My work shown at Synergy3 Conference

I have enjoyed reading the recent posts on Polymer Clay Daily about the Synergy3 (Polymer Clay) Conference that was held in Atlanta - just wish I could have attended. So I was delighted that some of the presentations were being posted for others to look at. Looking at the 'How to How to' presentation by Judy Belcher and Cynthia Tinapple, I was amazed to see two photos (taken from my blog) on one of the slides about 'How to use scrap' - it was my first attempt and making a 'Stroppel Cane'. I feel very priviledged that a tiny piece of my work made an appearance at the conference, even though I could not be there.

Browns Bay Craft Market 23.03.2013

It was a lovely suny day, although quite windy at times (one of the perils of being outside), I had to pin or stick everything down to stop it blowing off my table at the Browns Bay Craft Market. It was nice to be doing a very local (literally up the road I live on) market, even if it did not turn out to be very profitable.

This was only the second time the market has been held, and the first time for me taking part. I hope it develops into a viable market for me, as it is nice to support a local initiative.



Application accepted for Dunkleys

After months of deliberating I finally took the plunge and applied to have a stand at Dunkleys Great NZ Craft Show when it comes to the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland, 18-20 October 2013. I am delighted to have received confirmation that my application has been accepted.

 

My main reason for doing this is to promote polymer clay and advertise my workshops but it will be interesting to see how sales compare with the markets I have been selling at so far, as it will be a different type of visitor to this event. I hope to be teaching a workshop on each of the three days of the show, as well as demonstrating on my stand, and would love to generate enough interest to set up an Auckland Polymer Clay Guild.

I have been working

'Golden Wave' - in progress

It has been a while since I have posted what I have been working on. This because it has mostly been preparing samples and material for my workshops but here is a sculptural piece I have started. It will be called 'Golden Wave'. I will post a photo when it is finished but I cannot say when that will be yet.



My first stained glass cane

This was my first attempt at a stained glass cane using Pardo polymer clay. I think I mixed too much solid colour with the translucent, as apart from the yellow, the other colours are not as translucent as I was expecting. I will have to experiment more with the proportions of solid colour to translucent if I have another go. 

Auckland Polymer Clay Guild?

(c) Lara Melnik

If you already use polymer clay, are thinking about it, or just want to know more - meet up with other like-minded people once a month.

 

I am thinking of seting up an Auckland Polymer Clay Guild, if there is enough interest. If you would like to be part of this, leave a comment or contact me. We can form the basis of the group at a first meeting and take it from there.

CLIPT at Devonport 03.02.2013

Here is my display of fashion clips at the Devonport Craft Market. Again, as at Mission Bay last weekend, I received a lot of positive feedback, especially about my sketch illustrations. My intention was to replace them with actual photos but now I am not so sure, as the general opinion is that they are neutral, clear and easy to understand.

Introduction to Polymer Clay Workshops at the Lake House

Contact the Lake House Arts Centre on 09 486 4877 or info@lakehousearts.org.nz
See www.lakehousearts.org.nz for more information on their Arts Programme for January - July 2013.

Lake House Tutors Evening

Tonight was the 'Meet the Tutors' evening at the Lake House. It was a great opportunity for me to meet the other tutors there and hopefully some potential new students for my workshops.

CLIPT at Mission Bay - 'Kiwiana' clips launched

The weather was perfect for the Auckland Anniversary Art and Craft Market at Mission Bay. There were lots visitors and some very positive feed back on my fashion clips. Several people commented on the display of sketches, saying they illustrated well the different ways to wear and use the clips and that they were easy to understand.

Below are some of my first 'Kiwiana' clips I took to the market. The rubber stamps I had made from my designs have been impressed into black polymer clay and then coated with mica powders.



Koru, Pohutukawa, Kiwi & Fern designs