Torchwood Studio - Polymer Clay Design and Creations

Thanks for dropping in on Torchwood Studio

If your new here, take a look at the past posts or subscribe to my RSS feed. Also, be sure to check out the Artist "Spotlight" posts below and sign up for the giveaway contests from these featured artists/artisans:)

During your travels here, you'll find interesting articles on my daily work with polymer clay, feature articles about the artists/artisans and their work that I find interesting and sometimes one of my rants about nothing in particular. Get a cup of coffee, settle in and enjoy your time at Torchwood Studio.

If your interested in purchasing any of my unique polymer clay art creations, please check out my Etsy Shop. 

Artist "Spotlight" For This Week

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I won't be posting any Artist "Spotlight" articles for this week. I had some prior responsibilities that needed to be taken care of and there wasn't enough time to get the articles up. The Artists/Artisans scheduled to appear this week will instead be featured next week along with Giveaway Contests from those people being featured.

The winners of last weeks giveaway contests will be announced in a new post tomorrow!

Dog Abuse? or Art Simply For The Sake Of Art?

Todays post isn't about polymer clay or any of the artists/artisans I usually talk about. I choose to put up a post about this situation as it does, somewhat, apply to "Art" in general and for the simple fact that I'm a dog lover. While you read this, please keep in mind I did do my research on the case but that the facts surrounding this so-called "Installation Piece" still remain somewhat murky and no one seems to know whether or not the dog died as a result. My whole point here is, even if the dog didn't die, why use a dog, or any animal for that matter, to express yourself.  For those of you that are saying that this is old news, c'mon......does it really matter?

Guillermo Habacuc Vargas is a Costa Rican artist who allegedly used a stray dog as a conceptual work of art to promote the fact that people are "hypocritical sheep". Apparently his focus was to  show how a starving dog suddenly becomes the center of attention at an art gallery but, not when it is out on the street where most people would ignore it. Though I may not agree with his methods, you have to admit a certain visceral reaction to the work. After doing quite a bit of research on this, I can safely say that he definitely grabbed peoples attention and certainly made his point. Whether this work qualifies as art, conceptual or not, I leave it to you to decide for yourself. Was it necessary to use a living creature in this manner simply to make a point? What do you think?

Artist Spotlight #6 - Butterfly Chic Boutique

Today we welcome one of my favorite people from Etsy! Tamara, or "T" as she prefers to go by, is the owner of Butterfly Chic Boutique.  "T" is married and is the mom to a 4 year old boy and a 16 month boy! She was also one of the first people on Etsy to compliment my work and is responsible for the very first feature article ever done on my Studio. It's now my pleasure to be able to feature her work! Her stuff rocks and I think you'll agree!

Don't forget to enter to win the "Custom Etsy Graphics Set" that she has offered up for one of my readers:)

So T, welcome to Torchwood Studio! Your Etsy shop, Butterfly Chic Boutique, is great and obviously your work appeals to alot of people. Tell us a little bit about what you sell in your shop.

In my Etsy shop, I have Graphics (Etsy banners & avatars, web ads, animated graphics, business card design) and Paper Creations (cards, Tags, Scrap booking items, notebooks) and currently fabric, but I'm thinking of moving the fabric to my iCraft shop or most likely dropping it all together. I'm thinking my iCraft shop will be my original art, photography, and maybe some of my jewelry.

Do you belong to any Etsy Street Teams or Groups?

Etsy Bloggers and Etsy Trade-a-holics

How did you come up with your Etsy shop name and the great tag line?

For my shop name, I wrote down a bunch of words that I liked the sound of. Then I knew I wanted 'butterfly' in the name because I had a logo in mind, then I knew I wanted it to end in 'boutique' but 'butterfly boutique' was taken so I added the 'Chic'.

For the tag line, I held a contest on the Etsy forums to com up with my tag line of "The things dreams are made of..."

I see that your main offerings are Graphics and Paper. How did you start working with these mediums?

With the Graphics, I taught myself with my last business. I spent tons of money on a logo, banners, avatars, ect so I decided that was a waste of money when I could probably lean to do it myself. So, when I bought my new laptop, I bought Photoshop and told myself I'd better learn to use it!

With the Paper...I don't know, I've just always loved making cards for people and I give people cards all the time! Getting a card, especially a handmade one, will just make your day! The scrap booking items just naturally followed.

What would you say is your favorite thing about making Graphic and Paper creations?

My favorite thing about making graphics is getting a chance to collaborate with all types of creative people across all types of crafts/arts.

My favorite thing about my paper creations....I don't know, I just love it! It's my release. I enjoy it and I think it's great I can make money at but I'd be doing it even if I didn't...Plus it's something my 4 year old and I can do together, he often sits beside me and makes his own creation while I work.

Is there anything you would say is your least favorite thing about doing this kind of work?

The business end: editing photos, listing, calculating price, marketing, advertising, monthly accounting.

What has been your most memorable moment selling your work?

The 1st thing I sold! I took a picture of a necklace I made, posted it on a forum and it sold in a hours time! That's how my 1st business began!

That must have been an incredible feeling! So, tell me, how do you go about pricing your items?

I have a formula set up in a spreadsheet, I easily adjust it for each craft, and each venue by changing my hourly wage, overhead and value factor. Then all I have to do is enter the cost of my materials and the time it took to make each item.

Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?

Yes, I do. Why? Because this is my income. This isn't a hobby for me. This is how I buy food for my kids.

Have you ever taken any business classes to help you to prepare for being an Etsy shop owner?

No, just the school of life. I learned a lot in my 1st business and applied it to this one. The start of this one was a lot easier! It took me 2 months to sell anything once I opened my 1st business, I sold 27 items the 1st month Butterfly Chic Boutique was open, big difference.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years with your business?

Hopefully making enough to not only pay for the necessities but having some extra spending money from it.

So, what current projects do you have in the works?

I'm hoping to roll out 2 new products next week in my Etsy shop. Some seller supplies that I haven't seen on Etsy and some small books, notepads and cards (sewn paper).

• Etsy Shop -  Butterfly Chic Boutique
• Blog - http://www.butterflychicboutique.net
• iCraft Store - http://www.icraft.ca/butterflychic
• MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/butterflychicboutique
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/butterflychic
• Personal Website - http://www.butterflychicboutique.com

Thanks to "T" for sharing her time and work with us. Be sure to enter the contest below to win the "Custom Etsy Graphics Set" for your own shop!

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Butterfly Chic Boutique Giveaway Contest

"T" has offered up this Custom Etsy Graphics Set that includes 1 shop banner and 3 avatars for your shop! If you'd like a chance at winning this great prize, take a look at the Butterfly Chic Boutique shop, and let me know what your favorite item in her shop is. Please leave only one comment per person on this post along with a valid email address. If I am unable to get in touch with you, I will draw a new winner.

This giveaway contest is open worldwide. Your deadline to enter this contest is Thursday, April 17, 2008 at midnight EST. The winners name will be drawn on Friday, April 18, 2008.

 

Artist Spotlight #5 - Sativa Studios

We're starting this weeks "Spotlight" off with a bang! As I mentioned earlier, a free giveaway contest will now be part of the Artist "Spotlight" weekly features. You can find details on how to enter the contest at the end of this article:)

Today's "Spotlight" Artist is Nicole Wilson of Sativa Studios. Nicole is a fellow Polymer Clay Artist and also a fellow member of the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy!

 

Well, first off, how did you come up with the name Sativa for your Studio? It's very catchy!

Well Sativa Studios just rolled off my tongue one day. Sativa is Latin, and it means cultivated. Most people when they think of something being cultivated they think of tilling the farm, which is true as well but it also means anything that you bestow attention, care, and labor upon, with a view to valuable returns. That is how I feel about my work so the name just seemed to fit, and I think it's easy to remember.

How did you get into making Polymer Clay jewelry?

Let's see, I actually started making jewelry for these fashion dolls 8 years ago. My friends mother had this crazy doll collection and they were apart of this series of dolls that apparently a lot of people collect, and she made jewelry for them and sold it, so I started doing that with her. I am self taught though, I have made jewelry in almost every different medium there is, except fused glass as that darn kiln is so expensive. Finally I found my way to Polymer Clay and I just can't get enough of it.

What would you say is your most favorite thing about making jewelry?

The ability to make something from nothing, which is especially true with Polymer Clay. Also that fact that jewelry has no boundaries, you can go all the way to the craziest abstract piece you can think of to the most refined and demure end of the spectrum.

What is your least favorite thing about making jewelry?

I guess right now I'd have to say that Polymer Clay is very time consuming, which a lot of people don't realize. I have a year and a half old daughter and finding the time and balance is difficult. Also being able to price my work is tricky, because there is so much time involved it's hard to pay myself accordingly and also to have jewelry that everyone can afford, which is what I strive for.

What do you think makes your jewelry stand out from the crowd at Etsy?

I think I have my own unique style, I looked hard all over Etsy before I opened shop to see what was out there. Right now, I have 2 main techniques that I use. One is a silver leafing that I do and, unless I'm blind, I haven't seen it here. The other technique I use is a distressing and antiquing method.

Where do you find the inspiration for your jewelry?

Mainly nature and colors.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into jewelry making?

Well, it's not like I'm over the top successful at the moment, but I'd have to say just do what you love. Make things that inspire you, don't worry about following current trends because that's what they are, trends that never last. And just be true to yourself.

If you could work or study with anyone, who would it be?

Well, this couldn't happen for a number of years, but I hope that when my daughter gets older, she has the same passion for jewelry making that I do, and that we could sit side by side making and designing jewelry.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your jewelry making business?

Well, I try not to look to far ahead, because I like to just be in the moment but, I would like to see myself as being more established. Hopefully in that time frame me and my other half will be buying a house and in my area I am planning to find one that is business zoned as well and to have a little store in the front. My daughter will have been in school by then so I will be able to seriously devote my time to jewelry. I guess I just hope I am still doing what I love and have relative success at it.

Any current projects you'd like to fill us in on?

Wow I have so many. First of all, I'm working on my website http://www.sativastudios.com and hopefully that will be up and running within a month. Then I have about 5 different collections in the works that I'd say will be out in the next few months. Right now, I have my store separated into categories by type, necklace, earrings etc. Once I start finishing my collections, they will be categorized by collection. The first new collection that I will have coming out will be my Color Coordinates Collection. This will feature different shades of my already yummy colors together. Then will be my Quotable Quotes Collection that will feature really cool famous quotes within my designs. Well I don't want to give to much away, so you'll just have to check in to see whats in store.

• Etsy Shop - Sativa Studios
• Personal Website - http://www.sativastudios.com

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Sativa Studios Giveaway Contest

Nicole has graciously offered this beautiful polymer clay Ladybug Flowers Antiqued Pendant for the giveaway contest. Now, if you'd  like to win this Pendant from Sativa Studios, take a look in Nicole's shop and then let me know which piece of jewelry is your favorite. Please leave only one comment per person on this post along with your valid email address. If I am unable to get in touch with you, I will draw a new winner.

This giveaway contest is open worldwide. Your deadline to enter the contest is Tuesday, April 15th at midnight EST. The winners name will be drawn on Wednesday, April 16th.

Do These Colors Go Together? Musings of a Color Theory "Challenged" Artisan

From as far back as High School Art classes, I can remember being totally confused by Color Theory. Is this color considered a primary, secondary or tertiary?? Who had enough time on their hands to come up with monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split complementary, triadic and tetradic color schemes? And who the hell invented tints, shades, tones, saturation and hue? It's enough to give you a split complementary headache.

It's funny when you think about it though. At my "day" job, I can remember the section, subsection and sub-subsection numbers and letters to countless penal laws. I can instantly recall any number of criminal procedural laws and how they apply to any crime or violation you throw at me, but ask me if blue is a primary color and I start drooling and counting my toes, unsuccessfully. By the way, blue is a primary color. Google says so.

So what was I supposed to do when I needed a new color scheme for a project? Well, I could throw some  hot pink clay up against some neon green and hope for the best, right? Wrong, I tried it and I couldn't get that piece into the garbage fast enough. I guess I could refer back to my own post on Color Scales for Polymer Clay but, again, I've got no idea what colors go with each other. So where do I turn?

I was looking through some blogs one day and I came across one with a pic of this really colorful poison-arrow frog. As I was looking at it, I thought to myself, those colors really go well together. It was like a light bulb going off in my head. I started looking up more frogs and eventually progressed into butterflies and tropical birds. Did you know that there are approximately 17,500 different species of butterflies? That's 17,500 different color combinations alone to work with. I didn't need a color wheel anymore. All I apparently needed was Google Images.

After doing some more searching, I found COLOURlovers and a blog post on butterfly color palettes, showing the color combinations of 18 different butterflies. Who needs color theory when great color schemes are all around you just begging to be noticed? If your having trouble deciding whether that dark tinted, off-shade, bright hued magenta goes with that super saturated, dark hued, bright pastel shade of purple....start looking around you and notice the awesome color palettes right in front of your face.

Artist Spotlight #4 - Capitolagirl

"Every Girl Has a Story and So Should Her Jewelry"....so goes the tag-line for a funky and unique jewelry designer from Capitola, CA. If your looking for jewelry that has a very cool and upbeat vibe, look no further than Susan Nelson of Capitolagirl!

Susan, what is the name of your Etsy shop and how did you come up with the name?

Capitola Girl Jewelry - Capitola Girl was a nickname that I was given by my co-workers in the high-tech industry. Capitola is the name of the coastal town in which I live, and the Girl part is me. I came up with my tag-line “Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!)” shortly after I started showcasing my work on my Blog, Capitolgirl. I wanted to write about how and what inspired me to create each piece of jewelry.

Where else can people find you on-line?

Blog: http://www.capitolagirl.com
Website: http://www.capitolagirljewelry.com

I have a network that I just started where indie jewelry makers can join to exchange tips, techniques, and to support and encourage each other to keep our creative dreams alive: http://capitolagirls.ning.com

I also moderate the Jewelry Making Mama’s group on Posh Mama at: http://www.poshmama.com/group/jewelrymakingmamas

I administer the HANDMADE JEWELRY: SATURDAY SPARKLE group on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/saturdaysparkle

Which Etsy Street Teams or Groups do you belong to?

Etsy Weddings Team, Fashion, Design & Lifestyle Street Team and EtsyBEAD

How would you describe your jewelry and how did you become a jewelry designer?

I would describe it as cool, upbeat, sassy and unique jewelry for women. It began as a hobby in 2004. A friend taught me how to make a simple wire-wrapped loop on Saturday, and by Sunday night I had been to the craft store near my house three times and had finished about 50 pairs of earrings. I was completely hooked, and have been making jewelry and designing my pieces on a daily basis ever since.

What is your favorite thing about making jewelry?

I love combining different textures and colors, as well as the process of being creative. The idea of taking disparate objects and turning them into something unique and beautiful is really enjoyable, and I also love the sense of satisfaction that I get when something I make turns out well.

What has been your most memorable moment selling your jewelry?

I’ve only been selling my jewelry on-line for a few months, so I’d have to say that up to this point, the most memorable moment was making my first on-line sale. It was so exhilarating to log onto Etsy one day and find that the total number of items for sale had dropped by one. At first, I thought an item had disappeared or been deactivated, then I saw where the “0 Sold” was now reading “1 Sold.” That first on-line sale gave me a real sense of accomplishment.

Tell me about your featured item?

One of my favorite styles is to create tribal, ethnic and tropical jewelry. My favorite item right now is my SUNBURST earrings. I love the bright orange color of the coral coins. I just feel like they are a fun pair of earrings that are perfect for summer.

What makes your products special? What sets you apart from the crowd?

I think my pieces stand out because I tend to use bold colors and to combine materials that might not always be expected. Although I make simple and traditional pieces as well, I really like the bold, fun look of my jewelry. In my opinion, jewelry is something that you should have fun with. It’s a subtle way to make an unexpected statement about who you are.

Where do you create your jewelry?

I work out of a spare room that I’ve transformed into my home office/studio. It has great natural light, and I love working in that space.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I’m inspired very often by things I’ve seen while traveling. Travel is something I love to do, and I’ve learned so many things from it. I like to incorporate my travel experiences into pieces through the use of color and texture, and to create things that evoke special memories. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to become the next up and coming jewelry designer?

Get out there and try it. The worst thing that can happen is that an item might not sell. The best thing that can happen is that you have fun and develop a love for what you do. I think having a creative hobby, whether it’s making jewelry, painting, or something else is what makes people unique and interesting.

If you had a chance to work with anyone, who would it be?

I’d probably want to work for a publisher in some capacity. I’d like to take my technical writing and high-tech professional background and combine that skill with my love for making jewelry. I hope to eventually write articles and perhaps even books about jewelry design.

What are your current projects?

I’ve been learning more about metal jewelry crafts. I’m not quite ready to sell the pieces that I’ve been experimenting with, but I do plan to eventually add metal pieces to my inventory.

• Etsy Shop - Capitolagirl
• Blog - www.capitolagirl.com
• Website - www.capitolagirljewelry.com

Thanks to Susan for the great interview and her cool, upbeat, sassy and unique jewelry! Like Susan says, "Every Girl Has a Story and So Should Her Jewelry"...check out her jewelry and see where the story goes. The best of luck to Susan and Capitolagirl!

Coming next week! I'll be featuring some up and coming Etsians but with a new twist. From now on, the feature artists will be offering one of their handmade creations in a drawing that will be held each week! All you have to do is check out their article, visit their shop and then post a comment back here telling me what your favorite item in their shop is. A week after their feature is posted, I'll draw a name from all of the comments and you could be the winner. Be sure to bookmark this blog or subscribe to my RSS Feed so you can keep up to date with the drawing!