I live in Canada and not on either coast. As far as real life polymer clay classes go, this area may as well not exist. So when I heard that Christi Friesen was teaching relatively nearby I jumped at the chance to take a class even if our styles are pretty different. I have to tell you, the whole week was fun and even if our styles are radically different there was still plenty of tips and techniques to make it all worthwhile.

We covered a ton of sculpture related projects. Every day started with what Christi calls the bubble gum projects – like the little ghoulie below. Christi uses a lot more in the way of powders and paints than I do and after seeing some of the results I’ll have to give them a little more attention in my own work.

One of the newest products and techniques Christi has been working with this year is her Swellegant line of metal coatings, patinas and dyes. We did a little of it in our class and of course a little came home with me. I have a swellegant specific post coming up tomorrow.

These guys were some of the critters I made. I couldn’t keep from using little cane slices on the turtle shell. Both the dragons and the turtle got little dabs of mica powders and paints in the spirit of the class.

You can find Christi on the net at: CFOriginals.net She’s also active on Facebook and you can friend her there.

POP! – Perspectives on Polymer

Contemporary Craft is thrilled to be hosting POP! – Perspectives on Polymer June 25-29, 2022. A five-day celebration of contemporary work in polymer, the event will have something for everyone who loves polymer clay. POP! will feature four workshops along with virtual talks by some of the best polymer artists in the country, an exhibition of small works in polymer, and a curated feature in the Store. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 25, 6-8 PM, and will be free and open to the public.

POP!’s focus on workshops and the materiality of polymer makes this boutique event more than just a conference. Each participating artist was selected for their unique perspectives on polymer and the exciting ways they are moving the medium forward. The featured instructor for the event is Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, whose pioneering techniques in polymer have made him one of the most respected artists in the field. His jewelry and sculptural objects have been shown in many national invitational exhibitions, and his works are represented in numerous private collections, galleries and museums.

Have you read?

POP! – Perspectives on Polymer