Time got away from me this month so I didn't quite finish what I was making. But I promise that I am going to keep working on it and in the next few days I should have something to share here. But I didn't want you to suffer because I didn't get the assignment done (and I don't even have a dog to say that's who ate my homework!).
I have been working on some new polymer clay ideas for a class that I will be teaching in Galena, IL this summer at the fourth annual Adornments Retreat. Four days of fabulous beady fun in a gorgeous resort. Can't wait! One of my classes is called Slab Lab. This class will feature making polymer clay slab veneers that will be utilized for modular components that work well with a variety of styles and types of jewelry. So in working with the Pantone color of the year - Classic Blue - I decided to make a slab with that color in it.
I mixed my own colors of clay to mimic the colors in the palette suggestion - Ponder. I liked the very soothing tones and thought that they would look good with the dark and mysterious blue, particularly that last row on the Color Harmonies.
I then proceeded to build up layers of clay, sort of like a tapestry that is embroidered to add detail and texture. I started with little blue leaves and vines. I came up with a way to turn tiny circles of clay into a modern rose and gave it a bit of punch with a gold leaf center. Then to fill the space I added dots of the bronzy brown color. In this technique it is all about the layers, the colors and the textures. It is amazing what you can do with a simple ball-stylus tool!
From there I cut out various shapes. As I was doing this I realized that I needed to do WAY more patterning on this slab, particularly for earrings, which are smaller shapes. This pattern would look really good as larger shapes for pendants, but I stuck to earrings for this challenge.
Next up: baking. Then finishing with some light sanding and buffing. And then making earrings! So I apologize for not having the earrings done. But I wanted you to see where I was going with this so hopefully you will check back in the coming week to see what I made as I will edit this post.
But now it is your turn! Which colors did you pair with the Classic Blue? Can't wait to see!
I love where you're going with this, Erin! Your pieces almost look like decorations on cakes - so yummy! (lol) I can't wait to see them as earrings.
ReplyDeleteLove!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anita, the slabs looks like cupcakes with fondant work on them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving us such a wonderful theme. I really enjoyed it. The flowers and leaves that you created are beautiful. I especially love their soft colors contrasted with the blue.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful designs, great work. I enjoy seeing the pictures of the beautiful polymer clay jewelry you make. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE what you can do with polymer clay! And, that palette is simply dreamy. I'm sure the earrings you make with these components will be out of this world. Thank you for another fab challenge and for keeping the linky tool open for several extra days as I was running behind too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful challenge Erin. And I learn so much from you. You are the master in polymer clay. Oh, I wish I lived closer by so I could attend a bead retreat. I love this design!
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