Supplementary Knots
March 9, 2016
Inspirational Art
The original theme of the Spring issue was “Focus”, which is why we have that great article by Loretta Lam on designing with focal points in this latest issue. But last year, Iris Mishly sent me this great proposal for combining polymer with micro macramé and that, along with having these long-standing articles on my wish list to teach epoxy clay and metal clay, had us moving towards a much more mixed media issue.
Iris’ article is very detailed and quite thorough considering the variety and potential use of micro macramé as a substitute for typical metal findings as well as polymer embellishments. It’s really quite exciting, especially for us textile junkies, but I think anyone would find these fun and easy skills a great, inexpensive way to add to the complexity and uniqueness of polymer jewelry art. The macramé can also provide a great, flexible, and decorative stringing option to showcase your polymer elements, as it does in this necklace-turned-headband. Create bails, dangles, bezels, choker, and bracelet bands, or just learn a few quick knots to use as bead spacers.
The article in the Spring issue is a great way to start because it works through everything from planning the polymer elements to a step-by-step for creating a nice end and dangle for a pair of earrings, but Iris also has a couple of free tutorials to share with you, my dear readers. Just go here to get the free tutorials, then explore her site for the more advanced tutorials if you find the macramé bug caught you!
Inspirational Challenge of the Day:Try adding a material to your work you have never used before. Challenge yourself to use the first possible thing you come across either in your house (something that isn’t part of your present craft repertoire) or at a craft store. In your house, it could be dried petals from your potpourri or a foil wrapper from a chocolate candy. Around a craft store you might be intrigued by model airplane decals, scrap-book brads, or fiber used for hair in doll making. Don’t think about it as you look, just see what your eye finds for you.
_________________________________________
Like this blog? Lend your support with a purchase of The Polymer Arts magazine and visit our partners:
___________________________________________
A Dusting of Design
January 12, 2015
Inspirational Art
So, I thought this week I’d simply do what is trending for the new year on Pinterest. Turns out tutorials and how-to tips are the big thing right now. That was rather heartening to see really. Its great that so many people are looking for ideas to expand and explore. So this week will pretty much be that … showing some of the better tutorials and resources for you to expand your polymer knowledge base.
Iris Mishly’s website, PolyPediaOnline, is a wealth of wonderful, easy to follow tutorials. The PDF and video formats explore all kinds of techniques and forms. This stencil tutorial looks a lot like silk screen, but the look is actually created with easy-to-use pastel chalk and craft stencils; you can find them at pretty much any large craft store. Not only that, this tutorial is free!
Like silk screen (which I still would encourage you try at some point — we have all the tips and resources you might need in the The Polymer Arts‘ 2014 Winter issue), this stencil method gives you quickly patterned surfaces that can add visual texture and contrast to your pieces, without the mess of paint. While the lines may not be quite as clean and some of the application looks lighter than with silk screen, that could be more desirable since it can give an aged or rough look. The only thing Iris doesn’t mention is sealing the chalk. You can use any polymer-compatible sealer, but spray sealers such as PYMII or water based Varathane would likely be best so as to not dislodge any chalk while sealing.
You can find this tutorial on YouTube and on Iris’ website, but be sure to check out what other goodies, free and otherwise, she has waiting for you on PolyPedia Online and PolyPedia Online Express.
If you like this blog, support The Polymer Arts projects with a subscription or an issue of The Polymer Arts magazine as well as supporting our advertising partners.
A Little Sunday Sugar
October 20, 2013
Technique tutorials
Instead of a quote this Sunday, how about a free tutorial instead? No objections out there? I thought not. First let me introduce you to the collection from which this free tutorial has been plucked, and then at the end here we’ll get to the freebie as well as news about deep discounts on The Polymer Arts magazine.
Have you ever wondered if sugar and clay mix? Well, perhaps you haven’t yet–but Iris Mishly, polymer artist and instructor extraordinaire, certainly did. That question led to her mixing talents with Sharon Peled, a master cake decorator and sugar flower artist; together they created “The Flower Academy,” a full scale polymer clay encyclopedia and tutorial.
This is not your average tutorial–it’s actually a collection covering 26 types of flowers with 29 videos and 325 pages of step-by-step instructions to help you along. The collection features more than 40 final projects including jewelry, head bands, hair pins, table centerpieces, bridal bouquets, and more. They have included some rather innovative techniques that will help you create polymer clay flowers and foliage with a very striking, lifelike appearance, like these here:
My favorites are actually the tulips and they have some wonderful designs for men’s lapel pieces. But you’ll have to get the tutorial to see them.
The Freebie!
As promised though, Iris has set aside a free tutorial as a sample of what is in the collection. With the holidays fast approaching, the ladies thought a bit of Mistletoe creating would be in order. To get this free mistletoe tutorial and more information on the Flower Academy collection, go to Iris’s Polypedia website.
The Sale!
And if you have been looking to get the couple of issues you’ve missed of The Polymer Arts magazine, or get digital but have often thought it would be nice to have your favorite issues (or all of them!) in print, right now we are having a HUGE Print Back Issue Sale!
All back issue Singles & Packages are discounted, only through Tuesday!
$3 off 2011 Back Issues
$2 off 2012 Back Issues
$1 off 2013 Back Issues
PSST! Biggest discounts EVER on International Packages
Last 4 Issues Package (Winter ’12, Spring ’13, Summer ’13, & Fall ’13) Save up to $11 on this package.
All 8 Back Issues Package (Everything from Fall 2011 – Summer 2013) Save up to $32 on this package!
Just go to the website to get your back issues at the best discounted price we’ve ever offered!
The Many Possibilities of Faux Ceramics … & a Cool Giveaway!
May 14, 2013
Inspirational Art, Technique tutorials
I’m still debating on what direction to go this week. I have been sent some wonderful new art from Iris Mishly based on a new series of faux ceramic tutorials she developed with Hilla Bushari. I’ve been thinking about having a faux themed week but then I was intrigued by the variation in types of pieces Iris and Hilla created with this technique–everything from flower beads to beads that look like tiny houses to tea caddies to incense burners to cuff bracelets and on and on–and I thought maybe we should talk about variation and pushing what you do with a particular technique. I still haven’t decided so … tomorrow’s post will be a surprise but it will be determined by you! (Read on about how you can help me decide and put yourself in the running for a free Sample Project!)
So, let’s check out what Iris has for us. She just put these tutorials up just last week. They do have an amazingly realistic ceramic look. These ladies got so creative with her beads too. Look at this strangely beautiful “Moon beads”, both otherworldly and organic in style.
And if you like making home decor, they’ve created quite a few unique items like these tea caddies–they’re adorable and so much more appealing than stacking those boxes of tea on the counter.
Here is what Iris says about her new tutorials:
“The tutorials are covering 10 different beads designs and 8 final projects, each is examining the different faces of faux ceramic – textures, surface treatments etc. In general, the projects are demonstrating the various ways we came up with to imitate ceramic glazed products; some are dimensional, some flat, some created with chalks, pastels, gilders paste and some with alcohol inks. Each project is accompanied by a separate video and screen shots in a PDF file. The videos are for the ones who want to see the complete process from start to finish, and the pdf is for those in a hurry and want to go briefly over the photos.”
So if you’ve been looking for something new to explore, these look to be all too much fun. And Iris’ tutorials are beautifully created with lots of tips and carefully thought out steps. You can see the full array of possibilities (not that there is a limit to what you can do here!) on the PolyPedia Online website. Iris and Hilla are also giving away sample beads to the kit purchasers who buy the best set.
WIN A FREE SAMPLE PROJECT!
Iris and Hilla have been kind enough to offer a free *sample* project from the complete “Cosmic Ceramic” tutorials to one lucky reader commenting on this post. Just tell me whether we should cover faux techniques or the subject of technique variation the rest of this week … or post a comment about whatever this post brings to mind! The winner will be announced in Thursday’s post!
Sparkling SkyScrapers
November 27, 2012
Inspirational Art
Last winter the cover of The Polymer Arts was graced with beautiful brocade polymer purses by Iris Mishly of PolyPediaOnline. Iris is quite the innovator and her library of tutorials as well as her blog is a treasure box of fantastic ideas. One of her more recent tutorials is on a technique she refers to as ‘SkyScraper” in reference to the sparkling effect of tall city buidlings in the sun.
The necklace here is an example of what the technique can create. She emphasizes that the process requires baking before creating so we can surmise that there will be some very different ideas and tricks to be gleaned from this class in particular.
Iris’ tutorials follow a growing trend of artists that combine lengthy videos and printed materials into a very in-depth and intensive class you can take at your own pace and at a significantly lower cost than traveling and attending workshops. Not that technology will ever begin to replace that hands-on, in-person experience but with the wealth of information out there from generous artists all over the world, this technology and approach is a great way to get a wonderfully broad and diverse polymer education.
See all of Iris’ tutorial classes here. She also offers quite a number of free tuts and free videos with additional tips and ideas.
The original theme of the Spring issue was “Focus”, which is why we have that great article by Loretta Lam on designing with focal points in this latest issue. But last year, Iris Mishly sent me this great proposal for combining polymer with micro macramé and that, along with having these long-standing articles on my wish list to teach epoxy clay and metal clay, had us moving towards a much more mixed media issue.
Iris’ article is very detailed and quite thorough considering the variety and potential use of micro macramé as a substitute for typical metal findings as well as polymer embellishments. It’s really quite exciting, especially for us textile junkies, but I think anyone would find these fun and easy skills a great, inexpensive way to add to the complexity and uniqueness of polymer jewelry art. The macramé can also provide a great, flexible, and decorative stringing option to showcase your polymer elements, as it does in this necklace-turned-headband. Create bails, dangles, bezels, choker, and bracelet bands, or just learn a few quick knots to use as bead spacers.
The article in the Spring issue is a great way to start because it works through everything from planning the polymer elements to a step-by-step for creating a nice end and dangle for a pair of earrings, but Iris also has a couple of free tutorials to share with you, my dear readers. Just go here to get the free tutorials, then explore her site for the more advanced tutorials if you find the macramé bug caught you!
Inspirational Challenge of the Day:Try adding a material to your work you have never used before. Challenge yourself to use the first possible thing you come across either in your house (something that isn’t part of your present craft repertoire) or at a craft store. In your house, it could be dried petals from your potpourri or a foil wrapper from a chocolate candy. Around a craft store you might be intrigued by model airplane decals, scrap-book brads, or fiber used for hair in doll making. Don’t think about it as you look, just see what your eye finds for you.
_________________________________________
Like this blog? Lend your support with a purchase of The Polymer Arts magazine and visit our partners:
___________________________________________
Read More
So, I thought this week I’d simply do what is trending for the new year on Pinterest. Turns out tutorials and how-to tips are the big thing right now. That was rather heartening to see really. Its great that so many people are looking for ideas to expand and explore. So this week will pretty much be that … showing some of the better tutorials and resources for you to expand your polymer knowledge base.
Iris Mishly’s website, PolyPediaOnline, is a wealth of wonderful, easy to follow tutorials. The PDF and video formats explore all kinds of techniques and forms. This stencil tutorial looks a lot like silk screen, but the look is actually created with easy-to-use pastel chalk and craft stencils; you can find them at pretty much any large craft store. Not only that, this tutorial is free!
Like silk screen (which I still would encourage you try at some point — we have all the tips and resources you might need in the The Polymer Arts‘ 2014 Winter issue), this stencil method gives you quickly patterned surfaces that can add visual texture and contrast to your pieces, without the mess of paint. While the lines may not be quite as clean and some of the application looks lighter than with silk screen, that could be more desirable since it can give an aged or rough look. The only thing Iris doesn’t mention is sealing the chalk. You can use any polymer-compatible sealer, but spray sealers such as PYMII or water based Varathane would likely be best so as to not dislodge any chalk while sealing.
You can find this tutorial on YouTube and on Iris’ website, but be sure to check out what other goodies, free and otherwise, she has waiting for you on PolyPedia Online and PolyPedia Online Express.
If you like this blog, support The Polymer Arts projects with a subscription or an issue of The Polymer Arts magazine as well as supporting our advertising partners.
Instead of a quote this Sunday, how about a free tutorial instead? No objections out there? I thought not. First let me introduce you to the collection from which this free tutorial has been plucked, and then at the end here we’ll get to the freebie as well as news about deep discounts on The Polymer Arts magazine.
Have you ever wondered if sugar and clay mix? Well, perhaps you haven’t yet–but Iris Mishly, polymer artist and instructor extraordinaire, certainly did. That question led to her mixing talents with Sharon Peled, a master cake decorator and sugar flower artist; together they created “The Flower Academy,” a full scale polymer clay encyclopedia and tutorial.
This is not your average tutorial–it’s actually a collection covering 26 types of flowers with 29 videos and 325 pages of step-by-step instructions to help you along. The collection features more than 40 final projects including jewelry, head bands, hair pins, table centerpieces, bridal bouquets, and more. They have included some rather innovative techniques that will help you create polymer clay flowers and foliage with a very striking, lifelike appearance, like these here:
My favorites are actually the tulips and they have some wonderful designs for men’s lapel pieces. But you’ll have to get the tutorial to see them.
The Freebie!
As promised though, Iris has set aside a free tutorial as a sample of what is in the collection. With the holidays fast approaching, the ladies thought a bit of Mistletoe creating would be in order. To get this free mistletoe tutorial and more information on the Flower Academy collection, go to Iris’s Polypedia website.
The Sale!
And if you have been looking to get the couple of issues you’ve missed of The Polymer Arts magazine, or get digital but have often thought it would be nice to have your favorite issues (or all of them!) in print, right now we are having a HUGE Print Back Issue Sale!
All back issue Singles & Packages are discounted, only through Tuesday!
$3 off 2011 Back Issues
$2 off 2012 Back Issues
$1 off 2013 Back Issues
PSST! Biggest discounts EVER on International Packages
Last 4 Issues Package (Winter ’12, Spring ’13, Summer ’13, & Fall ’13) Save up to $11 on this package.
All 8 Back Issues Package (Everything from Fall 2011 – Summer 2013) Save up to $32 on this package!
Just go to the website to get your back issues at the best discounted price we’ve ever offered!
Read More
I’m still debating on what direction to go this week. I have been sent some wonderful new art from Iris Mishly based on a new series of faux ceramic tutorials she developed with Hilla Bushari. I’ve been thinking about having a faux themed week but then I was intrigued by the variation in types of pieces Iris and Hilla created with this technique–everything from flower beads to beads that look like tiny houses to tea caddies to incense burners to cuff bracelets and on and on–and I thought maybe we should talk about variation and pushing what you do with a particular technique. I still haven’t decided so … tomorrow’s post will be a surprise but it will be determined by you! (Read on about how you can help me decide and put yourself in the running for a free Sample Project!)
So, let’s check out what Iris has for us. She just put these tutorials up just last week. They do have an amazingly realistic ceramic look. These ladies got so creative with her beads too. Look at this strangely beautiful “Moon beads”, both otherworldly and organic in style.
And if you like making home decor, they’ve created quite a few unique items like these tea caddies–they’re adorable and so much more appealing than stacking those boxes of tea on the counter.
Here is what Iris says about her new tutorials:
“The tutorials are covering 10 different beads designs and 8 final projects, each is examining the different faces of faux ceramic – textures, surface treatments etc. In general, the projects are demonstrating the various ways we came up with to imitate ceramic glazed products; some are dimensional, some flat, some created with chalks, pastels, gilders paste and some with alcohol inks. Each project is accompanied by a separate video and screen shots in a PDF file. The videos are for the ones who want to see the complete process from start to finish, and the pdf is for those in a hurry and want to go briefly over the photos.”
So if you’ve been looking for something new to explore, these look to be all too much fun. And Iris’ tutorials are beautifully created with lots of tips and carefully thought out steps. You can see the full array of possibilities (not that there is a limit to what you can do here!) on the PolyPedia Online website. Iris and Hilla are also giving away sample beads to the kit purchasers who buy the best set.
WIN A FREE SAMPLE PROJECT!
Iris and Hilla have been kind enough to offer a free *sample* project from the complete “Cosmic Ceramic” tutorials to one lucky reader commenting on this post. Just tell me whether we should cover faux techniques or the subject of technique variation the rest of this week … or post a comment about whatever this post brings to mind! The winner will be announced in Thursday’s post!
Read MoreLast winter the cover of The Polymer Arts was graced with beautiful brocade polymer purses by Iris Mishly of PolyPediaOnline. Iris is quite the innovator and her library of tutorials as well as her blog is a treasure box of fantastic ideas. One of her more recent tutorials is on a technique she refers to as ‘SkyScraper” in reference to the sparkling effect of tall city buidlings in the sun.
The necklace here is an example of what the technique can create. She emphasizes that the process requires baking before creating so we can surmise that there will be some very different ideas and tricks to be gleaned from this class in particular.
Iris’ tutorials follow a growing trend of artists that combine lengthy videos and printed materials into a very in-depth and intensive class you can take at your own pace and at a significantly lower cost than traveling and attending workshops. Not that technology will ever begin to replace that hands-on, in-person experience but with the wealth of information out there from generous artists all over the world, this technology and approach is a great way to get a wonderfully broad and diverse polymer education.
See all of Iris’ tutorial classes here. She also offers quite a number of free tuts and free videos with additional tips and ideas.
Read More