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!!!!!