Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow . . .

As long as the snow is in polymer clay patterns and we do not have to shovel it, I am okay with that.   We have had a nice fall season so far but we are already preparing for the Craft-a-Fair Christmas show on Sunday November 1st.  We will be in the same space as the past 5 years -- up on the concourse (turn left at the main entrance and we are the third booth on the left hand side before the concession).

We always like to have some type of Christmas themed pieces at our shows and this year we came up with a snowflake design in a "snap".  I love jewelry with snowflakes for the holidays as you can wear them all winter and not just at Christmas time.  These snowflake snaps were created from a mould that we made from a metal finding and have them available in Silver with either a black or metallic blue background.  Swarovski crystals are embedded into each snowflake center to give them some sparkle.  These are now also available in our online store.

The detachable pendant shown here is new and we recently added it to our online store.  We added the clip bail which fits the thinner buna or softglass cords (2.5mm).  These clasp type bails are great as they are not only interchangeable so you can switch out your cord type or color, the pendants stay in place so the cord does not creep it's way to the front.

We have a special promotion coming up with some cool offers and even a free tutorial, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter on our website here so you don't miss out!

More Jewelry Picks Available

We just received another shipment of more "snap" supplies so our online store is stocked up again including jewelry picks.  The picks we received this time have a smaller hole at the top but still work well and easily fit a large 16 gauge jump ring.  

Unfinished "pick"

These picks are quite handy for removing the "snap" art beads from the snap base findings -- especially the ones that don't have much of a frame around them like rings or earrings made from the double or single loop base.  We also discovered how they assist with releasing the clasp on the Pandora bracelets.

In the first part of my tutorial I show how to customize these picks with clay.  You can also add your signature stamp or cane slice for identification.  We like to include a clay covered pick as a bonus gift with a minimum purchase of our snap jewelry pieces. 

We managed to find these at a lower cost so have passed the savings on and therefore offer them in a 5 or 10 pack bulk pricing listed in our online shop.

New Prototype - Combining Styles!

I love engineering and inventing new items when working with polymer clay.  When I get an idea, it is in my head sometimes for months while my brain tries to work it out.  For some things I need to work in stages and create my first prototype which sometimes evolves into other variations or new ideas.  Other ideas just suddenly pop into my head and I am totally surprised why I hadn't thought of it before!  This new style I came up with is a perfect example.  We have been making more of our scarf jewelry components interchangeable simply by adding a special clip type clasp.  We can also add "snap" base pendants to the scarf bails for another variation.  I then realized we could maybe add a snap base to the scarf bail but had to work it out to see if it was possible.  Here is the result!

So to create the scarf bail with the snap base, I combined  methods from two of my tutorials:

Constructing Accent Pieces for Your Scarves, Sweaters & Shawls

and     Snap Decisions - Part 2

Here are the instructions to make a scarf bail with a snap base using the above two tutorials.  I will refer to them as "Scarf"  and "Snap" as the instructions will switch back and forth between the two.

# 1 - Roll out your sheet of clay to add your snap base - See Snap Tutorial - Step 1 (page 5)

# 2 - Cut our the scarf bail base form - See Snap Tutorial - Step 2 (page 5)  AND  Scarf Tutorial - Step 50 (page 18)

# 3 - Crimp your snap base onto the raw clay piece. - See Snap Tutorial - page 27

Add snap to center front of scarf bail before baking

Side view of snap base crimped onto clay

# 4 - Attach the ring and bake your piece. - See Scarf Tutorial - Steps 51-60 - (pages 18-20)

Scarf bail with snap ready to bake.

Side view of scarf bail with snap.

 # 5 - Add the veneer to the scarf bail base.  - See Snap Tutorial - Steps 11-15 - (pages 7-8)

Bake your piece and you are done!

We now have a large selection of snap supplies and tools in our online shop as well as jewelry findings that we use in our tutorials such as the smaller rings for scarf bails.  These rings are a perfect fit for the clip type clasp used to make the scarf jewelry interchangeable.

Rings for scarf bails

Clip Clasp

Interchangeable Scarf Jewelry Pieces

Important Update Info for the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure!

I recently received more info on how the Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat works and thought I should explain as best I can to help prevent any confusion -- especially for those who would like to receive my complimentary tutorial as a bonus gift.  You can read more about this on my previous blog post here.

Each of the 24 teachers involved (including myself) have the opportunity to promote this great Event to sell tickets.  The Retreat is headed up by llysa & Kira of Polymer Clay TV who do all the organizing and collect the funds, etc.  All we do is provide the means for you to access the retreat and purchase your ticket.  Each of the teachers receive a commission for anyone who signs up through them and the link they have provided.  So, if you have clicked on a link to view the retreat information provided by one of the teachers, then you are under that person.  You do not have to buy your ticket at that time but you have basically connected yourself to be under them.  So if you have already clicked on some other teacher's link and try to click on mine to purchase your ticket, it is too late and you are already under the name who's link you first "clicked" on.

So, if you are interested in signing up through me and receiving my free tutorial gift, but do not want to buy just yet, then all I ask is just click on this button here:

By simply clicking on the button will lock you in under my name so that when you decided you want to buy your ticket later, you will already be linked to me.  Even if you think you might have clicked on someone else's link first, click on this link anyways, just in case you didn't.  I will not know right away who signs up through me until later when they send me the list of names.

I know many of you might be disappointed if you find out that you already "signed up" through someone else and so therefore do not qualify for my free tutorial gift.  If that is so, I will do something special for you later (if you contact me).  Just be sure to follow our blog (sign up on the right hand side for direct e-mails) so you can stay posted for future contests and give-a-ways.

Still Time to Buy Your Ticket for the Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat and Get Your Goody Bag!

When you sign up for the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat you have the chance to receive a goody bag.  There is still time to get in on it as it has been extended one more day so you now have until tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.  This is going to be a fun year of exciting new tutorials with tons of inspiration and a cool place to meet and make new friends who all share the same passion!

If you would like to join me and are one of the first 50 who sign up through the link I have provided below, then you will also receive a copy of my new tutorial, "From Scrap Clay to Art Deco" as a bonus gift for free!  To be sure you get in on this offer, then click on the button or picture below.  If you were already a member of last year's (2015) Adventure Retreat, no worries -- you will need to sign in and then purchase your ticket.  As long as you have first clicked on this button then you will be added to my list of the first 50 attendees!  If you still are not sure, feel free to contact me by e-mail or through our facebook page.

2016 Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat Tickets Now For Sale Plus Our Bonus Offer

The "Win it Before You Buy it" contest is now closed and congratulations to Helen Rogan who won her free ticket to the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat!  Tickets for this great online event are now for sale and you will want to get in early for some great bonus gifts and prizes!  Goody bags will be given out (raffle style) to anyone who signs up within the first 3 days.

This is a fantastic opportunity to improve your polymer clay skills and learn how to make some new and fun stuff all from the comfort of your own home!  This all inclusive event includes 28 video classes from 25 different instructors and all for only $99!

And here is another reason for you to sign up early and to register through us.  The first 50 people who register and purchase their ticket through us (click on the Buy Your Ticket Here button above), will receive a bonus gift!  They will receive a complimentary copy of our new tutorial "From Scrap Clay to Art Deco"!  This tutorial has not yet been published so you will be the first ones to receive a copy before it is released for sale ($12 value).

This new technique I discovered some time ago is a fun way to create art deco style patterns all from your left over scrap clay pieces.  I also share tips on how to manipulate your scrap clay to achieve the best results and a simple way to create perfect mirrored images from them to make items such as beads, buttons and "snaps".

Art Deco Style Framed Buttons

Art Deco Style Bracelet Tiles

I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of this fantastic worldwide event and looking forward to you joining me for the fun!

Stroppel Cane "Snaps"

We just finished making some shawl pins with our Stroppel canes as well as some buttons.  The Stroppel cane is named after Alice Stroppel, another polymer artist, who invented it.  It is a fun technique using clay scraps or left-overs.  I love how hardly anything is wasted with polymer clay.   The buttons, for instance, were made from the centers that were cut out from the shawl pins.

We then used some of the left-over pieces to make "snaps" for our interchangeable jewelry line.  I love how they all coordinate yet each one is completely unique!

The "snap" bracelet shown here is a new style we now have available in our online store.  You will find it along with some other jewelry pieces with a snap base in our "Snap" Decisions section.

I'm Teaching at the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat!

I announced in my last post that I will be teaching at the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat which I am quite excited about.  It is an all inclusive event and for only $99 (about $4 a lesson!) you will receive 25 tutorials throughout the whole year!  The lessons this year are quite exciting as there are 21 other fellow artists from around the world who will also be sharing their cool stuff.

The tickets do not go up for sale until October 11 but before then you have a chance to win it for free!  So go to my previous post here and click on the picture to enter the contest for a chance to win and follow the other steps for more entries to increase your chances of winning.

Click on the photo below if you would like to find out more about this upcoming retreat:

Ever since introducing my "Summer Magic" Kite Necklace several years ago I have had so many requests for a tutorial on how to make one as well as offers to purchase my piece.  I decided this was the perfect opportunity to finally share it with you in this upcoming retreat.

I am also excited about another surprise which I will reveal more to you soon.  It is a special bonus gift offer to a limited amount of people who sign up for the retreat through me!

Announcing the Exciting News!!!

I am teaching at an awesome new online event -- the 2016 Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat!  It's all inclusive and features loads of classes, teachers, activities and fun.  It goes on sale October 11 but you first have the opportunity to win it instead!  So click on the photo below to enter to win now!

We also want you to share this for even more chances to win!  For each item you complete below, your name will be added an additional time to the draw!

Share it to Win!

Follow our Facebook Page and look for the Facebook Post.  Share that post and leave a comment that you have done so.

Pin it to Win!

Follow us on Pinterest and look for this contest pin (under the Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat Board) and repin it!

Heart it to Win!

Follow us on Instagram, look for the contest picture and heart it!


We also have another big surprise which we will tell you more about a little later.  We have a very special gift we are offering to those who sign up for the Adventure Retreat through us!

"Snap" Jewelry Video

Launching our new interchangeable jewelry line is one of the most exciting things I have done since discovering polymer clay.  I am always receiving compliments on whatever pieces I am wearing (usually a necklace, bracelet or ring -- even hair barrettes) and love seeing their reaction when I pop one of the "snap" art beads out to show them how they interchange!

The next exciting thing I did was write and publish my tutorial to share with you.  We have received a lot of positive feedback from other polymer clayers who are just as excited about this new concept and the wave is growing and getting bigger!

My tutorial is available in two parts.  The first part is creating the actual "snap" art beads.  I show several methods for this as well as other tips and tricks so you can be creating your own snap designs in no time!  The second part is creating your own snap bases from clay.  This is especially cool for those who don't want to use a lot of the commercial type snap bases and would like to create their own unique look.  You can also purchase both parts 1 and 2 together at a reduced price available in our Etsy shop (as an instant download) or in our online store which is sent out by e-mail but perfect if you are from Europe and do not want to pay that extra VAT tax.

If you are curious about the new "snap" jewelry and how you can use it to create your own polymer clay designs but still not quite sure about it yet, my friend Wendy Orlowski from Shades of Clay made this video that gives you a bit more information and a short little demo to make a simple "snap" cabochon.

We have received another large shipment of snap supplies and our online store is fully stocked up again along with a few new items.  Thinking of buying some of the supplies but still not sure what to get yet or probably need some more?  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on new items, sales and special savings!  (click here)

Make & Take Button Classes

If you live in our area, come and make your own buttons from polymer clay in rich textures and jewel-tone colors.  We will provide all of the materials and tools required to create your buttons in your own preferred colors, shapes and sizes (up to 1-5/8").  Bring your projects, fabric or yarn to the class for color matching.

This is a sample of some of the buttons you can create:

Sunday,  October 4

1pm - 4pm

Adored Before, Home Decor & more

Chase, BC

Thursday, October 8

10am - 1pm

Thread & Paper

Salmon Arm, BC

We will be holding more classes in future so visit our website or sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with any future events.

Big Announcement

Wow!  We have something really big coming up that we will announce this Sunday.  We want you involved.   Don't miss out and sign up for our newsletter right now to be eligible for a BIG PRIZE.

To sign up, head over to our website (or click on the photo below) and fill out the form, then look for our exciting news and updates!