maria psaltis

Wendy Moore's new website

2011-09-06T18:03:00.001-07:00

Thoughtful Nepali-detail, a photo by My colourful journey on Flickr.

Wendy Moore has launched her own website:
www.afterthemonsoon.com

She is a generous and inspirational woman and I believe one of Australia's best!

This is one of her famous dolls.

Reggae canes

2011-09-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

This bangle has been made using some canes that I have been working on that are inspired by reggae music. I love using the wooden forms as I feel they give the piece a structural soundness. I think bangles and bracelets are amongst my favourite pieces of jewellery. They move and make noise, which has always had me a little mesmerized!

Kewpie dolls Pins

2011-08-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about my youth a lot lately (sign of old age I suspect!)

I remember going to the Royal Easter Show and nagging my parents every year to buy me a kewpie on a stick. I wonder if these were fashionable all over the world? I remember them gold and pink. These are my first batch of little kewpies, many more to come I suspect!

Aussiepolyclayers competition

2011-08-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

This was my entry to the Aussiepolyclayers competition.
The theme was dare to dream..you will be able to work out from my avatar that my dream is to visit the Greek Islands.This piece is called Kythera,the Island my father was born on. I would one day love to take my tools and clay and stay there and just create,maybe even teach there. Who knows,maybe one day dreams will come true!
Congratulations to the winners of this competition, and to all the entrants for some amazing work!

Exhibiting my work in Flourish Arts

2011-08-14T04:17:00.000-07:00

I am very excited that I have been given the opportunity to exhibit my pieces in Flourish arts in Birchgrove this Saturday at 2 pm.
My Fascinators and jewelery will be displayed from the 20th August. Thanks so much to Robin Hill for this opportunity. The address is below:

39 Cameron Street, Birchgrove.
(Cnr Gipps Streets)
Open Thurs - Sun from 10AM
Ph: 9810 6362
www.flourisharts.com.au

Tip No 1 is Polishing

2011-07-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Try using an Enjo cloth to polish up after sanding. I use this instead of denim or towel. You will find it gives a nice sheen to your pieces. You will still need to use a dremel or other polishing tool to get that extra special finish,but I find my trusty old Enjo cloth serves me well for other projects. (forget about using it to clean!!!)

Wendy Moore's class in Sydney

2011-07-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

ZAP MAMA

Wendy is in Australia again and conducted this class at Sydney's Flourish Arts in Birchgrove on the weekend. It was alot of fun and she is a fabulous, generous and patient teacher. The glass beads were strung by the women in Nepal that Wendy teaches and I am very thankful to them for their time in doing this for us!
The work of these women is available for sale at Flourish Arts Gallery in Birchgrove along with Wendy's pieces. Her work is infectiously bright and happy! ( I have named her the Queen of Happy polymer) I was inspired by Wendy's work some years ago ,as it was so different from so many other artists and the colours she uses and her style gave me a whole new way to look at polymer.
Wendy is teaching again at Flourish Arts on the weekend of 23rd and 24th July and is teaching in her home town of Broken Hill. She is in the process of setting up her online presence, please let me know if you would like to do a class with Wendy and I can pass on the information to her,you wont be disappointed!

Electroforming on polymer

2011-06-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with Sherri Haab's technique for electroforming. This is the first pendant I have made using this technique,which is a fabulous way of adding precious metals to polymer.

origami flower

2011-04-25T17:13:00.001-07:00

origami flower , a photo by mariapsaltis on Flickr.

I have made this using my latest experiments with origami techniques. I love Japanese pop culture and this is from my kawaii garden! As a youth worker I often try and come up with projects that are young and would appeal to a younger artist. I believe the arts open many doors for young people and also assist in a therapeutic process for professionals working in the "helping" fields.

Tasmania

2011-04-13T23:49:00.001-07:00

This is the name of a necklace made by a wonderful designer who happens to buy my handmade beads!
I love the way she has put this necklace together and combined the materials!
here is the link to her etsy shop!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72088881/tasmania

Flora origami brooches

2011-04-09T04:33:00.001-07:00

Flora brooches , a photo by mariapsaltis on Flickr.

These brooches are my entries in the polymer clay artists of etsy monthly challenge. I have used the technique of origami fabric flowers to make these.(tweeked it a little of course!)

WC-Deckel / Toilet seat

2011-04-05T04:29:00.001-07:00

WC-Deckel / Toilet seat, a photo by Mareike Scharmer on Flickr.

Mareike Scharmer is an amzing artist who includes polymer in her work..this is the first toilet seat I have ever seen covered!
AMAZING!

Salvaged bead

2011-04-04T05:20:00.001-07:00

Salvaged bead , a photo by mariapsaltis on Flickr.

I had made this bead and wasn't happy with the outcome,added some paint,then carved it out..and while it has a raw and messy finish I actually like the end result! Moral of the story don't throw anything away..you just never know when you will get inspired to make some adjustments! Oh and yes it is now a ring!

Australian Polymer Clay Guild

2011-04-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Abstract bangles, a photo by papagodesign on Flickr.

These amazing bangles were made for the Aussiepolyclayers march challenge by a member, Sabine of papagodesigns. Our little group is producing some inspiring and innovative work and I believe is destined to have a bright future with the fabulous Leadership of DEBBIE Crothers!
Join up, or you will miss out!

Orchard bangle

2011-03-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

I have made this for my daughter who adores blue. I think the colours resemble the variegation that occurs on orchards,hence the name.

fascinating!

2011-03-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be aware that along with Polymer clay,I also make fascinators. I love to tell the story of how fascinators got their name!
During WW1 (or 11..not sure), the women were unable to afford the materials to make whole hats,so these little numbers were created. The men apparently exclaimed that they were "fascinating" and they were born!

This particular design is made of tulle, I think tulle represents every little girls grown up dreams.

It has been a while

2011-02-25T03:31:00.001-08:00

I have finally moved into my new home and set up my studio and starting to create again! Hopefully I will be back here now more often and keeping in touch with all of my friends! here is my most recent work...bangles and then more bangles!
These bangles along with other pieces of my work are available for sale at Precious Fusion Gallery in Stanwell park and Cronulla and also in Flourish arts in Birchgrove, Sydney.

YAY IM ON Parole de pâte

2010-08-16T01:27:00.000-07:00

How exciting to have had my work featured on this wonderful blog....MERCI!!!

un détour dominical par l'Australie - Parole de pâte

Moving House

2010-08-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am now up to my elbows in boxes,butchers paper and packaging tape. Our move is happening early September and as we are downsizing,the job is HUGE! I have just packed all of my polymer away...that was difficult to do!
I hope to be back early in October creating and feeling inspired by our new beach side residence! Till then..ciao.

PCAGOE challenge for August

2010-07-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the pcagoe etsy team challenge. Please check out other polymer clay artists on etsy to see some amazing work!

THANKYOU

2010-07-07T04:54:00.001-07:00

What a suprise to be featured on Polymer Clay daily..I read through the post everyday and have often had my jaw hit the ground with some of the most amazing work from artists around the world.It is truly so exciting for me and I thank everyone for their warm wishes!

PCAGOE Members Gallery

2010-05-21T17:55:00.001-07:00

The Polymer Clay Artists Guild on esty is organising a new website where members work will be featured. Very exciting! I am having fun learning to make mosaic pictures too!!

2010-05-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

Life has been somewhat hectic for me over the past twelve months and I hope that you will see more of my work in the months to come.
Here are a few of my newest creations...I was also so excited to learn that I was also featured alog with other amazing artists on europe's Voila site. I have loved the work that is coming out of Europe,so it was a special thrill for me!!
You can join this website by going to
www.voila.eu/com

RINGS

2009-11-27T02:48:00.000-08:00

I found these fabulous ring shanks and have been going crazy with my canes!These rings will be in Flourish art Gallery in Birchgrove in Syदने.

Spanish influence

2009-11-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

I dont know what happens to me, but I think I am influenced by culture! Got a spanish thing going on now!!!

New items for the gallery

2009-11-04T02:28:00.000-08:00

I have my work in a gallery here in Sydney,they have requested more of my work and I have just completed the pieces for this. I have continued with my French provincial theme and made pieces in Silver and gold. It is so exciting for me!

Some new beads to show you

2009-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

They are actually not very new, I made them some time ago but havent had the time to take the photos etc. We are currentlyin the process of selling and moving...so life has been crazy and my polymer work has been put on hold for a bit! Not much longer now though!

Published in Australian Beading Magazine

2009-08-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Thankyou to Melanie Dilday for her hard work in promoting Polymer Clay in Australia and submitting the recent article and photos of winners in the competition sponsored by the Australian Guild and CCIP. My piece "frenchy" was featured and a small blurb along with two other fabulous entries. very exciting to have an Australian mag featuring Polymer Clay!

Jelly beans!

2009-07-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

Our aussie polyclayers june/july challenge was INKS! We dont have the wonderful range of Inks in Australia that are available in the US,cant wait to put in an order some day soon!
This is my entry in the challenge,soooo much fun to make and I did have to stop people eating them!

Steampunk my style!

2009-06-30T04:48:00.001-07:00

After Christi's class, I decided to steampunk my dog! Her name is Roxy,she is a vivacious 5 year old Fox Terrier.She So suits being steampuked!

Workshop Christi Friessen

2009-06-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

I was very fortunate to attend the workshops that Christi Friessen was teaching here in Sydney at 2 bead or not 2 bead at Penrith. I had heard what a fun lady she is and everything I had heard about her was true! A lovely generous woman with an encouraging word for everyone. I think she is a great ambassador for Polymer Clay.
2 bead or not 2 bead is also one of the most beautiful beading shops I have EVER walked into. Congratulations Lenore for stocking some of the most unusual beads I have ever seen.

Here is the Calala Lily we made on the left and my steampunk turtle on the right and above left is the peacock we made.

July pcagoe team challenge

2009-06-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

Every month the members of the etsy polymer clay artists on etsy team are invited to enter a challenge.This month is vessels. I have had sitting in my cupboard for many years this hawaiin gourd,and thought that now is the time to do something with it.
It was alot of fun to make!

Bead and Button Show Milwauke USA

2009-06-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity last week to spend one day at the Bead and utton Show in the USA. I decided to make the most of the day by doing a workshop with the very talented polymer clay artist, Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg.
She is a very talented caner and all round polymer clay artis,I truly have learned so much in the one day that I spent with her,just wish my time at the show could have extended for the whole week!
The photo above is the project that we worked on,one of Lynne's beautiful flower cane pendants.

Here is a photo of my cane being
made on he left and completed on
the right.

Sunny Earrings

2009-05-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

I love to use many techniques when i am putting a piece of jewellery together. Sometimes a piece will call out for metal,crystal or chain. In the case of my sun earrings,it was beads. I used to do alot of bead weaving and I felt a beaded finge around these beads that i have made would look fabulous. I am very inspired by the European polymer clay artists and find myself drawn the their design and colour combinations.
Hope you like them!

The Pollinator

2009-05-16T06:02:00.001-07:00

The Pollinator
Originally uploaded by OrganicOdysseys

This is the amazing work of one of our members of the Polymer Clay artists guild of etsy! Her work is just stunning . She is able to combine texture and colour in an exquisite way.
She is also an amazing resource for the group and is always willing to help members.Talented and nice,what a great combination!
Click on the photo to go to Kate's Flickr site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/organicodysseys/

Simply Black and White

2009-05-14T00:11:00.001-07:00

I love the elegance that black and white creates. I think combined they always look pretty cool together. I have made a whole series of pieces for a gallery in Sydney. This is my focal necklace.

Fiesta

2009-04-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

This is the newest piece that I have added to my website, I have always loved the colours and "rawness" that I see in beads that come from various communities around the world.( portugal,mexico and Africa) These beads have been made to replicate that feel. I hope that I have achieved it!

Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy

2009-04-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Polymer Clay Artsists Guild on etsy and have found all of the challenges and events they organise fabulous!Here is my entry for the May challenge. It is a byzantine cuff bangle. I have used a technique called mica shift,and made mosaic tiles to add to the cuff.
I enter challenges as I feel it forces me to try new techniques or to push muself in a particular technique.The PCAGOE are a great group of people and so supportive and helpful. I am really happy to be part of this community.

Here is the list of all of the members blogs:
PCAGOE Member's Blog List

First Place in Polymer Cafe Reflection Challenge

2009-04-18T01:46:00.000-07:00

I have been in a state of shock today. The first thing I do when I get up is check my emails and check for any posts in the Aussie polyclayers forum. I happened to click on the Competitions and learned that I had won first place in the Polymer Cafe Reflections challenge.I have been in a state of shock today! Here is the photo of the piece that won.It was made to reflect my Greek ancestry and the minoan frescoes that I remember seeing in the museums.

King of the bird Kingdom

2009-03-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

The cockatoos rule the roost!
The other birds stay away when they land noisily in our tree. They are also very messy eaters! They cut off whole branches from the Jacaranda Tree, the yard is full of leaves and branches from their eating frenzy. They are happy to sit and eat while I am in the backyard hanging out washing,often squaking at me as I do so! I snuck onto the upstairs balcony to take this close up of this fellow,but he heard me and was annoyed,as you can see!

New tennants in the tree

2009-02-26T03:41:00.001-08:00

If you read one of my previous posts,you will remember that a possum found a place to rest in our tree just by our bedroom. Well today,whilst busily making a fascinator (hat) I heard some squaking from our tree.ran out only to find two lorikeets feeding their young in the tree. You cannot see the babies in the photo,they are deep within the hole,but mum and dad are there!
Will have to start charging rent for these noisy tennants!

Bushfires in Victoria

2009-02-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

Australia is in shock and mourning with the recent devastating bushfires in Victoria. 180 people are so far confirmed lost to us,and the numbers are likely to grow. There are 5000 people now homeless as a result too. The people of Australia have been incredibly generous in supporting there fellow Australians and donating money, clothes,blankets,goods and volunteering their skills to help rebuild these peoples lives.
I pray for all of these people and hope that they can only find some comfort in the generous spirit of the rest of Australia.
We have also been saddened at the loss of wildlife and again, Australians have rescued injured little creatures and helped them to recover.
If you too would like to support the bushfire victims,please log on to www.redcross.org.au and see what you can do to help.

HOT in SYDNEY

2009-02-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

Well the temerature here is rising and we are all swealtering in the heat. Our dog,who normally spends her days chasing birds and jumping to see the possum in the tree,is laying on her bed,too exhausted to annoy any of the backyard creatures. I knew she was off the boil when one of the "butcher birds" managed to inspect the balcony without poor old roxy lifting her head.
The cockatoo's have also stayed away during the heat,they must have found a cooler place to go and skquack. I dont mind,they carry on so when I am in the yard hanging out the washing. Birds are quite terratorial I have learned!
We live not far from a river and at night when all is peaceful,apart from the cicadas,We can hear the fish jumping out of the water to land a feast of insects which hover over the river.
It is amazing how all creatures,big and small are affected by the weather.
I sit inside where I am cool and use the heat as a brilliant excuse for not cooking...who wants the house heated up by the stove? I also use the heat as an excuse for not getting any work done...who can work in this heat I say as I look outdoors and see the guy accross the road mowing his lawn.
Australia,such a diverse land. Tomorrow I will probably need a jumper!

Australian Wildlife in my backyard

2009-01-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am very fortunate to live in a part of Sydney where the animal wild life is prolific. My backyard is home to families of rosella's,cockatoos and lorickeets. We also have a number of reptile creatures,blue tongue lizards in particular. But the most amazing creature sleeps during the day in our big gum tree,which is adjacent to the upstairs balcony.This possum is extremely noisy at night,when he/she runs accross our roof to have possum parties!
It is a fabulous environment and I feel very priveldged to share this place with them all.
See the photo below.

Why Polymer?

2009-01-23T03:46:00.000-08:00

I started "playing" with polymer 3 years ago.
As far back as I can remember I've made stuff! When I was 12 years of age, I remember drawing up plans for a cubby house in our backyard. It was going to be grand,I had ven drawn a kitchen into the plan. Needless to say,that particular project didnt eventuate.
I have had a go at most things,folk art, sewing,knitting,crochet,gardening,millinery, beadweaving, applique,general crafts and jewellery design.
One day I saw an article in a bead and button magazine for a polymer design and thought it was an interesting medium. I went to our local craft supplier in Sydney and bought a block of Fimo and well....started to play.From here my interest soon became my obsession!
It is truly a great art form to work with. It is so versatile and its possibilities are truly endless!
I now have an area in my home (the dungeon) dedicated to my polymer and other design pursuits. My aim is to one day have a room for myself,where I will have a window and natural light.
This brings me to another piece of information about me..I have 4 grown children all at home. I love them dearly,but I wont watse any time moving my stuff into their vacant bedrooms!
I bought a fabulous fridge magnet,that sums it up....

" I kid proofed the house, but they are still getting in!"