Polymer Clay Master Class Exploring Process, Technique, and Collaboration with 11 Master Artists

326 Pages·2013·11.58 MB·English

by  Judy Belcher

Lindly Haunani and Leslie Blackford, Mystery Masks, 2010; polymer, acrylic, oil, alcohol inks, and
barn wood; 20 × 10 × 3 inches (51 × 25.5 × 7.5cm). Photograph by Leslie Blackford “Many years ago
I played in Leslie’s studio as part of a group effort to help jump-start a series of masks she was
making for a show. So when I approached her about doing something similar as an
exchange/collaborative piece for the Synergy2 exhibit, I was thrilled when she agreed. The title of
this piece is Mystery Masks, since it was a mystery how the piece would come together. The process
of working with Leslie inspired me to try a looser, more three-dimensional style.” —Lindly

Copyright © 2012 by Judith S. Belcher and Tamara L. Honaman All rights reserved.
Published in the United States by Potter Craft, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division
of Random House, Inc., New York.
Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
www.pottercraft.com
www.crownpublishing.com
POTTER CRAFT and colophon is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Belcher, Judy.
Polymer clay master class : exploring process, technique, and collaboration with 11 master artists
/ Judy Belcher and Tamara Honaman.
p. cm.
1. Polymer clay craft. I. Honaman, Tamara. II. Title.
TT297.B454 2012
2012011921
eISBN: 978-0-307-96575-2
Photography, unless otherwise specified, by Richard K. Honaman Jr.
Cover design by La Tricia Watford
Cover photography by Richard K. Honaman Jr.
v3.1
DEDICATION
My greatest collaboration is with my ever-patient husband, Greg: our children,
Maria and Max, to whom I dedicate this book. And to Tam, for our special
friendship and her great command of words.
—Judy Dedication and heartfelt thanks to Rich, my husband, and our boys, Kevin
and Ryan, for their never-ending love and support. And to Judy, for her energy,
friendship, and for inviting me to the party.
—Tammy
Dayle Doroshow, Sarah Shriver, and Robert Dancik, Collaboration!, 2011; polymer, copper, and found
objects; 4½ × 4 inches (11 × 10cm). Photograph by Richard K. Honaman Jr.
“On my morning walk along the ocean, I noticed various bits and bobs in the sand. I knew Robert
used found objects in his artwork, so I decided to collect a few for him. He immediately suggested
we collaborate. A couple mornings later, I discovered a beautiful piece sitting on my work desk along
we collaborate. A couple mornings later, I discovered a beautiful piece sitting on my work desk along
with a note asking me to add something. Sarah and I had made several small beads that we were
not going to use for our final necklaces. One went perfectly at the bottom of Robert’s piece.” —Dayle
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Our deepest appreciation goes to each of the artists who participated in this
adventure; their ability to share, explore, and trust humbles us. Great thanks
to Rich Honaman for the hard work and long days he put in to make the
images fantastic, and for his ability to whip up a mean cocktail. Jeff Dever’s
belief in us and the support he offered, both during the planning of the book
and during our week’s exploration, were critical to the success of this
experiment. His help during our time together on the Outer Banks—
spurring conversations, stirring collaborations, and providing great topics for
discussions at dinner—proved invaluable and added so much to the
experience and printed word. All of us felt spoiled by the never-ending supply
of delectable meals and snacks that Jim Glass provided. What a delightful
surprise it was for the artists to open box after box from companies who
generously donated polymer, supplies, and tools for the artists to use;
grateful thanks to Polyform Products; Van Aken International; Staedtler;
Viva Decor; Ranger Industries, Inc.; and Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. As
we embarked on this journey, Joy Aquilino understood our vision and gave
us wonderful guidance and support. Alison Hagge, our project editor, took
our manuscript and crafted a page-turning story that brings you into the
house with us. Betty Wong, Caitlin Harpin, and La Tricia Watford from
Random House all helped to turn it into a beautiful book.

CONTENTS
Foreword by Jeff Dever
Introduction
Participating Artists
Polymer Basics
Polymer Toolbox
Skinner Blend Techniques
LESSON 1. ATTRACT YOUR OPPOSITE: LESLIE BLACKFORD AND SANDRA
MCCAW
Showcase: Leslie Blackford
Showcase: Sandra McCaw
LESLIE’S PROJECT: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Sculpture
SANDRA’S PROJECT: Floating Leaves Earrings
COLLABORATIVE PROJECT: The Carousel of Animalia Delights
LESSON 2. RESPECT HIDDEN STRENGTHS: CYNTHIA TINAPPLE AND
LINDLY HAUNANI
Showcase: Cynthia Tinapple
Showcase: Lindly Haunani
CYNTHIA’S PROJECT: Rock On! Bowl
LINDLY’S PROJECT: Folded Bead Lei
COLLABORATIVE PROJECT: A Walk Along the Beach
LESSON 3. BE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE PROCESS: DAYLE DOROSHOW
AND SARAH SHRIVER
Showcase: Dayle Doroshow
Showcase: Sarah Shriver