Polymer Clay Pen & Twinchie Swap

We just finished the latest International Polymer Clay Swap on Facebook, The theme for this one was "Polymer Clay Covered Pen & a Twinchie"   For those of you who don't know what a "twinchie" is (like my friend Moe)  it is like an "Inchie" only bigger.  An inchie is a 1 inch square tile and a twinchie is a 2 inch square tile.  The way they are decorated is up to the creator.

I used my scrap cobblestone cane to make the pen and twinchie for my partner Paula.

I made two twinches, couldn't decide which to send so I sent both..... along with matching beads so Paula can make a necklace if she wants to.  Here is close of up the first one with the beads.

This is the second one. I also used strips of a simple border cane on this one. It's a little funky, but I like funky.

And this is a close up of the pen.

Here is the gorgeous pen and  adorable twinchie I received from  Paula.   I love the Delft colors and design.

I have a cup of coffee when I first get up but the rest of the day I drink tea so the teapot and matching cup are perfect. Isn't it charming? I love it. She even has tea pouring from the spout.

And here is a closer look at the pretty pen.

The "International Polymer Clay Swap" group have  had 5 one on one Swaps  so far. I participated in 4, I missed the first one but you can bet I won't miss anymore.  It has been great fun to see what everyone makes, so many talented artist...  and it's been a joy getting to know folks from all around the world.

The theme for the next swap is "Fantasy Vessels &  a Twinchie".  If you would like to join in the fun  all you have to do is join the group and sign up for the swap.  For more information click here 

Heather and I have been hard at work planting flowers.... she does all the digging and I do the hard part... telling her where to dig.  I'm a darn good supervisor. My yard is looking good... yip, I will be posting photos soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Polymer Clay Beads

Here are some of the beads I made before our trip to Kansas.  I finally got around to editing the photos.

I have 100's of canes and I am running out of room to store them so I thought it a good idea to made beads....


This is a simple border cane I made with my extruder.  The colors are lime, charcoal gray and black.

Click on the photos for a closer look.

I trimmed the ends and used the scraps to make these beads.

I will use them with this mirror image tile to make a necklace.

I used the scrap Cobblestone cane to make these, the top three are textured with sandpaper.

Layered square beads made from a Cobblestone cane.

Back of the square beads.

This cane was a little crumbly.... so I gave up using it for beads.... I will try softening it with liquid Kato before I attempt more beads. I love the colors and the stained glass design.

It's good to have a ready supply of black and white beads.  I made these with a black and white cane.

I made tube beads from one of my favorite canes. I love these colors together. I used one of my Tiny Peg Stamps from Meer Image Stamps to stamp the little turtles on each end, aren't they fun? Steven  has an abundance of wonderful stamps, if you are not familiar with his site, give yourself a treat and check it out.

More beads from the same cane. I made a bracelet with the tube beads....I am pleased with the way it turned out.... so is my daughter, she glommed on to it before her sister saw it.  I will take photos soon.

I am making more beads from my cane stash. Plus, I am working on this mixed media necklace. The center of the pendant is made of layered and folded polymer clay framed with woven wire.  I created asymmetrical wire and bead components  on each side and will finish with either a hand made chain or  silk cord.

Okay, that's it for today..... I have to water my flowers and then back to making beads. See you soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

My Aunt Betty

I wasn't able to post on my blog last week.  My dear sweet Aunt Betty was critically ill and we made a quick trip to Kansas to see her before she passed.  We arrived tuesday evening, she had just been brought home from the hospital and was under the care of Hospice, It was a blessing to have time  with her, she knew who I was and I'm pretty sure she was pleased to know I was there.  She was surrounded by her loving family and went to meet her Maker the next morning.  I  know she was joyfully met by the love of her life, her handsome husband Gene.

Aunt Betty was a special person in my life.  She was my Mom's younger sister.  My Dad died in WWII. I was just a toddler and my brother was born 6 months after he died. My mom was devastated and Betty came to live with us. She was a great help to Mom and I bonded with Betty like a baby goose bonds with what ever it sees first. I followed her everywhere, I adored her and felt safe when she was near. That feeling has lasted throughout my life.....   We haven't seen each other often for many years but we always kept in touch by letter, phone and lately by email.  She was 82 years old and the computer gave her fits.... but she gave it the old college try.  Her daughter, Gina, tells me there are many emails meant for me that accidentally ended up in her draft box.

I know that she is in a better place but I miss her.

I love this picture of me.... about age 4.... and my beautiful Aunt Betty