Yeah, it's been a while since I've posted a blog entry here, but if you've been following my work, you're probably familiar with the blog I began on January 1st of this year - "365 Days of Lip Service." This and my travel schedule has kept me incredibly and blessedly busy. If you're not familiar with this project click on the highlighted name to link to the blog and see how I'm creating a new artwork for each day of the year on the lid of Carmex lip balm containers. I love a challenge and tiny canvases. If you're curious as to why Carmex jars...you'll have to check out the blog for yourself. I've taken a break from the blog project to do something I've wanted to try for years. In all my travels and writings, I have yet to encounter another person who has covered their pasta machine handle in clay. Having an extra handle, I tested it in the oven for an hour to make sure it would withstand the heat that polymer clay cures at. To my delight, no damage or warping of the handle occurred. I covered the handle first with a base layer of thick scrap clay to have a smooth foundation on which to create the decorative veneer. After adding a large (23mm) SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Rivoli button #3015 (in Crystal Volcano M) to the handle end, I then polished it.
If you've ever seen me demo or taken a class with me, you'll know that most of my tool handles are covered or made out of clay. You might have also heard me say that "You make better art when you create it with a piece of art in your hands." Another benefit of covering your tool handles with clay is that no one ever mistakes yours for their in classes and retreats. I hope this inspires you to do the same. Happy claying!