Sunday 26 October 2014

Octoberfest Blog Hop

Thank you Rita from Toltec Jewels for hostessing this wonderful blog hop. Autumn is my favorite time of year as well. I've become less of a fan of hot, humid weather as I have grown older ( and wiser!). I no longer sun bath due to an episode of skin cancer several years ago and I find the heat and humidity of a normal summer's day in Southern Ontario too uncomfortable to enjoy.
Ah, but with the autumn comes cool, refreshing breezes and sunny, clear days to bundle up and walk forever in. I love putting on a sweater, jeans and  a jacket and head out to explore the world.The changing colours of the leaves is the most stunning display that nature shows us. It's like the final blaze before the fire dies down and sleeps for the winter. Maybe it's knowing what is to come that makes me appreciate it so much.
I have been playing with clay for  several weeks and had planned to make some jewelry with my clay creations . However the amount of work and finishing that goes into polymer clay has used up all my time so I'll just have to show you some of my polymer clay creations made in honour of the Autumn.
These beads were made from some orange and black clay using the Mokune Gane technique that didn't quite work out as planned. I'm discovering that that is the rule rather than the exception with polymer clay!


These feathers were made using a feather/ leaf tutorial I found online but I can't remember who by!

I love using Gilder's Paste but have discovered that it doesn't take well to either Renaissance Wax ( removes the paste completely) or acrylic varnish ( makes it permanently sticky!). Needless to say I've had many trials and errors in my discovery journey with polymer clay!
The next set of pictures show some of my more successful attempts using Gilders Paste as a finishing touch for polymer clay.
Beads and Pendant

Pendant

My first headpins! ( I have since cleaned the wires)

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my latest attempts at creating with polymer clay. I am having a lot of fun and love most of what I've made but am not sure if it appeals to others. What do you think? Would you buy any of my components?
Have fun browsing through the rest of the blogs featured in this 3rd Annual Octoberfest Blog Hop. Check out Toltec Jewels post and see the list of all the participants you can hop to and enjoy their creations.
Thanks for looking!

Nan of nanMade Jewelry


20 comments:

  1. That's what I love about this hope: you don't have to make jewelry just whatever art you want. I love your leaves and the rondelles. I do not have the patience for cane work so I always admire it.

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  2. Beautifully made - love the colors!

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  3. How pretty...I really love the pendant and head pins...Makes me really want to try it...Excellent post. Thanks.

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  4. Nan-I think your beads turned out great. We are our own worst critics! Well done!

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  5. I think everything turned out wonderful. I especially like the headpins. I've made hat pins with polymer clay on the top- but never thought to incorporate it into head pins. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I love the gorgeous sheen that gilders paste has imparted to your beads. The thing with glazes and sealants is that they react to the environment as well as the product - so if you live in a humid place, most sealants will become clingy. Try popping them in front of the air conditioner for a couple of hours - seems ot work well for me

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  7. Your beads are absolutely gorgeous, I LOVE the feathers and I can't wait to see what you do with all these beauties.

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  8. What great beads - I LOVE the feathers!!

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  9. I adore those headpins, but everything is awesome!

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  10. Those are some very gorgeous beads, I love the golden pendant so perfect for fall!

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  11. I think the beads are lovely. what I am finding out is even though you sometimes have something you are not thrilled with, another artist can be knocked out of the ballpark over them. I can't wait to see what jewelry you create with these. I love the Pendant and matching bead.

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  12. Thank you for sharing your experience with polymer clay and finishes. Your headpins are totally gorgeous as are those wonderful leaf/feathers oh who am i kidding i love them all!

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  13. I love the beads in the mokume design I think they are great! i really love the pendant and head pins too!!! Amazing! Have a Blessed Day!

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  14. I love all your beads, they are fantastic!!
    I worked with clay before, and I am terrible.
    Love your pieces.

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  15. You have been having fun with polymer clay! I like your beads. I would use the feathers. They are my favorites.

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  16. Your headpins are gorgeous!! the gold color combined very nicely with that tosca blue-green color. Love them so much!!

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  17. Your results are gorgeous, Nan! What remembers me, I still have some Gilders Paste stashed - when I see your results with it, I think I have to give it a try! Love your polymer work!
    xoxo, Michi

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  18. Hi Nan, I like all of the pieces that you created. Great job.The headpins are my favorite. I made my first headpins a couple of weeks ago.

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  19. Oh how fun! I want to try working with polymer clay, and I love seeing what you've done here. Your results are great on all the pieces. My favorites are the bead and pendant set with gilder's paste. Lovely.

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  20. I think your pieces are beautiful and thank you for sharing info on polymer clay. I just don't have the skills to work with the medium, but it was so interesting learning! I love the gilded beads!

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Thank you for all your lovely comments! I love to read them and they really make my day.