In this class we'll create unique & offbeat pendants made from polymer clay, oil paint & a silk or buna cord. My pendants are whimsical 'portraits' of some of my favorite creatures. Lately I favor the fox, the owl, the frog, the pig & my own pet, Charlie the Poodle. Oh & the hippo too. Pick whatever your special beast may be & we'll simplify it to it's most basic form, learn to apply different textures & little 'fat folds' for visual interest. Give it just the slightest tilt of the head or look in the eye. We make the form from the lightweight clay (perfect for a pendant). Bake it to permanent hardness, apply dark brown oil paint to give the recesses definition & to give the piece a vintage feel. Then we'll rub off that layer of paint, leaving it in the tiny folds & in & underneath different textures. We then apply colors of oil paint , wiping that off to get subtle shades & our little beasts are ready to rest on your chest hanging from their silky cord.
Supply List:
- Polymer Clay, 4 2 ounce blocks of white Premo
- Inexpensive set of oil paints, basic colors including dark brown
- Inexpensive paint brushes
- some clay tools, the back of a small brush is fine, tools for texture, incising
- some kind of work surface, a ceramic tile can work well
Teacher will bring:
- some pasta machines
- buna cord
- glue
A Little About ME
I spent many years as a professional children’s book illustrator, but eventually I wanted my work to exist off the page, on its own & have no editor but me. I began creating creatures & beasts that spring directly from my heart. I tell stories or convey a feeling with my creatures; whether in a tile, where there is often a narrative, or in a pendant, sculpture or ornie. I was honored to win a Niche award this year, which recognizes excellence in craftsmanship. I've been thrilled to share my excitement & enthusiasm for these creations in workshops across the country.
