Tejae's Art

New Website & Blog (I've moved)

2010-08-07T18:59:00.003-06:00

If you've added my blog to your sidebar, would you do me a huge favor and change the address to www.tejaesart.com/blog

THANK YOU!

I'm so excited that my new website & blog is finally live. Take a look and let me know what you think. Kate from www.katebaumandesign.com created it for me. I just love it and she was a dream to work with. (hint, so if you need a new site, give her a try)

Now i'm in the process of learning wordpress...got any tips? let me know. :) meanwhile, I'll be reading all I can find out about it.

I'm also looking forward to my new website/blog home... planning to do some fun videos and how to's so stay tuned.

-tejae

Artsy Heart and bead trade

2010-07-26T06:38:00.001-06:00

art heart
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I fell in love with Rebecca's awesome bouquet tales beads. To my delight she agreed to an artsy trade with me. :) I created a fun floral heart with the word "art" on it for exchange for her beauties! Thank you Rebecca!!

Elaine Jacksons Paper doll

2010-07-23T06:07:00.003-06:00

Ever have those days when you get the loveliest artsy items in the mail?

Yesterday I received the most amazing paperdoll I've ever seen.Elaine made me a precious doll with hinged arms, hands and legs. She's a nice size too about 14" tall and look at the copper embossed heart with hinged wings. awww super sweet.

The details are just wonderful, the trim of her dress, even the back side has a sweet removable heart.

I just love her and will find a special place for her in my studio. Thank you Elaine. I will treasure her always. Check out Elaine's other dolls in her etsy shop birdanflower...they are so amazing.

Paul Mccartney concert

2010-07-19T05:38:00.003-06:00

Last week my husband, son and I went to see the legend Paul Mccartney at the Pepsi Center in Denver. What an awesome concert! The music was wonderful and it spans across so many years, it really brought back memories of my early teenage years. (funny, imagine just came on my streaming radio). Paul is quite funny, very animated. If you get the chance to see him, go for it you won't be disappointed.

I've been busy working on art projects but I can't show you because they are a surprise to the receivers and they read my blog. I'll be able to share with you soon though. :)

have a great week!

Art FULL Weekend

2010-07-11T19:36:00.006-06:00

My King Bird n Bunny. Their heads are interchangeable.

(from Leslie Blackford workshop)

me and Leslie. what a sweetie she is.

awesome southern accent (kentucky) and super nice.

What a great weekend. Leslie Blackford was in town to teach her "Off with your heads" workshop. Oh my goodness what a treat she was. The characters heads screw off, so you can interchange them. So Much FUN!!

The image below is a close up of a few of her characters.

I also spent time in the studio with 2 of my nieces, nicole and danielle. (don't let that innocent face fool you, danielle is always up to something, ha! keeps us on our toes.)

And look how artistic they are!

Nicole very proud of her masterpiece. :)

two little angel wing hearts for my two little nieces. :)

Living Learning & Listening treasury

2010-07-09T08:16:00.003-06:00

Living Learning & Listening treasury
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I got featured in an etsy treasury. Thanks Kim!

If you don't know what a treasury is, it's when a collection of items are chosen for a particular theme and grouped together.

This theme is Living, learning & Listening".

Now comes the fun part, you get to visit these cool etsy shops. Check out the treasury and click on the various shops and see what other items this shops may carry. Do a little window shopping (or real shopping if you're so inclined!!)

treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c369cbfcc446d91ea2c935f/living-learning-listening

I had lots of fun with my little nieces last night, painting it up in the studio. I'll be posting those photo's tomorrow. They are quite the little artists!

Have a great Friday!

Treasury Feature Summer Paper

2010-07-06T08:22:00.005-06:00

Sarah at sarahkdesigns was so sweet to feature me yesterday in her treasury Summer Paper. Thank you Sarah!

Remember the cute heart stands from yesterday? Want your own personalized heart stand set? I listed a set on etsy.

Bottles of Hope for Jackie

2010-07-06T06:01:00.004-06:00

bottles of hope

they're 2 1/4" tall, glass bottles covered in polymer clay.

i'm sending them along with several other

bottles made by my local polymer clay guild

to Jackie, who gives them to her local hospital.

Jackie says

"They display them in a glass display case outside the chemo room,

and they do inspire the patients very much.

They give each patient one when they've

finished their entire round of chemo treatment."

I'll be making more of these to send to Jackie.

small acts of kindness

very powerful

happy hearts

2010-07-05T19:10:00.005-06:00

i'm playing in the studio today

made some fun little hearts for a elaine.

smile, play and laugh.

farewell facebook

2010-07-03T11:30:00.003-06:00

A note to my friends on facebook. I won't be logging onto facebook again. Twice now I've gotten a horrible virus from clicking on a photo of friends and then had to totally rebuild my pc. I'm done. I'm not visiting facebook again. My account is still intact and will be updated through my blog or twitter but if you're trying to reach me please visit my blog. sorry for the inconvenience.

www.tejaesart.blogspot.com

nesting

2010-07-02T21:20:00.003-06:00

this blog has been my online nesting place for quite a few years but the time has come for me to integrate my website and blog together. i've been working with a web designer for the last couple of months to do just that. i envision my new website as my new "nest" and it's been coming together nicely. this nest symbol has been really strong lately, especially with the taking flight ecourse with kelly rae.

maybe some of you can relate to this conversation i had recently with my husband...let me preface it by saying, only a husband who is married to an artist knows that it doesn't take diamonds, roses or the usual things to make their wives happy...sometimes it's the small things that bring us to the happy tears....

a couple of weeks ago i was sitting at our dining room table chatting with my husband, I said out of the blue, "honey, pretty soon you are going to find a birds nest on your walk, when you do, please bring it home to me". we've been married long enough now that he didn't really question it, just repeated it back to me to be sure he heard me right. lovingly he said, "ok honey". (mind you, he has never mentioned to me that he has seen a nest on his walk, i just thought that he would.)

a couple of days later i walked into one of the local hobby stores...and you know when you just sense that you're going to find something cool? well i was there for about an hour, not really knowing what I was looking for...as i was making my way to the door...there it was...a rusty wired nest complete with a little bird...oh my, it had to be mine. i took it home and filled it withsome straw and a couple of my hearts.

then today i get a call at work, it's the love of my life, :) tim. he said "honey, i found that nest, do you really want me to bring it home." oh my goodness this man really loves me...my heart is just melting.. I said, "yes, baby, i would like it please."

i could hardly wait to get home to see this little treasure. it is an amazing work of art. it has a hard mud type wall, complete with a green leaf decoration, real grass straw and blue and white ribbons. a little gift from above....a message that the new nest will be just fine.

truth

2010-07-02T12:55:00.003-06:00

what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

-friedrich nietzsche

it makes us stronger and it also shapes us into the beautiful people we become.

The truth is bad things happen to good people. Unfortunately that is how life is sometimes. the trick is to set aside for a moment the hurt, disappointments, anger, bitterness, vulnerability and realise...what happens to us does not define who we are. i've had my share of bad experiences in my life but the great thing is, we can become whatever type of person we want to be. we don't have to give our personal power over to people who have harmed us, or bad experiences or remain victim to our fears. ..we have a choice to be fearless and live our lives to the fullest regardless of what has happened to us. sure it may seem scary. we start with baby steps, by speaking up or challenging our beliefs. we will make mistakes and we may not always be graceful but if we simply try to let go and open ourselves up to truly LIVING life to the fullest, we will have moments of triumph and we will live larger lives than we ever imagined.....I'm blessed not only by the good things that have happened to me but also by the bad. We can't grow if only good happy things happen to us.

hoping you have a happy 4th of july!

art journals & random thoughts

2010-07-01T05:33:00.007-06:00

i fill so many of these journals

with creative ideas,

inspiring thoughts,

& clever products I want to create.

i pick mine up at Ross.

great price and usually wire bound.

do you jot down your ideas in journals?

by the way, i listed a replica of this on my etsy shop

Good Morning Sunshine!

2010-06-22T06:45:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure if it's the heat, allergies or what, but I am one pooped pup this morning!

I hope you all had a nice Father's Day! It was great here, spent the day with my honey and had dinner with our son. :)

Work and play is busy this week...I've got a big project due tomorrow, my new website is getting close to completion, kelly rae's e-course is in full swing (learning lots of good stuff) and I received some new supplies yesterday for some new mixed media hearts I'll be making soon. I can hardly wait to get started on them.

Hope you're having a great week!

my flower garden

2010-06-16T06:42:00.004-06:00

Gerber
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

And the time came when the risk to remain tight in

a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

`Anais Nin

A few pictures from my flower garden. I love gerber daisies. this is the first year I've had them in my garden. some are fading, beautifully aged...inspires me to make something.

these photos are from my nikon camera. i think it takes better macro pictures than my olympus. what do you think heather? :)

anyone know how to get rid of aspen suckers? we don't have any "trees" in our yard but our neighbor does and the offshoots are coming up all over our yard. each week we pull about 100 suckers out of the ground.

What's your favorite flowers? I love trying new flowers each year, knowing that by fall the voles will steal them from underneath the ground. I'll document that for you this year! Remember how bugs bunny steals carrots from underneath the ground? voles do that but it isn't nearly as funny to see your hard work go down the drain.

have a great day!!

Inspiration Board

2010-06-15T07:11:00.004-06:00

Isn't this a cool inspiration board? I picked it up at Hobby Lobby 1/2 off! Woot!

The push pins will be added to my etsy shop soon.

My new website is almost complete, can hardly wait to share it with you.

happy birthday tim jr.

2010-06-11T16:06:00.003-06:00

going from childhood to adulthood tomorrow.

early wishes just for you.

we love you sweets!

a love note

2010-06-11T06:24:00.005-06:00

everytime i see this it makes me smile. it's my art journal/notebook. as you know i work full time and create art on the side. it's easy to get swept up into everyday work life and put art to the side.

i carry my notebook to remind me to capture my creative ideas. i carry it with me during the work week back and forth to work, jotting down notes, pasting in images that inspire me. at home i can usually find the notebook either on the kitchen counter or in my studio.

on the inside cover are these cute little handmade labels (pictured above) that my husband lovingly creates for me. he handwrites them out almost every evening and sticks them to a plastic lunch container for the next day.

see the little heart? (awww, that melts my heart)

they are just too special to toss so i started collecting them and adding them to my notebooks, his love inspires me, reminds me i'm loved and that he supports me and my art.

it makes me smile because no one sees these labels but me and him. a secret little love note.

we'll be celebrating our anniversary this weekend. time really flies when you're in love.

i'd love to hear your love story. :)

Polymer Artists Showcase feature: Enkhe

2010-06-08T05:46:00.003-06:00

As some of you know, a couple of months ago I published "Polymer Artists Showcase" which features some amazing polymer clay artists.

I thought it would be fun to share with you artists work from the book. So periodically I'll feature someone from the book here on my blog and you can check out their work.

This week is Enkhene with wearable vessels and jewelry with lovely surface design. Enkhe's blog hasn't been updated in a while but click on the flickr link below to see the polymer pieces.

name: Enkhtsetseg Tserenbadam

blog: http://www.enkhene.blogspot.com/

flickr: enkhe

enjoy!

Artsy Heart Ornaments

2010-06-06T15:41:00.004-06:00

Isn't it funny how one idea leads to another?

A couple of posts ago I offered to create a free personalized pendant for one lucky winner. Mary Ellen (m.e.) had suggested the pendant idea could also be personalized ornaments. I loved this idea and since she was the lucky winner of my drawing, I offered to create an ornament for her.

m.e. liked that idea and asked that instead of a person she would like for me to include a very special turtle that her, her daughter and husband followed for quite a long time while scuba diving last year in Florida. She said it was a magical adventure and a vacation she'll never forget. Her daughter took the picture she wanted me to use.

In m.e.'s words, "That encounter was so magical it will be a highlight of our lives forever. I collect Xmas ornaments as a way to remember people, places and things. Her turtle picture on one of your gorgeous hearts would be a very special addition to my collection!"

She asked me to include the word "dream" too. Here's the very special turtle ornament.

Thank you m.e. for the great idea and for allowing me to create such a special piece for you!

It measures about 2 1/2" tall. I included a some seaweed grass.

I was so inspired creating m.e.'s ornament that I made one for my studio using my "live artfully, inspire beauty" art piece. Isn't it sweet?

have a wonderful week! Oh, and do tell me what inspiring new piece of art have you acquired for your studio? Feel free to share a photo on your blog and leave a link in the comments. I'd love to see.

Heart Canvas

2010-06-05T16:51:00.004-06:00

created a heart canvas for my studio today.
fun-inspiring-art

i may add to it later

i love layers, colors, textures

but for now

it's ok

as is.

re Organizing the Studio

2010-06-04T05:59:00.007-06:00

Do you ever get to a point creating in your studio or work space where you feel a little stuck? Items are getting lost or something is just missing?

I've been spending alot of time thinking of ways to make my studio more efficient. You should see it! IT looks like a tornado went through it. Seriously. YIKES.

I started by making a list of my work flow and items that I need close to me. I thought about my work process from start to finish. Since I work in several mediums I started with my clay table and what tools I need, what's missing that would really help me and where the items go when I'm done with them. I thought about the areas or space I want to create to help support me and my work.

I used two helpful resources Jennifer Hoffmanns Inspired Home Office ebook "IHO Wish Kit" and Jo Packmans book Organizing your craft space. Both have great ideas on trusting yourself and giving yourself time to think through the plan before jumping in.

The first small least overwhelming item on the list was that I needed an inspiration board for my clay desk. In the past my inspiration images were stored underneath my glass work surface. Works great until I cover it up with supplies.

Yesterday I drove over to Goodwill to see if anything struck my fancy. I didn't have anything in mind but I found 2 small cork boards ($3). (one for my polymer table and one for my mixed media table.) I brought them home, lightly sanded them and gave one a quick painting to give age it and make it a little more inspiring. I painted it first with a layer of red paint, then brown. I only lightly covered it so some of the faux wood is still showing through. Then I stamped on some copper paint using one of my favorite stamps. I had some little screw in hooks that I added so that I could display pendants and things. I love how it turned out.

Slowly cleaning up and working on the process. You should try it. It's kinda fun.

Have a great weekend!

Personalized Pendant WINNER!

2010-05-13T06:58:00.003-06:00

A big THANK YOU to the sweet, sweet comments you all left. thank you for the support and thank you for supporting me. :)

I asked for lucky subscriber comment number 10.

funny, i got 6 comments, 4 short....HEY let's not let that stop us. Let's choose a random winner. Using an age old non scientific way to pick a winner. Draw a name out of a hat!

Drum roll please................dddd ddddddd dddd ddddddd

m.e. Mary ellen, you are this month's winner!!! YEA!! I will email you the information I need to create your one of a kind personalized keepsake. :)

I'll get started on it right away after my vacation. :)

Thanks for participating everyone!!

Have a great week!

I'm turning 41 a week from today. (YIKES!!)

Crazy Clay and Pendant Giveaway!

2010-05-12T06:36:00.006-06:00

Our Florida vacation is coming up! We can hardly wait. We're looking forward to some warm weather. We've gotten a range of summer and winter weather over the last couple of weeks in Colorado. The weather man said it may even SNOW tonight. (geesh! we're not big fans of the snow.)

Knowing I'll be away from my clay, I thought I'd try to fit in a couple of projects before we leave. Unfortunately my clay was not cooperating!

Our climate is pretty dry and I'm thinking that may have helped to really dry out this clay! UGH! So I sliced off some slabs, broke them into small pieces and placed the broken pieces into the food processor. I squeezed a small amount of liquid translucent clay onto it. I chop it up until it starts to get soft then remove it from the food processor. Now I'm rolling it with my acrylic rod til it gets flat enough to run it through the pasta machine. I'll run it through until it gets completely conditioned.

No time to finish this up before i leave for work. We'll see how far I get tomorrow before we start packing our suitcases.

In my last newsletter I mentioned a free Personalized Pendant giveaway to one lucky subscriber to celebrate Mother's Day and my upcoming birthday. All you had to do was leave a message in the comments section and I'll pick lucky subscriber #10. I'll announce the winner tomorrow! Good Luck!

Have an awesome day!

Polymer Artists Showcase book

2010-05-10T06:43:00.006-06:00

(Click image to view larger)

I've received several emails asking if people from Germany, Israel, Portugal etc can purchase the book, the answer is YES!

For some reason all the countries aren't shown on the first page but if you click to purchase the book, you'll access a screen to fill out your address, then you'll have the option of choosing a country in the Choose Country drop down box. Click your country.

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback. :)

here's the link

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1287465

Photoshop Elements for Textile Design

2010-05-10T05:58:00.007-06:00

Like many of you I am constantly learning new techniques that I can use in my artwork.

I've been working with photoshop elements for several years now and have been slowly testing out new tools in the program. PSE can be a bit overwhelming with all the layers, filters, and adjustments you can do so I went looking for a book to help me out. I've purchased the advanced photoshop books but they were not specialized enough for what I wanted to do, which is to create background patterns. Sure I can put a background together no problem but I'm interested in being efficient and building it in a way that is easy to change when I want to.

I came across Frederick Chipkin's book Adobe Photoshop Elements for textile design. This spiral bound book is full of short cuts and tips! It's set up for you to work through it in order, each chapter builds on the one before it. If you're interested in digital design for your mixed media work you might enjoy this book. It retails between $50 (used) - $99 (new), totally worth the money.

Personalized Heart Pendants

2010-05-08T11:45:00.004-06:00

Oh, my goodness, I was looking to create a special Mother's Day gift for my awesome sister Tina and boy did I have me some fun cooking up this one.

It's a personalized heart pendant. That's her little boy and girl. Aren't they precious? I antiqued the heart and images. They have a nice worn look to them. awwww.

Totally want to offer some of these in my etsy shop. Interested? I can create a special custom one just for you, with your special image.

Off to experiment some more. :)

Keep your PJ's on! Online classes at CraftEdu.

2010-05-05T05:39:00.004-06:00

(Click on the image to see it full size.)

Ever tried to pack for a workshop? It's crazy isn't it? I know I've torn up my studio trying to pack for a workshop, do I need this, do I take that? I must have this!! It's insane and forget about getting through security at the airport. Several of us have had tools removed from out luggage, or had paint explode, or one time my mini stamps came out of their container...I'm still finding tiny letters in my suitcase when I go on vacation. ha!

Well now you have the choice to keep your pajama's on and take a crafty online class at CraftEdu! We're in beta and the choices are endless, polymer clay, beading, painting, mixed media, digital art. We even have an online community! Come on over and check it out.

You can find out how to enroll in a class by clicking on the How to Enroll link. (I've circled it on the picture)

Here's a screen shot of my Mixed Media Mask class. If you click on the link you can view a preview and the supply list. Join in on the fun!

Have a great day!

Funky Inspiration

2010-04-28T06:25:00.002-06:00

Funky Inspiration
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Are you putting up with small annoyances? They tend to add up over time don't they? I suggest you start replacing those small annoyances with some funky inspiration for yourself. What a great BOOST!

This is what happened to me, first it was my clothes, then the worn out shoes that need to be replaced, the final straw was my desk. I have been tolerating not having a pen holder. Such a small thing. Yet every time I sit at my desk, ugh! all my pens were laying about. I'm not the neatest person to begin with but this was really getting on my nerves. That was IT! I was at my breaking point for tolerating these things.

Thanks to a dear friend, she recommended I go through my closet looking for items that still work: in good shape, fit well, and make me feel good, then go shopping to find supporting items. Great idea and much easier to handle than a whole new wardrobe! Little by little I've been picking up some supporting pieces. I feel better, feel pulled together, big energy and my honey has been giving great compliments. (he makes me blush!)

Same thing with the worn out flats. Got rid of them and replaced them with a couple of fun comfortable shoes that make me smile when I put them on. :)

Then yesterday I seen this little cup sitting on a store shelf. Although it was surrounded by other cups it was a bit out of place. All the other cups were standard, regular, boring everyday cups, this one had some personality. It made me giggle when I seen it. I mean the color, the shape and the little topiary??? Who made this little work of art? I had to have it! Now, I'm loving the new home for my pens! Love sitting at my desk again.

Is it time for you to stop draining your energy and replace those small annoyances with some funky inspiration? :) Go do it, you can even start small. Just do something. I dare ya!

Have an awesome day!!

Teaching at Craftedu.com!

2010-04-22T05:58:00.003-06:00

I'm so excited to tell you that I'll be teaching for craftedu.com!

What is craftedu, you ask? It's an amazing collection of artists teaching different mediums from painting, polymer, mixed media, glass bead making, art dolls, metal clay, sculpting, digital design and beading just to name a few. A few of the faculte members: Bettina Welker, Gordon Uyehara, Diane Keeler, Joyce Rooks, check out our blog for more instructors: craftedu.blogspot.com

All the classes will be ONLINE. You can take them from the comfort of your own home, close to all your supplies. :)

Craftedu was conceived by Donna Kato and her husband Vernon. Donna travels a lot to teach and wanted to look into teaching from the comfort of her home, while also providing an opportunity for students to participate who might not be able to get to a live class. Online classes was the answer!

I'm planning on teaching a variety of mixed media techniques and polymer. Won't you join me? :) Visit craftedu.com and sign up to be notified of the live launch.

Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that has errupted recently has stranded a couple of my friends overseas. yikes! Vacation is one thing, being stranded does not sound fun. Sending some good vibes that they return home soon.

take care and have a great day!

Polymer Clay Daily feature

2010-04-17T11:46:00.004-06:00

Our book was featured on Polymer Clay Daily today! Yea! Thank you Cynthia. Be sure to check out Cynthia's other links to other recently published fabulous books !

Polymer Artists Showcase includes lots of wonderful artists like Julie Picarello, Sarah Shriver, Dayle Doroshow, Gera Scott Chandler, Michelle from KindredSpiritStudios.com, Maureen Carlson and lots of others.

If you haven't yet, check it out "Polymer Artists Showcase" book. You can also see a small preview of the whole book! preview Polymer Artists Showcase

Have a great weekend!

Charming Winner: Tina Farthing

2010-04-15T07:10:00.002-06:00

double heart charm winner!
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Congratulations Tina, you are the lucky one! The random number generator picked number 51 and that was your number on my list of newsletter subscribers!

Thank you everyone for participating!

Tina I will contact you through email but if you see this message feel free to contact me. We'll get this little charm in the mail for you. :)

hugs!
tejae

blissful dreaming

2010-04-13T05:33:00.000-06:00

"When we dream alone, it's just a dream.

but when we dream together, it's the beginning of a new reality."

~Brazilian proverb

Charming: One way to make a silver charm

2010-04-12T05:21:00.002-06:00

My blog is going through a bit of a make-over. When you visit, my wish is that you get inspired and maybe even learn something new. I want to share with you inspiring people, techniques or tools that I've come across. You'll start to notice "process" oriented posts (beginning with today's post). Like many projects, the blog makeover is a work in progress, but I'm excited where it's heading. I will warn you upfront, I don't always use standard practices, so keep in mind things you learn here are my own experiences and experiments. And the "tools" I use might just already be floating around your house. :)

Quick reminder:
Newsletter subscribers have a chance to win
this cute little double heart charm on Thursday.
It's also the focus of today's post.

On to the story, I make alot of my silver charms using the lost wax process. I create the "piece" and then hand it off to my caster who casts it in what ever medium I'd like. :) I have the option of making a piece in polymer, wax or really any substrate I desire. This one happened to have been wax.

Let me clarify, the double heart charm pictured above is NOT pmc (precious metal clay). It's sterling silver. I made it several years ago by experimenting with my process. Normally, I would create a charm by pulling out the jewelers wax and stamp or carve into it but this particular time I wanted a raised design.

Jewelers wax can be purchased in several different thicknesses and consistences. This pink one is a bit on the soft side. You can get harder versions and even softer versions.

I took a sheet of the wax and set it aside. I also found a thick plastic report cover and carved my double heart design into the report cover using an xacto knife. Yes, a report cover! (bet you won't find that tip in a book! lol) After the design was carved I used scissors to cut out the template.
I cut out the little "template" design (about 1/2"x 3/8") and placed it onto the pink wax sheet. I folded a piece of regular wax paper (deli sheet) and put the template and wax inside. Then I ran it through my pasta machine to squish the pink wax into the plastic template. After pulling the two pieces apart, the template had created the raised effect I was hoping for. I added a wax loop, using a wax rod. (I'll show that process another day)

I dropped off the finished wax piece to my trusted caster and he cast the piece using the lost wax process. Because the piece was made in wax and could easily be attached to a wax tree, I did not have a mold made. So this is a truly, one of a kind piece. :)

Newsletter subscribers have a chance to win this cute little double heart charm on Thursday.

I hope you enjoyed todays post as much as I enjoyed sharing it!

Happy Easter from tejae!

2010-04-04T20:08:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter from tejae!
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

I'd love to hear what projects you're working on. If you have a blog leave a comment with a link to your project. :)

have a great week!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T10:52:00.002-06:00

Chocolate Easter Bunny Basket - 12th Scale
Originally uploaded by Paris Miniatures

Just a quick little note to wish you all a Happy Easter. This easter bunny is from Paris Miniatures on flickr. I thought it was super adorable!

My family is looking forward to a pretty quiet day, having our son over for an early dinner before he goes off to work. Hope yours is a happy one too.

Tejae's Art wishes you a Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T06:20:00.004-06:00

Happy Easter! Since we don't have a little one at the house anymore I won't be coloring eggs this year. I was missing the colorful eggs though. Blog hopping I came across the image above. Very creative and colorful! Have you seen the new crescendoh website?

If not, check it out, Jenny doh shares some wonderful talent there. You'll see this inspiring shoe by Jackie! I'm way too clumsy to wear high heels like this but it does make me want to get a pair just to alter up! I love the red bottom! Click on the crescendoh link to see all the images.

About my blog...

I've been thinking alot lately about my blog and the information i want to share with you. I started this blog years ago to share my art and make a connection with my readers. My goal was and still is to engage with you, share artful discussions on process, tips that inspire creativity and of course share projects that are on my worktable.

I took some time off last year and I'm slowly getting back into the hang of it. :) Just know that I'm on a mission. Things are changing around here in blogland for me. I'm excited about it and I hope you come along with me. If you have suggestions on what type of information you'd like to see here I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or just email me. If you leave a comment please don't be discouraged by the comment moderation that's not for YOU, it's for those pesky spammers that love to leave comments on my blog. :)

Art Block project

2010-03-30T06:56:00.005-06:00

Ever have those moments when you have waaay too much going on at one time? lol

Now that I'm finished with the Polymer Artists Showcase book, I have some free time on my hands.

I'm busy, but I'm having a lot of fun playing around with my blog design, moving things around, adding a signature (breaking blogger, giving me a google error message, yeah that was fun, not) and also working in the studio creating some new artsy items. I'm sure you've noticed the new artsy bronze pins I've been uploading to etsy this week?

There's also a teaching opportunity that's come up that I'm trying to prepare for (you'll have to stay tuned for that announcement.)

The images above are the latest little project I've been messing around with. I have a few things I still want to do with it before it's complete but I'm having fun with it.

I'm calling them Art Blocks. There's a hole in the back so I can hang it on the wall. It's all handmade, the artwork was originally one of my mixed media pieces, (my door sign for inspired last year) I scanned the image into photoshop and changed the shape, then adhered it to the block, I drilled a keyhole into the back of the block, added some texture and paint and there you have it! It's approx 6"x6". I'd love to hear your comments on what you think of my first one. (sorry for the bad image, it's still morning...dark here and my studio is not well lit.)

Newsletter Subscribers Charm giveaway!

2010-03-29T08:08:00.004-06:00

My newsletter subscribers get special offers and this months special was a chance to win a one of a kind silver charm. This sweet double heart charm is handcast and made of .925 sterling silver. The winner's name will be randomly drawn April 15. Good luck!

If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, don't miss your chance for special offers too, be sure to sign up now for our next newsletter special. (sign up is at the top left hand corner, just enter your email and hit go!)

tejae

Polymer Artists Showcase book LIVE

2010-03-28T17:36:00.003-06:00

368 full color polymer images, 158 polymer artists, 40 pages...

an artful polymer keepsake with lots of my polymer art friends...priceless!

Thank you to all the contributors of this wonderful project. It was your polymer work that made this an amazing beautiful collection of outstanding artwork.

hugs!
tejae

New Product Launch - Sneak Peek

2010-03-26T06:21:00.005-06:00

For the past couple of months I've been working on creating fun new items for my etsy shop. I've pratically filled my art journal with little scribbles and sketches of ideas of items to create. My journal is overflowing and my studio is briming with little projects all over! I've got a long list of different types of products from home decor, jewelry, tutorials, and the list goes on and on. I decided to list the items by product type each month.

The first set of items to roll out are unique, fun and artsy. I can hardly wait to share them! The thing is, I've only got limited quantities, if you want first dibs, sign up for my newsletter (top left). Be the first to see them.

Here's a sneak peek.

I can't say what it is just yet but I think you'll like it.

This month newsletter subscribers will be entered into a free item giveaway.

You'll see the item in the newsletter. Don't miss it!

Polymer Artist Showcase teaser

2010-03-25T06:58:00.002-06:00

colorful
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Here's a few more photo's for the new polymer photo book I've been working on. Polymer Artist Showcase will be available for purchase April 1st. (link coming soon)

I am in love with this book. I love seeing all the amazing work in one place. Can't wait to get the real book in my hands!!

hello blog world

2010-03-25T05:43:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness I'm so excited about so many cool things going on in my life right now that I'm about to burst! I can't share all the details just yet, just wanted to send some happy vibes out to you.

My new product line is coming together. I've got some precious items in the works. It makes my heart full to know very soon I'll be able to share them with you.

I ordered the first copy of "Polymer Artist Showcase" the book I've been working on forever it seems. It will be in my hands in a few short days. I'll share the link with you once I make sure there's no glaring mistakes in it. lol

I also found out about an exciting opportunity for me to teach online. Very thrilled about this.

I hope you're having a fantastic week!

tejae

Polymer Artists Showcase

2010-03-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

Polymer Artists Showcase
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Here's another preview of the 365 polymer book I'm working on. Since this isn't an instructional book I want a title that explains this is a photo book.

My husband came up with the working title. I think it's great!

"Polymer Artists Showcase"

Finishing up name credits and hoping to order the first proof this week. Should take about 2 weeks for the first copy.

my synergy heart

2010-03-03T07:03:00.002-07:00

my synergy heart

Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I didn't make it to Synergy II this year, but my polymer clay piece did!

This is my polymer heart for Laurie Mika's collaborative quilt for Synergy II in Baltimore 2010.

Studio taberet and Ruth Rae

2010-03-03T05:23:00.007-07:00

Look at this great piece of furniture I got from my best buddy Joanie. I love it. It has organizer separators in 3 of the drawers and a door that swings out on the side to hang necklaces. Pretty sweet. Perfect timing too as I've been working alot on new charms and new items for my etsy shop.

Oh, and I was downloading my pictures I found this one on my camera of Ruth Rae at CHA in January. She was demoing and showing her amazing art. What a pleasure it was to see her.Isn't she the sweetest? I was SO lucky.

Her publishing company rep, gave me a copy of her new book!! (Thank you whoever you are) Layered Tattered and Stitched. It's very well written and the projects are beautiful. (Pick it up!)

til next time,
tejae

twittering

2010-02-28T15:24:00.004-07:00

I'm really trying to simplify so that I have more creative time. I thought it might simplify a bit to use twitter to update my blog and facebook at the same time. Which seems efficient. (we'll see) :) See the little twitter feed along the side of my blog? Ok, honestly, I'm not sure how long I can keep this up but so far it's been kinda fun.

I spent all day yesterday downloading photo's for the 365 Days of clay photo book project. Now I just need to add all the name credits for the photo's. I want to personally thank Michelle from Kindred Spirit Studios for helping with the credit information. THANK YOU Michelle.

I can hardly wait to show you all the pages. I'm so proud of it! The art is AMAZING. I am thinking about a different name though. Maybe Polymer Clay Artist Showcase, or Polymer Clay EyeCandy. It is really fun to look at all the polymer clay work. Any ideas? Will share more photo's soon.

Hope you're having a great Sunday.

365 Days of Polymer Clay

2010-02-22T06:56:00.003-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of one of the possible covers for the 365 Days of Polymer Clay book. Barb Fajardo's lovely piece. You will not believe the other wonderful artwork that will be included in this book from artists all around the world.

I still have alot of work to do on the book but to make it a bit easier I'm getting a new faster pc this week. I might also be getting some help on loading the credit information. (keeping my fingers crossed.)

Hello from Tejae's Art

2010-02-21T17:09:00.005-07:00

Hello! It's been a great while since I chatted with you and wanted to let you what I've been up to. I was busy for a while working on the 365 days of polymer clay book. Artists from all over the world with AMAZING polymer clay work. This project is on hold at the moment (sorry people). I got a sick bug on my computer and had to rebuild my pc. (ugh!) I'll be getting a new pc soon. Can hardly wait. And then I'll restart this project.

I've also been busy working on some friends new websites. These are some really good people with great products and customer service.

I met Anne through our local polymer clay guild (www.pppcg.org). She gave up the polymer clay a couple of years ago for Smokehouse barbeque. (lol) Her barbeque is the best. Her business is called Phat Hatties. Check out her website: www.phathatties.com

Rick and Jeanette Elmer are husband and wife team that run a local jewelry casting company. Their original website was pretty basic so we updated the look. If you need any lost wax castings done, they are simply the best to work with. Here's their website: www.theimageryicons.com We're hoping to build a gallery section soon.

I'm also working on some new exciting products for my etsy shop. If you like my work, you'll want to see a preview, right? Sign up for my newsletter (top left hand corner) and I'll send you an email when they are live in the shop. Hoping to get them all up by April if not sooner.

Until next time, hope you have a great week!

How to make a mardi gras mask

2010-01-10T00:53:00.002-07:00

Quick steps how to make a mardi gras mask
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I'll be teaching this technique as an online class at CraftEdu.com Check it out!

Work in progress...Mardi Gras Mask

2010-01-09T16:57:00.001-07:00

Work in progress...
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Still needs some work but I started it this morning and was surprised how far I made it in a day.

365 Days of Clay update

2009-12-17T06:06:00.003-07:00

We just got back from an amazing 10 day vacation to Cancun. We had a fabulous time, I'm hoping to post some photo's soon.

I've gotten several emails from the 365 Days participants and wanted to let you know I'll answer your emails as soon as possible. I've revised the closing date to Jan. 15 so that those of you that tried to respond while I was on vacation will still be able to upload your photo's to our group project on blurb. Don't worry, you'll be included if you got an invite and you still want to participate. However, the sooner I get the photo's the sooner I can complete the project so please don't delay.

Also, I wanted to clarify that when I first started this book project it was going to be a "date book" type journal printed in black in white. That has changed. It is going to be a full color photo book including name credits for the participants (with no dates).

This project has been a huge learning experience for me, thanks for your patience. I hope that once it's complete you'll be as pleased with it as I am. It has been so much fun for me to see all the amazing polymer clay work. We have very well known polymer clay artists as well as artists that have never been published before.

I'm getting new photo's (every day), pages get switched around and photos get moved, the book is still morphing. I will be posting an example page this weekend just to give you an idea of what the book will look like. Stay tuned for that.

I'm hoping to be able to finish the book by January. It's coming along nicely but I still have a lot of work to do. Thanks again for participating and drop me an email if you have questions. THANKS!! and Happy Holidays!

tejae

Collaborative Quilt for Synergy 2010

2009-11-21T08:11:00.002-07:00

Collaborative Quilt for Synergy 2010
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I'm so happy and proud to have participated in this mosaic for Synergy 2010 "Collaborative Quilt" project. Laurie Mika came up with the fabulous idea, collected all the tiles and created the quilt. Isn't it cool? :)

Think you know which polymer clay artist created which tile? Enter the contest and win. Click on the image to sign up.

from www.npcg.org...

Collaborative Tile Project Contest

Laurie Mika and 37 artists created a terrific mosaic. Now we want to share the fun with you. From November 20th through December 20th you can enter the contest, with one entry per person.Our intrepid webmaster Barbara created a way for you to submit your match up of tile to artist.

The winner will receive the Synergy2 exhibit catalogue and a 1 year IPCA membership.

So be a part of the fun and send in your picks . We will see who matches them all correctly and announce the winner in December. If we have several with the right answers, we will resort to the random drawing from a hat to be fair.(one entry per person, please!)

Good luck!!

The contributing artists are:

Janice Arbarnel
Judy Dunn
Laurie Mika
Meisha Barbee
Barb Fajardo
Libby Mills
Judy Belcher
Tejae Floyde
Geraldine Newfry
Merrie Buschbaum
Barb Forbes-Lyons
Kathryn Ottman
Heather Campbell
Marla Frankenberg
Julie Picarello
Maureen Carlson
Lindly Huanani
Jana Roberts-Benzon
Rachel Carren
Suzanne Ivester
Sarah Shriver
Kim Cavendar
Donna Kato
Ponsawan Sila
Susan Croscenzi
Ronnie Kirsch
Cindy Silas
Robert Dancik
Judy Kushkin
Cynthia Tinapple
Lorrene Davis
Loretta Lam
Cynthia Toops
Dayle Doroshow
Maggie Maggio
Ronna Weltman
Catherine Witherell

Collaborative Quilt Synergy 2010

2009-11-21T07:56:00.005-07:00

Collaborative Tile Project Contest

Laurie Mika and 37 artists created a terrific mosaic. Now we want to share the fun with you. From November 20^th through December 20^th you can enter the contest, with one entry per person.Our intrepid webmaster Barbara created a way for you to submit your match up of tile to artist.

The winner will receive the Synergy2 exhibit catalogue and a 1 year IPCA membership.

So be a part of the fun and send in your picks . We will see who matches them all correctly and announce the winner in December. If we have several with the right answers, we will resort to the random drawing from a hat to be fair.(one entry per person, please!)

Good luck!!

The contributing artists are:

Janice Arbarnel	Judy Dunn	Laurie Mika
Meisha Barbee	Barb Fajardo	Libby Mills
Judy Belcher	Tejae Floyde	Geraldine Newfry
Merrie Buschbaum	Barb Forbes-Lyons	Kathryn Ottman
Heather Campbell	Marla Frankenberg	Julie Picarello
Maureen Carlson	Lindly Huanani	Jana Roberts-Benzon
Rachel Carren	Suzanne Ivester	Sarah Shriver
Kim Cavendar	Donna Kato	Ponsawan Sila
Susan Croscenzi	Ronnie Kirsch	Cindy Silas
Robert Dancik	Judy Kushkin	Cynthia Tinapple
Lorrene Davis	Loretta Lam	Cynthia Toops
Dayle Doroshow	Maggie Maggio	Ronna Weltman
		Catherine Witherell

Kickstarter

2009-09-24T06:14:00.003-06:00

In between real work and studio time I've been catching up on emails and surfing the web (as you can tell from the last 2 posts)

Anyhoo, here's an interesting link I received from a friend. I've seen sites similar to this before but this one looks pretty easy and successful. Their description:

Kickstarter is a funding platform for artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, inventors, explorers...

So if you have a project that needs funding and you need to ask for donations....here's a venue to help. It's called Kickstarter! Go HERE to see it. And good luck!

Bruce-Mau

2009-09-22T06:45:00.002-06:00

Bruce-Mau
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Stumbled across an inspirational (at least thought provoking) message, great for creative types.

read more here.

Calling all Art Journaling Artists

2009-09-21T05:33:00.003-06:00

I came across this call for entry I thought some of you might be interested in participating.

Deadline October 1: Sketchbook Library Sign up to receive sketchbook, filling it up w/art, send it back. Publicly accessible library of sketchbooks that people can browse, peruse, check out. Before joining our perm. coll., sketchbooks exh. at US galleries. $18 fee. See www.thesketchbookproject.com

Have a great Monday!

Colorful Bugs!

2009-09-16T06:23:00.003-06:00

Rare pink grasshopper, colorful dragonfly and more. Read the whole story here.

In the studio

2009-09-16T06:00:00.003-06:00

Wow, time really flies doesn't it? Pingree was fabulous. Met some amazing polymer clay artists, legends in the polymer clay world. Learned quite a few tips and have a new appreciation for polymer clay work. A new appreciation for color, form and patterns and got my pmc kiln programmed! Thanks Hollie! The trip was full of adventure (huh, julie?) I had a lovely time.

The experience opened a new "discovery" door to me and I've spent quite a bit of time in the studio, experimenting, molding, casting and playing with textures, form and color. I'm working on a collaborative polymer clay 2" square, researching african, greek, modern and contemporary art. Hopfully some of what I'm learning will rub off on my new work. Stay tuned!

On the home front, the honey and I have decided to go to Mexico in December instead of a cruise. (Cancun side) Can't wait!!

Have an artful week!

Getting Ready for Pingree

2009-08-20T07:05:00.002-06:00

Geesh, it's been so frantic here this week. My 9-5 job is too too busy but there is a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Hubby and I are planning a cruise in December and we can hardly wait. We're looking forward to some relaxing and something fun.

Also, this weekend I'm taking a 4 hour drive up with Julie to join a group of amazing polymer clay artists in Pingree Colorado. A week of nothing but fresh air, polymer clay and new friends. Hope to have some pictures to show the first of September!

Have a great day!

Published Progress & Possibilities 2008

2009-08-14T06:46:00.002-06:00

Published Progress & Possibilities 2008
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I received my copy of Progress & Possibilities book.

Wow! The artwork in this book is so incredible to look at. It's a compilation of artwork from the last 3 years of Progress & Possibilities exhibition.

I'm thrilled to be included with such wonderful artists such as Kathleen Dustin, Julie Picarello, Barb Fajardo, Judy Dunn, Sally Sotelo, Cynthia Toops, Jana Roberts Benzon, Christi Friesen, Naama Zamir, just to name a few there are many others too!

Hello there.

2009-07-30T06:52:00.003-06:00

After that last post you might have gotten the impression I've been working in the studio. Nothing could be further from the truth. I've been really busy at work the past couple of weeks. (some weekends) eeeck!

But I did find a little time to play in the garden. Here's a few photo's.

Artist At Work

2009-07-16T07:33:00.003-06:00

I was having a conversation with a friend and we were discussing facebook, flickr, yahoo groups, twitter and blogging.

She asked, "When do you have time to create if you're online so much?" uhm, good point. :)

Can you relate to that?

My challenge to you and myself, spend more time in your studio and less time online. What can you come up with in a week if you spent your time creating instead of chatting or reading new posts? Don't get me wrong, I love my online friends and blog visitors. I just think we may find out we're a lot more interesting if we spend more time being our creative selves. It's especially hard having a full time job and trying to fit it all in. Family comes first everything else comes after, right?

I'll work my way into some sort of schedule of being online and being in the studio. But for now, I'll be offline for a few days to focus on creating some new art. Have fun!! See you soon.

heart-rock

2009-07-15T07:29:00.001-06:00

heart-rock
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

I found this little rock on my morning walk. I was also greeted by a beautiful red sunrise. amazing.(wish I would have had my camera!)

Polymer Hearts

2009-07-13T07:29:00.006-06:00

Click for larger view.

I was looking through some old photo's on my computer and came across a collage I created a while ago showing a grouping of the polymer hearts I've created.

It was fun to take that stroll down memory lane to think about why I created each one. Several have gone on to new homes.

Do you keep photo's of your art work? I'd love to see your collection! Feel free to leave a comment with your link to your work.

Have a great Monday!

Blog design

2009-07-11T14:30:00.009-06:00

I'm playing around with a new blog layout. Bear with me. I'm going for clean & simple. What do you think?

my old design is on bottom.

WIP-added-art

2009-07-08T06:58:00.001-06:00

WIP-added-art
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

Polymer clay side of my studio space.

Well, I mentioned in a post or so ago that I wanted to paint my studio but it would have to wait. LOL! Well, lucky me found a can of paint sitting around, so I painted the walls pale green paint, that use to be the outside color of our house.

Added a few pieces of art and installed a task light above the desk. (see the task light under the shelf?)

Have an artful day!

WIP triangle banner (AAO swap)

2009-07-08T06:46:00.003-06:00

This is a work-in-progess art banner. The project has us making 6 banners, theme is WINGS, it's 3" x 5" a little small but still easily mailable.

I created mine in photoshop elements. It has about 16 layers. I copied it for the additional pieces I needed.

To finish it up I'll need to attach paste it on to some decent weight card stock, decorate the backside, and add embellishments.

Treasure Gold Rub and Internet Explorer fix

2009-07-07T06:46:00.003-06:00

Two tips for you today.I had a tub of Treasure Gold metallic rub on wax that had dried up. I didn't want to toss it so I contacted plaid to ask how to fix it. Their answer "A few drops of either Xylene, Mineral spirits, or Paint thinner should do it." So now you too know how to fix it. :)

Secondly there is a virus going around that attacks your computer without you knowing it, when you visit certain sites. You can read about the virus here.

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/07/07/internet-explorer-vulnerability-fix/

You can visit microsoft and click on a button to have it fixed.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972890

Have a great Tuesday!

twisted-wing

2009-07-07T06:36:00.001-06:00

twisted-wing
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

This butterfly flew into our garden yesterday. I could tell he was having problems flying and if you look closely you can see why. His left wing is crimped.

He kept blowing away so I put him in my flower bed. Have you ever seen a butterfly eat? Pretty wild to watch.

He's still sitting in my flower bed this morning. I was hoping the dew would help fix his wing.

butterfly

2009-07-07T06:34:00.001-06:00

butterfly
Originally uploaded by tejaesart

testing out the blog feature in flickr, bear with me...

This butterfly visited us yesterday.

Creating an inspiring studio

2009-07-02T06:10:00.006-06:00

new desk

I'm in the process of doing a little spring cleaning in my art studio. I started really looking at my space and researching "organizing rooms" on the internet. I found a new bigger desk at Goodwill for around $50 to replace my small white polymer clay table (see image below).

I found an interesting website Inspired Home Office You may want to check into it. Jennifer has a free newsletter with tips on creating an inspiring home office. (or you can hire her to help you virtually!) I've discovered (among other things) that I have too much stuff! Also my studio was functional but not exactly inspiring.

New set up

So I made a few changes (I still have lots more de-cluttering to do). I looked at my "before" space (below) and obviously had a few items in my space that doesn't need to be there. (heater, exercise ball, too many book cases, an extra table, clothing etc) I want to eventually paint or change the gray walls, but that will have to wait for now. I'm also going to remove the metal book case, pictured above to the right.

I moved all my rubber stamps on the shelf above my work table to my "paper arts" work space, which is directly opposite of my polymer clay table.

My white polymer clay work table was simply too small and my computer desk wasn't working for me. So I got rid of my old computer table and moved my white table in it's place (you can see the corner of it and the back of my flat screen monitor in the second picture.)

My studio is in the basement and I don't have a door. So I removed the curtains from the windows and made a "faux"entrance to my space. This makes the space brighter during the day and creates a fun "door".

What do you think of the changes? How's your space? Does your creative space need a makeover? Leave a comment and a link to your room. I'd love to see it!

Lisa Clarke invited me to participate in a fun project for July called "A month of Hands". Here's my hand shot for today!
Have a great 4th of July!

Silver Charm Prototypes and Charm Giveaway!

2009-06-25T06:10:00.007-06:00

(clay proto-types for silver charms)

How's everyone doing out there in blogland? Just wanted to share a new project with you that I'm working on. I got the bug to create some new silver charms. What do you think of my clay proto-types? A couple of them need to be re-worked and tweaked before they go to be cast but I thought it would be fun to get your feedback.

I'm planning on offering a new line of charms and other fun artsy items to debut in my etsy shop around August. Keep me company as I share my process with you. :) You may even win a little charm. Stay tuned for the details!

I make my charms the old fashioned way, I either create the charm in jewelers wax and have it cast using the lost wax process OR I make the charm in clay and have a mold made, then a wax model is made for a sterilng silver casting using the lost wax process. I have nothing against pmc (precious metal clay) I even have a digital kiln myself, I just like the feel of sterling silver. The same process is used for gold charms. It generally takes a couple of weeks to get the charms from this proto-type state to a sterling silver charm.

These little guys are approximately 1/2" tall. The tags (on the left) are 7/8" tall.

Got a word you'd like to see on a charm? leave me a comment. If I use your word on a charm your name will be entered to win a free charm on my Grand re-opening of my etsy shop August 1st. (how fun is that?)

Have an artful week. I'll be back soon to share some more charms and artsy things with you. :)

Spring Cleaning projects

2009-06-22T06:11:00.008-06:00

Actually, yesterday was the first day of summer so technically it's summer cleaning. :)

First I want to show you a couple of tables I'm refinishing. Silly me, I thought I could do this in a day. LOL. It's been 2 weeks! It's pretty tedious. I picked these up at Goodwill for $14 a piece. They were both covered in two layers of paint. White underneath and grey on top.

The first picture shows the I've already removed the grey from the top and the drawer. I thought they'd look nicer as stained wood. I'm not sure if I'm patient enough to remove all the paint for the stain. It looks like they may have had water damage on top (white spots). If I can't figure out how to remove the damage, I may just repaint them!

The second project I've been working on is planting flowers in the beds. This is a shot of part of the back yard. It was raining at the time. I can't wait til everything start filling out. We also planted 3 tomato plants. YUM!

Third project I want to work on is my art studio. It's such a cluttered mess! Piles of "stuff" on every flat surface! I have LOTS of ideas for some new art projects that I want to start on, but they will have to wait until I get this room in order. I thought if I posted pictures I'd be more likely to clean it up! Have a great week!!

Nick Vujicic

2009-06-17T06:43:00.002-06:00

Need a little inspiration this morning? Check this out. Thanks Christina for sharing it!

Enjoying the summer...

2009-06-16T09:19:00.003-06:00

We made it back from our fun family trip. The weather was nice most days. It was great visiting the family and just hanging out.

On our return, I had the pleasure of visiting the mile high polymer guild for a few hours to show a few altered art techniques. The guild surprised me with a honorary member certificate and a bag of goodies. We also got to try out their new projector equipment. A digital camera focused on my hands and projected onto a huge screen so that everyone could see what I was doing from the comfort of their chairs. Pretty cool!! Thanks everyone!! It was great fun to see everyone and touch your polymer clay covered journals.

For the past 2 weeks, I've been spending quite a few hours working in the yard, planting flowers, moving things around and digging up the peanuts that the neighborhood squirrels insist on planting! It's been great spending some time outside. I'm also re-finishing 2 end-tables. Who knew it would take so long!!

On the creative front, I've decided to take some time off-line to regroup. I have lots of ideas for some new projects and new art for my etsy shop. My goal is to re-open in the fall with lots of fun handmade goodies to sell. I'll give some sneak peeks as the art progresses. Stay tuned for that! Meanwhile, I hope you're enjoying your summer too!!

Sweet Home Alabama

2009-05-18T06:19:00.003-06:00

Ever get homesick? It's been several years since I ventured home to Alabama. I've been really missing it for a couple of years, but you know... work is busy, there's always things to do here, so I kept putting it off...meanwhile, having a little hole in my heart, longing to visit family, seeing the beautiful green trees and lushness of home (and feeling that humidity).

Tim, (aka my awesome husband) thought he'd surprise me with a trip home for us, so we could celebrate my birthday there. (It is the big 40 after all!!) We're leaving tomorrow morning.

He's never been back home with me. I was half afraid to take him home with me because I was afraid he'd fall in love with the lush green landscape and totally laid back style. I was a little afraid I wouldn't get him back on the plane to come home to Colorado. We shall see! :)

Wish me luck!! (lol)

Inspired 09 video Check it out

2009-05-15T11:28:00.003-06:00

Donna Downey girlfriend you're awesome. Inspired participants... so wonderful (miss you all!!)

Paolo what an awesome, awesome video!! It is so fun!! (Visitors definitely check out Paolo for any of your photo needs he's just the coolest and so talented!!)

The inspired slideshow of the event...Check out all the smiling faces!! CLICK HERE

Still inspired and AAO ATC

2009-05-14T06:07:00.004-06:00

I'm so full of ideas and new things I want to try! I can hardly get myself out of the house to work because I want to play in my studio. Inspired had that affect on lots of you I know!!!

So here's me jumping in with both feet!! The Altered Art Obsession group had a little Hidden Message ATC swap. The image above is what I came up with... a little sliding window that reveals 2 different images. I added a few little beads, embossed some patina color at the top, added a piece of textured polymer clay and fancy flowers! lol

Some of you have been emailing me about teaching another online class. I'm getting ready to go on vacation for a couple of weeks so I'll be pondering what that class might be. If you're interested send me an email or leave a message here letting me know if you'd like it to be polymer clay related or altered art related.

Have a great Thursday!!

xo
tejae

I'm baaack..from inspired 09

2009-05-11T05:37:00.020-06:00

What a blast! Inspired rocked!! Check out some of the photo's of the event.

Donna Downey and me.
Some Class Fun...which group is this???

and which group is this??

If you look closely you can see our very own professional photographer

Paolo Liloc getting into the action.
Here's a closeup of his work! Look, it's cute little cameras!

And now for some class people and their projects...Wish I would have gotten pictures of everyone's project. Feel free to email me your photo. :)
Mo what a beautiful smile and a great necklace!!

Can you tell we had FUN?? :) I know I did.

I want to thank Amanda. She helped me soo much, best TA ever!!
She kept me on track and taking care of oven duty!!
Thank you Amanda!!
I also want to thank Cookie!! Donna's mom and the other TA's
who helped in my class. I would not have been the same without you all. :)

And a few more photo's from our closing ceremonies...
Lauren, sorry I didn't get a picture, if you have one, please email it to me.
Lauren won my art piece.

Here's Kelly Rae Roberts our keynote speaker.
She gave such an inspiring speech.
She oozes with encouragement.

Paulette Insall. What a sweetie and fabulous painter.
(did I tell you, we're both from Alabama?)
Thanks everyone!! I had a fabulous time.

Packed for Inspired 09!

2009-05-06T06:34:00.007-06:00

My inspired door sign!

I'm packed up and tomorrow morning I head to inspired 09 And from what I hear on the yahoo group, the party may be starting pretty soon!! Can't wait to meet the wonderful Donna Downey and Kandi too!!!

I'm teaching along with these fabulous teachers: Paulette Insall, Susan Edmonson, Jennifer Stewart, Carol Wingert, and the awesome Cheryl Darrow.

OH, OH, and I get to visit with Kelly Rae Roberts, who is a key note speaker. We originally met at Artfest a couple of years ago. She has grown leaps and bounds since then, has a book, selling her art at the merchandise mart. You go girl!!

I can't wait to meet all the lovely participants. I'll be teaching the "treasured timepiece" polymer clay class. We're making a stretchy watch with polymer clay beads. Some examples.

6 - 3 hour classes over 2 days. Each class has approximately 40 inspired artists. Does that sound like fun or what? I'll share pictures when I get back! Wish me luck!! :)

Julie Picarello workshop

2009-04-27T06:08:00.005-06:00

Students pieces before baking.

What a treat this weekend has been. Julie is a wonderful teacher, kind, full of information and very sharing (and funny as heck!). We really loved having her teach us. Thank you Julie! Come back any time. We'll share a few more laughs. :) (see you soon!)

Thank you Mile Hi guild for coming down and playing with the Pikes Peak polymer clay guild. In my excitement I neglected to get pictures of the finished or close to finished pieces, so if any of you have some pictures of your pieces email them to me and I'll post them on the website. :) They turned out beautifully!!

AAO Iron Art Challenge - April

2009-04-24T09:59:00.004-06:00

Each month over at Altered Art Obsession we have a Iron Art Competition. How does it work you ask? The previous months winner chooses 3 elements that you must use in your art. This month it was a bingo card, turquoise, and junk mail.

I obviously had mother's day on the mind. :) The turquoise is fairly subtle and the junk mail is the antique chair pamphlet in the background.

Hope you have an artful weekend!

tejae

Julie Picarello workshop this weekend

2009-04-22T19:42:00.005-06:00

Image above by Julie Picarello

I can hardly wait for Julie's class this weekend! It's always fun to learn new techniques and Julie seems like a real down to earth kind of person. So I'm sure we will learn alot! She's teaching her Mokume Gane Mixed media technique. Hopefully I'll have something fun to share with you afterwards.

Until then here's a few things to tide you over! My inspired door poster. What do you think?

And a memorial heart for a friend.

I'm also thrilled that 133 polymer clay artists have already signed up to be a part of the 365 Days of Clay planner that I'm putting together for 2010. If you're a professional polymer clay artist, we'd love to include your work. Contact me for the details. Thanks everyone!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

365 days of Polymer Clay

2009-04-17T06:28:00.003-06:00

(work in progress... cover)

Are you a polymer clay artist? Do you currently sell your amazing items and need a little promoting?

I'm putting together a 365 day planner for 2010 and would like to include an image of your art and your contact information. This planner will be 6"x9" coil bound, black and white images.

Images will be around 3"tall and 4"wide, placed at the top of each page.

If you're interested in participating, reserve your date today!

Choose the date you'd like your work featured on, contact me to reserve your date. I'll confirm your date and give you instructions on sending me high res image of your work. (Please no solid black backgrounds)

Due date for images: August 31 2009

Inspired Countdown - Class Supplies

2009-04-07T12:14:00.004-06:00

Time just flies when you're having fun doesn't it? I wanted to take a moment to chat about my Treasured Timpiece class supplies for inspired 09.

Inspired students, if you have any questions about my supplies feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email. I recommend premo but sculpey III is fine too.

Most of the supplies for my class donna has already taken care of so here's the few items that you need to bring:

Variety of acrylic craft paint colors:
suggested colors: burnt umber, blue, cream, red, white and if you have favorite colors surely feel free to bring those.

2- 2oz bloks of polymer clay Premo OR Sculpey III: Choose 2 different colors that look well together.

2-5 rubber stamps: should be deeply etched, small scale/small image, swirls, flowers, patterns, mini phrases, or words.

mini alphabet letter stamp set: 1/8" - 1/4" The smaller the better.

small 1/2" wide flat craft paint brush

Can't wait to meet you all!

PCAGOE Monthly CHALLENGE Faux

2009-04-03T06:12:00.005-06:00

Click for a closer view.

Check out the monthly challenge at http://pcagoe.com/ Be sure to vote for your favorite artist, you could win a prize!!

Here’s the list of who made what, and some of these are for sale. Click to visit the artists’ etsy shops.
1. Faux Jade Beads by RMKDesigns
2. Faux Fossil Pendants by BijouxJardin
3. Bakelite and Turquoise by labeanabags
4. Faux Raku Vessel Necklace and Bracelet by stonebrash
5. Crochet Polymer Clay Necklace Set by ljeans
6. Lab Pendant by jkollman
7. Faux Snakeskin Cuff Bracelet by artbylilin
8. Faux Ivory Necklace by oneandonly
9. Faux Shells by liukse
10. Antique Leather Album Covers by nancblades
11. Art History Rocks by beetreebyme
12. Faux Turquoise and Copper Necklace by chicki
13. Faux Collage - Two Edwardian Ladies by SCDiva
14. Ocean Mix Faux Abalone Shell Necklace by thecolorofdreams
15. Faux Brazilian Amethyst Agates by polymerclaycreations
16. Faux Turquoise Necklace and Bracelet by PBijoux
17. Faux Jade, Jet, Cameo and Amazonite by LaurelSteven
18. Marble Sewn Pendant by amantecatl
19. Faux Ivory, Turquoise and Jade Pendant by carengoodrich
20. Faux Opal Necklace and Earrings by mspete928
21. Faux River Stone Necklace by juliespace
22. Wild Fire - Faux Cloisonne Necklace by Eugena777
23. Faux Metal Pendant by JillPalumbo
24. Faux Opal Fit for a Queen by CreativeSpiritToo
25. Faux Ivory and Turquoise Game Board by AlmostARTifacts

PCAGOE Monthly Challenge CANES

2009-03-01T10:00:00.011-07:00

Above is our collection of cane work challenge entries. To view the entries close-up, you can click on the mosaic to see it larger or click on the slide show below the mosaic to see the entries individually and read the artists’ descriptions.

To vote for your favorite entry and see the prizes, please visit http://www.pcagoe.com/ .

Prize winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between now and midnight EST on Saturday, March 7, 2009. Note new voting rules: everyone, including PCAGOE members, may vote for a favorite entry. If you have entered a piece in this challenge, you are not eligible to vote. The challenge winners will be announced on March 8 on www.pcagoe.com - there are prizes for the first and second place vote-getters! Thanks for voting, and good luck!

1. Madame Butterfly by beetreebyme
2. Fantasy Fish Pin by AliceStroppel
3. Split Personality by oneandonly
4. Rainstick by divadea
5. Butterflies Pendant by BreathtakingBeadzz
6. Blue Flowers Ladybug by ashpaints
7. Retro Ring by ruthtarragano
8. Grenade by lacigalecristalline
9. Medaevil Manuscript Cane Set by zoeowyn
10. Little Black Dress Necklace by NKDesigns
11. Nougat Cane Candle Jar by peggers
12. Sunshine and Rainbows by polymerclaycreations
13. Winter? I Scoff! by cocojaneandme
14. Ringling B by Susanne D.
15. En Trois Pendant by thecolorofdreams
16. Feline Dreams by ametista
17. Sheer Pink Focal Bead by CreativeSpiritToo
18. Bud Vase by jewelzodonnell
19. Shifting Star Set by pipsjewellery
20. Field of Poppies by OrganicOdysseys
21. Rustic Ease by laurabeestudios
22. Varliukas-ramuniukas by Liukse
23. Complexities of the Heart by plumuniqprettiesplus

Round Robin Kara's book

2009-02-23T06:04:00.003-07:00

Time flies when you're having fun. I can't believe we've come to the end of our round robin already. 7 of us started in July 08 and are now working on our last books so they can be mailed home. It's so fun looking forward to receiving a new book each month. This round robin was my first. We chose to go with childrens board books. Sturdy pages and not too many pages. I had a blast working in everyone's books. Thanks for playing Lori, Dolores, Kara, Kim, Laurel and Sharon.

This is Kara's book. To make these pages I first pasted down a small square scrapbook page on the left hand page. Then I painted the spread with ochre colored acrylic paint. Once that dried I added a coat of matte gel medium. Before it had a chance to dry I stamped it using a handwritten pattern. Once it was dry I brushed on some burnt umber acrylic paint and wiped it off using a paper towel. You can see the ghosting effect of the handwriting in the 2nd image towards the right of the picture. Once the paint dried I pasted down the image and coated the whole thing with matte gel medium. I don't usually do that but my image had been printed on glossy stock and I didn't like the shine so the matte gel helped to block some of the shine. I painted the background of the hidden windows with brown gesso, pasted down the images and highlighted some areas with gold paint. The word elements are rub ons and a vellum phrase.

We're discussing what type of round robin to do next. I can hardly wait!

IPCA Polymer Clay Survey

2009-02-19T06:07:00.002-07:00

From International Polymer Clay Association
Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 7:25pm

The Executive Board and Executive Director of the International Polymer Clay Association have created a survey for the polymer clay community. As members of the community, your input is especially valuable to us! The Executive Board will be meeting in two weeks for a Strategic Planning Meeting. The information gathered in this survey will be used at the meeting to help create our plan for the next two years.

We want to ensure that the suvey is available to the broadest audience possible and request your assistance once you have completed the survey.

Please post a note on your Web site, blog, or online polymer clay community regarding the survey. The survey is anonymous and will take about five (5) minutes to complete.

The survey link is below.

http://www.npcg.org/survey/index.php?sid=59188&lang=en

Thank you in advance!

Barbara Forbes-Lyonson the behalf of the Board and Executive Director of the International Polymer Clay Association

Inspired Treasured Timepiece Class

2009-02-15T09:53:00.005-07:00

I can't even express how excited I am to meet all the 250 inspired09 participants this May, when I'll be teaching my "treasured timepiece" class.

Most of the participants (as I understand) are scrapbookers. Although I love the supplies at my local scrapbook store I rarely use them for scrapbook pages, instead they often end up in my mixed media pieces! Regardless, I think this common bond for scrapbook supplies will no doubt forge some serious friends for life! :)

I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of the project we'll be learning. Of course participants will put their own spin on their creations, using words and colors that reflect their own personality. Here are a few examples using polymer clay.

Heart & Soul

Sea Dreams

Tropical Delight

If any of you (inspired participants) have any questions about the upcoming class or supplies list, feel free to contact me on our inspired yahoo group, or send me email or simply leave me a comment here on my blog.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T07:34:00.003-07:00

What a treat to be mentioned on polymer clay daily! As a Queen of Hearts! Congrats to others who were also mentioned. I'm in awesome company with several familiar faces.

This week has been a treat actually. I love Valentine's Day. I always have. I mean with a heart fetish how could I not, right? (even my wedding ring is a heart shaped diamond!)

This year my sweetheart husband, Tim, totally surprised me by having flowers delivered to my work.

Tulips on Wednesday,

Stargazer lilies on Thursday and

Roses on Friday.

I couldn't believe it, totally surprised me. Did your sweetheart surprise you?? I'd love to hear about it. Tonight we continue the sweetness with a nice german dinner. yum!!

Hope you have a lovely day!!

Valentine Hunt Winner is...shorti85

2009-02-14T06:59:00.002-07:00

Congratulations shorti85! I'll contact you through etsy to get your address!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. Thanks for participating in the drawing! :)

tejae

Find Love with PCAGOE

2009-02-05T18:47:00.005-07:00

The members of PCAGOE, the Polymer Clay Artist Guild of Etsy, are sponsoring a Valentine Scavenger Hunt. To participate simply visit participating shops beginning February 6th 2009 and continuing until midnight EST on February 12, 2009, and find the hidden Valentine!

It looks like this:

When you find the Valentine in a shop, convo the seller through etsy with the URL of the listing where the image is hidden, or the transaction number for the Item. You may enter once per participating shop.

That’s it! You must be a registered Etsy user to qualify, so if you have not already registered, please take a moment to do so, and you can join in our fun! Registering is fast and easy.
On February 14, 2009, the each seller will draw a winner at random using a random generator.

Here is a list of the other member shops participating in the hunt. Every member is offering a different prize!

tejaesart: polymer clay heart

SCDiva: $25 gift certificate (also valid at PCDiva)

DivaDea: a little love wall art

lynnslittlecreations: it’s a surprise!

SilverGate: two heart magnets

PuppyKissPortraits: Valentine kisses pendant

juliespace: $10 gift certificate

jkollmann: earrings

irismishly: set of four heart beads

ashpaints: 50% off one item

zoeowyn: paisley heart pendant

peggers: $20 gift certificate

beetreebyme: 20% off one order

polyclarific: a surprise pendant

angeli: chocolate truffle pendant

LaurelSteven: heart pendant

revonav: $50 gift certificate

Any questions? Convo tejaesart or divadea on etsy, and we’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for playing!

All Heart 5"x5" Swap AAO

2009-02-05T18:08:00.003-07:00

Click to enlarge.

As promised here's my final 5x5's. So if you're wondering what I did from step one. I continued decorating the background with stamped caligrahpy handwriting, gold and white fluerish rub-ons, then I layered some art framed with textured brown cardstock, hand cut borders (used decorative scissors on some), vellum phrases, eyelets and heart trinkets. I'll post closeup pictures over on flicker. As soon as I get the last set of the participants 5x5's I'll post theirs here too. We had 9 players all together. :)

Valentine ATC - PCAGOE

2009-01-30T09:18:00.005-07:00

This ATC was made completely of polymer clay with a bit of acrylic paint. :) Love letters and swirls texture the background. (You can see some scribbles at the top of the card.)

I created it to enter into this month's PCAGOE Monthly Challenge ACEO's! Please feel free to comment here and head over to www.pcagoe.com to vote for your favorite entry. You could win some fabulous prizes! Good luck!!

Have a great weekend!

Making your own blog background

2009-01-22T09:01:00.003-07:00

Some of you have emailed me to ask how I created my background, welp, it's pretty easy. I read the instructions here: CutestBlogOntheBlock

(note: you'll only be able to see my background if your resolution is high or you have a larger monitor)

The cutest blog on the block also have backgrounds available for you to use so you don't have to make your own. Check it out http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/

Ashley is quite helpful and most friendly!! Tell her I sent you, ok? :)

tejae

5x5 Altered Collage Project. Step One

2009-01-21T06:20:00.006-07:00

I'm working on a 5X5 All Heart swap with a few ladies at AAO. My base was cardboard from the back of a desk calendar. I gessoed it, then mixed some thick gel medium with red-ish paint and spread it over the cardboard with a palette knife. Once it was completely covered then I took a huge rubber stamp with a swirl pattern and stamped the wet paint and gel mixture. I let that dry. The images above are showing my process for antiqueing the dry boards. I dip my paint brush into a different red-ish color and also into brown. I paint it on and wipe some of it off. The last image is my base I'll begin to start layering on a design. Stay tuned for the progress!

I really enjoy working with collage. I always have a vauge idea but once my fingers start playing around with the papers and stamps I usually end up somewhere completely different.

This is an interesting collage pendant from SpiritMama.

Divadea's collaged ACEO is made completely of polymer clay.

Julie from Juliespace has a fun collaged polymer tile frame.
Have a great week!

Valentine, Obama and a Photography Tip

2009-01-20T07:04:00.003-07:00

A new little Happy Heart for Valentine's Day!

What a significant day in history! I'm curious how many visitors will show up today to see Obama sworn in. What do you think close to 2 million?

Changing the subject to photo's. I've been wanting to share this link with you all and finally found the link again. If you sell online this is a good tutorial video for taking pictures. Thanks Valerie for sharing the link!

http://dawnandevan.com/photo_tutorial.htm

Valentine Hearts for my etsy shop

2009-01-18T16:18:00.004-07:00

Hoping to get these loaded to etsy this week. Perfect for Valentines Day. They're little "pocket hearts". Someone feeling a little down, this will put a smile on their face. Slip one in their pocket when they're not looking. It's sure to bring a little sunshine. :) They're made of polymer clay. I wanted them to look like faux wood.

What have you all been doing artfully lately?