More Polymer Clay!

I've even drawn cartoons, scanned them into my computer, colored the cartoons and then transferred the art to a special transfer paper that makes a decal. The image is transferred to the clay and then you bake it on.

I've even had custom stamps made to use on the clay with special words or places visited. You can carve your own stamps or use modeling compound and make your own molds!

Many of my beads are entirely sculpted by hand and are one of a kind! All the floral and desert theme beads were all individually sculpted.

Polymer Clay Beads!

I was recently talking with someone about polymer clay and what I've made with it. I thought the easiest way to show some photos of the beads would be to post them here.

Polymer clay is an amazing material to work with. It does not dry out, so you can work with it on and off for a long period of time. Some days I would mix color blends, make bead blanks, make simulated stone colored canes and so on.

The tools you use with it are simple and easily found. I bake the items in a toaster oven on my patio. The best thing is, that it is a very inexpensive material to work with. Many times, you can create a faux stone for much less than you would pay for an actual stone.

The clay items are very lightweight after baking. You could wear the largest earrings and they weigh practically nothing! You can also make buttons for clothing or tote bags.

I have made beads that look like turquoise, ivory, wood, bakelite, jade and coral.

Thanks for looking!

Fine Silver/PMC and Fresh Water Pearl earrings

I made the floral stamped centers of the earrings with PMC/Precious Metal Clay. I oxidized the sterling wire, fine silver and lever backs at one time. I then wire wrapped the fresh water pearls and attached those to the bottom. I did not buff these out very much because I wanted that darker metal color. These earrings are fun!

Kili Pendants in Progress...

I have made some pendants to donate to the Foundation for Blind Children. The pendants will be part of the Silent Auction held during the "Night for Sight." The pendants are made of PMC which is precious metal clay. It is shaped, dried, then fired in a kiln at 1650 degrees. After the pieces are finished firing, they are brushed with a brass brush, tumbled, oxidized and polished some more. I have used an organic oxidation process that was fun to do.

For more information on the "Night for Sight," please visit www.seeitourway.org

Thanks for looking!

Additional photos of Purple Backpack!

New Straps for Patchwork Backpack!

I have changed the design of the straps on this bag to be adjustable. They were longer before and now they can be adjusted a bit shorter or to the full length. I have added a D ring on one side and velcro to the other end. There is close to a few inches in adjustment on the straps now. The person interested in the pack is giving it to a child. The model is almost five and the pack will be for a seven year old. It should work out just great!

Tiny Zipper Pets!

Was recently at the quilting shop with my son and he saw some samples of these. The rest is history and I ended up leaving with a pattern in hand. They are really tiny. The one shown measures about 3 1/4" x 3 1/4". Imagine sewing through all the layers and then turning it right side out! If you unzip the toy, a tongue comes flying out! Just as amusing for the adults as kids! I will be making some of these in different styles. I great project to do if you need practice with zippers... which I did. I used up a lot of scrap material from some other projects.

Blue and Purple Batik Backpack

I just finished this backpack a few days ago. I really like the bright colors and it is so padded! This bag is available through my shop on Etsy.com. Enjoy the photos!

Christina, Christina... your flip flops are coming!

This is the first pair of shaggy rag flip flops that I've made. I'm sending one test pair out in the mail and the other pair will go to a family member. The strips of fabric I used for these came from left overs from my quilts and tote bags. It was a great way to use up a lot of scrap fabric that would otherwise be tossed out. I also save my smaller material, thread and batting pieces for stuffed toys. It has been an amazing project of using scraps in multiple functional ways until they are all gone.

Unlike the flip flops with ribbon that may need to be kept dry..., these flip flops can get wet at the beach, get kicked around, hit together and then just fluffed up. More wear and water will only make them fluffier. The strips are double knotted and will probably withstand more use that the actual flip flop!!!

Magenta Batik Shaggy Accent Quilt

This is a new quilt that I have finished in a variety of batik colors and two different colors of upcycled denim. I created strips of sewn fabric and cut them into squares. I added my shaggy rag strip accents on each square. The front and back are free motion quilted with a layer of low loft polyfill in the middle. It measures 34" x 38" and is the perfect size for a toddler or pre-schooler. I have never seen a quilt put together quite like this. This is my own design and I did not use a pattern. This quilt is available at www.wearartbyjulie.etsy.com. Thanks for looking!

My work has been featured in an Etsy Treasury!

My Quilted Tiger Passport Bag was recently featured in an Etsy Treasury! The proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Foundation for Blind Children. For more information, please visit www.seeitourway.org .

Purple Haze!!!

I've had some of the fabrics I used in this purse for a while and some were recently purchased. The time was right to put it all together! I matched the pattern on the front of the bag and on the back. There are two interior pockets and one with Velcro for added security. I added some of my shaggy rag accents on the bag and handle. I stitched beads to the front horse panel for a little more sparkle. I made this bag for Carol and hope she enjoys it!

The Ocean Hiker Tote

These colors remind me of the sea with all the Cancun blue and green shades. This was strip pieced and I used a simple stitch to attach the batting. I have used various colors of thread and stitched on seed, bugle and swarovsky crystal beads on the front. I will be making a button out of polymer clay to match the colors of the bag. The quilted lining is a nice complimentary blue color and features two interior pockets. This may be worn over your shoulder and should sit right over your hip. It is long enough to carry one or two bottles of water for your hiking excursions at the beach!

Free Motion Denim Tote

I will be the first to tell you that I love color, but sometimes you have to keep it simple. I made this for someone who wears blue all the time. This bag is simple and will go with so many outfits. It has two exterior pockets and two interior pockets. One of the interior pockets has a Velcro closure. I used a magnetic snap at the top to keep it closed. Yes, this is washable too!

Sedona Duffle Bag

I call this the Sedona Duffle bag because I purchased the beautiful batiks in Sedona, AZ! I saw the green color and it was so vibrant and I also found a nice blue and green batik as well.

I strip pieced the exterior and used various colors of thread and also a metallic thread. It has a round bottom and I made a drawstring closure at the top. There are two interior pockets that close shut with Velcro and one pocket from a pair of denim jeans. I have used some repurposed denim in this project to make it even greener!

I have added my "Shaggy Rag" accents on the bag and also on the strap. I think the strap looks really lush with the detail. I added a reflective buckle because we like to hike and bike.

I will be making more of this style bag a little longer and thinner to accommodate yoga matts.

Shaggy Rag Wristlet and Wrap

Here are some photos of the finished shaggy rag wristlet and wrap that I made. The wristlet is fully lined and I have sewn in a zipper. The wrap has a 21 step color range. Please enjoy the photos and also stop by www.rubymountaindyeworks.com to see more of this wonderful fabric! I will be making more of these bags in the near future with machine quilted sections and the shag accents.