Water, water, everywhere!

I love the water, and was lucky enough to live on a small lake when I was a teenager.  My brother and I taught ourselves how to swim and spent every day possible in the water.  Even before we lived on the lake my big brother would take my younger brother and me down to the river, and we'd play for hours in the shallow water.  One memory really sticks in my mind.  We had found an inner tube from a big truck tire, took it down to the river, and spent hours taking turns "riding the rapids" in the tube.  I remember relaxing in the tube, gently bobbing in the water, the sun shining on my face.  The sense of peace and joy I felt at that moment is something I've never allowed myself to forget.  Being with my brothers and sharing that special time together still fills me with joy.  My older brother Jeff is gone now, so it's a bittersweet memory, but one I cherish. 
I also love water themed artwork as well.  And when I find something as awesome as this Water Dragon Necklace from WyvernDesigns on ArtFire.com, well, I've just got to share!


 
And how cool is this?  It's called Neptunes Original Daughter and was sculpted by BlueJane on ArtFire.com.  The colors are just gorgeous, and those eyes are so intense!
And then of course there are mermaids!  You just can't have water without mermaids!  Although this beauty is perfectly happy to hang on your wall.  This mermaid wall hanging was sculpted by FantasyClay on ArtFire.com and is full of texture and detail.
And this Dragonfly Spirit Box from Into The Dawn on ArtFire.com reminds me of the dragonflies that used to hang out with my brothers and I while we were swimming.  If you stayed real still and held your finger out sometimes they'd perch there for a minute! 
All of these wonderful pieces were created by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild.  I thank them for creating such beautiful work and making me smile!  Be sure to visit their shops and see all the delightful items they've created!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Meet Susan of Fantasy Clay

Susan, of Fantasy Clay on ArtFire.com is a fellow member of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild and an absolutely amazing artist.  When it comes to sculpting fantasy pieces she and I often think along the same lines.  Susan has been working with polymer clay for 10 years now and like many of us, her workspace has taken over much  of the house. 
Susan says "I love clay, I let it guide me to where I should be going. I love the small details and adding personality to all I make.I really enjoy just fiddling, even doodling with clay but nothing is so cool when I make a big project that also includes lots of tiny details."  You can definitely see that personality come out in each piece she creates.  Her sculptures always make me smile- they're just so full of character and whimsy. She's always creating new pieces and trying different things too.  She's so inspirational within the guild, and a very active member.  Her blog is always a great read, and I've picked up some great tips for polymer clay from Susan.  You can check out all her great pictures on Flickr, follow her on Facebook and Twitter, and check her out on IndiePublic. 
Below are just a few of my favorite things from her shop, but you really have to browse all her entire shop.  She has so many unique and wonderful creations- you wouldn't want to miss a thing!


Amazing work!  And there's plenty more where these wonderful creations came from.  Stop in to Fantasy Clay and see all she has to offer!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Fantasy Clay creates wonderful fantasy creations from polymer clay

Fantasy Clay on ArtFire.com says polymer clay is her passion. That passion certainly shows in her wonderful sculptures. She says polymer clay is her favorite medium and has been working with it for about 10 years. She's always finding something new to try and loves making sculptural and fantasy creatures. She's also started making beads and exploring more cane work recently. She enjoys exploring colors and trying new materials, such as mixed media, inks, mica powders to enhance her work. She loves to create custom orders as well, so if you'd like her to create something special be sure to contact her.
Some of her very satisfied customers have said "Thank you for making me the black cat magnet! I LOVE him! I also want to thak you for all your help! You're the best!", "You hit the nail on the head, it couldn't be any more perfect! Looks just like him, I think he thinks I told you exactly what to do. It's great, love the mustache!", "Couldn't resist this adorable steampunk dragon and now that he has arrived, I am delighted. Thank you, Susan", and "The dragon is beautiful, My daughter loved it. thank you."
You can find Fantasy Clay online at www.fantasy-clay.com, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and IndiePublic. Susan is also a fellow member of the ArtFire Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild. Below is a small sample of the work you can find in her shop, and don't forget to contact her for custom orders!

Did I mention I absolutely love the work of Fantasy Clay? Each character definitely has it's own unique personality!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters