My First Polymer Clay Cane by York Avenue Studio

My First Polymer Cane by York Avenue Studio

I have to admit, I'm feeling jumpy with excitement after attempting to make a polymer clay cane!  It's one of those moments as an artist that I savor!  The rush, the feeling like I'll bust if I don't have somebody to share this adventure with!  This is why I love to create, to get that "peak" and see myself accomplish something that I feel is beautiful!  Ahhhhhhh!  Ok, here is what I did and why......

I follow several blogs and love to see the projects that other artists and designers are sharing online.  One inspiring blog is written by Charters, who welcomed me warmly to her blog and has a lovely manner with her words and designs.  Her blog, Charters Jewellery, has inspired me to try my hand at polymer clay beads.  I've never tried this before, and her beautiful photos of colorful beads along with her comments on tips for finishing the beads stirred up some ideas in my mind and I dug out my polymer clay supplies.

In my craft box, I had the colors blue, black, brown and white.  I also knew that I had some spare gemstone beads that are half drilled, in the same colors.  Lapis Lazuli, Tigers Eye and Pearl.  The design started forming in my mind to use polymer clay, the gemstone beads and also use silver metal clay. 

I searched online for some tutorials for making polymer clay canes.  I found the website called Beadeyedbrat.com with tons of tutorial links and great basics for polymer work. 

After scrolling thru the titles of canes, I decided to try the tutorial by Mia Rox called Swirly Brick Cane.

Throughout the cane making process, there was no indication that it was working.  I formed the pieces, step by step, hoping the design was building inside the log of clay!  All I could see was the black clay wrapped on the outside.

When the cane was done, I was intimidated to slice it, so I picked a spot near the end.  I'll have to read up on how to slice this cane properly without flattening the log.  Even so, LOOK WHAT WAS INSIDE!!!!




First Polymer Cane by York Avenue Studio

Now, what do I do!!!???  As I work on this new project, I'll post the updates.  I plan on making beads, tubes, etc plus finish and polish to shine like stone.  I can't wait to see how the gemstone beads fit in the design and what parts will be made in silver metal clay!  Plus, I have another opportunity to use my new logo stamp from the Charm Factory!
Kathy

You Know Your State's Capital, but What about the Official State Gemstone?

If you are one of those people who can name all 50 State capitals, you are good!  Gemstones are officially adopted as well, however, not many people memorize the State Rocks, other than maybe the State they grew up in and went to school.  Gemstones, minerals and rocks are so unique and beautiful and their properties and characteristics are fascinating.  So many factors such as environmental conditions, other chemicals present, etc. affect the formation and substance of stones providing us with a huge number of varieties of colors and structures to admire.

So, what are the State Rocks for the 50 States?  Surprisingly, not every US State has adopted an official gemstone, mineral or rock.  Some States have several, and Texas even has their own official cut for a gem, the Lone Star Cut:



Texas Offical Gem Cut - The Lone Star Cut

I grew up in Michigan and early in school we all had to memorize the State Symbols.  The State Stone for Michigan is the Petoskey Stone.  As kids, we use to find them near lakes.  Spotting them is not too difficult as they have round, spikey circle patterns due to the fossilized coral.  Kids like to find fossils and there is something special about holding a rock that is over 300 million years old!

Petoskey Stone

Another State Rock that's easy enough to remember is California's State Mineral, Gold!  The Golden State also had a State Stone - Serpentine.  This stone, also refered to by some as New Jade has green color and may range from yellower greens to bluer greens.  NOTE:  In 2010 scientists moved to have Serpentine removed as the State Stone due to the fact it is a source for Chrysotile, a form of Asbestos, which is a human carcinogen!  The actual gemstone Serpentine is not toxic, but it is a host for Chrysotile, which has been found formed within the stone.  Making jewelry from Serpentine is not going to pose a health risk, unless you are smashing it up, year after year, releasing what may be lurking inside! 



Serpentine Rough

California also has a State Gemstone - Benitoite.  I've never heard of this gem, so I did some research.  It is a rare, blue gem found almost exclusively in California.  It turns light neon blue under florescent light!  Here is a photo:

Benitoite

Faceted Benitoite gemstone jewelry is very beautiful!  I'll certainly add that one to my gemstone collection wish list!

Well, there are many more interesting State stones and for a complete list and to look up your favorites, visit this site for a nice, handy chart:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones

Comments?  I'd love to hear from you!