We're All Ears :: October Reveal :: Mad About Plaid

I am not one to wear a lot of pattern, so I don't really think that there is a plaid shirt in my closet. But I do love the pattern of plaid. I like the criss-crossing patterns and the soft lived-in comfort. There is something quintessentially fall about plaid flannels, no matter what color they may be. But in looking for plaid inspiration, I found quite a bit more than just the well-worn vintage work shirts. Like scarves and pants and skirts and tights - oh my!

I decided that I would try to make some plaid components in polymer clay. Easier said than done! I first looked for a tutorial for some plaid canes in polymer clay. Most of them seemed a bit out of reach for me, or just too darn fussy and not all that precise. So I just grabbed some color of clay and started making stripes. Eventually, I flattened and stretched them enough, but they were still stripes. That is when I hit upon cutting the pieces up and layering them for that warp-weft fabric look. The look was starting to take shape!


I had wanted to learn from a tutorial I had found some time ago from Helen Breil. She is a master polymer clay artist. I am quite smitten with her folded beads, so I thought that this would be the perfect veneer for that. I made quite a lot of them with my plaid veneer, so many that I am dreaming of a statement necklace. But I found two pair that would work for the earrings.

Both outfits pictured here are found on FreePeople: dress; overalls.

I kept them simple by creating a wire hanger and dangling them from small small lengths of chain that I picked up from Vintaj this summer. The metal is copper, I would guess, that has been flame patina-ed, so they have this wonderful mix of blue, purple and red.

So now it is your turn! Show us what you made for your ode to Plaidurday!

We're All Ears :: October :: Plaid

Happy Plaidurday, y'all!

Did you know that today, the first Friday in October, is known around the world as Plaidurday? Me neither! Coincidentally, I have been playing around with trying to make a polymer clay version of plaid, and I thought that plaid might make for a nice theme for this chilly fall month. Little did I know that great minds think alike and there was already a celebration for the day! 

Plaid is really just the fabric. Tartan is the pattern. The weaves of alternating bands of color woven in a criss-cross right angle pattern is the tartan, and plaid was the heavy woolen cloth that was made from that weave. The Scottish started using their tartans in the 1700s as blankets and kilts. Certain clans of Scots would all get their weaving done by the same weavers which is how the patterns became associated with specific clans. It wasn't until the popular fabric crossed the ocean that the terms became synonymous. And associated with lumberjacks... and ultimately hipsters. ;-)

According to the Yupper who created the Plaidurday Facebook page back in 2010, here are 10 ways to celebrate Plaidurday:

1) Take a photo in your plaid and share with#plaidurday so we can see all your beautiful faces. {Upload here.}

2) Give a high five to others wearing plaid.

3) See someone wearing polka dots? Encourage them to try some plaid.

4) Help others in need by donating clothes to shelters and second hand shops.

5) Give lots of compliments. They’ll see your plaid and think, “Gosh, people who wear plaid are really nice!”

6) Bake and share plaid cookies, cakes, and other tasty treats.

7) Make plaid crafts, Plaidurday cards, and let your creativity shine.

8) Give the gift of plaid to friends and family.

9) Organize a staff or classroom photo.

10) Look good, feel good, and spread some cheer, because we’re all connected by a common thread.

So let's see your best plaid/tartan earring interpretation, right here, on Friday, October 19th!