Pretty Pig Design

Featured Shop
Pretty Pig Design
Be sure to visit Pretty Pig Design http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyPigDesign where you will find unique statement jewelry specially designed and hand created for you!

Going into college, I had full intention in becoming a kindergarten teacher. The classroom experience left me with the discovery about my creative passion through the abstract nature of elementary coloring and making crafts. The revelation of the artist trapped inside me has compelled me to free her! Changing my life course, I graduated with a degree in Graphic Communications with a minor in Art. In the never ending pursuit of the perfect accessory to the cute ensemble (completed with a perfect pair of boots) I stumbled into jewelry design. I sought out a few classes and became totally addicted! I enjoy experimenting with different textures and color combinations to make fashionable and practical art. My favorite current creations are fabric flowers and buttons; flower button necklaces, hair clips, headbands…endless potential!

If I could travel back in time I would like to have been either an actress from the Golden Age of Cinema, or a Big Band singer. Since that isn’t a possibility; I draw inspiration from watching vintage movies (Cary Grant, Doris Day, Katherine Hepburn, etc.), and am influenced by their soft clean lines. I like to add a kick of color or texture to make the style a little more modern and personal.
I like my workspace to be organized and clean, but if I were to be totally honest, I would have to say neither of those words describes my craft room. I am very much a visual processer, so it is important for me to be able to see all of the materials I am working with at one glance. To aide in this creative process, I have built an environment where all my tools hang on a peg board; and the materials are sorted by color into glass jars and clear storage containers. This method allows the materials to be both creatively organized and easily accessible.

As a side note… growing up, I was heavily involved in 4-H and showed pigs at the county fair. Since then, friends and family have contributed to a sizable ceramic and stuffed animal pig collection. As an adult, I have never let the emotional attachment go, and my shop name is a homage to a childhood reminder of the cute cuddly image of the pretty pink pig.



www.prettypigdesign.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/PrettyPigDesign
pinterest.com/prettypig/

Pure Silver

If you are like me and you like to keep all of your craft books, just in case you are inspired to try something new... it is important to find a space for them so that you can find them! I like to organize mine by magazine company and by theme, if they are mixed media books, textiles or jewelry. I keep them in baskets in my Studio for safe keeping and when they are organized, I know where to find them when I am inspired.

How do you store your craft books?

Enjoy a visit to Dan's etsy shop where you will find handmade...fine silver pieces http://www.etsy.com/shop/danpv.

by Texturz
"Originally from Maine, I relocated to Southern California many years ago for its better weather.

Healthcare worker by day, in my spare time I work on my new creative pursuit: metal clay. I discovered an artist practicing this 10-year-old art form at a recent County Fair and I signed up for a class on the spot.

Until then, the extent of my art experience was years of outdoor photography; so it was with some trepidation that I approached my first silver clay class in late September. However, with the encouragement and expert guidance of my talented and experienced instructors, I quickly developed sufficient skills to establish a personal workspace at home. As a beginner it was difficult to know what tools I would need, so I did lots of reading and research online. My breakfast table has been transformed into an art clay workspace until I can build a suitable workshop. I organize my everyday tools in jars: brushes in one, clay shapers in another, files and picks in another, and so on. Decorative cutting scissors are well organized and close-at-hand in their own wooden lazy susan. A tackle box holds most other backup tools in a cupboard. The dollar store is a great source for plastic trays and boxes that I use to store many small supplies including my silver clay packets, paste and syringes. Early on, I purchased many templates and molds which I still occasionally use. My current preference is for unique patterns, textures and molds which I create with two-part silicone putty.

The Art Clay I use is made from 100% reclaimed silver and is very easy to work with - even for those of us with no former clay experience. When I'm planning a new piece, like this Mushrooms Miniature Sculpture




 I use regular modeling clay to create a mockup of my intended creation; and that I can easily modify as I see fit. Unlike Art Clay I don't have to worry about modeling clay drying up; and it can be reused repeatedly.

Although I have a Dremel hand tool, I prefer the personal touch using diamond needle files and sponge polishing pads to finish the clay piece prior to firing. I was fortunate to find a used Paragon kiln on craigslist and now can enjoy firing multiple items simultaneously.

When I want to impart a softer satin finish to a piece like this branch (http://www.etsy.com/listing/64851420/pure-silver-split-satin-branch-pendant), after kiln firing, I brushed the piece with a brass brush. Afterwards, I used an artist brush to apply a patina to the textured portions of the pendant.

For a shiny, more reflective look such as this pendant (http://www.etsy.com/listing/64852071/pure-silver-split-glossy-branch-pendant), I tumbled it in a jeweler's rotary tumbler. Then I used an artist brush to apply a patina to the textured areas.

There is a great sense of satisfaction in creating a unique fine silver piece from a lump of clay. Always looking to broaden my repertoire, I'm already contemplating which metal clay I'd like to get my hands on next: steel, bronze, copper or gold. Either alone or in combination, working with metal clay offers enormous artistic creative opportunity."