Doreen Kassel Workshop: Day Two...

For the second day of the Doreen Kassel workshop hosted by the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild, we focused on pods.  Doreen shared some of her favorite forms and how to make them. 

Here's a snapshot of some of the pods laid out for pictures after folks had a chance to make their own polymer pods.  All of the pieces turned out so different and unique.

These are the pods that I made.  Two of them have the compressed cotton cores, one has a wadded up paper towel and the other has a core of balled aluminum foil.  I carved one of my own tools and created a way to create the scale pattern.  I also experimented with tearing polymer clay to create a more organic edge.  And I made a little bud face.  I love pod and seed forms and will definitely make more.  Though I think if I do, I'll use them in more jewelry applications.  Theses guys are perfect for adding a little bit of a whimsical flair to a floral arrangement.

One of the things that I enjoyed at other workshops and retreats with other artists is trading.  I suggested the swap and some of the participants played along.  I put one of my monkey pendants in.  Anne Creed got it!  I got a pair of earrings from Selma Andrews.  While I don't wear earrings, I do have some branches set up in my studio where I hang ornaments from artist friends.  This allows me to enjoy them year-round.  I'll add these lovely pieces to the branches.

I had a really good time.  It was nice to be outside of myself and just play.  It's easy to get trapped in routine when one is locked away in their studio.  It was nice to look at art through another's eyes and experience their process.  Doreen has such a calm, low-key energy and really encouraged us to take the techniques she works with and make them our own.

Many thanks to the Pittsburgh Polymer Clay Guild for bringing Doreen to the area and for being a friendly, creative bunch of folks!  Hopefully I'll be able to attend some of their other events!