Creative Musings

Polymer Paradise 2011

Most of the Group

I'm back from the 5th polymer cruise from California and I've been knee deep in registrations for next year's polymer and metal clay cruise to Alaska. More on that below. 

This was our best cruise ever with an intimate setting on our first four-night cruise. Everyone clicked and got to know each other in this short time. As usual, tons of goodies were given out to all. A total of three goodie bags were received by students thanks to our generous sponsors, plus loads of other creative gems were handed out in class and demo sessions. We had so many wonderful donations for our drawings that everyone won at least three door prizes, some worth hundreds of dollars!

Just Some of the Swag!

We had to stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada where instructor Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg got her latest tattoo. Most people stayed aboard the ship for bonus demonstrations by KLEW (Karen Lewis) and myself. We had two theme nights on this trip: "It's a Fiesta, Not a Siesta," celebrating our stop in Mexico. Several of our passengers really got in the swing of things with their outfits and a conga line at dinner. Our other theme night was apropos for the ship's formal dinner - "Claysino Royale." We had a clay poker chip swap that night along with loads of shared pranks between staff and previous students. Over half of our attendees were repeat offenders cruisers with Art Across the Oceans. 

Lisa Lambright and Our Surprise Adoption by the Michael and Melody Crisman

On our last class day at sea, someone shouted that they saw a pair of dolphins on the port side. That pair soon turned into a pod of hundreds of dolphins frolicking just outside our classroom window. How often do you attend a workshop like that? We ran out en masse to watch this unforgettable sight. Check out this video on Youtube. It's not the best quality and I ran out of memory before I could pan farther out to sea where dolphins could be spotted jumping out of the water as far as you could see. 

Immediately after we had crystal column classes at Brea Beadworks. Thanks to the students who stayed over to add this to their trip, especially Kay Vincent from the UK!

Next August (14th) Art Across the Oceans leaves from Seattle on a seven-night adventure to Alaska! During our days at sea, we'll be holding a package of 5 workshops (2 metal clay and 3 polymer clay) and at least 6 demo sessions. Our amazing teachers include: Katie Baum, Art Clay Silver Master and President of the Art Clay Society, Christi Friesen, Julie Picarello, Jackie Truty - Art Clay World President and Master Art Clay Instructor, and myself. Although this cruise sold out all sixty seats in a record 13 hours, we are taking names for the waitlist. For more information, click the highlight link for Art Across the Oceans.  

Take a peak at the Polymer Paradise '11 album to see just how much fun we had!  

 

Czech it Out!

The Gang's All Here!

My husband Allen and I just returned home from a trip to the Czech Republic where I was a teacher at Petra Nemravova's Fimohrani Event in Prague. It was a mind blowing trip in the most beautiful city I've ever seen. I had heard much the same from others who have visited there, but only seeing it for yourself can do it justice. Out of over 2000 photos, I've posted some of my favorites here and in the Prague 2011 album on the blog. We had the chance to visit the Easter fair in Old Town Square, where we bought local crafts and even made some friends with the artists there. One egg vendor kept plying us with their homemade "moonshine!" Further explorations took us through the oldest Jewish Cemetery in Europe and area museums.   

Prague Castle

Our tour of Prague Castle left us surprised when low and behold, the Czech Republic's president Vaclav Klause, drove right by us (literally about 20 feet away at one point) in one of the courtyards. We knew something was up when several police officers suddenly appeared, but no attempt was made to push us back, but only a sharp eye being kept on the tourists standing near by. Like that would ever happen in the U.S.!

Sgraffito Villa Exterior

Along with the prevalence of the Art Deco architecture, were the medieval buildings that are beautifully preserved. Among my favorites were the ones decorated with Sgraffito (the art of etching or carving through contrasting layers of stucco or other materials to form designs) and a building outside of Prague Castle with Trompe L'oeil windows which were added to avoid paying window taxes hundreds of years ago. 

You couldn't turn around in this city without seeing something that would take your  breath away from architecture to art. Even the modern buildings like the Dancing House by architect Frank Gehry was amazing. It was directly across from one of our hotel while in Prague and so much fun to see outside our window.  

Above Left - Trompe L'oeil Windows, Right - The Dancing House

 

We left the city one day to visit the village where Allen's grandfather emigrated from, Uhersky Ostroh; nearly 4 hours Southeast of Prague. We stopped at a grocery store on the way, only to come out and see two identical cars to our rental, parked in a row. Needless to say we were confused, but picked the correct car on only the second try!

Which Skoda was ours?

The drive through the country side was breathtaking. The perfect way to spend a blustery day and rest our feet from the miles we logged in Prague the day before. We even saw a few castles from the road. Allen and I found the row house that belonged to his Great Grandfather, but we found that it was no longer occupied by relatives. 

 

 

Old Town Square, Prague

After several amazing days walking the city (the blisters were worth it!), we moved to a suburb of Prague in an historic hotel that was once part of the barn, stables and granary of the nearby castle. This is also where nearly 70 participants gathered for three days of classes with the amazing artists: Carol Blackburn, Christine Dumont, and myself. Some of the students hailed from other countries including Germany and Austria, but most were from the Czech Republic. Each and every one of the participants (including one Polymer Prince - Jan) were absolutely delightful to work with. Even with a language barrier for some of us, we shared tons of laughs and heartfelt moments. My favorite, being gifted along with Carol and Christine, with a gorgeous and huge strand of beads made by all the students. What a treasure! I hope to upload a photo of this to the blog vey soon.

Petra and her family were incredibly organized and gracious making sure no one wanted for a thing. They catered delicious meals and snacks throughout in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

I was lucky enough to be gifted with several books written by participants, including the talented Petra herself. While I can't read Czech, some things transcend translation. The same was true in the classes. I couldn't have done it though without the wonderful translators that Petra supplied each of us. My eternal thanks goes out to new friends Eva (from day 1), Lucie (from day 2, my fellow Swarovski Fan) and Eva (from day 3).

One Class' Pinwheels getting ready to bake for Spinner Rings

I taught kinetic construction with an emphasis on making rings using my "Smoosh Cane." Each and every student brought their own unique style to their project. The best part was the inspiration I gained from their designs. I'm still reeling with delight from my time in this lovely country. It was truly an unforgettable experience.    

 

An Icelandic Clay Adventure!

 

I was incredibly fortunate to be invited to teach in Iceland this year at amazing creative store: Handverkshusid. Last week was the experience of a lifetime in creativity, making new friends, and experiencing this breathtaking country. 

My host Thorsteinn Jonsson, put me up in the Hotel Leifur Eiríksson, directly across from Reykjavik's incredible Hallgrimur church. I was lucky enough to catch someone playing the pipe organ when I toured the architectural wonder.  

After a couple of days to acclimate and enjoy the sights and galleries of Reykjavik (where I saw some of the most innovative jewelry design work I've ever seen), I began teaching mixed media clay classes including work with my Pardo Pro polymer clays, Art Clay Silver, and my Magic Glos resin. During three days of classes with students dedicated to soaking up as much information as they could, many professional quality projects were completed. 

Being in Handverkshusid was like being a kid in the proverbial candy store! It was truly a wonderland of creativity with every imaginable tool and material for clays, jewelry making, metal work, wood and glass working. Need I mention my bags were considerably heavier on the return trip than when I came? It was also wonderful to see dozens of books carried in the store authored by many of my creative friends. 

I plan on jumping onto a series of Iceland inspired mixed media creations soon which I will showcase here on the blog. I will incorporate lava and ash samples collected during my journey in as many of these as possible. 

On the evening of the third class day, the store hosted a reception in my honor where I signed my latest book and was able to answer several questions from attendees, enjoy delicious refreshments and mingle with students, store employees and guests. Several of my newfound friends gifted me with heartfelt presents including my new friend and talented artist Olaf who is one of the most incredible glass artists I've ever met.

I spent the last days of my trip traveling the gorgeous countryside with new friend Ingolfur Juliusson, who is one of Iceland's premiere photo journalists (not to mention musician, and videographer). What a treat to experience the roughed beauty and history of this amazing country firsthand with someone so knowledgeable. Ingo is famous for among other things, his photography of last year's volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. That was the volcano much in the news in 2010, which paralyzed airspace over Europe for weeks. You can visit his website by clicking his highlighted name above. I spent one evening at the foot of some of Iceland's most famous glaciers. I was lucky to have Ingo's friend Gudmunder (a ranger in Skattafell National Park) as our guide. He raced through pelting sleet on narrow roads to get me to Iceland's famous Jokulsarion Glacial Lagoon just before sunset to see this phenomenon of nature. It has been the sight of scenes from movies and television shows including: Batman Begins, James Bond - A View to a Kill, Tomb Raider, and the Amazing Race.  

Amidst the darkness we toured an old Icelandic Earth house that hasn't been inhabited since the 1940's, but has been preserved as it originally appeared by the last residents. We only had the light from our cell phones and my camera display to guide us through the pitch black house. 

The chance to get to know so many incredible people was a highlight as well as the wonderful cuisine of the many restaurants we visited. Icelandic lamb is incredibly delicious and unlike lamb I've ever had anywhere! Among the culinary delights I experienced including lamb's head (thanks to Olaf) and dried fish (thanks to ), I also was treated to Mexican food, the best Indian food I've ever had in my life, Italian pasta and pizza. Having a huge sweet tooth, I stocked up on Icelandic chocolate which is so delicious but wished I liked black licorice since it's one of the most common and popular treats of the country.    

The only disappointment was that the weather didn't cooperate allowing me to experience the Aurora Borealis. I guess I'll just have to make my way back there, hopefully next year! Please enjoy the Iceland 2011 Gallery added to my blog site with more photos of my wonderful week in Iceland. I will be adding some more photos to the gallery when Ingo sends me some that he took so be sure to check back soon.  

 

A Better Look

Yesterday, Jewelry Making Daily featured two blogs on polymer clay which I was honored to be a part of. Tammy Jones posted an entry with some of my favorite tips for clay. She also posted a second entry that featured a handful of clay artists (including yours truly). I can't say enough good things about this site (Jewelry Making Daily)as a terrific resource for inspiration and instruction.  

A few people contacted me through Facebook and e-mail, asking for a larger view of the Platinum and Pearls Necklace. After numerous abortive attempts to post to Facebook yesterday, I finally decided to post the picture here, where I know it could be seen in larger format. Click the thumbnail above for a better look, or on the highlighted resources to link you to more information.

This piece was created for a bridal exhibition at this year's winter CHA Show (Craft and Hobby Association), held in Los Angeles. It features my new Pro Series polymer clay, CRYSTALLIZED- Swarovski Elements, and the amazing Linda Hartung's Wire Lace product, which was recently featured on the Martha Stewart Show. 

Next Clay Cruise Announced!

           

Join us on The 5th Annual Polymer Paradise Cruise 2011

Experience four, fun-filled days and nights in our all-inclusive* event featuring: polymer clay instruction, free demonstrations, a massive goodie bag, tons of prizes, gourmet dining, shipboard entertainment, optional excursions, shopping, Vegas style casino, nightly sushi bar, complimentary room service, plus much more! Learn exciting techniques and projects from:                  

"KLEW" (aka Karen Lewis) teaching: Romancing the Spiral millefiori caning technique www.klewexpressions.com

Lisa Pavelka teaching: Tools to Drool For "Stamp-a Gane" pattern technique for beautifully decorated clay tool handles. www.lisapavelka.com

Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg teaching Filagree/Floral Fusion mixed media pendants with millefiori "brushstroke petal" canes. www.riverpoetdesign.com

Carnival Paradise Cruise Itinerary

9/12/2011 Depart Los Angeles 5:30 pm

9/13/2011 Catalina Island 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

9/14/2011 Ensenada, Mexico 9:00 am until 10:00 pm

9/15/2011 Day at Sea

9/16/2011 Arrive in Los Angeles at 7:00 am

Complete cruise price including the workshop package begins as low as $172.00 per day (and less than $110 per day for non-students). Space is extremely limited for this event and filling fast! Prices subject to change anytime so book early to lock in the lowest rate and workshop package with a refundable deposit.** For details or to reserve your space, contact:

Joan Conner

Rendevous-Elite Travel LLC

Toll Free: 1-877-243-1060

e-mail: jec10605@cox.net

*Travel to and from port, recommended/optional prior-night's hotel stay, shipboard purchases, spa services, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and excursions not included.

**Terms and details apply

 

 

And the Winners Are...

... Marie Lenox, Karen Douglass, Carol Hamilton, Myra Tsung, Macy Hall, Adele Sanborn, Donna Warner, Suzi Costa,Sara Feeny-Marks, Cherry Frivaldo, Shona (no last name at posting time), Edie Evans – Bisbee, Trina Williams, Sue Castle, Jenn Edwards, Diane Reed, and Marilyn Buehler. Congratulations cladies! I hope you enjoy making your own dichroic masterpieces. 

It's not too late to enter for the second chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate to my webstore: www.lisapavelka.com. Visit the website and send an inquiry e-mail with the words "Happy Creative New Year," to qualify. Entries will be taken through January 7th and one winner will be drawn at random. No purchase is necessary to enter. If your name doesn't appear in the list above, but you sent an e-mail, you're already qualified for the drawing (only one entry per name/e-mail address will be accepted). Best of luck and thank for all of you who sent in your entries already.    

 

Shiny New Year - Shiny New Tutorial

Best wishes to all for a wonderfully Creative New Year full of possibly! I believe we should view every day much the same way we greet the New Year, like a celebration! Each day in itself is a chance for a new beginning. Not to discount the festiveness of the day, but if we regarded each day with the same potential we perceive the New Year, we could enhance our ability to creative the lives we wish for. With that in mind, perhaps resolutions should be made on a day-to-day basis instead of year long promises that are often short lived. Failed resolutions are only the breeding ground of discouragement. I've decided that daily resolutions is more realistic and achievable. I'm less likely to be disheartened if I fail to maintain a daily resolution to eat healthier, knowing that tomorrow is a new start. This approach takes the immense pressure of an unrealistic goal off. Although over all, I hope 2011 affords me more time in my studio and with my family and friends.

I'm so excited to be working on new product releases for the coming year. One of the items I have been most anticipating are new foil colors. I treated myself to a little creative playtime today and I never tire of making projects with foil scraps. As a gift to you, I am offering a tutorial of one of my "Faux Dirchroic Glass" techniques - a Confetti Foil Pendant (download Confetti Foil necklace). I had a chance to play with some of the new foil colors and patterns. Click: The New Fantasy Foil set to see the six latest additions to the foil line. Expect 6 more (a 4th set) foil colors to be added in 2011).  

Anyone reading this on New Year's Eve has a chance to win one of 11 kits to make your own Confetti Foiled pendant (winners will receive: 1 sample bottle of Magic Glos, 1 LP bezel setting, 1 sheet of Rainbow foil, CRYSTALLIZED -Swarovski Elements chaton crystals, and a rubber neck cord (polymer clay, adhesive and tools not included). 

To win a kit, it's easy and free. You must be among the first 11 people to send me an e-mail at New Year's (12:00 AM EST) through my website www.lisapavelka.com. E-mail the message: "Happy Creative New Year!" Anyone living in other time zones must submit based on Eastern Standard Time, so if you live in California, e-mail immediately after at or after 9:00 PM for a chance to win). If you aren't among the lucky 11, your name will be submitted for a second chance prize; a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate to my webstore. An e-mail with the above subject line must be received by January 7th in order to be eligible for the second chance drawing; only one e-mail per person/address please. E-mails received prior to midnight January 1, 2011 will not be eligible to win. Winners will be contacted via e-mail or phone.  

I've posted another example of the Faux Dichroic technique set in Silver with Semi-precious gem stones (right) as additional inspiration to kick-starting your New Year as creatively as possible. I hope 2011 finds all of you eager and ready to "Discover your inner artist!"  

 

At long last...

Polymer Paradise Cruise 2010

The last several months have made me feel like the ultimate road warrior; nearly non-stop since September. This has helped me to maintain my status as the infrequent blogger. While on the road, business and personal commitments prevents me from getting on the computer. During the brief periods between trips, I am busy getting caught up on deadlines, e-mails, household demands, and preparing for the next journey. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. It's truly a blessing to be this busy in my career.

I never imagined years ago when I began working part-time from home, that I would ever end up where I am today with my creative calling. Due to a rare lull in between trips, I finally have a chance to blog again. Here is a recap of the most interesting travels that have occurred since September. Let's start with the 4th annual Polymer Paradise Clay Cruise. 

New and old friends came together for another fantastic creative journey at sea. It was a week filled with creativity, fun, and as always - non-stop laughter. Dear friends and fantastic teachers Christi Friesen, Barbara McGuire, and Jana Roberts Benzon joined me for an amazing five days departing from Jacksonville, Florida aboard the Carnival Fascination. Our days at sea were spent "claying around," while our port days were spent with fun in the sun in Nassau and Carnvial's private island cay.   

We clayed and played with many repeat offenders, er...I mean, cruisers, along with several new polypals. Everyone received huge totes filled with clay tools and lots other creative goodies from our sponsors including: Viva Decor U.S./Pardo Clay, JHB International (and me), Art Across the Oceans, Fire Mountain Gems, CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, AMACO, Bead IT!, Art Clay World, Polymer Clay Express, Tierra Cast, Beacon Adhesives, 3M, Artbeads.com, Spellbinders, Kabela Design, C-Koop Beads, Creative Options/Plano, Lisa Lambright, Makin's USA,Acme United Corporation, and our instructors listed above (of course)!

Be sure to visit the Polymer Paradise Cruise '10 gallery for lots more photos of this exciting retreat at sea.

Oh La La!!!

European Clay Extravaganza!

My journey to  France this past September-October for Corbières Créatives was an amazing and wonderful experience I will never forget. Kylee and Andy Milner host this creative gathering where over 50 students from around the world came together to learn a variety of polymer clay and mixed media techniques. I was honored to be asked to teach along with some of the most talented artists around.

The adventure began with a few days in Toulouse, France, with time to acclimate myself with the 8 hour time zone difference. On day two, I met up with fellow teachers: Denise Peck (Editor of Step-by-Step Wire), Ronna Sarvas Weltman, and Laurie Mika who was traveling with her delightful sister Leslie.   

Check out some of the trip's highlights by visiting the "France 2010" photo album here on my blog. 

Clay Convergence - Greek Style

Sunset Over Oia, Santorini

This year saw me holding another creative weeklong workshop in an exotic locale with an intimate group of artists. On the glorious island of Santorini, Greece, I taught "Clay Convergence;" a mixed media concept for Art Clay Silver.

We created numerous pieces of wearable fine silver artwork that also incorporated the use of polymer clay and resin. Each participant gained a large skill set in torch firing metal clay along with millefiori cane work, image transfer, mold making and lots more. 

 

In between workshops, everyone had time to explore the island, partake in a caldera cruise, and, shop to their hearts content, as well as eating some of the most incredible food anyone's ever had! Many evening began with a wine tasting or a visit to the Island's only Irish Pub where we made fast friends with our bartender, Anna. She treated us to her special drink whenever we popped by. One evening, we took an inspirational tour of the incredible jewelry stores in Thira and Oia, where we enjoyed seeing incredibly innovative concepts and applications for jewelry design. We stayed and clayed at the lovely El Greco resort just a short stroll from town.

It was an incredible week of learning, camaraderie, and endless laughter! It wasn't a chance tojust create jewelry, but an opportunity to make new friends. I was fortunate enough to have my husband, Allen along to enjoy the experience. I can't thank him enough for his help and all the fun we had with the entire group. Check out the Greece 2010 gallery here on the blog for some insight into this amazing week and gorgeous scenic photos of this amazing island.

Off to the Great White North!

Meeting clay artist Jessica Greschner at her booth 

A few days after returning home, it was off to my 8th http://www.create-your-s trip to Toronto Canada's Creativ Festival. This is one of the largest consumer workshop and shopping events for the sewing, quilting and creative arts in North America. 

               

                                     Is It Hot in Here or is it               Creativ Festival CEO                Gorgeous Gowns Abound                                                                           just Stephanie Dixon?                   Rita Gramsch MC's               at the Design Student show

The days were filled with fun classes as always. The annual Charity Gala was a highlight as always. It was moving to learn about the successes that  Crafting for Cure has had in building craft rooms in childrens' hospitals in Canada. The delicious dinner was followed by an amazing fashion show that rivals those found in Fashion Week in New York. It was an honor to sit in the front row and get an up-close look at the gorgeous couture designs by up and coming fashion institute students from Toronto.     

Crystal Chix at Sea 

Sparkly Chix

Two cruises in one year, what a treat! My partner in crime, Laura Timmons and I set off to sea to teach adventurous artisans to "Get Wired" with ourselves and guest instructor and fellow CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Ambassador, Lilian Chen. We tried a bold experiment with this cruise. We previously limit registration to no more than 15 students per class. This time, we set the student to teacher ratio much lower. Determination? We love the intimacy of a much smaller group and will be limiting the numbers for future cruises to between 10-12 students per class. That means that anyone interested in signing up will have to do so even earlier as we have reached our registration goals on every cruise. 

Our Days at sea were spent crocheting, forming, hammering, bending and twisting wire and crystals to create stunning jewelry. Even my neighbor Margo came along for the experience!

As always, our participants got huge SWAG bags filled to the brim with tons of goodies, but the gifting didn't stop there. We've set a record with another cruise (seven so far) in which every participant has one at least one door prize.

Days at port were spent on excursions, laying around the pool, trips to the beach, spa treatments, shopping, or just hanging onboard letting those creative juices continue to flow!  

A big highlight was when Cindy Wilson of Dreamtime Creations and Crystal Master, Kellie Defries gave bonus demos during one of our nightly sessions. Everyone including the lucky instructors got a glorious, crystal covered tote bag filled with tons of goodies from Cindy. In addition, we had a plethora of generous sponsors including Dreamtime Creations and: JHB International (and me), Laura Timmons/Vintage Moon Creations, Art Across the Oceans, CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, Parawire, Tierra Cast, Artbeads.com, Spellbinders, Beadalon, Boye/Simplicity, Rings & Things, Judi Weers, Shipwreck Beads, Silk Painting is Fun, and CREATE YOUR STYLE with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Ambassadors: June Beach, Lilian Chen, Katie Hacker, Val Hirata, Debra Saucier, and  Brenda Schweder 

You can experience the cruise vicariously through the photos found in the "Crystal Chix 2010" gallery here on the blog. Be sure to look for information on next year's creative cruise(s). We haven't decided on one or two yet at Art Across the Oceans. The date and details will be coming in early 2011.  

Since then, I have been at it with additional trips to teach in Colorado (at Bead IT!) and California, for private lessons and workshops at and Brea Beadworks.   

Hoping to get a breather over the holidays to catch up on other exciting projects and then it's back on the road early 2011. Be sure to visit my website for the workshop list being updated all the time. Next year is already filled with exciting venues both here and in Europe. Now, if only I could arrange all this travel through one airline in order to get enough miles to take a vacation! 

Clay in Motion

 

Anyone taking a class from me in the past few years may have seen me wearing one of my kinetic jewelry pieces; most likely a ring. If you have, you've probably heard me utter one of my favorite catch phrases: "If it's a spinner, it's a winner!" My love affair with motion jewelry continues unabated. I've just posted images for 5 more rings in my Kinetic Jewelry Album here on my blog. I hope you'll take the time to check these out. They are a true labor of love. 

  
 

I will be teaching a kinetic ring workshop in December this year at Brea Bead Works. Class details are coming soon to their site, but both this and the Foil Magic workshop will be held at their store in Brea, California; the first weekend in December, 2010. 

 

Art Saves • by Lisa Pavelka

 

 

"Happiness is in Your Hands! I truly believe that everyone is an artist; they only need discover their canvas(es). That belief wasn't always a part of my mindset. It took nearly half a lifetime to come to that realization. Over the last two decades, I have devoted myself to helping others discover that “happiness is indeed in their hands!”

via blog.crescendoh.com

I hope you can visit my guest curator week on the Crescendoh, "Art Saves" Blog. It was an honor to be invited by my friend and creative genius, Jenny Doh. She is doing amazing things for the creative community. This is a wonderful site to bookmark as a source of inspiration and insight. My thanks to Jenny for this opportunity!