An exciting custom order...

We may  have mentioned...on a number of occasions...that we enjoy taking custom orders in our shops, well this recent order ranks among our favorites. Our commission was the perfect combination of creative challenge and preferred subject matter...fairies! But since the photos and words of Ryngan, our inspired customer, tell the story so completely...

  "I am delighted to recommend The Clay Shoppe. I found them online through Etsy. I loved their unique range of products and contacted them regarding a customised order. I was very impressed by their willingness to accommodate my requests. 

I'd seen that they produced handmade moulds for creating fairy wings; however I was after a very particular mould shape and colour to use a part of a miniature set (depicting 'The Iron Fairies'). The mould is centre stage with a series of miniature miners engaged in smelting and casting fairy parts to assemble the magical 'Iron Fairies'. 

Having identified Carrie and Kathy's artistic flair, I commissioned The Clay Shoppe to produce the mould. I left it to their experience with the colour mixes and use of metallic pigments to produce four variations of an 'antique weathered cast iron look'. I asked for four to give them the artistic freedom to try out different ideas. 

When the moulds arrived in the UK (very quickly I might add) I was hard pressed to chose between them - they had really out done themselves! 

The mould fits seamlessly into the set and really brings the scene to life. I would recommend any collectors of 'Iron Fairies' to get in contact with Carrie and Kathy at the Clay Shoppe."   

Best regards,
Ryngan

For more information on Iron Fairies, check out their enchanting website at ironfairies.com

 You can also check out  Iron Fairies on these Facebook pages

Facebook Fan Page 1 or Facebook Fan Page 2   

Creativity in Bloom...

We are pleased to announce the completion of a very special piece, "Creativity in Bloom". It was commissioned by an incredible jewelry designer and dear friend, Suzanne Colucci of Belandaria Designs Inc. in LA.

Her wish was to have something inspiring that could be used to hang her works in progress. She envisioned a whimsical, magical tree in a place where anything is possible and the imagination is free to roam.

This design needed to be strong enough to hold her jewelry pieces which often include strands of bead, gemstones and chain. So we started with a wooden frame and formed wire mesh around it to give it shape. (Should have worn gloves for that bit.)

After that a base coat of scrap polymer clay was applied, then a layer of black clay was laid to cover the entire piece and carved to give the effect of tree bark...being sure to carve whimsical swirls and meaningful symbols throughout.

After the carving was complete it was time for my favorite part...PearlEx metallic pigment (also avail at The Clay Shoppe)  for rich, beautiful color that shines! (I'm starting to sound like a Loreal hair color commercial here.) I should mention that while very pretty, it is not good for the hair, eyes or nose, etc...so don't put it there...trust me.

The tree stands 18" tall and is made almost entirely of sculpted polymer clay, over a frame of wood and wire mesh. It also includes examples of our work with our molds, (You can get our molds at http://theclayshoppe.etsy.com) metallic pigments and alcohol inks. Jewelry findings have been added throughout to encourage extra sparkly inspirations!

I leave tomorrow morning to bring it out to her...can't wait to see how she likes it!

If you or someone you know is interested in a custom design display please contact us via this post or at ametista_etsy@live.com

Bright blessings and happy Spring!

The JaCk SkeLLingToN MoNsTeR bOx

This MoNsTeR bOx is not for sale,
as we don't wish to go to jail.

We captured it for a review
and posted here to show to you,

these lovely pics of Nightmare fright
but Disney owns the copyright.

And though our Skelly shan't be bought
we are satisfied that he was caught.

For you see my friend, that's what we do...
...hunt MoNsTeR bOxes just for you!

See our collection of fine specimens at Ametista Artistic Offerings

Calling all Clay Shoppe Customers...

If you've made something with our molds, we would love to see it. We have created a special blog post to showcase your work. Please convo us with pictures of your work at The Clay Shoppe and we will blog about it!

Marina of Meridian Studio commissioned us to create a custom mold of a specific flower. So we made her a hand carved mold and look what she did with it!

Thank you Marina for sharing your beautiful creation with us.

So send us a picture of what you've created with one of our molds and we will feature your work here.

Ciao!

Pet-a-Palooza 2008

12th Annual Las Vegas Pet-a-Palooza!
There was live music, food and lots of amazing pets to adopt and love.
All-n-all a good time!

Ametista was there to raise funds for the Las Vegas House Rabbit Society, a wonderful nonprofit organization that educates and assists those with pet rabbits. In many cases they also shelter and care for unwanted and injured rabbits until suitable homes can be found.

They have been a great help to me with my 12 rabbits (yes, that's a 12) and I don't know what I would have done without them. So for those nice folks, we put together a new line of custom pet themed photo transfer items to raise money to help with vet bills, food, and other items the rabbits require.

Thanks to everyone who came out and had fun with us! For more information about the event, go to http://www.petapaloozalv.com/index.html