I love working in polymer clay. I have used the clay to create jewelry, miniatures and wall pieces. I enjoy learning different techniques and experimenting with surface treatments, including using stencils. It is a very flexible (no pun intended) medium, both in how it can be used and how artists use it to interpret their ideas. One book that I find compelling is Laurie Mika’s Mixed Media Mosaics because she has an unorthodox approach to the clay. She developed her own style, making the clay accommodate to her needs. Besides that, her work is beautiful and inspiring! The book is delicious eye candy. While it does have projects one can follow, with great instructions, for me this book is more of a go to when I need a jolt of creativity juice. I return to it often and always find something to propel me back into the studio.
All that being said about polymer, the piece I was inspired to make has no polymer clay! I used paper clay instead, which I discovered a year ago and also love using since you can make very light but big pieces to wear. I have always been enchanted by dollhouses and I especially love the graphics of Victorian paper dollhouses. I happened upon a set of three papier mache houses at Michael’s and thought I would try to bring a little Laurie Mika to a paper dollhouse. I hope you enjoy the video I made of the process.
And to top it all off, on my birthday this month I finally got to meet Laurie at one of her workshops which my best friend and I participated in at the lovely Queen’s Ink in Savage, MD. I learned so much that I am hoping to incorporate into my own work. Steph and I are already planning a time to have an art day to make more pieces. Here are photos of our creations. We are already both plotting to go to Laurie’s workshop in Mexico as soon as we can! What more could a girl ask for for her birthday!
 |
| Steph's triptych |
 |
| My triptych |
Stencils used:
Laurie Mika's Pilgrimage to India Stencil *You have the chance to win this & more!
Gwen LaFleur's Ornamental Compass, Petals, and Circles Stencils
Andrew Borloz' Grindstones, 4 Tribal Patterns, and Wheel Spokes Stencils
Carolyn Dube's Connected Eyes Layer Me Stencil
Mary Beth Shaw's ATC Mixup 1 & 2 as well as the large stencil from October 2016 StencilClub
Laurie Mika's Pilgrimage to India Stencil *You have the chance to win this & more!
Gwen LaFleur's Ornamental Compass, Petals, and Circles Stencils
Andrew Borloz' Grindstones, 4 Tribal Patterns, and Wheel Spokes Stencils
Carolyn Dube's Connected Eyes Layer Me Stencil
Mary Beth Shaw's ATC Mixup 1 & 2 as well as the large stencil from October 2016 StencilClub
One lucky winner will receive Laurie Mika's stencils plus a set of her Female Collage Image Sheets!
Enter by commenting below by June 17th, 2018. One winner will be chosen at random on June 18th. Winner notified by email.
Enter by commenting below by June 17th, 2018. One winner will be chosen at random on June 18th. Winner notified by email.
This is amazing. Love it all.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful work, the stencils are exquisite.
ReplyDeletetheresag203 (at) gmail (dot com)
Clay is a medium that I am just so intimidated by, but I love the mosaics so I will have to try!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found your product line - so unique.
ReplyDeleteLove this so beautiful project!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and clever work.
mcdenis1961(at)gmail(dot Com)
Simply wow...everything is terrif!..lankpjb@ggmail.com
ReplyDeleteThose houses are amazing!! LOVE!!!
ReplyDeleteSbw112336 (at) gmail
ReplyDeletecarolyngarthaussemperfi(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWinning would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special treat to attend a workshop with Laurie! These stencils look amazing.
ReplyDeleteaksbarchitect1(at)gmail(dot)com
Have been obsessed with Laurie Mika’s work!!! Beautiful!! Would love to play with the stencils ! Have an art club for girls - they would LOVE ❤️ to play with them too!!!
ReplyDeleteOh this is an AWESOME giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing project. Nice giveaway!
ReplyDeleteDvbusch(at)gmx(dot)de
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLove those houses!!
ReplyDeleteColleenmelody265 (at) hotmail (dot com)
The triptychs are beautiful! I love the stencils. Thanks for the chance to win! pk_sews at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collection...
ReplyDeleteAmazing work. Cksully52@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteOh my! Live your work!!
ReplyDeleteI love your houses! How creative and fun. I immediately bought the Mixed Media Mosaic book you refer to! I have wanted to wander into working with clay for a while. I can't wait to play!
ReplyDeleteI love these! So many great ideas I want to try!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! Very useful and pretty stencils also ❤️
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful! I've recently purchased some paper clay to add to my mixed media creations.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great stuff! and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I love those stencils and those houses
ReplyDeleteldobry6 at gmail dot com
DeleteThis is amazing! anitamocha2@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIf only I could have a house painted this way without the HOA throwing a hissy fit! Love these border stencils. Thanks for the opportunity to win this give-away! janisgraham (at) yahoo (dot com)
ReplyDeleteWow!!! This is so cool. Love the clay pieces! Such a creative project!!
ReplyDeletemjmarmo@comcast.net
Absolutely gorgeous projects! And the giveaway is fantastic, too! marchris2175@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove the mosaics - this post is inspiring me to get going on one. What a great giveaway too! lisa@horseconsulting.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a scrumptious give away! jill dot holmes at gapac dot com Whoohoo! :-)
ReplyDeleteLove love love the project and the stencils!!!!!!! Still drooling!!!’
ReplyDeleteLaurie Mika is the most amazing teacher and artist. Would love to win this!
ReplyDeleteI've taken a class with Laurie Mike before - she's fabulous!! These would be great stencils to add to anyone's collection!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Stencils and portraits. Your book is so inspiring Laurie.
ReplyDeletegorgeous work, totally love paperclay.... and a chance to win stencils as well.... totally awesome!! fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteoops... forgot...
Deleteascrappetiger(at)gmail(dot com)
Such a HUGE fan of both Laurie and her work!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the stencils and the images! kennedy_margaret at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteStunning details in these stencils ❤️
ReplyDeleteHappy for new stencils. Loved taking Laurie's classes.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful!
ReplyDeletesue dot kelemen at gmail dot com
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteblancahuesos(at)yahoo(dot)es
I've long been a fan of Laurie's. As if the stencils weren't cool enough, but they throw in her images too? Best prize ever!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to take a workshop with Laurie a few years back. I would LOVE to play with her stencils and images!! Good luck to us all! Poetryqn(at)optonline(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI have made the trip to Mexico with Laurie and crew...it was truly incredible! You must go!! Thanks for the chance to win! 💕 gardner(dot)mimi(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI was so fortunate to take a class from Laurie last summer! Phenomenal! Love her work! What a fantastic giveaway!!!!!
ReplyDeletej(dot)meloche(at)shaw(dot)ca
Loved your video, Love Laurie Mika’s inspiring imagination and work. Take me to Mexico when you go.
ReplyDeletebobby.barbara.brand(at) gmail (dot com)
Love this whole package......just finished two classes with Laurie, she never ceases to amaze me! I learn something new every single class.....such a generous artist and an awesome teacher! Thanks for the chance to win! jmos2(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteYes please, I’d like to win!
ReplyDeletenena.tirkkonen@saunalahti.fi
Great transformation with paper clay and color combinations!
ReplyDeleteSo love stencils!
ReplyDeleteAwesome project....amazing stencils! mumbird3atgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteAwesome sauce! lghamilton (at) bellsouth (dot net)
ReplyDeleteFabulous stencils!!
ReplyDeleteI love that book too. Your houses are fabulous. ahsquire at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteLove the wonderful houses and great stencils. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI love how you accomplished this. Gets the mojo going.
ReplyDeleteLaurie Mike’s book is so good. I was lucky to take one of her classes as well. Your houses are fab.
ReplyDeleteDevishadhanak@gmail.com
Amazingly beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteSue Fontaine
suebee585@gmail.com
You created such lovely pieces! I have a lot of Laurie on my Pinterest and LOVE her designs! Thanks for this opportunity! ~Rachel Bell bellbrzs (at) cox (dot net)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly beautiful.
ReplyDeletesuebee 585 at gmail dot com
Loving those stencils! Thinking I may have to buy them unless I am lucky enough to win them. The image sheets are awesome as well. janhmldy(at)aol(dot com). Until later, Judy
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful artwork! Awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing..
I bet I've walked past these papier mache pieces a dozen times at Michael's but it took great imagination and some very cool stencils to transform them into these amazing dollhouses! Fabulous job! Nice prize package - thx for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletewhowse (at) sympatico (dot ca)
Absolutely love Laurie Mika and everything she creates. Her work is exqusite.
ReplyDeleteMaia Baker
Rmjwbaker (at) aol (dot) com
Love the houses, gives me ideas!
ReplyDeletembajzoo (at) aol (dot)com
Always a fan of Lori's work and workshops!! lisarobertsca (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI love Laurie Mika's work and would love to win her stencils!
ReplyDeleteisylvr(at) gmail (dot com)
I love the medieval touch of Laurie’s stencils and designs!!! Great how you interpreted her work :)
ReplyDeleteThese are incredible borders!
ReplyDeleteWow what a wonderful prize package! I love Laurie's stencils and the collage sheets are a wonderful added extra. Keep up the good work you stencil girls ! X
ReplyDeleteAmazing chance! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmazing and inspiring!
ReplyDeletegreenbeings (at) netins (dot) net
Beautiful and inspiring. mariegarot@att.net
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful work and the stencils are perfect!
ReplyDeletetheperrys04(at)gmail(dotcom)
I love Laurie Mika's work! These stencils are fab!
ReplyDeleteI'm just learning to use stenils. Your products are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI get intimidated by 3d projects, but this inspired me to no end! I would love to get my hands on the book and the stencils!!! But, even if I don't win, thank you so much for sharing your project!
ReplyDelete...and i forgot...ecgronroosatgmail
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful project!
ReplyDeleteclen3(at)sbcglobal(dotcom)
What a gorgeous project. And those stencils... they're stunning.. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletestardust67(at)iinet(dot com dot au)
What an awesome giveaway - thanks for chance to win
ReplyDeleteThese are incredible designs and awesome projects! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win these stunning pieces!
ReplyDeletemarynowskal(at)gmail(dot)com
The houses are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI have a miniature doll's house
that was my mothers. Making
something like your houses would
be the perfect accompaniment to
the village. Thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Just watched the video and my first response is: Wow!!! I wasn't going to post anything here as I'm one of those people who never win anything but, what the heck, might as well give it a shot. Thanks for the opportunity - those are truly amazing stencils.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered paper clay...now I have something to do with it! Thank you! And thanks for this opportunity for the stencils and collage sheets, I love the images/patterns. kmcyoung(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing stencils with Polymer Clay. It's wonderful to have this information for those of us that work with clay.
ReplyDeleteLove these stencil designs a lot! They can be incorporated into so many projects. Very inspiring video also. Thanks for offering this wonderful giveaway. phyllis(at)paulberker(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis looks fun and amazing. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win this awesome set!
Wow, amazing transformation of those little houses. Great video.
ReplyDeleteLove Lauries work and have been fortunate enough to take a class with her. I would love to win this crawfiem@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI have had those paper mache houses in my studio for months. I now have inspiration of how to approach them. Winning this fantastic prize will send me on my way.
ReplyDeleteabracadebra1@aol.com
Laurie Mika’s work has always inspired me, and the papier-mâché houses with paper clay in this post are a lovely interpretation. swartell (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteOooh, I've wanted at least one of these stencils since last summer! I never thought of using them with clay, though.
ReplyDeletesandral18706 at yahoo.com (that's a small "L" before the numerals).
I love how you used the paper clay as the embellishments on the houses, as well as the stencil. marilyn (dot) alexieff (at) gmail(dot) com
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful project! I will have to try this!. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI love those houses! And the idea of paper clay! One could also use Makins Clay--it is air dry and light--and it is really a good substitute for bake-able polymer!
ReplyDeletealhrobkin (at) aol (dot com)
Wonderful work! I would love to take a class by Laurie Mika. Silva this fabulous. The Stencils look great. I would love to try them. mysajworld5(at)gmail(dot)(com)
ReplyDeleteEverything is absolutely mind-blowing and awesome. So unique and so beautiful and so desirable. I love it all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win. I love stencils and use them on almost every card I create.
Awesomeness!
xo
SuZeQ
I have just started stenciling Love all of the different ideas --would love to win
ReplyDeleteLaurie Mika and stencils! Who can resist?
ReplyDeleteI love everything you do and would love to win! Angelsbyviv@aol.com
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous!! Love Laurie Mika's style.
ReplyDeletetamracarboni at gmail (dot com)
ReplyDeletesuch inspiring work --- love the new stencils . thanks for a chance to win
ReplyDeleteI love the houses / so fun !!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect combination to create original work. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteossenberg (at) verizon (dot net)
DeleteYour video has given my imagination such an incredible jolt! Exactly the direction I needed for some wooden cigar boxes I’ve been holding onto. Wow can’t wait to get started!
ReplyDeleteDeborah (at) dbs22758@gmail.com
Fabulous colours! I love the idea of using lightweight, easy to handle paperclay. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas on usous paper clay not to mention the opportunity to win!!!
ReplyDeleteAddicted to polymer clay and Laurie Mika. Incredibly talented artist!!
ReplyDeleteLove these stencils and Laurie Mika art! dragonfly52@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDelete