A Review of July 2009

After the thrill of winning the random selection prize in the Design Challenge, I have now got down to working on some designs for things to make with FP, apart from jewellery. I have made some different shaped 'tile' pieces to put together to make a small 'mosaic-style' design. I have several small MDF block canvases and have worked out a couple of different mosaic-style designs for these. I am also thinking about decorating the large round mirror frame that I have.

I still need some more materials and equipment but am working on this. I have now got a monthly 'pocket money' allowance, which means that I can at last start ordering what I need. Getting things here in New Zealand is proving to be the main problem - virtually everything has to be imported - so it all takes time (and extra cost!). Not good for an impatient person!

I have lots of ideas, which is good. I am just having to work on designs/ideas at the moment, until the materials arrive. The only thing I have not sourced yet is Envirotex Lite, to seal my finished pieces.

'Random Draw' Win in the Marbling Magic Design Challenge

I found out this evening that I have won the 'random draw' prize in the Marbling Magic Design Challenge. I am really delighted, as this was my hope when I entered the competition - I did not expect to win the 'voters choice', as my designs were very simple with the limited resources that I currently have. I received an email from Jana Ewy, asking what my favourite colours of FP are - so she can make my prize to suit. I am intrigued to see what arrives in the post and am also full of inspiration to get creating. I am taking this win as a sign that FP is my destiny.

Two more NZ inspired paintings

These two paintings, titled 'New Zealand Landscape' and 'Pampas' are to hang in our apartment, for the time being. The landscape one was inspired from a photograph in the flight magazine, on our journey out here. (Note: Due to photographing indoors with poor light conditions, the colours in these photos are very intense, particularly the sand which looks very yellow, when it is actually much paler).

First atempt at the hot water technique

This afternoon I finally finshed my last painting, which now means I can concentrate all my spare time on working with Friendly Plastic. I had a quick go at softening FP in hot water. After all the set up of filling my electric frying pan with water and using a thermometer to get it to the right temperature (60-70 degrees Centigrade), my first attempts did not work that well when trying to fuse strips together. I then tried softening some plastic to manipulate three dimensionally - that did not work well at all. It seemed a lot easier to fill a cup with near boiling water and just dip the item in quickly, guessing when it was ready. I obviously need to spend more time working on this technique.

The results of the Marbling Magic Design Challenge should be decided and posted in a few days time.

A Review of June 2009

Unfortunately, I have been unable to do any more work with Friendly Plastic this month, after submitting my entry for the Marbling Magic Design Challenge. My time has been spent doing full-time temping work. Today is a day off but I am trying to finish two outstanding paintings for our apartment. Tomorrow, I am going in for an introductory day before starting my new, permanent job on 1st July. Once I get started in my new job, I need to make time available for continuing my 'Journey of Discovery' with Friendly Plastic.

Marbling Magic Design Challenge - entry

Yesterday, I submitted my entry for The Art of Friendly Plastic 'Marbling Magic Design Challenge'. The challenge was to design three or more pendants using various marbling techniques. The three pieces I finally submitted bore no relation to my original design ideas (some of which did not work out so well and some I was restricted by a limited amount of tools and accessories) but I felt these were reasonable attempts for a novice.

The closing date was 15th June, which was a bit of a rush, as most of this month has been taking up with 'temping' work, job interviews and negotiations. After I had submitted my entry, I found out that the deadline for the competition had been extended to the end of the month. Never mind, it is done now. I will just have to wait with curiosity to see the standard and designs of the other entrants, when they are posted for voting.

A Review of May 2009

"I have always loved iridescent/metallic colours and have been fascinated by fused glass – I believe Friendly Plastic will allow the creation of similar effects without some of the limitations – it is full of creative potential and an exciting new medium to work with."

I cannot remember how I came across Friendly Plastic, since moving to New Zealand. I had seen it many years ago at a craft fair at Alexandra Palace, London - it was the bright metallic colours that caught my eye, when passing a jewellery stand. I think because it had been used for jewellery, I did not think of using it myself - I had not appreciated the full potential of the product. Anyway, I am just glad to have rediscovered FP.

There is so much information available on the internet - I still have not read it all. I have spent a lot of time looking at http://friendlyplastic.blogspot.com/ and also looking at the web sites and blogs of Liz Welch and Jana Ewy, which I have found very inspiring:
www.rarebird.ltd.uk and http://rarelizzie.wordpress.com/
www.justbananas.com and http://www.janaewy.blogspot.com/

I have been thoroughly enjoying creating pieces of marbled Friendly Plastic - it gets quite addictive. Although jewellery is something I have never made before, I intend to make the best pieces into pendants, to enter The Heart of Friendly Plastic 'Marbling Magic Design Challenge'. The deadline for this challenge is 15th June - I will post a photograph of my competition entry.

I have also ordered lots of exciting goodies from www.rarebird.ltd.uk in the UK - this website seems to have the greatest range of accessories for, as well as colours of, Friendly Plastic. I just cannot wait for this order to arrive. So far, I have just been experimenting with marbling for this challenge but I know there is so much more to try and learn. My main idea at the moment is to make mosaic tiles out of Friendly Plastic, reminiscent of fused glass, for creating pictures and decorative mirror frames.

One of my first pieces of 'marbled' Friendly Plastic. I was enjoying myself so much I started to cut it up, to make a pendant, before taking a photograph, which is why there is a cut line down the middle.

Two small NZ inspired paintings

I guess everyone has to paint Rangitoto and Pohutukawa flowers. I have completed these two small paintings, titled ‘Rangitoto Island’ and ‘Amongst the Pohutukawa’, to take to Auckland East Arts AGM and party tomorrow. I have joined this art group, after seeing their exhibition marquee at the St Heliers Festival, with the hope that it might provide some opportunities to exhibit.

All ready to marble now

My second order from ZigZag arrived very promptly, again. I now have a further 20 sticks of FP and a ‘marbling comb’. I also rushed out and bought an electric frypan, so I can use the griddle method recommended for marbling. So now I am all raring to go!