Monthly Possibilities

     February - it means I had 3 days less than in January to enter 12 Polymer Clay Projects monthly challenge. Of course it wasn't my intention to leave it so late but here is what happened.

Glazed and ready for assembling.

      I had a couple ideas what I wanted to try including Tribal Necklace, Flower Beads and Goose Bumps Project. None of them fulfilled my expectations, but I believe there are great opportunities and I will definitely go back to them and explore more.

Beaded part measures 3.5 x 4.5 cm.

      There was 6 days left in February when I decided to use 3 colours of translucent Fimo and striped cane from one of my previous projects. I also wanted to include Mokume Gane technique elements and if possible to play with shapes. 15 small pieces, sanding, glazing and here you have my final piece - "Gathering" Necklace.

Eye-catching "Gathering".

 
      Challenges. First, I knew that translucent clay will change its colour during baking and from beginning I was a little bit unsure about the whole concept but when I started to assemble everything came together nicely. Working on this project was quite spontaneous, that occurs when one idea sparks another, I just had to let my fingers to do what they like.

Surprising Moments

     I would like to think that time after time we all get our little (or big) surprises. Sometimes it can happen quite regularly though. Recently I was surprised with lovely homemade dinner, but yesterday evening IT WAS SNOWING for the first time this year even it is Spring already here in Ireland.

     When it started snowing we all rushed outside and it was so amazing to see our youngest one (she is just over one year old) looking at the falling snowflakes against street light and the dark behind. You could truly see the surprise on her face. Yes, she saw snow for the first time!  :)

Polymer clay cane in the process.

     I also would like to share with you my  "surprise moment" when I am working with clay. Polymer clay is a wonderful medium and there is good few techniques how to achieve different designs. My favorite is CANNING technique. First of course I think about the design I would like to achieve, then step by step blend colors and create every detail separate. Next I put them together and build a cane with design I have chosen. 

Necklace made from Valg Studio Pastel Dreams cane.

      I'm used to cover the ends of cane so I don't see the design until I slice it. Color combination, shapes, the whole impression... this little moment always amazes me. It is probably the most exciting part of the whole process.
     MOKME GANE is another technique that doesn't show its look until the surprise ending and I am starting to explore it more and more.

     Do you have "SURPRISE MOMENT" in your work? I am actually sure you have!