

"a harvest of gardening advice, lore, working observations, shortcuts, oddities fascinating and useful for all seasons -- sowing and growing to reaping and over-wintering."

Make Friends With Your Bulbs by Jerry Baker. c.1973 by Jerry Baker. Large paperback, 95 pages, freed library edition. **$3
Home Gardening at its Best - Productive Ways to Grow Your Own Fresh Vegetables, by Sal Gilbertie with Larry Sheehan. c.1977 by Atheneum/SMI. Hardcover freed library edition, 216 pages. $4

HOME REPAIR - fix it!

~~This Old House Books - Essential Home Repair,~~ ~~edited by This Old House Magazine. c.1999 by Time Publishing Ventures. Oversized paperback, 120 pages. "A seasonal guide to maintaining your home." ***** $6~~
~~This Old House - Restoring, Rehabilitating, and Renovating an Older House~~ ~~by Bob Vila with Jane Davison. c.1980 by WGBH Educational Foundantion, Inc. Oversized Paperback, 270 pages. ***** $6~~
This Old House Kitchens - A Guide to Design and Renovation by Steve Thomas and Philip Langdon. c.1992 by WGBH Educational Foundantion, Inc. Oversized Paperback, 273 pages. ***** $6
Better Homes & Gardens Handyman's Book, c.1970 by Better Homes & Gardens Books. 5-ring binder, 393 pages. Lots of hand (vs. power) tools. ***** $6

OTHER BOOKS

Tropical Aquarium Fishes - Freshwater & Marine, by George Cust & Graham Cox. c.1972 for the Metaframe Aquarium Book Club. Hardcover with sleeve, 144 pages. Lots of fish species included.*** $4
The Chosen Puppy by Carol Lea Benjamin. c.1990 by Carol Lea Benjamin. Paperback, 87 pages. "How to select and raise a great puppy from an animal shelter."**** $4
The Guide to Owning a Shih-Tzu by Teri Soy. c.2003 by TFH Publications, Inc. Paperback, 64 pages. "History, Selecting, Houstraining, Training, and Grooming."****
20th Century Pop Culture by Dan Epstein. c.1999 by CLB, Hardcover coffee table book, 255 pages. FULL of pix from decades of pop culture. I love this book. It's very heavy and chock-full of memories. ***** $15
~~The Mullet by Mark Larson & Barney Hoskyns. c.1999 by Mark Larson & Barney Hoskyns. Medium-sized hardcover, 128 pages. ***** HILARIOUS. $6~~
~~Swell - A Girl's Guide to the Good Life by Cynthia Rowley and Ilene Rosenzwig. c.1999 by Warner Books. Medium-sized hardcover, 136 pages. ***** $6~~

RANDOM STUFF

South Park Domino Game - $13
Packaged in a tin with a window through which five of the 28 dominoes can be viewed.
New in unopened plastic shrinkwrap.

This dominoes are described as being "super-sized." They measure 1 1/4" x 2 3/8".

The back of the tin has the following message: The laughs continue with the South Park Domino Game! This collector's tin includes 28 Super-Sized Dominoes featuring all of your favorite characters like Cartman, Kenny, Stan and Kyle. Play traditional Matching games, or just Line 'em Up and Knock "em Down to watch Kenny fall over and over again!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!!!

My Favorite Etsy Things, v4 - Photo Geek

2007-06-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

The POLYMER CLAY ARTISTS GUILD OF ETSY (PCAGOE) is still taking votes on our monthly challenge. This month's theme is "self-portrait." Take a few minutes and check out the hot competition - there's some great work over there this month, and the wonderful women over at polymerclayproductions.com are sponsoring this month's challenge and offering 2 polymer clay prize packs, one for the winning entry, and one for a randomly selected voter. Go check it out - voting ends tomorrow at noon!!! Just click on the image below:

VOTE-VOTE-VOTE-VOTE!

A few things before I begin today's favorites list...

I really hate the formatting options, or lack thereof, here at Blogger. Maybe I'm spoiled by my other site's dashboard, but I no longer want to deal with my own html in order to insert a table. Also, the sidebar is too wide, making my posting area too small. Wah, wah, wah. Like I have time to go about formatting all this. I have art to make!
Is anyone out there? Anyone reading this? Comment if you are!

Ok favorite things
Today's theme: PHOTO GEEK. Only one photo included, and that's not because it IS a photo, but because of what it is a photo OF. Click on any name or image to view the item for sale in its Etsy shop.

Film Canister Notepad 
by bestintentions









Camera Stitch Markers
by sunneshine

Altered Machine Pendant
byBestintentions

Camera Darkroom Buttons
by DonnaPool

My tribute to Toy photography --
Diana Camera Glass Etching
with LED light base
by CreativeArtandSoul

Smile - Limited Edtion,
part of Little Girls series,
Original Pastel Illustration
by spilledwater

Rivet Series - The Camera
by TimothyAdamDesigns

this war is going to break us all
- original one of a kind mixed
media vintage polaroid camera
assemblage art and political commentary
by CabaretVoltaire

Hasselblad camera shirt
- military green
by vital

12oz cup leica (red)
by CircaCeramics

RUFUS BUTT
original art photo print 8x10
by Artsy

My Favorite Etsy Things, v3 - Baby Lust

2007-06-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Before I begin today's "someday" list (this one far in the future!), I want to again mention that the POLYMER CLAY ARTISTS GUILD OF ETSY (PCAGOE) is currently taking votes on our monthly challenge. This month's theme is "self-portrait." Take a few minutes and check out the hot competition - there's some great work over there this month, and the wonderful women over at polymerclayproductions.com are sponsoring this month's challenge and offering 2 polymer clay prize packs, one for the winning entry, and one for a randomly selected voter. Go check it out - voting ends tomorrow at noon!!! Just click on the image below:

VOTE-VOTE-VOTE-VOTE!

Now, on to my favorites list for today. The theme is baby stuff, toddler stuff, and mommy stuff. Awesome stuff that I presently have absolutely no need for, but appreciate nonetheless...

Blue and Brown Mirrored Disco Dots Little Baby Bib by pearlygrey

Sweet Treat Tassel Hat by mskat

Alien Spaceship Handknit Hat also by mskat

Bunny Lovey by JadeyBaby (who is getting ready to move, so be sure to keep checking back in in a month or two when I'm sure she will once again dazzle us with lots of lovely new stuff - in the meantime, she's having a great clearance sale!!!)

My mom is so Crafty She Made ME Onesie Size 0-3 months by MuthaCrafter

Kaleidoscope Burp Cloths by monarchmonograms

Creamsicle Pinfore by Bellaserababy

Retro Tattoos on Pink - Chenille Baby Bib
by colbylanedesigns

I could go on and on! I could make a whole page of just little girl dresses that I adore! But I won't. I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea.

Go vote, people!

My Favorite Etsy Things - v. 2

2007-06-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

I'm really liking peacocks today!

Peacock KINGSTON Focal Art Bead Pendant by ArtByLilin

Peacock Feather Necklace by amandajo

Gypsy Queen Hair Clips by magpiesnest

Proud Peacock by squidglass

Sock Yarn Hand Dyed Superwash Merino in Peacock by sharing

Peacock Felt Cloche by myfinn

Update - Getting Published!

2007-06-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased and proud to announce, as previously mentioned in a prior post, that some or all of the following pieces are accepted to appear in the Rockport/Quarry book "1,000 Jewelry Details" to be released in Spring 2008!

Updates as I receive them - right now the plan is to take some updated pix of some of the older ones...

It's That Time of the Month Again.

2007-06-26T12:14:00.001-07:00

Nooo, not THAT time!

It's time to vote over at pcagoe.com on your favorite entry in this month's challenge!
This month's theme is "self-portrait."

GO! VOTE! NOW!

For the record, I'm not entered this month, so you are free to vote unbiased!

Tell your friends! Tell your folks! Tell your own worst enemy!

Re-post, PLEASE! Spread the good news, people!

Tasty Babies

2007-06-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

I received a fwd:fwd:fwd:fwd email about babies made of marzipan, and thought, wow, that's a lot of work, and who could eat them? Since then found out the artist's name is Camille Allen, and they are made of clay, not marzipan. Sorry, baby cannibals with a sweet tooth.
Pretty amazing stuff!

Declutter Round 1 - Groovy Crochet Patterns for Sale!

2007-06-25T18:38:00.001-07:00

You get dibs before I list them for sale, for the bargain price of $1 each plus shipping (they're very lightweight). Some old, some really old, some new, some just a few pages and patterns, and a few that are more of booklets or magazines. Post a comment or send me a message if you're interested!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Next up - vintage how-to and home decor books...

Be sure to tell me you found me on my Etsy blog!!!

And now for something new...

2007-06-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

After much frustration caused by things not going in real life as they did in my mind regarding my newest polymer jewelry endeavor, I came up with some shawl pins (a great request from Gerberah) this weekend. Felt good to take my frustrations out on the clay.

These too will be listed in my Etsy shop as soon as time permits.

Pendants - Hot Out of the Oven!

2007-06-24T18:59:00.001-07:00

sneak preview - not even listed yet in my Etsy shop!

My Favorite Etsy Things - v1

2007-06-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

Some Etsy items and sellers that strike my fancy today. Oh, if I had a gazillion dollars!

Peacock KINGSLEY Focal Art Bead Pendant
by ArtByLilin

Constellation Pendant (Libra)
by bcyrjewelry

Random Reds Cushion
by manda

Fallen Art Print - Little Goth Girl - 8 x 8
by gorjuss

Inez
by Sweetnellie

Heart On - Flat Card and Envelope - Mini
by shoofly

Toot, toot!

2007-06-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Nicely coinciding with me FINALLY getting some clay under my nails again last night, I received a message via Etsy today from a woman working on a book on jewelry details that wants to include some of my work!!! This is very exciting news!

Got a few pieces started and going last night. One, a custom "Om" pendant for my yoga instructor, who saw one in my Etsy shop and liked it enough to request one with silver accents (the one already in the shop, shown here, is gold) as well as another Om with silver accents to keep on hand for the next silver-Om-lover. Finally began work on a project (two versions so far) which I have been thinking about for ages which also involves yoga/Eastern philosophy, but I'm not ready to talk about it - top secret for now, until I can get it done and list it, which should be soon! Very soon, since I have to get pix to this woman asap for the book!

Last night was my first foray into using Future floor polish as a finish. LOVE IT! Instead of having to wait (and wait, and wait-and-wait-and-wait) for each coat to get good and dry and hard, I can just pop it in the oven and it's done SO FAST! VERY useful in this humid Delaware summer, when nothing wants to dry, ever. I'm still waiting to see how it works if I glaze over the paint and put it in the oven, but it's fine over the baked, transferred clay. My only complaint is its sickeningly sweet, chemical odor. Eeeew. It reminds me of something bad. Like the cherry air freshener they use in the basement of the hospital to mask the morgue.

*´¨ )
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.
Please visit my etsy store for image transfer pendants, custom photo pendants, and more!
http://pollyhyper.etsy.com

Warm-Up

2007-06-18T11:04:00.001-07:00

This week will hopefully mark the actual debut of this new blog, since plans for tonight are to get some clay under my nails. Pollyhyper-etsy.com will mainly be a companion blog for my etsy shop, but I think I'll sprinkle in some interesting craft-related posts about other things I see and hear/read about along the way.

For those who don't already know me, one of my other hobbies (I'm trying to narrow it down) which I haven't spent nearly enough time on lately is crochet. Now that we've had some evenings that actually necessitated running the A/C while we sit back and watch a DVD, I might break out the crochet again.

From a post on Threadbanger.com that came through my Bloglines today, entitled "The Top 10 Geekiest Yarn Creations on the Web":
Crochet Atari 2600 and T.V.

and, another favorite from the list:
Crochet Hogwarts.

Also totally in love with these knit Space Invader Socks... any volunteers to make me a pair???

Stay tuned this week for an update on things I have actually made!

*´¨ )
¸.·´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.
Please visit my etsy store for image transfer pendants, custom photo pendants, and more!
http://pollyhyper.etsy.com