[Christmas] HPCG 2013 Party

The Christmas season is filled with parties left and right and I am loving it!  The HPCG had our Christmas party this past Sunday hosted by the gracious Ms. SP.  I brought home made Chicken Enchiladas.  We had fun exchanging and stealing gifts - there were a couple "hot items" that were a hit!

I gave these:  LP's Magic Gloss, a set of bezels and a mother-of-pearl pendant/brooch.

I initially picked up a set of Lumierre inks but it was "stolen" from me.  LOL.  I ended up picking a book:  "How to Make Polymer Clay Beads" by Linda Peterson.  It's just what I need.

Until next year!  Now I'm off to more parties!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Christmas] It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's the 1st day of my favorite season of all!

Polymer Clay Christmas Manger
Ornament

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, 

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, 

Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

[Celebration] Happy Thanksgiving!

This week, America is celebrating Thanksgiving.  This is my 4th year to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US, the 2nd in TX.  

I remember my First Thanksgiving in 2010 in Chicago.  

On my Second Thanksgiving, I made chocolate dipped cookies.  

Our first thanksgiving in TX was spent with our dear friends who helped us transition during our move.  I baked "Canonigo" for the first time that day.  

I made several "firsts" on this years thanksgiving season.  This was the handmade card that I sent my in-laws.  It was my first time to use Ranger alcohol inks to make the background, then stamped a maple leaf using Staz-on ink.

Thanksgiving Card and Fall Sugar Cookie inspired by SweetAmbs

I also made sugar cookies for the first time using a leaf cookie cutter and painted it using SweetAmbs' tutorial.  I super love her videos and the neatness of her work.  

SweetAmbs Fall Leaves

Well, it was also my first time to go to a liquor store to buy a small bottle of vodka, for arts' sake.  LOL. Oh boy, it didn't taste good at all.

Everyday is a day to Give Thanks.

What are you thankful for?  Do share it with me.

Happy Thanksgiving, America!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Challenge] P3 September 2013 Challenge: "Under the Sea"

I am a member of the Philippine Polymer Clay Guild where we have Challenges every now and then.  Last September 2013, our challenge was:  "UNDER THE SEA."  The challenge was to create a project inspired by the sea and participants were given a choice on using 100% polymer clay or mixed media.

Philippine Polymer Clay Guild

 This was what I made:

"Pearly Shells"

This pearly shell from the ocean focal piece measures 3 inches.  I made use of the silk-screened background of sea shells that I did during the Lone Star Retreat(c/o Ms. Karen Wood).  I added sculptured corals, Mr. Crabby, barnacles, bubbles and a treasure chest filled with gold and pearls. What lies under the sea is a mystery and to echo Ariel, it's a whole new world.  

This focal piece was made from 100% Premo Sculpey clay.

See you soon!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Challenge] Polymer Inchies

Hello friends!  A couple of months ago, I shared with you the INCHIES that I made for a swap hosted by Ms. Tonja Lenderman.  We were asked to make 12 inchies per group and since I joined 2 groups, I made 24 inchies.

This first set of polymer clay inchies shows my love for floral themes.  The base is Premo sculpey in Ecru that was measured, cut, baked and cooled and layered with a mixture of green Premo sculpey that I textured.  The floral cane was made from Premo sculpey in white, yellow, and translucent that I sliced thinly to form the petals.  I added an orange shaded clay in the center.  Finally, each piece was sanded and buffed.

Premo Scupley Component Flower Cane

I had fun making these next set of inchies.  I used extruded canes using Premo sculpey purple, white, turquoise and black and layered them over previously baked base.  The final piece was baked, sanded and buffed to a glossy sheen.    

Extruded canes

The inchies that I got from the swap were awesome!  I love the variety of designs.  Thank you, ladies!

There is another Inchie swap coming soon hosted by Ms. Julie Thorpe and I joined 2 groups again.  I have finished 1 set and the other  will be done by the end of this week.

See you next time!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Video Tutorial] Polymer Clay Mold Release Agents: Water or Cornstarch?

Welcome back!

I bought this Poinsettia and Holly Flexible Mold from Penni Jo Couch of Best Flexible Molds.  The most common mold release agents are water and cornstarch powder though others use Armor all.  

I tried not using them but more often than not, the details of the mold were lost when I release them.

In this tutorial, I used cornstarch powder and water as mold release agents.  Both worked pretty well - just remember not to apply too much.

Do you use mold release agents?
Please feel free to write your comments below or email me at cabbycraft@gmail.com

Have a blessed day!

♥  michelle  ♥

[Ornaments] Christmas in September: Premo Sculpey

Hello friends!

It's the last day of September and Polyform Products presents "September Make It Your Own Christmas Ornaments."

These ornaments were inspired by Ms. Barb Fajardo's Buttons that I learned during the recent Lone Star Retreat.  I used Premo Sculpey as the base and added texture and color to it.

I placed a round bail, added wire in the shape of a 1/2 Christmas tree and if you put them side by side, it forms the shape of a tree... cool?

It is Christmas in our home this early as my loved ones are visiting us for a few weeks.  

As of this writing, we are waiting whether there will be a government shutdown.  I hope it gets postponed even just for a few weeks to allow my folks to visit the museums and NASA.  It would be best if they keep them open for everyone to enjoy the past and the future.  I'm just saying....

Have a wonderful week ya'll!

♥  michelle  ♥