Gallery (10 pics): “These are just stunning. I can’t believe how real they look.” ~Elizabeth-S

Judging from the little flurry of dogwood photos getting posted recently, at the Members Gallery page, it seems that the Dogwood Flower Pendant Tutorial was a hit.

Thank you everyone, so much, for posting your project pics. It is such an inspiration to see all of the wonderful interpretations.

Below are a few more close-up photos that Willow snapped for your enjoyment. Plus, the ones pictured are available for purchase if anyone is interested.

Sculpted Dogwood Flower Pendants (10 pics):

Price: $25 each (US): Sculpted Dogwood Flower Pendant Necklace (neck wire is included) – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post, then please contact us. Be sure to include your color choice (Pink or White),  and your full mailing address so we can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions.

By the way, if you did not get a chance to see the last special Gallery feature, here is a direct link: Gemstone and Polymer Aurora Borealis Necklace

Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.

Gallery (12 pics): “The strands were strung using gem stone chips in Obsidian, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Red Jasper and Green Aventurine.” ~Cindy Lietz

Now that the holidays are over and there is no chance of spoiling the surprise for my Mom, I thought you may enjoy seeing the Christmas gift I made for her last month.

Of course since it was a gift, I won’t be listing it for sale. And I also forgot to take the exact measurements before wrapping it up. Actually, in all the haste of the season, it was lucky that I even got the project done in time for Willow to snap a few pics for you guys.

Now in regards to this topic of me showing my finished jewelry pieces, I would like to quickly respond to a question that just came in the other day…

One thing I haven’t seen from you, or you may have shown it and I missed it, is where to see your jewelry. Do you have your pieces on ETSY or ARTFIRE? I would love to see your store setup and have some hints on pricing. ~Linda-P

So to answer your question Linda… at this time, the only place where I show my finished jewelry items, is in these monthly Gallery Posts here at my blog. Usually I price each piece and list them for sale, but as I said above, today’s post is an exception from norm.

In each new Gallery post, there is a link back to the previous one. These back links allow you to easily see any that you may have missed. Here is a link to last month’s showing: Pink Poinsettia Earrings

For lots of ideas and info about how to sell your jewelry items, what you can do is use appropriate keywords in the search box at the top of this page. A few good keyword examples to start with are:

• selling
• jewelry sales
• craft fairs
• niche markets
• etsy

Here at this blog web site, there are currently 1055 articles and over 28,222 comments in the archives. In other words, there’s lots and lots of valuable information just waiting to be discovered, for anyone who is will to do a bit of digging and research

Gemstone and Polymer Aurora Borealis Necklace Gallery (12 pics):

Gemstone and Polymer Aurora Borealis Pendant Necklace: This doubled stranded necklace is collar length and has a warm comfortable feel as it lays on your neck. The strands were strung using real gemstone beads and chips in Obsidian, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Red Jasper and Green Aventurine which complement the rich colors of the polymer pendant.

The triangular almost shield shaped pendant has a similar look and feel to it, as the Inuksuk (pronounced i-nook-shook) sculptural stone forms of the Inuit people of our Canadian North (formally referred to as Eskimo’s).

I thought the shape was especially appropriate given that the rainbow colored polymer clay beads in the pendant, were created using my Aurora Technique. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is a naturally occurring phenomenon most often seen in the crisp cold night skies of Northern communities.

The multi-pieced polymer pendant was wire wrapped using Sterling Silver, oxidized with Liver of Sulfur to compliment the antique finish of the Silver Plated Swarovski Crystal Magnetic Clasp… and the Antique Silver Plated spacer bars that keep the two strands separated and laying nicely.

My Mom loved the necklace and wore it at our Christmas dinner. She loved the warmth of the gemstones and the way the pendant laid on her neckline. With the many earth tone colors and the very comfortable length of this piece, I am sure she will be able to wear it with many different outfits.

As a side note, although this necklace is quite simple in design, I did find that it was time consuming to put together. Working with gemstone chips of random sizes; and the two different strands lying side by side; as well as the weight of the pendant; meant that I had to string and re-string (and re-string) the piece many times before I got it to lay nicely on the neck.

I did enjoy the challenge though, and the time spent was well worth the effort it took to make. Just thought I would share that with you, if you were considering making pieces like this for sale. The price you would need to charge for your labor, should be considered if you plan to make any money on your work!

Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.

Gallery (12 pics): “Dainty layered petals lightly dusted with golden powder and season’s greetings.” ~Cindy Lietz

With Christmas right around the corner, how about a pair of pretty pink poinsettia earrings? Hand sculpted using lovely shades of Pink and Green polymer clay, these dainty layered petals are lightly dusted in Gold powder and hung from Rose Gold Earwires. They are the perfect unique accessory for your Christmas Holiday outfit.

I hope you continue to do these gallery posts Cindy. I wouldn’t mind if you did them more often. To me they are quite valuable in showing me how I can describe and lay out my work to their best advantage. Even your pricing is helpful. I don’t know if it’s you or Doug that is the marketing genius, or the combination of the both of you. Whichever it is, please don’t stop the way you do things. It’s ALL valuable teaching and I thank you. ~Angela-M

Pink Poinsettia Polymer Clay Earrings Gallery (12 pics):

Right earring length is 2″ (50mm) and left is 1 3/4″ (45mm).

Price: $20 (US): Pink Poinsettia Earrings – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post, then please contact us. Be sure to include your full mailing address so we can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions.

By the way, if you did not get a chance to see the last special Gallery feature, here is a direct link: Tidal Pools Polymer Clay Earrings

Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.

Gallery (9 pics): “Asymmetrical jewelry designs… Like the glittering tidal pools along a rocky ocean shoreline.” ~Cindy Lietz

Today’s Gallery post showcases a unique pair of asymmetrical dagger style earrings of polymer clay, silver leaf and fine silver handmade earwires. Perfect for the quiet sophisticated modern woman.

Like the glittering tidal pools along a rocky ocean shoreline, the translucent layers of aqua colored polymer clays, swirl and mingle with the sparkle of silver leaf flecks embedded in the clay layers. This watery blue and green layer created using the Rolled Mokume Gane Technique, floats above a thin layer of white polymer and backed by a silver grey base.

Tidal Pools Polymer Clay Earrings Gallery (9 pics):

Right earring length is 2 1/4″ (54mm) and left is 2 3/4″ (60mm).

Price: $35 (US): Polymer Clay Tidal Pool Earrings – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post, then please contact us. Be sure to include your full mailing address so we can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions.

By the way, if you did not get a chance to see the last special Gallery feature, here is a direct link: Discovered Treasure Pirate Bracelet

Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.

Gallery (9 pics): “Buttery smooth skull and crossbones design… made for a Pirate Girl in a modern world.” ~Cindy Lietz

Today’s Gallery post showcases a unique mixed media bracelet, designed for a Pirate Girl in a Modern World. It’s soft drape, lovely turquoise stones and charming white and brown skull & crossbones beads, make for a jewelry item that is classy enough to wear at the office, and edgy enough to keep you from getting bored with it.

It’s rustic yet elegant, handcrafted copper patina (Melinda Orr) clasp, is showcased beautifully by 4 buttery smooth pirate art beads. They were created with my signature polymer clay pirate cane, and accented with Turquoise Magnetite beads that match perfectly with the clasp. The bracelet is linked together with gently aged solid copper wire using a rosary chain, wire working technique.

Discovered Treasure Pirate Bead Bracelet Gallery (9 pics):

Total length of the bracelet is 9″ (23cm) but fits a 7″ – 7 1/2″ (18cm – 19cm) sized wrist comfortably.

Price: $40 (US): Discovered Treasure Pirate Bracelet – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post, then please contact us. Be sure to include your full mailing address so we can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions.

By the way, if you did not get a chance to see the last special Gallery feature, here is a direct link: Mixed Media Coppery Earrings

Open Mic: Please feel free to use the comment section below as a forum for discussing whatever is on your mind. Ask questions… post tutorial requests… share stories about your latest creations… or just say HI! This is your community! The more you put in, the more it gives back.

Gallery: “Rich and warm, these unique Fall art earrings have a earthy and substantial look to them… but light as a feather to wear.” ~Cindy Lietz

Fall is definitely in the air… at least around here it is (Vancouver, BC, Canada). Time to start thinking cashmere sweaters and tweed jackets. Browns, and Russets. Coppers and Golds. And yes, the crinkle of leaves under your feet, as you walk through the park.

Just think how fabulous you would look, strolling in your favorite Fall outfit, complimented by a fabulous pair of Artisan Earrings. Especially if they were as gorgeous as the Coppery Autumn, polymer clay mixed media earrings, showcased in today’s gallery post.

By the way, if you did not get a chance to see the last special Gallery feature, here is a direct link: Parrot Tulip Bead Necklace

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Copper Autumn Polymer Clay Mixed Media Earrings:

Rich and warm, these unique Fall art earrings have a earthy and substantial look to them… but light as a feather to wear.The three petaled leaf shapes were cut from a shet of clay made from my Polymer Clay Art Sheet Technique. This method of creating miniature artworks is done by layering specially blended pearlescent polymer clays, and layering inks, mica powders, silver leaf and translucent clays.The leaf shapes are cut one at a time from the art sheet, baked and then sealed with a resin layer to create depth and a high shine. This polymer piece is accentuated with a carefully hammered copper disk, as well as hand wrought earwires made of the precious metal Niobium… stunning AND hypo-allergenic! The components are cold joined using handmade copper rivets, giving the earrings a true artisan look. These earrings hang gracefully from your earlobe at just under 3 inches (7cm) in length and at 2 1/4 inches (5.5cm) in width. They make the perfect accessory for a cozy sweater or a tailored wool suit. Price: $40 (US) Coppery Autumn Earrings – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post above, then please send an email to let me know. Be sure to include your full mailing address so I can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions.

** Did You Know… Members with current subscriptions to the weekly tutorial videos are always entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing 6 or more back issue packages in a single transaction. If you are interested, let me know which back issues you would like, and I will send further instructions on how to complete your order.

“Delicate yet substantial, the frilly petals of this Parrot Tulip Bead were carefully sculpted for this unique copper chain necklace.” ~Cindy Lietz

The necklace showcased in today’s post was originally shown in the Sculpted Parrot Tulip Bead video tutorial. The artistic collage of additional photos presented below, were shot by our daughter Willow.

These Gallery features are included here at the blog, to provide you guys with ideas to get your creative juices flowing. If you missed the last one, here is a direct link: Ballroom Shimmer Earrings

Please use the comment section at the bottom of the page, to discuss the items presented… or to let me know what other projects you would like to see and learn more about.

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Parrot Tulip Polymer Clay Tassel and Copper Necklace:

************************************************************************************************** Delicate yet substantial, the frilly petals of this Parrot Tulip Bead were carefully sculpted with polymer clay, and then artfully wrapped with wire, to create a charming tassel pendant for this unique copper chain necklace.Accented with Hand Torched Copper Headpins and Tree Coral dangles, the Princess length chain is 18 1/2 inches (47 cm) long with a hammered copper front wearing clasp from which the Parrot Tulip Bead Tassel gracefully hangs.Fine linked Antiqued Bronze chain forms the tassel beneath the flower bead pendant to create texture, movement and visual grounding to the design. The pendant measures 3 inches (7.5 cm) in total length, from wire loop at the top, to the tip of the swaying chain underneath. Price: $40 (US) Parrot Tulip Tassel Necklace – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post above, then please send an email to let me know. Be sure to include your full mailing address so I can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions. **************************************************************************************************

** Did You Know… Members with current subscriptions to the weekly tutorial videos are always entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing 6 or more back issue packages in a single transaction. If you are interested, let me know which back issues you would like, and I will send further instructions on how to complete your order.

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“These colorful
earrings bring the
perfect drama to any outfit,
whether a sparkling ball
gown or a favorite pair of
jeans.” ~Cindy Lietz

Can you just picture these stunning earrings swishing gracefully from the lobes of a glittering ballroom dancer as she glides across the floor with her partner? I can.

Lately we have been watching a lot of the So You Think You Can Dance TV show, and although I am far from graceful myself, I feel as though I move a little smoother when I wear a pretty pair of earrings like this.

As many of you already know, Doug and I have an almost 15 year old daughter named Willow who is aspiring to be a professional photographer when she grows up. This summer, she has started working along side Doug, learning the tricks of photographing and editing beads and jewelry for our Website.

Previous to this post, some of Willow’s photographic work has already been featured in some of the recent color palette presentations. You can see them at these links: Peeled Tree Bark, Exotic Spices Palette, Snail Palette and Peach Rose).

And in today’s photo shoot, Doug and Willow worked together to provide you all with a beautiful gallery collage of jewelry making inspiration. This is a wonderful opportunity for Willow to gain experience. I am excited to see where she takes her new skills!

By the way, here is a link to the previous featured Gallery post if you did not get a chance to see it: Blue Iris Sculpted Flower Pendant

Please use the comment section at the bottom of the page, to discuss the items presented… or to let me know what other projects you would like to see and learn more about.

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Ballroom Shimmer Crackled Paint Polymer Clay Earrings:

************************************************************************************************** Graceful and shimmering, these Ballroom Shimmer Earrings were created with polymer clay and a crackled paint technique using my own custom made metallic paints in Pinks, Golds and Blues. The polymer oval shapes are 1 – 1/2 inches (4cm) long and 1 inch (2.5cm) wide. The high gloss resin coating provides protection and also showcases the depth of the textured surfaces very nicely. Enhanced with the rich warmth of bronze wire, hand torched headpins and ear wires… the real fresh water pearls are wire wrapped and linked to create a shimmering tassel beneath these artistic earrings. At a total length of 3 – 1/2 inches (9cm) these earrings dangle just an inch or two off your shoulder and bring the perfect drama to any outfit, whether a sparkling ball gown or a favorite pair of jeans. Price: $30 (US) Ballroom Shimmer Earrings – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post above, then please send an email to let me know. Be sure to include your full mailing address so I can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions. **************************************************************************************************

** Did You Know… Members with current subscriptions to the weekly tutorial videos are always entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing 6 or more back issue packages in a single transaction. If you are interested, let me know which back issues you would like, and I will send further instructions on how to complete your order.

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“Like the ruffled
skirts of a forest sprite,
the blue petals of this
beautiful sculpted Iris
pendant, shimmer and
dance on the…” ~Cindy Lietz

Not surprisingly, if you look up Iris in a book of flower meanings, the definition is, Inspiring. I mean just by gazing upon these gorgeous flowers, you can’t help but be inspired! So what better piece of polymer clay jewelry could there be, than a Sculpted Iris Pendant to share for today’s inspirational spotlight.

In today’s photo shoot, Doug captured a the Sculpted Polymer Clay and Copper Wire Wrapped Iris Pendant that I made just recently, using some of the new pearl colors from Premo.

As you may have noticed from today’s featured Gallery post, as well as from previous ones (see Mosaico Earrings for another example of a recent Gallery feature), these photo spreads are included here at the blog to provide you guys with ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Please use the comment section at the bottom of the page, to discuss the items presented… or to let me know what other projects you would like to see and learn more about.

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Sculpted Blue Iris Polymer Clay Pendant:

************************************************************************************************** Like the ruffled skirts of a forest sprite, the Blue Petals of this beautiful Sculpted Iris Pendant, shimmer and dance on the neck of whomever wears it. Shifting from a Dark Navy Blue, blending to Peacock and then fading to a soft Violet, this artistic flower pendant will compliment any wardrobe… whether a delicate silk blouse or a great pairs of jeans and a T-Shirt. Wire wrapped with hand torched copper headpins, the pendant is approximately 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) long, and 1 1/4 inches (3 cm) wide. It hangs from a Black nylon coated steel cable that can be cut any length up to 20 inches (51 cm) maximum. This necklace would make the perfect gift for a girl or woman that loves the beauty of nature and wants to stand out from the crowd. Price: $30 (US) Sculpted Blue Iris Flower Pendant – If you are interested in purchasing the jewelry item shown in today’s gallery post above, then please send an email to let me know. Be sure to include your full mailing address so I can work out the shipping cost and get back to you with payment instructions. **************************************************************************************************

** Did You Know… Members with current subscriptions to the weekly tutorial videos are always entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing 6 or more back issue packages in a single transaction. If you are interested, let me know which back issues you would like, and I will send further instructions on how to complete your order.

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“Look at this art and
remember something;
anything, good or bad and
hold on to it, cherish it
and then let it roam
free…” ~Fisher Lietz

If you did not already make the connection, Fisher is my son. Now I realize today’s post strays a bit from the main polymer clay focus of this blog… but I was just so moved by the meaningfulness of this piece, that I just HAD to share it with you all.

I guess I could do a tie in with my Mosaico Earrings from the other day… since they do have a somewhat similar look, but that would be a stretch :-)

Here’s a little background info about today’s post…

One day last week, Fisher pulled out the artwork from his backpack and placed it on the kitchen counter. When I saw the piece, I remarked right away that it was beautiful. He said it was made with one continuous line, and that he wrote an artist’s statement attached to the back. Then we headed off to school. It wasn’t until lunch that I really had a chance to look at it again.

Now Fisher hasn’t really considered himself to be an artist, at least not in the drawing or painting sense of the word. He tends to like to work more with his hands in a physical way, building Lego or making little Pokemon figurines out of polymer clay. He also loves to write, and is quite an intellectual when it comes to conversations.

When I read what Fisher wrote about his art, I was very moved. He put so much care and thought into the piece. This wasn’t just a cool picture with some lines and blocks of color. It was a true piece of inspired art. There was depth and meaning represented… about the connection between his art and his life.

Hopefully you will find some inspiration as well, from Fisher’s creativity. To look deeper inside. To know that even when you face adversity in your life, there will always be sparkling shards of color and joy mixed in amongst the shattered glass.

Artist: Fisher D. Lietz 2011

Title of Work: Shattered Glass

Artist Statement:

This piece of art shows that life is usually good hence the bright colors but it also shows that you can have bad stuff happen to you too, that’s why there are small amounts of darker colours like the black and grey. If something really bad happens like a close friend or relitive passes away the glass will shatter. The glass may shatter, but remember among that broken glass is brite colours you can never throw away.

Now for the way I did it, I used the multiple lines to give the art a more abstract feel; but with meaning. I want people to look at this art and remember something; anything, good or bad and hold on to it, cherish it and then let it roam free in their heads again, and always remember to be thankful to be alive.

~Fisher D. Lietz