Christelle van Lingen Expressions in Polymer Clay

Expression

2012-01-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

I do not have words...... life...experience...love....hardship.....happiness...care....wonder.....

all in one facial expression.

May we all live a life that will one day tell a story ...the beautiful story of me and you!

A new Year.....

2012-01-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

...and a new website!

Yes, I'm selling directly from my website - no extra fees or searching for my creations all over the web.

The name has changed a little bit:

http://www.karooartdesigns.com , but still me:-)

Today is beadmaking day... I've got so many ideas and images floating through my mind.... beadmaking is where I started and I'm returning!

see you soon!!!!!

Kindle Fire Cover

2011-12-05T10:30:00.001-08:00

I was not going to settle for the generic Kindle Fire covers.....made my own and love it!!!!

3 more on Etsy for sale

Back

front

hinged closing

Love it!!!!!

Thanksgiving sale in my Etsy store

2011-11-22T09:16:00.001-08:00

Lots and lots of new goodies listed in my Etsy store.

I have not worked at anything in such a long time it was amazing how much I felt at home at my clay table - need to do this more!

In my new town this weekend

2011-08-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Lake orion Art center is hosting the Dragon on the Lake Festival this weekend - sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun!!!!

I entered three pieces in the art show ......the quality of work that has been entered is just amasing!!!!

Hello again

2011-08-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

After a long absence I feel like my life is getting back to "normal" again. i have time to create, share some of my ideas, inspirations and finds and to browse and enjoy the wonderful creations of other artists.

Today's Etsy find comes from Ashville North Carolina. Heather Knight of elemententclaystudio creates the most beautiful vessels and micro tiles. The simplicity of her work awed me!

Enjoy the weekend and be blessed beyond your wildest imagination!!!!

SHOUT online exibition

2010-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Crafthaus.ning.com is having a beautiful online polymer clay exhibition and 2 of my pieces were included!

Fantasy Flower

Roots Cuff bracelet

Dreaming....

2010-04-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I dream a bead.... this is one of them.

I did not know how it was going to come together, but as I worked it just flowed.

Here is my Fantasy Flower:

2010-04-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

South Africans and friends of South Africa, (group) 'National Day of Prayer For A Crime Free South Africa' has initiated a first facebook prayer initiative for SA on May 2nd... let's ALL get involved and do this!' 2 Chr 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

SA believers PRAY .. Satan stirs up strife, wants to take South Africa into his hands, we will NOT let him .. BIND him NOW in JESUS name .. Pray for Terreblanche family, BIND ANY song of murder! Thank Jesus for freedom, declare RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUSTICE, PEACE WILL RULE AND REIGN in SA' Is 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land .. you shall call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

National Day of Prayer for a Crime Free South Africa

Welcome to our page! Welkom by ons bladsy! Amogela! Isibingelelo! As you well know, our beautiful country is plagued by violent crime. We as a group of Christian leaders on Facebook, feel that it is time to do something about this! We know that prayer is powerful and will cause things to change in this country! On the 2nd May 2010 we are planning to hold a National Day of Prayer for a Crime Free South Africa! This is how it is going to work: On Facebook: 1. From Sunday the 25th April people can start posting profile pics of themselves wearing a red armband. a) Why a red armband? An armband is a symbol of unity for the event. b) Why red? Red symbolizes three things: i) We remember all those whose blood was spilt as victims of crime ii) Red is the colour of crisis. iii) Red symbolizes the blood of Christ that can heal our land 2. On Sunday the 2nd of May, everybody participating can post prayers on their Facebook status updates. We are trusting on filling Facebook with thousands of prayers for South Africa. (This has never been done before in the history of the internet!) Some ideas to use in your local context: 1. Even though invites will be sent to individuals, home groups and churches are welcome to participate. 2. People can go and pray for their neighbours or people in their street or complex. 3. People who have been victims of violent crime can be prayed for. 4. People who live with debilitating fear can be prayed for. 5. Security companies and personal i.e. guards at the complex gates who often get shot first, can be prayed for. 6. Those Christians who wish to fast are free to do so. Either one, two or three meals or abstain from certain foods for the day. 7. In the week preceding the National Prayer Day, people can visit police stations with letters or cards of blessing and prayer. Flowers are always appreciated too. It’s important that people don’t congregate at police stations on the actual day. Too many people converging on a police station at once could be dangerous. (This is optional. If you do not like the police then obviously this idea will not be for you!) 8. Please share any other ideas that you may have to combat crime on this site. N.B. Under no circumstances do we advise or encourage anyone to confront criminals or to take the law into their own hands! What we don't want on this page: If you want to rant and rave about how bad South Africa is, this is not the place. No politics! If you want to promote your business, products, group or ministry, this is also not the place. No personal attacks, slander or vulgarity will be tolerated.

Non-Profit:436 fans

Artichoke polymer

2010-03-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

I found these on Flickr ...... just love Hoedigut's work... always a surprise and always beautifully done.

Whimsical polymer art dolls

2010-03-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

I found these walldancers yesterday on Etsy in Kerijoy's shop - just what I needed to fill my Monday with joy!!!

Etsy favorite of the week

2010-03-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

Desert Rose earrings by Jealousydesign

Township Art

2010-03-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

Reflections of urban life and Afro-centricity by Doyle Cloyd

Transfers

2010-02-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I tried the parchment paper transfer and was pleasantly surprised!

I do not know which method Daoine used, but her transfers are radiant and caught my eye immediately this morning on Flickr

What is it about color....

2010-01-29T05:42:00.000-08:00

Color, pattern....... imagination, creation.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cliffbriggie/

Etsy beauty for today

2010-01-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

The perfect marriage between polymer and precious metal clay.

Liz Hall.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LizardsJewelry

Color Inspiration

2010-01-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

Thursday already? Where did the week go?

Inspiring blocks of color: http://www.art.co.za/ind.htm

Last in a series African Cosmology by Regi Badivid.

A New Year

2010-01-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

A new year and a new beginning. I know it's the 15th already, but the past few weeks and months have been a roller coaster ...... actually I'm starting to enjoy the ride!

I've updated my website - please have a peek:

http://www.karooart-designs.com

...and I promise to try and blog regularly.

At last I can showcase these beads.... theywere published in the book Polymer Clay Color

Inspirations by Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio.

Still feels unreal and if I'm just dreaming:-)

I submitted these beads to the editors too, but they did not make it..... I just love ths soft colors!

Blessings, joy and peace for 2010!

2009-12-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

After a long time of not creating I've at last listed some new pieces on ebay and Etsy.

Just in time for Christmas:-)

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=karooart&_sacat=See-All-Categories

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Karooart

More ruffles....

2009-10-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I found these ruffle beads on Flickr today..... just love them!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizbits/

Inspiration for today

2009-08-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

From the Montreol Botanical gardens

Flickr find Friday

2009-08-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

"Handworked wood with false pebbles of polymer clay. This started out with the colored piece which was inspired by the skinner blend. I had to use it and decided for pebbles. When I assembled the necklace piece, I thought it would be interesting to make it with false pebbles, then came the wood piece in the middle. And right after the handworked wooden parts associated with sterling silver" is how Maniguette describes her creations.

Beautiful simplicity!

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Festival of Nations .....

2009-08-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

It was sooooooo much fun.

The people were wonderful! Lots of interesting conversations.....just amasing how quickly the world becomes very, very small. I met 3 couples that's going on vacation In South Africa in the next 6 months, so many more who has already been there and wants to go again - a people and a country that finds a place in your heart and soul forever!

Today I listed what was left of the jewelry in my Etsy store..... more to come during the rest of the week;-)

A Little bit of Africa

2009-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

I know I've been quite and did not blog as I should the past few weeks...the reason? Our local Festival of Nations.

I've been painting tablecloths......

made polymer clay spoons and napkin rings......

and a few pieces of jewelry...yes, it's real porcupine quills!

Today I still making little Zulu love letters and then the baking starts!

Cannot wait till the 15th!

Enjoy your week and may it be filled with blessings!

Missing home Monday

2009-07-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Beadingvera in Germany made this wonderful bracelet and when I saw it this morning some of the "missing home and family" feeling suddenly felt a lot better:-)

I love the simplicity of the piece... the colors and the way she uses the cording made this a favorite of mine.

Anti abortion painting - Carin van Lingen

2009-07-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

I blogged about this painting of Carin, my daughter a few months ago and she decided she wants to sell it.

Available on my Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27494153

Bead Dreams 2009

2009-06-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

I still cannot believe it..... the 1st time I entered Bead Dreams - a dream come true!

The beads I love to make most of all...ruffles!

More pictures of the beads on my Flickr

A tutorial for the ruffle beads is available in my Etsy store

Flickr Find

2009-06-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

A picture by susannedt of a street in my beautiful South Africa!

Hope it fills your day and the week with joy!

I did it!!!!!

2009-06-11T13:54:00.001-07:00

For forever I've shied away from doing a market..... do not know why.

Twice a year a gift shop in town has an artmarket and I just decided I have to close my eyes and do it! It was sooooooo much fun. I loved the people, the conversations, sharing my art and educating others about polymer clay.

I had a few surprised reactions to the material..... it is as if they cannot believe that it is just polymer clay.

Perhaps in a few months time I'll do it again....

Sun Ruffles

2009-06-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Mila lives in Belgrade in Serbia. She's director of customer service for an electronic company and makes jewelry to feed her soul in her workshop at home.

A few weeks ago she purchased my ruffle bead tutotrial and great was my surprise when I got the most beautiful pictures of the stunning beads she made.

She made the neckpiece for a competition with "Sun" as a theme... I think it's just perfect!!!!

It is always interesting to see how every artist interprets a tutorial, a picture, a inspirational piece..... everyone "sees" differently.... in his or her own unique way.

You can see more of Mila's work on her Flickr page

Deep under the Sea

2009-05-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

...is what Magrit calls het new beads.

See more inspiring an unique work on her Flickr page.

A little bit of spring....

2009-05-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

...and something a bit more more elegant.

The past few weeks I've been practicing making inro's. I am fascinated by these wearable vessels and when the Aussie polymer clay guild made it the project for the months of April and May, I could nor resist.

I've also been playing with the new spring/summer fashion colors published by Pantone.

This bracelet is the first of a few new listings in my Etsy store:

What is wrong?

2009-04-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning my daughter took this picture.... the kitty in the bird's cage..... the bird on top of the cage:-)

Paper Cuts

2009-04-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Today me and the kids kept ourselves busy by doing papercraft. Carin made a pandabear, Robert a tank and I'm still deciding between 2 Japanese buildings.

You can find wonderful papercraft projects here: http://papercraftparadise.blogspot.com/search/label/papercraft

While googling "papercraft" I stumbled upon the work of Brian Dettmer.

When it comes to reusing old books, he has perhaps one of the most creative ideas ever: he turns them into fascinating carved sculptures called ‘Book Autopsies’ that transform them from dust collectors to fine art. Dettmer’s work goes beyond the simple concept of carving the pages of a book into a shape. The paper is cut to reveal certain words and images, for a shadow box-like effect.

Paper isn't just paper anymore!

Pure, simple perfection.....

2009-03-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Eva Ehmeier(Hoedlgut) from Austria made a bracelet that took my breath away.

It's pure and simple perfection. Color, texture, composition, contrast......everytime I look at the piece I see somthing new, another little suprise hidden in the folds of the clay and the imagination of the artist.

Vader Claerhout

2009-03-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Vader Frans Claerhout is perhaps one of my favorite South African artists.

Frans Martin Claerhout was born 1919 in Belgium.
Residing in SA since 1946. Self-taught painter in oil as well as a variety of other media producing sculptures, murals, monotypes and linocuts. Has exhibited in Belgium, Canada, Germany, USA, UK, as well as throughout South Africa.

This extrodinary man is a Roman Catholic Priest who has had great success in the artistic field. He died on 4th July 2006.

Going to Church on Sunday

Girl with Flowers

Dazzling Resin

2009-03-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Serena Kuhl is a toy designer and Senior Art teacher living in Darwin Australia.

I discovered on Flickr that she makes dazzling, funky, and joyful resin jewelry too......the perfect remedy for the late winter blues:-)

Her work is available on in her Etsy store

Vibrant

2009-03-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Etsy Treasury

2009-03-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful surprise to be included in this treasury of a group of truly talented polymer clay artists.

Thanks Kim!

They've got their hooks in me

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=45750

Colors of Spring

2009-02-19T15:53:00.000-08:00

For such a long time I just have not sat down at my claytable and played. Today I had to escape.... sometimes I find myself retreating more and more into my own space....it's a time to renew and recouperate. A time to get my thoughts together and find joy in the act of creating.

This bracelet has been taking shape in my imagination for a long time. Sometimes an idea has to grow and become "whole". The execution is far from perfect, but it worked! The soft, spring colors was just what I needed, the whimsy and delicate nature of the piece lifted my spirits and filled me with new hope!

Ruffle bead tutorial

2009-02-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

So many have asked to have a tutorial for the Ruffle bead that I had to take the time to write the tutorial (my first) and take the pictures.

It is available in my Etsy Store.

My only wish is that everyone will find the same joy I did in making the beads. Make it your own, play with color and patterns..... I'm sure there are so many more possibilities that what I could think of!

I would love to see your creations.

Texture paint

2009-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

A little while ago I wrote about a texture painting class I did with Suzanne Alley.

Yesterday I finished my "paintings". It was such a enjoyable experience. I forgot about the world around me...everything that was unsettling my spirit just fell away and I was at peace while working.
Today I'm rejuvenated and can't wait to paint some more!

The 3 pieces separately

and all together:-)

I just need to do this some more..... the process flows in it's own way.... no planning, no patterns, no fuss....it just happens and become alive in it's own unique way.

Play and feed someone hungry today

2009-02-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

"FreeRice is a sister site of Poverty.com. Our partners are the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and the United Nations World Food Program.
FreeRice has two goals:
Provide education to everyone for free.
Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
This is made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who advertise on this site.
Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your education can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.
Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide. Thank you."

Etsy find of the day

2009-01-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

Where did the past week go? School was closed for 2 days because of cold, but the rest of the week? It slipped by so fast!

Today I'm going to teach a class to 6 art teachers in a nearby town. I'm not a qualified teacher.... I just play with clay and hopefully teach others to enjoy the medium too. Thumbs crossed that everything will go well... I'm nervous, but at the same time excited.

Today's Etsy find.....

Beautiful, organic, simple and earthy.

Ceramic pod pendants and beads by Tabmade.

Hopefully I'll be able to bring you pictures of today's class tomorrow.... wish me the best!

Polymer Clay Cafe

2009-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am published!!!!!

I could not believe my eyes when I saw my Dreamtime cuff featured in the Reader's Gallery of the February issue of Polymer clay Cafe magazine.

Yes, I did send the picture to them and got a email saying it would be in the gallery, but I just could not quite wrap my mind around it:-) My art in a magazine? I still cannot believe it:-)

Great was my surprise when I found another article featuring the same cuff in the Australian Beader magazine! Melani Dilday wrote an article about the Australia Speaks competition I made this cuff for.

What a wonderful way to begin the week.....this is just the encouragement I need to get myself motivated and start claying seriously again.

A new year filled with peace, love and....

2009-01-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

COLOR!

My wish for 2009......

To spend more time with my children and hubby.

To make more time for my art and myself

To enjoy the little things in life

To simplify

Heather Stokes of Stokes Galleries is a favourite of mine. I love her work...simple, elegant and just beautiful!

In these earrings she combines polymer herb leaves and a quite and peaceful color blue.

Just what I need to start a new year!

You can find these and more of her beautiful work in her Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5366694

Three Treasuries!

2008-12-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Great was my surprise today when I found my work in 3 treasuries on Etsy!

Color treasury by lifeartdesigns

Baubles, beads and bangles by Beadliotheque

Random Maybe treasury by Merkaba Jewelry

Wishing you a wonderfully blessed week and Christmas season.

Creating color palettes

2008-12-16T09:27:00.001-08:00

I was playing around a bit on COLOURlovers.com with the color Mimosa.

This is a color palette I created using the color - beautiful cozy autumn colors.

See if you can create some more beautiful palettes using the color and send them to me.... I will publish them here!

Color of the year

2008-12-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Pantone Selected the Color of the Year for 2009 - Mimosa!

Mimosa Embodies Hopefulness and Reassurance in a Climate of Change.

"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Carin's art

2008-12-03T14:34:00.001-08:00

In art class the junior's had to do a social commentary project and my daughter chose anti-abortion.

It is a very powerfull piece.

She hopes to touch people's hearts and change their minds about abortion and the effects on the child.

She used paint, charcoal, wax and transfer.

Please click on the photo to see the details in the work.

Splashes of color

2008-12-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Let your imagination run.....

Jason Tozer from Belgium has shot a collection of highspeed photographs of water figures. Using some homemade hardware that involves lasers, the photographer captures water dropping and splashing in perfect frozen detail. The water is made even more captivating because of the vivid colours used. Each shot freezes the action in mid-splash, allowing the viewer to see the out of this world forms created.

Love you dad

2008-11-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today would have been dad's birthday. He passed away 11 years ago because he had lungcancer. I still miss him....really, really miss him!

I think what I wanted him to be a part of most of all is our immigration, seeing the kids grow up and knowing that we are OK and happy in a new country.

Happy birthday Pappa. Lief jou!

Texture painting

2008-11-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday I had more fun while doing art than I had in a long, long time. Imagine thick, thick texture paint, smearing it all over a board with your hands...creating texture and using the texture that emerge as your inspiriation for what this piece is going to become. You do not guide the texture, color and paint... it guids and leads you in it's own direction.

The color, the touch, the experiance... it was out of this world!

Mine is not finished yet. This Saturday hopefully me and my daughter are going to each try and finish a piece.

Suzanne Ally that tought the workshop's work is just amasing!

Here is one of her paintings:

You can find more of her work in her Etsy store.

Beautiful Color

2008-11-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Betty Bushby of Albuquerque's Etsy store is a riot of color. I love browsing her Etsy store and website. Each of her quilts tells it's own story.... a frog hiding between the river reeds....a weepy willowtree etched against the colors of the setting sun..... a riot of color in a field filled with flowers.

I hope her creations bring a splash of color and a jolt of inspiration to a cold and dreary winter's day.

Bead and Gem Competition Australia

2008-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Esme Parr, member of the Australian Polymer clay guild, made this beautiful neck piece from polymer clay and placed 2nd in the competition.

Well done Esme!!!

Esme says: "I was playing around with Dona Kato techniques from her book about 12 months ago and used stamping, inks, gold leaf all encased in thin transparent layers. It came out really dark so layered it with black and thought it looked a bit like Japanese lacquer."

Here is a better look at her beautiful work:

City Spirit

2008-11-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

2-Roses Studio is a life long collaboration between Corliss Rose and John Lemieux Rose. Each is a master craftsman in their own right, and together they encompass a formidable range of expertise across a wide range of mediums.

Follow this blog

2008-10-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Try the new 'follow this blog' button. I just added a button to my blog (on the left just under my banner) and hope you'll add your blog to my list.

It's a new feature that allows you to let the bloggers you follow know that you are a fan. As a follower to my blog, it also ensures you get linked!

Warm Ruffles

2008-10-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

New in my Etsy store today.... 3 new golden brown ruffle beads. Just the colors you need to comlpiment any winter outfit and warm up a cold day.

Color on a rainy day

2008-10-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

The vibrant colors of the Birds of Paradise are always a inspiration to me.

Strelitzia, or Crane Flower as we sometimes call it, is a plant native to South Africa and reminds me of the lively colors of my homeland.

Have a creative and colorful weekend!

Summer lilies

2008-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Although I love the rich reds, yellows, oranges and browns of autumn I sometimes miss the whimsy of summer.

This pair of earrings is probably one of the sets I made that I like the most.... happy colors, soft lines and a wonderfull reminder of a beautiful summer.

Available in my Etsy store.

Golden inspiration

2008-10-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Little towers of precious gold created by German artist Christa Lühtje.

These earrings takes me into the wonderful world of Aladdin and his magic lamp. They remind me of far way exotic places still to be explored and enjoyed.

Dream

Explore

Visualize

Create

Etsy find of the day

2008-10-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

In Lana's Etsy store Easternsky I found these colorful bracelets made with hand dyed cotton yarn.

A carnival of color!

I won an award!

2008-10-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Jael for giving me this award! Such an honor!

In accepting this award, I agree to:

1. Display the logo and link to the one who awarded it.

2. Nominate at least 7 blogs to receive the award.

3. Add links to those 7 blogs to my blog.

4. Leave the nominees a message that they have been nominated to receive the award.

These are the 7 blogs I have chosen (in no particular order):

Beetles memories 'n ramblings

Addictive polymer

2008-10-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Gudrun Stolz describes working with polymer clay as addictive.... I cannot agree more:-)

Trained as a graphic designer in Austria, she's only been working with the medium about a year. Her designs are clean and crisp....beautiful simplicity at it's best.

You can see more of her work in her Flickr album.

Peas in a Pod

2008-10-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

In Cambridge England, Magrietjie creates whimsical and unique polymer clay pendants. Each one tells a little story, takes you on a journey.... takes me back to the magical dreamworld of my childhood.

Trained as an architect she found the delicate balance between conceptual exploration and attention to detail.... her passion for her art apparent in every design.

Thank you Lis of Lillybriar Studios in Brisbane for this link.

Ruffle beads

2008-10-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

I was honored to find my Autumn ruffles featured on Art Zoo, a photo blog featuring independent artists, this morning.

I started making the ruffle beads about 2 years ago and have since then made them in my favorite colors, sometimes with a little gold or silver leaf or other inclusions.

My all time favorite..... it will always be Lailie... the 1st set of ruffles I made.

The ruffle beads are available through custom order. The sets can be in different colors and number of beads in a set. Please contact me at spokielief2@yahoo.com

StellarDust

2008-10-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

I first saw Lisa Henderson from Brisbane Australia's work on The Australian Polymer clay guild's website and was absolutely without words. She creates dream beads from another world.... I lose myself in the wonder and possibilities in each piece.

StellarDust is a piece she entered in the Washington DC beadmuseum's Design Competition. The name to me says it all..... a little piece of heaven!

The combination of polymer clay, gold foil, sterling silver, cubic zirconia's, micro beads and metalic thread is reflective of her detailed and intricate work.

Sea inspired

2008-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

The sea - the place where probably the most interesting and unique inspirations are found, color, pattern and texture. I was always fascinated by sea urchins. As children we went to the rock pools at low tide to search for our little green treasures. Great was the pleasure if we found one that was not broken against the rocks by the waves.

I stumbled upon the work of artists Esther and Estella , a mother and daughter team from Turkey's, work on Etsy. There I found the most beautiful jewelry pieces made from real sea urchins.

Another Etsy artist, Tina Holden from Vancouver Island in British Columbia, makes the most beautiful sea urchin beads using polymer clay.

And finally from France, this beautiful brooch by Celine, gRiS bLEu on Flickr, also polymer clay.

2008-09-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Margo Nellisen from the Netherlands jewelry design fascinates me.

She regularly works with other artists, and in 2004 she collaborated in a project - Warchild -initiated by the Kunstcentrum Zaanstad on their 30 year anniversary.

She used scoubidou wires to create a sweet flower neck piece that reminds of childhood.

Soft and wispy, care-free and playful.

Today on Flickr

2008-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Malodora - D Wilder - had done it again!

She surprises and fascinates with her wonderful combination of known technique and her own unique use of color and texture.

Australian polymer clay guild

2008-09-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

I had soooo much fun doing and exploring makume gane this month with my Australian friends of the Aussie polymer clay guild. Here are a few of my favorite creations...... sooooo wish I could have shown them all.

A neckpiece and earrings made my Mel

Esme's neckpiece

Amanda's tealight holders

and last but not least.... Kathi's focal.

Color

2008-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

The colors of the Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap is a picturesque area of Cape Town in South Africa formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is the centre of Cape Malay culture and culturally and historically one of the most interesting areas in Cape Town.

Inspiration

2008-09-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

In 1975 Lady Susan Wood hired two Kenyan woman and started making beads in a shed on the farm of the former Karen Blixen(Out of Africa). She quickly realized that there were many more women who were in need of jobs and so Kazuri Beads (Swahili for small and beautiful) was created and began its long and successful journey as a help center for the needy women especially single mothers who had no other source of income.

Today Kazuri produces a wide range of hand made, hand painted ceramic beads and jewelry that shines with a kaleidoscope of African colors and Kenyan art that reflects a culture.

A true inspiration for every beadmaker!

This beautiful necklace made by Pamela Wolfersberger

Streetart

2008-09-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend me and my daughter participated in Taste of Troy - a celebration of art and food in our town.

The highlight of the day- to me - was my daughter's streetpainting...I think she did a wonderful job!

The theme was Celebrations:

Beautiful copper

2008-09-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

I love the "your contacts" page on Flickr. Every day it's a small surprise packet filled with fresh delights.

A little while ago I found this gorgeous piece in my Flickr contacts. The warmth and softness of the copper cought my eye immediately.

A copper cuff bracelet.... folded copper and a lampwork focal. Cyndie Smith creates wearable art jewelry using primarily silver, copper and brass.

The perfect piece for fall!

In my studio

2008-09-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

I had the perfect idea. The perfect pattern to make a beautiful cuff bracelet out of polymer clay and it all fell apart - at least the bracelet did.
Have you ever had that happen? You know precisely what you have to do, but the moment you start cutting away the layers it falls apart. The pattern that was in your minds eye just did not reflect on the clay.
The piece of clay was laying here for days and I walked past it, put it to one side and worked on something else, pulled it back again.... perhaps it's not that bad... perhaps I can make it work.
Then yesterday it happened. I suddenly saw the small little pieces in the pattern I could use and I loved it.... it was beautiful ....as a necklace!

Color inspiration

2008-09-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite vegetables during autumn and winter are leeks. Related to union and garlic, but with a taste softer and more subtle.... delicious and beautiful!

A rich winter green color palette:

...and a yummy Leek confit to delight your tastebuds - served in scrambled eggs, pasta or on crostini with goat cheese.

1/2 stick butter

4 large leeks ( white and light green parts only) halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4 inch slices

2 tablespoons water

12/ teaspoon salt

Melt butter in dutch oven, add leeks and stir to coat.

Stir in water and salt, cover and sook on low for about 25 minutes or till soft.

Serve warm.

Bonappetit October 2008

I prepared this recipe yesterday and the confit did not last long enough to make it to the table. Everyone grabbed a piece of toasted french bread, goat cheese and spooned leeks over..... buttery, soft and oh so yummy!!!

Miss Helen

2008-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Transforming your environment.

The house, and especially the backyard of Miss Helen's owlhouse always fascinated me. Walk with me through a wonderworld of sharded glass and sculpture......

In my studio

2008-09-13T14:58:00.001-07:00

I just finished this neck piece.

The Australian Polymer Clay Guild's monthly technique is makume gane and I decided to work with my favorite colors. The biggest bead is about 40mm in diameter and the neck piece's length is 18".

Color

2008-09-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

A feast of color from Africa

Jewelry - ancient Egypt

Kente cloth - Ghana

Young Masai woman - Kenya

Ndebele woman and homestead - South Africa

Inspiration

2008-09-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Artist Julia Turner combines African Blackwood from Tanzania , silver, gold and silk in these brooches and a pendant. Their beautiful simplicity tug at my heartstrings.

Rings and things

2008-09-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

While browsing the Etsy treasury today this whimsical ring caught my eye. It's called Queen Ann's ring and is made from shrink plastic stamped with ink.

The collaboration between artist Jennifer Ackerman and her mother, Linda, results in unique wearable designs.

Allyson Bone of Iowa combines copper, laminate and polymer clay to create a lacy bunny ring

Etsy artist, OneElf, made a polymer nest ring with delicate blue eggs

A beautiful red-pink polymer clay and copper ring embellished with pearls and wood made by Marie of France.

You can find more of Marie's work here: http://www.mariesel.com/

In my studio

2008-09-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am in sooooooo much trouble. We have an exhibition, Taste of Troy, in two weeks and I have nearly nothing to show and sell. So many times I've left a piece I have to make till the last minute. I ponder and dream and plan and....... till it takes shape and "happens". It takes it's own path, become it's own creation. I have a few sets of beads, the usual bracelets and a necklace or two, but on my worktable there are still these round makume gane disks. Like my daughter always say.... they will come to life. It better be in the next week:-)

I also have to cover the sugar spoons. They sold so well at the Festival of Nations and many people asked for more. Not my favourite thing to do (do not like covering stuff). I thought Donna Kato's big jellyrolls would work.... it just doesn't do it for me. Perhaps the black is to heavy. Will make another cane and see how it looks.

Color

2008-09-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

Beautiful autumn colors to inspire.

Whimsical sculpture to make you smile:-)

Created by South African artist Elise du Toit

Inspiration

2008-09-03T11:33:00.001-07:00

This necklace from UK based artist Gerlinde Huth

http://www.gerlindehuth.com/index_flash8.html

I see the possibility for beautiful beads ... something new for my polymer clay "to do" list.

The perfect teapot

2008-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

"The discipline between form and function......" is what Antoinette Badenhorst is striving to perfect in the creation of her porcelain teapots.

Antoinette is a fellow South African that I got to know here in the US. I've never met her eye to eye, but the bond between us is unmistakable..... the love of creating something beautiful. Antoinette is light years ahead of me but she's always there to help, give advice and have long, relaxing chats on the phone with.

When I look at her work I always return to the teapots. Light as air, amazing artistry, perfect functionality.... a teapot to make teatime a dream time.

You can see more of Antoinette's beautiful work here:http://www.clayandcanvas.com/home.html

2008-08-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've been agonising over this first post for days. What will I write, will I be able to find the correct words in English(afrikaans is my mothertongue), will I be able to live up to the expectations I've imposed on myself?

I guess the best place to start is in the beginning.

My love affair with polymer clay started after we immigrated to the US and because I could not work I found myself with lots of time on my hands. I started with something I knew, metal and wire. The vessels I wove gave me immense satisfaction, but I was frustrated because I could not find the beads I wanted - they were never just right....nearly there, but not what I was looking for.

Then one day my daughter came home after an art class with little sculptures made with a product I did not know....polymer clay. I immediately saw the possibilities, ran to the stores to get clay and then to the library to find a book. Polymer The Chameleon Clay caught my eye and home we went. Needless to say....... I was hooked!

I started making beads and sold them on ebay....never got to incorporate them into the wire vessels.... perhaps one day.

My first canes were simple, but I found ways to manipulate them to my liking. These earrings were made with my very first beads I sold by Dana of Newmoondesign:

I never feel I have enough time to just play with clay, but some days I can just sit down and create to my heart's content. My work has evolved over the past few years and I find new ways to express myself through my work.

I hope you enjoy the work and ideas I share in the future here...... not just about myself, but also the work of lots and lots of other wonderfully talented artists.

Art is a shadow of what a person is thinking... a small glimpse of what they hold inside. Little secrets, regrets, joys... every line has its own meaning. Sarah, Los Cerros