I’ve been exploring this design element from several directions.  First came a series of designs using a cane pattern and a contrasting solid.  I’ve done a dozen or so of these and each pattern and shape combination is different.  So they are each one of a kinds.

Then, I wanted to come up with designs that were simpler, smaller, and which could be ordered according to shape or color for my wholesale line.  Here’s an example, and I’ve got sets accordingly in different shapes…

Finally, I wanted to take the design into deeper complexity and pieces with a bigger Presence.  These are each about 2-1/2″ in diameter, so they have presence alright!

I started with 4 color mixed sheets that I painted, stamped, sprinkled with glitter, dripped with ink, and even drew on with metallic markers.  Those sheets were covered with a thin sheet of translucent.  Those four sheets were cut up for the major spaces of these donuts, and interspersed with canework patterns.  Finally, I added floating cane slices or carved and back filled.  The pearl is mounted on a wire that is soldered to the portion of the bail that’s hidden inside the layers of clay.

So there you have it.  Same design concept applied in different forms.

Have a great weekend!

Patti

I made three designs that have low bezel walls.  Two of them have clay patterns covering some areas of the textured silver back.  The colors are very subtle.  These all three are pendants with tubing soldered on the back so they can take up to a 2mm cord or chain.

Let me know what you think!

Blessings,

Patti

This past weekend, I hosted a class in my home studio on the subject of textures and making your own texture plates in polymer.

Here’s a great technique that doesn’t require drawing or carving skills:

Bake a sheet of clay for your background.  This can be Sculpey Bake & Bend, Premo, or my favorite, a 1:1:1 mix of Bake & Bend, Premo, and Ultralight.  This sheet should be a medium thickness from your pasta machine, and big enough for your pattern.

After the backing sheet is cooled, spread a thin layer of Liquid Sculpey over it and press a very thin sheet of clay over that.  Make the second layer a contrast color so you can see what you are doing.

Press your pattern into the top layer.  The baked underlayer ensures that all the design will be consistent in depth of lines.  You can remove sections also.

This pattern used the 1/4″ square, and the tiny heart from the Kemper cutters sets.  And various needle tools for detailing.  After the pattern is complete, bake the sheet again.

Next, make a negative of the design by rolling it against more clay.  I used Bake and Bend for this sheet also.

Finally, you have both the positive and negative patterns to use in your designs.  Here’s my sweet little valentine pendant:

Blessings,

Patti

My latest book is back from the printer!  Yeah!

I saw the pages in December for final editing, so the layout and design is not a surprise, but its still a very exciting moment to have all the pages in a complete form.

Here’s some peeks:

So exciting!  I hope you look for it and love it too!  Order here from Kalmbach for the quickest delivery!

I’ve done it.

This cookie design was the logo for Pioneer HiBred Seed company who my husband worked for after college.

Please!  Focus on the cookie and NO comments about the hair!!  After all, it was about 1992 or so…

I expect she was thinking of Christmas themes…

Patti

So this was my all-day Saturday project.  I had college football streaming and I built the 14 letters while listening to games.  The cane began by making each letter 3/4″ high and 2″ long.  The cane had a little over 3 lbs of clay to begin.  I did quite well with the reduction and didn’t have too much distortion and waste on the ends.  Check out the process:

I’ve so far only sliced and baked about 1/3 of the total.  The cane will make thousands of little signature beads.  I usually make my “KIMLE” cane about every 3 or 4 years.  We shall see how long this WoP cane will last!  Here’s hoping we sell so much and raise so much for ministry purposes that I have to make it again!

Blessings,

Patti

The article was written by Trina Williams, a friend I first met long ago at one of the Ravensdale conferences sponsored by the Northwest Polymer Guild in the Seattle area.  It’s a lovely, flattering piece and I’m honored.  I did select and furnish the pictures.  My kids noticed that some of them are “really old work!”

Along with the profile, I wrote a pendant project which is also featured using a mokume gane variation and metal clay for a bail.  Here’s the project:

Thanks Trina and Anne!

Blessings,

Patti

Words of Purpose is official!  It has a website and the order forms are at the printers.  Check it out!

Blessings,

Patti

In June, I talked with my husband about my need to move in a new direction in my work and in my business.  We talked about the fact that I was disappointed in the efforts I had made to lauch Precious Text as a home party line.  I know my weakness is in marketing.  I’m not shy, per se, but self-promotion has always been very uncomfortable for me.  Not good when you need to call people and ask them to host a home party for you.

However, I knew that I really wanted to keep my designs with a Christian focus.

My husband suggested that I create an army of teens as my sales force. …? how?  By offering my products as a fundraiser for groups.  Church youth groups, kids working toward mission trips, etc.

Perfect!  I’ve always been most gratified by making work that is not only beautiful, but meaningful to the wearer.  And I’ll be able to assist others in witnessing about their Christian faith while reaching toward financial goals.

So in developing a new line, I’ve kept certain considerations in mind; the line needed to include designs that might be worn both by young men and women.  I needed designs that were also ageless so a teen might like things, but so would Mom and Aunt Judy.  There are also a few non-jewelry items–pens and magnet sets–for those who will support a fundraiser but don’t like or wear jewelry.

The line includes just a few pieces that are silver metal clay, most are polymer.  And most designs are on rubber cords rather than metal chain in order to keep prices down.  The sales price for all items ranges from $22.00 to $80.  And 40% of all sales will benefit the group selling for whatever their mission or ministry goals.

This new venture is called Words Of Purpose jewelry and gifts.  Watch here and I will be letting you see some of the products up close and will let you know about the official launch.

Blessings,

Patti