Studio Saturday with Creative Impressions In Clay

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This weeks winner is Flower and Bud Jewelry. Congratulations! You have won a new O pendant from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles. 

Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at 
Creative Impressions In Clay.

70 Donut Pendants for the Bead Cruise. Glazed and ready to be fired.

I don't think I have shown how my little kiln looks when it is loaded. 

I made these new donuts for the Bead Cruise. Yes, I am jealous that I am not enjoying beading, friends, relaxation and warm weather. 

Instead we experienced a rather stressful week. My husband is a teacher. Most school districts are going through big budgets cuts, at least here in Ohio. Last Saturday we received the call, he was cut after 9 years of teaching in this particular district, many hours of going to school and a career changer. We were in shock to say the least, walking numbly through the next few days. I arranged an interview (which has since been postponed due to a conflict) to return to the corporate world. Steve was applying for jobs, not in teaching but back in the business world, one benefit of being a career changer. We received another call a few days later, he was now UNcut. We were happy, relieved, confused, and in general leery of the fate of education. Since then, State Bill 5 has pasted in our state. Not a happy thought. Moving on from this unhappy diversion...

     Above is a photo of new donut Pendants that were created for the Bead Cruise. They are on rods, 3 layers deep in my little kiln. They have been dipped in a clear glaze which is why they don't look too exciting.

Kiln opened, donuts fired.

You can now see the detail after the donuts have been fired. Pretty-Shiny! Now to unload and file any sharp edges from glaze sticking to the rods.

60 Pendants, bagged and tagged.

This part of packaging I refer to as "bag and tag." All donuts were put on cards and then placed in resealable cello bags. I wanted to try a different presentation with the pieces of bandanas that can be used to tie the pendants to a necklace. 

Sassy Pendant

Close up of the Pendant. Feeling a little SASSY?! Figure it was apropos for most of us on certain days and because my last name is Sasser.

My question this week is:

Have you tried a new presentation idea lately? Success? Failure? What do think of mine?

Leave your comment and you too can feel Sassy with one of my new Donut pendants if you are the winner! 

Feeling sassy as usual! 

Tari  Sasser 

Creative Impressions In Clay


Be kind to each other, you never know what someone may be going through.

Studio Saturday-Givin' You Some Lip!

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This weeks winner is Marian Hertzog. Congratulations! 

You have won a a pendant from Jennifer Heynen of Jangles. 

Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

It's that time of year the Valentine hearts and sentiments. This year I decided to participate by giving everyone "some lip." The red pair reminds me of "The Rocky Horror" lips. Who can forget those?

These were created from a mold I have of my daughter's face. (Ooh science fiction) They have loops on both corners the mouth so you can make a fun necklace. (It's just a jump to left then a step to the right)

I had every intention of making a necklace for Studio Saturday but you would still be waiting till my next Studio Saturday to see it. My decision making process was slowed by my lack of coffee this morning. Instead I thought I would show you what I was thinking about using. I have this fun Crepe Cord and copper chain from Ornamentea. Buttons in various colors and size from my different collections + 2 Elaine Ray beads she had sent me a year ago or so. 

I was having a tough time with the visualization in my head to the execution, along with stiff fingers this morning that didn't want to work.

I had to use picnik.com to alter the photo. Heather has urged us all to use it so I had to give it a try! I used the effects of Focal Soften, Matte and 1960's. It was fun and a lot quicker than me using Photoshop. I guess I could of tried making a video to make the lips talk but that would have sent you into a "time warp," "dammit Janet!"

My question this week is:

Do you have a hard time with your designs going from visualization to execution? Occasionally? More often that you care to admit? Never?

Leave your comment and I will give you some lip...a pair of the lips shown above, that is. 

Feeling sassy as usual! 

Tari "the Sassmaster" Sasser 

Creative Impressions In Clay

Studio Saturday: Merry Christmas + One More Day of Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone!

One more day of Christmas, I didn't make it in time for the 12 days of Christmas.

I am still trying to incorporate or use recycled items. 

Remember the aluminum Christmas trees growing up? My grandparents had one. Not only aluminum but it spun in its base! When you are little that is a major Ooo and Ahhh + Pretty Shiny.

On a smaller scale using aluminum cans, here is my rendition. 

Aluminum soda cans aren't any thicker than index stock, just a different material that behaves in it's own way. It will rip, fold and get indentations on it the same way as paper but with aluminums reflective nature it's far more noticeable.

Materials:

3 Aluminum Cans, I used Green Sprite Cans

Anodized Aluminum Jump Rings

Glass Beads

24 Gauge Copper wire

18 Gauge Copper Wire

Art Bead

Metal Eyelets, found in the scrapbooking section

Tools:

Sharp Scissors

Mini Anvil

Ball Pein Hammer

1/8" Paper Punch

Eyelet Punch Tool

Round and Chain Nose Pliers

Sharpie Marker

Ruler

Paper Pattern

Tape

Glue Dots

Any other tool that helps!

Directions:

1. Cut the top and bottom off of your cans as straight and cleanly as possible. After cutting so many cans you will find a technique that works for you. You may want to practice on a can that you do not intend on using for this project. 

My method: find the side of the can with the UPC code. Take a knife and carefully push/cut through the can at the top and bottom, making a slit. Holding the top of the can in your left hand put the tip of your scissors into the slit and begin cutting. Holding tightly onto can try to keep your scissors straight and pointing upwards, turning the can as you cut. The tension will be forcing you to cut downwards. After you have successfully cut off the top, cut the can from top to bottom to the other slit. This cut helps to ease the tension of cutting the bottom off. Hold the bottom of the can with your left hand, insert your scissors and start cutting. Even up the edges.

2. Make your pattern. I used a scrap piece of paper. Trace your pattern onto the can and cut out.

3. Roll your half circle can into a cone shape. Tape it in place. At this point you will need to punch your first hole for the eyelet. Measure up from the bottom the can. Calculate the size of your jump rings and space from the edge. Mine measure 1/4" from the bottom. Place your eyelet, using the eyelet tool and hammer strike the eyelet to spread and form. I put in 2 more eyelets above the bottom one and it's a challenge. You can choose to use glue, glue gun or glue dots to hold down the seam. If necessary trim the bottom.

4. Measure on the curve edge where you are going to punch holes for the dangling beads. Mine are 1/4" up and spaced 1/2" apart.  Punch the holes and dap in the eyelets.

5. Measure 6" of 18 gauge copper wire for the hanger. Form loop or curly cue then slide a bead that will prevent the wire from coming out the top and help the aluminum keep it's shape.

6. Place your art bead in the wire on top of the cone. Place a glass bead on top of the art bead.

Helpful hint: I used the eyelets in the large holes of the beads for a more attractive look and keep them from flopping side to side.

7. Bend the wire 90º, then wrap the wire around your round nose pliers to form a loop. Use a paintbrush handle or dowel to form the hook. With your round nose pliers form a loop on the tip of the hook .

8. Cut the top and bottom off of the 2 remaining cans. Flatten out and measure in quarter inch increments  to cut strips for the curly branches. Cut the cans into strips. 

9. Using a popsicle stick or other item you like better, curl the can as you would ribbon. Color side up, place your stick approximately an inch up, scrape the stick quickly to create the curl. This may take a couple times to make the curl. They can be rolled up and adjusted by hand later after they are attached.

10. Starting at the bottom and in between to eyelets, place the first row of curly strips. My glue dots are singles so I cut them in half to glue the top and bottom of the curl strip to the cone base. Place the nexxt row 3/4" to 1" up and between the first row. Repeat for the remainder of the rows.

11. For the 1" dangling beads cut 2.5" of 24 gauge copper wire. Make a curly cue on the end of the wire then bend 90º and slide bead on. Bend wire at top of bead 90º, make a loop with your round nose pliers and wrap wire. 

12. Attach the dangling beads with anodized aluminum jump rings alternating colors.

I promised I would show my Ornament of the year while I was participating in the blog hop. 

I had to abandon the original design. Here is the new design.

Funky Snowman

My question this Studio Saturday is:

"If you could have one bead artist fill up your stocking, who would you pick?"

Leave your answer to the question and you could win 

Create Colorful Aluminum Jewelry by Helen Harle 

Thanks to Heather for this giveaway. I want to win it!

Have a wonderful holiday

may you have peace within.

Studio Saturday with Creative Impressions In Clay

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This weeks winner is Linda Landig. Congratulations! 

You have won a a pendant from the studio of Jennifer Heynen. 

Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

Happy Halloween! It's so much fun to decorate for Halloween. I wanted to make something fun for Studio Saturday that I can use to decorate my ears. I never seem to get around to making new designs unless I'm forced. Why not the iconic striped stocking and ruby red slippers? I love the "Wizard of Oz!" I have a T-Shirt with the same imagery on it and thought it would make terrific earrings. I formed both of these by hand, cleaned them up, put on the underglaze, fired, put on the clear glaze and fired again. I used Sparkly Mod Podge as the glue and sealant for the glitter. It would be sparkly on the entire shoe.
I have other plans to make lots of the legs for a necklace which I think would be hilarious. I am hoping my attempt to make a 2 part mold will be successful.

I also made these cigar/monster rice shaped dangler beads with the intention of making a necklace. Well, I didn't have time since I fired them too late. I have a pseudo design dancing around in my head. If that doesn't work out then earrings. I keep thinking Beetlejuice, which is such a great movie.

For Halloween, my question is:

What was your best Costume? If you didn't have one what would be your best costume?

Leave me a comment and you could win a pair of Candy Corn earrings! TREAT!!

Studio Saturday with Creative Impressions In Clay

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This weeks winner is Paige Maxim. Congratulations! 

You have won a a pendant from the studio of Jennifer Heynen. 

Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

I have lots of cans lying around since I made a fish with recycled cans for the scales. 

I have a show next weekend and I have been trying to come up with a jewelry item using the cans. Above is one of my ideas for using the aluminum cans. I cut disks out with a large paper punch, put 2 together with eyelets that are used for scrapbooking. Michaels was clearancing a wire spiral maker doohickey by Beadalon, which worked well for this application. 

Paula Radke dichroic beads were used as a drop for the earrings. 

My Question this week is:

What would you do different if you were brainstorming jewelry incorporating a recycled material? 

Use less, add more? Different material?

Leave a comment and you could win 2 small puzzle piece buttons.

Have a great beginning of Fall Weekend!

Studio Saturday with Creative Impressions In Clay

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
This weeks winner is Shannon Westmeyer of After Hours Art Glass. Congratulations! 
You have won a Flower Pendant with Sari Ribbon from the studio of Jennifer Heynen. 
Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

Oscar the Fish!

In a previous Studio Saturday early in the year, I was telling you I wanted to paint. Mixed media it is! Above is the fish I created in Michigan while staying with my friend Margaret. We were in Lake Leelanau for a week. It is such a beautiful place, right on the lake. Margaret is such a great person and fellow artist. She and I taught together for a couple of years in Cincinnati. 

When traveling I am always looking for new inspirations. Strolling through the shops and galleries in Sutton's Bay we came across these fantastic fish by Jesse Hickman decorated with all sorts of items. Of course we both look at each and say "we can make those!" 

So to go with the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose" theme, my son keeps pounding in us, comes the fish. Oscar here is made from a picnic table board that was being replaced. The idea of using soda cans came to me as I was falling asleep one night. After the tops and bottoms are cut off the cans you can cut the aluminum easily into strips. From there into scales. I used very small nails to attach them to the board. That had it's own difficulties being so small and after so many your hand begins to cramp. 

Scales

Say Cheese!

Oscar's teeth are made with nails. Interesting dilemma, you can't get a drill in a small space and have it drive in straight. Cool crooked teeth!

Birdhouse

This is my newest project, decorative birdhouse. It's not really made to go outside. The roof has soda can shingles. The siding is made from paper beads/tubes. The ValPak coupons are the perfect length, only a little bit of trimming after you roll them. I glued my charms on it and dangled pewter bird charms from them. Feet are beads, a couple coats of varnish and voila! 

With kids and a husband at home for the summer these projects could be picked up and put down through out the day. I didn't have to worry about clay drying out. It's been busy this summer visiting college campuses with my son. I have to keep my hands busy.

My question is:
Is there a summer project you have been working on? 
Tried something new? 
 Have something you would love to try?

Leave a comment and you could win a LUV2TRVL button for all of your adventures this summer!

Happy Traveling and enjoy the summer!

School definitely needs to start soon!

Studio Saturday with Creative Impressions In Clay

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.
This weeks winner is Christine Brandel. Congratulations! 

You have won a woodland beads from the studio of Jennifer Heynen. 

Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay

This is my birthday weekend. I turn the big 5-0 on Sunday! Plus I am having a party tonight.

I am excited to entertain again and I have lived to see 50. If I live as long as my Great Grandmother, I've got another 49 years. I'm on my way to the second half of life.

Above is a design that has been hanging around my studio for a couple years. My original intention was to create a ceramic button that looked like resin. This is round 3 or so of testing glazes. I still don't have it right. So will continue testing. Or I may ditch the design all together. I'm not sure I like it anymore.

My question this week is:

What was the best or worst birthday for you?

Leave a comment and you could win the necklace shown above.

I'm off to see the wizard about my birthday!