Share some candy

I'm superhappy to share some candy with you. :)
They just launched a new category on the site called "handmade" and included my work in there. I didn't know the site until I was contacted by Rueben through Etsy a while ago.
It's a fun, happy and awesome place so go check it out if you have a chance!
Oh, and while you're at it, you can rate my work & leave a comment if you like!
I'll share some candy if you do! ;)

Dream in progress... part 6

The progress on the Babette blanket is slow but that's OK as it's still a very fun & relaxing project to work on. This week I made the second 12 row square. I love the colors on this one - very vibrant and fun.
I can't wait to put it all together but it's still long from being finished so I just have to be patient.
And I drew the winner of the brooch I made via random.org!
Congrats Kerrin from Sigmosaics! I'll be sending off the brooch soon! :)

How to make a mould of your own design?

This how-to will show you how to make a mould of your own design with the card board method.
It's not meant for big objects but it works really well for small, conical objects.
Here is what you need:

cutting mat, cutting knife, ruler, scissors, turning table, clay, plaster, plastic, tape, empty containerFirst you have to measure the diameter of your turning table.
Also measure the height from table till the surface.
Then outline these measurements on the cardboard.
Cut it out.
Then draw half of your design onto the cardboard.
Cut it out.
This is the result: it will be a little cup.
Then hold the cardboard regularly onto the turning table and add clay in the middle.
Fill the gap in the middle with clay and turn the turning table a little to see where there are more gaps to be filled.
Then make it smoother as you go along. I use old credit cards and not valid passes for that.
Wile you hold the cardboard on one side, turn with the turning table to see if you need to add or take away more clay.
When you think it's OK, take a fexible rib to smoothen it nicely.
It's important that it's smooth as plaster will take over every little bump.
Then make a ring from sturdy plastic & place it over the clay cup.
Add clay along the sides so that no plaster can escape.
Make the plaster in a container. I always use the pyramid method which means that I add plaster onto a pyramid and when it doesn't soak up any water anymore, there is enough plaster added. Then I mix it with my hand. It has to have a yoghurt like substance.
Hold your hand above the piece and pour the plaster onto it while your hand guides where it should go.
Wiggle a bit with the plastic to get airbubbles out.
Let it set and then remove the clay and plastic around it.
Then cut away the sharp edges.
Now the mould has to dry and then it can be used.

My creative space

I have been really eager to show you my creative space this week.
The reason for that is that Kirsty challenged us to show a hidden heart on the picture.
I'm curious if you can find it & in case you don't, cheat here. :)
This week I'm sitting on my clay table and I made a mould yesterday.
I made my own design for a cup & used the cardboard method for that. I took pictures so I'll post a step-by-step tutorial in my blog soon.
Anyway, the mould is now ready to come out of the plastic so it can dry. I'll be using it with liquid porcelain clay. I've never used liquid clay yet so I'm looking forward to experiment! :)

The kiln is cooling down right now so I'll show pictures of the samples I made last week soon.

Want to show your creative space? Hop over to Kootoyoo's to play! It's fun! :)

Flea market

After yesterday's Flickr favorites about fleamarkets, I just wanted to share some impressions of the fleamarket we visited last monday. It is a yearly market that is super busy and alive. Unfortunately it's not a lot of very old stuff but if you search well, there sure are some treasures to be found besides all plastic junk.

The sign reads 'dog bar' and they can drink for free! :)Relax in the sun and perhaps get rid of some junk?

I love the old suitcases and the sewing box on the bottom right.

I always hope that these balloonvendors suddenly take off but they never do. Would be such a cool sight! :)

These are supercool I think!

After we visited the market, we went to the park where a band was playing and lots of people where on the lawn enjoying the sun and the music. Some kids were trying to make some money too. This little fellow was making pancakes - cute! :)

Flickr favorites

1. Fleamarket, Mauer Park, Berlin, 2. Fleamarket Treasures, 3. fleamarket time again, 4. Fleamarket in Bergamo II

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Yesterday, it was a public holiday here and we went to visit a fleamarket & spent a lovely time with friends. This inspired me to make this weeks mosaic around the fleamarket.
How was your weekend?

If you like to play this week, make your mosaic and add a link to your blog or Flickr in Mister Linky. I'll pop over to have a look at yours. Can't wait to see your creations! :)
I'm using a different kind of Linky this time 'cause Mister Linky is still not fixed. The normal widget I use is unavailable. If you click the link, you can add your name and your link. Thanks for playing!

Work in progress

At last I found some time to make some more wall art...
I have been a bit adventurous as I made my own colored clay slib and I put it on some of them without firing the samples first. So I'm crossing my fingers that the colors will come out nicely.

Free fall

Lost is a perfect place to be

I'm not here

Clouds of love

Captured to be loved

Creative bubbleweed