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.