Helen's Clay Art

Andrei's Auction Chair by Christy Dickerson

2011-08-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Christy Dickerson created this chair for an auction.

The Magical Mosaic Chair

Polymer clay artist Christy Dickerson created many different designs of clay tiles for this amazing creation. Meant to serve as a pedestal or shelf, the chair is a masterpiece of mosaic work in black wood and colored metallic tiles.

Here are a couple of links (and here)with more information.

Copper Guitar

2011-04-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Copper Guitar

Metalwork by Brian Hughes
Textured copper by Rick Novito

This hand crafted copper guitar is a one of a kind piece of art made as a memorial to Rick Novito for his family.

The story starts with a request from Rick to Brian for help to fabricate a copper counter top. Rick, a talented woodworker, was making a hutch for his home and wanted to put a textured copper top on the counter, letting it age naturally. Brian asked Rick to purchase the copper for him to fabricate into the counter.

After quite some time, Rick called Brian back to let him know he was ready. He finished hammering the copper and was ready for it to be formed into the counter top. Rick's arm was sore and it took forever to texture the copper. Brian gasped, knowing the copper was suppose to be textured after being adhered to the counter. He asked Rick what the copper looked like. After finding out that it was all rippled Brian informed Rick that he had jumped into altering the surface too soon, he was to texture the metal after it was attached to the surface of the hutch. In a effort to save it, they worked the metal, rolling it through rollers, heating it, rolling it some more but there was no saving this counter top.

Rick finished his hutch, covering the top with marble so his mother could make ravioli. The copper sat in Rick's basement from then on and was a running joke whenever they spoke. Every now and then, Brian would ask Rick, what about the copper....what are you going to do with it.

Unfortunately Rick passed away, the copper was still in his basement years later, aging naturally. Rick's mother, Gloria, requested that Brian make something from the copper. As a tribute to Rick and his talent as a musician, Brian used the copper counter top to make this guitar. Rick loved playing music. The texture on the surface of the guitar is the hard work of Rick Novito. The fabrication of the copper into the guitar is the hard work of Brian Hughes, my husband.

To hear some of beautiful music from Rick, go to "Rick Novito Memorial" on facebook.

More Button Jewelry

2011-01-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

Button Bracelet

White and Gold Button Bracelet

Button Necklace

Cream and Gold Button Necklace

Button Bracelets and Necklace

2011-01-16T15:44:00.001-08:00

Look at the bracelets and necklace created from buttons. A few weeks ago my friend asked me if I would like some buttons. Of course, I said yes. There is something inside of me that loves buttons, maybe it comes from my early days when sewing was my passion or maybe it was from looking through button jars at my grandmothers house. I don't know what it is, but there is just something intoxicating about buttons. Campfire will be using the extra buttons at summer camp for incentives. Today has been fun, creating something different from my clay creations. Now don't get me wrong, my mind was wandering off to clay land while I was making my button creations, thinking about ways to incorporate the two. I'll put it on my bucket list.

Metalsmith Workshop with Linda Peterson

2010-09-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out Craftechuniversity, you need to now. Look at this new class by Linda Peterson. All of the details about this class can be found at http://www.craftechuniversity.com/. These classes are interactive. Space is limited, so don't delay.

You've Got Mail!

2010-09-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

A little ghostly surprise in the mail today.

Mixing Metals and Polymer

2010-05-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

My favorite metal and polymer pendant.

Cuff Bracelet

Polymer Bead and Metal Ring

Breast Cancer Awareness

Pins made to support a friend walking in September 2010.

Day 3 and 4 - Road Trip 2010

2010-04-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

After a day without internet, we are finally connected. Below are a couple of photos from our trip yesterday.

We would have stopped to see Klew's shop if I had known her address. Darn! I'll try to stop on our way home to either her shop in Tehachapi or Ridgecrest.

Views from our truck window today, while passing over the mountains near Tehachapi.

A familiar sight as we approach Palm Springs.

Day 2 - Road Trip 2010

2010-03-30T20:29:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Imagine our surprise this morning when we woke up to snow.

Snow in Yreka, California

Shasta Lake

A view from our truck window.

Is this couple lost?
There really can not be much dinner along side the highway.

Brian and I stopped off in Biggs, CA to visit some friends that we met 23 years ago at Harvest Festival in Phoenix, Arizona. Kristi was just an infant and screaming like crazy while we were setting up our craft booth. I'll never forget our experienced parent neighbors at the show, Jeannie and Terry. As we tried to apologize for our baby that was fussing, however they assured us that once the show started she would settle down. Both Brian and I were shocked to find out that they were right, Kristi did settle down and sleep the entire show. Jeannie and Terry have been great friends ever since. We've participated in many of the same shows over the years, until their show retirement about six years ago. It was great to reconnect with them and catch up on each others lives. How I forgot to get a photo of them, I'll never know.

Now we are resting in Chowchilla, California for the night. Tomorrow Palm Springs, here we come.

Day 1 - Road Trip 2010

2010-03-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 29, 2010
Here we go again, Brian and I left today and have headed for the California desert. This morning we started out around 9am, ended up in Yreka, California at 6:30pm. Granted it is just inside the northern California border, but it is California. It is so cold in the mountains. California is a long state so I highly doubt that we'll make it to the desert tomorrow. Maybe we'll surprise our friends in Biggs, CA.

Metal Rings

2010-03-28T11:26:00.001-07:00

After breaking my wrist made it impossible for me to wear my rings, the solution was to make new rings in larger sizes. Here are a couple of my creations that I can wear until the swelling goes down on my right hand.

Three Metal Pendants

2010-03-21T12:01:00.001-07:00

Finally finished some new work.

Below are three pendants with assorted metals.

I Won! I Won!! I Won!!!

2010-02-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

Look at what I won from Melanie Holloway. Make sure you check out her blog. Isn't this bear cute? I love him! Thank you again Melanie.

Newest earrings

2010-02-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

After making several different types of leaf canes last weekend, I used the leftovers colors to make these earrings. I love how they turned out and look forward to finishing them so that I can wear them.

Mokume Gane Salad Utensils

2010-02-16T11:10:00.001-08:00

This set of salad utensils shows an example of mokume gane. I love the colors of this set.

My Secret Sister sent me.....

2010-02-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

a package on Thursday. Isn't this snowman just the cutest thing you ever saw?

Santa and Gingers on a USPS mail truck

2009-11-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Polymer clay Santa sculpture created on a ceramic USPS mail truck.

Sharing a Beautiful Sunset - October 7, 2009

2009-11-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

While downloading the photos from my California trip I came across these few photos taken of a fall sunset off my deck. This is why I love Seattle, our sunsets are so beautiful.

California trip photos

2009-11-08T10:41:00.001-08:00

As you can see from the photos below, this trip was all work and no play. We traveled down I-5 instead of the coast. In addition, the photos were taken from the truck and we didn't take time to stop for the photo opts. This wasn't nearly as enjoyable as our last trip. Our next trip will include scenic stops. If we are going to travel by auto down to California, we may as well see the country and make it worth it. All of these photos were taken October 16 and 17th.

I believe this is the Sacramento River, but I could be wrong.

This photo and the one below were take of a lake near the grapevine, but again, I could be wrong. It has been nearly a month since I took these and they are undocumented.

No photos until I get home...computer broke.

2009-10-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Mini Trip to California

2009-10-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Brian and I are on our way to Indio, California. We left this late morning and plan to stay approximately two weeks getting our little home away from home ready to rent. Our first night is in Ashland, Oregon. Who knows how far we will get tomorrow. No pictures to show you tonight, but tomorrow I'll be sure to snap a few.

The Great Clay Escape 2009

2009-10-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was "The Great Clay Escape." My girlfriends and I had so much fun. Cathy Johnston was our special guest, teaching us a couple of classes, her necklace purse and mini book. This was the one of the best classes I've had in a while. Cathy showed us book making and an easy transfer technique. The necklace purse has compartments inside to hold credit cards, drivers license and a couple of folded dollar bills. This is going to be really handy, imagine shopping without a large purse. Check out my finished projects below. All of us had a wonderful weekend. The weather was perfect, allowing us to have lunch on the deck both days. If you want to see more pictures of our weekend, they are located here: http://picasaweb.google.com/HelenMHughes/TheGreatClayEscape2009#

Turtle Necklace Purse

Miniature Book

The memories of last weekend are not far from my mind as I sit here creating sculptures for my upcoming shows. I have several shows coming in the next months. The first of which is next week. Pumpkins and halloween sculptures are all around me. Those little pumpkins do get to me and so enjoyable to make.

Halloween is coming!

2009-10-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Lately these are my only friends because I've been working so hard for my upcoming shows. They make me smile, especially those pumpkins.

Necklace

2009-08-05T18:58:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I've posted, but for good reason. I've been busy helping my daughter remodel her house.

Here is my latest completed project. The focal was made while at clay camp in May. I like the use of metal with polymer.

Road Trip - The Last Hours

2009-04-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 23rd

Snoqualmie Pass

While Brian was pumping gas and I was cleaning the bugs off the windshield and still wearing the summer clothes, we were shivering. We had packed up our winter clothes early in our trip, pushing them to the deep crevices in the back of the truck not knowing they would be needed again. After we left the redwoods we didn't need them. Yesterday I wished I had them on. It was down right cold. There was a part of me hoping that when we returned home it would be spring, not winter still.

Snoqualmie pass still has tons of snow. There wasn't any snow on the road but it was snowing as we crossed over.

It is good to be home so that we can see our girls again. I'm looking forward to seeing my local relatives and friends. I missed everyone but I must say that I didn't miss the cold.

**Note**

I'm going to fill in with additional photos on some of the previous days posts. The internet connection was slow on some days making it difficult if not impossible to upload photos.

Road Trip - Day 33

2009-04-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 23rd

Outside of Yellowstone National Park in MontanaLook closely at the photo above to see the long horn sheep speckled in the hillside. Looking up hillside we saw maybe ten long horn sheep camouflaged into the landscape. Seven in the photo above and three more nearby.

If the first three long horn sheep were not on the roadside we never would of noticed the ones on the hillside.

We are about four hours outside of Seattle, so this will most likely be my last post about our road trip. It definately was a trip that I'll never forget. Brian asked me yesterday which part was my favorite. I thought for a few minutes and I couldn't reply. There were too many, I couldn't choose just one or a couple. But I must say that visiting with all of our relatives and friends were great. Some of those people we hadn't seen in 15 years. Thank you to all our friends and relatives for their hospitality and when you make it to the Pacific Northwest we will try to make your trip as wonderful as you've made ours.

Road Trip - Day 32

2009-04-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 22nd

Happy Birthday to my Mother-in-Law, Ellie

The Tetons

Road Trip - Day 31 (continued)

2009-04-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 21st

(continued)

Yellowstone National ParkOld Faithful

Elk grazing

An up close and personal view with a Bison.
Check out the reflection in the hood of Brian's truck. It was definately too close for me, and Brian was on cloud 9.

An archway at the north entrance to the park:
Yellowstone National Park
For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People
Created by Act of Congress

March 1, 1872

This morning we intended to enter Yellowstone via the south entrance, however after driving up there, we found out the south entrance to the park was closed. We had to turn around and go in the west entrance. Boy that put a damper on the day, however we were able to see fantastic views of the Tetons. There wasn't a cloud in the sky at the time. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all. Immediately after entering Yellowstone we encountered some elk near the rivers edge, just a few feet from the road. Not far up the road there were bison in the road. There were approximately a dozen of them trotting down the middle of the road. We were blown away. I was frightened and Brian was excited. Wildlife sightings included swans, deer, geese, elk, bison, coyote or wolf, and moose. Mostly we saw Bison and Elk.

Road Trip - Day 31

2009-04-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 21st

Jackson Hole, WyomingJust a few elk horns

Ski slope in Jackson Hole

Another view of the slopes in Jackson Hole. We saw several skiers and snowboarders making their way down the hills. Some with their dogs running behind. They must have hiked up in order to ski down since the lifts were not running. Now that is exercise.

I'll try to take a few more photos of the town today before we leave for Yellowstone. It is a beautiful community with an old western flair.

Road Trip - Day 30

2009-04-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 20th

Scenic View of the mountains in Wyoming Hundreds of elk feeding off the side of the highway. This photo only shows a few of the many that were there. At first I thought they were sheep, but with a closer examination and with Brian yelling at me ( I mean "telling"), I was mistaken, they were ELK.

What a privilege to see this off the side of the road.

Afton, Wyoming
Elk horn Archway over the roadway in town.

We traveled north towards Jackson, weaving in and out of states. Starting out in Nephi, Utah, then crossing over into Wyoming, then back to Utah, back to Wyoming, then into Idaho and finally back into Wyoming. It was quite an interesting drive north towards Yellowstone.

See we did go over into Idaho.

Unfortunately Utah doesn't welcome its travelers with a sign. At first I thought that I had missed the sign when we first came over the state line from the Grand Canyon yesterday. However after traveling in and out of Utah today, there weren't any signs. So Brian and I decided to take photos of the Wyoming and Idaho welcome signs.

Mountain views, I think these mountains were outside of Provo, Utah. I could be wrong. As you know we had a long day and with all of those crossings over state lines, who knows what mountains they are.

Tomorrow we plan to go north and into Yellowstone National Park. Hopefully we'll be able to see some things. Our lunch waitress informed us that much of Yellowstone is still closed for winter. Old Faithful is suppose to be open, so at least we'll see that.

Road Trip - Day 29

2009-04-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 19th

Glen Canyon Dam and Bryce Canyon

A marina off in the distance and up river from the dam.

Glen Canyon Dam

Bryce Canyon

This morning we visited the Glen Canyon Dam. It is constructed in much the same manner as Hoover Dam. At the visitors center we purchased a Utah map so we could figure out our path for the day. We went north to Bryce Canyon. On our way into the park we saw a peek of the HooDoo’s They are rock columns and suppose to look like people. Some of the photos above show my favorite sights for the day. After going to Bryce Canyon we hit the highway again and ended our day in Nephi, Utah, just outside of Provo, Utah.

Road Trip - Day 28

2009-04-18T19:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday, April 18th

The Grand Canyon

Vinnie, Carla and Brian

Snowy mountains somewhere around Flagstaff.

Indian Arts and Crafts Fair at a scenic overlook.

Scenic Overlook on our way to the Grand Canyon

Vinnie and Carla are leaving us and the Grand Canyon to head back to Sun City.

Good Bye and Thank you so much for your hospitality Vinnie and Carla.

I believe this is a Raven. We have tons of crows in Seattle, but I've never seen a raven.

Ravens are so big

Brian and I enjoyed our trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon with my brother, Vinnie and his wife Carla. The sights were incredible. The Grand Canyon is a sight I hope everyone has a chance to see. You can't quite get the magnitude of the Grand Canyon until you see it in person. Many people told us that and when I stood on the overlook at the first vista point while in the park, I knew they were right. It is incredible!

At the end of our journey, Vinnie and Carla drove south and we drove east to get around the canyon so we could head north. We are grateful for their hospitality during the last week. It allowed us to be able to spend time with all of Brian's relatives in the greater Phoenix area. Thank you Vinnie and Carla. Tonight we are spending the night in Page, Arizona.

Road Trip - Day 27

2009-04-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 17th

Trip to Sedona, Arizona

Wild Horse Burgers

This place is a no nonsense place but is quite well known for their burgers. I have to agree, great burgers.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Check out the Hopi Indian homes carved into the mountain.

Red Rock formations near Sedona

Road Trip - Day 26

2009-04-16T20:37:00.001-07:00

Thursday, April 16th

Dave Capeloto playing the piano at Ruffino's

Ellie, Dave and Brian

Brian with his Uncle Bill

Today we ventured out to Chandler, Arizona to visit Brian's relatives. First we tried to see his mother, who was vacationing down here, however she wasn't home so we tried his Uncle Bill and Aunt Jeanne's house around the corner. Jeanne wasn't home, but we did visit with Uncle Bill for a while. We decided to go to Ruffino's for lunch and hopefully meet up with Dave, Brian's cousin. Before heading out, we drove back around the corner to see if Ellie and Pam had returned. Luckily they were home. We chatted with both of them and then asked if they wanted to go see Dave. Ellie decided to go with us, because she had already seen the Titanic exhibit that the others were going to. We had a wonderful lunch and it was fun to reconnect with Dave again. It is amazing that the more people we see, we realize that everyone seems the same. I guess that is a good thing. We had another sunny day in Arizona. If you have a moment check back a few days to see the additional photos I am uploading of Vinnie and Carla's beautiful home.

Road Trip - Day 25

2009-04-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 15th

Tax Day

Mike's Hot Tub

Mike and Claudia's hot tub seats something like twenty people. I can't remember how many jets he said it has but it has a ton of them. This hot tub was the most beautiful tub I've ever seen. Check out that waterfall. Another waterfall is on the far side that you can't see. The waterfall pools into a pond and has a bridge to walk over. Their backyard landscape incorporates many northwest elements like greenery, colorful flowers and water. These elements help them from missing the northwest. I wish that I had taken more photos.

Road Trip - Day 24

2009-04-14T16:33:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, April 14th

Anthem, Arizona

Claudia and Mike

Brian and Mike

Today was spent visiting with Brian's cousin, Mike and his wife, Claudia. It's been a while since we were able to just sit down and chat. When Mike and Claudia come to Seattle they are so busy with so many relatives to visit that we never have that much time to chat. So today was nice, it was just the four of us.

Road Trip - Day 23

2009-04-13T22:09:00.001-07:00

Monday, April 13th

Cave Creek, Arizona

Cave Creek Information Center

Metal Sculptures

Quiet Moments

Brian and I drove back up to Cave Creek to see the town. Saturday when we stopped in to visit Steve and Franca most of the town has closed up for the night. The pictures above show the town as if was a step back in time. We loved looking at all of the adobe homes and hillsides peppered with cactus. This trip has shown mother nature at its finest and we are totally enjoying every moment.

Road Trip - Day 22

2009-04-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 12th

Carla and Vinnie

Vinnie's morning ritual of relaxing in his back yard, by the pool with a golf course view

Golf course looking right from the back yard.

Golf course view looking left in the back yard.

Vinnie and Carla's home in Corta Bella

Pool in their back yard

Today has been such a kick back day. Vinnie golfed in the morning while Brian got his truck washed. Carla and I did a little shopping. After we got home I made a big pot of Chicken Chili for lunch. It was nice to see the sun shining again after yesterdays cold rainy day. This evening Carla and my brother made us a delicious dinner. Happy Easter everyone!

Road Trip - Day 21

2009-04-11T16:46:00.001-07:00

Saturday, April 10th

Steve and FrancaGuess who we visited today in Cave Creek, AZ? Currently we are sitting back and enjoying our friends. More photos tomorrow...

Road Trip - Day 20

2009-04-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 10th

Landscape photo on our way to Arizona.

The following are photos of the park in Indio, CA

Entrance gate to Rancho Casa Blanca
Side entrance water featureLooking down to the main clubhouseMain ClubhouseWater feature on the Golf Course
Today we have met up with my brother and excited to be visiting for a few days.

Road Trip - Day 19

2009-04-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 9th

I've been trying to upload some photos of the place that we stayed at while in Indio, however the internet is very slow, maybe tomorrow. We spent most of the day cleaning up and packing our things for our upcoming travels. Today we are heading out in the late afternoon for Sun City West, AZ.

Road Trip - Day 18

2009-04-08T19:58:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, April 8th

Uncle Jack and Auntie Jan

Brian and Auntie Jan

Auntie Jan in her personalized golf cart. She is buzzing all around delivering artichokes to everyone this evening. The wind kicked up and was kinda chilly this evening. I had to put on a jacket. Tomorrow we plan to get things together for our travels. Again, as much as I'm excited to see my brother and sister-in-law, it will be hard to leave Brian's family. Vinnie, we'll be there soon!

I'm losing track of days and will have to go back to each post and put the day of the week. Some days I don't get to post and I think putting the days of the week will help me.

Road Trip - Day 17

2009-04-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 7th

Bruce and Kim Capeloto

Kim and JoeyJannie Capeloto's son, Joey came down to visit his Grandma and Grandpa and his Aunt and Uncle. Joey had no idea that his neighbors in Seattle were here to visit.

Brian and I with his Uncle Larry Capeloto

Brian and I have shopped more since we have been on vacation than we ever do in Seattle. We had a dinner over at Bruce and Kim's house last night. Dinner was so good and there were so many choices. Brian's Auntie Jan and Uncle Jack were over as well, lots and lots of laughs. We really miss these guys. It would be nice to see them more often. This trip has been so much fun and I really love the sunshine.

Road Trip - Day 16

2009-04-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Monday April 6th

It is another wonderful sunny day in Palm Springs. Brian is not missing our Washington weather. We woke up and took off early to get some coffee and shopping. We are planning to spend a few days here. Brians friend has offered us his place in Indio to stay at while we visit relatives. Joey DiFabio is going to fly in this evening to spend his spring break with his Aunt Bunny (aka Kim) and Uncle Bruce, as well as his Grandma and Grandpa. Kim and Aunt Jan are planning a dinner tomorrow night with everyone. It is sure to bring lots of fun and laughter. We'll be sure to take some photos to share with you in the next couple of days.

Brian wants to buy a small space down here so we'll be able to come down each year for the winter. It is quite tempting.

Road Trip - Day 15

2009-04-05T19:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday, April 5th

Carolyn with her one horsepower Corvette

Moorten's Botanical Garden

Linda and Kim

Cindy and Doug

Carolyn's shop, Vivant Interiors of Palm Desert

Road Trip - Day 14

2009-04-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 4th

Another day of shocking relatives. First it was Kim, unfortunately Bruce was out of town. Then it was Uncle Jack and Aunt Jan, which shocked both them and us as we were not expecting to see them. More detail to follow after we get back from dinner.

Road Trip - Day 13

2009-04-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 3rd

Joe's Pool and Spa

Today was both a happy day and sad day. We left my sister and her family but we did have a great time this week. Here is a photo of Brian with my sisters fiance, Joe, in front of his pool supply store.

Traveling from Huntington Beach to Palm Springs was an experience. Neither Brian, nor I had ever been in a sand storm. The police were on the side of the highway with their sirens on to warn travelers of the danger up ahead. Needless to say Brian was grateful that he waited to wash his truck, however it being sandblasted was not fun.

On the up side we are renewing our friendship with my high school friend, Carolyn and her husband, Clark. It was a priceless moment when we walked into her store and surprised her. I'll never forget her expression. She did not know we were traveling and she definately didn't know that we would be standing outside her office door when she turned around to speak to her customer. I think it was a moment that I can say her mouth dropped to the floor. We gave each other great big hugs. When Carolyn explained to her customer who we were, her customer said that it gave her chills. I think she was just as excited for Carolyn as I was to see her. Oh and tomorrow I'll have to take photos of her store and Clark's (Carolyn's husband) botanical gardens.

We went out to dinner with them and realized that it had been way too long since we had communicated. I miss them. It is times like this that we wonder why do we wait so long? She is my best friend from high school and I need to stay in better contact with her. We have more plans in the next couple of days to catch up.

Road Trip - Day 12

2009-04-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 2nd

Adolfo's

Laguna Beach

This afternoon we stopped at Aldofo's Mexican Food for lunch. Even though you are almost sitting on the sidewalk outside the surrounding flowers give enough privacy from the passing traffic. Tonight will be more family time and our last night in Huntington Beach. Tomorrow we plan to travel east to Palm Springs, hopefully being able to visit with an old high school friend.

Road Trip - Day 11

2009-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 1st

Huntington Beach, CA

Ruby and JoeNathan

A day late with my day 11 post.
Yesterday my sister and I spent most of the day beading while Brian spent most of the day with her fiance. I did take a couple of photos of the family but not of any scenic locations. Today should be different because Brian would like to go to Laguna Beach today. He didn't get to go the other day. I plan to take him to the same Mexican place that we had lunch at the other day. It was excellent. I'll take a photo of the cute little establishment and all the flowers around the outside dining.

Road Trip - Day 10

2009-03-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 31st

Laguna Beach

The Bead Shop in Laguna Beach

My sister and I spent a while browsing through all the beads in this little bead store, then we went down the block to the other bead store, Beadline. As you would of guessed any day shopping in a bead store is a good day. We also spent the evening in downtown Huntington Beach. The main street is closed off for farmers market and crafts every Tuesday evening. We are getting spoiled with another day of sunshine in southern California.

Road Trip - Day 9

2009-03-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 30th

Yesterday was a great day. We spent the morning catching up on sleep and then had lunch with my sister. Brian and I did some less interesting things for the rest of the afternoon. Brian's truck is nice and clean. He was very impressed with the hand wash car establishment and the care they took with vehicles. Brian wishes they had something similar in Seattle. Last night we had a great home cooked dinner at my sisters house and my craving for spaghetti has been satisfied. It was an enjoyable evening spent with family and I look forward to another day today.

Road Trip - Day 8

2009-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 29th

The Minnow Cafe was our lunch destination on the marina in Santa Barbara. It was just a little tiny place with only enough room inside to place your order and get a soda. Outside were several round picnic tables where one could sit, eat and enjoy the boats docked nearby.

Santa Barbara Beach

Brian and I did enjoy Santa Barbara but I must say our favorite spots seem to be the little tiny towns off the side of the coastal highway. Today's weather was slightly chilly but enjoyable and much nicer than the freezing temps we came from in Washington. We have ended our day in Huntington Beach, CA. and plan to stay here for a few days. Tomorrow will be family time with my sister and her family.

Road Trip - Day 7

2009-03-28T17:37:00.001-07:00

Saturday, March 28th

Beautiful rolling hills on Hwy 1- between Lompoc and Santa Barbara
Check out this carwash. Brian has washed his truck two times in the last few days since we started out trip. Heck if I count the wash the night before our trip started, it is three washes in the span of a week. But this is the fanciest carwash he has used yet.

Okay, I know this is an odd picture to post, but while turning around in Cambria we got caught on a one lane road up a hill and saw this very interesting house. The picture will not show everything, but there are a few toilets, rock arches, shells and much more. We didn't get to stay long because a car came up from behind and we had to move. Click on the photo below to enlarge it and check out the toilet on the left hand side of the roof. There were two other toilets I saw on the left yard, but they didn't get in the picture.

Well...we have settled in for the night in Santa Barbara. Last night we didn't get much sleep with a family turning up after 11pm in the room above us. There were two kids and two adults, but it sounded like a herd of elephants jumping off the beds and running from one end of the room to the other. We are sure to sleep well tonight.

Road Trip - Day 6

2009-03-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 27th

Some Lighthouse along the California Coast

Bean Hollow Point, CA

Another day of not many photos, but that's okay since the internet connection is very slow for uploading photos. We started out this morning in Half Moon Bay. We had lunch on the Wharf in Santa Cruz. We did plan to stay in Monterey, but after getting there and driving on the Wharf and down Cannery Row decided that we like those little towns, so off we went. We ended up in San Simeon. Tonight we drove into Cambria to get gas for tomorrow. The town had closed up before we got there, however I did find a bead store so we'll be back tomorrow on our way out.

Road Trip - Day 5

2009-03-26T21:26:00.001-07:00

Thursday, March 26th

Drive through Tree
Too tight to risk driving through in Brian's new truck.

Golden Gate Bridge Today didn't produce many photos but it was an exciting day. I'm sure the handrest must have permanent marks from my grip. I held on so tight as we winded around each hairpin turn driving from Leggett on Hwy 101 over to Hwy 1. Then no sooner we got over there and a couple hours later we got off Hwy 1 and started traveling through vinyards back towards Hwy 101. Neither Brian, nor I know how that happened. I think it must be those Bentley sport cars that Brian was talking about. He must have just followed the Bentley out of Mendocino and onto Hwy 128. After making our way back over to Hwy 101, traveling down into San Francisco wasn't as nice as the coastal traveling we had been doing in the previous days. After going over the Golden Gate Bridge we quickly made our way back to Hwy 1 and the familiar coast. Tonight we ended our trip in Half Moon Bay and went to the harbor for dinner. Ahhh...I'm sure to sleep well tonight.

Road Trip - Day 4

2009-03-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 25th

Wood sculpture near Orick, CA
Elk FeedingCalifornia Redwoods
Just outside of Crescent City we drove up into the redwood wonderland up Howland Hill Road. The road started out being paved but quickly changed to a dirt road. Brian posed for this picture at Stout Grove Loop. The old-growth redwoods were spectacular to say the least.
Our day ended in the very small town of Garberville.

Road Trip - Day 3

2009-03-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 24th

Great day in Oregon. No rain.
Below is one of Brians favorite boats in the Bandon Marina.

Old Town Bandon

Umpqua Lighthouse

We decided to stop in Brookings, Oregon for the night, it might just be the last town before the northern California border.

Road Trip - Day 2

2009-03-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 23rd

Astoria BridgeTillamook Air Museum Jetty Fishery

Started out in Astoria, Oregon, traveled south on Hwy 101 to Florence, Oregon. It rained off and on, all day today. The skies were grey and even though the visibility wasn't the best, we did see the beautiful Oregon coastline. Granted the day would have been so much more beautiful with sunny skies, but we have to remember that it is still March. We're looking forward to the sun in our near future, maybe not tomorrow, but hopefully soon.

Road Trip - Day 1

2009-03-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 22nd

Lewis and Clark Bridge connecting Washington and Oregon

Good-bye WashingtonLooking up at the bridge while traveling over it.

Today our travels began in the afternoon around 2:30pm. We drove down I-5, turning off at exit 36 to head over to the Lewis and Clark Bridge and into Oregon, headed west for a while and ended our day in Astoria, Oregon.

When the sun rises I'll take another photo of a bridge, the Astoria Bridge. The hotel we're staying at is almost under it.

Tea Cup Bunny

2009-03-11T15:00:00.001-07:00

Just in time for Easter is this bunny wearing a pink floppy hat and tucked safely inside of this miniature tea cup.

Bunny in a tea cup
Originally uploaded by helensclayart

Triple charmed earrings

2009-03-11T08:54:00.001-07:00

New earrings to match my bracelet made with the same beads.

Triple charmed earrings
Originally uploaded by helensclayart

Extruded Bead Dangle Bracelet

2009-02-28T11:06:00.001-08:00

Handcrafted extruded polymer clay beads, bugle beads, metal disk beads and matte black square beads adorn this antiqued brass bracelet. This very simple designed bracelet is fun to wear.

Blue, Gold and Black Striped Necklace

2009-02-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Necklaces

2009-02-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Sunset

2009-02-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

Incredible sunset in February

Mosaic Cup

2009-02-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

Polymer clay mosaic cup in purple, black and olive colored clay. This cup was inspired from several sections on my first mosaic mirror frame using these colors and a dot theme. I love dots. I plan to use this in my studio to hold my polymer clay tools.

Mosaic Mirrors

2009-01-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

Polymer clay mosaic mirror frames using a few of the veneers posted a couple of days ago.

The mirrors have been removed to eliminate reflection while taking the photo.

Recycle and Reuse

2009-01-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

My new favorite way for turning scrap clay into beautiful veneers.

Scrap polymer clay from previous projects can be recycled for reuse in a number of ways. Barbara McGuire teaches one technique in her Creative Canes book. However the first time I was introduced to this technique was in a class taught by Kathleen Dustin.

Of course I've tweaked it a bit because after repeating a technique for a while I get bored and come up with variations. Converting scrap clay into these veneers has become an obsession and is a great use for those bags of clay I've been saving under my worktable. Here are the results and my variations; tell me what you think.

Here is the first variation. This is inspired from two great polymer clay artists, Susan Hyde's Faux Fabric and Sarah Shriver's Complex Canes, where the lights and darks are flipped to give contrast. So of course I couldn't stop there. After making this veneer (top), it was too busy. To alleviate this problem I added a striped portion (bottom) to break up the design. I liked the stripes so much that I did several in this manner, here are a couple of my favorites.

Finally Finished!

2009-01-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

Lindly Haunani would be proud of me finally finishing this mirror frame started in one her class years ago. The class was so long ago that I can't remember how we removed the glued in mirror. The next frame will not take as long to complete, as soon as I figure out how to remove the little mirror from the center of the new frame.

Let it Snow

2008-12-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Miniature Scenes

2008-11-14T06:54:00.001-08:00

More Mini's

2008-11-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

Mini's Mini's Mini's

2008-11-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Images from my work table:

Trip to Huntington Beach

2008-10-22T16:22:00.001-07:00

Mom and I just returned from our trip to Huntington Beach. Unfortunately I didn't take many photos. One of our day trips was a trip to...

Here's Mom sitting on a bench in Balboa.

We had some quality time with my sister and her son. Lots of shopping, eating and laughs. Here is a great picture of my sister, Ruby and her son, Nathan.

Now that I'm home it is time to get to work making miniatures for my shows. Stay tuned in for some photos of what's on my work table.

Halloween Sculptures

2008-09-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

In the mood for Halloween? I love sculpting the faces on pumpkins. They make me smile. My roots in polymer clay begin with sculpting sports and occupational Christmas ornaments in bread dough, and later switching to polymer clay. Details that can be obtained with polymer clay changed my art completely. Today I still have many of the same customers who started purchasing bread dough ornaments from me in the 1970's. Oh how I have changed. Maybe one day I'll post some of my earliest figures.

Creative inspiration

2008-09-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago was the Northwest Bead Society Bead Bazaar, I renewed a friendship with another clayer, Fanita Brandeis. She has a unique style. Most of her beads are larger in size and incorporate many layers, mixing paints, foils, papers, and textures. Our polymer clay guild is lucky, Fanita will be giving a demostration at our meeting in January and I'm looking forward to her presentation.

After the bead show I came home and sitting in front of me was a veneer sheet of polymer mokume gane waiting to be used in some manner. Immediately inspired from my bead show experience and Fanita, I used that veneer to make the beads on this necklace. My beads don't have the level of depth to them that Fanita puts into her beads, but she inspired me. Thank you Fanita for the inspiration you have given me.

So the inspiration didn't stop with the previous necklace, it kept going. The smaller round word beads were also sitting on my work surface waiting their turn to be incorporated into a creation. This next necklace and bracelet set is more rustic and organic, but allowed me to use those word beads, many of which are inspirational.

Many Necklaces

2008-08-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Three Strand Necklace

2008-08-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a picture does not show the true beauty of the piece, and it is the case here. Oh how I wish you could see it in person.

A Work in Progress

2008-08-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Charm Necklace

Definately a work in progress but it is exciting to add to this necklace bit by bit. Many hours have been spent on it and I am thinking that there are many more to come. A mixture of materials are used, polymer clay, glass beads, pearls, and more.

Love these!

2008-08-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Red and Black Earrings

Several shades of red and orange polymer clay decorate the polymer clay focal beads, black veins separate the colors.

Sophisticated Serving Utensils

2008-08-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Tinted translucent clay with gold leaf wrap around these serving utensils. Contrasting black streaks add interest.

Last weekend ended up being one of my best of the summer. What could be more enjoyable than claying with your best friends from morning till night? Over the weekend I worked on a number of items, but these pieces of silverware were my favorite. When the holidays come around you'll know what will be used at my house.

Another Blast from the Past

2008-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Love this inro!

This is an example of many firsts. Gwen Gibson taught this class at Ravensdale 2000. Not only was this class my first introduction to inro's, it was the first instruction on silk screening I encountered. Gwen provided me a great foundation and the building blocks for quality polymer clay construction in this studio class. The class was three days long and I enjoyed every minute of it. I am thankful for all that she taught me.

What I'm wearing today

2008-06-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

Blast from the Past

Here is a necklace I'm wearing today with an outfit of black and white. These fun beads were made a couple of years ago at clay camp. It could of been last year, but I'm thinking it was the year before. Anyways, they are super simple and I'm almost embarrassed at how easy they were to make. Just take an oval unbaked clay bead that has been sitting for some time, push colored eyelets into the bead in a random order. Pierce and bake. See! Super simple! Some other thoughts on how to change them are to add a different color of clay to the center of the eyelets. Wouldn't that be fun for summer? Mix and match eyelets and clay. The combinations are endless and could match any outfit. Isn't this a great beginner project?

Blue Green Etched Necklace

2008-06-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

After the first stringing of these beads it was apparent, considering the work involved in making these beads, they deserved a much nicer chain. Below is the necklace reworked, adding a small faceted bead on both sides of the handmade etched beads.

Etched Translucent Necklace

2008-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

It is a good feeling to complete another project. This etching technique was first taught to me by Linda Goff at Ravensdale 2000. Gwen Gibson had Linda come into our inro class for a quick demo on etching or the rip-away technique. Recently the technique has been revisited by Louise Fischer Cozzi and is the inspiration for this piece.

Small Round Clocks

2008-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Clocks featuring a variety of techniques.

New and Old

2008-04-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

It has been an effort to clean up. During the ordeal I've come across several projects that were started or beads that were made trying a new technique. My friends tell me that I never put together jewelry with the clay beads I make, so it my goal to work on all of the half finished projects and actually make jewelry with them.

Bead Expo in Portland

2008-04-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Sarah Shriver Pendant

Early Friday morning Rita and I headed south to Portland for a fine silver fusing class that began at 9am. This required us rise at 3:30am. The Bead Expo in Portland, Oregon ended up being a great learning experience. We both took Low Tech Metalsmithing from Anne Mitchell . Anne taught us to fuse fine silver. I learned quite a bit from her that morning including that the two torches I own are not ones she recommends. After the tool and safety talk, we made ear wires, "S" and "J" hooks, toggles, bales and textured fine silver. Fusing silver is much easier than soldering. But even after taking this class my fear of working with torches is still there. Julia Sober says she'll work with me at clay camp in May to resolve these issues. If you have a chance, go visit Julia Sober's website, she makes some innovative polymer clay and silver creations.

Friday evening Jayne Hoffman took us to a very trendy place in Portland for dinner and then for dessert. Pix Patisserie has unusual desserts that are definitely not diet material, but were so yummy. I indulged in the Shazam! It is a rich and creamy caramel mousse, with salted almonds, dense chocolate almond cake, and more caramel…Shazam!

Saturday morning we had time to browse the bead show before heading home. This allowed me the opportunity to purchase another pendant from Sarah Shriver who was exhibiting at the bead show. I enjoy Sarah Shriver's work.

Karen Kozak Pendant

2008-03-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sarah Shriver

2008-03-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sarah Shriver is an expert in kaleidoscope caning, the simplicity of this necklace appealed to me.

Elise Winters Earrings

2008-03-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Words can not express how fortunate I am to own a pair of earring by Elise Winters.

Maggie Maggio Necklace

2008-03-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

A present to myself purchased from the Synergy gallery.

Reversible necklace by Maggie Maggio. Each side rotates to show another color allowing one to choose which side to wear. Maggie is so creative.

Synergy I- Moving Forward Looking Back

2008-02-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

Synergy passed in a flash! I'm moving forward but want to look back. Where did those 4 days go? It seems like I was just packing for the trip and I'm home already. The National Polymer Clay Guild held a top notch conference. The convention center is spectacular. The open areas were large enough that you never felt crammed or crowded. The convention center even had a Starbucks, so we could get our coffee fix in the morning. The Tremont Plaza hotel was approximately a half mile away from the convention center but so elegant that it made up for the distance. A big perk of attending Synergy was that it coincided with the American Craft Council show. The artists exhibiting were the best of the best.

Over the three days, there were speeches, panel discussions and classes covering an array of topics. The speeches from Kathleen Dustin and Cynthia Tinapple were my favorite. Cynthia talked in a soft tone and gave an elegant speech, talk about class. She talked about the future, where Kathleen talked about the pioneers of polymer. I've been inspired from previous conferences but Synergy got you thinking about art in a deeper more personal way. Create and be true to yourself. If you were looking to learn new techniques, you wouldn't find them at Synergy.

When I have a moment I'll post pictures of my purchases from the amazing artists in the Synergy Gallery and ACC show.

Photos of Pens

2008-02-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorite pens that I've made over the last few weeks.

New Pens

2008-01-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

It's always a good day when you are inspired with some sort of new idea. My inspiration came while shopping at Barnes and Noble. Waiting patiently in line, my gaze moved over the counter from side to side...then I see it, beautiful pens with a design that could be replicated in clay. Oh how I love when I see a design that both appeals to me and can be replicated in clay. This idea stuck with me for a few days until the moment came where it could be experimented with. This short visit to Barnes and Noble will give me days and days of clay fun. All of the different color combinations, some work together and others don't. Stay tuned for the pictures of my new pens.

Typical New Year Resolutions

2008-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

My resolutions are slowly being marked off as completed. Started attacking the list by doing a couple organizational projects, normally these would be done on a regular basis, but for me they never seem to get done. The first one was the refrigerator....took everything out, sorted through all the condiments that accumulate in the fridge and looked for those expired dates. Then it was time for the drawers next to my bed. These are the same drawers that hardly get opened, except to drop more junk into when cleaning off the top of the nightstand. There is still more work to be done, but it is a start and I will finish it...someday. Yesterdays project was underneath the sink. It is rewarding to look under that sink and see it sparkling clean and organized.

One would think of starting the year with a larger project, but I'm afraid to tackle those bigger organizational tasks. Instead I've looked at completing smaller tasks, but I figure it is better than abandoning the list altogether. Today I don't know what I want to tackle, maybe the hall closet. The two largest projects are the hall closet downstairs and the office closet in the kitchen. That kitchen office not only is it a huge project, but also it will mess up the kitchen while I unload its contents. This will make preparing meals very difficult or a good excuse to eat out.

Creatively, my resolution is to use some of the metal working equipment I've accumulated over the last couple of years. To accomplish this I'm taking another metal class at the end of March in Portland. Did I mention that this also requires me to purchase more equipment and materials? Oh how I love to acquire new tools and materials...

Ava's 1st Christmas

2007-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

Before I go, here is a sample of my clay work, an ornament that I've made over the years for Baby's 1st Christmas. I especially like the slight modifications made to this one. All of the trailing ribbons are new. Not sure if they detract from the piece or add some movement, but it appeals to me. Then "Ava's 1st Christmas" needs to be added to the rocker and "2008" to the saddle.

Moments make Memories

2007-12-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

Spending time with my family and friends during is the holidays is one of my favorite things. Last Sunday our holiday gathering seemed to be so early, however it was nice to not feel rushed. Everytime our gathering has been a week earlier or later, I seem to enjoy it more. The pressure of the season is lighter and allows me to relax. I wasn't thinking about the packages that needed to be wrapped or the last minute gifts that needed to be purchased. It was just relaxing and enjoying the moment. Ahhhh...

Today I am spending the day with my friend and am looking forward to sitting down to enjoy her company. As I grow up I realize the importance of family and friends and how spending time with them enriches my life. It is the little moments like these that are the most precious. Thank you to all my family and friends for the special holiday moments that make memories.

Novice blogger

2007-12-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here totally confused as to why I decided to start a blog. What is the reason I've ventured into this foreign world? Is it because I think it will be helpful in to keep me focused on my art and connected with the public? Whatever the reason is, I have started it now. Where it will lead, I do not know. My first thoughts are that it will be a great space to get feedback for my art and how it appeals to the public. Hopefully it will get me inspired to create and at the same time be a journal of my art. Please bear with me as I learn to blog. This is a new adventure for me.