August Polymer Clay Challenge: Filigree
Polymer Clay Central has announced the August 2007 Challenge theme: Filigree.
Definition
Not sure what filigree is? Here's a definition from the Polymer Clay Glossary on Eugena's Creations:"Filigree – originally, a jewelry technique when an intricate design is formed using metal wire. Polymer clay filigree is formed by strings of clay applied in coils or freeform shapes onto polymer clay or other surface to create a textured design."
Tutorials
- Polymer Clay Polyzine - Rainbow Filigree Lesson
- HGTV's Filigree Polymer Clay Egg
- The Polymer Clay Resource - Fold Over Beads
- Polymer Clay Cyclopedia - Blended Filigree Egg
Tips & Tricks
- Glass Attic's Clay Gun / Balinese Filigree Info. Don't miss this great idea (see photo at the bottom of this page):
"A lazy susan mechanism really helps make the rope spirals."
- Polymer Clay Polyzine - Making Clay Strands With a Garlic Press
Inspiration
- Past Filigree Challenges / Clay Days
- Polymer Clay Polyzine - Noodly Stuff
- Charles Mayer's excellent filigree work (see more of Mayer's work here)
- And for inspiration from another medium, check out what's going on in paper quilling
Mail your entries in by August 15, 2007, for a chance to win one of three prizes. Good luck!
Comments
Hrmmm I've seen some beautiful filigree work online, and tried a little bit of it. I didn't do to well, but I'm sure practice makes perfect. If I ahve time, perhaps I'll have to try to enter the contest.
Posted by: April | August 7, 2007 10:21 PM
Good luck if you enter, April! It definitely sounds like a fun one...
Posted by: Angela | August 7, 2007 10:32 PM
I'm honored that you choose my pendant for your picture! Thank you for the recognition. Filigree is probably my most favorite thing to do with polymer clay, I find it very relaxing and expressive.
Posted by: Phyl | August 12, 2007 10:15 AM
You're welcome, Phyl. I had seen your comments on Flickr about how you found filigree relaxing -- and that really intrigued me. Most of the other comments I saw were people complaining about the intricate work involved... but I love geometric things, so I think I might enjoy it too. I bought me a Makins clay extruder yesterday, so I'm gonna do some playing & see how it goes!
Posted by: Angela | August 12, 2007 10:30 AM