New Year Starts Here! Part 1 of 2 (Post 27)

Its been quite an interesting time since Christmas and I'm now ready for 2011 and all that it offers.

PMC Shell Pendant - Sue Heaser Workshop

I suppose you could say I've been researching ideas - or just taking a break?  What I can say is what an amazing opportunity I chanced upon.  I was extremely fortunate to attend a double workshop held by Sue Heaser.  The workshops were totally unexpected, but certainly not to be missed!  Sue is renowned for her silver clay, (precious metal clay - PMC) and polymer miniatures as well as being the first Art Clay Instructor in the UK - teaching worldwide.  Towards the end of last year I bought one of her PMC books and that was ONE of my New Year Resolutions - to work through the techniques.  Sue also founded The Polymer Claypit - a 'must site to visit' for all you polymer clay enthusiasts.  (This site is now owned by George Weil Group - and now covers a vast range of other crafting supplies also - personally, in my opinion, the website is not quite as 'friendly looking' as when Sue had it, but still a good site).

Teardrop Tree - Sue Heaser Workshop

Then ... 'out of the blue' I had the chance of taking part in her workshops.  I've got to admit, I was so excited - 'kismet' ... had to be fate?  

 



It was of immense value to me and over the two workshops I made 2 pendants and a pair of earrings; which gave me the 'push' I needed to get back on track.

The workshops were really just 'tasters' to demonstrate the versatility of working with PMC.  What was really lovely, was Sue had brought samples of her work and many of them were from her book - so I was already familiar with her work, mind you ... the 'real life' jewellery was even nicer than the pictures.

The earrings are my own design, this workshop was to practice with 'texture'.  I chose to have a teardrop background with an added 'tree-like' shape which I lightly textured.

Aztec Pendant - Sue Heaser Workshop

The 2nd Pendant, also my design, was again, to show the effects of texturing.  I thought this had an 'aztec' look to it, with the horizontal lines and the added little triangle.

I came away with some Art Clay and a whole new raft of project ideas just waiting to be designed.  That's the beauty of learning - get to know your techniques but put your own mark on your designs!

Meeting Sue Heaser has been the highlight of 2011 so far - she even signed a book that I'd bought from her at the workshop!  But I must tell you a little more about my short break ....

Coming up in Part 2 ....

'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'

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