Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Back From a Long Absence

I'm not sure if anyone still visits this blog, these days. (g) Still, I guess it's never too late to try to get back in the habit of occasionally blogging about polymer clay.

Just as I haven't been blogging clay, neither have I been keeping close tabs on all the latest clay news. However, I have taken a peek, now and again.

I was surprised to hear about Pardo-- another brand of polymer clay that is new to the American market-- and then Sculpey's new Bake Shop Oven-Bake Clay, which is a kid-friendly clay designed especially for children. (Angela Mabray-- aka CraftyGoat-- recently posted a review of Bake Shop.) I'm all for new clays (even though I still haven't even tried that formerly new brand, Studio by Sculpey), but I do hope "the powers that be" won't mess around too much (more than they already have) with the established brands.

I've never done much caning, but for a while I've kept it in the back of my mind as a "maybe someday". "Maybe someday I'll really dive into canework, instead of just feebly dabbling." Well, I've noticed a lot of chatter on clay blogs about a new technique that might make my (potential) future as a canework convert that much more interesting. I assume that most readers will already have seen this, but for those who haven't (and for my own future reference), here's a demonstrative video from PolyClayPlay:



This technique was developed by Idit Zoota. Essentially, the idea is that, instead of packing an irregularly shaped cane (like a flower) with translucent clay to aid in reduction, you can pack it with simple Play-Doh (or another water-soluble modeling material). Reduce as usual, then pull away the Play-Doh. Because it doesn't adhere to the polymer clay-- or at least not nearly as strongly as polymer clay sticks to itself-- you should be able to remove most of it easily. Stubborn bits can be soaked in water and gently brushed away with a soft brush.

Pretty neat, huh?
See, this is the kind of thing I've been missing out on! ;o)

4 comments:

AB71 said...

Just a quick comment to say I do still check in every couple of weeks. Glad you are back.

Angie in KY

Jackie said...

So glad you're back! I've been checking in every once in a while. I was about to take you off my blogroll, but now I won't. Please take a look at my blog to see some of my new polymer clay work.

treasurefield said...

Yes you do get some visitors to your blog, (it's full of great info!) I know because I get visitors via yours. So thanks!
And I can relate to the "occasional" part! ;)

I thought I was the only one guilty of "feebly dabbling". And by the way, I think the Sculpey STUDIO clay is my favorite to dabble with!

I have been seeing all the buzz about using PlayDoh, but I have to to tell you, I didn't really get it 'til I read your explanation. Probably because I don't do much caning either. I mostly just admire, like with all your pretties.
^_^

Looking forward to your future, occasional posts,
~alisa

Michael said...

Thanks for letting me know I'm not talking to myself here (yet), gals! ;o) That should help motivate me to stick with it. :o)