Michael's Art Supplies Shopping SPREE!

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

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

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

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

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? 

Treasure!

 A small treasure arrived in the mail today!

I wonder what steampunkery I shall make with these little gears and watch bits, odds and ends?