Fun With Polymer Clay

Recently, I have begun to play around with polymer clay.  Polymer clay is a sculptable material based on the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It usually contains no clay minerals, and is only called "clay" because its texture and working properties resemble those of mineral clay.  The great thing about this clay is that you can bake it at 275 degrees in your own oven and it hardens.  There is no need for a kiln.  It is the perfect material to do so many fun projects with your children.


You can purchase polymer clay at your local craft store.  It is usually sold under the brand names Fimo, Sculpey, Kato, Polyform, Amaco and comes in every color imaginable.  It's sold near the modeling clay...make sure you don't pick up this clay by mistake.  Take it from me, if you bake modeling clay is will ooze all over your oven.  


You have to kneed the clay a bit to make it pliable and then you can flatten it out with your own palm.  I like to use stamps to create fun designs on the clay.  Then you can use a pin to poke a 1-2 mm hole where you would like your bail to be placed.  I bake the pendants at 275 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Once they are done and cooled you can use acrylic paint to paint in your designs.  I like to use a lighter ecru or white clay to make pendants then cover the pendant in black paint.  I take a paper towel and dab off the paint and then use some silver paint over that...dabbing off excess.  It make a really neat antiqued look.  Once dried, you can use a polymer clay glaze (also can be purchased at your craft store) to prevent wear and tear on the front of the pendant.  I have found that if you glaze the back of the pendant it sticks to your skin when you wear the pendant.


I like to finish off my pendant by placing a pinch bail in the hole you created.  Then using a ribbon, leather cord, or another fabric cord to make a necklace out of the pendant.


Here are a few necklaces that I created last night.  Let your imagination and creativity know no bounds.  I think this would be a perfect tween birthday party activity.  Have fun and happy creating.

Another Giveaway! An Adorable Applique Onsie

all things for mom is hosting a fantastic giveaway sponsored by Nikki in Stitches.  You don't want to miss out on this one.  

The winner of this giveaway will choose between one boy (blue short sleeve with sailboat applique) or one girl (pink short sleeve with heart applique).  The girl onesie has an optional ruffle bottom that is too cute to pass up!  Three sizes are available (0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months).  This would be a great baby gift if you don't have a child of your own that fits these sizes.

Just go here to find out the rules to participate in this awesome contest!!!!

Bracelets Galore

I have been working quite a bit on my inventory for the upcoming Phoenixville Farmer's Market that I am participating in.  I think I have a great selection of necklaces and LOTS of earrings.  I don't have too many bracelets to display.  I'm not sure why?  Bracelets are a great way to use a few leftover beads to make something beautiful.  Anyway, I did an earring drop off at Kimberton Whole Foods this past weekend and they placed an order for some bracelets.  So, now I can put those leftover few beads to great use.  Here are a few examples of things I came up with.  I am really into the summery colors like blue and green.  I have been using these colors in a lot of my work lately.  I hope you enjoy this sampling and thanks for taking a look.

Green Cat's Eye beads paired with lampwork glass.

Wooden beads with a sterling silver flip flop charm.

Glass with Bali style silver rounds.

African Turquoise paired with Czech glass.

Carnelian nuggets with Czech glass and a lampwork glass focal.

Got Focus?

Do you need help with your meditation practice?  Do you have trouble keeping track of your time while meditating?  Well, I've got the thing for you.  Focus beads can be worn as a bracelet or hooked on to your belt loops and are used as a tool to assist you with maintaining focus, avoid drifting, and give you an idea of time spent in the practice.  

At each bead you will stop and meditate on a topic of choice.  Meditating on each bead

will help you become aware of your thoughts and words in everyday life; helping to choose to

think and project happy positive energy to yourself and to those around you.

Do you need help getting started?  Here are a few positive affirmations to get you on your way:

“Loving myself heals my life. I nourish my mind, body and soul”

“The more grateful I am, the more reasons I find to be grateful”

“I give out Love and it is returned to me multiplied”

“I have a wonderful partner and we are both happy and at peace”

“I am my own unique self – special, creative and wonderful”

“I trust in the process of life”

“My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need do is

 stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open”

“I choose love, joy and freedom, open my heart and allow wonderful things to flow into my life”

Namaste'

Under the Boardwalk

I am so in need of a little R and R.  Lucky for me, we are heading "down the shore" on Saturday.  A week of fun, sand, and surf is exactly what I need.  I'm looking forward to reading my book under the umbrella or on the porch of our house; playing in the sand with my kids; hitting the arcade on the boardwalk; eating some fantastic seafood; and just spending some much needed time with my family.


I have been super busy with custom orders and gearing up for the Phoenixville Farmer's Market in July.  Also, I've begun prep for the items we are creating at Arrowhead Day Camp this summer.  Never a dull moment in Hammi Jammi land.  


Just to gear up for the summer and beach, I changed my playlist on this blog.  I included on of my all time favorite beach songs.  "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters always reminds me of my Dad and our trips to the beach when I was younger.  I also created a fun shell necklace and matching earrings that I wanted to share with you, my faithful readers.

Well, ta ta for now.  Happy beach season everyone!

Too Cool For The Pool

So I recently came across a local artisan that creates the cutest little things.  While working on the Living Beyond Breast Cancer fundraising, I met a woman who introduced me to her daughter-in-law.  Nikki, of Nikki in Stitches sews so many things.  From headbands, to crocheted bracelet kits, to beach hats; you will surely find something that you will fall in love with and must have. 
I just ordered a beach hat, which I will use mostly at the pool this summer.  I got to pick the fabric and Nikki did the rest.  She sent me a photo and I can't wait to receive the finished product tomorrow!

If you happen to be on Facebook, be sure to "like" her page. 

Yoga on the Steps Philadelphia

Well, Yoga on the Steps is done for another year!  Amazing, inspiring, spiritual are just a few words to describe the event.  This year,  unlike last year, there were breast cancer survivors who shared with the 1,100 registered yogis what the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization means to them and what it means to be a hero.  This was very emotional and instead of doing the pose, I had to just sit down and meditate and focus on what they were speaking about.  At one point I just looked back at the crowd and was so in awe of the beauty of all these people doing the same pose for the same cause.  And the beauty of the Philadelphia Art Museum in the background was the cherry on the top.

I am so utterly proud of team Tri-County for a Cure.  This was our first official year as a group and we had 26 members, we were recognized as getting the most community involvement (we created an amazing video around Pottstown with business owner that can be viewed here http://youtu.be/dEGcpoAI488), we raised over $4000 as a team, we grew as individuals and as a group, and I know that we have cultivated friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.  I am truly blessed to be part of this yoga community...they are some of the most caring, giving, and compassionate people you will ever meet!  My mind is already racing with ideas for next year's event.

Namaste'