Percolating

Some designs burst from my fingers without any thought, planning or preparation. (Ok, I admit this is rare, at least for good designs) Others come to mind fully formed and just need creative time to come to life in polymer clay. But most often, the ideas need to percolate for a bit before I have all the parts together.

This percolating happens in a variety of ways. I have ideas for designs that have been “in mind” for a very long time (years sometimes), just waiting for the right combination of problem solving, technique mastery, luck and time to be born. Lately, I have been in the odd position of making pendants, but stopping part way. The first part came fast, the metal shapes and the polymer veneer. But those little touches, the rivets and tabs that hold the design together both physically and visually haven’t worked themselves out. I’ve got 2 pieces sitting on my work table at this moment that might seem complete to someone else, but to me they’re just partway pendants.

I had an idea last night and I think I have decided how to finish one of them. The other one is destined for removal of the polymer veneer and a redo. I’m just not happy with the base and fortunately the polymer portion is both quick and cheap to make (not to mention easy to remove before the riveting step).

 (Ok, so now that I have finished the pendant and I am looking at both photos, I am not sure I have improved it LOL)

My writing here takes percolating time too. I often have a couple of drafts of posts going. I like to read what I have written out loud and live with it a tiny bit before I post. If I don’t, if I just go ahead and post what’s in my head, I end up with posts like yesterday’s. Fortunately I am not feeling as down as yesterday and that’s enough said about that. LOL

For those of you exploring metalworking techniques, I highly recommend the latest issue of Art Jewelry magazine. There’s a great article on choosing a torch, an excellent article on soldering exercises to improve your technique (I am definitely going to try those) and a stunning polymer clay/silver bezel brooch project (it’s the cover project).