as I only opened it about a year ago. I still feel like a newbie and am learning the ropes. I think it’s a great outlet for handmade items and it offers a great sense of community. I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed by how bit it is! Because of some family commitments and the death of my father last summer I wasn’t about to work my store as hard as I would have liked, but I’m trying to focus a little harder this year. I have so many ideas spinning in my head I don’t often know where to start!
I’ve never seen anyone doing anything quite like them. I think every handmade shop on etsy is unique and has its own point of view. Polymer clay is such a wonderful medium because if offers such diversity. Part of what makes A Piece of Lisa unique is that I do larger pieces. I believe when people think of polymer clay figurines they think of miniatures much like the work I have done for that last 20 years. My whimsical characters tend to be 5-8 inches tall or more. I’ve taken inspiration from paper mache folk art pieces and vintage holiday decorations and translated that into polymer clay. I’ve given them my own personal sense of whimsy and cuteness. I pay close attention to detail. While nothing handmade can be perfect, I try to be very meticulous. I actually love tedious work! I think my limited edition Christmas ornaments are very unique.
It’s so hard to choose favorites! I enjoy my work so much, but I would have to say my larger whimsical figurines are my favorites, especially the frogs and bees. I also love Christmas, so all my ornaments are special to me, and I love my Christmas figurines (I have been working on some very cute Santas that will be released in a few weeks on etsy.) My miniatures take a back seat only because I have been doing them for so long. The change in my work has been exciting and rejuvenating for me.
What is the item you are the most proud of in your store?
Asking me to choose one piece is like asking my Mom to choose her favorite child! I love them all! But for this post I will choose my Queen Bee. She is one of my newest designs and I love her! One of the first pieces in my new style was a bee and I thought he was really cute. I have always enjoyed puns and plays on words, and one day, while in the shower no less, I thought “Why not a queen bee?” I had made the frog prince and thought it would be fun to add a queen bee to the royalty in my shop. I decided she should be a pageant queen, complete with jeweled tiara, velvet sash, and a bouquet of roses. She is also slightly larger than Buzzy bee, as the Queen is the biggest bee in the hive. I love adding things to my new work that isn’t polymer clay. I think it satisfies my interest in mixed media and collage work in a fun 3-dimensional way, and it adds that touch of whimsy that I love.
I have done lots of custom work over the years, particularly in my miniature style. I have several loyal clients who order special pieces for their children, nieces, nephews, and grandkids each year. I have done lots of sports figures, professions, wedding cake toppers, and super heroes. I enjoy the challenge of a custom order. I consider each request on a case by case basis. I’m always open to ideas! Most of my custom work has been in my miniature style, but my very first etsy sale was for two of my standing cats, and I was thrilled! Just convo me if you have an idea, and we can work out the details.
A Special Gift to all our readers from Lisa.
Thanks for joining me today,
[hr with=top /]
Would You Like To Be the Featured Artist for the Month?
Are you are a polymer clay artist? Would you like to be the featured artist for the month? If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, please go HERE and answer the questionnaire and email your responses to me. Artists are subject to approval and are featured on a first come, first serve basis.
>Wow! This looks awesome!! I feel honored to be featured on your blog today! Thank you so much!
>I love Lisa's whimsical characters!
>Another great Monday Madness post!
>wow, this is quite an interesting read about the talented Lisa. I have admired her work on etsy and am excited to be able to learn more about the woman behind the talent
Love, Love, Love the whimsical creatures
>Great feature! I love Lisa's work, and it's great getting to know more about her. Thank you!!