RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!!

EBSQ Self-Representing Artists Community Forum

Forums Register Login My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums

Chat Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ Ticket List Log Out

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!!

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [Art-Specific Topics] >> Functional Art (public) >> RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!!

Page: << < prev 1 2 [3] 4 5 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 1/28/2006 11:17:46 AM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

(arggg photos)

None of these show off the colors properly and I'm not sure if you can see the almost halogram effect that is caused by the mica in the gold polyclay.

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 41

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/1/2006 5:16:20 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

Yes, I have still been doing some polyclay - a lot more than shows here but.....

I wanted to show a photo of a different method for finishing off the backs of pins.

The coil in the middle works rather like a barrette but is used vertically instead of horizonally. Takes a little getting used to but are very effective! I've made and worn these in a variety of sizes - just requires that you choose a section of hair that will fill the diameter of the coil nicely then it stays in place very well indeed!

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 42

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/13/2006 2:40:32 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

Photo is a bit fuzzy but I think you can still get an idea of the latest creations.

Most of these are a variation on the Makume-Game technique. What was very nice is that even though I felt lousy because of this cold I was able to work extensively on these things which was kewl! :D

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 43

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/13/2006 5:48:48 PM

labeana

Posts: 9732
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Pocono Mountains, PA
Status: offline

these are fabulous, Jeanne...they are evolving into more and more beautiful work...

I was very curious about that coil thingie you mentioned that you could use as a barrette....do you wrap the hair around it or twist it around the hair or what lol...I am trouble figuring that out

_____________________________

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. The slogan "press on" has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 44

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/13/2006 5:59:51 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

Thanks!! I've been enjoying the evolution of my pieces!

hair coil - you start your hair at the top opening of the coil and then wrap it through the spaces, around and around - so when you reach the end your hair is in the middle of the coil. Hope that makes sense! :)
The trick is to select just enough hair so that it fits into that central area of the coil nicely - too little hair and the coil could slide off but when you get it right, it stays put very nicely!!

< Message edited by Harlan -- 2/14/2006 11:57:29 AM >

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to labeana)

Post #: 45

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/20/2006 6:29:19 PM

lobsterlu

Posts: 378
Joined: 10/12/2005
Status: offline

My hair looks more like the coil! LOL!

This is a great thread. I've done just a little polymer clay and enjoy it. Every item I've offered for sale using it has sold. (I do jewelry.) So I'm inspired to make some more soon. I bought some gold flakes before reading this thread and now I'm more inspired to do something with them and the clay.

I love the concept of transferring images onto clay. But I haven't been very successful with that. The how-tos in books and mags always make it look so simple. oh..for me it never is!

I guess that's another topic. Well, thanks for the inspiration. Mabye I'll do some more pendants and charms in the next few days.

-mLu

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 46

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/25/2006 2:00:52 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

mLu - I haven't had much luck with the image transfers either - has to be the right type of copy and I know I have the wrong printer for it.

I'm still playing with this stuff, trying new things - again the photo is awful

They look so much better in person!

I browse the web regularly to see if I can find new sites on polyclay with something new and interesting and there is always something to be found!

Last couple of days I have been doing "egg pins". THink it is time for me to try something totally new. I figure if I keep working at different techniques eventually I will find my own particular direction with this stuff. It's fun at least! :D

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to lobsterlu)

Post #: 47

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/25/2006 3:20:09 PM

chinchillabutt

Posts: 7332
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

wow harlan! i really like the oval ones! especially the middle one

_____________________________

the ol' LJ

Painting: The art of protecting flat surfaces from the weather and exposing them to the critic.

Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914)

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 48

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 2/25/2006 6:31:12 PM

labeana

Posts: 9732
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Pocono Mountains, PA
Status: offline

I am thinking those are the "egg pins" you were talking about, Jeanne....they are all so gorgeous and I am so jealous that I have packed away all my poly clay stuff!!!

_____________________________

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. The slogan "press on" has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.

(in reply to chinchillabutt)

Post #: 49

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 3/25/2006 12:22:10 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

Still working on polyclay on a regular basis - usually between 3 - 6 hours daily.

Seems I learn something new and then play around with it for a few days before I go off in a different direction.

Here are some of the latest:

There is just so much you can do with this stuff!!

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to labeana)

Post #: 50

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 3/25/2006 12:24:44 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 51

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 3/25/2006 12:37:22 PM

labeana

Posts: 9732
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Pocono Mountains, PA
Status: offline

Jeanne, what are you using to make those oval shaped pieces so shiny?

_____________________________

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. The slogan "press on" has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 52

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 3/25/2006 2:02:00 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

Polyclay varnish - gloss! :D

I really wish that I could do a polish without resorting to varnish. I have read that you can polish polyclay in a rock tumbler but on a lot of the pieces I have done doing so would remove at least some of the design I have taken effort to apply - such as foil - that would just be gone.

I have been using acrylic paints for some effects and if left just as a surface element, it can easily sand off and disappear but I've found that putting on a really thin layer of liquid polymer clay (it's "transparent") seems to be enough to protect the embellishment from the sanding that I do on the pieces prior to varnishing.

The liquid polymer clay tends to really dampen any foil effects so I haven't been able to find a way to protect foil yet.

I have also read that a lot of polyclay artists use Future floor finish as their varnish with good effects. Some suggest using the Future on warm pieces. Somewhere around here I know I have a bottle of the stuff from ages ago when I schmooged my office walls. I should locate it and give it a try.

Months ago I stumbled on an article describing how to take the pasta machine apart for cleaning and wondered when, if ever that might actually be necessary. I'm probably going to be looking up that article soon! :D :D

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to labeana)

Post #: 53

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 3/30/2006 1:14:49 PM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

This has been such an off week for me - odd errands and BJ's school schedul being weird because the Juniors are doing MEEPS - I should have been able to paint almost every day and it hasn't been that way at all.

Even on weird days I can get in some polyclay time:

Got myself a bead roller - nifty gadget that rolls three different shaped beads.

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 54

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 3/30/2006 9:57:21 PM

labeana

Posts: 9732
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Pocono Mountains, PA
Status: offline

OOOOOOO, beads...they can get totally addictive....

_____________________________

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. The slogan "press on" has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.

(in reply to Harlan)

Post #: 55

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/7/2006 2:35:59 PM

dede10

Posts: 100
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

Wowzers! What a thread, what art work! This is all so amazing, glad Lauren pointed me in this direction (thanks Lauren

). I have a question I posted in the mixed media thread but I'm sure you guys would have all the answers! I haven't read this whole thread because of time constraints so I appologize if this has been adressed. Here goes...

I've started making little cats out of premo clay that I paint with acrylics (liquidex). Do I need to seal this? If so, what do I use? I have some folkart sealer, is that too cheap? I'm going to put some up for sale so it can't like, peel off after a year or so. Also, what should I use to make entire piecees all shiny (they're about 2 inches hight)? I have fimo gloss varnish I think I could use.... even if I'm not using fimo clay. Any thoughts would help!

Andree
ps. when I have more time I'm going to read this entire thread - you guys can expect me to pick your brains on your techniques!

EDIT: I just saw harland's post about varnish - using translucent clay (which I want to avoid) and future floor shine (which is ok and I have but I figure there must be something better).

< Message edited by dede10 -- 4/7/2006 2:50:40 PM >

_____________________________

Andrée

Etsy store: http://www.bluevineyard.etsy.com

(in reply to labeana)

Post #: 56

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/7/2006 4:19:39 PM

dav820

Posts: 44
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

Hi All--

New to this thread, but have worked with polymer clay for years (I make Antiques Santas and clay covered vases).

In answer to Andree's post, I use Future Floor polish, Armorall, or Flecto Varathane--whichever is handiest. The Flecto Varathane is probably the best (but also the most expensive).

Here is some info from www.polymerclaycentral (which has tons of info): "Flecto Varathane is a water-based acrylic finish (not a varnish, polich or floor wax) ...that is found in many hardware stores." You can go on this site to find out more about it: www.flecto.com.

Hope this helps! By the way, all the work posted is just gorgeous! There is just so much you can do with polymer clay and it is addictive!

Debbie

_____________________________

Debbie
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

DaVinci Designs

(in reply to dede10)

Post #: 57

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/7/2006 5:20:58 PM

shawnmariehardy

Posts: 1373
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

Thank heavens this is here! First of all - what lovely work from Harlan (not sure whether to call you Jeanne or Harlan so forgive my ignorance). I'm just experiencing polyclay for the first time. My daughter made some things a couple years ago but the Fimo smelled bad when I baked it so I avoided it. I tried something else for some recent faces I made and I loved the results - and no smell.

I was reading in an old edition of Somerset Studio and one woman used clear nail varnish on hers. But it seems to me that this would eventually turn yellow or chip away with time. Are the other varnishes that are mentioned here long lasting? Or is nail varnish fine?

_____________________________

http://www.myspace.com/shawnmariehardy
http://www.magicmoon.etsy.com
http://guidedbyart.blogspot.com

(in reply to dav820)

Post #: 58

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/8/2006 10:58:25 AM

dav820

Posts: 44
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status: offline

Don't use nail varnish--it will react with the clay and, over time, will cause it to become sticky. Also don't use spray on varnishes--they never dry properly.

Also, the address for Polymer Clay Central should read http://www.polymerclaycentral.com

_____________________________

Debbie
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

DaVinci Designs

(in reply to shawnmariehardy)

Post #: 59

RE: The POLYCLAY thread!!! - 4/8/2006 11:25:43 AM

Harlan

Posts: 10158
Joined: 7/30/2005
From: Michigan
Status: offline

Just to echo what has already been said -

any varnish that has been made for polyclay (regardless of manufacturer) is okay on any brand. Future floor finish is reported to do very well as a finish.

Use other finishes at your own risk - I've read a number of horror stories about pieces becoming sticky or gummy months or more later.

I use Armorall as a resist - when I'm doing my oval/egg pins over a polyclay form I made, I wipe the form down with armorall before placing my clay so that it won't stick to the form. Hadn't read anywhere (previously) of it being used as a finish.

And I'm going back up to the craft room to polyclay! :D

_____________________________

Jeanne
The Intimate Forest

(in reply to dav820)