JULY PCAGOE CHALLENGE!!!!

It is time for the July Pcagoe Challenge. The theme this month is: SUMMER MEMORIES!!! Please go vote for your favorite piece.
Here is some of the pieces in the ETSY treasury. My entry is Rainbow Beaches.

Featured-Husband & Wife Etsy Shops!!!!!!

I had the question in my head, Are David & I the only couple who each have a shop on ETSY? Well, I did find these two fun shops that belong to another husband & wife team.

Brandy has the ETSY shop:
RIYZEDESIGNZ
& her husband Dennis has:
ANDERSON SOAP CO.

Since I know Dennis would want me to do the gentleman thing and let his wife go first, I will do just that.

The first thing I couldn’t help but notice, being from Florida, was these gorgeous Emerald Ocean Earrings. These earrings are made with Emerald green and copper colored glass beads, gold plated sea stars and gold plated ear wires.
Earrings dangle 2 inches.
A fun pair to wear!

Also these lovely Blue Moon Earrings. These earrings are made with filigree copper antique looking findings and blue Lucite memory type beads.
Totally fun to Own
these earrings hang 1 3/4 inches

Brady is a member of PCAGOE-Polymer Clay Artist Guild of ETSY and has a wide selection of handmade polymer clay beads such as the following:
Animal Print Round Polymer Clay Beads & Starry Hibiscus Nights Polymer Clay Beads



At Anderson Soap Co. you can spoil yourself with all natural spa quality handmade soaps. As I look through this shop the soap looks good enough to eat and the names and combinations he has used makes just imagine lying back in a tub of hot water and just enjoying the aroma coming from the wonderful smelling soaps.

It was so hard to limit myself to just showing you three but finally I did.

1. Tango with Mango Soap Bars Mmmmmm......Mango do I really need to say more.
The scent of this bar is going to be a true hit!
Made with Shea Butter this bar will not only moisturize and leave your skin feeling wonderful. The Mango Scent leaves you thinking about the wonderful morning shower making you wish you could be home lathering up.
Bars weigh approx. 5oz.
Listing is for 1 tango with mango bar
each bar contains:
Distilled Water, Shea Butter, Vitamin E oil, Olive Oil, Sodium hydroxide, Essential Oil, Colorant gel.

2. Lime and Cucumber Melon Soap
Smells So Good!!! This soap lathers beautifully leaving your skin so silky smooth, fresh, juicy, clean and crisp and made with lime peels it’s a great gentle exfoliate.


3. Apricot & Lemongrass Massage Soap Bar
This soap is a exfoliating, stimulating and cooling treat poured in a mold so it massages while making you squeaky clean.

So come on in and take a peek at both of these fun shops, you won’t want to leave!!!

SALE!! ONE WEEK ONLY!!!

POLYMER CLAY SALE!!!!
ONE WEEK ONLY!!!!! July 16-22!!!! ONLY!!!!
Everything listed under section titled "PCAGOE Polymer Clay" in my ETSY Shop
is a WHOPPING 20% OFF!!!!!!
All you have to do is when you purchase a polymer clay item put PCAGOE20% in "Comments To Buyer" and wait for revised invoice before paying!!!
Happy Shopping!!!
Just GO HERE!!!!!!
Here are a few of my newest polymer clay pieces!!!
BLACK MAGIC WOMAN

GOLD RUSH

Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy

PCAGOE-FEATURED ARTIST
SOHOBEADS
Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy:


"Who inspires you?
My husband is my inspiration. He is always encouraging me. He brings me home presents (books, magazines, jewelry display cases) which will help with my jewelry business. He also carries my business cards with him and hands them out. How many men will do that? I am very lucky to have his support.
What inspires you?
Everything around me! I feel like I live in paradise. I live in Florida by the beach, so a lot of my inspiration comes from the beach, ocean, shells, wood, tropics, nature, etc.


Where do you create?
I have a room that was first a carport turned into a den and now my studio. I seem to have taken over the whole room, so will say it is my studio. I hope to one day have a real studio outside of my home.
How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I took two classes last year at Joann Fabrics, then did nothing. When I saw this group (PCAGOE) in April, I decided I wanted to join. I picked up my clay and started making things. I am pretty much a self taught artist. Polymer clay is so much fun to work with. The possibilities are endless."

INTERVIEW WITH TWO PCAGOE ARTIST- SCOTTGARRETT AND POLLYHYPER

This week I decided to interview two of my fellow PGAGOE-Polymer Clay Artist Guild Of Etsy members
SCOTTGARRETT & POLYHYPER. I decided to ask them some questions about PGAGOE so that you could learn more about PGAGOE and some of the amazing artist who belong to this exciting group.

SCOTTGARRETT
1.How long have you been an artist in polymer clay?
I started working with polymer clay about two years ago. My wife started first, and I couldn't keep my hands out.

2. What is you favorite polymer clay item in your shop? And why is this item your favorite?


I'm obsessed with making these pendants. Large Swirling Emerald and White - handmade polymer pendant is my favorite in the shop right now. The effect of the transparent clay marbled with the other colors is just perfect. Translucent is my favorite color right now.

3. Why do you like polymer clay?
The great colors I get to work with... I love mixing clay and watching how the colors look as they blend into each other... Many times the colors never get fully mixed because I like how they look in transition (cool marbled patterns) I love rolling and twisting all different color combinations, then taking a bit off and rolling it in hand, then a little twist and smash, and there's this cool design that is just so perfect. I love to hold finished beads in my hand.

4. How has being a member of PCAGOE helped you in your creativity with polymer clay?
Gosh, lots of things... I love checking the Flickr group for new posts, to see what others are doing. Through the group I am exposed to new ideas. Early on in my membership, I was having a little trouble believing in the ability to sell polymer work. I got some great feedback about my issues and no more worries! It's awesome to be around such an enthusiastic group of artists who are helping spread the good word about polymer clay. Such talent and creativity, Wow!

5. What was the hardest PCAGOE challenge for you? Why? And what did you make?
curly fern - april challenge on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
I've only participated in one, and made these earrings. I tried to do the self-portrait, but couldn't get my idea to work out :( Can't wait to be more involved in future challenges.)

6. Anything special I should know about you?
Sometimes, finishing a project takes forever, because I'll get a new idea and have to start on it, then another idea, and another.... I do finish some things, really :)

Two of my favorite Polymer Clay Pendants in Scott Garrett’s shop are:

Large Painted Dessert

approx. 2 1/8 x 1 7/8 inches with 2mm hole. 3/8 inch thick.
Shades of Brown, Pink, Blue and Yellow clays blended in a marbled swirl pattern with unique patterns on each side, temporarily strung.
Surface is Satin Matte and will take on a natural polished appearance when handled or worn over time.
Slight Shimmer in the right light.
Pendant Only

Eye of the Storm

approx. 2 x 1 3/4 inches with 2mm hole. 1/2 inch thick.
Shades of Green, Light Blue, Pearl, Translucent and Earth-toned clays blended in a marbled swirl pattern with unique patterns on each side, temporarily strung.
Surface is Satin Matte and will take on a natural polished appearance when handled or worn over time.
Pendant Only

Scott also has some amazing painting in his shop that you really should take a look at, such as this one:
Square The Circle-Seedlings-Original Drawing On Wood.

This is what Scott has to say about this awesome painting, “As the sun warms the Earth and the seeds begin to sprout...the wind of yesterday blows across my face.

This drawing was inspired by a type of visual expression called MANDALAS. Square the Circle is a stage of the Great Round. It is about focusing and being aware of principles and practices that can improve life for you and others.
12 X 12 inches on 1/2 inch birch plywood, coated with water-clear epoxy-resin. Signed and dated on the back and ready to hang.”

POLYHYPER

1.What Is PCAGOE? And why are you a member?
PCAGOE stands for “Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy”. It is a group/street team of Etsy sellers who work with polymer clay in one incarnation or another. We are growing larger and getting more exposure with each day!

2. Has PCAGOE helped you in your creativity? How?
The talent and camaraderie of the PCAGOE members is amazing, and I am so inspired by the many different directions members take working with polymer clay. No two artists are doing exactly the same thing. I’ve learned all kinds of new techniques and tips from PCAGOE members, and been pushed in new directions by the challenges posed by members as well as by the PCAGOE monthly challenge.

3. What do I have to do to join PCAGOE?
If you are an Etsy seller who works with polymer clay, you can contact Tamara, our Membership Secretary at her shop blockpartypress. There is a small membership fee/due which covers prize money for monthly challenges as well as other guild costs, and your required to keep at least 6 polymer clay items in your shop at all times.

4. What was your favorite Challenge with PCAGOE and what did you make?

Well, I’ve only competed in one challenge so far – the mixed media challenge – and it was a great excuse to finally get around to a project I had been thinking over for a while, my Rose Matchbox Pendant. My favorite challenge as a spectator was this past self-portrait challenge. It was a great way to get to know other PCAGOE members.

5. What is your favorite polymer clay item in your shop? And why is this item your favorite?
I really enjoy doing the custom work most, because I know that the piece I make will hold a very special meaning to its recipient. I had one custom order with a picture of a newborn baby, and I knew that would be something the family would hold on to for a long time. Similarly, I made a set of matching pendants for a customer using photos of her grandparents when they were teens, and had a chance to make my own little piece of history for her.
Here are some of Polly's custom pendants she has made:


6. What is weirdest thing you ever made?
My polymer work has been pretty tame, I guess! I’ve used polymer clay to make my own molds and tools, and even to replace a piece that has broken off a household item. I used to make some “items” for a “hippie shop” which shall remain nameless.
I guess I’ll have to start making some weirder pieces!!!

One of my favorite pieces in Poly’s shop is this one:
Wild Woman Mixed Media Pendant

One of my favorite pieces in Poly’s shop is this one: Wild Woman Mixed Media Pendant
This unique pendant is created using mixed media, including paint and image transfer, on polymer clay, and then coated with an acrylic finish for sheen and protection. This piece also incorporates found and/or re-purposed objects such as beads, bells, and coins. Each of my pendants is handmade and slightly irregular. No two are exactly alike, since much of the image transfer process is serendipitous.
Silver accents
Ready to wear on included adjustable black ribbon, or wear on your own chain or necklace!
The text is from a book entitled "Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD - credit where credit is due!

Pollyhyper also has an amazing array of how to books.
New Clothes from Old is one of these books.

Also it is POLLYHYPER's BIRTHDAY on JULY 11th.
Don't forget to wish her a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

I hope you have enjoyed reading about PCAGOE and these two outstanding artist. Please take time to visit their shops. You can also learn more about PCAGOE at our website pcagoe.com.
I will be interviewing different artist each week so please check back. If there is a shop that you would like to know more about please let me know… Thanks for Viewing my Blog!!!!!

WOW!! Thanks PCAGOE!!

WOW!! Thanks PCAGOE!!
Originally uploaded by Etsy Labs

Everyone at PCAGOE did a awesome job making these letters!!!

Jack's Pirate Treasure!

Ahoy me Matey’s! Jack was the most feared, respected, and dangerous pirate to sail the seven seas. Having plundered numerous enemies and looted over two-thousand ships. Capt. Jack is easily the most well-known pirate of the ages. Jack’s father Capt. Bloodhook had hidden his entire fortune of buried treasure on an undisclosed island. Cap’n Bloodhook left his original and only map to his son Jack. Many a pirate had tried to find and steal that map to no avail. Little does anyone realize the mystery to the treasure lies in the necklace around Jack’s neck. Can you find the treasure?

Handmade by local artist ceramic starfish, grey polymer clay bead, vintage bead that looks like a shrunken head, and tusk (hangs 3” at longest point), are all hand wire-wrapped with copper wire to spring ring and hang from brown leather 16” cord with bone bead used for closure.

This item is also part of my Linkage Collection which is a group of found, recycled and new items fashioned into components which can be combined in a variety of ways to make necklaces, key chains, charms for your belt loops, hand bags, watches, – the sky is the limit. The idea for the Linkage Collection came from another ETSY seller Lori Marsha which can be found at: http:www.lorimarsha.etsy.com, who is the creator of the linkage project, and all our Linkage items work together.

Here is what Lori Marsha has to say about Linkage:
Linkage is about how we ascribe meaning to objects. These small pieces, which can be used individually or grouped together, are a way to express something about ourselves. When we look at a bright blue button or a vintage game piece, we tend to attach our own experience to it. That experience is linked to a memory and that connection forms an important part of our individuality. Sometimes memories are all together too fragile.

I donate 10% of the proceeds of Linkage sales to The Alzheimers Association.

Spring Challenge

Let's go to "The Olive Drop"
Originally uploaded by sohobeads1.

This is my entry for the PCAGOE April Spring Challenge
Entry title is:
Dry Martini With A Twist

Vote & Win!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1177684396248U85582 (treasury)
http://pcagoe.wordpress.com/ (vote here)

Non- PCAGOE members, vote for the winner and be entered into a drawing for a fabulous polymer clay prize pack created by the talented members of the PCAGOE. Take a look at the all of entries for our Signs of Spring themed challenge. Then leave a comment at the top of the post including the # of the entry you want to vote for (Please note that comments will remain hidden throughout the contest, so don’t panic if you don’t see your comment after entering). Keep in mind the theme of inspiration from the Signs of Spring and how well the piece interprets the theme. Three winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between noon on April 26th and midnight (eastern time)on April 28th. The winners will be announced on April 30th.

PCAGOE- Polymer Clay

I am so excited. I started making jewelry using polymer clay two weeks ago and I listed some items in my shop. I have already sold five pieces. That makes my week, and my month,YEAH!!

I sold these three pieces that I call Blue Hawaii. Bright colors, fun & funky! I was trying to make something that reminded me of spring and yet I wanted to have the beach involved since I live in Florida. I came up with the blue beads and added the bright yellow and black flowers. Flowers & beaches brought to mind images of Hawaii, hence the name Blue Hawaii. I love the way this set turned out.

I have always loved art. I have been involved in different types of crafts all my life. Ceramics,painting,woodworking,sewing,needlepoint,cross stitch,metal smithing, just to name a few...

Since I love art so much I made these artsy polymer clay pieces. Plum Artsy Earrings and Plum Polly Pendant Necklace. The colors look like a artist canvas to me.

Etsy Treasury

Yeah I am featured in the PC treasury!!
Dry Martini With a Twist Earrings & Neclklace
I made this set for April Challenge
PCAGOE (Polymer Clay Artist Guild Of Etsy)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1176289908821U88398