My Entries for the Polymer Clay Smooshers Nature Challenge

The theme for the latest Polymer Clay Smooshers Challenge was Nature, which is a perfect theme for me! A lot of my polymer clay pieces have some element of nature in them.  You'll find plenty of polymer clay plants, flowers, and animals in CreativeCritters!   I wanted to create something a bit different for this challenge, and that's where Christi Friesen's new book Woodland Creatures comes into play.  I had just gotten the book and couldn't wait to start in on the projects.  In the book Christi has a project for creating Oak leaves and acorns, and another for sculpting a really cute squirrel.  I ended up combining my version of the squirrel with a few Oak leaves, acorns, and some beads and came up with this unique and adorable necklace.

I've had so much fun playing with Pearl Ex powders lately!  That's how I achieved the coloring and shine on the Oak Leaves.  So my first entry in the Nature Challenge was my Squirrel Necklace, which was really fun to create.  My next entry is a sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi, sometimes known as the patron saint of animals.  Many years ago I sculpted a version of St. Francis (which unfortunately got broken), but this one turned out much better.  Naturally St. Francis is surrounded by some of  his animal friends, including two birds, a squirrel, and a wolf.
 
I can't think of a more perfect piece for me to enter in a Nature Challenge than this one! 
There were many wonderful entries in this challenge, and all the amazing pieces can be viewed on the Smooshers blog.  And while you're there be sure to vote for the theme for our next challenge (the poll is in the upper left corner of the page).  Personally, I'm hoping Sci Fi will win (I've already got some cool ideas for Sci Fi entries!).  Thanks for stopping by and voting for Sci Fi for our next challenge. ;-)
-Michelle of CreativeCritters