tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403909573619399932024-03-13T04:25:31.543-04:00SCDivaDiva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.comBlogger498125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-91896723002945306052014-01-28T19:44:00.001-05:002014-01-28T19:45:41.743-05:00Good Things Come To Those Who Wait<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Like a beautiful pendant from my very good friend, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/bleekreations">Bonnie Lee Kreger</a>! </div>
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If you follow my Facebook Diva Designs page, you saw my post last week featuring some of the gorgeous faux pieces created by some of my customers who purchased my new tutorial, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175568751/new-polymer-clay-tutorial-digital-pdf?ref=shop_home_feat_1">Masterful Faux Made Easy</a>."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuUCORhmYYZQN1V96RcQk5NkksSpoOLKqBoMDRZ-SXx-TcXDxK2Ct5ICnHPJ8pOZgrQuDMjs-ifV_SS_fJUh1l9qrmld4EvIKc2chbU6qr6vGLMdvGlno1aKwehxpC5rz8C4JbTbybPci/s1600/12057530684_5848aea109_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuUCORhmYYZQN1V96RcQk5NkksSpoOLKqBoMDRZ-SXx-TcXDxK2Ct5ICnHPJ8pOZgrQuDMjs-ifV_SS_fJUh1l9qrmld4EvIKc2chbU6qr6vGLMdvGlno1aKwehxpC5rz8C4JbTbybPci/s1600/12057530684_5848aea109_o.jpg" height="320" width="299" /></a></div>
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Miss Bonnie created these beauties, and I just had to have the one on the top left. She very generously mailed it to me, but because of the bad Winter weather we've been experiencing, it took awhile to get to my hot little hands. I immediately knew what I wanted to do with it, and got out the beads and some of the faux turquoise disc beads I made a few months ago (a lesson on how to create the disc beads is included in the tutorial.) </div>
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I bought a bunch of Regaliz Licorice Leather several months ago to create bracelets featuring polymer slides (how to create the slides is also included in the tutorial.) I have a collection of leather pieces which are too short to use for bracelets, but I thought they would make pretty stations for a necklace. I added Chartreuse Green o-rings, studded Copper rings, Green Chrysoprase rondelles framed in copper end caps, Copper Regaliz end clasps, Turquoise Howlite/Magnesite Rounds; aged, solid Copper round beads, and to top it off, a genuine, rough-cut Turquoise nugget which almost exactly matches Bonnie's gorgeous pendant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWlJYPk7HvVBRWgK-KoGxkxRLFJs5udUH2ctzUyMFrCqiQv1QxbSjCi1bMhtVpvg5A8-RzLeN-b67xKBSD67Aym61ZqVlrC-_EDJwBIsRaRDbiuOoS0X0oIn0xOkM9sxc5w198ozylD_r/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWlJYPk7HvVBRWgK-KoGxkxRLFJs5udUH2ctzUyMFrCqiQv1QxbSjCi1bMhtVpvg5A8-RzLeN-b67xKBSD67Aym61ZqVlrC-_EDJwBIsRaRDbiuOoS0X0oIn0xOkM9sxc5w198ozylD_r/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is the result. What do you think? I love it, and this is just my style. It is going into my personal collection. I haven't made myself anything in ages! </div>
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Check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diva-Designs-Inc/440052939372905">Diva Designs Facebook page</a> to see some of the other fabulous creations made by some of my other customers. You will be amazed! </div>
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Seeing my customers' creations is absolutely THE best part about writing tutorials! Many of you are sending me photos of your faux creations, and I hope you will add them to my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/divadesignscustomergallery/">Flickr Customer Photo Gallery</a> so I can show them off to everyone. I am so proud of all of you! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-34238884615916368122014-01-05T13:44:00.001-05:002014-01-06T10:08:28.718-05:00Thank you! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_9TPOmsLCRf68vxjtzXyQTQWLJB_JIt-eBZ6oBGOq5p087YxJKiwfXLvAxLaSsXLN33043kA6OcmqFb2d6UQZnGfHaO2iO42TtiEeftmMl8rkNrn3AavuM58CNQ9MnoBTVLVcmgJ2YyU/s1600/White+Thank+you+Diva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_9TPOmsLCRf68vxjtzXyQTQWLJB_JIt-eBZ6oBGOq5p087YxJKiwfXLvAxLaSsXLN33043kA6OcmqFb2d6UQZnGfHaO2iO42TtiEeftmMl8rkNrn3AavuM58CNQ9MnoBTVLVcmgJ2YyU/s320/White+Thank+you+Diva.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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The new tutorial is getting great feedback from my customers, so I am breathing a big sigh of relief this morning. <br />
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I am always amazed at how many of you take the time to contact me and thank ME for writing the tutorials. <br />
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I am blown away by your encouragement and support. </div>
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One lovely lady told me yesterday that that "not only is it concise and clear but it leaves room for my imagination to take over." I almost cried. That is exactly the feeling and excitement I hope you will have with my tutorials. I want your imagination and creativity to take flight and soar! <br />
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There are a couple of things I wanted to mention from the feedback I have received so far. </div>
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One customer did a search at <a href="http://polymerclayexpress.com/">polymerclayexpress.com</a> for "chalk inks" and could not find any. PCE's search engine is a little wonky, apparently. The ColorSnap ColorBox Liquid Chalk inks are located here on their website. Scroll down to the bottom for the re-fill bottles are at the bottom of the page, and are all in stock as of yesterday. <a href="http://www.polymerclayexpress.com/products/inks/clearsnap/ink-pads">www.polymerclayexpress.com/products/inks/clearsnap/ink-pads</a> If you cannot find the refill bottles, you may substitute the inked pads, but you won't get as much mileage out of them, and they do dry out quickly. <br />
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So, if you search for something from my source guide at PCE and cannot find it, please let me know and I will point you to the correct location. I made sure before I published the tutorial that each component you need is available and in stock at the places I show in the source guide. There is nothing more frustrating that not being able to put your hands on what you need when you want it. </div>
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Second thing is, one customer asked whether I knew if the products used in my tutorial are tested on animals, or if they are cruelty-free. I am sorry, but I do not know the answer to that important question. If any of you have the same concern, I would direct you to the manufacturer's website. I will check myself and see. I would hate to think any of them are, and if I do find out they are, I will try to find a suitable substitute. </div>
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I am taking next week to get my tax information lined up, one more thing off my "to do" list, and then I am going back into the studio to see what new things I can come up with next! </div>
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I hope all of you have a wonderful, joy-filled, healthy and prosperous new year in 2014!</div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-37075937858587320172014-01-04T00:06:00.000-05:002014-01-04T00:06:06.033-05:00The Wait Is Finally Over!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-jW5LClyriJmEyF-3JRGdHPcciXq10xAkg20C9uvOsc-fW7gueQh0cF7O8NYo8OTbaASsNqK_Y-9IODgK3OU7Z0XuBTutlnnqYAFUr0_HG82MJFSW62JHjYMQxCzgMK8dRCE7SbGPsm7/s1600/Faux+Cover+Mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-jW5LClyriJmEyF-3JRGdHPcciXq10xAkg20C9uvOsc-fW7gueQh0cF7O8NYo8OTbaASsNqK_Y-9IODgK3OU7Z0XuBTutlnnqYAFUr0_HG82MJFSW62JHjYMQxCzgMK8dRCE7SbGPsm7/s400/Faux+Cover+Mosaic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For awhile there, I was afraid I was never going to be able to say this, but... my new tutorial is finished and ready for publication! Thank you to all my wonderful customers who waited so patiently for the debut of "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174327870/new-polymer-clay-tutorial-masterful-faux?ref=shop_home_feat">Masterful Faux Made Easy</a>", and to everyone who kept me going by sending me notes of encouragement and support. I have the best friends and customers anyone could ask for, and I feel truly blessed. Thank you so much, everyone!</div>
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I hope you all have a lot of fun with this technique. In this tutorial, I teach you my method of creating veneers of realistic-looking turquoise similar to Carico Lake Turquoise, Fox Turquoise, African or Yellow Turquoise, Chinese Turquoise, Number 8 Turquoise, King Manassa turquoise, Kingman Turquoise, Pilot Mountain Turquoise, Purple Turquoise, Boulder Turquoise, Royston Turquoise, White Buffalo Turquoise, Dalmation Jasper, Orange Sponge Coral, Impression Jasper, African Jasper, Sonora Sunrise, Blue Lapis and Pink Rhodochrosite. WHEW! </div>
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Also included are suggestions on how to use the veneers to create beads, earrings, a slide and a pendant, with lots of clear, color photos; tips to help you be more successful and enjoy the creative process even more; and a source guide for all the materials used in the tutorial. </div>
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And, as always, I am an email away if you have any questions or need assistance. I love talking to my customers. Seeing your lovely creations is the best part of writing a tutorial! </div>
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Thank you again, everyone, for sticking with me on this one. Your loyalty and support are much appreciated! </div>
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Lynda</div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-57601052179401000242013-12-16T14:11:00.000-05:002013-12-16T14:11:02.647-05:00Beauty for Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It really kills me to sell these, but I must. I am offering my collection of hand blown, etched, silver fumed, hollow, glass beads created by renowned glass artist, Aja Vaz of Wandering Spirit Designs. Five have a shiny finish, sixteen h</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ave a matte finish. The two largest have gorgeous, etched copper end caps. More photos are available upon request.<br /><br />Most were created by Aja in 2009 and 2010 and all are one of a kind works of art. I am selling them on a first come, first serve basis in the lots shown.<br /><br />Email me if you would like the price list and purchase details. </span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Serious inquiries only, please. Thank you!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot #1<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Sce3r75sdQ0k3Sdv8TaLA26ca3Q12PfGgcx2ssAjAnKXEDMoJJukIbHj8OTDcrOga0bPuhyphenhyphenPA6N46MPv9FpKYU1-C07DygM2qNVTOb4HxqWOMm3d6ioPEDOzPuytkayNk2TQxyLybrgj/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Sce3r75sdQ0k3Sdv8TaLA26ca3Q12PfGgcx2ssAjAnKXEDMoJJukIbHj8OTDcrOga0bPuhyphenhyphenPA6N46MPv9FpKYU1-C07DygM2qNVTOb4HxqWOMm3d6ioPEDOzPuytkayNk2TQxyLybrgj/s320/IMG_2191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyduKgLgoGMf4ANYauKav1k9IptR4BLacoCDOYGXhHUbCdWj0STFEtr_WR7KiW7vXXuOfDCfSWEDG9ZFCzWHrCOsvedwRLl9tyDhS39LDRidmuQh_FS7AKTghdUZMu8bhc4uSkU3pnynAQ/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyduKgLgoGMf4ANYauKav1k9IptR4BLacoCDOYGXhHUbCdWj0STFEtr_WR7KiW7vXXuOfDCfSWEDG9ZFCzWHrCOsvedwRLl9tyDhS39LDRidmuQh_FS7AKTghdUZMu8bhc4uSkU3pnynAQ/s320/IMG_2199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot #3<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot #4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvmYMON6f7FOzWFlrSWVIts_fWmjJrhuU3i9AbPxZs8qnyj9oVryg15MpZjhgz5Q9d04BiFDtXJgYkJjOk8vA5QONYXx7sBlBCLXkW8AyjTkTRLr4Ept0NVEgrc90N92UBG-YcV0_cV_r/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvmYMON6f7FOzWFlrSWVIts_fWmjJrhuU3i9AbPxZs8qnyj9oVryg15MpZjhgz5Q9d04BiFDtXJgYkJjOk8vA5QONYXx7sBlBCLXkW8AyjTkTRLr4Ept0NVEgrc90N92UBG-YcV0_cV_r/s320/IMG_2202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot #5</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lot #6</td></tr>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-7569560759290073782013-11-13T12:11:00.001-05:002014-01-05T13:54:20.295-05:00Going On A Walkabout<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I wanted to give an update on the new tutorial for all you wonderful, patient people who have been waiting for it and checking in every week for a status report. </div>
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Without any hemming and hawing around, as my Papa Moseley used to say, the plain truth is that it is just not coming together as I want it to, and I have decided to set it aside for awhile. </div>
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I am sorry to disappoint everyone, but I am finally caving in to the stress. I have decided to take a break, and do not plan to publish it before the end of the year. Instead, I am going on a walkabout or sorts, to try and get my mind on track again to finish it.</div>
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This faux tutorial is the hardest tutorial I have ever written, and I am not sure why. It is a simple enough process. It shouldn't be this complicated or take 8 months to write, but it has. </div>
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If anything, I think the stress of not having the comfort of a consistent paycheck is behind it. I am experiencing an insecurity and uncertainty that I have never before in my life had to face. The result is that I may be headed back to the outside work force, if I can find a part-time job, that is. As long as I had that cushion of employment comfort, my creativity was a free-flowing thing that never let me down. That may be a poor excuse, but it's the only one I have. </div>
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I am a perfectionist, have a Type A (to the max) personality; and on top of that, am OCD. I also have some other physical health issues that have been exacerbated by the mental stress. Since I have other people to think about besides myself, I am going to give the tutorial a rest, after nine re-writes, until the first of the year. </div>
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The holidays are not a time anyone wants to pile on more stress, right? I planned for this tutorial to be published back in April, no later than June. I had planned to start some new, non-polymer projects for my second Etsy shop my Mother and I started two years ago, which has been sitting sadly neglected all year, so I am going to devote the time until the end of the year helping her develop some items for it, and I am going to sit back and enjoy a no-stress holiday with my family. </div>
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Thank you all for your patience, and your support and encouragement, my friends. </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-21246311993186075262013-09-06T13:28:00.003-04:002013-09-06T13:28:55.428-04:00Brass Embellished Halloween Jewelry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tutorial Update: The new faux tutorial is in re-write stage, but the end is in sight, I hope. Stay tuned, and thanks again for your patience, everyone.</div>
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In the meantime, I took a mental break for a couple of days to list some of the more than 400 pieces I made while writing this gargantuan tutorial; and some new, brass and crystal embellished, mixed media Halloween pieces. </div>
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I don't celebrate Halloween myself, but I hear it is the second biggest holiday in terms of sales, so I thought I would try a few pieces in the shop and see how it goes. What do you think? I aimed for whimsical but classy, if there is such a thing. LOL</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcTPBCgaZw5Duy6DkdQoBMhtZlR13WOUWhH0JfNJv0X4wg8k8VjhnyT0-CGRBKf1eYdumrg2WIakoXVAQihfYMc8pzQDJqiJPEZXNmMtdUWVTrsT0Rc9lcDWvA-NLC8HVHrXTArh1wQrl/s1600/mosaicca33a505d69401ad4a9324b4d99cea34eb96e7b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcTPBCgaZw5Duy6DkdQoBMhtZlR13WOUWhH0JfNJv0X4wg8k8VjhnyT0-CGRBKf1eYdumrg2WIakoXVAQihfYMc8pzQDJqiJPEZXNmMtdUWVTrsT0Rc9lcDWvA-NLC8HVHrXTArh1wQrl/s640/mosaicca33a505d69401ad4a9324b4d99cea34eb96e7b0.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Notice how I worked in tartan patterns? I couldn't resist! I created the tartans especially for Halloween using <a href="http://tartanmaker.com/">TartanMaker.com</a> in pumpkin orange, scaredy-cat black and ghostly white. Hee Hee! <br />
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-38198014501455318022013-08-18T14:00:00.003-04:002013-08-18T14:02:49.799-04:00Thank You, Everyone!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who emailed me and commented on my last post about my meltdown. I am continually amazed at the generosity and kindness of people I have never met in person, but I should not be. Your support has been tremendous, and I am so grateful to have so many wonderful friends. These friendships, and your encouragement and support, mean the world to me. I really appreciate your concern, but please do not worry about me. I go through this angst every time I write a tutorial. It's part of my process to get to the best tutorial I can write. I would not know how to act if everything went smoothly with no hiccups. Is that the way it works for anyone? </div>
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I appreciate the offers of pre-orders, but I don't think I will ever be able to do that. I would feel even more pressure to get this thing done, but I really thank you for offering, and for caring so much! </div>
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And it won't be too much longer on the new tutorial, I promise! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-2799696934981911622013-08-17T14:30:00.000-04:002014-01-17T23:01:11.565-05:00When Your Stress Level Goes Through The Roof<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKLj7HEi_vvoqn6Lsm3yRBXrH5ucz9VLLtRCyEg8kkciYbYcDppaTNnC6fAPk-0FCNRQg66tztv_HkJw47ULjm6XHy9538jWRRk2oR_azNxJpzAB_kQsqy7EBoHRcZsvUozwCVusQ8x_u/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKLj7HEi_vvoqn6Lsm3yRBXrH5ucz9VLLtRCyEg8kkciYbYcDppaTNnC6fAPk-0FCNRQg66tztv_HkJw47ULjm6XHy9538jWRRk2oR_azNxJpzAB_kQsqy7EBoHRcZsvUozwCVusQ8x_u/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" height="320" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Boulder Turquoise</td></tr>
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It is always aa trying time for me when I write a new tutorial. It seems old Karma picks that time to kick me in the butt, every time. Stupid stuff goes wrong, the accidents keep piling up, and my stress level goes through the roof. </div>
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Naturally, when a tutorial is now almost 4 months past the original date I had hoped to have it published, well, you can just imagine how stressed I am. </div>
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Unfortunately, the new faux tutorial is still not finished. In the past three weeks, I lost hundreds of photos, my camera died on me, my printer died on me, and my beloved Nesco oven died on me. Ask me which is worse. At this point, I couldn't tell you. </div>
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Having no steady income means that sometimes, new supplies have to wait for the income to catch up to the need, but when three absolute necessities such as a camera, printer and oven go kaput, frustration quickly turns to despair. I learned that when you work for yourself, a business loan is much harder to get. The banker actually laughed at me. I was so embarrassed. Good credit will only take you so far. They actually want to know that you can repay the loan. Imagine that. </div>
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I looked at some of the online lenders, like Kiva and others, but they would take longer than I have to get the new equipment and get the tutorial published. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKgccJeHfkLE35cvMx9CZ3y_1LzsMUPH9HV0jzdRkIxzCNVMDGy9HwvubkPWS-V4VYUMAzUEmTD3V8fkgxTyBxi0HaaCXYiyBt6kxqELqfWL0XDuR1I-5OSdSfaEM1kmIdDBgKNkEq0ik/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKgccJeHfkLE35cvMx9CZ3y_1LzsMUPH9HV0jzdRkIxzCNVMDGy9HwvubkPWS-V4VYUMAzUEmTD3V8fkgxTyBxi0HaaCXYiyBt6kxqELqfWL0XDuR1I-5OSdSfaEM1kmIdDBgKNkEq0ik/s320/IMG_0763.JPG" height="320" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Purple turquoise with genuine purple Howlite beads</td></tr>
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I had to resort to selling some things I had hoped never to have to part with, more so because they were my insurance against something happening that I couldn't pay for in the future... oh, wait, something did happen that I couldn't pay for, so then depression set in when I realized, what will I do if something really bad happens in the future? </div>
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All this put me in a bad place for the last two weeks, and I don't mind telling you, I was scared. Very scared. I suddenly didn't like this full time artist business. My creativity level has sunk to an all-time low. I think my muse is even terrified of me. </div>
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Luckily, all the basic technique photos were shot before the camera died. I was able to find the same model of camera, my beloved Canon Powershot SX110is, on ebay, for a fraction of its original cost. It arrived yesterday, and so far it works just fine. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOG3VqtqHq4-1QIgF8jNzyjKTk3z5HWAXusll8bCXn-pDSNlECOPlx6sYyDPBYcPO3825Yc4oI3_-VfgvpT8EkV_vjxLoaOFDKqK6xyixc-lCNFPN10Vr_FOYpHOXGNke9AhcZ0z1u0nQ/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOG3VqtqHq4-1QIgF8jNzyjKTk3z5HWAXusll8bCXn-pDSNlECOPlx6sYyDPBYcPO3825Yc4oI3_-VfgvpT8EkV_vjxLoaOFDKqK6xyixc-lCNFPN10Vr_FOYpHOXGNke9AhcZ0z1u0nQ/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Yellow Turquoise andAutumn Jasper</td></tr>
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Before I found the Canon, I dug out my old Sony Mavica to use, then realized I had never used an SD card with it, only a floppy disc. I took about a hundred pictures on it, then tried to stick the floppy into my laptop. Guess what? It ain't got no stinkin' floppy drive! <br />
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This is the kind of stupid thing I do when in the throes of tutorial meltdown. I don't think logically. I went and bought an SD card, with my increasingly small stash of emergency money, only to discover I bought a "Pro" SD card, not a "non Pro" SD card, which of course, an old Sony Mavica uses instead of a "Pro." Naturally. I wasted a quarter of a tank of gas and 25 bucks figuring out that one. </div>
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Do you ever have days you feel like nothing you do is right? Yep, that's me, on day 23 of this pity party for one. All this negativity isn't helping, I know, but for now, that's just where I am. So, pardon my blue funk for a bit longer while you wait on the new tutorial. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiMHSPRWvXkIqkRoXpQySRzthCjhFvFd7nMqVzZ-YL33Ey3I7iD-wZPBc9j9pjKtdJ4hK-YQpyo4B2pNqfMQDK1u2KBVejW81uBEYaT4e9maFMNcZWxjK1vj4g2jHxz1aj91SS7YgD2KK/s1600/9526869150_390f21754e_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiMHSPRWvXkIqkRoXpQySRzthCjhFvFd7nMqVzZ-YL33Ey3I7iD-wZPBc9j9pjKtdJ4hK-YQpyo4B2pNqfMQDK1u2KBVejW81uBEYaT4e9maFMNcZWxjK1vj4g2jHxz1aj91SS7YgD2KK/s320/9526869150_390f21754e_c.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faux Dalmation Jasper with Pink Rhodocrhosite and Blue Turquoise</td></tr>
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The good news, and there is good news, is that I got the new camera out today and recreated some of the recipes in the new faux tutorial just to get my mind in the right mood to create. So far, so good.<br />
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Here are a few more of the photos I took before the camera debacle, some Boulder Turquoise, Purple Turquoise, Yellow Turquoise with Autumn Jasper, Dalmation Jasper with Pink Rhodochrosite. and Blue Turquoise, and a mosaic mishmash of Lapis and various Turquoises. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI1YxjIZDuKfRxnJ3hA5J4ZsiVlYSFnSyJaTIabcN0kcgKCzToWJBri2XSGflWA6nKwooMF8wGbEvyWStHjp6IY36a7kM74dN9JbnNh-6AtS7pT-h02X0MFs1d7Fp62UF-wKMZLQ1qd9a/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI1YxjIZDuKfRxnJ3hA5J4ZsiVlYSFnSyJaTIabcN0kcgKCzToWJBri2XSGflWA6nKwooMF8wGbEvyWStHjp6IY36a7kM74dN9JbnNh-6AtS7pT-h02X0MFs1d7Fp62UF-wKMZLQ1qd9a/s320/IMG_0885.JPG" height="320" width="300" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">I can't bring myself to put out a tutorial that is nothing less than my best, and it just isn't quite there yet. Good things come to those who wait, right? </span></div>
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Someone should have told me when I started creating stuff that people with OCD shouldn't be artists. That, paired with being a left-handed, Type A personality perfectionist... I was doomed from the start! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-16296048308974182282013-07-30T11:30:00.001-04:002013-07-30T11:30:39.714-04:00A Big, Bad Boo Boo, and I Don't Mean Honey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I just wanted to let everyone know the new tutorial will be delayed a few days. I had intended to publish it by August 1st, but I did a really boneheaded thing last night which will cause a delay. I accidentally deleted the photos for three of the projects. I am just sick about it, but it means I have to order new clay and start again with those projects, so I ask for your patience for just a little while longer. THANK YOU! </div>
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The good news is, while I wait on the new clay, I have time to read<a href="http://polymerclaydaily.com/"> Cynthia Tinapple</a>'s new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polymer-Clay-Global-Perspectives-International/dp/0823085902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375197645&sr=8-1&keywords=cynthia+tinapple"><u>Polymer Clay Global Perspectives: Emerging Ideas and Techniques from 125 International Artists</u>,</a> which was published last night. I bought a copy at 12:47 a.m. for my Nook HD+, and ordered a hard copy this morning to show my friends and family. I stayed awake until 2:15 looking at every page, absorbing all the beautiful artwork. </div>
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I am so thrilled and deeply honored to be included in this important and incredible book. It is as beautiful as I expected, Cynthia! Thank you again for the honor of being included. I am so excited, I can hardly breathe, and I am still pinching myself. </div>
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I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think. You can find me in the Texture Chapter, on page 66, right beneath Helen Breil. Helen Breil, for goodness sakes! If I'm dreaming, don't wake me, okay? </div>
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Congratulations to Cynthia and to all the featured artists! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-50207270817763910862013-07-24T12:06:00.002-04:002013-07-24T12:11:14.388-04:00The Joint is REALLY Jumpin' Now! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thanks to my faux turquoise pendant being featured today at <a href="http://polymerclaydaily.com/">Polymer Clay Daily</a>! Yowzer! </div>
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I am so excited, especially as the feature is about the new tutorial, which I haven't even published yet. I am so touched by the wonderful response and support! Thank you, Cynthia Tinapple! I can't say enough that you are the polymer clay world's best ambassador. </div>
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I share the spotlight with you, all my friends and customers who make it possible for me to be able to create full-time. </div>
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Thank you again, everyone. Now come on, join me and Mr. Bowie and Let's Dance! We'll really shake these old walls!</div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-14307682304895328592013-07-20T14:47:00.002-04:002013-07-20T14:47:24.970-04:00The Joint Is Jumpin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lots of activity in the Diva studio in the past month. I think I am finally in the home stretch with the new tutorial. All the random ideas I have taken from the keyboard to the work table are finally gelling together in a cohesive collection of instructions and projects. It won't be long now before the new "Fabulous Faux Master Collection" will be published. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB03tOXA55CMjGaIwFN2MQBH-flpixEy164IjSkFDHwrDp-3WjRlfIcuyLMEDVc7VL4eHKvMD3Yf7OI4KtAyjX7QbZizHs5BN8soGXzIg5ClCnMeQIEBCotQZFSpME2H7GgnpSr24D8rBA/s1600/mosaic3b649751ae748c5e16534ad9902eabf7a25bf722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB03tOXA55CMjGaIwFN2MQBH-flpixEy164IjSkFDHwrDp-3WjRlfIcuyLMEDVc7VL4eHKvMD3Yf7OI4KtAyjX7QbZizHs5BN8soGXzIg5ClCnMeQIEBCotQZFSpME2H7GgnpSr24D8rBA/s400/mosaic3b649751ae748c5e16534ad9902eabf7a25bf722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What I had originally planned as a faux turquoise tutorial has morphed into a range of faux finishes using the same technique. I want to try a few more really unusual and beautiful finishes before I call it done, but I believe that by the end of July, this baby will get birthed! <br />
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These are some of the faux turquoise finishes which will be included in the tutorial. I wanted to give everyone a variety of colors. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvEMyOJBrlJPLNk4dd19HDsZ4nCDPODwBVjG1M1JYOGdKADEeSz2h7NkIeT7DalZS4fNQHWTSprNdagT6IiOIFY0qXba1uKbE9fFis_t9ShbDQbqzUJfjAT3dY08ffuB45T8hQ33BR_Zr/s1600/mosaic61eeaa6f078a28f70156af18006341fde713701c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvEMyOJBrlJPLNk4dd19HDsZ4nCDPODwBVjG1M1JYOGdKADEeSz2h7NkIeT7DalZS4fNQHWTSprNdagT6IiOIFY0qXba1uKbE9fFis_t9ShbDQbqzUJfjAT3dY08ffuB45T8hQ33BR_Zr/s400/mosaic61eeaa6f078a28f70156af18006341fde713701c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These bracelets, created using my some of my fabulous faux turquoise polymer slides and Regaliz, a/k/a Licorice Leather, are a new direction for me. I haven't made bracelets on this scale before, but I absolutely love them. I decided to include a lesson in the new tutorial on how to create them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yprfQYzhWQnriOQTXt7lJQJSCBaXc_1tXoB1Ptdn3MjZNs4qawTTQ1wQpWFVWOPOxiMRG1nIqNTFsvikOJFte4Fwxhjvk0GDDJ_32GWh0nP4uzaFUnRRqu7MCOjr4Tv5j0CT2v5oWWzk/s1600/IMG_7456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yprfQYzhWQnriOQTXt7lJQJSCBaXc_1tXoB1Ptdn3MjZNs4qawTTQ1wQpWFVWOPOxiMRG1nIqNTFsvikOJFte4Fwxhjvk0GDDJ_32GWh0nP4uzaFUnRRqu7MCOjr4Tv5j0CT2v5oWWzk/s400/IMG_7456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These beautiful little beads are a joy to create. They will be included in the tutorial, too, along with a special project that I hope to include which will really showcase their gorgeous matrix. They are an "all over" design, pattern on the front and back and around the edge. LOTS of beady goodness! <br />
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Okay, that's my update. Now it's back to work to create some more!<br />
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-7688937794047623742013-06-20T20:12:00.003-04:002013-06-22T10:49:01.040-04:00The Death of Please and Thank You <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTB6Lbg8Xf0zPQQwPgNDUm_uydA7qexQXlDiJv-LhvuGPzfgYt8XjYuxynVs-oznoECsEokXUbeeUwTW2Ef4FS0RtgzHYvaumTdbCy9iI8EYrgWtf0qyyAxG0-gMfZTtVE2ZV-SaHM0Rl/s1600/thankyousp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTB6Lbg8Xf0zPQQwPgNDUm_uydA7qexQXlDiJv-LhvuGPzfgYt8XjYuxynVs-oznoECsEokXUbeeUwTW2Ef4FS0RtgzHYvaumTdbCy9iI8EYrgWtf0qyyAxG0-gMfZTtVE2ZV-SaHM0Rl/s200/thankyousp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am going to have to break the news to my Momma that she raised me wrong, because those free manners she beat into me from the age of two aren't supposed to be practiced on Flickr or at Etsy. </div>
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Yes, I was actually chastised earlier this week by a "well meaning" colleague who thought she needed to instruct me on when to say thank you. I am from the South, and we're a little slow, you know. she wanted me to know that I don't have to post a thank you for every nice comment someone leaves under your photos on Flickr. I kid you not. </div>
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What's worse, I discovered after that enlightening email that she is not the only one who thinks that way.</div>
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I check in on the discussions at the forums on Etsy once a week to be sure I'm not missing news about the implementation of the next, great Seller's tool. The powers that be don't often tell you what's coming down the pike before they send it hurtling toward you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ32KBpl5-Z22MkrWarAIuAuvsEBAfbKz9rsimoItJggv2U2tbnIriMkBoK60t123ligQ4jSwvOfVLo6UZbiUA5Amjda8yhvCnCA3SLbiaLjV7tUsnsaSLzlwz6pYC8RmYVBGMoAqZ-g5/s1600/thankyousp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ32KBpl5-Z22MkrWarAIuAuvsEBAfbKz9rsimoItJggv2U2tbnIriMkBoK60t123ligQ4jSwvOfVLo6UZbiUA5Amjda8yhvCnCA3SLbiaLjV7tUsnsaSLzlwz6pYC8RmYVBGMoAqZ-g5/s200/thankyousp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Well, a question was asked to the effect of whether or not Sellers should leave feedback for their customers. Huh? You mean someone actually thinks you shouldn't do that? Yes, indeed. <br />
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Judging by the response to the question, there are many sellers at Etsy who either a) don't care about feedback; b) can't afford to take the time to leave feedback; c) don't think it is necessary in order to maintain good relations with customers; or d) don't think it affects whether said customers come back and buy from them again. </div>
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Criminy, some people are stupid. </div>
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I was amazed at how many sellers actually said they couldn't take the time to leave positive feedback on a transaction. Many are also of the opinion that feedback should be withheld until the buyer leaves it for the seller first. Some sellers think the buyer's side of the transaction isn't completed until the buyer receives the item and is satisfied with it. WRONG! The buyer's side of the transaction is completed as soon as they pay for the item. </div>
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I've come across this before, this holding hostage the buyer's feedback until they give you feedback. Several people I know have that position. It is not very professional, in my opinion. If you are an ethical Seller who puts your best work out there, you should have no reservations at all about leaving positive feedback for the buyer immediately upon completion of payment. Period. If you don't, it makes me think you knew the work was not the best before you listed and sent it out, and you're holding your breath waiting to see whether or not the buyer agrees. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ32KBpl5-Z22MkrWarAIuAuvsEBAfbKz9rsimoItJggv2U2tbnIriMkBoK60t123ligQ4jSwvOfVLo6UZbiUA5Amjda8yhvCnCA3SLbiaLjV7tUsnsaSLzlwz6pYC8RmYVBGMoAqZ-g5/s1600/thankyousp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ32KBpl5-Z22MkrWarAIuAuvsEBAfbKz9rsimoItJggv2U2tbnIriMkBoK60t123ligQ4jSwvOfVLo6UZbiUA5Amjda8yhvCnCA3SLbiaLjV7tUsnsaSLzlwz6pYC8RmYVBGMoAqZ-g5/s200/thankyousp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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After thinking on this situation for a couple of days, I have come to a conclusion. Manners must be a generational thing, or perhaps a cultural thing. <br />
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In the South, if you are over the age of 40, you were raised to be respectful, which meant saying "please," "thank you," and "yes, ma'am or sir." <br />
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But, even this Southern 20-something generation doesn't have the manners my generation has. They seem to be a bunch of whiny, inconsiderate, selfish brats. This generation is all about "me." Please and thank you are hard to come by in this day and age, and that's a damn shame. My niece and nephews still say it, thank goodness... within my hearing, that is. </div>
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Since 20-somethings are now running the world, I should not be surprised that a hip, young, internet seller has such a blase attitude about taking 15 seconds to thank a person who spent their hard-earned money for something in the seller's shop. </div>
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One girl (if her photo is any indication, not a day over 25) stated she averages 1500 sales a week, which I could not confirm by looking at her sales; and that she only posts feedback once every six months, if then. With all those sales, she just doesn't have the time. She has plenty of time to stalk the forums and post on many different topics at all hours of the day and night, however. I guess she has her priorities. Posting... high on the list... thanking the people who pay her bills... bottom of the list. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ32KBpl5-Z22MkrWarAIuAuvsEBAfbKz9rsimoItJggv2U2tbnIriMkBoK60t123ligQ4jSwvOfVLo6UZbiUA5Amjda8yhvCnCA3SLbiaLjV7tUsnsaSLzlwz6pYC8RmYVBGMoAqZ-g5/s1600/thankyousp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ32KBpl5-Z22MkrWarAIuAuvsEBAfbKz9rsimoItJggv2U2tbnIriMkBoK60t123ligQ4jSwvOfVLo6UZbiUA5Amjda8yhvCnCA3SLbiaLjV7tUsnsaSLzlwz6pYC8RmYVBGMoAqZ-g5/s200/thankyousp.jpg" width="200" /></a>Frankly, if a seller waits 6 months to leave me feedback for something I purchased, I don't remember what I brought from her in the first place. It annoys me to get a feedback 6 months after the fact, and I have been known to email the seller and tell them so, and that I won't be troubling them with any future purchases for which they need to bother leaving feedback.</div>
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If you are a customer of mine and you don't receive feedback from me within 24 hours of your purchase, you will know I am dead. </div>
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And, if you leave a nice comment for me at Flickr or anywhere else I post stuff on the internet, you'll get a timely thank you for that, too. <br />
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That is just how my Momma raised me, and as she has always said, manners are free and it doesn't cost you a dime to use them.</div>
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Jeez, is it really any wonder this world is going to hell in a hand basket? </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-48920150106942206112013-06-13T14:06:00.002-04:002013-06-13T14:09:34.717-04:00A Tremendous Honor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXizAzs3hJSWtyozoh8iXMPN4hJ06x6kzvs6uz-g3xfSYB1Wb4cbUvHpoRKLdMCtejVw4sbp9ZlQufPjug65QBefKagjysVMH0aKtoxSKaTo-JItHmlpHIibQGm6CQhRvxvrO1VS9-AI8/s1600/PCGP+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXizAzs3hJSWtyozoh8iXMPN4hJ06x6kzvs6uz-g3xfSYB1Wb4cbUvHpoRKLdMCtejVw4sbp9ZlQufPjug65QBefKagjysVMH0aKtoxSKaTo-JItHmlpHIibQGm6CQhRvxvrO1VS9-AI8/s1600/PCGP+photo.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://tinapple.com/cynthia/">Cynthia Tinapple</a>'s new book, <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polymer-Clay-Global-Perspectives-International/dp/0823085902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371144516&sr=8-1&keywords=polymer+clay+global+perspectives">Polymer Clay Global Perspectives: Emerging Ideas and Techniques From 125 International Artists</a></u>, will be published on July 30th. <br />
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Cynthia posted the news this morning on her site, <a href="http://www.polymerclaydaily.com/">Polymer Clay Daily</a>, that she has created a sister site, <a href="http://www.polymerclayglobal.com/">Polymer Clay Global</a>, which promotes the new book and lists the names of the artists included. The site includes links to their websites or blogs so you can get to know them better. <br />
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And now, I can tell the secret I have been keeping for months... I am one of the 125 artists included in the book! I am thrilled beyond words for this tremendous honor.<br />
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Honestly, I haven't posted about it on the blog until now because I was afraid my photos wouldn't pass muster. Cynthia asked for a format I wasn't able to deliver, so I sent in jpeg files and kept my fingers crossed they would work. I guess they did! When I saw my name in the lists of artist, I finally let out a breath I've been holding since last August. </div>
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I am so excited to be a part of this important book. I don't think I will actually believe it until I see it in person. Many of the artists included are pioneers in the polymer clay world. Many have worked for years to elevate polymer to a legitimate artistic medium. I did not even pick up a piece of polymer clay until 6 years ago. I feel I am still at the very beginning of my journey with it, so it is unbelievable to me that my name is among those included. <br />
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Cynthia Tinapple is the best polymer clay ambassador the polymer community could hope for. She works tirelessly to promote polymer artists and their work. She not only created Polymer Clay Daily and Polymer Clay Global, which promises to delve even deeper into the inspiration behind the works of our best polymer artists; she also curates a video newsletter, <a href="http://studiomojo.org/">Studio Mojo</a>, devoted to in-depth interviews with some of the world's best polymer artists. She always has her finger on the pulse of polymer trends and news and generously shares it all with us. <br />
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I cannot imagine the time and effort it takes to keep up with all this, but Cynthia does it, delivering our daily dose of inspiration at Polymer Clay Daily so that I and thousands of others can peruse it with our morning coffee. I always start my day during the week with it, and lately, I have been going back through the archived posts, discovering even more artists and inspiration. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjEan6aQPaiBsdxW3vJ79YLcv02_aCvNLI5xeQDosJMBsR3aGkuNX4-2Iz0UPjBBz14794VmgU0Kh7-oRpoAWYNa0KTgq-Ih2gA4KigQkW6TYe2NWzyZjvrAc-o5_5jZErWz4c4Ys8ODU/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjEan6aQPaiBsdxW3vJ79YLcv02_aCvNLI5xeQDosJMBsR3aGkuNX4-2Iz0UPjBBz14794VmgU0Kh7-oRpoAWYNa0KTgq-Ih2gA4KigQkW6TYe2NWzyZjvrAc-o5_5jZErWz4c4Ys8ODU/s320/IMG_1790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For my gallery spot, I submitted photos of these Faux Jade Kanji Character focal beads I created using Pardo Translucent Clay and alcohol inks. I cannot wait to see what everyone else submitted. <br />
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Several of my friends are also included, another little thrill. I am so happy for them. Many of my polymer mentors and heroes who inspire me every day to push myself to do better work are also in the book. <br />
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I hope you will check out each and every link in the list of artists included. You might want to pace yourself, though. The quality of the polymer art is going to be mind-boggling. </div>
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Mere words could never convey how appreciative I am of the honor, Cynthia, but thank you so very much. I am permanently installed on Cloud 9 from this day forward; and I invite all my friends to climb on up and celebrate with me!<br />
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-75000149860731461692013-06-13T04:30:00.000-04:002013-06-18T00:54:14.022-04:00June ABS Entry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYrRYOWHbj7ogYYVMQ0z46KZxol59WfJCU-3d8zW5dbJ2kW_FeZXT572jTCW55utFU6HzxZ3h8YRuom_IKnUajUZgPkMnGcaCJNYUAxAiF8J_Y9ak3Wej997224T5a0fdh8VVq29LQF1L/s1600/june+2013+-+franklin+carmichael+-+jackknife+village+-+palette+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYrRYOWHbj7ogYYVMQ0z46KZxol59WfJCU-3d8zW5dbJ2kW_FeZXT572jTCW55utFU6HzxZ3h8YRuom_IKnUajUZgPkMnGcaCJNYUAxAiF8J_Y9ak3Wej997224T5a0fdh8VVq29LQF1L/s400/june+2013+-+franklin+carmichael+-+jackknife+village+-+palette+1.png" width="375" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I wasn't going to enter the challenge at Art Bead Scene this month, but a</span><span style="text-align: left;">fter I saw the art which is the inspiration for this month's challenge, though, I decided to enter these earrings. I didn't make them for the challenge, but they incorporate almost all of the colors in the painting, t</span>he wavy pattern echoes the waves of the water; and the mosaic squares also echo the little house shapes. </div>
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The challenge artwork for June is<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24.578125px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24.578125px;">"Jackknife Village" by Franklin Carmichael, a "modern" Art Nouveau styled painting created by him in 1926. </span></div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-12616433879512923802013-06-09T15:58:00.000-04:002013-06-12T23:51:17.788-04:00Free Your Mind And The Rest Will Follow... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is supremely embarrassing to realize I have not posted here on the blog in more than a month, but that is what happens when I get immersed in a new tutorial. I am only coming up for air now to post a few new pieces in the shop and on Flickr. Some of these are pieces I made a month or two ago, and stockpiled while I worked on the tutorial, so I could add a few at a time as other pieces sold. I try to maintain about 150 items in the shop at one time, so twice a month, I add new things and rotate out some of the older pieces. </div>
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Anyway, while I have some "spare" time waiting on the new clay, I decided to get back to something I love to do but haven't had the time for in more than 20 years. I sewed myself some new clothes!</div>
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I used to love to sew. My Momma taught me how when I was 8. My first project was a simple dress I made for 4-H. That was the very first thing I ever made with my own two hands, and I know it is what got me started on this artistic path. I can still see it, a little beige, cap-sleeved sheath that may have had 6 pieces. Momma made the pattern for me out of butcher paper. It was beige because we couldn't afford to buy new fabric, and had to use whatever she had on hand.</div>
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I need new clothes after more than 30 years as a paralegal, wearing the "dress for success" blue suit, black suit uniform during the work week. A couple of weeks ago, I came to a startling realization: I am never going to be in the corporate work force again, due to my age, which is middle headed toward old; and my health, which is so-so. The jobs I want are going to the perky 20-somethings; and ain't nothing about me is perky anymore. </div>
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So, I am now and for the rest of my life will be a full-time artist and jewelry designer, probably below the poverty level. LOL </div>
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Am I happier than I was in the corporate world? Ask me on a day when I've had a sale or two and can pay the bills. There is a lot of worry for most full-time artists, and while it is something I dreamed of being able to do, it was only a pipe dream 5 years ago; and even then, I was thinking it was 20 years down the road. But, here it is, and I am trying to enjoy it.</div>
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Setting aside the worry, there are wonderful things about my "new" life. The best thing is that each day is my own. I can do whatever I want with it. I am learning not to feel guilty for sleeping in until 10:00, okay Noon, one morning, or staying up all night the next. I don't have anyone to answer to except myself. </div>
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The second best thing about working for myself is that I get to spend more time with my best friend, my Mother, Addie. </div>
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We have had some great heart to heart talks lately, really opening up to each other. I've never felt closer to her, and I think she would say the same about me. </div>
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Any of you who have visited my blog already know that my Momma is an artist herself, a landscape painter. We have had some really enlightening discussions about color theory and design recently. I have become so interested in what she does, that I have decided to take some art classes and see if I have any talent at painting. </div>
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Third, if I want to get in the car and drive through the countryside on a weekday to get inspiration, I get in the car and start driving. As small as South Carolina is, I can be on the Atlantic Ocean or in the Blue Ridge Mountains within a few hours' drive in each direction. Inspiration is everywhere around me. </div>
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I have also had some serious discussions lately with my friends and fellow polymer artists, <a href="http://www.jkollmann.etsy.com/">Jill Kollmann</a> and <a href="http://www.thebluebottletree.com/">Ginger Davis Allman</a>, about stress and pressure and creativity and being successful as an internet seller. We are all trying to figure out the magic formula, and I am learning about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and other marketing strategies. Jill and Ginger (and Ginger's computer Guru husband, Gary), are super smart about all this internet marketing stuff, and have been a huge source of support and encouragement for me. </div>
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Ginger is actually a customer turned friend, a co-conspirator in the search for the perfect cobalt blue translucent clay; and I am convinced Jill is a sister from another mother. We have so much in common, and when I need someone to vent to, or share a success with, I go to Jill. </div>
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Having key people to talk to is important. It is also a bit of a change for me, as my closest friends for the past 30 years were people I networked with on a daily basis in my paralegal job. Only a handful have maintained contact since I left my old job, and I am doubly grateful for all the friendships I have made through the internet. </div>
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Once I had the epiphany about not being part of the corporate rat race any more, I decided I want to be somewhat of a Bohemian. My old "black suit, blue suit wardrobe" has been relegated to the back of the closet. My new, handmade wardrobe is much less restrictive, more comfortable; and certainly bolder and more brighter. </div>
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So, if you see me gadding about town in a flowing turquoise and red caftan, or a busily-patterned batik print tunic, don't be saying to yourself "there goes that crazy, old, artist lady again." </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-41717472956942309782013-04-27T19:39:00.003-04:002013-04-28T11:50:24.897-04:00Yikkity Turquoise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Retired Atlanta Braves 3rd baseman Chipper Jones had a saying. When one of the Braves hit a long home run, he called it "going yikkity." In other words, they done good. </span></div>
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I do believe I went Yikkity with the latest batch of turquoise! For inspiration this time around, I turned to some of the lighter green turquoise from China; and a "faux" turquoise called African Turquoise, which is actually a jasper that is dyed or chemically enhanced. <br />
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I played around with the greens which are prominent in Chinese turquoise and African turquoise, then went to my favorite dark teal. I also pulled out some tiny shape cutters with some really beautiful results. </div>
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Before I write a tutorial, I repeat the process I'm writing about over and over and over again, to be sure my customers who purchase it can expect consistent results when they apply the steps. That practice results in a lot of pieces, and a lot of clay is used. I've gone through about 4 pounds of clay in the last month, and I'm almost ready to write, but I've got a few more color combos I want to try, so everyone who asked about the next tutorial, it's coming.</div>
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Please be patient with me. I think you will really love this one. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-56413976930936727892013-04-25T19:24:00.003-04:002013-04-28T11:44:26.471-04:00A Little Detour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I took a little detour from mosaic making yesterday to create some pieces inspired by this string of rustic saucer lamp work glass beads I received in the mail from Julie at Indian Creek Art Glass. </div>
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I was one of two winners at <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.blogspot.com/">Art Bead Scene</a> last month for my "Fracture" earrings, my entry in the Marc Franz challenge. My prize was a gift certificate from Julie's shop, <a href="http://www.outwest.etsy.com/">Outwest</a>. I used it toward the purchase of these beauties. I specifically asked for the eight apricot beads, and left it up to Julie to make up a mix of Southwestern colors to complete the order. I could not be more pleased with her selection. Thanks again, Julie! <br />
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When I opened the package, I think my jaw really hit the floor. Folks, this is my kind of beautiful. I just had to stand and stare at them in awe for a few minutes. </div>
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I can't really describe, and the photo doesn't show, how stunning they are. The colors are mouthwatering. My brain started churning with ideas inspired by the texture and colors. </div>
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I'm calling this collection Native Flowers, and they are part of my Southwestern Landscapes Series. These are a few of the pieces I created after being inspired by Julie's work. She's my new favorite glass artist, and a super nice lady. </div>
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I painted several different sheets of translucent (Premo) clay with chalk inks and alcohol inks, let them dry, and used my controlled marbling technique to make very thin sheets which I layered onto my favorite faux bone veneers. </div>
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I wanted the bone to show through the translucent clay, and I am really pleased with the result. </div>
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I am being very stingy with my saucer beads for now, but I have a necklace project in mind that I need a pendant for, and I may have to think on it awhile longer... and I've still got more turquoise to create, too. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you who purchased my faux turquoise mosaic pieces. The pieces from all three batches sold out, and I hope to have more in a few days. Thank you so much!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYoYCGPMesiJBD2zIDolNUu2cU8k9uC2DGzBbUI-0zY5T_Ow7VQtgGX0Ec1spkEPA8hlhPW49hKrGuR8eglAnJlc8jVK43XcOPPvid_0cq_nzXnR8LHZU35U9ULm5LMN0sm26Ilx1Hh8z/s1600/8689602532_42af1d5645_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYoYCGPMesiJBD2zIDolNUu2cU8k9uC2DGzBbUI-0zY5T_Ow7VQtgGX0Ec1spkEPA8hlhPW49hKrGuR8eglAnJlc8jVK43XcOPPvid_0cq_nzXnR8LHZU35U9ULm5LMN0sm26Ilx1Hh8z/s320/8689602532_42af1d5645_z.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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I really do have the best customers in the world, many of whom have become treasured friends as well. </div>
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Several of the pieces are on their way to Australia, and my customer didn't even mind paying the new, ridiculously expensive U.S. postage rates for 1st class international mail.</div>
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That's devotion for you! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-1110142431584293182013-04-23T14:59:00.003-04:002013-04-23T14:59:41.551-04:00More New Faux Turquoise Pieces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUUQA4EAakgHstz7z82jEs4NYe0SMhyqmSJZrdgOBuHVyW0ubgl0cytIF6XJEqb86FgZgcUb3AiB2B-Vk48MyHfd_t_U_Wd0TwA3VnSusNnD5J-_H9Dnw3HnUrrf3EtR8xsXbdbJB5NUM/s1600/8674682861_a0d296d74c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUUQA4EAakgHstz7z82jEs4NYe0SMhyqmSJZrdgOBuHVyW0ubgl0cytIF6XJEqb86FgZgcUb3AiB2B-Vk48MyHfd_t_U_Wd0TwA3VnSusNnD5J-_H9Dnw3HnUrrf3EtR8xsXbdbJB5NUM/s320/8674682861_a0d296d74c_c.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Well, my friend Arlene Harrison was right. Mosaics are addictive! I created a few more faux turquoise mosaic pieces, this time combining the 3 recipes I had on the work table, a King Manassa type turquoise, a robin's egg blue turquoise with black matrix; and a medium green-blue turquoise with black matrix which resembles Kingman turquoise. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdVpSxL5W5fBTscw1Mk-XEvN2I0VeciR5v4pFZuQVtimRlR_xMD1IAS2Bx0XvqCkfe_a5MExpfJkxlnE83g3nHB7hcNfBNrGSua8Jzlr187UkY_CBXtBqnIfwd-DQaNm-NaycQNbcE8bA/s1600/8675775686_66117b1649_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdVpSxL5W5fBTscw1Mk-XEvN2I0VeciR5v4pFZuQVtimRlR_xMD1IAS2Bx0XvqCkfe_a5MExpfJkxlnE83g3nHB7hcNfBNrGSua8Jzlr187UkY_CBXtBqnIfwd-DQaNm-NaycQNbcE8bA/s320/8675775686_66117b1649_c.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">My Nanny Moseley would say it is tacky to brag on yourself, but I'll just have to be tacky today, because I love the finished pieces. Please forgive the less than stellar photos. I think my camera is on its last legs. I've had a terrible time lately getting good shots and the battery won't hold its power. These pieces are really special. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFt_n9ISMHVBxwKkiiQYy94_98cCMAm6kHDikrCadRIIwdGVZjGPegVlkQojE11YnPx4BH0v071t0roUlYnLuz0o5kTVUIeyx595DPyfheQNZfYazYD7bKYrExX1ttSGsgZZLmXg9MU1V/s1600/8674677907_233193688b_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFt_n9ISMHVBxwKkiiQYy94_98cCMAm6kHDikrCadRIIwdGVZjGPegVlkQojE11YnPx4BH0v071t0roUlYnLuz0o5kTVUIeyx595DPyfheQNZfYazYD7bKYrExX1ttSGsgZZLmXg9MU1V/s320/8674677907_233193688b_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I've had the most fun creating these, and I am not done yet. Look to see more pieces later on this week, including combinations of faux turquoise with other faux finishes, like coral and Campbellite, which I have wanted to do forever. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCBYL-VOF1c0S9d6k_JuUpesWudFHbLyUFtzF2j7P77d_bwhc75BtQK9FGgXueo21FVNUh8fYxPljz_tQwNuw6lIYMLMPYDjr9PJtaoROlGaGq3qtCzvnIt1vPXzG3YbT5iyOlM42YtKM/s1600/8674654939_e4634307fd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCBYL-VOF1c0S9d6k_JuUpesWudFHbLyUFtzF2j7P77d_bwhc75BtQK9FGgXueo21FVNUh8fYxPljz_tQwNuw6lIYMLMPYDjr9PJtaoROlGaGq3qtCzvnIt1vPXzG3YbT5iyOlM42YtKM/s320/8674654939_e4634307fd_c.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">These last two pieces shown are part of my second batch of faux turquoise that I created last week, before the mosaic frenzy started. Yummy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UHBQIEKF8fF6sopKDBHPiTSRI4J288HpIOGnEk7_Ax9j6xVy9Z8p8z4KB_2CPI7z2OOEhDiiBwW1Gndz5Er5jCh6rphBoy0yEVs_QUcxT4l6vu2GjBdNgvsJp7pdaC3XmLusISzl4oWf/s1600/8674660607_814132cc85_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UHBQIEKF8fF6sopKDBHPiTSRI4J288HpIOGnEk7_Ax9j6xVy9Z8p8z4KB_2CPI7z2OOEhDiiBwW1Gndz5Er5jCh6rphBoy0yEVs_QUcxT4l6vu2GjBdNgvsJp7pdaC3XmLusISzl4oWf/s320/8674660607_814132cc85_c.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
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I'll be listing these pieces this afternoon and tonight, and I don't think they will last long, so if you are interested in these or any of the others shown in my flickr photo stream, better hurry. Two pairs of the earrings have already been reserved for a local customer.</div>
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Thanks for visiting, everyone!</div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-42905205814856046562013-04-20T12:10:00.001-04:002013-04-20T12:12:04.061-04:00Something Borrowed, Something Blue... Turquoise That Is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WanGduj8sHbVq-rjddQwdyHkcDdN0IH6UA2HNRD0Dkk1UEPX4eCTJ-AYVfR8pjgSaVU6fapmCAZUVJ8A7zdPBDc86eLCV2eqZkyOzH_OUenULkrhv90eGkaqBVIDY5Lm1sX6EjxjQJUG/s1600/8664853722_f7edb0942b_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WanGduj8sHbVq-rjddQwdyHkcDdN0IH6UA2HNRD0Dkk1UEPX4eCTJ-AYVfR8pjgSaVU6fapmCAZUVJ8A7zdPBDc86eLCV2eqZkyOzH_OUenULkrhv90eGkaqBVIDY5Lm1sX6EjxjQJUG/s320/8664853722_f7edb0942b_c.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129921097/fabulous-faux-collection-faux-turquoise?ref=shop_home_active">Faux Turquoise Polymer Mosaic Earrings</a></td></tr>
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I'm back to faux turquoise this weekend. I made some veneers two weeks ago and they've been sitting around waiting for me to decide what to do with them. <br />
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I was looking through my friend <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/harrisonhollowdesigns/">Arlene Harrison's flickr photo stream</a> yesterday and decided to try some mosaic pieces after seeing hers. So Arlene, I'm stealing your idea! <br />
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Here are the first results, which I love. I am shamelessly giving myself a pat on the back today. The photos are good, but they look AWESOME in person!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrItMYilqkcVQE2ZQDgrQoL4xq8AVuzjZxFDvJAnb0d4o9QFmkLQeiGgYeBgk_nB9sD_VTPIptLjffMJJwuoybUWJ0ga1CCod09eqDU1RBnREH1_H1obv2ref7g6Q2jswV47Lvabmv2quP/s1600/8664857252_3a41150f84_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrItMYilqkcVQE2ZQDgrQoL4xq8AVuzjZxFDvJAnb0d4o9QFmkLQeiGgYeBgk_nB9sD_VTPIptLjffMJJwuoybUWJ0ga1CCod09eqDU1RBnREH1_H1obv2ref7g6Q2jswV47Lvabmv2quP/s320/8664857252_3a41150f84_c.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129921514/fabulous-faux-collection-faux-turquoise?ref=v1_other_1">Faux Turquoise Polymer Clay Mosaic Pendant or Cab</a></td></tr>
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Tonight is Family Night, a/k/a the night I reign supreme as Canasta champion, so I'll be out of commission most of the day, but as soon as I can get back to this technique, I am going to do some pushing of that old envelope edge. </div>
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I've got some ideas I want to try to implement. You know what that usually means, though... something totally unplanned will probably emerge, so stay tuned. <br />
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I am having way too much fun to stop now! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-53113439454770404372013-04-15T18:18:00.000-04:002013-04-15T18:27:21.934-04:00Back In The Studio At Last!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
fingers have healed and the new shipment of clay arrived last week,
so it was time to get back into the studio. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am
still trying to find my next tutorial topic, so the experiments
continue. I can't decide between adding to my "Fabulous
Faux Collection" or doing something along the lines of textures
or surface design. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyTB5CYcH03xbPP1Y7QuJVb7Lx3j-ZGN1wm6jplzFVar8Xk0EhJXiTTfCOdcjlNDwWXB6AEs8iuhbhhW7SOVboLW-11X4C6VOeBXlAr0dhRH2ivDkTllzo5A9MUW4wtAJFRdfoayxockn/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyTB5CYcH03xbPP1Y7QuJVb7Lx3j-ZGN1wm6jplzFVar8Xk0EhJXiTTfCOdcjlNDwWXB6AEs8iuhbhhW7SOVboLW-11X4C6VOeBXlAr0dhRH2ivDkTllzo5A9MUW4wtAJFRdfoayxockn/s320/IMG_5626.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am
photographing every step of the experiments and hope something
definitive will emerge by the time I am through with the new shipment
of clay. I still have no Pardo, which is a major bummer, but
May is getting closer and I hope it will arrive before the end of
next month. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
have a list of the gemstones and natural material I want to try to
duplicate. The list gets added to every time my friend John sends me
an idea he would like to see me duplicate, too. The list is getting
pretty long, so I thought I better hop to it and see if I could mark
some “DONE!” </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two
days ago, I set out to try and duplicate Purple Copper Turquoise,
which is actually a dyed and enhanced Magnesite (would that then be a
faux faux gemstone?); and a Purple Impression Jasper, another natural
stone enhanced with dyes in every color under the sun. Both the
Magnesite and the Impression Jasper are really pretty, so neither was
a hardship to try. But alas, the experiments went awry and my
hands didn't create what my eye and brain wanted them to, and I ended
up with something close to the patterns in Druzy stones. </span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0qdPOYPZS2Pa3tKFx9dy7dj4Ny512-NrrEPSd9j7sE-fE5kikkN7CyYjSWZAHvT2Q-GPM3neygPsn-DI0w7SL0RM4-ow0EdUvGkrNzAT6xCfo7dk7OIpeqr4c_oJzdF-m6LnVNZguB9X/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0qdPOYPZS2Pa3tKFx9dy7dj4Ny512-NrrEPSd9j7sE-fE5kikkN7CyYjSWZAHvT2Q-GPM3neygPsn-DI0w7SL0RM4-ow0EdUvGkrNzAT6xCfo7dk7OIpeqr4c_oJzdF-m6LnVNZguB9X/s320/IMG_5631.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
favorite gemstone vendor, Kevin and the guys at <a href="http://www.limabeads.com/">Lima Beads</a>, has a
gorgeous <a href="http://www.limabeads.com/Druzy-metallic-purple-Round-Cabochon-25mm-P15944">Purple Druzy with copper matrix</a> among their gemstone
offerings so I decided to call this latest batch my version of Violet
Druzy Stone. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
goal in creating faux pieces is to create something of a size that
you normally wouldn't find in the real gemstone, like a humongous
Faux Carico Lake Turquoise pendant or earrings, which would be out of
the price range of most of us. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
love creating a big focal or earring components that look so much
like the genuine gemstone that my jewelry designer customers can
create statement jewelry using the faux focal and much smaller,
genuine stones. My first faux experiments five years ago
actually came out of a customer request for Golden Tiger Eye,
something I still am trying to achieve. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
start by studying a specimen of the genuine gemstone I want to
imitate. I may study it for several days or even weeks before
attempting it in polymer clay. Trying to create an organic
look from an inorganic compound like polymer is more difficult than
it appears. The hardest part is creating, for lack of a better word,
believable depth and texture; and creating texture is easier than
creating depth. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
was, for me, a large batch of experimental clay, one that yielded a
dozen pieces, when a normal batch only yields 2 or 3 pieces at most.
When my original ideas for a faux purple copper Turquoise or a
purple Impression Jasper didn't pan out, I was left with several
sheets of extremely thin clay, which yielded a dozen finished pieces,
which I've been staring at for two days while trying to decide what
to call them. I finally settled on “Faux Violet Druzy” after
cruising through Lima Beads this afternoon and finding that gorgeous
cabochon. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Am
I disappointed the Purple Copper Turquoise and the Purple Impression
Jasper didn't pan out? A little, but I love my Violet Druzy, too. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the best things about being an artist is that there is no
right way or wrong way to create. Happy accidents are good, and
these are wicked good happy accidents, if I do say so myself!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If you would like to see more of the Faux Druzy collection, please check out my Flickr Photo Stream. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Now I'm going to beat it back to the studio!</span> </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-63400597747859150112013-04-01T15:36:00.000-04:002013-04-01T15:42:05.766-04:00Faux Fantasy Turquoise and an Exercise in Patience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-hhoKJmrSsPwVWILCYQ1cWBdNkIgOgR1H-UC9Z8AS98595ZMTL5z9GAjrMLfLUNFS_gWA7ReEsjV4w1pKMy_EWlU7SdNHZWaR9RvpY6eFTc-tyd4kyWVaR6DGXdgKeuQwr41IpfoAPt7/s1600/il_fullxfull.442743623_nuel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-hhoKJmrSsPwVWILCYQ1cWBdNkIgOgR1H-UC9Z8AS98595ZMTL5z9GAjrMLfLUNFS_gWA7ReEsjV4w1pKMy_EWlU7SdNHZWaR9RvpY6eFTc-tyd4kyWVaR6DGXdgKeuQwr41IpfoAPt7/s320/il_fullxfull.442743623_nuel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127719488/fabulous-faux-collection-faux-carico?ref=shop_home_active">Faux Carico Lake Turquoise Arrowhead Earrings</a></td></tr>
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I have been trying to determine what my next tutorial will be about, and so I have been experimenting a lot. First up: Faux turquoise. I LOVE turquoise, and wanted to try and come up with polymer versions of some of my favorite types of genuine turquoise, like Carico Lake and Blue Gem, neither of which I will ever be able to afford. </div>
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Creating faux turquoise also satisfies my need for big, bold pendants and earrings. I can create as big a focal as I want in polymer, whereas a piece as large in the genuine turquoise stone would be way out of my price range, and probably almost everyone else's price range, too.</div>
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I made more than 120 pieces in the last 10 days, and sanded so much, I'm out of commission because my fingers are a cracked and bloody mess. </div>
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I am also out of clay, and it is torture! I am very impatient to get back in the studio and do some Spring creating. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDGA4Oq4gq9LP1oTTTk0Du7bPK063lFFU68KzeFwT01hVO7mh8s18-JbBqxGDB9DaNTR6yTG9LEL791m5o956V1spDr1cu4F5QfHonvXQBObtIS3LOQMthebuLm87bfJ4LkVIl1nJyNOp/s1600/il_570xN.442663106_jov6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDGA4Oq4gq9LP1oTTTk0Du7bPK063lFFU68KzeFwT01hVO7mh8s18-JbBqxGDB9DaNTR6yTG9LEL791m5o956V1spDr1cu4F5QfHonvXQBObtIS3LOQMthebuLm87bfJ4LkVIl1nJyNOp/s320/il_570xN.442663106_jov6.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127701709/fabulous-faux-collection-faux-blue-gem?ref=shop_home_active">Faux Blue Gem Turquoise Pendant</a></td></tr>
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I am seeing such beautiful new work from all my favorite polymer artists and I am jealous I can't get in there and create some new things, too. </div>
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Until my fingers heal, I'm spending the time sorting finished pieces into three batches: <a href="http://www.scdiva.etsy.com/">List</a>, Trash and Butt Uglies. If a piece passes the Diva Perfection Test, it goes in the List pile. Pieces with imperfections go in the Butt Uglies Jar for my Momma. Things I don't like or are too ugly for the Butt Uglies Jar get tossed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDpSghkrMTEpQo8jTN6O-1bh5iTLlsq0Xy7cf9FIxR-MXY-cUjp2nM2XST8YN3RerpYr_7Vh4joDSAXpAu4FLu0FVoN3BhBWT1qKqT1fEh5GMGy_ZN-2KQakbYtI-9rMku26eHtD-yxt9/s1600/il_fullxfull.442655851_doms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDpSghkrMTEpQo8jTN6O-1bh5iTLlsq0Xy7cf9FIxR-MXY-cUjp2nM2XST8YN3RerpYr_7Vh4joDSAXpAu4FLu0FVoN3BhBWT1qKqT1fEh5GMGy_ZN-2KQakbYtI-9rMku26eHtD-yxt9/s320/il_fullxfull.442655851_doms.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127695377/fabulous-faux-collection-faux-lake?ref=shop_home_active">Faux Carico Lake Turquoise Earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Of the 120+ pieces I created, I ended up with about 45 List pieces and 40 or so Butt Uglies. The rest got tossed... a lot of wasted clay, unfortunately.</span></div>
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The next step is photographing and deciding which pieces to list first. This is the hardest part for me. There are only so many items you can fit on the first page of your Etsy shop, so I have to decide which are my favorites. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityy0fJO9YTYOTWyTHFyElDlQO3ZavaJL5OYjpbxOsCF72fsgwHCFVoohEpnZlePRwzvncCXp1WtR7mQ1sS2dM_IxcnQueTn0c8aKg_qS48TkLicJfX0yaCKb8UyFvIq30FDDkd1h-WRRL/s1600/il_fullxfull.437154932_hv6l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityy0fJO9YTYOTWyTHFyElDlQO3ZavaJL5OYjpbxOsCF72fsgwHCFVoohEpnZlePRwzvncCXp1WtR7mQ1sS2dM_IxcnQueTn0c8aKg_qS48TkLicJfX0yaCKb8UyFvIq30FDDkd1h-WRRL/s320/il_fullxfull.437154932_hv6l.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126121499/southwestern-landscapes-series-cowgirl?ref=shop_home_active">Diva Fantasy Turquoise Earrings</a><br />
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These are some of the pieces that made the cut and will be listed. Seeing the final result is so worth the wrecked digits; and several of the pieces have already been reserved or sold. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaSu4xi1WRmtj0GaXbIpODWpQJsDQKPNsWCaDwvo3PgmAgPzUBhyphenhyphenuFDXp5rvjUBSVhsDBKwBZwStQkXtM56Nurvj0UJWGPOkg6n-L1GynIKQ-nobtaBLsUIqKCjuGEpLE5Ua9YJ0Q4bsT/s1600/il_570xN.442666577_dt4i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaSu4xi1WRmtj0GaXbIpODWpQJsDQKPNsWCaDwvo3PgmAgPzUBhyphenhyphenuFDXp5rvjUBSVhsDBKwBZwStQkXtM56Nurvj0UJWGPOkg6n-L1GynIKQ-nobtaBLsUIqKCjuGEpLE5Ua9YJ0Q4bsT/s320/il_570xN.442666577_dt4i.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127698588/reserved-for-terry-fabulous-faux?ref=v1_other_1">Faux Blue Gem Turquoise Earrings</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Which brings me to something I wanted to say. If you see something in my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25473906@N02/">Flickr photo stream</a> that is not listed in my shop, ask me about it. I only have the energy to post a few pieces at a time, so it may be that I just haven't gotten to the one you want yet. I am always happy to reserve pieces for my loyal customers. Email me and we'll discuss it, okay? <br />
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Thank you!<br />
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-72767721250081258552013-03-20T11:15:00.004-04:002013-03-20T15:13:32.062-04:00Ink Colors for the Latest Experiments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUZ4M4-fuhiSX1UV0zTueFBl0dFAz-xgFzIY9ZJ8eNrmZqjblnY1uEvTEyiMJwXzC42ipKp2BC6aj-8SHrNqyZzn4hP01GApxI2GCy9-6rinJd1UoeehH942tbSd6KeEH1qsJL8a8cQlk/s1600/IMG_5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUZ4M4-fuhiSX1UV0zTueFBl0dFAz-xgFzIY9ZJ8eNrmZqjblnY1uEvTEyiMJwXzC42ipKp2BC6aj-8SHrNqyZzn4hP01GApxI2GCy9-6rinJd1UoeehH942tbSd6KeEH1qsJL8a8cQlk/s400/IMG_5197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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First of all, I want to thank everyone who commented and emailed me with reference to my most recent post about the new Controlled Marbling experiments with Chalk Inks and Copper Leaf. I was a little overwhelmed with the response. </div>
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Several of you asked if a tutorial on the process was forthcoming. I had not planned on it. In fact, I was hoping with the instructions in the post, those of you who have already purchased the Controlled Marbling Tutorial would be able to create some similar pieces yourselves. </div>
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I still do not plan to create another tutorial, but I thought I would give you the names and sources for the clay and ink colors and brands so you could experiment on your own. I would like to see your experiments, too. If you try this, please email me your photos or add them to my<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/divadesignscustomergallery/"> Customer Gallery group</a> at Flickr. If you are not a member, I would be happy to send you an invitation to join. </div>
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Since I am out of Pardo Translucent for the foreseeable future, I used Kato Translucent and Fimo Translucent in the new pieces, along with Premo Gray Granite. Do not substitute White Granite. It won't work like the Gray Granite. </div>
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The Color Box inks I used were: Fluid Chalk Ink REFILLS (I don't usually buy the stamp pads, just the refill bottles of ink) in Alabaster, Yellow Ochre, Tangerine and Burnt Sienna, for the red group; and Aquamarine and Blue Iris for the blue group. Yellow Ochre is my new favorite. I LOVE it, and it blends with other colors to make amazing tertiary colors. </div>
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The Ranger/Adirondack inks I used were: Butterscotch, Chili Pepper for the red group and Bottle Green and Baja Blue for the blue group.</div>
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I also used Ranger/Adirondack Copper Embossing Powder (which I sprinkled randomly over the inked sheets before marbling.)</div>
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The Tsukinek INK PADS I used were: From the Versa Magic Line: Red Brick, Night Sky and Mango Madness; and from the Brilliance Perlescent line: Thyme, Poppy, Crimson and Rocket Red.<br />
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The copper foil leaf is from LA D'ore. I have had this for so long, I don't remember where I purchased it, but I believe I got it at Hobby Lobby. </div>
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I purchased all the clay and inks from Polymer Clay Express, and no, I do not get a discount or free stuff from Wilma or PCE for promoting them. I have no idea where else you can buy the inks, and haven't checked. </div>
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I blended the edges of some of the colors which were similar, creating overlaps on the leafed sheets. Try blending the brick red with the Mango madness, or the Thyme Green into the Aquamarine and Blue Iris. Mango Madness is one of my favorite colors. </div>
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If you try this experiment, allow the Chalk Inks to dry overnight before you stretch the clay or put it through a pasta machine to break up the copper foil; and when you put it through the pasta machine, if it is not completely dry, which I doubt it will be, put the clay sheet between pieces of parchment paper or deli paper so the ink doesn't get on your machine. </div>
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The Chalk Inks are thicker, so use a thin layer. You will also find the Chalk inks bead up on the copper leaf. That's okay. This creates interesting patterns during the marbling process. If it bothers you too much, though, just spread it around again with your finger. </div>
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When you have marbled the clay sheets and have baked your experiments, sanding and buffing will really bring out the layers of color. </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-32144194869257128032013-03-18T00:27:00.000-04:002013-03-18T00:27:22.643-04:00Controlled Marbling Experiments with Chalk and Alcohol Inks and Copper Leaf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd118CohYxDwfMDAsDpU2IS1jLOAnecSnQ01OMPmHBzEEE4VUDx0rMrTwsoV4QeGpNN-MsLKV2bqD_T5l2TvsonQvXq1HNiGEgRxEdZ-SlLMDP0j6Xi4AjSgi5dr3l2nWuzNy3AQYibITS/s1600/mosaic2bce96456e4cfcc89fba7975c4568e43f5fa306f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd118CohYxDwfMDAsDpU2IS1jLOAnecSnQ01OMPmHBzEEE4VUDx0rMrTwsoV4QeGpNN-MsLKV2bqD_T5l2TvsonQvXq1HNiGEgRxEdZ-SlLMDP0j6Xi4AjSgi5dr3l2nWuzNy3AQYibITS/s1600/mosaic2bce96456e4cfcc89fba7975c4568e43f5fa306f.jpg" /></a></div>
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I mentioned in my last post that I have been experimenting with Colorbox Chalk Inks and Copper Leaf. I tried them with my Controlled Marbling Technique, and for the most part, was very pleased. </div>
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This was a very messy project. Chalk Inks don't dry quickly on polymer clay. I am not the world's most patient person, so I messed up a few times, but finally logic prevailed and I left them to dry overnight, although they didn't dry completely, even then. I imagine it was an interaction between the chemicals in the clay and the chalk inks. Hmm, I do tend to blame chemical interaction for my unhappy accidents, don't I? There was a lot of trial and error, and I hate to admit how much clay went in the trash. </div>
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All of these were created using the inks and leaf with Kato and Fimo Translucent clays and Premo Sculpey Gray Granite. I conditioned some Gray Granite and some Translucent, divided each in half. I combined one of the half sheets of Gray Granite with one of the half sheets of Translucent and burnished it with copper leaf. </div>
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Are you still with me? At this point, I had 3 sheets of clay: One Gray Granite, one Translucent, and one copper leaf burnished sheet. I did this for each color batch. I decided to use blues and reds in one batch; and greens and yellows in the other group. As you can see from the photos, the color batch with the yellows and greens was more successful than the blue batch. BIG learning curve with the blue batch, which was the first one I tried. Most of it is now lining the trash can. </div>
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I then divided the sheets again, so I ended up with 6 sheets of clay: Two quarter sheets of Gray Granite, two quarter sheets of Translucent, and two large quarter sheets of burnished copper leaf clay. </div>
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One quarter sheet of copper leaf clay was treated with Chalk Inks and one with alcohol inks, and I repeated this step on one of the translucent quarter sheets. I thoroughly blended the other quarter sheet of translucent with one color of alcohol ink (violet blue in one batch, tangerine/red in the other.) I didn't add any treatment to the surface of the quarter sheets of Gray Granite. </div>
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After I left the Chalk Inks to dry overnight, a lesson learned after wasting almost all of the first batch of the blue group, I did my thing with the Controlled Marbling technique, then cut and shaped and baked. </div>
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One of the things I love best about using translucent clay this way is the that you never know what you are going to get until you have sanded and buffed the baked pieces. It's kind of like mining for gemstones. You never know what you've got until they are cut and polished. </div>
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Anyway, even with the steep learning curve with the Chalk Inks and the drying issue, I was pleased with the results, and I've got more ideas in mind. I'm not sure Chalk Inks were meant to be used with Polymer Clay, but I had fun testing them. </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-46351399340219282212013-03-14T15:31:00.004-04:002013-03-14T15:33:01.643-04:00The Polymer Arts Blog Feature <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Fractured earrings made it to the big time today, folks! They are featured on Sage Bray's blog for her magazine, <u>The Polymer Arts</u>. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out and read the post. I will be hanging out on Cloud 9 for the rest of the week! </div>
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Thank you again, Sage, for the honor. I'm tickled pink! </div>
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640390957361939993.post-81453906719881221812013-03-12T13:36:00.001-04:002013-03-14T15:08:39.617-04:00March Art Bead Scene Entry - "Fracture" Polymer Clay and Copper Leaf Earrings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am not a big fan of abstract art. It may due to the fact I am the daughter of a Realist landscape artist. But my controlled marbling pieces are abstract to the max, right? How can it be that I don't like abstract art? I don't really know, but a part of me just thinks a bowl of fruit should look like a bowl of fruit. </div>
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Even though I am not a fan of abstract art, the painting which is the inspiration of this month's challenge at <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-2013-challenge-palette.html">Art Bead Scene</a> really appealed to me. The painting is "Deer in the Forest," by abstract expressionist Franz Marc, a German painter and print maker who died in 1916.<br />
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This painting doesn't seem all that abstract to me, so maybe that is the appeal. It has abstract elements, but the deer are recognizable. Their ears are where they are supposed to be, and they don't have one exaggerated eye or anything, and their noses look like noses. </div>
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The first thing that struck me when I saw the painting was the frenetic energy of the color palette and the precisely rendered fracture lines across the surface, which is what makes it abstract, I suppose.<br />
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I tried to capture the energy of the painting in these earrings. I chose to concentrate on the Violet Blue, Russet and Yellow Ochre colors from the color palette. The abstract fracture lines were achieved using copper leaf over polymer clay. I covered the leaf with ColorBox Chalk Inks in Blue Iris, Burnt Umber and Yellow Ochre and added a layer of Pardo Translucent clay tinted with Alabaster ColorBox Chalk Ink and treated with Ranger Copper Embossing powder. <br />
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I bought a bunch of the Colorbox Chalk Inks and Versa Magic Inks recently and have been experimenting with using them to tint translucent clay and I must say, I really like the results so far!<br />
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So what do you think? Did I capture the frenetic energy of the abstract painting? <br />
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More about those Chalk Ink experiments later. Unfortunately, it was a short-lived experiment, since I am out of Pardo Trans AGAIN! <br />
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I can't wait for the next shipment, but looks like it won't be here until May. I have some Kato Trans (love the new softness!) and some new Fimo Trans, so we shall see what I can do with those. <br />
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Diva Designs Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03584450394780468279noreply@blogger.com3