Funny, fresh and super friendly, Kerin Gale guides us through an excellent introduction to this amazing media with her new book, Inspired Remnants & Curious Dreams; Mixed Media Projects in Epoxy Clay.
I have been waiting for this book for some time now, somewhere between my disenchantment with polymer clay and my frustration with air dry clay.
Kerin's gift of creating fascinating objects of art with found and handmade pieces, drew me to her crackled heart project. When I learned a book was in the works, I just knew I would have to own it!
There has been an idea in my head for some time now. I started a proto-type in polymer clay and it broke. My second attempt was in air dry clay, really expensive air dry clay, but I couldn't sculpt as well as I wanted to with it. So the idea has sat, waiting for me to try something else.
Well, this new to me, epoxy clay, seemed like a possibility. But it was starting a whole new media, I didn't have the years of experience, like I did with polymer clay or metal clay, I needed a little bit of help with this one. So I purchased the book and dived in!
The above piece is titled Hearts on Fire.
The armature is shaped and wrapped aluminum wire, the base is a piece of drift wood. I worked epoxy clay onto the wire tree by tearing off chunks of the combined 2-part clay (a very different way of making clay for me and expertly explained in Kerin's book) and pressed them into the branches, squeezing each with my fist. As the clay began to cure, I dragged a fine toothed comb through it to create bark like texture.
I peeled back little pieces to mimic peeling bark and tore the edges so they would look burned.
The whole thing cured to a hard state within 5 hours!
Once the tree was rock hard, I coated it in metal coating and treated it to layers of patina; red, black, orange and brown.
I am pleased.
:)
Now the awesome part.
Kerin is a very open & approachable person and in our conversing she mentioned the blog hop scheduled for the book and some how I managed to wheedle my way in.
Kerin is a very open & approachable person and in our conversing she mentioned the blog hop scheduled for the book and some how I managed to wheedle my way in.
So I have the honor of informing you of these really special packages and prizes that have been put together for those interested in exploring this media further.
1.) Book & Online Workshop Bundles - special pricing of $5 off. All you need to do is put in the name of MY blog when you check out through Paypal and you will receive the $5 back.
A) Resin Clay Pendants Workshop + Book = $35 + shipping
B) Vintage Gentleman Workshop + Book = $40 + shipping
C) Both Workshops + Book = $70 + shipping
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72931590/inspired-remnants-book-super-bundle-with
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72931590/inspired-remnants-book-super-bundle-with
But WAIT! There's GIVEAWAYS!
Every blog participating on the book tour will be giving away a treasure chest of prizes to some very lucky people. Please note that all physical prizes (i.e. non digital prizes) can be awarded only to US participants. Online workshops and digital collage sheets are available to everybody worldwide. To be eligible, all you need to do is leave a comment to this post by May 28. Please note in your comment if you are a resident outside the US.
Just leave a comment for one entry to win one of these fabulous prizes. Get more chances to win by sharing info about the book tour! When you leave your comment just say where you posted (facebook, twitter, your blog, etc.) Each post is worth one entry in my drawing.
Just leave a comment for one entry to win one of these fabulous prizes. Get more chances to win by sharing info about the book tour! When you leave your comment just say where you posted (facebook, twitter, your blog, etc.) Each post is worth one entry in my drawing.
Here are the prizes;
1. One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas) from Aves Studio.
2. Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by Lesley Venable on her The Art of Altering site, which features many other workshops as well.
3. Two Digital Collage Sheets by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. See her cool collection here.
4. Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak. This is the formula recommended in the book that has a longer cure time. You can call Jerry at Silpak at 909-625-0056 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 909-625-0056 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to order this directly or ask questions.
1. One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas) from Aves Studio.
2. Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by Lesley Venable on her The Art of Altering site, which features many other workshops as well.
3. Two Digital Collage Sheets by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. See her cool collection here.
4. Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak. This is the formula recommended in the book that has a longer cure time. You can call Jerry at Silpak at 909-625-0056 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 909-625-0056 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to order this directly or ask questions.
5. One ounce ICE Resin and a mixed medal bezel from Susan Lenart-Kazmer's site Ice Resin.
Grand Prizes For Book Reviews (Please note prizes include shipping to U.S. addresses only.)
Any reader that writes a review ~ however short or long~ of Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams on amazon.com before July 31, 2011 and sends an email with the title “Inspired Remnants Review” to remnants.art@gmail.com will be entered in a drawing to win one of these prizes. Please note that your honest opinion is wanted on this review.
A) The art piece featured on the cover of the book, “Sacred Totem”
B) Power Pack plus extra Fixit Sculpt clay from Aves Studio
C) Frozen Charlotte Doll with digital tutorial “How To Crackle Charlottes” from Alicia Caudle of http://alteredbits.com
D) Resin Clay Pendants online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com
E) Vintage Gentleman online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com
How awesome is this!?!
The generosity shown by some of the sponsors is incredible!
Visit all of the sponsors blogs during the blog tour and enter to win their prizes too for more chances to win!
I can't wait to dig in and create some more with this clay, its sturdiness is just what I was looking for.
I hope you enjoy creating with it also.
No. I KNOW you will enjoy it.
Here is the rest of the blog hop;
Here is the rest of the blog hop;
May 1 Kerin Gale; Remnants of Olde
May 2 Alicia Caudle; Altered Bits
May 3 Lesley Venable; Flat Woods Folk Art
May 4 Christine Lehto; Lilly Bug StudioMay 5 Seth Apter; The Altered PageMay 6 Nancy Perennec; Little Bit WiredMay 7 Jen Cushman; Ice Resin
May 8 Happy Mother's Day!May 9 Beth Robinson; Strange DollsMay 10 Brenda Schweder; Brenda SchwederMay 11 Esther Verschoor; Essie's Dolls
May 12 Kecia Deveny; Lemoncholy's Flights of FancyMay 13 Rachel Whetzel: One Year Art JournalMay 14 Shannon LeVart: Missficklemedia.comMay 15 Marlaine Verhelst; Marlaine VerhelstMay 16 Lisa Jurist; Mud Hound PrimitivesMay 17 Michelle Bernard; Yesterday's Trash
May 18 Kerin Gale; Remnants of Olde, featuring Alan RogersonMay 19 Facebook Party!
P.S. Don't worry about the bounced messages when leaving a comment. I am able to publish all comments and everyone's will be counted when it is time to draw names! 
Thanks for your info...I have her book and love it!
ReplyDeleteShannon!!! I literally had my hand against my heart while looking at what you've done here and reading your post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a most inspiring and intriguing path of discovery and based on this brilliant piece, you've found the perfect medium to make what you envision at long last!!!
I can't even fathom what other wondrous things will come from your wizardry with metals and patinas when combined with the epoxy clay. I just know they will be very special and I will love them.
Thanks so much for being a part of this tour and part of the Epoxy Clay Revolution (as I've come to refer to it).
I almost bought the book but I am glad I waited because I hope to win a copy! I love what you made it is too cool! Thanks for sharing and I am so glad you are loving your new place :-)
ReplyDelete((hugs)) Shannon C
shared on fb, but then you prob already knew that ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow! Love your creation and your products...and I agree, Kerin's book if very thorough and great!
ReplyDeleteloved reading about your process. this apoxie stuff is sound more and more intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI love trees!!! Your tree is amazing and inspiring. It has been great learning about all of the interesting, funky, fun, unique, and a bit weird "stuff" you can use with apoxie sculpt. I'm having great fun on the Blog tour.
ReplyDeleteLove your tree, and I've really been enjoying the blog hop. super cool!
ReplyDeleteErin S
I have been very excited to get my hands on some of this clay and start creating and this blog tour is so inspiring I can hardly stand it! I got Kerin's book a while ago and I love it! Being about to drop in on all of these blogs and see all of the wonderful things people are doing is just an amazing experience!I love your tree! I will be dropping in to see what you are up to in the future.
ReplyDeleteI love your creation, your tree is wonderfull! Thank you for your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love the tree you created and appreciate the mini-tutorial. I've purchased some of your supplies at Etsy and am a big fan of your patinas... the tree is a perfect extension of your personal art style.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
love love love your tree!!! I am so excited about trying this media.. With every blog hop tour.. I get more and more inspired.
ReplyDeleteThat tree is wonderful! Great work. I have not gotten a chance to purchase any epoxy clay yet but do have the book. I have started reading thru it and you are right, it is very informative.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of your site is wonderful as well. I really enjoyed looking at your other work.
That tree is completely amazing and beautiful! This blog hop has been such a wonderful source of inspiration. Loving every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteSuper great piece Shannon...wow! I just got my clay and watched Kerin's videos, she is so approachable! I can't wait till my book gets here. Trying some pendants this weekend!
ReplyDeletethat tree is absolutely gorgeous! how exciting to find a new media that fills your requirements! thanks. beth
ReplyDeletewhat a terrific tree....thank you for being one of the hosts for this exciting blog tour!
ReplyDeleteso very nice to "meet" you, shannon. what a fantastic post!! i am in LOVE with your tree! hearts on fire indeed! how fantastic that you found the perfect medium after trying so many others -- that is JUST how i feel about apoxie clay and kerin's book. i can't see what you create next! you're already an apoxie clay pro!
ReplyDeleteShannon, I love the tree you made! Haven't played with the epoxy clay yet, but will soon...atleast that's the plan :) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAll the art I've been seeing is amazing and can't wait to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteLynn
Great post, enjoying the tour!
ReplyDeleteYour tree is amazing! Good luck with your new workshop...I'll have to wait for the online version!
ReplyDeleteThe tree is wonderful! What a great idea! Bravol!
ReplyDeleteAwesome work! I'm terrified of things like this because my mind just goes blank!
ReplyDeleteYour tree is gorgeous. Loving this tour.
ReplyDeleteeiggam44 at yahoo dot com
I am so excited about how this hop is introducing me to new wonderful blogs, and the more I read the more I want to try my hand at working with this material!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tree!! I have been wanting to try one for a while.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your tree! How clever of you to use the clay that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm finally catching up on the blog trail and I've so enjoyed seeing everyone's work.
Woot! This stuff just sounds so darn intriguing. I really must try it. Okay, after I try my 'new' patinas! LOL! I love that tree... I see jewelry hanging from the branches!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day!
Erin
What an amazing piece you made with epoxie clay! I love the textures you gave the tree and how you embellished the surface. Excellent job!
ReplyDeleteI just learned about this book and this special clay. I'd never even heard of it before. I'm already blown away by all I've seen so far. Your tree is unbelievable. Thanks for allowing me to enter your contest.
ReplyDeleteWhat great giveaways...and I've been dying to try the stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome tree piece. Love all the texture. I bought the book before all the hooplah, it just jumped off the shelf at me at Barnes & Knoble and I couldn't put it down. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI adore your tree. And I'm so eagerly awaiting my first order of apoxie to bring to life my own ideas that have, like yours, stayed on the shelf for far too long because it can't work with polymer clay.
ReplyDeleteLove the tree! Since I came to the blog hop a day or so late I was greeted by your comments on selling jewelry. Oh man...I can relate to that. Fear of rejection and all. I promise that I WILL be back to read about your quest to abolish the barf bag. =) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteyour tree is absolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I visit my friend I pick up her book to read. It's time I get my OWN! LOL
ReplyDeleteI have had so much fun blog hopping and learning about these fabulous products. Love your tree!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being a part of this tour.
Gaby xo