Artist Interview- Fairyrealm

During some recent down time, I had the wonderful opportunity to come across an amazing art doll creator. I was enchanted with the wonderful expressions, costumes and skill that went into these creations. Curious as to who this person is, I contacted Fairyrealm's artist and asked if I could do a brief interview. Rima was delighted to participate in the questioning. At first I had about 5 or 6 different questions to ask..however, when she sent me her response it was way more interesting than cut and dry answers. So, it is with great pleasure that I post her story here exactly as it was sent to me, may I introduce to you...Rima of Fairyrealm....

"I had worked for years with ceramic clay. I began to try my hand at sculpting small intricately detailed clay figures but was not happy with the results. One day I came across photos (online) of Wendy Froud's work. I was amazed and inspired. I became determined to teach myself some polymer clay techniques so that I could create my own version of the world of fairy. After some mistakes (and a mermaid whose head rested on her left shoulder for lack of an armature). I began to buy books and recently purchased a DVD created by Wendy Froud. All of these have helped and inspired. Best of all purchases was Wendy's DVD.At some point I stop and look at a piece and see a million thing that need improvement but know that I really need to stop before I ruin or over do it. I just have to make a mental note of the things to be improved and say "I'll do better next time". Somehow it's never better enough!I find the art works of both Wendy and her husband Brian Froud to be two of my greatest sources of inspiration. I also love the writings of J K Rowling. Her stories are steeped not only in mythology and folklore. What an extraordinary imagination she has. I love the fact that her books are multi leveled and can be read not only as wonderful modern day fairy tales but as sensitive insights into human nature and social conditions with a smattering of political commentary too.", "Here is the link to my etsy store-http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5142095 "

If anyone would like to contact Rima, you could either drop me a line here and I will forward the message along, or visit her profile at her Etsy shop.

Thanks for viewing!

PCAGOE's August Challenge is Under Way!

Take a look and vote at http://www.pcagoe.com/ in the August Challenge. There are some VERY nice entries this month.... Unfortunately I was unable to enter, but check back in the next few months. The secret is out for the next three challenges...I know for sure I will be entering Octobers challenge.

Check out my interview...

Yup...I had the opportunity to be featured on PCAGOE's website...here's the link.... http://pcagoe.com/2007/08/25/clbcreations-featured-artist/

New Product Testing

Recently I had been awarded the opportunity to try out Sculpey's new Studio Line clay through the PCAGOE group. I had received one package of the torquiose color and had written up a small little article in regards to my findings after I worked with the clay. I had decided that maybe I should share this will all of my friends ...so here goes...

Originally Posted on PCAGOE (8/7/07)

"OK...well...I've played for a few hours with this stuff....here's what I think... I received the turquoise blue color. Nice vibrant color too. As far as the clay, well...I'm not sold just yet. It prob has it's place in the claying world..just like all the others..but what that place is ..not sure yet. When I first opened the package it seemed like it was very pliable..or soft to work with. I left it on my worksurface over night to pick it back up again today. I almost think that letting the air get to it may have dried it a bit..but not sure exactly on that one. It was a bit stiff to knead, so I put it in the pasta machine. I put it on the 1st setting..it rolled fine. I put it on the 4th setting...again fine. However, I did notice an almost powdery feel to it after it went through the machine. Almost like a powdery residue on my fingers. But all it all...the clay seems like it holds up well to finger prints if you don't knead the heck out of it. If you do, it gets softer like a regular polyclay. Oh..and one other thing I noticed is that it seemed lighter..kinda like those super light clays they sell now..compaired to Fimo or Sculpey. I used it to make a couple of pendant blanks...it was a piece of cake to smooth down the edges without distorting the overall shape too much and I was able to stamp into raw clay with out a release powder or water.. I also made a few figures from it...I call em my blue meanies.... It was a bit tough to get them into shape...and a little difficult to blend seams. However, that being said, I didn't experience much saging when they were baked. Another good point is that I didn't experience much of an oily feel on my hands...but there was a residue of some kind. A couple of downfalls I noticed, it seems to rip easy and it was hard to achieve a super smooth surface with you fingers.Now I don't do canes..so I don't know how it would react to that process. It may do good..I don't know...or it would prob. be good for beads too.