Polymer and metal clay heaven

Gerhard Richter at the Tate Modern- a phenomenal artist and an amazing exhibition

2011-11-04T09:44:00.003Z

Barbara Becker Simon and I almost stumbled upon upon this most amazing exhibition of Gerhard Richters at the Tate Modern in London this week. The most diverse, eclectic, inspiring, beautiful and thought provoking work I have seen in a very long time.

www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/gerhardrichter

'Spanning nearly five decades, and coinciding with the artist’s 80th birthday, Gerhard Richter: Panorama is a major retrospective exhibition that groups together significant moments of his remarkable career.

Since the 1960s, Gerhard Richter has immersed himself in a rich and varied exploration of painting. Gerhard Richter: Panorama highlights the full extent of the artist's work, which has encompassed a diverse range of techniques and ideas. It includes realist paintings based on photographs, colourful gestural abstractions such as the squeegee paintings, portraits, subtle landscapes and history paintings.

Gerhard Richter was one of the first German artists to reflect on the history of National Socialism, creating paintings of family members who had been members, as well as victims of, the Nazi party. Continuing his historical interest, he produced the 15-part work October 18 1977 1988, a sequence of black and white paintings based on images of the Baader Meinhof group. Richter has continued to respond to significant moments in history throughout his career; the final room of the exhibition includes September 2005, a painting of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York in 2001.

Lovers of the epic beauty of Rothko, Twombly and Hodgkin will have much to enjoy, as will those who appreciate striking portraiture or the crystal-clear precision of photorealism.

Bling Bling- hello!!

2011-10-27T16:33:00.001+01:00

Well what do you expect, I had to do a little bit of bling for the upcoming festive season- too early?? Not in my world.

I start this weekend with an exhibition at Towcester Race Course. Sounds a strange place to hold an event but it's an amazing 1930's venue set in lovely grounds about one and a half hours from London www.romorexhibitions.co.uk. We shall see.

I'm back in the blogosphere

2011-10-19T17:44:00.002+01:00

Well, what kept me away so long I hear you gasp! A 2 week cruise around the Baltic States ( of more later) and 4 day fabulous workshop in France, 'Creative Corbieres', with Judy Belcher, Sandra MacCaw, Louise Fisher Cozzi and Tory Hughes... the definition of polymer clay heaven. Well up to a point....

What has really kept me away is the fact that i couldn't get into my blogger account and realized today that the answer is beyond simple and took me a nano second to solve. What can I say?

Anyway, back to the most beautiful place I have ever been to in my life- no exaggeration -the Gold Room at the Hermitage in St Petersberg.

Our ship docks in St Petersberg

Sunrise in St P

Treasures from the Gold Room in the Hermitage

The last ever PMC conference

2011-09-02T10:26:00.000+01:00

Julia Rai posted this today on www.metalclayacademy.com. As you're probably aware the PMC Guild is closing and this is the last of its conferences. I went to the one at Purdue university in 2006 and it was amazing. Check out the website because it has downloads of speakers notes and handouts from all the conferences www.pmc-conference.com

Will I be there- I really hope so

When: June 21-23, 2012

Where: Drawbridge Hotel and Conference Center near Cincinnati, Ohio

The last ever PMC Conference will be held in June 2012. The location offers easy airport access, a free shuttle, full amenities, and lots of room. Details will be given in the next issue of Fusion (available to Guild members only) and be available soon from the

Some pre-conference classes (19th-20th June) have just been announced -

Donna Penoyer - Birdsong Whistles (one day) & Split Leaf Jewelry (one day)
Barbara Simon - Innovative Findings (one day) & Instant Earrings! (one day)
Chris Darway - Fusing Aura 22 onto Sterling and Copper (one day, offered twice)
Terry Kovalcik - Hinged Keepsake Pendant (two days)
Celie Fago - Making the Most of PMC: Rings
Holly Gage - Repousse Effects in Metal Clay (two days)
Hadar Jacobson - Mokume Gane Band Rings (two days)

My NEW website is up and running

2011-08-23T18:02:00.003+01:00

Debbie Carlton Jewellery

designer, maker, teacher

who would have believed it... after all this time I've finally got my act together and have a new website.

In the end I went for a www.wix.com site. It's a flash based site but they have a version for use on a ipad/iphone so that's good and as far as i can tell, the SEO is working OK- not that I'm an expert.

I did have help from one of the Wix 'experts' who came up with the idea for the home page www.jourdesign.co.uk.

So.... check it out www.debbiecarltonjewellery.co.uk
I'd be delighted if you could give it a test drive and would be much appreciated
.
And.... I'm now working on using www.mailchimp.com for my emails etc.
whatever next I hear you say!

Polymer Pamper Play 2012, a truly wonderful line up

2011-08-04T19:17:00.020+01:00

I'm very very excited,check out

www.polymerpamperplay.co.uk

for lots more info

Polymer Pamper Play II 16 - 18 March 2012

Cotswolds Conference Centre
Broadway, United Kingdom

After the successful 2011 Polymer Pamper Play event, we are excited to launch Polymer Pamper Play II at the Cotswolds Conference Centre an award-winning venue perfectly situated on the Farncombe Estate, just outside the picturesque village of Broadway a beautiful backdrop to our Polymer Pamper Play weekend. Organised by Debbie Carlton and Rebecca Thickbroom, both polymer clay enthusiasts and members of the London Polymer Clay Group and International Polymer Clay Association.

Bringing together old hands and newbies, to learn, to play and be pampered in a picturesque and relaxing environment. A perfect combination!

The 2012 programme has been extended and we have an eclectic mix of workshops and activities suitable for all. Heading the programme are three internationally recognised artists teaching for the first time in the UK, Spain’s Ana Belchi, Austria’s Eva Ehmeier and Scotland’s Melanie Muir.

Ana Belchi - Bento Series

Eva Ehmeier - Artichoke Ball Pendants

Creative food sculptures

2011-07-29T14:17:00.000+01:00

Because i love food and because I love sculpture check out the link . http://www.wackyarchives.com/offbeat/creative-food-sculptures.html

happy weekend tout le monde

The Conference begins... fanfare of trumpets

2011-07-29T13:20:00.000+01:00

So much information packed into such a short time frame- where to begin? Actually with a massive thanks to the organisers of the conference, Jackie Truty, Katie Baum and their team. I can't even begin to image the amount of time and effort that went into producing such a well run event! Well done guys.

There was an incredible choice of presentations on offer, and I attended 10 of them. I've picked out some of the highlights for me. Sorry not many photos to show as it was mostly talking heads and sitting heads ( and in some cases sleepy heads!)

Julia Rai and others wearing silly hats in Jeanette Le Blanc presentation about writing and how to article

Hattie Sanderson's 'Easy Button' metal clay tips and tricks was great ( nothing to do with buttons btw) She spend an hour whizzing through a whole range of great ideas and I'm sure she wont mind me sharing some of them with you

rest hand and wrists on a rolled up towel for stability and to relieve stress
use a lidded Tupperware box with 1/2 inch water in the bottom to keep syringes in.
use coated card stock for cutters for longer slabs of clay ( instead of tissue blade)
use coloured plastic sheets ( cut from file dividers) as work surfaces, clay doesn't stick and also can be used as surfaces to reconstitute clay on
use polymer clay to make drill bit handles
to get rid of cracks and wrinkles when rolling out metal clay, roll clay onto a low relief brass texture plate. flip clay over to make sure both sides are wrinkle free
polymer clay donut to create a gem bezel setting.- Roll donut of PC. Make a pilot hole. Press gemstone into PC so the table is level with surface. Poke stone out from underneath. Place donut onto mat and centre. Roll out MC, texture and cut out. Make pilot hole in clay sheet smaller than the gemstone. Centre metal clay sheet over the polymer clay and press stone in. Dry , sand etc. set into hollow from.

There were lots more but check out her website www.hattiesanderson.com

some of her amazing work below

The IPCA polymer clay retreat- Stepping into another world.

2011-07-26T16:10:00.001+01:00

I imagine walking into the polymer clay retreat room in Chicago is a bit like walking through the wardrobe into Narnia. A large, pretty boring conference room set out with long tables and chairs was transformed by about 60 -70 polymer clay enthusiasts into another world.

People had set up their own little worlds equipped with more tools and kit and samples of polymer clay than you could shake a stick at. Shelves had been built to accommodate yet more samples of things to buy, and elaborate work surfaces constructed full of more things in the process of being made made. One side of the room had banks of toaster ovens manned virtually round the clock and the other side of the room was table after table of amazing raffle prizes to be won.

Throughout the day there were planned and impromptu demos from the big hitters of the polymer clay world as well as others willing to share their latest tips, tricks and techniques. It was , of course, all being filmed!

Delegates from the Art Clay Conference ( we were sharing meal times in the conference venue) were walking round the room with eyes on stalks and mouths open, it was indeed a sight to behold!

Ponsawan's ring tray

Jill Palumbo

Debbie Jackson

Maureen Carlson and Barbara Forbes Lyon

Polymer and metal clay heaven by way of Chicago!

2011-07-25T15:55:00.005+01:00

I've been back a week- although it feels like a month.- from my trip to the Metal Clay World Conference in Chicago. It was a whirlwind event starting early in the morning and ending late at night altho' admittedly that was in the bar.

The venue was perfect for the job, a large hotel about 1 hour outside Chicago with all the facilities you needed ( and didn't need ie swimming pools, golf courses etc) Unfortunately I didn't get to see anything of Chicago which was a real shame but hey - next time.

So what did I do? Well, to start with I did Bettina Welker's Hinged bracelet pre-conference class.www.beadworx.de I've long admired her work and especially these beauties. It was an illuminating day, she's a good teacher and we just about got thro it. My efforts were a bit wonkey to say the least as being precise and accurate is NOT my forte. However great learning and good fun.

One of the best things was the texture, a sponge like material used as a filter in aquariums! and then using oil paint to patinate the baked piece.

One of the absolutely best things for me was the fact that the polymer clay retreat was held at the same time in the same place. I got to meet all my polymer and metal clay friends and see what everyone was up to.... and on that note.... next episode tomorrow!

www.pinterest.com- the quintessential diversion from work!

2011-07-19T16:04:00.002+01:00

Wow, what an amazing site www.pinterest.com ( found via www.polymerclaydaily.com ) Seems to be endless collections of peoples fav images and finds that they 'pin' onto a page.

You can 're-pin' other peoples finds etc. To be honest haven't quite sussed it out yet but suffice to say have just 'wasted ' bloody hours trying, and as I hope you'll agree have found some super cool stuff.

So some completely random images that caught my eye
you have been warned!!

talking of arty bollox see below

2011-07-07T17:02:00.000+01:00

Great illustrations and very funny and NOTHING to do with jewellery- yey

2011-07-05T08:36:00.001+01:00

Really funny blog from Allie Brosh http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/ which I found via Luan Udell's blog http://luannudell.wordpress.com which is also good. The post about the simple minded dog is brill.

A bit of light relief before I tackle my packing for Chicago, in otherwords virtually nothing in my suitcase on the way out and jammed packed with stuff I've bought and probably don't need on the way back- thus was it ever so.!

Treasure 2011

2011-06-13T21:01:00.000+01:00

I can hardly believe that it's all over... such an amazing amount of work leading up to the event with great expectations and more than a little stress and anxiety as to how it's going to go and now it's over.... How was it you are asking? Well, though I say so myself our Jedeco area looked amazing and I was delighted with the positive feedback I got from so many of the visitors.

My personal experience and I believe, that of many of the exhibitors was most people were looking rather than buying which perhaps is an accurate reflection of the economy at the moment. Having said that lots of interest to follow up including a prominent London museum! fingers crossed for that one..

Anyway some cool pics of my fellow Jedecons

Debbie

me again!

Sima Vaziry

JianHui

Jess De Lotz

Cindy

Akiko

Anika

Catherine

Alexandra

Something blue and shimmery for summer days and nights

2011-05-31T16:59:00.005+01:00

Almost finally ( cos I'm still making stuff- will it ever end!...)
the third of my colours ways for Treasure. Lots of deep blues, sea blues, turquoise blues......cue for a song......I got the blues- eat your heart out
Muddy Waters.

Colourful back and white

2011-05-30T07:44:00.000+01:00

I adore black and white, clean, fresh and yup, colourful. Adding a extra splash of red maybe, just adds an extra touch ( much loved by the artist Turner.

More from the new ranges of bangles, cuffs, pendants etc. I've called the bangles, Big Bangles Baby Sister. Still fairly chunky but less risk of knocking someone out if you shake hands too quickly!

It's all go for Treasure, London's flagship jewellery show- and I'M THERE!

2011-05-27T17:07:00.002+01:00

It's been a while- apologies, I've been beavering away making lots of new things for my upcoming show at Treasure ( lots of info on their website
www.treasureuk.com

Want to see what I've been doing- go on, you know you do!!

These are all from the Black and Gold collection, a series of bangles, cuffs, pendants, earrings- fine silver, polymer, pearls, rubber, and various do-dads.

There's lots more but I think you have to wait- if only till tomorrow ( what a tease I am!)

See me in Vogue magazine- dwarling!

2011-05-06T15:35:00.000+01:00

Sorry, it's been a while since I last posted, and it's not because I've been busy sunbathing either. Anyway- back now

I decided to take a small ad in Vogues 'Jewellery box' advatorial section to show my Big Bangles and to promote the Treasure event in London June 10th-12th
www.treasureuk.com

Apart from the fact I get quite a kick from saying, 'I'm in this months Vogue you know'' it always pays for itself and it's good to put the word out to a much much wider audience.

Well dwarling- what would you do? Mwah mwah

Big Bangles Baby Sister

2011-04-20T16:29:00.001+01:00

I am having such fun with these bangles, I can really experiment with surface designs , textures and colour. They do need lots of sanding and polishing which is pretty time consuming but having said that, I think they are a joy to wear.

Wishing everyone a happy Easter break, we're off to France for the weekend- yippee

A fantastic collection of jewellery work and a 'new discovery'

2011-04-16T16:42:00.003+01:00

The first collection in the series is up on Crafthaus http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/powdermetallurgypart1 and it features some absolutely wonderful work showing the phenomenal range and scope of what can be done with metal clay. One artist, in particular caught my eye, the work of Cindy Miller www.cindymiller.com .

I hadn't seen her work before and it's stunning. Not just because it's beautifully executed which it is but the designs are so truly her own, slightly off beat and quirky which I love. Here's just a small selection of her work but do check out her site.

I'm obsessed with pods!

2011-04-11T18:14:00.004+01:00

Cynthia Tineapple's post on 4th April www.PolymerClayDaily.com about pods kinda pushed an idea that had been floating round at the back of my head for ages RIGHT to the front! and now I'm completely obsessed with the little buggers.

Anything diversion to stop me doing what I should be doing at the moment which is work on my new website ( watch this space but make sure you've got a good book with you in case you get bored) Anyway, I really like them and think there's some potential there to explore.

My first experiments with 'She sells sea shells on the sea shore'

Every pun intended

2011-04-06T22:42:00.002+01:00

A propos of absolutely nothing check out these great puns....

Random picks- some great artists

2011-04-04T14:51:00.060+01:00

Just looking through my favs file of various artists, here's a completely random selection of 'stuff' that has caught my eye.

www.kimart.com

www.anndavisstudio.com

www.fordforlano.com

www.houseofmani.com

www.ayalajewelry.com

www.jennifergray.co.uk

www.designbypalone.com

A great weekend at Great Missenden

2011-03-28T17:14:00.002+01:00

A great weekend with 7 students all new to polymer clay. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly this medium grabs people's imagination and creativity and how everyone's interpretation of exactly the same technique turns out to be so uniquely their own.

Well done to them- and umm well done to me too!!!

Liya Brown

Maddy Loria

Penny Hamilton

Liya Brown

Anna Houghton

Sheena Anderson

Angela Green

Liya brown

Anna Houghton

Janet Weekes

I'm on a bit of a roll ( jam or ham??)

2011-03-24T17:13:00.001Z

2 great bit of news ( sound of trumpets being blown...) I'm have a polymer clay and metal clay project in the next Polymer Pizzazz coming out the beginning of April AND I have been selected along with a truly amazing cast list of metal clay artists to be in the 'NEW DIRECTIONS' online event taking place on Crafthaus. I don't know yet which pieces have been selected but will keep you posted.

Also having a creative snap following the amazing Polymer Pamper Play weekend in Dorset. Pictures of the event can be found on www.polymerpamperplay.co.,uk and I'll post my new stuff soon

'With over 25 jewelry projects from Bead and Button and Art Jewelry magazines, Polymer Pizzazz 2, a follow-up to the praised Polymer Pizzazz, focuses on the various ways polymer clay can be shaped, stamped, sculpted, and textured to make pendants, beads, and other jewelry components. In addition to basic techniques, readers learn how to achieve dramatic effects by mixing in other materials such as paints and pearlescent and metallic powders. This book also includes an introduction on how to use polymer, and is organized by technique for easy reference. Polymer Pizzazz 2 is a perfect progression to the next polymer level.'

Sterling silver metal clay; The best kept secret in town!

2011-03-21T07:07:00.000Z

Well- watch this space, i most certainly shall be!

'Lisa Cain, Director of the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery (MCSJ) in England , announced today that she and her staff have developed methods, recipes and firing schedules for combining existing commercial silver and copper clay formulas into hallmark-quality sterling silver clay. A fired sample of the clay was first hallmarked by the London Assay Office on January 25, 2011. The step-by-step method, recipes and firing schedule will be published in the Spring 2011 issue (Vol. 2, Issue #2) of Metal Clay Artist Magazine, which will launch in early April.

Staff at MCSJ developed two successful recipes, one using Art Clay™ brand metal clays and another using PMC® clays. Well-known UK artists Julia Rai (also a staff instructor at MCSJ), Lesley Messam and Chris Pate tested and refined the process to ensure that it could be reproduced easily and reliably in a home studio. Detailed reports from all three testers will be included in the nine-page article in the upcoming issue of Metal Clay Artist Magazine devoted to this breakthrough metal clay discovery.

Ms. Cain explains, “My motivation for developing this new option was the very real need for this type of clay, especially here in the UK where hallmarking laws influence the materials we artists can use credibly in our commercial work. Sterling silver clay of hallmark quality is a crucial next step in the evolution of metal clay.”

Once Ms. Cain had proven that sterling silver clay was achievable and practical, she shared her discovery with a small number of colleagues and close friends, some of whom encouraged her to manufacture the sterling silver clay or try to benefit financially from the recipes in some way. “I have no interest in doing either. My focus is set firmly on innovation, artistry in metal clay, teaching and running the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery. I share it willingly with the metal clay community.”

Ms. Cain chose to reveal her method, recipes, firing schedules and detailed test results in Metal Clay Artist Magazine because “they were willing and excited to allocate the effort and space needed to really do justice to the story and give the metal clay community all the detailed information I wanted to share.” Metal Clay Artist Magazine www.metalclayartistmag.com is available for purchase at more than 12,000 locations worldwide. To purchase a copy of the Vol. 2, Issue #2, which contains the article on Lisa Cain’s sterling silver metal clay, visit the magazine website. You can also buy this issue from the MCA website, www.metalclayacademy.com he MCSJ website. www.mcsj.com This issue will be available in April.'

Some new work inspired by Joni

2011-03-04T16:23:00.000Z

Both Sides Now pendant. Fine silver with sparkly polymers and pearl

Both Sides Now pendant. Fine silver with sparkly polymer and pearls

and just to remind you how wonderful she is, my enduring hero, listen to the real deal

Wow! Jewels meets WOW women

2011-03-04T15:49:00.002Z

Wow! Jewels for the WoW (Women of the World) Festival

at the Southbank March 11th-13th 2011

lots of events, a plethora of celebrities, lovely things to buy

Come and see us at the Wow! Jewels stand in the Royal Festival Hall, Level 2 (overlooking the Ballroom on the raised walkway entrance side)

a selection of 8 designers' jewellery for sale

Friday and Saturday 12-7 , Sunday 12-4

see full festival events programme via link below

www.wowjewels.co.uk

Marking the 100th anniversary of international women's day

2011-03-04T15:44:00.001Z

I'm very excited to be taking part in this event next Tuesday in Spitalfields market to celebrate International Womens Day. The market is just one of many amazing events taking place in London.

Check out http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/festivals-series/wow-%E2%80%93-women-of-the-world-0 to find out more.

They say '

Launching this year, WOW – Women of the World – is a joyous celebration of the formidable strength and inventiveness of women – a pioneering, groundbreaking annual festival, which will present, recognise and celebrate women, and act as a conversation space for issues of all kinds.

‘Through a series of debates, conversations, networking opportunities, presentations, showcases and places to meet and talk, Wow – Women of the World celebrates the potential and achievement of women and addresses some of the obstacles that women face across the world.

Joining us are leading women across all sectors, and together we explore in depth some of the most potent topics for women today.’ (Jude Kelly, Women of the World Festival Director

Jewellery design templates

2011-02-27T08:37:00.004Z

I got an email yesterday from a company in India called Isomars www.isomars.com who produce jewellery design templates. They cost about £5-7 each and they ship any where in the world. I've not used them before but the templates seem a brilliant toy- sorry I mean tool- to use with metal and polymer clay.

Anyone interested in doing a joint order ( shipping's about £15.00 )

I'm in a book- wee-oh!

2011-02-19T11:20:00.001Z

www.bestofartists.com

It's an American edition and as far as i know is out sometime in march. It's full of lovely work- including quite a few UK artists, like my fellow WOW friend Lucy Sylvester and Bea Jareno.

I'm quite proud!!

Metal clay competition on Crafthaus

2011-02-16T09:55:00.001Z

A walk on the pier circa 1898

I've mentioned Crafthaus before, its a lovely site full of great artists and active members.

Susan Silvy and Christine Norton are co-curating an online exhibition on Crafthaus titled: "MetalNew Directions: Powder Metallurgy (Metal Clay) in a Sheet World."

Ann Davis is heading the jury team which also includes Jeanette LeBlanc, publisher and editor of Metal Clay Artist Magazine, and Gywnne Rukenbrod, Executive Director of HandMade in America. The exhibition will run online from April 15, 2011 to May 15, 2011.

Currently, there is an open call for entries for the exhibit which is scheduled to be viewable online at www.crafthaus.ning.com .The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2011 and participation is available to Crafthaus members only.

The call for entry, as well as the application to join Crafthaus, can be found at http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/crafthausexhibition/forum/topics/call-for-entries-new . The exhibition will remain online after the closing of the show.
Art Clay World has generously offered to host a photo exhibition of the New Directions: Powder Metallurgy (Metal Clay) in a Sheet Metal World exhibition at the Metal Clay World Conference this summer in Chicago! Therefore, those artists juried into the online exhibition will gain additional exposure at the conference.

Finally, a print catalog is also going to be produced of the exhibition. All proceeds from the catalog are going to CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). Each artist juried into the online exhibition will have a page dedicated to them within the print catalog showcasing up to three images with a short write up and contact information.

Created in 2008, Crafthaus is a lively online social network/community of contemporary fine craft practitioners and enthusiasts. It currently hosts over 2,000 artist members from around the world as well as a number of art/craft related publishers, institutions and galleries. It is an edited website and an annual membership fee of $20.00 is involved in joining the community. Crafthaus regularly features a selection of their artists, and awards 2 artist grants each year. It hosts monthly changing online exhibitions, curated by and for the membership exclusively and lists a wide range of exhibition and publication opportunities. Members are encouraged to display images of their work (photo guidelines apply) and to communicate with each other both within and across media "borders."

__._,_.___

A heart by any other name...

2011-02-14T19:42:00.001Z

Well, love 'em or hate 'em hearts are here to stay. Looking back thro my own archives it seems that I've been 'doing ' hearts right from the get go of my jewellery making. I'm not crazy about them but they're always popular and with a bit of creative thinking they can be quite cool.

A little selection follows...and as the man himself says.

Where so ever you go, go with all your heart.

Confucius

Art from all over the world

2011-02-06T10:47:00.005Z

It's been a while- have you missed me?

The Daily Telegraph had an awesome list of websites to keep you busy for just about-EVER!

Put aside a few weeks/years and check out:

www.moma.org/collection    the most comprehensive modern art archive by a single institution to date with 34,000 works, including reproductions of sketches, photographs ans ephemera not displayed in the galleries.

www.vggallery.com/letters  You can fork out £450.00 for the Thames and Hudson book of Van Gough's recently published illustrated letters or, at no charge, view all 902 letters here.

www.google.com/prado   Up-close and in 3D, examine the brushstokes on some of the world's greatest masterpieces, from Velazquez to Goya.

www.threadsoffeeling.com  More than 4,000 babies were left at the Foundling Hospital between 1741 and 1760. A token, usually a piece of fabric, was kept as an identifying record. This is an online only exhibition of the contents of the museum's fabric archives.

and in case this isn't enough!
www.poetryfoundation.org   A multimedia magazine but with a compendium of poems, lectures, essays and readings, the best of which are the historic recordings of modern American poets reading their own work.

Normal service- blog wise resumes next week!!

Web site launch of www.polymerpamperplay.co.uk

2011-01-10T15:07:00.000Z

Check out www.polymerpamperplay.co.uk

we've just launched the website and thanks to Rebecca's hard work it looks really fab. I can feel the wind in my hair just looking at the pictures!

Rebecca and I are now planning your 'in house' entertainment by way of a polymer clay quiz, top tip night and - hopefully- a fabo goody bag.

There are places left but don't delay info@polymerpamperplay.co.uk

See you there!

Metal Clay Today

2011-01-09T15:06:00.000Z

Happy New year everyone. I have a list of intentions as long as your arm, which I'm going to share with you- very scary!!

Update my website, I know, I know I've been saying this for ages
Put together a new list of follow up classes for both metal and polymer clay.. you've done the beginners so now onward and upwards.. bead making, rings, mixed media, design etc etc.
develop new ranges of work- watch this space

In the meanwhile, a nice distraction for you and me!

A great resource for metal clay users- free and online

'Metal Clay Today was founded in April 2009 by Tes Shea and Arli Wolfson to fill the need of Metal Clay Artists looking for good articles, projects and resources based on the medium of Metal Clay.

It is our mission to give recognition, encouragement and a voice to the many gifted artisans, teachers and enthusiasts in the metal clay world.

Metal Clay Today is a FREE quarterly e-magazine with issues in March, June, September and December.

the link for their winter edition is here http://www.metalclaytoday.com/metal_clay_today_winter_2010.pdf

The past decade in pictures- what a ride it's been!

2010-12-30T16:49:00.002Z

I came across this amazing site summing up in pictures the last turbulent, dramatic, shattering, helter skelter 10 years.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/12/the_decade_in_news_photographs.html

I celebrated the new millennium listening to Kiri Te Kanawa singing on a beach in Gisbourne, New Zealand. We were the first people on the planet to see in 2000 and it felt very special.

The big wide world has changed so much since then and not I feel for the better. On my personal planet tho, I feel blessed to be seeing in 2011 with my close friends and family, my wonderful husband , and all of us fit and healthy

I wish all of you a safe, happy and fulfilling 2011
deb xxxx

Tis the season......

2010-12-18T10:16:00.000Z

Well.... I was going to make a polymer clay Christmas pudding but hey, life's too short, so for the season, here's my special recipe for a real one. enjoy!

A Christmas pudding

Ingredients:

* 2 cups flour
* 1 stick butter
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* Lemon juice
* 4 large eggs
* Nuts
* 1 bottle Brandy
* 2 cups of dried fruit

Sample the brandy to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the brandy again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the brandy is still OK. Try another cup... Just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the brandy to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Check the brandy. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or some fink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the brandy and wipe counter with the cat.

Bingle Jells!

Craft and Design Magazine- metal and polymer clay issue- Feb 2011

2010-12-13T16:29:00.000Z

This month's Craft and design magazine is one of the best issues yet and a really good read. www.craftanddesign.net

Interestingly i just got an email from them about their next issue which focuses on metal and polymer clay- hurrah

Coincidently, there's talk of putting together a polymer clay exhibition to coincide with the May craft month so it could all tie in quite nicely

so....from the editor Angie Boyer, I quote

'I wanted to let you know that we’ll be putting the spotlight on Metal Clay and Polymer Clay in the Makers Gallery pages of the March/April issue of craft&design magazine, which is on sale 24 February through to 21 April.

This is a really cost effective way to let people know where they can see and buy your work - be it at a show, in galleries, or even online! It’s a unique opportunity to publicise your work to a wide and diverse audience; private and public buyers, gallery owners, interior designers, event & exhibition organisers and creative industry key figures.

With prices starting at just £35* +VAT for space roughly 1/8 page in size, or £50 + VAT for approx 1/4 page size, we hope you'll accept our invitation to be included in the Metal & Polymer Clay Makers Gallery. We'll prepare the layout for you at no extra cost, all you need to do is send us your text and image(s) as detailed in the attached information.

To keep the costs as low as possible for you, if you book your space before Christmas, we can invoice you at the current 17.5% rate of VAT, which increases to 20% at the beginning of January.

Great guest teachers for our Polymer Pamper and Play event

2010-12-11T20:21:00.000Z

I'm really delighted to announce that Carol Blackburn www.carolblackburn.co.uk and Christine Dumont are our 2 guest teachers for the event

Carol is going to be making Ikat beads. Ikat is a style of weaving common to many world cultures. It is likely to be one of the oldest forms of textile decoration and is associated with silks and luxury fabrics.

Carol will show you how to adapt Ikat's distinctive patterns and graphic qualities to polymer clay and make beautiful beads and pendants.

Carol’s experience as a freelance designer of knitted fabrics adds excitement to the project!

Christine Dumont

Butterfly Beads are constructed to be physically light, requiring a sculptural approach that might be new and challenging to many.

When several beads are assembled, they produce stunning necklaces or bracelets as their fluted outlines create elegant negative space. In themselves, they carry enough drama to be a focal bead or a single-beaded pendant.

This workshop will be appropriate for those with a basic knowledge of polymer clay material handling, and will be particularly appreciated by artists who want to explore sculpting as a new way of working.

In addition to her awe-inspiring work, Christine is the creator of Voila, a web based community for artists to develop polymer, their voice and raise their game!

www.allovercreation.net www.voila.eu.com

There are some more surprises to be announced before Christmas so watch this space. See my last post for more info re the event and a booking form or contact Rebecca on 07902 155 280 or info@polymerpamperplay.co.uk

Join us at the first Polymer, Pamper Play event in Dorset, March 2011

2010-12-07T12:06:00.002Z

I'm delighted to announce the first Polymer Pamper Play event to take place March 2011 on the Isle of Portland, Dorset.

The idea is to bring together a group of polymer clay enthusiasts, mostly UK based and of all skill levels,in a creative and hopefully inspiring part of the world. With the added bonus of the pampering possibilities on offer at the hotel, it should be a blissful weekend on all levels!

I'm organising it with fellow polymer clay enthusiast, Rebecca Thickbroom. All the info is in the brochure- see below. Booking is open now and as space is fairly limited- don't delay.

Email info@polymerpamperplay.co.uk or call Rebecca on 07902 155280

Double click on brochure to enlarge

Chain Reaction

2010-12-04T14:45:00.000Z

I don't normally 'do' chains, (life's too short frankly) but my 'roomie' at Made In Clerkenwell, Faith Tavender
www.faithtavender.com gave me the idea and I'm enjoying wearing them myself so maybe it's a new thang!! Wadda think?

PMC Guild 2010 Annual

2010-12-04T14:18:00.000Z

It came out a little while ago, but I think this year's PMC Guild annual is one of the best so far www.pmcguild.com . There is always good work featured but I particularly liked the fact that there were quite a few new artists- at least new to me and there was something really different about a lot of the pieces.

Lovely also to see UK artists Chris Pate, Sian Hamilton and Xuella Arnold as well. Must get my acts together to submit work for the next one!!

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. ~W.J. Cameron

2010-11-26T11:02:00.000Z

I love this quote and the idea that the universe applauds action not thought at all times!!.

A happy, joyous and action packed Thanksgiving day to all my American friends.

Even more new stuff and a great Polymer Clay course/holiday

2010-11-22T19:05:00.002Z

My 'At Home' went really well this weekend, thanks so much to everyone who came along and for all your lovely comments and purchases, all much appreciated.

I've posted some more new work- see below-when will it end!!

Needless to say I'm pretty shattered today but happy!. One of the hits of the weekend were my new handbag charms/necklace hearts particularly the steampunky ones.

On another note altogether, I'm just about to register for the Corbieres Creatives October 2011 in France www.corbierescreatives.com .The last one was absolutely terrific. Kylie has put together what promises to be another brill programme with Louise Fisher Cozzi, Sandra McCaw, Tory Hughes and Judy Belcher teaching full day and half day workshops.Polymer clay heaven indeed

Lots more info on their website.

Next show is Made In Clerkenwel 26th-28th November. Snow and a tube strike are forecast but hey...do I look bovered

I'm loving black and gold

2010-11-15T22:11:00.002Z

Still beavering away making new things for my Christmas shows, starting with my 'At Home'' which begins on Saturday.

I noticed that black and gold was a definite trend when I was at the American Craft Council event in Baltimore in February and the shops here seem to be full of it now.

Talking of American craft shows... check out The Philadelphia Crafts Council event where Ford and Forlano are showing some amazing new pieces, www.pmacraftshow.org

Anyway here are some of my Black and Gold earrings

Mrs Santa is busy busy busy!!

2010-11-10T14:22:00.000Z

Having spend weeks and weeks doing everything but make jewellery, it's panic stations now for my looming first show of the season, my 'At Home' on 20th -21st November and I've been up since the crack of dawn for days making things, don't we love a deadline?!!

To make matters 'worse', I'm, having a creative snap so want to try out new things as well. These bangles are lighter and relatively smaller than my other ones and I'm having great fun with some blingy handmade cabochons.

If you'd like to come along please just drop me a line on 07967 978061. There'll be lots of mulled wine, mince pies and other goodies.

Of which, more to be posted in the next few days- hurrah.

Back to work Mrs Santa

Big Bangle's Baby Sister

'Ancient people' bangle

PMC Pro- the latest thing in metal clay?

2010-11-05T12:44:00.008Z

The metal clay community has been holding its breath in anticipation of the launch of Mitsubishi's latest product PMC Pro which is now on sale, I think at the mo, only in the USA

I haven't even had my paws on it let alone tried it out but check out the post on Lora Heart's blog Such and Such ( great blog btw) . She gives a good overview of what it's all about. Sounds like it's good to use and much stronger than PMC3 etc but is 90% silver 10% copper and can't be hallmarked.

Call me old fashioned but my gut feeling is - why?. One of the best USP's of metal clay is the fact it's fine silver i.e. pure pure pure. I love that quality despite the draw backs of less strength

Suffice to say, I think, that the jury is still out.

http://lorahartjewels.blogspot.com

PS Please be my friend

2010-10-31T13:01:00.000Z

Feeling a bit lonesome today. I know lots of you are reading my blog... so please join as a friend or even post a comment. I'll be ever so grateful!!

Even more 'worthwhile' distractions

2010-10-31T12:47:00.003Z

Cruising around the internet is probably my distraction of choice because I kid myself, 'it's working really' Right.?!

Anyway I did come across this little gem http://kitandcaboodle.ning.com It's a bit like CraftHaus, but based in Australia. It has lots of new (to me) jewellery to look at, some good discussions going and a really fab list of links. With those alone you have literally days of 'worthwhile' distractions to keep you ( I mean ME) from getting down to proper work.

I've listed them below so have fun, hey after all it IS the weekend

Wearable Art

Craft Central- a fantastic resource for all crafts people

2010-10-28T10:12:00.007+01:00

Craft Central, www.craftcentral.org.uk is a great organization. I've been a member for about 3 years and as well as exhibiting there with the WOW group I'm taking part in their MADE IN CLERKENWELL Christmas event for the first time. http://www.craftcentral.org.uk/debbie-carlton-jewellery

I'm on the 5th floor of the St.John's square building ( don't worry they have a lift)
They also run a really good ongoing education program for members ( only £40.00 per year) about every aspect or running a small business, marketing, PR and general creative endeavours etc . VGFM IMHO!

Craft Central: 2 Buildings. 90 Designers. The Ultimate Shopping Treat!Special Launch Night on Thursday 25 Nov, 5-8pm (Join us for Love Brownies treats, washed down with Kopparberg cider!)

Late Night Shopping on Friday 26 Nov, 12noon - 8pm
Avoid the High Street crowds on Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 Nov, 12noon - 6pm

Venue: CRAFT CENTRAL HAS TWO GREAT BUILDINGS, 33-35 St John’s Square London EC1M 4DS and 21 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DX

Admission: £2.50 per person, under 16’s free

I have a limited number of free tickets.. just ask me.

From Oman to Cricklewood !

2010-10-24T11:25:00.000+01:00

I've taught students from all over London, all over Europe and even India and Singapore which has been wonderful. Emma West came over all the way from Oman specially for a 3 day polymer clay/metal clay class.

Well done to her for making the journey, we had a fun 3 days and she made some lovely things. She has her own jewellery boutique in Muscat and has promised me she's going to spread the word about polymer and metal clay- more converts to our cause- hurrah

Blogger glitches

2010-10-20T10:01:00.000+01:00

No I haven't gone off on a long holiday around the Caribbean or emmigrated to Alaska ( altho it has been suggested!)

Having probs with uploading pics to my blog and as a picture speaks a thousand words, I'm not sure what to do

Help!

Come and learn how to do this.....

2010-10-16T17:23:00.040+01:00

A bit of eye candy heading for the weekend. Some polymer clay bead samples etc. to illustrate what we would cover in a days 'introduction' class.Quite a lot eh?! If you interested in learning more you can contact www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk where I teach or if you want a one to one lesson at my studio in North West London, call me on 07967 978061.

Daily Art Muse, a(nother) must see blog

2010-10-13T16:26:00.001+01:00

I've probably mentioned it before but Susan Lomuto's www.dailyartmuse.com is one of my absolute favourite blogs. She's just re designed the site and it looks fab. She has a knack of finding the most fantastic artists and unusual art. It's always food for thought and inspires me on a daily basis to take notice of the world outside my own particular niche.

Check it put and expand your horizons!!

In Susan Lomuto's own words,

'DAM explores the global landscape of handcrafted excellence by showcasing the best in contemporary fine craft. The site inspires artists, designers and collectors worldwide and is frequently used as an educational resource in traditional classroom settings (high school and college) as well as online learning environments'

My personal route to polymer and metal clay

2010-10-12T16:45:00.002+01:00

I'd like to say that I made fantastic models with polymer clay as a kid, but I don't think it was around then or that I always wanted to do something arty, but that wasn't it either, at least not consciously!!

About 10 years ago however, I went back to college and did a diploma in figurative sculpture at Heatherley's College and totally loved it. My final disertation was about the American artist Alexander Calder, one of my enduring heroes, and my exhibition piece was inspired by his work Le Cirque.

Calder's Le Cirque

Debbie's version!

So far so not polymer clay, but during my research about using wire and colour I found Barbara McGuire's book, Wire in Design www.amazon.com/Wire-Design-Modern-Jewelry-Crafts and thro' her, polymer clay, metal clay and jewellery making as a natural extension after that.

So, some 8 years on, I've returned to my first love, life modelling the figure in clay and, yup, I still absolutely love it. I'm sharing a few pics of work in progress

The moral is- you never forget your first love!

WOW Jewels!

2010-10-08T08:30:00.003+01:00

I'm a member of a small (but perfectly formed) jewellery consortium called WOW Jewels! www.wowjewels.co.uk There are 8 of us, we got together about 3 years years ago and put on shows once or twice a year. Our next event is 8th-11th December at Craft Central http://www.craftcentral.org.uk/ in Clerkenwell, London EC1. There'll be lots of sumptious jewellery to peruse, mulled wine, some tempting special offers and , I promise, no carols!

What I like about the group is we all come from such different backgrounds and traditions, jewellery wise. I think this is a real plus for the visitors to our events- it's the 'something for everyone' thing.

http://www.catherinemarche-designs.com/

http://www.jewellerybyemmarose.co.uk/

http://www.olgakonopka.com/

http://www.kerencornelius.com/

http://www.lucysylvester.co.uk/

http://www.rosemarylucas.com/

http://www.alexandrasimpson.com/

and last but not least

http://www.debbiecarltonjewellery.co.uk/

Enjoy browsing through some lovely work.

I'm off to teach polymer clay this weekend at the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery http://www.mcsj.co.uk/ in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I LOVE MY JOB- have I said that before?!!

Most definitely creative in Corbieres

2010-10-07T11:22:00.004+01:00

To be honest you don't normally go on these things for the food and the sightseeing! The great tutors, new ideas, interesting people and bit of shopping-of course. But last week's trip to Luc Sur Orbieu in the South West of France ticked every box.

Canal du Midi

Andy and the boys, paella evening

Just over 50 people from all over the world got together in a community hall in a tiny village in the middle of the French countryside surrounded by vineyards. Kylee and her husband Andy, residents of said village seemed to have galvanized the entire population (about 1000) to the help with the event; cooking us truly spectacular food, putting us up in their homes and generally just being supportive to the cause of polymer clay!

Ah yes, polymer clay, I almost forgot, that's why we were there. 5 really fabulous tutors covering a diverse spectrum of work. First up for my group was Laurie Mika. http://www.mikaarts.com/ It was great to explore new surface design and techniques and think more deeply about meaning behind one's work. Lorretta Lam's beautiful wearable Inro's next. For me as much an exercise in attention to detail and finish, not always my strong point, as subtle colour choices and design http://www.lorettalam.com/

Lisa Pavelka's faux batik session

My 'Laurie Mika'

Ronna Sarvas Weltman's session http://www.ronnasarvasweltman.com/ really blew me away. We covered a huge amount of ground and my head was full to bursting with ideas as a result. For me, the challenge is how to take all these wonderfully strong styles and techniques and to come up with something that becomes your own rather than a mini version of what the artist has made.

Creating custom findings is so important and Denise Peck http://www.beadingdaily.com/ took us through a 101 session on how to make headpins, clasps, earwires etc. A timely reminder for me that I can actually do this and to stop being lazy about it! Finally, but by no means least, a great session with Lisa Pavelka http://www.lisapavelka.com/ . Tips and tricks galore shared with great generosity and humour.

In fact generosity of spirit, humour and, as the Irish would say, great craic sum up the event. It was indeed tres coool!!

Laurie Mika, Kylee and Lisa Pavelka

Moi

My London Polymer Clay buddies, Sue Margretts and Rebecca Thickbroom

Une tranche de paradis polymere

2010-09-28T18:50:00.000+01:00

I'm off to spend 4 days in polymer clay heaven at the Corbieres Creatives workshops in Luc-sur-Orbieu in, France. You can see the programme here http://corbierescreatives.com/

It's a fantstic line up, Laurie Mika doing 3d artist trading cards, Lisa Pavelka, Faux Batik, Denise Peck, custom wire findings, Loretta Lam, wearable vessals and Rona Weltman, ancient and modern beads.

My only dilemma is this; because on principle I refuse to pay the silly amounts Ryan Air extort from you for checking in bags, I'm cramming everything in a small bag weighing no more than 10kg! so it's tools and clay etc vs clothes and make up.

Guess which one wins?

See you on my return next Monday

A fab new book and not a piece of polymer or metal clay in sight!

2010-09-28T08:52:00.001+01:00

Lark http://www.larkbooks.com/ have done it again, a fabulous new book 'Jewelry Design Challenge' by Linda Kopp. As the front cover states,
'10 materials, 30 artists, 30 spectacular projects.'

It's a great premise, each of the artists were sent the same collection of simple materials; sterling and copper sheet, tubing, wire, washers, pearls, mesh etc and asked to put a step by step project together with all or some of the stuff plus one thing of their own they could add.

The work is amazing, described in detail and require some serious bench skills to follow. Artists include Bob Ebendorf,
Thomas Mann http://www.thomasmann.com/
Robert Dancik http://www.robertdancik.com/
Tim McCreight http://www.brynmorgen.com/
Sydney Lynch http://www.sydneylynch.com/
and Deb Karash http://www.debkarash.wordpress.com/

As I said, not a drop of polymer or metal clay used but for once that really doesn't matter!

More eye candy, inspiration and connection than you can shake a stick at!

2010-09-23T09:24:00.003+01:00

We all know that social networking sites, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc, are with us to stay, that we can have quite personal info about people we hardly know in places we've never been. That communication via email or heaven help us letters are virtually a thing of the past!

Guess what, I have mixed feelings about it all but having said all that, check out http://crafthaus.ning.com . In their own words, it's where, 'professional craft artists display their work and connect with each other across all fields of interest.'

There really is a formidable collection of beautiful work here, across all crafts including forums for polymer clay and metal clay, online curated events and of course chats with people all over the world if desired. There's a small annual fee but worth it for the eye candy alone and I believe they have an Etsy shop you can join.

Yet more 'friends' to connect with? well yes, but good fun too. Welcome to the 21st century Debbie!!

Honeys I'm home!

2010-09-21T19:17:00.000+01:00

Just come back from the Art Clay Silver Conference at York University. Now, I don't know about you but my college never looked like this, nor did I have a fab en suite room, amazing food and a campus where a map and bicycle were necessary to get around.

However, lots of drinking and laughs with mates in the Student Union bar was more familiar and lots of learning too!

Highlights for me included carving into cuttle fish for texturing metal clay, fantastic possibilities there which I shall definitely explore further. Not so taken with the copper plating, didn't see the point frankly but good to know the technique. 'Fraid the Glas Clay is also one that I can tick off the list, for now at least.

The domed resin day was amazing.

Riota and Dice from Aida took us through the process of creating the bezel using syringe clay, not something I'm usually comfortable with. The pieces were then fired and polished. We used a moulding compound called Oyumaru which is heated, twisted and pressed into the bezels to create a dome. The colour was created with UV paints mixed with resin which was cured under a UV lamp.

There should be more info on this new technique on http://www.artclayguild.co.uk/ along with other info from the conference. The committee did a brilliant job organising the event, congrats to them all.

I want to go back to college. Is there such a thing as a BA in metal clay?, I'd have a BA.MC (hons)

Off on an adventure- To York

2010-09-15T12:33:00.000+01:00

I'm off to the Art Clay Conference in York, and as I havent yet cracked the art of blogging on the hoof, I'll see you all next week with lots of tips, tricks and hopefully- gossip!

I shall be teaching how to make this pendant.

Missing you already

Shiny, sparkly things- my precious

2010-09-14T18:53:00.007+01:00

A little while ago I was asked to do a presentation about metal clay to a bunch of silversmiths ( you know, people used to sawing, hammering and bashing hard bits of metal about.) There was , to say the least, a bit of resistance in the room to this soft squidgy stuff I was showing them. One asked, 'I just want to know what you can do with metal clay that can't be done any other way' An annoying question to deal with at the time but actually very good one.

There isn't really a lot that can't be done any other way, but loads of things that can be done quicker without lots of tools and dare I say it waste. One such is being able to fire stones directly in place. Kevin Whitmore from Rio Grande has completed a labour of love by testing which stones can and cannot be fired successfully into metal clay.
http://www.pmcguild.com/download/Tech_Data/GemTests.pdf

For a really fab range of Cubic Zirconias of every size, colour and shape try www.diamondcz.co.uk

I teach one to one and small group classes from my studio in North West London Contact via http://www.debbiecarltonjewellery.co.uk/ if you are interested in learning how to set fireable and non fireable stones into metal clay.

I love City Lit!

2010-09-09T10:23:00.002+01:00

Where do you go to learn, printmaking, Ukele for beginners, Reiki with crystals, comedy sketch writing, catalan, mandarin chinese or method acting and, of course, polymer and metal clay work?

Based in Covent Garden in London's West End, http://www.citylit.ac.uk/ has over 3,700 courses on just about every topic under the sun. I've been a student there on many occasions; creative writing, experimental jewellery, photoshop to name a few and they've always been excellent.

I've been teaching 'intro to metal clay', 'stone setting in metal clay' and polymer clay there for 3 years. It's a full on experience teaching wise with 16 in a class but great fun and I've met some lovely people as well.

My next class there is 7th/14th November for metal clay. Check out their website for on line booking

The CarrotBox- everything to do with rings- no carrots in sight

2010-09-08T09:01:00.000+01:00

http://www.thecarrotbox.com/ Another one of my must see everyday blogs ( where does she get the time? ) Alice Matsumoto is based in Vancouver, Canada. In her own words

' The Carrotbox is a site dedicated to all those wonderful rings made of glass, lucite, resin, plastic, jade, wood, bakelite and even stone — anything, as long as it's not metal!

Actually the blog does feature all materials including metal, from all over the world and really funky and interesting stuff.

It's no good, i'm going to have to give up the day job- opps this IS my day job.

Digging deep...into the archives

2010-09-07T18:57:00.001+01:00

I've just spent the day at IJL at Earls Court, London surrounded by the most fab array of gold, silver, diamonds , platinum etc . So by way of a complete and I mean complete, contrast i've dug up the very first things I made in polymer clay. They are little dancing figures which I put on stick pins and sold as brooches, believe or not.

Actually I think they're quite sweet.

Squidoo.com- an under used resource??

2010-09-06T19:01:00.006+01:00

In their own words..

'Squidoo is the popular publishing platform and community that makes it easy for you to create "lenses" online. Lenses are pages, kind of like flyers or signposts or overview articles, that gather everything you know about your topic of interest--and snap it all into focus. Like the lens of a camera, your perspective on something'

I must admit I forget to use this amazing resource myself, particulary for metal clay. Margaret Schindel is the Squidoo queen www.squidoo.com/preciousmetalclay

She has produced lots of lenses on a wide range of topics; really a HUGE amount of detailed info, links, free tutorials etc

I'm not so familar with the polymer clay lenses, I think they tend to be a bit hit and miss but try www.squidoo.com/imagetransfer for starters. You could of course start your own lens on just about any topic under the sun.

Macrame for instance?? maybe not

A moving idea to promote your website

2010-09-03T12:39:00.002+01:00

Imagine how blow away it must have been when the first 'talkies' appeared at your local cimema! Well the move from static to interactive websites is generating the same kind of wonderment and impact.

Having a 'live' presenter come onto your site to inform, instruct, entice or just plain amuse is a must have in this day and age. It will substantially increase the amount of time someone spends on your site and if you're into ecommerce can improve sales too-so they tell me.

Check out http://www.mywebpresenters.com/ . It's a really good site with lots of info and a neat wee guizmo where you can see what a presenter would actually look like on your site for free.

Now- I must declare a less than impartial interest here. My Web Presenters is my husband Neil's brainchild and his business. He's a dyed in the wool entrepreneur and film 'lovey'. We call him Cecil!!

I'm feeling European today- Voila!

2010-09-01T18:20:00.002+01:00

!Hola, bonjour und Guten Tag.

www.voila.eu.com is a great site, jammed packed with information; lots of new work and eye candy, regular juried competitions, lists of new turorials available on the net, discussions about art, life and the universe, well the polymer clay universe anyway! I personally think it's right at the centre of where polymer clay is at its most 'happening' right now ie continental Europe.

It was started by Christine Dumont http://www.allovercreation.net/ who is Belgium by birth lives in the UK but has travelled all over the world. In her own words, 'Voila is a web-based community for polymer artists to develop their voice and raise their game'

She's doing a great job, check out the site, join and have fun.

Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen y Hasta luego

An exhibition of jewellery, stained glass, embroidery, patch work, felt and painting

2010-08-30T16:40:00.000+01:00

I'm taking part in an exhibition of tutors work from Missenden Abbey where I teach polymer clay. It's in High Wycombe library www.edenhighwycombe.com/library and runs from Thursday 2nd September to the 29th.( see invite) Not exactly on everyone's door step I agree but just in case anyone does get there I will give them a pair of polymer clay earrings of their choice FREE- whey hey!

TEMPTED?

8,192 reasons to be absolutely charming...

2010-08-27T10:47:00.000+01:00

To be honest I'm not really into charms so when my sister asked me to 'quickly' make a charm bracelet for a 13 year old whose into music, gymnastics and animals etc I found this really good site, http://www.jewelleryenchantments.co.uk/

They have over 8000 charms on every single subject under the sun. Also other bits and bobs, findings etc. Next day service, good quality stuff and I believe they ship worldwide. Also, I actually got to speak to a real live human being when I called them.

So if you ever need to buy a tiny Scottie dog or bowling ball in sterling silver you know where to look!

On the art of procrastination and Websites!!

2010-08-26T08:26:00.000+01:00

I've had my website http://www.debbiecarltonjewellery.co.uk/ since 2005, it was put together by Michael Taylor www.michaeltaylor.biz It lists my events and teaching courses, testimonials and a bit about me and pics of my jewellery from a few years ago-all fine and dandy.

Now it needs a jolly good seeing to, in other words- UPDATING. At the moment all my new work is going onto flickr- see www.flickr.com/photos/debbiecarltonjewellery and I need to seriously think about having some sort of e-commerce.

I am the worlds greatest procrastinator and it is a case of getting down to it. I've had some great offers of help so as it's a horrid wet day here in London - just do it Debbie!!

In the meanwhile a few pics of some of my more recent stuff