Monday, November 30, 2009

Your Daily Muse News is proud to present our first edition of Interview Monday. Today's interview is with Alice Stroppel, she is well know for her unique profile polymer clay art.




DM: Alice, tell us about your artistic medium?
AS:  Polymer Clay

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
AS: About 20 years ago and have actively worked at it for over 10 years.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error,books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
AS: All of the above except formal schooling. I did take some classes with polymer clay artists. But most of what I've learned I owe to the internet and books that I've purchased.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
AS: Hands on experience. Buy some clay and get started. I do recommend however, that if you decide you really like working with the clay and you purchase a pasta machine, spend the extra money to buy a motor for it. You will never regret it. Most of all, have fun, if you don't love it, it will show in your work.





DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
AS: The endless possibilities, the colors, the instant gratification. You can make it this morning and sell it, give it or wear it this afternoon.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
AS: Not having enough time to even start on the many ideas that are in my head. And of course, marketing!

DM: Where do you find your inspiration for what you create?
AS: Out of my head, from graphics and drawings and from other artist's work. Not just polymer clay artists, but all mediums. I have another blog, The Figurative Artbeat, (http://thefigurativeartbeat.com) where I feature figurative artists working in all mediums.

I love finding and being inspired by so many fabulous artists. I do this site for me, but I hope others enjoy and are inspired as well.

But to tell the truth, most of my work comes from just doing. I sit down with the clay and start to create and usually end up with something I never saw coming. I love that.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations.
AS: I really have loved creating the face canes. I've just been trying and trying to create my own method of making a face cane that was simple and effective. You should see some of my first face canes. Oh my!

Recently I created a profile face cane and have just finished a tutorial that includes an instruction booklet, patterns and a 40 minute video. (DM: we found Alice's tutorial listed on her Etsy page for just 18.00, what a bargain ! ) 


I also love to sculpt faces and figures with polymer clay. One day, when I grow up, I'm going to be a famous sculptor.

DM:  Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
AS: Never
DM: Wow, that is wonderful, I know a lot of our readers wish we could be so lucky !

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist?
AS: Doubting myself and my talents

DM: What did you learn from it?
AS: I am better than I think I am, because the only one I really have to please is me. If it makes me have that, "YES" feeling, if it makes me laugh or smile, then I am successful.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
AS: I am so lucky to have a whole downstairs area to myself. When we moved back to my home town 16 years ago, we bought this house to have enough room to store my pattern business. Now it is still my studio. I have a bedroom full of stuff I need to get rid of, a large middle room, full of polymer clay etc., my computer, my camera and a kitchen where I have an oven to bake my clay. It was meant to be, I'm so very lucky.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
AS: Anytime I can and I won't be interrupted. Once I get started I get lost in the process.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
AS: Try everything! There are so many wonderful tutorials online that are free. the more you try the more you grow. I have several videos for free on my blog and plan to add more.




There are also more and more tutorial for sale as well. Add some of the books available from the pioneers of polymer clay. Do your homework before buying either books or tutorials. Read the reviews.

And join a polymer clay group. There are groups out here that have the most wonderful members. They share their knowledge and most likely will have an answer to any polymer clay question you have. Not only that, they know what websites to send you to.

DM: Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?
AS: Too many to name. There are dozens of fabulous polymer clay artists that have paved the way for all of us and more being added to this group everyday. I will always be thankful for them all.
DM: We found " Flying Mermaid" inspired by Kathleen Dustin's class on Alice's Flickr site, stunning !



DM: Alice, please tell our reader a bit about yourself.
AS: My husband and I have been married for 40 years, we have two grown sons who live in other cities and wonderful friends. We live on a fabulous little lake that I can see from almost every window in the house, with moss draped southern oaks and a mango tree. A dog and a cat round out our family. I spend my days with my family, my clay, my blogs. How great is that?

I've been involved with the Arts and with crafts all my life. I create to live, or to paraphrase Michel Guerin, one of the featured artists from my blog "The Figurative Artbeat", "I'm creating because I want to stay alive".

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
AS: I enjoy the friends I've met online. I love sharing what I know. Everyday is an adventure.

We want to thank Alice for taking the time to talk to our readers and wish her many more years of happy claying !
You can see more of Alice's work at :
Alice's website
Alice's Etsy Shop
Alice's Flickr site

Sunday, November 29, 2009

!!! MUSE FLASH !!!
Your Daily Muse News is proud to present our newest feature "THE MONDAY INTERVIEW" this will let our readers have a personal look at our fellow artist from around the world and learn more about them and their creative process.

Below is a list in no particular order of some of our upcoming interviews.

Alice Stroppel - Polymer Clay Artist from Florida
Amy Taylor - Metalsmith Jewelry from Illinois
Penny Stern, - Mixed Media Artist from Israel
Theresa King - Paper Artist from New York
Maryanne Villalba - Mixed Media & Bead Artist from Australia
Sebnem Ergun, - Painting Artist from Istanbul
Jill DeCrenza - Beaded, Steampunk, Mixed Media from New York

The Helmrich Family - Chainmaille and Modern Jewelry Artist from Texas and Missouri

If you are interested in being showcased please send me an email to museoftheday (at) gmail.com and we will be happy to have a look at your art.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

This gorgeous ring credit it's wearer with a smile on his face, due to it's movement and look and comes in variety colors of Swarovski crystals. Just plain Fun !




You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/inbalbittan

Friday, November 27, 2009

Artist wrote : What a fun ring! A banana leaf with a ladybug!
It is made of pure silver (.999), hand crafted by me using Precious Metal Clay. Textured and formed into a banana leaf. The texture continues all the way around the ring, with the tip of the leaf overlapping in the front.


You can see more of this artist at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TZTUDIO

Thursday, November 26, 2009


I thought with this being Thanksgiving day in the USA, I would showcase something turkey related and found the perfect artist ! She makes an array of various miniature fun food items.


Artist wrote : What is Thanksgiving without a turkey? Make this juicy roasted turkey the main course on your Hitty doll's Thanksgiving table. Now includes biscuits and a bowl of peas!




A realistic looking bird, you might be tempted to carve it, but don't! This turkey set may also be used for Christmas and Easter or whenever holiday a turkey dinner would hit the spot.

This Thanksgiving turkey, biscuit, and peas set is handmade by me and was created especially for 6~1/4" tall Hitty and dolls of similar size. This roasted turkey will arrive loose with a metal "platter" surrounded by a bed of lettuce, black olives, and carrots garnish. The baked turkey and vegetable garnishes will arrive loose and will need to be arranged on the platter. I would have glued everything down.

Six biscuits included. Four biscuits fit into the small bowl provided, plus two extra biscuits. All biscuits are loose, not glued to the bowl. Peas are glued to clay bowl.

The turkey alone measures 2~1/8" long. Sale includes turkey, garnishes, metal platter, six biscuits in a bowl, and a bowl of peas.

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/dolliesalamode

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday !
DM

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Artist wrote: This dreamy handmade pair of Peruvian thread earrings would go perfectly with your autumn wardrobe. Casual or dressy, these thread earrings will create instant glamorous look! The fine thread used are shimmery and really thin. These peruvian thread earrings are big yet delicate. The frames were built using coated copper wire. They're so low maintenance since the wire wouldn't tarnish. I love how warm and sparky these earrings are.



You can find more of this artist work at http://www.artfire.com/users/popnicute

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Artist wrote : Steampunk Vintage Watch Movement Ring with Swarovski Crystal.

Unique, wonderful piece of jewelry. Hand crafted with a vintage watch movement which contains complete gearing. The ring is a oak leaf ring which measures 13x7mm and oak leaf details on the sides. The ring is fully adjustable.


 
You can see more of this artist at http://www.etsy.com/shop/qacreate

Monday, November 23, 2009

Artist wrote :  Funky handmade earrings made from recycled circuit boards that I've first cut down into squares measuring 1" in diameter. One side is all 'silver' and the front side is a beautiful golden amber color with ornate circuitry.

Vintage 1950's ornately etched copper beads , vintage white brass and silver plated pewter make up the beaded dangles which measure approximately 1 1/4" so that the total length of these funky earrings is approximately 2 1/2"

These earrings are very light in weight as they're made from circuit boards which are inner layers of epoxy resin fiberglass.






You can find more of this artist work at http://www.artfire.com/users/ThreeRingCircuits

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Artist wrote : Delilah is feisty and fun through and through! She's a wonderful blond with black accents. Delilah is wearing her best red lead crystal Christmas collar for the upcoming holiday season. Will some lucky gal find her in her stocking this Christmas?

I lovingly design and make my lampwork beads with soft Italian glass rods and my trusty Mini CC torch. I only do it because it's fun.  All my beads are kiln annealed.



You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/suzoom

Saturday, November 21, 2009

I have been in love with this artist and her work for some time, when I came across this cuttlefish this morning and all the pretty blends of colors just makes me go ohhhhhhhhh gotta have, I gotta have !!!

Artist wrote : Inspired by the colors of the sky just after sunset this sculpted polymer clay cuttlefish necklace is soft blues and lavender pinks.

Cuttlefish are not fish at all but are cephalopods, their closest relatives are squid and octopus. These amazing sea creatures have eight arms and two tentacles with suckers that they use to capture their prey. Some cuttlefish are brightly colored and many can change the color and the texture of their skin as camouflage, mating display, or warning.



 
You can find more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/noadi

Friday, November 20, 2009

I never have understood the love of the pink flamingo till I came across this pendant, I really love the overlay with the beauty of the dichoric / fused glass, stunning !

Artist wrote : Dichroic fused glass pendant jewelry- pink flamingo sterling silver by A.A.E. Glass Art. Dichroic layered glass focal bead with a beautiful flamingo image permanently fused to the dichroic glass piece. This dichroic bead will compliment any jewelry design or can be worn alone as a focal bead.





You can find more of this artist work at http://www.artfire.com/users/AAE-artglass

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Mirror Image Polymer Clay Pendant

Artist wrote : Bold and Beautiful Polymer Clay Mirror Image Pendant accented with Swarovski crystal rhinestones. Rich colors of purple and blue with gold and black accents.
Strung on purple satin cord tied in Chinese button knots divided by blue coil beads of blue craft wire that graduate in size. Gold plated toggle clasp.






You can see more of her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Knightworkstudio

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

This ring is hand crafted with pure sterling silver and designed with an raw amethyst stone, a diamond like zircon is placed in the middle of a rose with a pearl accent to complete this interesting ring.

I love the use of raw stones and this one caught my eye, stunning don't you think ?




You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/toosis

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Gold Ammolite and Hematite Pendant

I had a hard time just picking one item from this artist, her work is breathtaking.  She writes : This pendant is handcrafted by me using gold filled wire around an ammolite gemstone and hematite bead. There is beautiful color flash in this ammolite that I tried to help show with the different angles and lighting but is really difficult to capture on camera.




Ammolite is a rare and valuable opal-like organic gemstone found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada. It is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, which in turn are composed primarily of aragonite, the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls.

You can find more from this artist at http://www.etsy.com/shop/shellamie

Monday, November 16, 2009

Cairn Beach Stone Necklace

I personally have started working with small beach stones and was in awe at the simple look of this necklace, I esp loved the stone up near the clasp, just perfect ! I so could see this ending up in MY jewelry box!


Artist wrote : Three little natural Lake Erie beach stones are drilled and stacked on a sterling pendant. Hung on a nice bead (ball) chain. A fourth stone dangles at the tear drop clasp.



You can find more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/stonz

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Apothecary Earrings

Artist wrote : These earrings are handmade by carefully fuse welding stainless steel into an open cage-like structure. A hand cut disc of oxidized sterling silver acts as a decorative spacer, and a precision, lab grown ruby sphere is suspended between the wires.

The cage shape and the earwire are constructed as one solid piece and hang in a pendulum style from the piercing.

Me... I just love em !





The length is approximately 3" (7.6cm) from the ear piercing and are 1/2" (1.25cm) in diameter at the widest point.

You can find more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/lake

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Cast Bronze Flower Pendant

This artist work stopped me in my tracks this morning, the artist wrote that the elegant bronze pendant carries the delicate image of two flowers. It is 8cm long and 3cm wide. The neoprene cord is approx 44cm long and has a parrot clip closure.

Enchanting !




You can find more of his work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/roco63

Friday, November 13, 2009

Black Dahlia Ring

When I was out surfing today I came across this artist site and this ring is just the most charming polymer clay ring I have seen lately! I love the artist blending of colors ! She hand sculpts each flower cabochons out of polymer clay.




You can find more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZudaGay

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Anyone that has been working with polymer clay for some time knows the name Desiree McCrorey, she freely gives her insights and know how on her website http://desiredcreations.com/. She is simply one of the most giving people I know.

I was looking over her website gallery and came across her "Fractured Sunset" I was in awe! I had never seen anything so lovely, the way she blended the colors along with the 3d look was a "wow I must know how she did that" kind of moment. I emailed Desiree asking her if she would mind me posting a picture and a little background on how she did this incredible piece.




She replied : "I'm happy to share that technique, but I haven't tried to repeat it.

It was a slice from a very, very old multicolor cane that probably got just the very slightest bit cured or something. I tried every trick in the book to soften the color gradient cane. And when I thought it was soft enough, I took one slice, placed on top of a layer of well conditioned clay and put it through the pasta machine.

The old cane slice didn't smoothly stretch; it fractured instead. The back layer did stretch normally and helped keep the fractured layer from disintegrating into a pile of colorful crumbs.

I was disappointed at first, since the top slice didn't stretch. But after a moment, I kinda liked the effect. After a little more thought I decided to bake it. Then I smeared dark metallic paint over the whole thing and wiped it off the surface, so the paint only stayed in the recessed areas. Then I lightly sanded and carefully buffed the top.

The trick with repeating that technique is I think the fracture-able clay needs to be in a very specific state; somewhere in-between raw and baked. It might take a number of trials to discover what it would take to consistently get clay into the right state where it sort of stretches, sort of fractures.

But you're welcomed to try! If you have any really old canes (10-15 years old), that might be a good place to start. Good luck."

Again, what can I say, this woman is the reason us newbies learn and grow ! Thanks Desiree, I will be trying this and hope mine comes out a fraction of the beauty your piece is !

You can see more of Desiree's work at http://desiredcreations.com/gallery_Desk.htm

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Woodgrain Bronzclay Round Focal

Bronzclay is a wonderful new product in the line of metal clays, capable of a wonderful range of colors. The artist created this hollow woodgrain formed pendant and just look at the gorgeous coloring !

 


 
  You can see more of her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wanderingspirit

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Trees... I love them, I have a hard time not buying every item I come across that has a tree on them, to me the tree is just one of natures perfect items. So naturally this necklace caught my eye, the colors are so vibrant and the design so simple it calls to me.







 Artist wrote : This beautiful necklace features a stunning vintage brass locket with a gorgeous butterfly design imprinted on it, next to it hangs a wire wrapped czech glass leaf, too cute. The textured brass locket is still visible through the photo, beautiful!! This necklace hang 18 inches long with a 2 inch extension.

You can see more of her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeadinBabe

Monday, November 9, 2009

My husband has plans to make me a new wedding set next year to celebrate our next anniversary and I have spent many hours looking at other artist work, I came across this artist today and simply love the ideal of this kind of personal wedding bands.





Arist writes: Searching for a truly unique wedding band? Tired of finding the same plain bands or designs that just come from a catalogue?


This is just what you were looking for. It is many things: unique, sentimental, custom, heirloom quality crafted ,and you are completely involved in the making process.

He will send you an Impression Kit in the mail. Once you receive it, imprint the entire length of your finger and/or your fiancés finger separately. Then you mail that back to him. Once received in his studio in beautiful coastal Maine, he will make a wax form from the impression material. Then utilizing the ancient lost wax casting process, he turns that impression into a metal ring utilizing gold or silver.

Maybe some day this ring gets passed down to your children- a family heirloom for sure.

How romantic! Your lover touching you, holding your finger, always with you.


You can see more of his work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabuluster

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Underground Flower Necklace

Artist wrote : The images of this hand shaped pendant were designed using the Japanese metal working technique, mokume gane, adapted to polymer clay. Copper, gold, bronze, pearl, and black clay were stacked in alternating layers and pressed together. Patterns are impressed into the stacked clay and then thin layers were removed and applied to a clay background.


Personally, I loved the was she brought his necklace together using a coiled copper wire bail and polymer clay beads. Simply Stunning !







You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/marciapalmer

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Fruit of the Earth Necklace

Artist wrote : Do you ever imagine what the world would look like if you took it, sphere in hand and sliced it all the way through and just looked at all the layers...Sorta like those pictures they drew in your grade school geography text book with the molten lava core and the layers of rock and soil.


 I found this Crazy Lace Agate pendant to be an eye stopper, the use of oxidized silver really bring your attention to this awesome stone. I also loved her use of twisted metal and the one well placed flower to be the perfect setting for the bail, in my opinion this would be a piece well worth owing!





You can see more of this artish work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/corybethy

Thursday, November 5, 2009

ChiliCrab's flower bouquet heart is bursting with salmon, red and violet on a shimmery dark blue clay base. She also uses Swarovski crystals for add sparkle. This piece is mounted on oxidized silver colored heart shape filigree. So romantic!





You can see more of her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChiliCrab



Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Twist of Fate Silver Pendant

Liz Hall Lizard's Jewelry has been one of my favorite eye candy spots for some time, her work is so bold and colorful and she is truly a mixed media artist, this pendant combines her use of fine silver with polymer clay inlays. The clay is then carved, drilled, hand sanded and polished, her use of colors are unmatched, just simply beautiful! 





You can find more of her jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LizardsJewelry.

Monday, November 2, 2009

CrazyDay just opened her Etsy shop in October of 09, I just adore her nettle leaf brooch/pin that she made using pressed metallic copper polymer clay with a bold patina that brings out every lovely vein and marking from the natural leaf.




















More of her work can be seen at http://www.etsy.com/shop/crazyday

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Jan Geisen - Polymer Clay Jewelry

I found Jan Geisen on Flickr and her work is amazing! When I first stumbled across her her pendants I thought she was working with real stones, her work is so lively and colorful! Below is just a few of my favorites... hope you enjoy. You can find more of her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/jangeise

PURPLE IRIS PENDANT


















PASTEL SPRING NECKLACE


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