Just to let you all know, I have decided to open another blog at a different site.  My new blog addy is www.jewelzodonnell.blogspot.com  I hope to see you all there!!

I have decided that I am going to sell off my entire inventory of TY collectibles and NASA miniature replicas!  To that effect, I am having a going out of Business sale on in my shops at http://onlineauction.com/store/jewelzodonnell and http://www.ioffer.com/shops/jewelzodonnell

I have approximately 600 or so of the TY and Russ collectibles and about 500 or so of the NASA miniatures.  Please feel free to check out my listings and I will even consider reasonable offers on large bulk purchases!

Prices are reduced from 50% to 99% off retail prices!  Buyers will pay actual shipping rates and a very small handling fee.

I am closing these shops as of January 16th this year!

Resolutions for 2009

1)  I want to learn how to make eyes for my polymer clay sculpts.  I am not talking about just little white balls with some paint on them, I want to make realistic, nice looking eyes.  To that end, my son had gotten me a heat gun, and I had written in an earlier post about what types of paints and supplies I am going to need for this particular project.  I was hoping for some comments to help me decide, but as of yet, no response.  That is OK.  I will be spending some time in researching various groups and websites to see if I can find out what I will be needing.

2)  I have recently starting making some jewelry out of fimo clay, using dried leaves and flowers from my own flower beds.  I am going to try to expand this line of jewelry and accesories to include bookmarks, zipper pulls and who knows what else.

3)  I have also decided to try to make some AECOs and ATCs with my polymer clay.  I have started one, and as time goes on, we shall see how it works for me. 

I think that is enough for now, as far as my crafting goes.  For life in general, I will try to organize my time better, and get back into yoga and start going for walks again.
Currently the PCAGOE team is having its January Challenge, Black and White.  I have managed to get a picture of all of the submissions as well as a list of the people who have entered it.  Feel free to go to http://pcagoe.com/  to see all the details, to be able to go to the links for the pictures/listings, to vote, and to see what prizes are available for some lucky voters!

(Going from left to right, each row)

1. Polymer Clay Cameo by teric55
2. Petit Pierrot by beetreebyme
3. Love You This Big Babe Wall Dancer by kerijoy
4. Little House Pendant by peculiarforest
5. Mistic Wolf Pendant by mistymountainrain
6. Millefiori Altoid Tin by PolymerClayCreations
7. Phases of the Moon Pendant Set by PuppyKissPortraits
8. Dreidel by naamaza
9. Black and White and Read All Over Box by juliespace
10. Laugh Til You Cry Miniature Mask by jewelzodonnell
11. In 2009, I Wish… Necklace by irismishly
12. Asian Relic Pin by Susanne Dingendorf
13. Black and White Crochet Jewelry Set by ljeans
14. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW by VAharoni
15. Yin and Yang Necklace by CreationsbyYami
16. My Floating Heart by tejaesart
17. Art Deco Dragon Brooch by SCDiva
18. Ring in the New Year by CocoJaneandme
19. Spatz the Cat by NatureVisions
20. Black and White Floral Pendant by thecolorofdreams
21. You Must Love Me Necklace by MilicaBubanja
22. To Everything There is a Season Switch Plate by OrganicOdysseys
23. Film Noir Penguin Couple by divadea

I am hoping that this year, I will be able to continue to challenge myself as far as my sculpting goes.  I refuse to get discouraged about how good some artists are, and keep reminding myself that they once were learning too!  I have realized that it is going to be a continuous learning curve, and that only if I keep on trying will I actually grow and improve.  We all have our specialties, and only by trying new things and being willing to make mistakes, will I be able to find mine.

In fact, I am very proud of myself for even trying to learn a new craft!  I did not give up, and I am more willing to ask for help or advice when I cannot figure out something.  So, as far as crafting goes, for 2008, I think I did quite well!

PCAGOE (Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy) is having a January challenge.  The theme is Black and White, and must be at least 40% polymer clay.  The submissions are now available for you to see at http://www.pcagoe.com and you can vote for your favourite one from now until January 7th, 2009. 

As a voter, there are some gorgeous prizes (made by members of the guild) to be won.  The winners of the prizes for people who vote will be randomly drawn at the end of the voting period.  For further details about this, please go to http://www.pcagoe.com and read all the details.  You can also see the prizes on the main voting page. 

The artwork that has been submitted this year is truly amazing!  I feel so privilaged to be a part of this month’s challenge.  Being amongst such talent is quite a privilage!

Note, some of the items in the contest are available for purchase at Etsy.com

Have you ever had one of those days, where if you did not laugh, you would cry?

I received a heat gun for Christmas, and I am quite excited about using it.  One of the first things I want to try with it, is to make some eyes for some sculpts I have in mind.  Of course, now I need to find the right paints. 

I have been doing a fair amount of research on various paints used with polymer clay, and am feeling just slightly overwhelmed.  There are so many good brands out there, and I have heard so many good things about them.  So far, I have looked into Genesis paints, and I am thinking that will be the way to go for me.  But…not only is it extremely difficult for me to get to the city to go shopping for supplies, I am not certain of exactly what colours I want.  And, what other supplies will I need for this project?  More paint brushes, paint thinner, and a palate, for starters.  Of course, I think I will use a lid from a yogurt container as my palate.  I also will probably use the paint brushes I already have, and use a toothpick for the tiny little details.  So those two I can strike off my list.

I think I will start off with some basic green and blue for eyes.  Black for the pupils.  Silver to add a bit of depth as well.  But what about pink as a blush and for lips?  Should I get red and thin it?  Or should I see if there is a lighter pink?  Perhaps I should also look into some of the powders experienced sculptors use.  And while I am at this, I think I would love to get some pewter, gold and other metallics.  Paint or powders?  Foils would be nice too.  And while I am at it, I think I am going to need fibers for wigging.  Oh, and yes, I will need more of the liquid Fimo too, to aid in series baking etc.  Oohhh, I also need some straight pins (used in sewing) with glass balls on them, to help form the eyes.  All I can find so far are the ones that have flat heads or plastic balls.  Any ideas where I can find these?

Since I am now adding metallics and powders to my list, why not look into getting some books to show me how to make pendants and other jewelry?  If I am going to start making some jewelry, why not get some findings too?  Keychains, chains, clasps, oh My!  Sterling silver of course, since a person has to ensure there is no nickel or lead in anything one makes to sell online.  I did manage to find a lovely shop called  The Ring Lord at http://theringlord.com/and ordered some sterling silver wire and split rings from.  So now I would like to find a shop online that will have everything I need. 

The list is getting longer and longer!  I am starting to get a bit dizzy with it all!  Here is my list so far:

Paint (blue, green, silver, black, red?, pink?)
Paint thinner
Powders (silver, gold, pewter, metalics, pearlesque, pink / red)
Foils
Fibers
Liquid Fimo
Straight pins (no lead or nickel!)
How-To Books
Findings (keychains, clasps, jump rings?, bails, chains etc)

Wow, quite a list!

Of course, I have also been thinking of other things I would love to do.  Start making my own ACEOs and ATCs.  Wall hanging/decorations.  Full sculpts of fairies and dragons.  More animals.  I think you are seeing my dilemma now! 

Soooo…I think I am going to ask you, my loyal readers, for advice.  I would love to hear what types of paints, findings, etc that you use.  Suggestions, comments and favourite online shops that ship to Canada  would be greatly appreciated. 

I think I am going to go get more coffee.  It is going to be a long day