Fire Mountain Gems Contest Results

I've got my necklace with sculpted orchids "Les Fleurs des Fer" back from Fire Mountain. It took the third place in the polymer clay category!

The necklace is in my Etsy shop now.

I realized recently that I am drawn to the Etsy shops that show their jewelry on models. I think it is a good idea, since it is so difficult sometimes to imagine how a necklace would look like on a person. So, here is the result of my experiments in this direction.

Custom Order

Sandy's Orchid Necklace

I am very pleased with this necklace. Sandy saw a picture of two miniature orchids in one of my previous posts. The orchids were white with gold highlights. She asked me to make her a necklace with a similar orchid, and this is what I came up with.

The orchid was hand-sculpted from a mixture of white and translucent Kato polymer clay. This brand works great for the applications like this with lots of small details and protruding parts. The golden highlights were made with Perfect Pearls mica powder.

I suspended the orchid from a chain of mother-of-pearl chips and seed beads. Sandy had a choice between two gold-plated toggle clasps, and she picked the one with antique finish and granulation.

Thank you, Sandy. Enjoy your necklace.

My Work Will Be Published in a Book!

I do not want to reveal all the details yet, but have to share my excitement. Pictures of two of my faux cloisonne necklaces were accepted for a publication in a book about polymer clay. The book is scheduled for release in Fall, 2008.

Recently added items

Necklace Purple Moon, Earrings Purple Moon, Necklace Spread Your Wings, Earrings Spread Your Wings, Necklace Wild Fire, Necklace Peacock Shimmer, Necklace Peony, the Royal Flower, Necklace Midnight Dream, Earrings Midnight Dream, Vase Sculpted Oak, Pendant Forest Secret, Pendant Amber Orchid, Pendant Elven Queen, Green and Gold, Earrings Elven Queen, Green and Gold

This Time For Sure!

I am leaving my scientific job to become a full-time artist after all – this time for sure! I was not able to do it this summer, but now all things are under control, and I am free to go! I have already turned in my resignation letter and know my last day – September, 13.

And here is some eye candy. This is my latest set, a combination of polymer clay faux cloisonné and Swarovsky crystals. It still needs a name, so any ideas are welcome.

Pleasant Surprise

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when I received the October 2007 issue of Bead and Button magazine by mail. Although I love this magazine, I am not a subscriber. “Why did I get a contributor’s copy?”- I wandered. Here is why: this issue has a supplement with pictures from Bead Dreams 2007 contest, and my faux cloisonne necklace is one of them!

The works entered into this contest are unbelievable! I am so honored to see my work in such an amazing company!

And here is a bigger picture of my necklace.

Caribbean Night

This unusual asymmetrical necklace was finished during the Christmas break. It has two of my original faux cloisonné focal beads and lots of garnet. It will soon be available on my site.