I have been playing with doing more faux stuff. I learned a faux opal technique at the last WNYPCG meeting. (Western New York Polymer Clay Guild). You use liquid polymer clay and translucent glitter like you find in the paper making supplies. Here is what I created.
I still need to work on the rim around the center piece. I added metal flakes to the mix. I like how it looks and will continue to play.
Well, I am still thinking of ideas for what to teach at the AC Moore when I start some time this fall. I really like the idea of doing things that build on each other. I can’t wait to get the book that I order from Linda Peterson. I want to try some of her techniques and I am thinking that I will use those as stepping stones. I also want to teach simple caning.
My idea for the first class is to make beads. I would use a simple technique that does not require any skinner blends. Maybe doing marbled beads or the like. While the beads are baking, I would then teach skinner blends and jelly roll canes. The second class would be making a bracelet and earrings out of the beads that we made in the first class. I would also add another simple cane to the end of the class. That would lead to a third class on covering items, like tins or something glass. While the objects where baking I could teach making beads with the canes. That would lead to a forth class with making jewelry out of those beads.
The next thing to work out is what to charge for the class. I would get paid what ever I charge. AC Moore would get nothing. If I supply the clay and stuff for the first two classes, of course I would get that all at the AC Moore. Then the supplies like what to cover and any accent beads the class members wanted, they would have to supplu them. Hopefully, from AC Moore.
Now, what to teach kids!
This is the key I think to every thing and yet one of the hardest things to be.
My recent costumer service issues would have not been has potentially damaging if I had been organized in how I track sales and more importantly what the costumer had bought. That will be that project for this week. I need to create a filing system for orders placed and received.
I also should organize my receipts on what I have spent. This will help next year with my personal taxes as well as if I turn my hobby in to a business. There is no time like the present to start.
I keep my supplies organized and am getting better at organizing my stock for sales. I should be taking the same view of keeping the business side the same way. I learned that in my past job as a restaurant manager. It is what made me successful in that field for over 19 years.
I will start that today. Right now! There is no time like the present.
Yesterday in celebration of the spring that has arrived in Western New York, I created a field of flowers. I have been wanting to do more bobby pins to make hair accents. Here is what I came up with.
The roses are in red, blue and a purple covered with copper glitter. I like how the glitter adds not only sparkle but also dimension to the roses. The daffodils are my first try at making them. I am happy how they turned out. The Calli Lilies are also a first, they need a little work. The blue and pink five petal flowers where originally going to be earrings but I like them better this way!
Yesterday I sent an e-mail to AMACO (American Art Clay Co., Inc) about getting ideas for teaching classes and doing demos at AC Moore. AMACO in the company that supplies FIMO polymer clay and many wonderful tools to use with it.
I got a reply back this afternoon from the person I sent the e-mail to. Dawn Sandoe forwarded my e-mail to an artist that works with AMACO and another staff member who could help me with supply lists and other things.
I also got a reply from the artist, Linda Peterson. She gave some great ideas and seemed very happy to help. She also has a new book out on bead making using the tri-bead roller by Amaco. I have one of the rollers and absolutely love it. I ordered a copy of her book off of her website and can’t wait to get it. Linda’s website is www.lindapetersondesigns.com . Linda recommended doing jewelry making classes, she was found that they are usually big hits. I tend to agree and think that I might enjoy teaching that as well as learning to do it better.
I am just very happy to get a reply so quickly.