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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Hello! Welcome and thank you for visiting my Blog! A blog about Celebrating LIFE and all it's wonders... A blog about ART ~ POLYMER CLAY CREATIONS ~ PHOTOGRAPHY and so much more! I have such fun with my blog, sharing stories, and the things that capture my imagination! I am so inspired by the artists and creations that I also share here, it is my hope that you will be inspired too!!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Wedding Cake Topper for a Very Special Couple!

A very dear friend of my daughter, and of our family, got married last weekend and I had the honor of creating their wedding cake topper.  For their topper, the bride and groom wanted a likeness of themselves; her in her bridal gown and him in his tux.  They also thought it would be cute to have their dog and cat featured in the topper as well.  So, with pictures of them, her dress and their kitty and puppy in hand, I sat down in my studio and I loved every minute of creating this topper for them!  It was extra special because I have known the bride and her family since she and my daughter met each other in the fifth grade.  Sadly, I wasn't able to attend the wedding, it was in Texas, but my daughter was so happy that she was able to be there.  She wouldn't have wanted to miss seeing her friends get married for the world.  While at the wedding, my daughter sent me a couple of pictures (via a text) of the cake with the topper on it, so I thought I would share them here, as well as some pictures that I took of the topper itself.  

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  To see more of my cake toppers you can visit my Etsy Shop:  Trina's Clay Creations Please contact me if you're interested in a custom cake topper for your special day!! 





Isn't that a gorgeous cake?!!!






  
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  My brother, Charlie, who is an amazing photographer, photographed the wedding ~ And I can't wait to see all of the pictures!  (You can visit Charlie's website HERE!)

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  CONGRATULATIONS to this VERY special Bride and Groom!  May happiness and love surround them, and may they find much joy together as they journey through their life as husband and wife!!  We are so happy for you Sarah and Brad!!!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

A Pinterest Lesson Learned...

I have learned a lesson and would like to share it with you.  I am a huge fan of a broad range of art.  I am inspired by artwork of many forms and the artists who create this amazing artwork.  I have featured many artisans and their work on my blog, always very careful to create the links that will take my blog readers to the artist’s website, to view more of their work and read more about them.  As an artist myself, copyrights are very important to me.  

When I joined Pinterest and read about how it works, one of the things I really liked about the site was that no matter how many times an item is re-pinned, it always keeps the original site link.  You can click on that link to go to the site, or you can double click the picture from a Pinterest board, and it will take you to the site that it was first pinned from… Or so I thought.  I do not check each picture that I re-pin, but I will be from now on.  

I re-pinned an amazing photograph and I didn’t realize that there was NOT an original source attached to the picture.  I’m not sure how this particular picture was first pinned to a Pinterest board, nor do I know how other pictures are pinned without an original source attached.  When I find something on the web that I would like to pin to one of my boards, I use my “Pin It” button, and the source has always automatically followed the pin.  (In the 'Description' I also type in the artist’s name and/or the name of their store.)  These pins show as “Pinned via Pinmarklet from…” and then it names the website.  I thought that using your "Pin It" button, or a "Pin It" Button provided in a blog post or on a website, was the only way something could be pinned to a Pinterest Board...   But I guess pictures can somehow be uploaded without using the "Pin It" Button... ?

As an example of what a pinned picture looks like when it's embedded into a blog post, below is my Teddy Bear Wedding Cake Topper, which I pinned from my Etsy Shop to my Polymer Clay Artwork Pinterest Board using my "Pin It" Button.  Below the picture, it shows that the source is Etsy, via myself on Pinterest.


Source: etsy.com via Trina on Pinterest


**When you click on the Source, which is etsy.com (directly above to the left in grey print), it will take you to the original site the Teddy Bear Topper was pinned from ~ which, in this case, is my Etsy Shop and the listing for these Bears.  When you click on Trina (above) it will take you to my Pinterest Boards and when you click on Pinterest (above), it will take you to the Pinterest website.  (The grey print and the links come with the pictures when you embed them from Pinterest into a blog post, etc...)

Unfortunately, on Pinterest, when browsing the pins (and re-pins) of the pinners you follow from the main "Pinners You Follow" board, you CAN’T see the sources or sites that the pictures originally came from unless you click on a picture and look at it individually.  So, unless you click on every picture before re-pinning it, you won’t know what website (or lack thereof) it was first pinned from.  If it says “Uploaded to Pinterest" or "Uploaded Pins” there may NOT be a website or original source attached, and once re-pinned, it will show on your board as “Uploaded by User” ~ (If you are re-pinning from inside one of a fellow pinner's boards rather than from the main "Pinners You Follow" board, you can see the websites on the pictures without having to click on each one individually.) 

I did not realize that the photographer's photograph that I re-pinned said “Uploaded by User” and that when double clicked from Pinterest it did NOT go to a website.  Being new to Pinterest, and excited to share some of the awesome art I was seeing when I first joined, I blogged about it…  I shared some pictures directly from my boards on Pinterest using the “Embed” key next to the pinned pictures.  I thought the information that came with the pictures that I posted to my blog article would take my readers to the original sources, but in this case, for this particular picture it did not, because there was NO source.  

I am writing this post to make my fellow pinners aware of this.  None of us want to pin something to our boards without properly recognizing and giving credit to the artists whose creations we are pinning.  Since I was not aware of this, I am thinking there may be other pinners who are also not aware of this.  Sincere apologies go to the photographer whose awesome photograph was somehow uploaded to Pinterest without proper credit being given.  In addition, and on a personal note, I am very sorry that I did not notice that the artist’s website was not attached to the photograph when I re-pinnned it.   

To all my fellow pinners, please make sure proper credit is given to the artists of the work that we are all pinning and re-pinning and that sources are attached to pins and re-pins.  In Pinterest's Pin Etiquette it says: "If you notice that a pin is not sourced correctly, leave a comment so the original pinner can update the source."  I will definitely be doing that, as well as browsing through my own boards to make sure my pins have original sources on them.  (Which, if any of you know my boards... That will take me a very long time! LOL!!)  
 
I enjoy Pinterest.  I have learned new things there, made new friends there, I've been moved by photographs and/or things I've read there, I find inspiration there, as well as things that make me smile.  Pinterest should be a place where we can all continue to find those things that inspire us, teach us, move us and make us smile.  Thank you for reading my post today. ~Trina

Friday, February 17, 2012

Etsy Finds Friday - Savage Artworks

 It's **Etsy Finds Friday**
Today I am featuring the 
Beautiful and Whimsical Soaps
Created by: 
Terry of
Savage Artworks

I am so happy to feature Terry's awesome artwork here today.  
Her paintings are amazing!

In the Artist's Own Words: 
I have lived on the west coast of BC all my life, and am inspired by the nature here. I am a true animal lover, and have always had pets of all kinds. I love art and have been painting animals for about 25 years. I am self taught. I work in an elementary school during the day and do most of my painting at night, and on weekends.

ACEO Print Cat Nap
Cat Nap
ACEO Print ~ 2.5" x 3.5"
ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals".  This is a small reproduction of my pastel painting "Cat Nap".  A close up of a sleeping striped kitten...I have a special fondness for the stripes.
 

Golden Retriever Pup ACEO Print
Golden Love 
It is 2.5" x 3.5" ACEO Print
Printed on Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper.
This is a small sized reproduction of my painting originally done in pastels. 
Goldens ARE love.



Little Skunk 5 x 7 Print
Little Skunk
This little skunk has been wandering around in the forest and is just pooped. He found a nice mossy tree root to rest his tiny head for just a few minutes.  This print is 5 x 7 inches (about 18 x 12.5 cm)  It is printed on Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper with archival inks.  This print is from my pastel painting.


Penguin Wedding Cake Toppers Wooden Kokeshi Dolls
 Penguin Wedding Cake Toppers
A pair of loving penguins.
They are wooden kokeshi dolls (a Japanese style), they are about 2 3/4 inches (7.5 cm) high.  They have been hand painted by me, acrylics, with careful attention to detail to give them their own personalities and then coated with varnish.
They would be great on top of a wedding cake, or as an engagement gift, or just a cute couple to have for yourself or a friend that loves penguins.
The heads on this couple are on dowels and can turn either direction and can be removed and changed to the other body if you wish.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit Savage Artworks and see more of Terry's Incredible Paintings!  You can also visit her other Etsy Shop:  Licoricewits ~ and you can read more about her and her artwork on her blog at: http://savagebabble.blogspot.com/
 
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   
~Trina  

Monday, February 13, 2012

Mardi Gras Mask Bottle

I belong to the PCETeam on Etsy (Polymer Clay Enthusiasts Team) and each month we do a 'Stretch Yourself' Challenge.  This month the theme is Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day or Irish Themes.  I chose to do something in a Mardi Gras theme and wanted to share it with you today.


I covered a glass bottle (can also be a vase) with polymer clay, stamped a leaf design on it and then used mica powders to highlight the design.  I used greens, purples and golds, it added so much dimension to the piece.  I added a rope around the top of the vase, I then created a Mardi Gras Mask in pearl yellow, using those same Mardi Gras colors to decorate the mask.  I also made clay feathers to adorn the mask.  The bottle has a cork lid and can also be used as a vase without the lid.  It stands 4 1/2" tall, 3 1/2" wide at it's widest part, and the opening is approximately 3/4" ~ It was so much fun to create this one, and different from what I usually make.  I enjoyed the challenge, and hope you enjoy seeing it.  Please click HERE to see the listing for this Mardi Gras Mask Vase/Bottle in my Etsy Shop.




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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting today!  I hope you enjoyed seeing my Mardi Gras Vase/Bottle!  Wishing you a great day!  ~Trina

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Part 47 - The Polymer Clay Artwork of the PCETeam

Welcome to my 47th post featuring the amazing polymer clay artwork created by a few of the members of our PCETeam on Etsy!!  The diversity in creativity and style is wonderful!!  Enjoy, and be sure to check out their Etsy Shops to see more of their wonderful items.

OOAK Polymer Clay Ballet Star of the Dance Recital
Ballet Star of the Recital 
By: Clay Visions by Darl
This little one makes me chuckle. Appears to me she's in her own world picturing herself as the next prima ballerina of world renown. She's made, without molds, from polymer clay and stands 5-1/2" tall. Her tutu and hair are also made of polymer clay. Her waist band is made of micro glass beads. Her fingers have been wired internally for strength and she has been blushed with Genesis Heat Set paints that do not fade. She is for display only. She comes with a guarantee to make people smile. 


An oriental flair pendant...
 An Oriental Flair Pendant
By: Clay Creations by Arzu Musa
An elegant shape pendant to decorate your neckline! This nice pendant made up of polymer clay with lovely colors, black, cream, dark purplish red and and antique brown...  Nice color combination, can match all kinds of outfits.  This pendant measures approximately 5.5 cm (2.17 inch) through the diameter.  Lobster clasp & chain fastening for adjusting the length .. approx 44 - 50cm ( 17.34" - 19.70")


Oriental snowflake rabbit. Polymer clay miniature by Madre Olius
 Oriental Snowflake Rabbit
By: MadreOlly
This bright orange rabbit with a subtle pattern of the on its back looks like a tongue of flame. It will look good on a strict neutral background.  This miniature is a fabulous and affordable gift for you. Or for someone beloved.  This handmade, collectible rabbit is a one-of-a-kind piece (OOAK). It was hand sculpted of Premo! Polymer Clay. It has a tinfoil armature. It is about 8,5 cm (3 1/8") length. It is tinted and painted with oil paints. The eyes are of black glass beads and look so realistic :) It is signed and dated. I do not use any molds to create my beautiful rabbits. So all of them are unique, and they can never be recreated.

 
The Littlest Angel - clay sculpture 
The Littlest Angel
By: Judy King ~ Joyful Spirits Designs
Can't you just hear the older angel? "Once upon a time way down on earth..."  The little angel looks up at the face of the older angel and listens, quite enchanted with the story. They sit, nestled close together surrounded by soft moss. Perhaps they have been wading in a stream or playing in the sand along a beach because they are barefooted.  If they were standing up, the adult angel would be 7 inches tall and the little one just barely 4 inches tall They are seated on a base made of celluclay and moss over styrofoam and mounted on wood The wooden base is 4x6 inches. The figures are sculpted of polymer clay over aluminum armatures. 
 
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting, please stop by again for post number forty-eight in my series, featuring more of our PCETeam members!!  Wishing you a Happy Day!!  
~Trina

Friday, February 10, 2012

Etsy Finds Friday - Paciorky Art Studio

It's **Etsy Finds Friday**
Today I am featuring the 
Beautiful Rustic and Modern 
Handmade Jewelry
Created by: 
Christine Bondar of
Paciorky Art Studio


In the Artist's Own Words: 
"Paciorky" means "necklace" or "beads" in my native Ukrainian language. Here you can find my handmade jewelry and accessories, which are made of different materials, but now mostly of polymer clay.

My name is Christine Bondar (dzjunka in the Internet) and I'm from Ukraine (Lviv). I'm an artist, a very creative person, philosopher and aesthete. Since I remember myself, I has been creating something. Maybe sometimes my creativity was too various, like literature and arts, but nevertheless in such way I always trying to express myself.


I spend much time, carefully making each bead with all my love and efforts, till that moment I finally like it and gratified at the outcome. But I enjoy the process very much! Every day I try to progress, go on and learn something new.
 
 
Mountain lake - blue and brown polymer clay necklace
Mountain Lake Blue and Brown Polymer Clay Necklace
This is a beautiful handmade necklace in ethnic style. The square blue beads and the dark brown ones between them are made of polymer clay in ceramic imitation technique. They are composed with wooden beads, river pearls, mother-of-pearl, brass findings, leather and waxed cords. This bright accessory will make a wonderful accent to your clothes!
 
 
 
Black flower brooch
Black Flower Brooch
Lovely handmade brooch with a little chrysolite in the middle. It is made of polymer clay. The texture pattern on the petals gleams a little in silver. It can not only decorate your bright appearance, but will certainly raise your mood! ;)


Aromatic cinnamon - beautiful set in autumn colors
Aromatic Cinnamon
Elegant handmade set (necklace and earrings) with abstractions in autumn colors. Inspired by november. It reminds the spirit of late autumn, burned leaves, coffee and cinnamon. The necklace is composed of 9 tube beads, which I've made of polymer clay, painted and covered with gloss glaze, in combination with dark amber color glass beads and bronze findings.
 
 
Amazon River necklace
Amazon River Necklace
It's a really luxurious, spectacular necklace! Because of its cool colors, in an exquisite combination of indigo, aquamarine, sepia, beige and white, it reminds of the mighty Amazon River. The central elements are my own handmade polymer clay beads, wich change their size to smaller to the ends. The necklace is also composed of glass beads, small ceramic ones and copper beads, copper and brass findings, chamois cords. Each bead is carefully hand-carved and individual in its color, but all together they are united in a wonderful ensemble!
 
 
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit Paciorky Art Studio and see more of Christine's Beautiful jewelry.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   
~Trina  

Friday, February 3, 2012

Etsy Finds Friday - The Charming Frog

It's **Etsy Finds Friday**
Today I am featuring the 
Beautiful and Whimsical Soaps
Created by: 
Jenny of
The Charming Frog

In the Artist's Own Words:
My name is Jenny. I love hugs! I believe in smiling till my face hurts and enjoy life and feel that it is so important to laugh. A lot. I enjoy what I do and I feel it shines through in my products. My soap is art. I never thought that soap could be an art medium but as you will see in my shop, I have so much fun with the freedom to create my soaps from all sorts of inspiration including nature, animals and even happiness.  

**The Charming Frog has a whole list of scents YOU can choose from!  Click HERE to see the list and to read more about Jenny's soaps.

SOAP SET Hearts Ornate Sweet Honeysuckle Scented Art Nouveau Soaps Vegetable Based Handmade
 Soap Heart Set
Art Nouveau swirling in teal green and white. Great gift idea for the Art Deco, Art Nouveau lover. My favorite eras are the 20's-40's. I wish I was able to grow up in those times... the jewelry, the clothes, the art. Two 3" around, 3 ozs bars and 2.75" heart, 2.5 oz. Scented in Honeysuckle. 


SOAP Frog Soap Set - Moisturizing Vegetable Based Two Frogs in Love Scented in Peaches and Cream
Frog Soap Set
My love for frogs continues...here is an original frog soap set, handmade by me. They stand about 2.5" tall and weigh in at about 2 ozs each the heart is included with these two, hearts weighs 1oz. I wanted to find a perfect frog to represent The Charming Frog...and I'm certain I found it! Please welcome Freddy and Frieda, the new mascots for The Charming Frog! lol. To some of you who love my lip balm, they should look familiar to you... Scented in yummy peaches and cream, but by all means, if you have a scent in mind, let me know! Comes gift boxed in a cute heart box


SOAP, Handmade Orange and Lemon Scented Vegetable Based Butterfly Blues
 Handmade Orange and Lemon Scented 
Vegetable Based Butterfly Blues
These 2 butterflies and 2 hearts ought to get you ready for Spring! Completely usable soap smelling of lemon and orange. Each butterfly measures 4"x4" and each heart is 2x2" Made of glycerin and cocoa butter. Comes gift wrapped. Perfect gift for that special someone, especially if that someone is you!!!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit The Charming Frog and see more of Jenny's Beautiful Soaps!  
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   
~Trina  


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