Thursday, November 18, 2010

Polymer Clay Smooshers Scavenger Hut.

How would you like a chance to have fun, do some shopping and take a chance to win a prize? You would...well great.

Here is what you need to do......
Go to the world famous Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild Blog http://polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com and follow the instructions for our Christmas Scavenger Hunt....There are several ways to win one of the awesome prizes donated by guild members.

Good luck on your hunt; have fun.........
Check out the beautiful prizes you might win..
2010 Smooshers Holiday Scavenger Hunt  Prizes

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Water as an insperation.


Star Fish earrings by EmilyClaireCreations

I grew up in Washington State on the beaches of the beautiful Puget Sound. I spent many many days watching the ebb and flow of the tide looking for the treasures the reseeding tide would reveal in the tide pools. I was at once awed and inspired by the Sea Stars clinging to the rocks and docks,the sand dollars that appeared on the sand and the tiny rock and sand crabs that skittered everywhere. Still today the most calming sound I know is the crash of the waves and the call of Seagulls as they sailed on the salt air looking for a meal.

Sea Star pendant by Beachcomber

I am so often inspired by the beautiful memories of the sea and love to use the colors and textures in my artwork. Today I thought I would share the artwork of fellow polymer clay artists that are inspired by water too.

Sweet wall hanging made by Fantasyclay

All of these awesome projects are made by Fellow members of my Artfire Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild ... http://polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com/

The colors of this necklace by HaffinaCreations scream water to me.

If you enjoy the water and or polymer clay art as much as I do please visit our Smooshers blog http://polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com/
or check out the shops of the featured artists in this article
http://Emilyclairecreations.artfire.com
http://Fantasyclay.artfire.com
http://beachcomber.artfire.com
http://Haffinascreations.artfire.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Changes


Chocolate Pansy Bracelet.......
as usual I have been very busy making pretty things... But there have also been some changes going on at Gingerbell's.

White Rose and Violets bracelet

Christmas Candle

One change I have made is that after much thinking and weighing my options I have closed both of my Etsy shops. They were beginning to cost me more time and money then I was willing to invest for the return I was getting.

However over the last few months I have made my Http://Gingerbells.artfire.com studio my main shop and the efforts are paying off ; I am happy with the gradual steady pace. I am confident now that Artfire is out of beta and with the great improvements they continue to implement things can only continue to get better.

Another thing that has changed is that 1000markets where I had a shop has sold to another online retailer Bonanza.com. At first I wasn't happy because I really loved 1000Markets and my studio there. I wasn't going to open a shop on the other venue but I changed my mind and opened a shop there this morning http://www.bonanza.com/booths/Gingerbells . I figured I'll give it 6 months and see how it goes, sometimes it's better to go with the flow then fight the waves. Check out my new booth and let me know what you think.

And lastly I have my annual 10 day show that I have been preparing for. So if you love craft shows come check out the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival in central Indiana. It's a great county wide festival with lots to see, do and eat.

Well it's back to the work table for me.......

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Introducing TooAquarius


beautiful rose beads........

TooAquarius AKA Elaine is an extremely talented Artist,Business woman ,teacher and computer wiz from Canada.

round floral beads.......

I have admired Elaine's Millefiori talent since we met several years ago on PolymerClaycentral.com 's message board. She has a wonderful ability to capture floral beauty in her cane work. I have bought and used many of her polymer clay floral canes in my own projects from her shop http://TooAquaris.Artfire.com .

Lentil beads......

In her shop you will find a huge amount of awesome canes and finished beads to use in your own creations....Her color pallet is beautiful as is her work take a peek at her shop I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

leaf cane.....


floral slice beads....

TooAquarius is a proud member of Polymer clay smooshers guild of ArtFire.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Introducing Jennifer Mercer of Haffina Creations


Jennifer is another member of the wonderful Artfire Polymer clay smooshers guild.

She is a talented Mother of 5 from Australia who works in many different mediums and does all of them well. I don't know where she finds the time and energy to do all she does, she cares for her family and works tirelessly for the several guilds she in a member of. She even found time to organize the blog ring for our guild and an awesome swap for her group of friends on Plurk.


As a beadweaver myself I am particularly fond of this beautiful blue necklace. She is also an accomplished chainmailer and beadmaker. If you can't find something in one of her shops that you love I'd be very surprised.
If you would like to see more of her awesome artwork here are a few pieces to go
http://BeadsByHaffina.artfire.com
http://HaffinaCreations.artfire.com
http://HaffinaCreations.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Where the Wild Things Are


{Tiger pattern Bangle bracelet}

I have been going Tiger crazy the last week or two..
I learned to make this tiger pattern from polymer clay and I like it so much I designed a mini collection around it.
I thought I'd share my mini obsession with you.

{round 2 hole tiger buttons}

{Wild Thing Necklace}
The necklace is my favorite piece in the collection I think it's beautiful if I do say so myself.

{square link bracelet}

This is the newest piece in the collection, I like it alot too. I tried it on and it's a comfortable bracelet to wear because it's adjustable.

I have a couple of other designs for this collection in the works and then maybe I'll have it out of my system,lol.

All of the pieces in this post can be found split between my 2 online gift shops.
Http://Gingerbells.artfire.com or http://Gingerbells.1000markets.com
if you are interested or want to see more photos of these pieces check them out.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Introducing CatsWire


Cat's Wire is a very talented artisan who describes herself as a "Bookworm by day, crazy cat lady and hooked on wire in the evening!" She lives in Southern Germany with her Husband and 4 cats.

She is very talented with wire and incorporates polymer clay along with gemstones and beads to make some awesome wearable wire sculptures.

She also is a talented miniaturist and sculpter who uses my favorite medium Polymer Clay to bring her designs to life.

Cat is a proud member of the ArtFire Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild and sells her lovely creations at http://Catswire.artfire.com she writes a very interesting blog http://catswire.blogspot.com/ Check out her sites you won't be disappointed.

Friday, July 23, 2010

What my Hubby does for fun


My husband Jose is a historian and he loves to get dressed up in period clothing and along with a group of friends act out historical events. They do this to educate and entertain groups of people and to help raise funds for different charities.

He has several periods in history he reenacts. He portrays a Confederate telegrapher,A Mountain Man,wild west cowboy and a Mexican revolutionary.

He is a walking,talking encyclopedia of historical facts.
He has a huge collection of period artifacts and costumes. He has made by hand most of the items in his Mountain Man and revolutionary costumes. He tries to keep things as authentic as he can even using the buckskin from the deer he has hunted.

Here he is as a revolutionary..

He has a great time doing this and loves to share his knowledge with anyone interested...
This week end he and a group of reenactors will be setting up a Civil War Encampment at the Livery Stable in Brazil Indiana. If you are in the area check them out.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The 12 days of Christmas in July Sale


Many of the shops on Artfire.com are having Christmas in July Sales.....My shop is having one as well.
July 11-25th.
FREE SHIPPING!!! on all jewelry items
or
BOGO!! Buy 3 bath and body items or candles and get 1 FREE!!!!! feel free to mix and match
go to my shop at http://Gingerbells.ArtFire.com and check out what's new in my Studio.


I still have a few Holiday items in my shop if you want to get started on your decorations early.


So if your ready to start your Holiday shopping; I know I am Artfire is the place to start for a Handmade Christmas

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Meet EmilyClaireCreations


Valerie of Http://EmilyClaireCreations.ArtFire.com is a wonderful Artist from Ohio who is inspired by nature and her environment. She is the stay at home Mom to her 2 adorable daughters whom she has named her shop after.

In her studio Bio Valerie says:
"Making jewelry makes me supremely happy. It is a one true medium where I can express myself. I follow my bliss. I believe it shows in my designs. Jewelry should be something anyone can wear no matter what size, shape, age or color you are, it is a statement to accentuate your personality." I like how she thinks and I agree it shows in all the beautiful items in her shop.

I have picked several of my favorites to share

I really like the style and composition of this piece. I think it looks like a piece of treasure that's been around for a long, long time.

I absolutely love this acorn that she has sculpted it's classy and whimsical at the same time. So if you like her style as much as I do check out her ArtFire studio where she is running a Christmas in July sale offering a 15% discount coupon.

Valerie is a proud member of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild of ArtFire.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Introducing Into The Dawn


Dawn of http://IntoTheDawn.Artfire.com is a lovely and talented member of The Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild of ArtFire.

I absolutely love her polymer clay transfer Tarot Card pendants. I think it's such a creative idea.

She also is a very good sculptor, I love the colors and softness of this necklace.

She made this cute ATC for our monthly themed challenge. June's challenge was Ocean. Don't ya just love it?

Take a few minutes to browse her shop at http://Intothedawn.artfire.com you'll be glad you did.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Introducing CraftyBabyHope




This weeks Polymer Clay Smoosher feature is Jennifer. http://craftybabyhope.blogspot.com/ http://CraftyBabyHope.Artfire.com

Jennifer is a talented artist who's using her art to help her obtain her hearts desire to become a mother
From Jennifer's blog...
"I suffer from secondary infertility and have had 4 miscarriages. Infertility treatments are very expensive and insurance does not cover the cost. In order to raise money for the infertility treatments I started offering my handmade goodies online."
***When I was younger I also when through unsuccessful fertility treatments and I understand her needs and am happy to help her promote it.

I enjoy her whimsical polymer clay work and her lovely wire wrapped items...

I really hope you take time to read her blog and check out her shop to learn more about her and her cause......Oh and a nice added bonus she is having a 10%off sale shop wide.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Meet Sassy Clay Creations


I would like to show some of the lovely things made by Dori of Http://SassyClayCreations.artfire.com .
I really like pretty things that are useful like this candle holder. I would love to have this as part of my Fall decor.

When I saw this mask in Dori's shop I fell in love with it. I love the whimsical style of it.

I love the texture in this Star and moon pin she made. I think it would make a great piece to add to any jewelry collection.

Not only is Dori a talented lady she is a sweetheart who has organized the Friendship round Robin swap box for our Artfire Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild .

So if you are looking for a unique gift for someone or a special treat for your self I recommend checking out her shop http://SassyClayCreations.artfire.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Featuring Colt Pixy



This beautiful Beetle is handmade with polymer clay by the talented artist Star Edwards of http://Coltpixy.artfire.com . She made it for the resent "Bug Challenge" held by the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild of Artfire.

Above also is the whimsical piece she did for the "flight" challenge

If you like miniatures you will love the beautiful tiny baskets she weaves with polymer clay take a peek at her Artfire shop you'll be glad you did.

Not only is she a wonderful artist she is also the tireless guild master of the Smooshers guild who spends a great amount of time and energy promoting her fellow guild members.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Do you want to see how I made it?


Don't you just love these colors together? I do.
I had this beautiful Dicro cabochon in my stash for a couple of years waiting for the right design to use it.

I thought it would be fun to do kind of a step by step of how I made these beads into the pretty necklace at the end of this post.

I mounted the cab onto a square of stiff interfacing and stitched a peyote bezel around it with Dark blue size 10 Delica beads. I like using delicas because of their uniform size and large holes.

After I stitched the bezel I trimmed the interfacing and glued the unit to some soft ultra suede to hide the ulgly stitches and make a nice finished back for the pendant.

The next step is to join the front and back together and finish the edge with pretty picots.

When I finished the edgings and embellishments I added a Swarovski crystal link and used it for the pendant bail.

Here is the necklace being made. This stitch makes the necklace look like a spiral staircase of pretty bugle beads

This is how the back looks totally finished. See how neat and tidy it looks.

Here is the front finished, isn't it pretty.

This is a close up of the finished necklace. I named it Tranquil Waters because I think the glass cab looks like a pool of water with gentle ripples.

Tada here is the finished necklace I wish the camera could capture how pretty the pendant is but trust me it is lovely in real life.
I hope you enjoyed seeing how this necklace was made and maybe you are a little inspired to try a little beading yourself.