Cookie and Cathy

"Out of the Blue," I received a phone call from a lovely woman.  She said she had been carrying my card around for four years since she had purchased a some of my Flora Bead jewelry at the New Mexico Arts and Crafts show.

She said she looked for me every year since and she could never find me.  Since I joined Yucca Art Gallery and started teaching I haven't had as much time for shows...or I admit, had wanted to do one.

We made arrangements that Cookie and her pal Cathy come to the house and see what I had left in that line which amounted to about 10 pair of earrings and one pendant.  Not much to choose from.

They were so sweet, wanting to see some of everything I had been working on over the years.  You who follow my work know that I have a kind of "Art ADD."  It's very hard to keep making the same style of work for too long.  Polymer clay has sooo many applications and that it's just too much fun playing.

Anyhow, they settled on gifts for 2 friends and gifts for themselves.  Cookie said that she had always wanted a Flora Bead Bracelet and wondered if she could special order her very own.  How could I say no?  Such fun ladies, I felt like we were already old friends.

So, she hasn't seen this one yet...the flowers are actually smaller than I used to make for the bracelets so we'll see if she likes it.  I'll make another blue and pink (the requested colors) so that she can pick.

She may have opened up a can of worms again! :-)

Souffle Clay experiments

I was able to get a hold of some of Polyform's new clay "Souffle."  Per Iris at Polyform: "Michaels won’t be carrying Soufflé, it is going to be available at JoAnns, AC Moore, Dick Blick and online."

Here are a few of my observations:

• It is a soft, stretchable clay before curing and a very bendable clay after curing.  
• If you use it in a single layer as I did for these blue earrings, you can actually bend a convex shape into a concave shape.  I believe they were done on a #2 setting on my Atlas.
• It has a very slight grainy texture and sort of a soft matte feeling in your hands.  
• The raw clay also takes additional texture very well.
• The excess white oil paint that I used for antiquing could not be sanded completely off the surface.  So it made the color appear to be a lighter blue. 
• It's not made for sanding and buffing which is a big plus sometimes!

The Company of Women...

Here is the pendant that I started on Halloween Day in Santa Fe.  I had brought the earrings from PCD and Cynthia's book because I wanted donate them to her and the Samunnat Project.

After getting settled in the workspace the gals set up for me, I fiddled and made some ugglly stuff.  I had no direction and was totally stuck.  I stopped and looked to my right.  I hadn't noticed some beautiful wadded up balls of colorful clay.  I think those colored wads, the company of the artists and thinking about the Nepalese women and the earrings that I brought, inspired me to use my "Southwestern Palette" to create some pendants.

The curling ochre parts of the pendant was all I was able to get cured in the oven before it was time to head back Albuquerque.  Time flew by so quickly, but those few hours with some wonderful artists led me in a new direction :-)


While you're online this cyber Monday, "You too" can help the women build their second story of their new building...just click here.

Best Wishes for the Happiest of Holidays and a Peaceful New Year!

Fast Forward a Few Years

I attended a retreat a few years ago and to participate in a swap we all made 25 slides.  I had been busy making my Flora Beads and variations of those, so trying to come up with an idea was challenging.  A while back, one of our member artists at Yucca Art Gallery was using bamboo tiles to make resin tile bracelets.  I bought a bunch of the tiles from her in different colors and sizes.  I remembered that I had them and decided to make something for the swap.  

Some months later, I wanted to experiment more with appliqued tiles.  I made the above black and ecru earrings that had the same design, but reversed.  Cynthia liked them so much she featured them on Polymer Clay Daily and in her new book Polymer Clay, Global Perspectives.  Cynthia is now in possession of these earrings...as it should be :-)  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Sooo...the bits

I liked adding little bits and antiquing them...and still do.  Although now, I like using black as the color to accentuate texture and depth.  I remember wearing this bracelet when I did my first big show in Tucson in 2007.  I got so many compliments :-)

I was still enjoying the lentil shape and so for these, I just rolled some plain lentils and arranged the tiny bits of clay in a floral design down the center of each bead.  I also found and old post which shows other versions of how I incorporated a technique into my own work.

This is what I want for my students.  Yes, you can make exact copies of what I teach (and sell them too!) in my workshops.  But I'm betting that you won't  :-)

The Dragon and How Inspiration Evolves

Many moons ago, Christi Friesen came out with her first book "Dragons" (Christi's link on her site didn't work) and I was asked to review it for the IPCA (then the NPCG).

Generally, I do not take classes or do projects from books, but since I was reviewing it, I had to make my own dragon.  Christi first inspired me to use bits of clay and she knows that, I've told her and thanked her. Christi used brown acrylic paint to enhance the texture.  I also reviewed a DVD of Dayle's Doroshow's about that same time and she also showed how she used acrylic paint to age or antique certain pieces.

In the coming days, look for a few more posts which will show how I used applique and antiquing in my own work.   I will also share how a recent visit with some polymer friends staying in Santa Fe,  pushed me to create my most recent designs.  I showed up with supplies and ready to clay, but had no idea what would happen :-)  Love that...

Apologies, Links, Swags and Swirls

Apologies for my lack of blogging.  I mostly post on my Facebook and Flickr pages, so you may want to follow me there.  I also wanted to update you on my available classes on CraftArtEdu.com.  Go to my instructor bio page to see.  Here is my workshop page and teaching schedule in case you would like to set something up with me.  Thanks so much for you interest in my work :-)

New Technique - "Crackly Goodness"

Greetings, Polymer Clay Peeps!

I have here, what I believe is a new polymer clay technique which I will call "Crackly Goodness."

or maybe BFCG?  We'll see if anything sticks ;o)

The look is similar to mokume gane but the layered effect is created with alcohol inks only...no colored clay at all.  I also got a great crackle goin' on, which happened entirely by accident.  Love that *serendipity stuff!

I'll be teaching this new technique at workshops and hopefully will get a tutorial written soon for CraftArtEdu.  If you'd like to get a better look at what I'm describing here, go to my Flickr account where you can enlarge the images and really enjoy the "Crackly Goodness."  I've used this technique on my Mandala Beads which you can see there as well.  Email me if your group is interested in a one or two day workshop.

*ser·en·dip·i·ty  [ser-uhn-dip-i-tee]  noun  1. an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident

My Kaleidoscope Tile Pendant Tutorial

 Hey all.

I've been thinking of getting this tutorial back up for a long while now.  I originally had it on my old website, and wanted to put it here on my blog, which gets quite a bit of traffic :o)  Hope you like...


Barb Fajardo Kaleidoscope Article

Few and Far Between

It does take me time to feel that what I'm thinking or doing is worthy of a blog post.  I work on my art nearly every day and almost always post photos of my work on Flickr (where you can really zoom in and see the detail) and Facebook.  So why blog too?  My blog is followed by you (I mean you're here aren't you?) and you deserve an occasional update :-)

I still love my Mandala Beads...generally I work and work on a technique until I feel that I just can't go any further with it. It's right about then that your muse decides to show you something.  Low and behold, I accidentally "crackled" some beads and the result is very cool.  Guess there is more experimenting to be had...

My first "Mandala Beads and More" weekend workshop was back in January with some wonderful peeps right here in Albuquerque (Annie, Cynde and the gals).  Tomorrow, I'm headed to Lenexa, Kansas to spend time with Kim, Donna and their group.  I'm sure it will be fabulous!

Anyhow, this workshop in Kansas is coming at a great time.  I've had a few health issues to deal with since the beginning of the year and things are beginning to get back to normal.  Can't wait to get out of town and active in the community again.  

If you'd like to learn my technique for creating "Mandala" crackle beads, drop me a line.  I'd love to come to your city too.

BOO! Scared ya, didn't I?

Two whole blog posts in one month...what a treat!  Or a trick??  Pretty clever how I worked Halloween into this post isn't it!

Just want to show you a couple more of these textured beads.  Although I'm spiritual and not really religious, I've always loved images of crosses and churches.  Here in New Mexico, there is much religious art and culture, especially during the holidays...and I can't help but be influenced by it.  Also, instead of adding alcohol inks for color, I'm going the acrylic paint route.  These have just a bit of turquoise paint mixed in with the burnt umber, so it's going a bit green.  I like the color though.

I've been on a pretty long kick with texure, since I started "Texture Doodling" and made my CraftEdu tutorial "Textured Tile Tessellations." 

I love what I've seen from Roberta Warshaw after taking the class.  She's been experimenting with texture on lots of different shapes!

Happy Halloween everybody!

Concho Beads, Snowflakes, Whitewashed Tin...or what?

These really remind me of the type of pieces that are used in sterling silver Native American concho belts.  I find it interesting that I'm subconsciously influenced by designs and colors that I've grown up with living here in the Southwest for 40+ years (shhh...don't tell).  Or it could be that I'm just looking for these styles in my work because I like them so much.  Either way...I'm going to continue experimenting with my textures on butterfly shapes and ovals too... and hey, maybe I'll even make a belt.

By the way, please visit Artybecca's blog (aka Rebecca Watkins) and Flickr site.  I recently shared a work table with her and was very impressed at her creativity.   That woman is a bead maker extraordinaire!

barbfajardo.com and new shapes

Yes, it's true, it's true...I do neglect this blog.  You know how it goes...there are so many other things that demand attention in our lives.  I won't bore you with mine, at this very moment..let's save that for *another* long awaited blog post ;o)

For now, let me just post a picture for you of some prototypes that I'm working on.  I continue to be fascinated by shapes and alcohol inks.  Today, I'll be trying some birds...

And for those of you who have known me for some time and have my old site linked (the old swirl lentil tutorials...that by now, everyone knows how to make), you may want to link to my new site barbfajardo.com.  Please look around, there is some info on teaching and also some earrings for sale on the purchase page.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer, we can feel fall in the air here already!  Toying around with the idea of weed pulling since we have gotten some nice rain the past few days...or maybe not...

Rose from Escondido

Rose from Escondido purchased Swirl Lentils from me years ago and decided to look me up since she was visiting family here.  She sent a nice note that she had really enjoyed working with my beads and that she would like to take a class from me.  Rose is a very talented jewelry designer, but she felt that it was time that she created her own beads instead of purchasing them from another artist.  

 

We decided on a 4 hour class (which quickly turned into 6 and could have easily gone another 2) and then she told me that she had never worked with polymer before.  Uh oh...  But actually, I thought...this is perfect.  Just last week I got an email from a Bead Society that was interested in my class.  My first thought was, I wonder if someone with no experience with polymer would feel comfortable taking this class?  The world works in mysterious ways...

Turns out the answer is yes... I would even venture to say that a pasta machine is not even necessary.  Rose was my very first student for my new class and she helped me more than she knows.  I took notes as she took notes.  I found out some things that students will definitely want to know, things that I take for granted.  Rose was very happy with her class. She said she learned so much and that I was a patient teacher.  Yay :o) 

Midway, we took a break and chatted out back by my shady Purple Robe Locust Tree.

I made us some guacamole with blue corn chips, orange slices and graham crackers.  Pretty fancy huh?  

Thank you for a great day Rose from Escondido!

Happy Earth Day and Happy Easter to you all!

Attention span and new website.

Mine is low...my attention span that is.  Art ADHD?  I think I have mentioned this "condition" in previous posts.  But, I think my creativity is pretty high.

I'm not a class taker...I'm mostly self taught.  My attention flits from idea to idea and I can't take long to see a piece(s) come to fruition.  If it takes an extra amount of concentration, I can't do it.  I think that's why attending "in person" classes aren't my thing.  Even with books, I tend to flip through them quickly, mostly looking at pictures and rarely taking the time to do a project.   I think it's a blessing and a curse...

I'm not a project person, I'm all about technique.  I change around my work fairly often, because I become bored fairly often.  I use what I know and expand on it. My inspiration mostly comes from inside me.  I like it that way...

My Textured Tile Tesselations class is rather short and simple for the price ($30), but I think it's worth it.  It's a new technique class...it's meant to make you see how you can use the new technique in your own work.  If you've taken "TTT" and want to discuss or ask anything...the hows. the whys. the what ifs.  Please, please talk to me!  Email me at barbfajardo(at)gmail.com, join my classroom or use the option in the class to ask a question, either privately or publicly.  I'm here for you any time...that's why CraftEdu classes are the next best thing to real live classes. 

I will be adding some new content for those of you who have already purchased TTT and have views remaining.  It will touch on the round domed beads and how I use alcohol inks for color.

I'm working on proposals (yes, I know you've heard that before) to share some of what I've learned along the way.  Check my new website which will keep you updated. I've outgrown my old domain name and have found a web host that is about half the price.  I'll probably be shutting down the old site by August or September 2011.


So you have an idea where I'm coming from...my son Daniel graduates (Mechanical Engineering) from college this year and next year wants to leave NM for his Masters.  My youngest Evan, will be a junior at UNM next year (Computer Science) and will probably be moving out soon (he's rarely home as it is).  The boys have their own friends, even though they still like us :-)


That's where I'm at in my world.  Sorry for the unusual length of this post, I've been lax so I figure long is better than not at all! 

Tiered Tessellations and Photo Backgrounds

The polymer beads shown below are domed beads I made using some metal paint tins...I placed raw round cutouts of polymer on the convex sides (the under side of the paint tins) and textured each one with tools that I demonstrate in my Textured Tile Tessellations Class.  I really love how these turned out and will be doing more experimenting.  And yes, the plastic paint tins will melt in your oven as some of us had wondered about on Facebook.

 

 What I really want to show you is a quick side by side comparison of a picture I took today; 

the graduated background I used and what simple photo editing can do for an image. 

Below is a black to white graduated image that I made in photoshop. Click on the image and enlarge it, then "save as" on your computer.  I learned from Janice Abarbanel's Blog - Exploring the Art of Polymer Clay, that she orders her jewelry backgrounds from the printing department of an office supply store. I uploaded the graduated image and ordered mine online at Costco's photo processing site.

Next, I sandwiched the background between non-glare glass (shiny side down) and foam core (you could use cardboard or mat board) and held the 3 pieces together with thin strips of masking tape wrapped around the edges.

If you scroll back up to the collage at the top, you can see the same photo 3 different ways.  The first is the original photo with no editing.  The second has the exposure only auto fixed in picnik.com and the third has a complete auto fix in photoshop. After editing a few different ways, I usually print out a couple of 4x6 prints of each to see which I like better.  Hope this will help you take better photos of your work!

Not a Zentangle

I mention at the beginning of my Texture class that my "Texture Doodling" (copyright 2010) on clay is based on Mehndi and Henna Designs.  Now that the class is up on CraftEdu, I feel that you might like to see the kinds of designs that I've subconsciously been influenced by. 

I had already been working with texture for a while when a few months ago, I ran across some images on Flickr and was mesmerized by the complexity of the designs.  Soon after, I realized how much some of the shapes and designs were working their way into my polymer textures. 

I finally sat down with a two sided sharpie (fine and extra fine tips on one pen) and a piece of copy paper. When I began, the intention wasn't meant to make such a large design, but I just couldn't stop.  I've worked on for the past 4 days and I'm pretty happy with it!  Okay, I'll admit that I'm VERY happy with it.   I even went out today and bought some spray adhesive (I already had some black poster board to mount it on)  and a cheapy black frame.

I discovered that I still  have a very steady hand.  I used to do a lot of watch and some jewelry repair in my younger days selling fine jewelry, and I remember a customer telling me that I must have the hands of a surgeon to be able to work with such tiny parts in watches.  I had forgotten that I could actually draw a pretty straight line!

But, I have to tell you...please don't say this looks like a "Zentangle."  Of course I've seen the black and white drawings and heard of the method, but I have no idea what the rules or constraints are supposed to be.

Anyhow, now I feel like this could be a new addiction for me.  All I know is what I'm influenced by and luckily,  I had a piece of  white paper and black pens to help me express what is in my head.  I know, pretty scary isn't it? ;o)  It looks like a bird to me...

Bazinga? Yes, Bazinga!!

This is a new word to most of us :o)  What it means is that a particular class is being offered up at CraftEdu for 25% off for 24 hours.

You can Bazinga my class (I haven't decided if this new word we use is a noun or a verb) until 12noon MST on Saturday, December 4th...tomorrow!!





This really is a versa"tile" lesson (pun intended)...I used mine for a bracelet, but there are oh, so many things you could try...how about ornaments?  You could theme a small or large tree with a southwestern style tiles!  Here are a few other items you could create from Textured Tile Tessellations:

• Pendants
• Necklaces
• Belts
• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Rings

• Bookmarks
• Picture Frames
• Mirror Frames
• Frame a Window or Door
• Decorate a Door or Cabinet
• Kitchen Backsplash
• Poker Chips
• Magnets

Let's see...what else is new ;o)  I have a page here with some earrings up for sale for the Holidays...be sure to visit.  I'm thinking of doing more selling here on my blog, so you may see more items here than on my website.

Each purchase will be sent on a black signed card, gift boxed and shipped (first class) for free until Friday, Dec. 17.  I've also uploaded some pieces to Flickr, they are for sale and the same free shipping applies.

Ummm, oh yes.  I had an excellent November, hope you did too.  I was notified that a piece of mine is a 2011 Niche Awards Finalist...still can't believe that one.  The winners are announced at the BMAC in February, but don't think I'll be able to attend.  I believe that to have my finalist piece displayed at the show, I need to bring it in person...don't think that's gonna happen.

Also, had a good show Thanksgiving weekend here in Albuquerque and had an artist profile article in the Dec/Jan 2011 issue of Beadwork magazine.  Great people to work with, thank you guys!

Lastly, I was invited to join the oldest co-op gallery in Old Town...about 5 minutes from my house...Yucca Gallery.  I'll be taking some pieces in for jurying next weekend.

Whew!  Have you ever seen so many links in one blog post?!  Happy Holidays all, and thank you for your business and friendship this past year!

Creating the Perfect Swirl Lentil Bead

Tooling around on the web as I often do, I find there are still a lot of questions on why people aren't getting the hang of the Swirl Lentil.  There are some important ingredients that are often overlooked in creating successful swirls:

1.  The polymer clay can't be too firm or too soft.

2.  You may be using too much pressure on the "swirler."

3.  Make sure the work surface and the swirler surfaces are clean.

4.  Are you using glass, plastic or a ceramic tile for either surface? If the clay slips or sticks as you rotate your arm, you may want to try a different surfaces. 

Swirl Lentils can be tricky little buggers, so it may take some experimentation to get everything just right...sort of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears :o)

I have a class on CraftEdu.com that will take you even further in your pursuit of the perfect Swirl Lentil.

Click below to see a free preview of
"Swirl Lentils - Getting Personal"



Hope that helped and good luck!
Barb
www.rubarbdesertdesigns.com

Thinking about where I've been and where I'm going...

Isn't this something we all think about nearly every day?  I have a magazine interview coming up next week and I've decided to put some thoughts down on paper.  I don't do that nearly enough.  I think about things a lot, but rarely do I write them down.

Even blogging has become a bit difficult as I find it's not that easy these days to put my thoughts into words.

So this weekend, that's what I'll do... try to nail down some of the things that make me do what I do.  How I began, where I've been and where I'm going.  Why I enjoy it and what keeps me inspired.  

Have a beautiful weekend all!