Some of my newest Polymer Clay pendants I recently made and a weird bird

Hi blogger friends,

As of recently I have played almost every day with clay which is really a learning experience in many ways in making different effect.  Some will end up in a grey scrap pile and other not so bad scraps will be used for fun swirls.  I am sure I will make more beautiful things in the future as I am self thought with the help of videos and own experimenting.  I think what matters most is that I have a great time doing it.

I wouldn't dare showing you what's on my crafting table right now. It's a real mess, I seem to have the ability to take everything out I can possibly need, in just a few hours.  I feel creative when everything is around me ready for the using.

In the meantime, Linda comes every week and gets to see my new trials and errors and some are not so bad.  But here are two of them to share with you

Look at this dove in my studio window, I have an inch wide window ledge and there he is.  This is the male of this couple mating these days on the large branch you see behind him.

Well, this bird is really coockoo or perhaps stupid, but he keeps coming to smash itself in my studio window, which in turn makes Moki bark, even my dog thinks something is not right!

Today alone it probably has smacked his beak and belly three dozens of times.  Poor Moki, I had to tell him to hush up each time as he had no idea why that bird was acting so nuts! I still don't know, but what I know is, when I knock in the window to scare him away, he stays there and watches me.  I have a peeping Tom in my craft room LOL.

Have a great day

Hugs

Nicole

Our little Moki on his surfboard

Hi Blogger friends,

As promised last week I believe I have a few photos of Moki on his surfboard.  I must say has since been swimming more as well as without his little safety vest.  He plunges from the surfboard and swims to the stairs on his own, well, ok, we are calling him on doing it LOL.  But, he is so good and comfortable in the water now. 

This little guy makes us laugh so much, I am sure if our neighbors are hearing us when he is with us in the pool, they are shaking their heads calling us crazy.  I bet their dog would love to join in the fun too.

Here he is

Have a fun day

Hugs

Nicole

A birthday card to share

Hi Blogger friends,

I hope all is well with all of you,

Today I am sharing a birthday card, in fact, a 60th birthday card. This year I have 3 friends turning the young number of 60.  My husband always says, on your birthday, you are only one day older. True. I too will turn 60. 

Although this card was fun to make with Linda, it took a lot of card stock to make it. This card is actually over sized so each panel had to be made out of one card stock letter size for almost every layer. The dies I used were by Sue Wilson part of her newest collection CED4316 Frames & Tags, CED9303 Shadow Box Collection - Stitched Lattice Frames.  The number 60 was from Peel off stickers in gold.  Happy Birthday stamp is from my rubber stamp stash.  

Linda's card was sensational, my apologies, in all the excitement I forgot to take a photo of her gorgeous card.  She had a flower spray on hers, it was one of her best cards yet.  I may add it later if it's not too late.

I hope you enjoy!  Happy day!
Tomorrow I will show you Moki on his small surfboard.  Also a coockoo acting mourning dove.

Hugs

Nicole

Photos of our little Moki in the pool

Hi everyone,

I hope this finds you all well and smiling.
Geri I wish you well and get back on your feet soon.

I thought that I should share some photos of our little Moki in our pool.  He is so funny to watch so I thought since I have gotten so many emails asking to see him with recent photos, this was a perfect chance I had to share.  He just turned 2 years old this week.

I never thought it would be possible to love a dog the way I love my Moki.  I find him smart, full of unexpected tricks, lovable when he curls up into my lap and so much more.  We actually find him funny and find ourselves laughing most of the time with him around.  You know when kids are asking Mom for something and she refuses, the child will go to Dad and hope he will say yes?  Well Moki does that too!

But for now here are a few photos of my little family member Moki

Look at this face....

And Moki wearing his safety vest in action

He was on the floating device while sitting in the shade I was calling him so he would feel like jumping.....he eventually was comfortable enough to leave from the waterfall all the way to the stairs without help.  We have another swimmer in the family now.

Empty pool and that day was 105F so hot!

Hugs

Nicole

AND THE WINNER IS..........

Hi blogger friends,

I just wanted to let you know who the brooch winner is:

CONGRATULATIONS to ROSIE
Please email me at craftynikky@gmail.com with your address so I can mail your brooch to you this week.

Thank you to those who entered my blog candy

Hugs
Nicole

Here is the brooch you could win for just commenting

Hi Blogger friends,

Today, as promised, I am posting the photos of the brooch I am giving away next week.

Please read on...

PLEASE READ THIS PARAGRAPH, Blog Candy Rules
So that's not all, the surprise part is that everyone who will leave a comment about this brooch will be compiled until the end of the week on Sunday night at midnight (Mountain Time), on Monday the 11th, I will draw a name in a hat (all the ones that have participated during the week will get a chance to win the brooch.  Make sure you come back next Monday to see who the lucky winner is.  I will need your address to send it to you.  Leave a comment about the brooch and let me know if you have the Polymer clay bug, I want to know.  If you comment and mention both topics you will be entered in the draw.  Make sure to tell me if you are into PC (Polymer Clay yourself) and if you like the brooch. 1 entry per person.

If you comment, you give yourself a chance to win.  Good luck.

As of now you can enter the blog candy contest.

 

Hugs

Nicole

Have I got a surprise for you! A blog candy to draw on July 11th, 2016

Hi blog friends,

A long time friend suggested to me the other day that I should make poppy flowers made of clay.  I thought gee, I'm not that good at this yet, but in my sleep last night I was making one.  When I woke up I remembered everything about the making of it and sat at my table to immediately try it while it was still fresh in my mind.  No video to inspire me this time. 

It worked so well that Mark (my husband) just said WOW when he saw the first one.  So my head got into deeper thinking (painful LOL) but I thought to myself, if it is that pretty why don't I make molds so when I make another one I will save a lot of steps also work.  So there I was brainstorming on how to make this simple and time saving.

Here is a preview teaser for you:

PLEASE READ THIS PARAGRAPH, Blog Candy Rules
So that's not all, the surprise part is that everyone who will leave a comment about this brooch will be compiled until the end of the week on Sunday night at midnight (Mountain Time), on Monday the 11th, I will draw a name in a hat (all the ones that have participated during the week will get a chance to win the brooch.  Make sure you come back to see who the lucky winner is.  I will need your address to send it to you.  Leave a comment about the brooch and let me know if you have the Polymer clay bug, I want to know.  If you comment and mention both topics you will be entered in the draw.  Make sure to tell me if you are into PC (Polymer Clay yourself) and if you like the brooch. 1 entry per person.

I guess one might say, even with PC craft I am yet again making flowers LOL.  But this will not be the norm as I am into anything that comes out of my creative mind.  Mostly jewelry though.

Have a fantastic day, come back tomorrow and see what the brooch looks like and participate in the draw.  The poppy might not be the exact same one but it will be close enough that you won't see much of a difference.  So please enter and good luck!

Hugs
Nicole

A few of my pendants work of the passed week

Hi blog friends,

As promised here is an assortment of what I was able to make this week.  As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, I had to watch quite a few videos on Youtube before getting a feeling I should try what was show, no less than in the Russian language at that.  The videos were very clear to see although I don't know one word of Russian, at least not yet.

So without no further due, here are the few photos I have to share with you today:

This blue pendant was one that I totally improvised from scratch.  I had to give this a try as I wanted to try my new toy, *Sculpey's Clay silk screen kit.  Folks if you are into clay, get this product as it has gorgeous patterns for jewelry making.  It is under $20 and if you have a Hobby Lobby near you, use your 40% coupon.  It is worth it.  It also comes with a bottle of metallic gold and one of silver and a spatula to spread the paint onto your polymer clay piece as well. 

 

The other product I am ranting and raving about is the *Lisa Pavelka's MAGIC-GLOS product also found at Hobby Lobby and many online clay related stores.  This resin cures in the sun in 5 minutes or if you have a UV lamp machine at home you can use it to cure your clay without getting dust on it.  It takes about 5 minutes and you get the gloss you dreamed of.  I am not being paid to tell you this by the way.

 

*See product photos at the bottom of this email. 

 

This pendant I saw as a picture on Pinterest, I really loved the look of it, so I decided I would make my own altered version of it. 

The few techniques used on this pendant made me aware that I can indeed make a piece of clay look aged.  The back piece started in brown and I used a coarse sand paper to add texture to it.  Then used some green brown and black acrylic paint and aged as well as adding some mica powder of different colors to look artsy.

 

The wrinkled look gold layer was easily made by cutting a circle the size I needed, then added corn starch to both sides until it is not tacky and scrunched the piece in my hand (not too hard) and unfolded it to the desired look and once baked I added a Sculpey Glossy coat with a small paint brush.  That easy!

 

The next layer was made using a small circle cutter putting clay on the top end of it, pushing gently the clay inside the circle cutter to form a dome shape.  Once the dome is to your liking, leave the dome intact but cut the leftover clay on top making sure the dome is not disturbed.  I then added some mica powder in the center of the dome before baking it.  (note:  The mica powder will bake into the clay making it so it won't come off after baking)

 

Last gold layer looking like a mini button, Roll a ball of clay to the size you need and press gently with your thumb into the dome.  With a soft brush add the mica gold on it and bake with the blue piece according to your clay baking instructions found on the package.

 

Putting the layers together was done with crazy glue or jewelry glue can also be used.  This was really fun to make.

 

This one was inspired by the FIMO TV on You Tube.  I was fascinated by the look of the finished pendant so I had to absolutely try it.  The worst that could happen was failing, but I wasn't giving up so easily.  The video is in Russian, but the visual was awesome.

 

I made mine with copper mica powder on brown clay.  The inverted dome was made the same way as the previous instructions up above.  This was tricky to take pictures of this pendant but if you watch this video, have fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqf8jOu8XSw

 

 

 

 

  

There are the products I mentioned for the first pendant up above.  These can be found on Amazom.com as well

Have a great day

Hugs

Nicole

Reduced photo of butterfly cane

Hi blog friends,

HAPPY 4th of July weekend!

As promised here is a photo of my butterfly cane you saw in the previous post.  I will show work I did with canes when I have something to show that is worthy of your viewing.  In fact I have more photos of pendants I made this week to share with you.  Come back tomorrow to see it.  I must say, I was impressed with myself.  I had to watch a few videos to get me inspired on making my own.  Boy, was I glad I got inspired.  So come back to see the next blog tomorrow.

For now here is how the butterfly cane looks like when reduced.  It takes a while to do as once the handful size cane is completed, now the harder work begins.  Pulling each end while turning it (not twisting) and then roll it back to a nice equal log and so on until you have it reduced to different sizes you need it.  If it seems a little out of shape, it is easy to pull on after cutting slices.

This was a very first butterfly cane for me, I have more practicing to do but overall, I was surprised to see how much work it is to fill around the butterfly to make sure the shape stays as realistic as possible.

 

Until tomorrow, take good care and Happy 4th of July my friends

Hugs

Nicole

My first photo share of Polymer clay work

Hi Blogger friends,

I am not only happy with my newly (added) found passion but, excited to show you some of what I have made thus far that I can show and makes sense.  I will have some finished products to show at a later date and some cards from time to time.  I will continue to blog, but with low expectations.  Welcome all lurkers LOL

Here is the only photo for today. 

You see, if you are not a polymer fan yet, once you start it is hard to stop.  If you are a beginner and you watch the Fantastic You Tube videos on Polymer Clay you quickly realize that in order to make beautiful pieces, you have to have many colors of canes with lines, and some not, etc...  The second realization is that, you want to learn as quickly as possible, as many techniques as you can possibly get a handle on.  The confidence comes as you see your work take shape.  I am just a beginner and I could make flowers and a new butterfly cane. Harder projects to master.  If we consider the work with number from 1 to 5, 5 being the most difficult, the butterfly cane (which isn't reduced yet) is a 4 to me.  A flower cane is a 3.

This world of Polymer Clay is a door I re-opened after being away from it for 7 years.  But I am doing better than 7 years ago now (I was just making simple cane rolls, nothing complicated then).  All is coming back to me and therefore remember the little tricks to make working with this medium a lot easier. 

There are thousands of Blogs out there on the Polymer clay this and that.  If you just search Polymer Clay on Pinterest WOW you will get so much to inspire you by.  My preference is jewelry myself.  I too have a getting larger every day Pinterest board called (Polymer clay this and that) I also have many videos to get you wanting to start making your own little Art pieces.

There are more card postings coming as well.  I will also share some of Linda's cards as time goes on, I enjoy her work as well so we can continue to inspire our loyal visitors and commenters.  You are all so much appreciated, as all bloggers know themselves that one comment left means the world to us.  I don't look for them but when one pops up I smile and feel I may have made someone smile!

Happy Day to you all
Hugs
Nicole

Hi Blog reader friends

Hi friends,

Just to let you know that I am feeling much better after visiting many Doctors and yet have more visits to come.  But I am happy to report, I am feeling so much better.

Since my neck epidural procedure, I have started to play with Polymer clay, attempting to make jewelry, to be more precise; Pendants, and bracelets thus far.  But if you are wondering if I am still making cards, the answer is yes.  I am making cards but not as many as I used to.

I have somewhat lost interest in blogging is ply because I am sure other blogs are more interesting to visit and comment on.  I understand that, but it sure had a way to diminish my interest in sharing my latest creations.  I will post again, but I will see if there is more attention to my blog to decide if it is worth continuing it.

I know who are always commenting to my blog posts and I thank you for it.  So please continue to show support and perhaps if you or other visitor are signing up as followers I will get back to where I was a few years ago.  Many fans, that is.

So have a nice day.  I will post soon either Polymer clay attempts or cards.  As I mentioned, I am starting this craft and am practicing every day.  I will post a card as soon as I have one to share.

Smilitary away,
take good care my friends and followers,
thank you for your patience and loyalty.
Nicole

Quickie post

Hi Fiends and bloggers,

I will resume my blog posts once I get t the bottom of some issues with has caused my left fingers to be numb.  I don't think it is anything too serious but it has made me hard for me to do anything crafting and anything else I enjoy doing.

I will keep you posted once a week as April will be when I find out what the problem is.  Keeping fingers crossed.

I hope you are all well.  Craft for me please! :)

Hugs

Nicole

Meadow Clover and Dogwood Blossoms by Memory Box card to share

Hi Friends and, followers,

Today I am sharing a card that came about by trying to make another flower with what was originally purposed as Meadow Clover and Dogwood Blossoms and turn them into looking like a field of Spring Poppies.  I hope you like it.  I will give you a description of all products I have used for this card under the first photo.  Enjoy!

Here it is:

Material used:

Memory Box/Poppystamp - Meadow Clover 1206

Memory Box/Poppystamp - Dogwood Blossoms 1436

Memory Box/Poppystamp - Masquerage Masks 1357

Marianne Designs - LR0388

Impression Obsession - Gate DIE028-J

Stickles - Diamond

Embellishments:  Dragonfly brad, key and, red nail heads, Masquerade Masks.

Background paper - found on Pinterest and printed to fit my card

 

I agree that several of my cards are using many dies out there.  Keep a creative mind when you see my cards, I often see cards that has so many dies, there is no end to them, but try and adapt your own cards with your already collected own dies to adapt to your own interpretation.  Pick a theme i.e.: Baby card.... Gather the dies and stamps you have for this specific topic and then decide what color of card you can use for the base and, expand to 2 other colors.  3 complimentary colors is key, it's always best unless you are going for a Monochromatic style card, which is also gorgeous. 

 

Decide what you definitely don't want to use on your card and eliminate gradually to keep just a very few to use.  Build your card and have a visual plan.  It will make your life much easier.  Have fun with it.

I never adhere permanently anything that will go on my card until I am sure "This is it".  When in doubt, walk away and come back to it, you will know if you like it or if there is something missing or something to omit.  When your eyes are away from your project for a few minutes, something will pop and say "Add this or Remove that" then try again.  A little goes a long way, but too much on the other hand, will distract the eyes from the real theme (look) you are after.  I hope this helps

 

 

I hope you have a great day, make it memorable!

Hugs

Nicole

Heartfelt creations Sunrise Lily & Regal borders card

Hi Friends and followers,

Here I am, as promised, I have a fresh new card to share with you.  I hope it makes you smile as I sure was smiling once I saw it was coming to life for me.  These are fun dies with matching stamps to work with.  If you enjoy shaping, cupping flower shapes 101 this Heartfelt creations is for you.  You can cut the flowers alone without stamping them.  You can also stamp and cut all on the same die.  So, so, time saving.  I really enjoy the fact that, all is left to do is, shaping flowers, adding whether it's a center piece of choice, such as half pearls or yet, stamens as two of them are included with your die as well.  Have a look, you will become hooked too!

I have a card I am working on to share with you soon.  Another one of my cards with Heartfelt Creations stamps and dies.  Part of their recently out collection called "Sugar Hollow" if you are into Owls, you might enjoy this one.  I am getting back into more decoupaging my stamps.  Some of you who happened to know me almost 10 years ago, I have made quite a few Decoupage sheets 4,000+ of them.  I am not saying I will do this again as my free time is really limited.  But I can share what I can do with my own stamps, embellished with some cute flowers and backgrounds.  I hope you will enjoy it from time to time.  Keep an eye for the Owl's nest!

So today is about my Sunrise Lily card:

Material used:

HCD1-779 Regal Borders and Pockets die set

HCD1-787 Sunrise Lily die

HCPC-3720 Sunrise Lily Cling Stamp

Stamens from my existing stash

Half pearls

Marianne Designs - Leaves die LR0192

Happy Birthday Sentiment (held by a toothpick) by Make an Impression

Memory Box - Grove Branch 98311

Stickles - Diamond

 

 

 

 

If you want to see how to make a nice border edge(s) go to Emma Lou's Video on Youtube.

Check the Heartfelt Creations video

 

I hope this was helpful and inspiring.  I know this video was for me in many ways.  We get what we need in videos and we grow as we learn every day.  One of the reasons why I love crafting so much!

 

 

Have a fantastic day, live it as if it was your last

Hugs

Nicole