maureenthomasdesigns.com blog

Back to the treasure chest! I pulled another drawer from my many little drawers of fun stuff a few weeks back, but I forgot to post a picture because I was in a hurry to finish a batch of Halloween and autumn jewelry for the Blue Line Gallery in Roseville. This was not a random pick because I knew inside this drawer lurked some cool metal spider web stampings. Vintage, I believe, because I’ve done a pretty recent and thorough search and have not found any new ones at any of my usual sources. If you recognize the spider webs…..PLEASE drop me a line because I’d love some more!

In addition to the spider webs, this drawer contains some fun souvenir stamped pennies from Disneyland and the Skunk Train, some pressed paper flower beads (broken, so now they are cabochons), an old tiger’s eye pendant, a lucite/resin vintage red striped pyramid, and miscellaneous metal beads and drops.

Because I love the spider webs and can’t find more I’ve been holding on to them for dear life. I didn’t quite like the bright shininess of them so I knocked down the finish with a torch until they were dingy and more spider-worthy. A simple molded and antiqued polymer clay spider was all it needed to become a fun Halloween pendant. Mine, all mine!

Two treasure drawers down and many more to go!

Have a spooky Halloween…….
Maureen

Anxiously awaiting some fall color in the garden. We’ve had a few sprinkles and gorgeous autumn-like weather. Looking forward to a chill in the air and falling leaves! Here’s what’s going in in my garden these days. I particularly like the sunflower petals which are perfect inspiration for a layered Ikat Skinner blend cane…

Maureen

Recent challenges with my local polymer clay guild (Clayville California), my local arts guild (PlacerArts), and various Flickr photo groups have taken me in art directions I hadn’t been before. Art challenges can get you out of a rut or pull you out of an “art block” and encourage you to try colors or techniques you’ve never used before.

I’ve really been enjoying my weekly mini photo safaris. My photography skills have definitely been improving and an extra bonus is viewing the pictures on the computer. A snapshot will often provide a better appreciation of an interesting color combination or an intriguing texture. Great for art inspiration!

The IPCA introduced a new photo challenge. I am thrilled that they chose my closed sunflower picture as the first “inspiration photo”. Please check it out and see where the clay takes you. I’m looking forward to seeing the entries!

Well, this morning I closed my eyes and picked a drawer. Vintage chain, colored plastic rings from an electric toothbrush, a pretty little silver wire purse/basket, and some miscellaneous doodads.
I’ve been playing with these simple polymer wafer beads for a few weeks. I’d strung and unstrung the beads numerous times and I finally just set them aside, waiting for inspiration. I decided that adding bits of one of the chains might create a more interesting necklace. I wanted to use all of the wafers so I made a long rope that can be wrapped two or three times around the neck. I think the chain makes a definite improvement in the design.
So far, so good!

Maureen

Kim Swearingen’s Gypsy Tour blog has inspired me to clear out some clutter. Some of it gets in my husband’s way. A lot of it has been getting in my way. I feel much more creative when I have lots of materials at my fingertips. I found that to be true during the many years that sewing was my passion (lots of fabric, threads, buttons, patterns, and tools). Also true with my beadwork (can never have too many beads and findings). Throw in the many other art endeavors in which I have dabbled and soon there’s tons of fun stuff to store. Many items cross over so it’s difficult to clear things out of the studio because “you never know….” The hanging on is reinforced each time you discover that a gadget stashed waaaaaay in the back has a new or unexpected use (sure glad I didn’t get rid of THAT!). But there’s a fine line between lots of good stuff and a goat explosion.

My “treasure chests” are little hardware cabinets that are jammed full of lovely vintage findings, old clasps, single fabulous earrings waiting for new lives, cabochons, bits of chain, game pieces, etc, etc, etc. Many treasures have been forgotten because they’re drowning in stuff I’m likely never to use.

220 little drawers. My husband has been challenging me to dive in, pull something out, and be inspired to create some new work. So, every few days I plan to randomly open a drawer and find something to either be rid of or to incorporate into a piece of jewelry or other art. Tomorrow will be Day One!

Maureen

My local polymer clay guild, Clayville California, issued a challenge to create something “stackable” from polymer clay for our May meeting. After several ideas failed to pan out I decided to make some pendants from polymer beads that ended up looking like a cross between stones and sea glass. I love playing with color and this provided the perfect opportunity to mix and match and come up with some unusual combinations. I had so much fun that it resulted in the Stakt Series.

I likely wouldn’t have made these pendants had it not been for the challenge (and the deadline). Lesson learned: if feeling creatively stuck, bored, or stifled try challenging yourself or your guild. The challenge can be very specific or as broad as a shape or color. Hopefully, you’ll strain your brain a bit and explore a technique you’ve been meaning to try or perhaps you’ll come up with something totally new!

Thanks, Clayville!!!

Today was the day for 100 artists to turn in their completed boxes to PlacerArts. Here are a few pix of my box as it progressed over the past few weeks. I have always claimed to work best under pressure, but I think that’s just an excuse for procrastination! I was touching up and removing tape that was holding the flowers together while the epoxy set a few hours before the deadline.

Every project seems to have at least one technical problem to work out and this one was no exception. I wanted the polymer flowers to look casually piled up in the basket, which required them to be attached to one another at barely-touching points with tiny dabs of epoxy…a definite test of patience as they flexed and slid around!

I’m happy with my Flower Basket, but I was blown away by a number of the other entries of which I caught a glimpse today. Can’t wait for the show to open and my fingers are crossed that all the submissions bring high auction bids. The arts are taking a beating these days and PlacerArts needs all the support we can give.

OUTSIDE THE BOX show: April 8-May 22, 2010
OUTSIDE THE BOX live auction: May 22, 2010
PlacerArts – Auburn, CA

Maureen

I wanted to tone down the wood of my “Outside the Box” box. The finished piece may be prone to scratching so I didn’t want to fuss with paint. I found a great solution on an internet site called Extreme Restoration about the restoration of old clocks. Here’s an earth-friendly recipe suggested for “aging” new wood:

Start with clean wood and try not to handle the wood with other than clean hands throughout the staining process. I ended up with a few visible fingerprints on my piece; however, they are in an area that ultimately won’t be visible so not earth-shattering. A test piece would be a great idea to help you know how many vinegar layers to lay down to get the effect you want.

Pull apart some 0000 steel wool, place the pieces in a lidded glass jar, and add enough white vinegar to cover, plus an inch or so. Set aside to react for 24-48 hours. I expected the vinegar to change to a rusty color, but it didn’t.

Brew some strong tea to get as dark a brew as possible and allow to cool. Paint the wood with the tea (I used a sponge brush) and allow to dry. My plywood/MDF didn’t change color much from the tea, but the point is to get a layer of tannic acid on the surface of the wood.

Once dry, paint the wood with the vinegar solution. Try not to handle the wood while wet as fingerprints may be left. Now, wait for the magic to happen! Overlapping the vinegar can result in darker areas so refer to your test piece. If the result is darker than you’d like you can try sanding lightly.

My project turned a beautiful blue/gray/green. Different woods will obviously react differently. I’m very pleased with my “aged” wood and I will definitely keep this technique in my bag of tricks!

Maureen

Well, the box has been staring at me for the past 6 weeks. Drop-off day is fast approaching. I’ve changed my plans about 3 times, but I won’t divulge as perhaps there’s a good idea in there for next year’s challenge. I finally split the thing in half, sanded and smoothed it and I’m assembling some parts and pieces. I hope I’m not giving myself away!

Maureen

Synergy2 is only three weeks away. I can’t wait to see all the fabulous polymer clay work in the Gallery and Exhibit. Friend and fellow Clayville California member, Victoria James, submitted this beautiful polymer clay and pine needle basket for the exhibit, which made the back cover of the Synergy2 Exploring Connections exhibit catalog…very exciting news! The conference theme revolves around collaboration. The Exhibit showcases artwork either produced by one artist in mixed media or made by two or more artists working together (or both).

Please stop by the Gallery and say hello if you will be in Baltimore!

Maureen