October 29 Chunky beads

October 29 Chunky beads,
originally uploaded by pati b.

This collection of beads (toggle closure not pictured) is big bold and beautiful. My first foray into foil core which allows for oversized components while maintaining strength and light weight for wearing comfort.
After forming beads, I covered the forms with a thin layer of clay and cured for about 7 minutes. Then I added a layer of thicker clay and textured. Cured again. About 15 min. I then antiqued the beads with burnt umber acrylic and allowed to dry overnight to assure thorough drying of paint in the crevices.
After that I lightly dry sanded (mask) with 320 and 600 papers to sand through to the lightest color (a mixture of white, ecru and translucent). Rinsed the beads and then put them in a 250 degree oven (in foil baking pans clipped shut with butterfly clips) for nearly an hour to be sure inner core dried.
They were then hand buffed on my jeans while I watched a movie.
I will apply a very light coat of shoe polish and buff again before final assembly of necklace.
I got so excited about the possibilities I now have a ziploc bag full of forms of all sorts.

October 14 Christmas Tess

October 14 Christmas Tess,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Took advantage of Hobby Lobby clay sale to pick up some glitter clay for Christmas uses.

Extruder canes, single or combined by smooshing and/or creating Picasso cane. Pretty glitzy but then they are for Christmas use.

Sept 24 Mon-Wed Pieces

Sept 24 Mon-Wed,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I needed a bit of a break from complexity so decided to work with a few scraps I couldn't bring myself to throw away. The piece on the left uses the last piece of any size from the tesserae I used for the hexagon box a couple of weeks ago. The reverse is made from a texture plate I handcarved for the purpose.
The piece on the left was an "accident" of sorts...I carved the texture plate and when I impressed it, liked it well enough to make a stand alone pendant. The reverse uses the same plate. The bail is wrapped clay as are the toggle beads. First time I've done that. Won't be the last. The matte bronze was mixed from green black and gold Premo.

September 18 Isis Pendant

2010-0918-Isis-pendant,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Pendant 1" wide at top 2 1/2 at bottom; 3 1/4 in length. Buna cord with bead toggle approx 21-22" in length. Mosaic very glossy -- all polymer clay. Back and bail textured with my own handmade texture plate; highlighted with gold acrylic as is front base. Satin finish applied to these areas.

Faux Leather and Genuine Turquoise Treasure Box

First prize winner in last October's PCAGOE competition (2010), this beautiful box would make a great gift for lovers of the Southwest, a special guy, or a Sagittarian with a fondness for turquoise.
A imitative leather technique was used in creating this piece, and a genuine turquoise disc is framed and centered on top. Entirely handmade.
The box is just over 3 inches square. The lid extends 1/4 inch all around. The dark areas were glazed with burnt umber; the interior of the box is also burnt umber, and the bottom is fitted with dark brown suede. The adorable little feet are textured.

Sept 4 Klimt Box

Sept 4 Klimt Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I loved doing this box. It was, however, tricky to photograph as it is as glossy as enamel. Some of the tesserae was embellished with paint; some not.

Sept 11 Work in Progress Tribal Box

Sept 11 Work in Progress Tribal Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Other than the batik inspiration fabric, I had no plan, but I guess it was inevitable that sooner or later a cat should show up in my polyclay art.
The box is now complete, feet added, and will be photographed later today if/when lighting permits.

Sept 1 "Triangles" Work in Progress

Sept 1 "Triangles" Work in Progress,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I must be feeling a tad more confident with clay and/or mosaics these days as I decided to challenge myself a bit and set the entire thing in triangles.

lantern 050710 by aMused Creations

lantern 050710,
originally uploaded by aMused Creations.

She does the most remarkable things with polymer clay!

Polymer Clay Necklace

Polymer Clay Necklace,
originally uploaded by MargitB..

Gorgeous, isn't it! I am amazed at what Margit Bohmer has done with a very creative take on the humble extruder.

August 24 PCAGOE Sept Challenge Entry

August 24 PCAGOE Sept Challenge,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Pinks and pearls are not among my usual approaches, but the image dictated it to me so that's where we went together. All of the clay is pearl. The pink (left from a faux coral experiment) and greens (from faux jade) were blended with a bit of white and pearl and blended and marbled until I liked them. The textured tiles are from one of my own carved design plates., and it is the first time I've used it.
After gessoing (with unbleached titanium gesso, the box was painted first with iridescent white and then interference green.
The pearls added themselves. I didn't even remember that I had pink ones.
Thanks to Lynda Moseley (SC Diva) for your generous sharing of your excellent tutorial!

August 22 Klimt Box

August 22 Klimt Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

The box is about 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1 5/8. It is polymer clay. The decorative detail is acrylic paint, and the box has been finished with a protective coat of varathane.

Starry Night from the Apple Tree

Starry Night from the Apple Tree,
originally uploaded by Remygem.

I wish this was my work, but it is the fabulous work of Remygem. Isn't it fabulous?

"Here it is...after popular demand...translated into a mosaic for the tree challenge!
40cm by 55cm. Glass, mirror, milli, glass beads, ceramic beak."

July 16 Mokumne Gane experiment

July 16 Mokumne Gane experiment,
originally uploaded by pati b.

At the end of all that, I had a tiny bit of mostly hot colors left so piled them up, being careful not to mash them to death and ended up here. They are rather small, but....earrings, maybe.

This is one of those techniques I intend to work at, from time to time, until I get it right. If nothing else, I might end up with lots of pretty tiles.

July 16 Tomato Tiles to be

July 16 Tomato Tiles to be,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Made some black blanks for embellishing for Klimt box. Spotted a red scrap ball and a green one, added some bits and decided to attempt a J Picarello MG type piece. Got way too enthusastic mushing layers and lost good layer definition, so sliced the stuff up, added more red scrap and ended up with "tomato" slabs which will become tesserae.

Friday the 13th: experiments

Friday the 13th: experiments,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I had some semi-transparent faux jade left over and deided to texture a couple with one of my own textures, then cure and paint,
The two larger pieces were carved and/or painted on raw clay before curing.
Issues with all, tho' I like the colors, etc., but I should salvage some bits for mosaic work.

August 2010 Faux Leather & Turq Treasure Box

August 2010 Faux Leather & Turq Treasure Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

One of my newest pieces: A rich little treasure box just 2 x 3" in side all in polymer clay on a paper mache' base...faux leather, mosaic tiles using a modified mokumne gane technique, textured mosaic tesserae and genuine turquoise. The interior is a glossy black and mottled copper (paint)

The base is that most humble of Sculpey polymer clay: Good old school days terra cotta. When glazed with burnt umber acrylics and waxed with shoe polish it is just too good not to use. I used my extruder to define the primary channels, copper tube acrylic to color and as with the mokumne tiles and center textured tiles (done in tube bronze and copper) sealed with diamond clear finish.

August 3 2010 My Little Chickadee (again)

August 3 2010 My Little Chickadee (again),
originally uploaded by pati b.

Adapted from one of my chickadee paintings ... I had planned to wait until the entire box was complete (most of the rest will be done in black Thai silk) but just couldn't.

July 31 Jake Being.... Jake

July 31 Jake Being.... Jake,
originally uploaded by pati b.

So here I was intently measuring in 16ths the exact center of a pendant so I could attach the bail, when Jake, who is nothing if not enthusiastic about everything, jumps down from the interior window ledge just out of frame, throws himself down, flailing with delight, offering up his belly for a rub, while around him havoc ensues and everything goes flying. Everything!
There is nothing for it but to grab anything critical, laugh, hope for the best...and of course, give Jake a belly rub and a kiss.

June 27 The Week that Was

June 27 The Week that Was,
originally uploaded by pati b.

My week. Happy with it for a change. Nothing quite finished...a few need clasps, others a bit mroe sanding/buffing, others their cords/beads. Will try to finish up today and do some listing next two days.
Won't be claying for about a week, but my grandaughter is in my immediate future, so it's an easy choice..

June 19 2010 Faux Venetian Glass Tile Mosaic Pendant

June 19 2010 Faux Venetian Glass Tile Mosaic Pendant,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I have always loved mosaics, and must admit that I am having an absurdly wonderful time making these pieces. I am loving working with all sorts of colors and trying different mixes (much as when painting). Even the hand-sanding, buffing and waxing is fun as this is when the colors come to life.
This pendant is 1 3/8 x 2 3/8 , finished with a gold aanraku bail.

May 20 2010 Rainforest Treasure Box ~ sold

May 20 2010 Rainforest Treasure Box ~ sold,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Today I pack it up and send it off to Seattle. I wish I was accompanying it!

June 18 Mosaic Pendant WIP

June 18 Mosaic Pendant WIP,
originally uploaded by pati b.

It's almost finished, but I just couldn't wait

June 12 2010 Rodeo

June 12 2010 Rodeo,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Richly engraved and detailed faux copper pendant with faux verdigris, this little gem is loaded with Western style, ready to dress up or down in your favorite faded jeans or, if you are like me, the crisply creased dry-clean-only pair you keep for “special” occasions.

The pendant is 1 1/4 inches wide at the widest point and 2 1/2 inches long, accented with a beautifully matched genuine turquoise stone.

Perfect paired with a copper chain, leather, hemp or buna cord. Comes nestled in a snazzy gift pouch.

now in my etsy shop patibannister

June 12 2010 Red Pendant Faux Jade Bail

June 12 2010 Red Pendant Faux Jade Bail,
originally uploaded by pati b.

My deck is planted with all sorts of red flowers designed to attract hummingbirds and anyone else who would like to visit, and provided the inspiration for this piece.
This dramatic pendant is 1 3/8 inches wide at the top; 1 5/8 at the bottom. It is 2 3/4 long from the top of the integrated faux jade bail. It has been rubbed with a beautiful golden-green metallic glaze to bring the jade color into the body of the pendant and create a harmonious composition. It has been sanded and buffed to a soft sheen. A very light wax finish has been applied.

It will be perfect with a simple gold chain, velvet cord, ribbon or beads.

Road to Atlantis by Sunnybc123

Road to Atlantis,
originally uploaded by Sunnybc123.

I love this! She makes the most wonderful things, and makes me wish I could drop everything and go make something.
But, as mentioned earlier, Wednesday is my drudge day, and my break is over so back to work, with visions of others' gorgeous stuff in my head . . .

As Sunny said "the pattern looks like a magical pathway under the ocean".

Faux Slate Necklace by MargitB

Faux Slate Necklace,
originally uploaded by MargitB..

Today is my drudge day (laundry/cleaning) so no clay for me ... :( However, during a bresk I spotted this striking beauty and had to share it!

Faux Jade Pendants New in My Etsy Shop

New Faux Jade Pendants in my Etsy Shop as of this morning.
Both are wonderful colors; the bases have been sanded and buffed to a soft lustrous sheen, and feel as smooth as jade.
Both also have an integrated batik-textured jade and would look great with chain, cord, ribbon or beads.
Left: 3/4 x 2 3/4
Right: 1 x 2

http://www.etsy.com/shop/patibannister

Mad Cat by artybecca

Mad Cat,
originally uploaded by artybecca.

"He seems angry. Did you forget to feed him?" artybecca



With seven little beasties, all with their own agenda, I see tis look often...usually when my food offering is unsatisfactory or when they want something and I am failing to understand their demand of the moment.
Absolutely priceless, and sadly for me, already off to a new home in Australia.....

May 30 Furniture Project fini!

May 30 Furniture Project fini!,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I have not painted for a good year so in addiiton to a deadline, must have had a true pentup desire to work the brush ...10 hours today -- about 6 yesterday and done.
There are two other birds which will be part of this screen which I already have, a goldfinch and a nightengale, and if they are not in the "Whimsies" set, I'll put them there....AFTER A TALL SCOTCH & SODA, OR BEER OR SOMETHING!
I will sit on the porch, drink & WATCH BIRDS!!!

May 30 Furniture Project

May 30 Furniture Project,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I do design work for a handpainted furnture company, and at the moment I am 2/3 of the way through the 12 birds for a room divider screen.
Obviously highly stylized, I feel I am on a tightrope between the birds' natural adorableness and the "cute" word. It's my natural style and my natural balancing act.
Each piece is ACEO size which works for ratio of finished pieces.

May 28 Silk Road Pendant

2010-0528-kimono-pendant,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Elegant pendant; 1 3/8 inches at top, 1 5/8 at bottom; 2 3/4 incvhes long. Liquid clay and polish finish on focal area, black buffed to soft sheen.

May 24 Day 4 W.I.P.

May 24 Day 4 W.I.P.,
originally uploaded by pati b.

At last, color!!!
Love sharing the process and your kind remarks...am also hoping this will help ME remember what I did for future reference.
Next round warm colors...

May 22 Day 3

2010-0522-day-3-inlay,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Unless I've overlooked something, the black inlay is done and the cute little bun feet made.
Now I can start color once I decide what/how.
Then LOTS of detailing, glazing, ?????

May 20 Work in Progress

May 20 Work in Progress,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Day One.
When I started I was thinking burl veneer, lapis chips, polyclay mosaic. Still am, but who knows?

May 17 '10 Rembrandt Treasure Box

May 17 '10 Rembrandt Treasure Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

The top of the Rembrandt box. What lovely portraits have come down to us through time.
Originally I had transferred these images onto polyclay, but once done, I felt they lacked the warmth that canvas/fabric can impart, so redid them on linen/homespun.
The tiles are all bits and pieces cut from a series of medallion tiles I made and then dabbed with several metallic paints to both gild and warm them to enhance the images.

May 17 3 Views of Rembrandt Treasure Box

May 17 3 Views of Rembrandt Treasure Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I am so happy to have finally finished this piece. It seems that every bit of it except for the brocade fabric on the body has been done or redone at least twice.

Click photograph to see a larger image.

Jazzy

Jazzy,
originally uploaded by Sherry / mosaicfanatic2.

Sherry is so amazing...I was convinced she couldn't outdo her amazing poppy violin, and she went and made this ....


Hubby's middle school trumpet. It has been on my to do list for years, and I had hoped to finish it before the Jazz festival this year, but I didn't meet my deadline.
Glass and stone beads, glitter glass, metalic mirror, mirror....on a mirrored stand.

Uploaded by Sherry / mosaicfanatic2 on 16 May 10, 2.23PM PDT.

May 16 Rembrandt box phase II W.I.P.

May 16 Rembrandt box phase II W.I.P.,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Decided I didn't like the intended artwork with the brocade as much as I thought so changed artwork. Did clay transfer but didn't like the effect, so transferred art to linen blend homespun.
This is one of those things that has elected to change as it's gone along....frustrated for a time, but hopefully it will be worth it!

by Fimotifmota

DSC05599,
originally uploaded by FIMOTIFIMOTA.

I love her style, and wanted to share.

2010 0510 Treasure Box W.I.P. #2

2010 0510 Treasure Box W.I.P. #2,
originally uploaded by pati b.

End of day. The inside of the box is sponge-painted after black gesso applied in metallic deep red, titanium gold and bright gold. The bottom will possibly be tiled in polyclay or covered in fabric...
Images are on transfer paper, reversed and ready to transfer to clay. I printed an extra for safety, a tiny pair possibly for earrings and medium size for mini boxes and/or a two sided pendant, if I don't tire of these images too soon.
The squares are made from the fabric motifs, which I scanned.

2010-0510-Treasure Box W.I.P.

2010-0510-Treasure Box W.I.P.,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Got very fortunate yesterday and found a wonderful bunch of cigar boxes, cedar and paper for $2 and .25 each respectively. Then, at a flea market, found a book on the Uffizi Gallery, which I visited a long time ago ($4). Started today on a box. Gessoed black, fingerpainted gold, determined sizes etc for polyclay transfers, cut fabric for exterior of box from a piece I bought about 4 years ago "just because" .....
I'm either going to love this or.....not so much.
best viewed large, if you like this sort of thing.

April 27 2010 Pear "Kiss" Box

April 27 2010 Pear "Kiss" Box,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Various views:
3" square paper mache box box; polyclay, burnt umber/red oxide acrylic glazes; polish.
Box interior; metallic acrylic

The pear image is a transfer made from one of my paintings; the tiles are all textured with stamps I've made.

March 13 Gemini

March 13 Gemini,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I modified a piece formerly called gilded fragment, as the longer I looked at it, it seemed somehow incomplete. The other day, I made this little 'stone' out of scraps from my poppy project and liked it. A couple of weeks after that, it occured to me it might work to finish off 'gilded'.
I see planets, stars and creation in this.

April 23 New on Etsy

April 23 New on Etsy,
originally uploaded by pati b.

made these pieces in November, so many of you have seen them before, but as of today, they can be found in my etsy shop (see profile).
Tulum and September Moon, respectively

April 18 Thai Mural Fragment Transfer

April 18 Mural Fragment ,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Happy Me! Spent several hours working with clay today...had wanted to experiment with a torn edged transfer. The middle bit didn't quite pick up, but given the subject matter and that fact that many of these murals are in fact weather and time damaged and worn, the 'flaw' works quite happily for me.
The image is a small detail from a Thai wat (temple) mural.
I haven't yet decided whether to use this on a box or a mixed media collage/assemblage on canvas.

Feeling art-starved at the moment...between excitement and trip to Boston to welcome our first grandchild, needing to help hubby with a few Furniture Market projects for his showroom and planning - setting up garden I've made nothing for several weeks.
A Flickr contact posted this from a site which as a lot of cat art inspired by famous paintings, and I fell in love with it...isn't she wonderful!
I've been missing painting for awhile and might have to see what I can do about that...so many ideas so little time.
Sometimes it's bewildering.

Welcome, Zoe Isabel!

2010 0406 zoe,
originally uploaded by pati b.

My beautiful granddaughter, taken by me, born April 4 2010, weighing in at 10 lb 1.6 oz. I'm in love!!!

April 13_Mary Sundstrom's Hooked Rug

April 13_Mary Sundstrom's Hooked Rug,
originally uploaded by pati b.

I saw this on facebook and couldn't resist. Mary is a wonderful artist, most often working in paint, but obviously has a gift with rug hooking as well, not to mention a wonderful sense of humor and whimsy.

Feb 3 Oliver Fuzzymouth aka Furball Artist

Feb 3 Oliver Fuzzymouth aka Furball Artist,
originally uploaded by pati b.

Oliver, who comes up for morning kisses at my computer caught post-grooming gathering materials for next furball creation.

One of the Seven Mewses ..... lucky to catch this as he rarely slows down ....