Crafts by Chris » Crafts by Chris

in the studio – flowers and pirates

Chris — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:32:46 +0000

What? Flowers and pirates don’t go together? Maybe not, but that’s what has been happening in the studio. Studio time has been sporadic at best lately. Sometimes life just gets in the way, but I’m trying to get back on track. So, let’s take a look at what has been going on in the studio. If you “like” me on Facebook, you have probably seen some of these. If you haven’t “liked” me on Facebook, what are you waiting for?

Let’s start with the flowers. These are the first polymer clay pendants in my Bloom Where You Are Planted series…Tropical Beauty, American Beauty, Classic Beauty and Subtle Beauty.

I’ve also been playing with metal and fire. This is where I’m at…..

But this is what I’m trying to duplicate color-wise….

On to pirates. I love all the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies and have had the idea for this bracelet floating around in my head. Then one of my bead/jewelry groups had a sea themed challenge which motivated me to bring the vision to life. Ode to Captain Jack, is a faux leather polymer clay cuff. Don’t you think it would look great on Johnny Depp? A girl can dream….

monday inspiration – ice cream

Chris — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:54:18 +0000

Since today is my birthday, this week’s color palette a week (CPAW) was inspired by ice cream!

I’m turning 29 again and have the cake to prove it (thanks mom). You can celebrate with me and save 29% off of everything in my etsy shop and artfire shop by using coupon code: BDAYBASH. Sale ends Wednesday, June 15th.

lookee what came in the mail today

Chris — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:00:24 +0000

Several months ago I was asked to do a color article for the new, “From Polymer To Art” magazine. A simple color article grew to include cut out color recipe cards, trends article and collectable Deal-A-Muse cards (which is part of a larger project in the works). You can purchase the magazine at From Polymer To Art website. Also available from Polka Dot Creations.

Looking for more color recipes? You will find seasonal polymer clay color recipes available in my ArtFire shop or my Etsy shop.

in the studio – fall colors

Chris — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:57:22 +0000

The fall/winter 2011 Premo polymer clay recipes ebook is now available in my Etsy shop and ArtFire shop. This year’s color trends include more of what I consider to be traditional fall colors….the muted green, reds, oranges and browns of fall leaves along with some bright pops of color and beautiful metallics in pale gold, copper and champagne beige. I recently added FIMO classic spring/summer 2011 recipes and will get to the fall colors in the next month or so. I will also be adding seasonal recipes for Kato clay soon.

So, what else is going on in the studio? Magazine article deadlines, custom orders, and several other projects that aren’t leaving me much time for playing with clay at the moment. I recently bought several of the new Premo colors. I’m not as crazy about the new copper as I was the old, but I’m completely in love with the new bronze metallic. I hope to get some time to play with the new colors next week and will let you know what I think.

Thankful

Chris — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:21:55 +0000

I have much to be thankful for this year, my family, a beautiful new grandson, friends and so much more. I am also thankful for my wonderful customers, many of which have become great friends over the years.

As my thanks to all of you. I’m having a thankful sale. Now through Monday, November 29th. Save 20% off your entire purchase – Use coupon code Thankful20 when checking out. This code is good in both my Etsy shop and my ArtFire shop.

I’m also giving away a $25 gift certificate from each shop. Every item purchased between 11/15/2010 and 12/15/2010 will earn you an entry. Winner will be drawn 12/16/2010.

heatwave

Chris — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:26:56 +0000

Well, it’s hotter than Hades here today. Walked my youngest two blocks to school this morning on his first day back and needed another shower by the time I walked the two blocks back home. YUCK! Yes, it’s early to start back to school, but he is on a year round schedule.

What’s up besides the heat? My pottery beads tutorial is listed my Etsy shop and ArtFire shop.

I’m also working on an inspiration/color ebook, which I’ll talk about more later. Just getting started, so we’ll see how it shapes up. I had another idea to challenge myself to make a focal bead a day. However, after thinking about our crazy summer schedule and the fact that my daughter is getting married next month, I decided that would have to wait until this Fall….I suppose I could shoot for a focal bead a week. Hmmmm….

I think I will work with some cool colors today while I stay inside and enjoy the air conditioning. Sounds like a good plan to me.

blogging is like exercising…

Chris — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:55:44 +0000

Yes, blogging is like exercising…life gets busy and you miss a few days…the next thing you know it’s June!

Even through it is technically spring, why not get a head start on those fall/winter designs. I am personally lovin’ the bold, bright colors of the fall/winter color forecast. The fall/winter 2010/2011 color recipes ebook is now available in my Etsy shop and my ArtFire shop. The ebook includes 36 polymer clay color recipes and is set up as printable recipe cards.

Whether you have a hard time mixing colors, knowing what colors to use or just want to save some time this is a great resource for you.

I’m working on finishing up some orders, a tutorial and hopefully some new beads in there as well.