Playing Around with Clay

I truly love playing around with polymer clay.  There are a myriad of techniques a person can use to achieve so many different looks.  There are so many talented polymer clay artists out there that really inspire me.

When I came across the Rustic Beads and Components Tutorial from The Blue Bottle Tree earlier this year, I was intrigued.  I purchased it and have been playing around with the techniques I learned in it.  I have to say that I've been very happy with the results I've had.  The photos below show a few pieces of jewelry I've made with components created from techniques learned in the tutorial.

Overall, I found the tutorial very well written and easy to follow.  Of course I like to take basic techniques and play around with them and put my own spin on them, as well.  That's half the fun.  The headpins that I made with the techniques from the tutorial really just inspired me to make earrings right away.  I honestly have never been on such an earring making frenzy, where all the designs just seemed to fall into place right away.  I think I made at least a dozen earring in a day with those headpins I created from the tutorial.

I'm very excited to have this whole weekend to devote to playing around with clay and maybe creating some finished jewelry pieces as well.

March 2013 Denver Bead Show

I love the March bead show in Denver, but it always goes by way too quickly.  This year the wholesale area was definitely the place to be, with the most bargains.  I was a little bit disappointed that there seemed to be more finished jewelry vendors and less bead vendors.  However I still managed to score quite a haul.  My favorite vendors this year were May's Beads and China Mountain Gems.  The photos below show the strands that I purchase, except for the Indonesian glass strands, which are still tucked away.  I also picked up some nice silver plated Bali beads and other assorted metal.  I love everything I found, but I have to say some of my favorites were some strands I picked up in salmon and pale orange colors... colors that I've had a hard time finding in the past.

Just Days Until Denver

I'm so excited, in just a few days time I'll be leaving for Denver for the bead show.  It is absolutely one of the highlights of my year, and what is even better is that I get to share the fun with two of my sisters. 

Last year's show was a blast, and I've got so many ideas of what I want to buy at this one.  However, I do accept the truth that the minute I walk through the doors to the show, that will all be out the window as I'm drawn to the tables full of wonderful beads.

I've always found that new beads are a great way to get inspired to make new pieces, and I have to admit, I need that right now.  Work has been very much consuming for the last while, and a much-needed break and some fun new beads should be just the medicine I need!