BEYOND THE UNIVERSE

This necklace interprets the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ in terms of space exploration. In Star Trek, the mission of the starship Enterprise was “to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before”.

The dark navy blue round part of this necklace represents the universe. The round cane slices (bulls eye canes with a gold centre grading to pearl wrapped in a thin layer of dark navy blue) represent stars. The cut out hole is like a gateway to somewhere beyond, maybe another universe (?), through which the other end of the necklace passes. This end of the necklace, shaped like a tapered cone (made from the same gold/pearl Skinner Blend mix), is intended to represent a rocket/spaceship boldly going forward exploring the unknown. Polymer clay and Buna cord.

The Bog

On a trip last spring, I visited my cousin in Ohio who is a professor of entomology. I attended several of his classes including one on wetlands. He was discussing bogs and during class I sketched this necklace. The shapes of the bodies of water inspired me and I wanted to experiment with the idea of floating shapes within other shapes. I had also been working with tea as a dye for various materials. I had dyed some eggshells and the resulting colors made me interested in combining the eggshells with polymer clay. This piece is constructed of polymer clay with a mosaic of eggshells applied and enhanced with liquid clay. Other materials include chain, wire and semi-precious stones.

Dimensions: Overall Necklace length 20”, Center piece 3” x 2 ¾”

Apostrophe Necklace

This is a black and ivory apostrophe necklace made out of polymer clay and sterling silver findings.

Oval Earrings

Black and Ivory Oval 2 Chain earrings that are made from polymer clay and sterling silver.

Starburst

Growing up watching shows like Star Trek I have always been fascinated by the beauty of the universe. Exploding stars was my idea for this pin starting with the center star going nova. Then rays of light, an expanse of stars and then finally the surface of a star or planet.

The pin started with a frame of brass strips and wire and was filled in with Sculpey Light with a pin being imbedded in the back. I prefer to have a textured back on my pieces to give them a “finished” look.

The Etching Alternative^© veneer was created from a hand drawn copper plating using layers of liquid polymer clay and alcohol inks. The planet and expanse of stars are veneers, while the strips and exploding star and traditional polymer canework. Pin measures 2 ¾ x 3 ¼”

The Insignia

Taken from Star Trek Insignia Pin Starfleet Engineering Division.

Including quote: "You are the best because only the most talented, capable & dedicated get to wear the badge."

Ode to Red 2

A son who brings you quirky gifts is a special son who understands his mum well.  Knowing the lengths he goes to bring me such gifts is overwhelming and fills my heart with love.  Crab claws that are lovingly saved, cleaned and presented need to be respected and treasured.  The techniques I’ve chosen to include in this piece are special to me and have significant meaning – just like the crab claw.  

Materials used:  polymer clay, real crab claw, square wooden beads, artistic wire.

Size:   20cm wide x 42cm long

Wild Horses

The symbolic meaning of a wild horse – the Mustang – is ultimate freedom.  Freedom to think outside the square, freedom to be bold, freedom to take chances and freedom to create something you love.

Materials used:  polymer clay, horse hair, artistic wire.

Size:  19cm wide x 39cm long"

Floral Galaxy

Out of darkness, a sparkling galaxy emerges. This one is new and unexpected, with floral constellations taking the form of a glittering bouquet of flowers, floating out of the inky space beyond. A few bright lights of unexplored planets centered in the clusters of stars define the focal point of each flower. This intriguing formation warrants further exploration.

Dimensions: choker length- 15 ½”, dimensions of center flower with drop- 3 ¼” wide x 6” long

Materials used: polymer, liquid polymer, crystal, glitter, and wire Techniques: polymer micromosaic with crystal elements, blended cosmic surfacing, three-dimensional base forms, decorative embedded armature with removable center drop