Friday, March 23, 2012

Michael's Art Supplies Shopping SPREE!

michaels art supplies


I'm under the opinion that one can never have too much art supplies.

Just when I've finished one project, I'm totally inspired to start a new one - and that generally means I have to find, thrift, or buy something for that particular craft. I also love being on the hunt for unusual art supplies and LOVE that thrill of finally finding just what I didn't know I needed.

My newest crafty ambition involved several items I didn't already have (believe it or not, lol), so I ended up treking out to go find the supplies.

1. Premo! Sculpey Clay

Sculpey Premo Clay
Rainbow assortment of Sculpey Premo Clay.

I totally SPLURGED and bought 9 different colours of Sculpey Polymer Clay. After playing around with the clay for a bit, I found it kind of 'tough' compared to Sculpey III. But when you mix the two together to create a blended colour, the consistency is really nice for sculpting (not too hard, and not too soft).

2. Mica Power

Mica Powder Shiny Clay Colorant
Mica Powder Shiny Clay Colorant
I was so excited to try using Mica powder on polymer clay. The Mica powder gives the clay a gorgeous iridescent shine. I already had a bunch at home since my mom used them in soap and cosmetics sometimes.

Blue Mica Powder
Blue Mica Powder
Here's a little close up of one of the bottles of Mica. I would have taken some pictures of the actual Mica Powder, but it is very messy and I didn't want to waste any. So here's a picture of some, via From Nature With Love:

Teal Mica
Beautiful stuff eh? Makes me think of Tinkerbell's Pixie Dust!

3. Micro beads 

These suckers are aptly named - for they are tiny, and very difficult to get back in their containers. I've seen other crafters and artists talking about these beads, so when I saw some at Michael's on sale, I picked them up. They are VERY tiny, shiny metallic, little bobbles, that add a unique texture to arts and crafts. 

micro beads
Micro Beads
And a close up:
Micro Beads
4. Sculpting Tools

I thought it was also high time I got some good sculpting tools. The ones I had been using before were the really awful changeable screw in kind, and they would often come loose and get filled with clay. These tools, by Sculpey, are clean and beautiful, double-sided, and perhaps best of all - ERGONOMIC. And for those of us who use our hands a lot and have a tendency for tendinitis, these are a blessing. 

Sculpey Clay Tools - you can see my reflection in the big one!

And last but not least, my favourite item of all...

5. GLITTER!

These glitters were very affordably priced, and I thought they would add some extra pizazz to my clay creations, over top of the Mica Powder.

Glitter

Now what did I make with my art supplies, you ask?


Silver Branch Necklace with Green Leaf Pendants
This lovely, unique and original, handmade necklace is up for sale in my etsy shop.



I'd love to hear what you think! Have you ever tried using polymer clay? Do you horde art supplies too, and become a shoppaholic when you're in a craft store? 

13 comments:

  1. oh a girl after my own heart :) craft stuff everywhere lol under the coffee table under the bed in the wardrobe and in the crsft room of course lol clay, beads, knitting, felting, wood burning, scrap booking um painting, oh gosh just too much!! ahhh but it keeps me busy :) now your new creation is just stunning and very apt for the time of year, just as everything is greening up and coming into leaf :) i just love it.... stunning... you clever lady :) x x x have a great crafty weekend

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh I know! Somehow all of that craft stuff gets everywhere LOL! And yet I can still never have enough :P I love all of your creations, by the way, I think you are a very talented artist :)

      And thank you very much for the compliments! I'm glad you like the necklace! (*^▽^*)

      Delete
  2. I love the necklace. It's really pretty.
    Yay for clay!!! I did that a week ago when Micheal's had the clay 4 for $5.00.(stock up with at least 80 packs, lol) Premo Sculpey is one of the best to use, along with Fimo. They both when baked stronger then the Sculpey III. I had researched, and read reviews and such and all of them say that Sculpey III is one for the weakest clays out there, but mixing it with Premo, Fimo or Kato help to make it stronger. They also say the best mixing for the strongest is Premo with Fimo. I just picked up the same tools last week too to go along with the tools that I had gotten from cf originals a few years ago.
    I love using the mica powder on clay. You can also use alcohol ink on light colored clay for some cool coloring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much! And thank you for the tips!

      Holy crap, 80 packs!?!? SO JEALOUS! (☆。☆)
      And for such a great price?! That's amazing!

      Delete
  3. I didn't know about mica powder on polymer clay. That explains the shine. I love the colors of the clay and end up slurging too but never come to any use of it!

    Mirobeads are a pain to clean up when the container cracks.
    @__@

    I love the necklace!

    I really want to sponsor you! Guest post, giveaway, button all that jazz! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your thoughtful comment Crissy! I'd love all that sponsor-y jazz! What do you need from me? (I've never done this before). I'll message you on your blog too!

      Delete
    2. A button for your blog and etsy. ILIKEBOTH!

      Guest post can be anything. You know, recent projects/photos.. anything you want to share. I'll post it up :D

      Delete
  4. gorgeous colors! those must be so fun to experiment with!

    http://daydreamfrenzy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. how CUTE and creative are you??? love.

    ReplyDelete
  6. OMGoodness that is so beautiful! My daughter and I visited you today and we loved all your jewelry. We love making jewelry as well. We were so happy to find you and of course we are now following you!!! Love your blog! And YES we buy and horde all sorts of crafting supplies. We love jewelry making items, ribbons, lace, paper, paints, and just about everything. Hugs, Beverly Tea Cottage Pretties.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohh! Thank you so much for stopping by! I'm glad you gals liked my blog! I love yours too! :)

      Delete

Every comment is read and appreciated! I love hearing your thoughts! :)
Feel free to leave a link to your blog so I can check it out! :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...