Bold Beads using 6 colors


When I was going through my inventory of clay looking for which colors were low and needed reordered, I put aside all the packs already opened from previous projects. There were about 15 opened packs.

Instead of opening up any new clay, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use those clay packs. 

I have two upcoming craft fairs and will be teaching classes again in the month of April. Since I need beads and pendants to sell during these events, I decided it was time I get started.
 
This post will show you what I've been doing this morning.

Don't Throw Away That Old Clay

Don't throw away those old packs of polymer clay. With a little work your clay can be brought back to life. By using a few drops of mineral oil or trying out some of the other tips listed on this post, you can make your clay once again usable.

Sometimes when I'm looking for a specific color of clay I find that the clay is a few years old. In order to use this old clay, I must bring the clay back to a soft, flexible state. To do so, I chop the clay into small pieces, add a few drops of baby oil (mineral oil) to the chopped up pieces and then squish them back together. Next, just roll the clay out, squish, roll out again, repeat until the clay is conditioned.

Another way to condition clay is to warm it up. Take hot water in a pan and set aside. Place your packages of clay into a ziploc bag and place the ziplocked bag into the hot water. 

Pinterest - Grow a Web Presence


Attracting visitors to your website without using ads, affiliates or paying for search engine services like Google can be tough. That's why I've turned to Social Media.

Although I am using several Social Media services like Google+, Facebook and Twitter, I have found that Pinterest connects me with a lot more visitors.

I'm still under the belief that the Internet should remain free and no one should have to pay for a higher ranking on a search engine. Just my two cents worth.

Mokume Gane Technique


Mokume Gane is a nice technique to use for showing off bold colors. Below are some of the basics I used to create this heart pendant,

1. Layer 4 contrasting colors of clay. I used 0.5 oz of Premo in the following colors: 18K Gold, Orange, Navy Blue and Spanish Olive. All layers were rolled using the #1 setting on my pasta machine. 

2. Cut clay in half and place one half on top of the other. Roll through pasta machine again. Repeat cutting and rolling one more time. You should now have a total of 4 halves placed one on top of the other. 

Rose Bowl Vendor - Pasadena California 91103

Forgot to mention last month, I have finally started selling at the biggest flea market in California, the Rose Bowl. It's so nice that the event is only a couple blocks from my home. Come look me up. I'm a permanent vendor located in a 10x10' spot in the middle of the crafting section just left of the Exit Gate B, booth 865. 

I'm selling my handcrafted jewelry, some dream catchers I made and all the crafting supplies and jewelry kits I have on hand. Good thing I have a truck. I'm just so glad I decided to start selling here when I did. While purchasing my permanent spot, I was told there were only a few spots left. Whew! Almost missed out again. I'm now paid thru June. I know it's early but already I can't wait for the holidays. So, look for Teach Me Clay the 2nd Sunday every month at the Rose Bowl!

Inspiration - Puddingstone Lake Visit

Late today on getting out my blog.

This day was quite pleasant. I spent the day at Pudingstone Lake with good friends, good music and great fun.

While walking around the lake, I did find some nice bamboo, sea shells and rocks.