Star of David eyeglass pen

This star of David eyeglass pen was made by rolling out 20 grams of clay and cutting it into a rectangle shape. Next I rolled out an additional 5 grams of clay and cut a second piece to lay over the top Attach it by brushing on a layer of silver paste. Fill the edges with paste or by using the syringe. Cut out a small opening for the glass frame to slide through. Attach a brooch finding to the back.

I sand my pieces in the greenware stage using all grits of sandpaper before attaching any embellishments. Embellishments can be made at any time with left over clay and stored for later use. I've been saving the clay star for some time and when I was invited to a Brit Milah cermoney, it was fast and easy to make something special.

Leaf Ear Rings

There are a variey of ways to use leftover beads and clay from previous projects. These simple ear rings were made by pressing left over clay into a leaf mold. Eye screws were attached to the back of the leaves. Once dry, sand and fill any areas needed and fire. Swarovski beads were used for sparkle with sterling silver ear wires.

Quilled Ear Rings

This is a nice way to use leftover quilled pieces that are made from silver paper. I rolled out a small piece of metal clay and set the quilled pieces on that attaching them with paste and then cut around the shape. I inserted pure silver findings from Art Clay World between the roses and leaves. After firing I used a soft brass brush to burnish the pieces leaving the very centers with a little of the white firescale for contrast.You can also set fired pieces of quilling on sheet silver and attach them with oil paste.

Krafty Lady molds

Krafty Lady of Australia is making a mold for me of the mask you see here on my blog, "Masquerade". Once it is ready to market I will be selling the molds here and will include instructions on how to use the them. Using molds allow the beginner to make detailed pieces without the worry of design. If you find a mold that you like and then make and add emblishments you can create a variety of different pieces for special occasions.

I will keep you informed as to when the mold will be ready for sale.
Meanwhile, our new puppy has kept me busy potty training her and trying to teach her not to chew. Her jaw reminds me of the venus fly trap. Everything that moves is up for grabs. Otherwise she is a doll. She is 7-1/2 weeks of flapping ears, sad eyes, elephant feet and an expression to melt your heart. "Sophie" is our new boxer puppy.

Ocean Enchantress

Ocean Enchantress was originally made with FIMO clay. Once a model was made I used Art Clay World’s 2 part silicone mold mix to make a mold of the mermaid. Then clay was pressed into the mold to get the shape in metal clay. Once the metal clay piece was dry I sanded each area filling with paste a needed to get a smooth piece. I then rolled out metal clay and set the mermaid on it next to a bezel that was fitted to a pre-selected stone. I cut out around the mermaid and bezel and filled the areas as needed. On the back of the piece I added a bail back and fired the piece in the kiln. When the fired piece was cool I sanded it with all grits of sandpaper and polishing cloth to obtain the mirror finish.



Working with polymer clay to get details in a shape is faster and easier than shaping and carving a piece to get this much detail.

Diachroic Blue

This is another example of diachroic glass that I cut into a diamond shape. Using the same method as in "Teardrops" I build the metal clay up around the glass to the desired thickness. To come up with ideas I place the glass pieces on white paper and sketch around the stone. After you have the size and shape of the stone on paper start sketching until you come up with a design that you like. I always make a copy of the sketch before starting my silver piece and file it away. These simple sketches make great patterns for classes.

The Piano

This beautiful song has so much meaning that I had to share it with you. Listen to the music as you scroll through the site. May you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Paino by Aidan Gibbons