Inspiration from the Rock Collection

Photo Credits: American Museum of Natural History, NY, USA

The group members over at Facebook - 52 Weekly Cane Projects - are busy making bullseye, lace, retro, and mosaic canes. I even saw a few Chrysanthemum canes which reminds me of this glorious image of Azurite and Malachite from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. I found it on the Flickr page of "listentoreason."

Again, nature provides endless examples of artistic beauty to delight and inspire us. 

What inspires you?

A Love/Hate Relationship With Nature

California Red-sided Garter Snake Photo by vabbly

Leave it to the natural world to challenge us, as artists and crafters, to deny the beauty of these snakes. Even if you have a morbid fear of them try to look past what scares you and see their beautiful colors and designs. Or perhaps you have no fear and see snakes as mysterious creatures, dazzling and exotic. The juxtaposition of something that inspires strong emotions with one whose body is rich with myriad shades of brilliant color invites us to look at things from a standpoint different from our norm.

This collection of images, many of which are pinned to Daniel Carniglia's Pinterest board, holds a surprising number of design possibilities. Gaze at the colors and shapes and translate the images into extruded elements to make polymer clay canes inspired by the natural world. 

Be brave! Look beyond emotion into the inspiration nature offers us, at no charge. While you're at it, explore the mystical beauty of Daniel's Midnight Hibiscus pillow beads on the Polyform website. They are dazzling and exotic, too.

Red-sided Garter Snakes and Green tree Python from vabbly, i.imgur.com, and gartersnake.co.uk.

Happy New Year 2014!!

Photo Credit: Twisted Papers Vintage Postcards

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and polymer clay.

We are excited to begin our 14th year! Thanks for supporting us and being the inspiration for all we do. 

With warmest regards from Aniko, Jeannie, and the entire Team at pcPolyzine.com