Paprika, cinnamon, pepper, parsley: if it is in my spice rack, I’ve probably added it to some translucent clay. Adding inclusions (bits of dried organic or non-organic items to clay) has been one of my favorite techniques for years.
You can imagine my delight when Sage Bray contacted me in April and asked me if I would be interested in writing an article about inclusions for the summer issue of The Polymer Arts Magazine. Of course, I said yes! I’ve been a devotee since the first issue came out in 2011.
Well, the issue is now out and I was beyond thrilled when it hit my mailbox this week. If you don’t have a subscription you can subscribe from Sage’s website: https://tenthmusearts.com/
Here’s a peek at what you can find inside:
- Mixing Talent: The Process of Six Collaborative Teams
- The Fortuitous & The Planned: Mixed Media Wall Art
- Experimenting with Inclusions
- Making Wire Findings for Polymer Jewelry
- Covered Objects: Adhering Polymer to Other Materials
- Mixing Polymer & Hats
- Increasing Show Sales Better Photo Backgrounds
- Synergy 3 Report: Aiming for Higher Ground
I love that you have inclusions in your polymer clay. It is like paper making! I am wondering what you could do with nutmeg!
I’ve never made my own paper, but I know some people who make beautiful sheets. The process is similar.
Nutmeg is a great inclusion! I use it in combination with cinnamon to add larger flecks of texture to faux stone. The combo looks (and smells) fantastic. Unfortunately after it it is baked most of the smell fads away.
Congratulations on your “Polymer Arts Magazine” article on inclusions! I always love seeing your work and your little birdie shows so beautifully demonstrates how inclusions can be used to enhance. (Inclusions,…….and I always thought that just meant cat hair:-)
I wish I could find a marketable use for cat hair 🙂
My mom was a weaver and wove cat hair from our cats into her fabric……..ON PURPOSE! I agree with you, we need to find a marketable use fr cat hair combined with PC. Wouldn’t that make a great memorial for a departed fur friend.
Wow, cat-hair fabric. That is creative! The cat hair “memorial” inclusion is an interesting idea. Maybe someone will pick up on it and run with it.
I got my copy last week, and only just yesterday sat down for a quick look through it… can’t wait to have time to read everything. But I spied your article and wanted to say Congrats! Well deserved! I especially loved the eye pencil inclusions… so awesome!!
Thanks Beth!
Hey, Marie, really nice article in the magazine, congratulations! I haven’t had a lot of time to experiment with inclusions, but your explanations and showing of the nice greens you created makes me want to try some new ways with spices and other organic things. Thanks for the time you take to make it seem easy and do-able. Beckie
Thanks Beckie! It is a fun, low pressure technique that would go great with your natural, Alaskan style. You can get some neat stone and leather finishes too.