A behind the scenes look at how I made (and filmed) my polymer clay butterflies with a chronic illness called POTS - a condition that makes it hard to sit!
I do all my work on the couch, either working on a removable glass surface or a plastic lid. I sit cross-legged for the increasing periods that I can spend upright. The rest of the time I lean back and prop my work on my knees.
Meds, electrolytes, compression, exercise, rest, snacks, and keeping my feet up - all help to reduce the symptoms.
Polymer clay is tacky, so I don't need to work at a desk. I chose my media to suit my needs. Posca pens are also great to use on a couch or bed.
Do you make art or craft with a disability or chronic illness? How do you adapt?
I've just dropped my Australian native flora Christmas earring collection, all one of a kind and made from pressed leaves picked from my garden.
The silver and gold tree fern design is based on glass baubles that I remember from my grandmother's Christmas tree.
The more subtle pressed tea-tree (Melaleuca) leaf is intended to be suitable for Christmas, but also year round.
This range includes gold hoops, silver hooks, and silver studs all made from surgical steel for sensitive ears.
After one year of illness and just over three months of business, my bright, tropical earrings are coming to the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre gift shop 🥰
With thanks to my friend who showed off the samples and dropped off the stock on my behalf, and to the helpful stockists who have communicated with me remotely to enable me to get my first products on a shelf!
I hope people love them 🌸🦋🌴
First cutter prototype 👀
I made my first cutter (with a little engineering oversight) and used a mould of a favourite leaf to try to replicate it.
We kept the shape simple to test the basics of printing, but also pushed the software drawing capabilities.
The mould gives a nice organic look, but the lines come out a little too fuzzy, so follow along to see the test of a stamp.
👋 Hi, I'm Lauren - watch as I learn to make polymer clay jewellery and tools inspired by the tropics.
💝 You can find all my design prototypes on Etsy. Tools coming November.
#polymerclayearrings #polymerclaytutorial #polymerclaytools #leafearrings
First cutter prototype 👀
I made my first cutter (with a little engineering oversight) and used a mould of a favourite leaf to try to replicate it.
We kept the shape simple to test the basics of printing, but also pushed the software drawing capabilities.
The mould gives a nice organic look, but the lines come out a little too fuzzy, so follow along to see the test of a stamp.
👋 Hi, I'm Lauren - watch as I learn to make polymer clay jewellery and tools inspired by the tropics.
💝 You can find all my design prototypes on Etsy. Tools coming November.
#polymerclayearrings #polymerclaytutorial #polymerclaytools #leafearrings
Mini Ulysses butterfly earrings 🦋
This iridescent blue butterfly appears in tropical gardens all across North Queensland. It always catches your breath.
Link in bio or Shop Now.
#ulysses #butterflyearrings #polymerclayearrings #cairns #handmadeinaustralia
Polymer clay earrings inspired by tropical Cairns, Australia
