Getting ready to extrude!

Our next monthly challenge for the pcagoe is called "Extruded". For those who don't know what that means, basically it's using a tool called an extruder to create something using polymer clay. The applications for the extruded clay defies all imagination and new ways are coming up all the time. A fellow member wanted photos to explain how I turned my hard-to-use, almost-giving-up extruder into a tool that is easy to use. Instead of just showing her photos, I thought I'd post a blog about it in case someone else might be interested. You need an extruder, a metal washer and a caulking gun. I didn't invent this, got it from a book and if anyone wants to know which book, just ask. I'll dig it up!
So, photo #1 shows the extruder with the end bit taken off and the metal washer found at any hardware store. Choose a washer big enough to fit in the end of your caulking gun.

 Photo #2 shows the washer in place before your put the end bit back on. By now, you have chosen the shape die at the end of the extruder.

 Photo #3 shows where to put the washer, it fits in the end of the caulking gun.

 Photo # 4 shows the plunger of the caulking gun pushing against the plunger of the extruder tool.

 Photo # 5 shows the whole thing, the extruder tool and the caulking gun pushed all the way up against the plunger of the extruder. Had I thought to put clay in the extruder you would see the clay coming out of the end of the extruder.

So, I hope you understand my instructions, this is my first tutorial ever, so feel free to ask any clarifications on points I might have forgotten. This easy transformation saved my hands and wrists and was the difference between using an extruder or not!

Beads of Courage - Update

Just a little note to say I finally sent off all those wonderful beads gathered during the Morrisburg Polymer Clay Retreat. I know, it took me a while but in my defense, well , I have no defense other than I'm just a busy little bee. I did find a canadian branch of the organization, contacted them and they thanked everyone for their wonderful donation. I want to thank again all those clayers who donated. I had a chance to really examine the beads and the workmanship is amazing. Thanks again. Here is the link for Beads of Courage, Canada and a photo of the great bunch I spent the weekend with in Morrisburg.
http://www.beadsofcourage.ca/

It's Reveal Time! Button Swap 2012

Well, I've been having such fun with this swap. First, making the buttons that I sent to Teri Baskett, my partner, then getting her buttons in the mail and finally designing and making items I love with them. I hope Teri had as much fun as I did.
Now, making the buttons was a totally new adventure for me since I've made mostly beads and pendants before from polymer clay. The clay is so versatile I thought why not give it try. I did a little research into buttons for inspiration and found a whole new world to explore. I am totally hooked, pun intended! hi hi!
When I received Teri's package, I oohed and aahed then started dreaming of what I could make with the beauties. It took a little time but I used almost all of what she sent me and made some earrings and some bags. I just love everything I made, hope you do too.
Thank you Cindy for pointing me in this new direction for my art and Teri for the extra surprise of the bamboo handle. I love doing swaps they are just too much fun.
Here is the link for the list of partners, enjoy and Happy Mother's Day everyone!
http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/?p=8748

Sneeking a peak!

I entered a button swap organized by Cindy Wimmer and the big reveal is on Sunday, May 13th. Here is a photo of what my partner sent, a lovely lady from Indianna, Teri Baskett. You'll have to come back on Sunday to see what I made with all these lovelies. Have to say though, that this swap has opened up a whole new perspective on buttons. I'm hooked!

Spring Fling / Foire du Printemps

This past week-end, we hosted a craft & trade show at our local elementary school. I am quite proud of our success. We had a fashion show, a nail painting station and over 1500$ in prizes that were won. I have no official count but our little show brought in about 200 people. It may not sound like much but this is a rural area, it was sunny and warm after 4 days of rain, a Saturday and our first time having this show. Our little community can be proud because it was definitely a community effort. Everyone pitched in and made it success! Thank you everyone!

Beads of Courage

Well I finally got it all together but in my defense the sun has been hiding which makes photo taking a little arduous. Nevertheless, I photographed all the lovely beads donated by the Clayamies, Canadian Polymer Clay Guild during the Morrisburg Retreat, a couple of weeks ago (Oh my! Already!). We amassed about 4 lbs (2 kg) of polymer clay beads. I counted and we have 989 beads to donate to this very worthy cause. The original plan was to send them off to a fellow member of PCAGOE so she could send them all together with everyone's donation. After realizing the multitude of beads that I gathered, it was decided that they will be sent directly as a separate donation from the Canadian Guild. It would be silly to pay for shipping twice.
So, to all who donated I thank you  for your generosity. There are some beautiful pieces in the bunch, some of which will make the children receiving the beads very happy. It's a good thing!
I'm including a photo of the beads all laid out. It is quite a sight.

Button Swap and Just Under the Deadline!

So, I've been playing with making buttons since I entered Cindy Wimmer's swap and having a great time. But I had to stop and choose some buttons to send my partner, Teri Baskett, well, because she's waiting for them. Making buttons is fun and a lot more creative that I would have thought. This could be another great activity to do with polymer clay.

This is the ones I'm sending Teri. I hope she likes them.