The Polymer Arts

The latest magazine to do with our obsession is… The Polymer Arts. I’m reprinting the press release I received here:

The Polymer Arts Magazine Provides Instruction, Insight, and Inspiration for the Professional and Aspiring Polymer Clay Artist

AURORA, Colorado. July 23, 2011—The premier issue of The Polymer Arts magazine will go to print in August of 2011. This new magazine has been created to provide the polymer clay artist, as well as enthusiasts, collectors, and galleries, the kind of information that will encourage innovation and support of the art world’s youngest and most versatile medium.

In recent years accomplished and innovative polymer clay art work has been making its way into esteemed galleries and national museums. However, a perception that polymer clay is an amateur art material still persists. Unlike other fine art mediums, polymer clay has not had an industry specific periodical documenting the high caliber of work and trends in the community, until now.

The Polymer Arts magazine, an English language quarterly will be available in both digital and print versions. It will be readily accessible to artists and other supporters of polymer clay across the globe. Planned content will include a rotation of regular articles and features such as:

· Featured Theme Articles—Each issue will present and focus on a particular theme, with the following editorial planned: Issue #1—Genesis: How it all started, Issue#2—Education & Instruction, and Issue #3—Artistic Spaces.

· Material Issues—An in depth exploration of technical and creative polymer clay techniques and practices.

· The New and Improved—Testing new products and tools or exploring new ways to use existing products.

· Emerging Talent—Gallery of new artists’ work with interviews.

· Masters Gallery—Gallery of distinguished work with artist interviews.

· Inspiration Challenge—A showcase of readers art, inspired by articles in a previous issue.

· The Bottom line—Articles on selling, displaying, listing, and marketing, etc.

· In Good Company—Personal experience & reporting on events, retreats, workshops and shows.

· The Lists—Links, contact information and summary descriptions of polymer clay art, related retail and wholesale businesses, publication opportunities, contests and challenges, events & classes, guild and on-line communities, and accomplished artists.

Sage Bray, the publisher and creator of The Polymer Arts magazine, is also an award winning polymer clay artist whose obsession with the material, lead her to leave a well-paying corporate position to explore this new art form only six months after being introduced to it. Ms. Bray had previously juggled her creativity between jewelry making and graphic design, along with writing and publishing, which had been her primary career focus for nearly 20 years. She has now transitioned back to publishing, which is a field she has kept her hands in since creating her first literary publication 25 years ago. The Polymer Arts magazine has become the perfect opportunity for Sage to combine her passions for the written word and polymer clay in a professional and informative periodical whose time is long overdue.

CONTACT:

Sage Bray
720-324-7872

[email protected]

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

How To Make An Air Dry Clay Paint Palette With…

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)
Rolling pin
Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)
Sharp knife or clay cutter
Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)
Sponge and water
Plastic wrap
Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)
White glaze
Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.
Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.
Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.
Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.