Meet the Designer :: Kimberlee Peters of SingingCat Studios

Allow me to introduce to you artist Kimberlee Peters of SingingCat Studios.

I first came across Kim's beautifully detailed polymer clay in a bracelet that she submitted to the February ABS Monthly Challenge. I love the dreamy quality of the color palettes she uses, the intricate textures and the mixed media focus with the addition of antique buttons and the like. And the fact that she makes them as pretty from the back as they are from the front tells me that she really cares about her art. Come along and learn a bit about Kim...

EPH:: How long have you been making jewelry? What got you started doing this? Have you taken classes or are you self-taught?

KP:: I've always liked beads; I used to design and make women's clothing for a living and love fabric, ribbon, beads, anything related to fiber and jewelry.  Finally, I started to make jewelry about five years ago after I took a basic stringing class at a local bead store. The class immediately turned me into a complete beadaholic, and I've been collecting beads and making jewelry ever since. I've taken only one other jewelry class, a beadweaving class that got me hooked on seed beads. As for working with polymer clay, I am entirely self-taught.

EPH:: What is the meaning behind your name "SingingCatStudio"?

KP:: I have three cats--Oliver, Tallulah, and Maddy (she insists on spelling her name with a "y")-- all of whom "sing" in their own unique style.

EPH:: I first found you when I was seeking components for the February 2011 ABS challenge of Sargeant's painting. Your polymer clay beads are soft and ethereal. Have you always worked in polymer clay? What draws you to this medium?

KP:: I started to work with polymer about two years ago. I was attracted to the medium because it is versatile and can be combined with so many other materials. I am especially drawn to color, so I use mica powders in all of my work and am always looking for new colors.

EPH:: How has your style evolved from when you started until now?

KP:: When I started working with polymer, I had no style. I experimented for almost a year before I developed my current technique. About ten months ago I also started to finish the back of my beads with stamping ink and liquid polymer. I now look at earlier pieces and feel that they are incomplete and not as polished as my current work. My jewelry is becoming somewhat more complex although I need to continue to work with new materials and styles.

EPH:: Where do you find your greatest inspirations?

KP:: Inspiration comes from everywhere. Although I am a writing professor, I have a master's degree in art history, so I'm definitely inspired by art, especially early twentieth century art. I also find inspiration in nature and fashion. Honestly, I often times don't know where my ideas come from. I'm just glad they arrive.

EPH:: As anyone who is creative knows there is always something new to learn. If you could learn one thing that you don't know how to do, whether it is related to your beadmaking or not, what would that be?

KP:: I get to pick only one thing?! I'll stick with beading and say that I need to learn better and more wire techniques.

EPH:: What is next for SingingCatStudio?

KP:: I'm hoping to do some craft shows this summer and will continue to exhibit at bead shows, including Bead Fest Philadelphia in August. I'm working on new shapes and types of beads, and simply want to continue to push my jewelry making and designing skills and creativity.

Thanks for taking the time to share a bit of your process with us, Kim! We look forward to seeing more of your interpretations of the ABS Monthly Challenges, especially the newest one with its ethereal subject and dreamy palette. Visit Kim's Etsy shop to purchase her complete pieces in necklaces, bracelets and pins, and also to buy her pendants and focals for use in your own creations.

SingingCat Studios Etsy shop can be reached at: http://www.singingcatstudio.com

Visit SingingCat Studios online:

SingingCat Studios Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Singing-Cat-Studio/149196388454385?ref=ts

View more beauties in the Flickr photo stream at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/singingcatstudio/

Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote - not dust!) to enjoytheday@tesoritrovati.com.

Enjoy the day!

The Beads of Christmas

♫♪♪♫ I'm dreaming of a White Christmas....

Moonraker Lampwerks, 

♫♪♪ Just like the ones I used to know...
Where the tree tops glisten....

Humblebeads

♫♪♪♫ and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....

Diane Hawkey

♫♪♫♫♪ ... with every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white.

 Yifatiii's Sweets and Treats polymer clay

Happy Holidays!

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for Lori Anderson Designs and writes the blogs Pretty ThingsAn Artist's Year Off.  She lives in Maryland. and

New Winner of The Complete Book of Polymer Clay

Since the original winner couldn't be contacted, I've done a second drawing, and this time the winner is

Elizabeth of Turquoise Sky!

Elizabeth, I'll be contacting you!

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay

This book is full of step-by-step instructions for those that want to delve into the world of polymer clay. Written by Lisa Pavelka, it covers everything from polymer clay basics (which clay should I use?) to Skinner blending, caning, and image transferring.

Each page is full of colorful examples for each tutorial (64 in all!) -- lots of inspiration. Chapter Fourteen delves into "Projects You Can Make", offering six independent tutorials that will utilize the skills you learned in the book. The end of the book is pure eye candy, with an Artist's Gallery of finished work that is nothing short of breathtaking.

And now, you can WIN this book from me! Just leave a comment and I'll draw a name on August 18th.


Lori Anderson makes jewelry for Lori Anderson Designs. She writes the blogs Pretty Things and An Artist's Year Off.

From the Beadmaker's Table: Miss Fickle Media

From One Little Piece of Coral

This is a piece of coral my son found on the beach in Florida in 2007. It is an extraordinary piece of coral in that it reminds me of that precious time and floods me with wonderful memories each time I look at it. I remember the feeling of contentment and peace of mind seeing my family enjoy the sand, sun and ocean.

I first used it to create a mold. Something I do with almost every 3D trinket I own cause you never know what is going to make a really cool clay thing-a-ma-bober. 

From that mold I created this simple but unique pendant;

But I also found that by just using the top section of the coral I could create this very interesting crackle effect in beads;

The sides of the coral added a nice texture to the edge of these clay discs;

And the back of the coral creates this texture;

I am thrilled to get so many uses out of one item! It has opened my eyes to looking at every little object with potential for so much more. A change of position and color of paint and I have a seemingly endless way to decorate polymer clay art beads!

Much Love & Respect,
Shannon
missficklemedia.com