WIP Wednesday: November Wrap Up

 WIP Wednesday Inside KatersAcres Polymer Clay Studio

I can’t believe it, “November Wrap Up” – where did the year go?! Is it just me or did time just melt away. It has been a LONG time since I did a WIP Wednesday post (since July actually). I’m not 100% sure that you  like these posts. I used to do these posts every week or every other week.

Please COMMENT BELOW if you’d like to see more of these posts or if you find them interesting and would like me to continue them. THANK YOU!

Is It Time for a November Wrap Up Already?!

Since it’s been so long since we did a WIP Wednesday in KatersAcres polymer clay studio, this one is rather big. As per usual not only will you see some things I’ve been working on, but you’ll also get a few of my recommendations as well. Since this week’s WIP Wednesday has so much in it, I’m going to break the graphic into quadrants for you so you can follow along more easily.

FYI: I do tend to post photos on Instagram during the week so you can follow and stay up to date with me and what I’m working on (and get a surprise coupon every once and awhile too). Feel free to come over and follow me on instagram so that you can see behind the scenes work in my studio as well as some tips & tricks as I post them.

• Choosing color palettes is one of the most exciting parts of the claying process. It’s the palette that will set the tone for your piece. This palette turned into a Nutcracker when all was said and done.
• This adorable little fairy was my week 46 2016 Polymer Clay Challenge project. I think she turned out pretty sweet!
• The paper at the far right is a coffee stained scroll project I have been working on for my church. Sometimes you need to work on other creative areas to enhance your claying.
• My most recent dolls from The Nutcracker Suite in all their finished glory. It’s going to be really hard to part with these this Christmas!
• And finally here’s a little snap shot of what I stare at when I work. All my happy supplies nicely organized. *Bliss*
• These little width card guides come in handy for the new LC Machine. Don’t miss this and four other tips you’ll need for your new Lucy Clay Tools Clay Rolling Machine.
• This little turkey and pumpkin pendant I made to wear on Thanksgiving. Cute huh? Our guest got smaller versions of the same to take home as tree ornaments.
• Don’t have fake snow from the craft store? I made my own with texture paste, glitter, salt, and micro beads. Worked like a charm!
• This mighty winter pinecone and rose leaf pendant I made for a special video at B’Sue Boutiques. Don’t miss this fun freebie!
• The next picture is a quick snap of my work space the day of filming at B’Sue Boutiques.
• And last but not least, even the ‘Schrume boys have enough time to get their picture taken. These are my favorite ‘Schrumes of all…
• I love my art journal and I do a lot of mixed media in it on a weekly basis. Since Christmas is fast approaching, a nice “Hallelujah Angel” seemed appropriate.
• Those cute little chimneys were inspired by Stephanie Kilgast of Petitplat. My husband (in addition to being a minister) has a Chimney repair business. These little mini Chimney’s measure about 3″ tall and have our phone number on the side to give to his clients as a little “calling card.”
• ‘Tis the season that I use copious amounts of faux wax seals for all my packaging. Here’s the most recent pile of seals.
• I really prefer Perfect Pearls over most other mica powder products. The main reason is that Perfect Pearls containing a resin agent that permanently binds them to the clay. This is not the case with other mica powders.
• Many of my dolls are built around an armature to reduce the amount of clay and also to help protect against cracking. However, there ARE times I like the cracking effect and choose NOT to use it. Here’s a recent armature in progress.
• These little muslin bags are what all our adoptables come in.
• And last but not least, all my faces (yes, even The ‘Schrumes, start out this exact same way. Simple. Basic. And grow from there.

These photos do a decent job of ending this season with a November wrap up and brief look back over just the past month. Yes, there are no WIP Wednesday posts from August – October and at this time I do not plant to go back and add those posts.

Many people enjoy these type of posts as they serve as inspiration for their own work, or they just like to follow along on another artists’ journey. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

In the Polymer Clay Community:

• Don’t miss The Blue Bottle Tree’s newest article on sealants. There’s a lot of good information there.
• Meg Newberg released a very awesome mandala cane tutorial to her Cane Builder subscribers this month. For a smll $5 fee every month, you don’t want to miss this. Meg was even picked up on Polymer Clay Daily for these canes!
• Christi Friesen’s “Circle” (her paid membership group) is still on sale to join for $9.95 a month. Very soon the cost will increase to $14.95 a month. Don’t miss out on the savings.
• Thinking “cute” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? It’s true that “cute” often gets dismissed in the art world, but it’s the “cute” and “whimsy” in life that resonates with my soul. Read Sage’s nod to “cute” on The Polymer Arts Blog.

Come and Join the Fun!

Online communities are a LOT of fun. Parker has opened up his own clay group: Parker’s Clay Tribe. It’s a FREE community of likeminded clayers on FaceBook. We have swaps, challenges, prizes, and even giveaways. Anyone is welcome to join.

What are you working on?

What’s going on in your studio? What are you working on? Is there a project you’d like to see me tackle and feature on the blog? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts & ideas!

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