A belated holiday gift

So, after promising to finish a piece for a couple of months, I finally did and got it mailed...just in time to arrive the day after Christmas.

At least it arrived before the new year... ;)

Here is the little hermit crab...

And here he is with his little friend...

The tiny betta was a bit of a challenge to make...he is the second one that I have done, the first is currently a prisoner in resin and shattered glass.

And, I also sent my friend a surprise necklace, in honor of her gorgeous and whimsical snails.

Work Table Wednesday

I was able to move forward with the next step of one of my projects, as well as start another hermit crab!

I now have three hermit crabs, patiently waiting on me to start painting.  I think they feel a bit naked, even with their shell ;)  The little creation below is also in the beginning stages...I am hoping it will turn out nicely.  You will have to check back to see how it progresses!

Work Table Weekend

Today, I spent time working with clay for the first time in a couple of weeks.  It was really nice to relax with my favorite medium.  I ended up reworking a hermit crab, finishing another one, as well as start the beginning of a new project attempt. :)  Here are the pictures of the works in progress.  The hermit crabs will be getting a coat of paint next, before incorporating accessories.  I did have to place a Santa hat on for the photo...it made me giggle too much.

 A friend and I explored Jerry's Art-a-rama yesterday and I picked up another jar of Pearl-Ex, along with two bottles of Lumiere paint that I cannot wait to try out.

We had so much fun exploring the art store and meeting individuals that do gorgeous work, including Sharon Payne of Jazztangled.  She had her boots on display, which won a 1st place ribbon at the State Fair and was demonstrating her amazing ability of Zentangle to customers of the store.

Property of Sharon Payne, jazztangled.blogspot.com/

Sharon had beautiful patterns on display and we really enjoyed talking with her about her artwork.  She said it was a wonderful way to relax, even though the final piece appears to be very complicated.  I wish I was had brought my camera to take a couple of pictures, but here is an example of her work from her blog, which you should definitely check out!

Property of Sharon Payne, jazztangled.blogspot.com/

Heigh-ho, Hermit the Crab

As you might have seen in previous posts, I also dabble with hermit crabs.  I have always loved the real animal and for years, I wanted to sculpt in a real shell.  I collected shells for several years, but never could build up my nerves to actually make one until a couple of years ago.

He turned out perfect.  He was also quickly given away to a friend and I began making many more.  I don't work with them as much as I used to..but I always enjoy picking out just the right shell to match the right crab. 

Often, I try to sculpt the crab from a chosen shell, only to have the crab "decide" that it wants a different shell to match it's personality.  Yes, I'm odd.  :)  You know this little guy just wants to crawl home with you.

Work Table Wednesday

A couple of days ago, my friend Coltpixy challenged several of us to start a weekly post called, "Work Table Wednesday."  I thought, what a great idea!  I can show you the latest project I'm working on and get into a more regular blog posting pattern.

Then, ironically, my friend Pamela at Hokkaido Kudasai emailed me this morning and asked if I was still creating.  I realized I had let my blog fall to one side yet again.  I thought, hey, it's Wednesday, I'm working on this latest hermit crab...maybe you would like to see some of my project in process and some of the future shells that I will be incorporating into my designs.

So, thank you very much Star and Pamela, for motivating me to get back to the blog world and to creating. *hugs*

 

 Oh, and see those very organized tools in the background?  That tool organizer was my birthday gift from my boyfriend last week.  I'm loving it!  I can carry them anywhere now and the canvas keeps them from stabbing me!

He needs a name!

So, you saw one of my latest crabs in yesterday's post.  He doesn't have a name yet...but he has turned out very nicely.  I love working with natural shells and even when I'm sculpting a crab, often, he tells me what shell he prefers, rather than me choosing it for him. 

I love seeing the personality that comes out of these little guys when I work with them...this little guy will be ready for his forever home soon!