This is a piece of coral my son found on the beach in Florida in 2007. It is an extraordinary piece of coral in that it reminds me of that precious time and floods me with wonderful memories each time I look at it. I remember the feeling of contentment and peace of mind seeing my family enjoy the sand, sun and ocean.
But I also found that by just using the top section of the coral I could create this very interesting crackle effect in beads;
The sides of the coral added a nice texture to the edge of these clay discs;
I am thrilled to get so many uses out of one item! It has opened my eyes to looking at every little object with potential for so much more. A change of position and color of paint and I have a seemingly endless way to decorate polymer clay art beads!
Much Love & Respect,
Shannon
missficklemedia.com
Flowermouse Design
May 14, 2010 at 1:16 pmVery creative and such a lovely pattern!!
TesoriTrovati
May 14, 2010 at 1:40 pmHow beautiful! What an amazing find, and such a stunning array of uses. Inspiration truly is everywhere! Makes me kick myself for not buying those beads when I just placed my order. Dang. Next time then! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the day! Erin
Jeannie
May 14, 2010 at 2:04 pmAwesome Blossom! Those disks would look great with this months challenge.
I know what you mean about keeping your eyes open for potential objects.
Designing and Art has changed the way I look at the world! I was lucky to have this happen at a very young age.
Studio Sylvia
May 14, 2010 at 2:04 pmAmazing what creative flair and ingenuity can create.
Malin de Koning
May 14, 2010 at 2:09 pmWow – how strange – i have just been roaming around my house for things to create structures in polymer clay with. The table is all set up and as soon as Arabella, my 6 1/2 daughter arrives, we shall start creating. Any minute now!
Unfortunately i didn't have any coral at home. But you inspired me greatly anyway, as always.
cindydolezaldesigns
May 14, 2010 at 2:22 pmVery cool. I love to reuse things for different purposes. Any time I walk with my husband I am always picking things up off the ground. He used to quiz me about why I would pick up each thing, now he just shrugs.
Claire Maunsell
May 14, 2010 at 3:27 pmOh you are such a woman after my own heart – how you described your experience is the way I look at every little thing now! Walking in the forest can be very slow for this reason, but so also can a visit to a thrift shop and for the same reason!
And then there's the stuff in my pockets at the end of the day….
Nadiaher
May 14, 2010 at 6:11 pmJ'aime beaucoup votre imagination et vos créations, toutes plus belles les unes que les autres!
Beatnheart
May 14, 2010 at 6:29 pmThese are lovely.. I need to know more about clay. I am so interested but don't know the ins and outs. I have old sculpey clap but it seems to break apart and bakes to a dark grey color..also how do you make the mold?? do you need a mold for everything?
Cindy
May 14, 2010 at 7:39 pmGreat ideas. I love that pendant, and the way you've gotten different textures from your beautiful piece of coral. I'm off to examine my beach finds to see what I can make now! Or maybe some thick bark pieces would also be good. Thanks for sharing your inspiration.
Kella
May 14, 2010 at 8:04 pmSo many uses and so many designs, wonderful.
Christine
May 15, 2010 at 1:07 amGreat beads. It's wonderful when you discover multiple uses from one find. Very interesting!
Azure Islands Designs
May 16, 2010 at 1:49 pmGreat work…truly an inspiration to those who've never worked in such a medium!
Cheers
Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor
May 17, 2010 at 4:08 pmHey what a second, it looks different around here! Wow, thought I was at the wrong site for a minute. Love the new look guys!
Your style as always Shannon is so organic and cool looking. These gorgeous creations are no exception!!
missficklemedia.com
May 21, 2010 at 2:03 pmThank you so much! I would love to see what some designers do with the new metal coated patina-ted beads I am making.