The good news: Our wandering days are over, and we’ll be able to do so much more than we could before. Our new and final home is at http://pcagoe.com/ — see you there!

Who inspires you?
My family inspires me to keep creating. I am a SAHM and have been supplementing our income with my work. I constantly see sources of inspiration from my kid’s cartoons and books, to flowers in our yard and things inside our home. Clients inspire me when thay ask me to make something I’ve never attempted before. I love the challenge of matching fabric, characters in a story, etc. My husband gives me honest criticism, as do my children. This also inspires me to keep working harder to get better.

What inspires you?
I love color! I am forever looking at all sorts of everyday items and things found in nature with colors that catch my eye. I recently based a set of beads on sunflowers, since my daughter and I plan to plant some this year. We also live near the water and the ocean colors, things on the beach, etc. put images in my head.

Children’s clothing is a big source of inspiration – again – the color. I love to match items for clients who want to accessorize and create the perfect outfit!

Where do you create?
I create in my basement studio. The entire family uses is too. We call it the “craft room” – the room that’s O.K. to get very messy. A small area is dedicated to my work and houses all of my stuff. I work mostly at night when the house is quiet and I am alone in “my cave” with my clay and my thoughts.

How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I have been working with polymer clay for over 15 years. I always loved to string beads, but quickly ran out of money. My parents (the artisitc gene runs in my blood!) bought me a book, “The New Clay”, by Nan Roche, that demonstrated how to make your own beads (as well as many other things) out of clay. I was instantly hooked! Don’t ask to see my first creations – they were awful! I persevered and loved the instant gratification when a good piece would emerge before my eyes. Not until just a few years ago did I begin selling online. Back when I had the time to commit, I entered craft shows and fairs. Family takes center stage now. After all, that’s who I do it for!

Many voters commented that they were surprised that it was made of polymer, because it looked so much like stained glass! Congratulations Cookies Creations , you will receive $20 and the supplies pitcured below (donated by ilysaart.etsy.com, maureenthomasdesigns.etsy.com, blueladystudios.etsy.com, madeinlowell.etsy.com and blockpartypress.etsy.com):

Cookiescreations was not the only winner, the following voters won one of the polymer prize packs created by PCAGOE artists.

The first prize pack (pictured below and donated by dragonwhimsy.etsy.com , HardflowerStudios.etsy.com, marciapalmer.etsy.com ,stonehousestudio.etsy.com, KathyS711.etsy.com and blockpartypress.etsy.com) went to alexandrasjewelry.etsy.com

The 2nd prize pack (pictured below and donated by hambacreations.etsy.com , madeinlowell.etsy.com, nanjodogz.etsy.com , bencandance.etsy.com, and blockpartypress.etsy.com) went to beeczarcardsandgifts.etsy.com

The 2rd prize pack (pictured below and donated by peggers.etsy.com, mosaico.etsy.com, thecolorofdreams.etsy.com, treasurefield.etsy.com, mamastaub.etsy.com and blockpartypress.etsy.com)went to Superchou.etsy.com

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the talented PCAGOE participants and all of the voters! We’ll see you again next month for another fun challenge!

Tamara – blockpartypress.etsy.com

VOTE and WIN one of 3 incredible Polymer Clay Prize Packs listed below and valued over $50 each!!!!

Non- PCAGOE members, vote for the winner and be entered into a drawing for a fabulous polymer clay prize pack created by the talented members of the PCAGOE. Take a look at the all of entries for our Signs of Spring themed challenge. Then leave a comment at the top of the post including the # of the entry you want to vote for (Please note that comments will remain hidden throughout the contest, so don’t panic if you don’t see your comment after entering). Keep in mind the theme of inspiration from the Signs of Spring and how well the piece interprets the theme. Three winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between noon on April 26th and midnight (eastern time)on April 28th. The winners will be announced on April 30th.

The PCAGOE member with the winning entry will receive $20 that can be used towards supplies, business expenses, etsy purchases, etc…. as well as a prize pack of supplies valued over $25.

#1. “Little Blue Dragon” by dragonwhimsy.etsy.com : A little blue dragon takes the time to appreciate spring by picking pretty flowers.

#2. “Flower Power” by maureenthomasdesigns.etsy.com It is made from layered and textured polymer clay and liquid polymer flowers with polymer clay, stone, and metal accent beads and a sterling dragonfly charm.

#3. ” Fresh Green Grass” by missdanceypants.etsy.com . A necklace with polymer (canework) pendant with polymer accent bead — both inspired by fresh green grass! Pendant is made wearable with three strands of seed beads on one side and silver chain on the opposite side! One thing I really like about the pendant is the silver leaf around the edges.

#4. “Dry Martini With A Twist” by sohobeads.etsy.com Let’s go to “The Olive Drop” and have a Martini! Perfect for a night on the town. Gorgeous swirl polymer clay bead with spring colors is focal bead for this spring necklace. Tiny green faceted swarovski crystals, peridot chips, green polymer clay beads,green,white and silver glitter polymer beads make up this lovely necklace. I added oxidized sterling silver chain, silver plated lobster clasp, and peridot chip and green swarovski tiny faceted crystal dangle finish the look. Measures 18″ in length. The Earrings are the cutest olives I have ever seen handmade by me from polymer clay.

#5. “Recoil” by scottgarrette.etsy.com . In memory of the ferns that came out too early and got bit by the late frost.

#6. “Spring Blossom Beads” by Kathys711.etsy.com . Polymer clay lampwork style beads & Spacers. These beads make me think of spring with their bright & feminine colors. (What woman doesn’t love flowers in Springtime?) They are made with a marbelized clay technique including translucent & metallic colors for depth and interest. The lampwork style beads are adorned with tiny flowers with pearlescent clay centers.

#7. “Blushing Blooms Necklace and Ring Set” by polyclarific.etsy.com . Handpainted polymer clay.

#8. “Robin’s Egg” by blueladystudios.etsy.com . Created in polymer clay and precious metal clay.

#9. “Touch of Spring Clock” by CookiesCreations.etsy.com . This creation was done with polymer clay and liquid polyclay. It tells time over a colorful spring design.#10.

#10. “Spring Waits for No One” by BreezyDawnDesigns.etsy.com . Even in the darkest places the seasons don’t wait to mourn. Even in the darkest places Spring will be reborn. From death grows life and back again. Nothing to regret. The Seasons always bring in the new. One leading to the next. Even in the darkest places Spring will be reborn. Even in the darkest places the seasons never mourn.

#11. “Spring Flowers” by madeinlowell.etsy.com .

#12. “The First Signs of Spring” by deercrossdesigns.etsy.com .

#13. “Spring Fling” decorative switch plate by mosaico.etsy.com .

#14. “From the Garden of Curiosities” by gabriel.etsy.com . Pendant and charms made of polymer clay. Each leaf and bud lovingly coaxed into position then hand painted.

#15. “My New Spring Hat” Brooch by artsyclay.etsy.com .

#16. “Spring Blossoms” wall hanging by Peggers.etsy.com . Most of the spring blossoms only last a short time and we have to wait till the next spring to see them again. Thought I would bring a little spray of spring in doors with the blossoms on this polymer clay wall hanging branch.

#17. “Spring…in Oregon” by hambacreations.etsy.com . Only one thing comes to my mind when I think of Spring as a gardener in Oregon….slugs

#18. “Spring Garden Heart Magnets” by thecolorofdreams.etsy.com .

#19. “Flower Power” by ilysaart.etsy.com .

#20. “Birds of Paradise Pendant” by nanjodogz.etsy.com .

#21. “Fantasy Flower Pendant” by treasurefield.etsy.com .

#22. “Spring is for Strawberries” by bencandance.etsy.com . A 10″ glass vase completely covered with a strawberry vine and flower pattern out of polymer. 3 Strawberry “flowers” on stems are made out of polymer and compliment the vase. To add extra cheer, they are dipped in “chocolate”!

#23. “Pollination” pendant by blockpartypress.etsy.com . Springtime means love is in the air, literally. The flowers are making love all over the place, and the bees are helping. Isn’t that a great way to think of all that pollen, flowers making love, instead of just runny noses, watery eyes and sneezes.

#24. “Spring #1″ by lucybluestudio.etsy.com . This is the first piece in a long time that is 99% polymer clay. It is about 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. It is my version of a bursting seed.

#25. “Robin” by HardflowerStudios.etsy.com . When I think of Spring, I think of the return of the Robins. The colors in this pendant, called Robin, represents a Robin singing sweetly, sitting on a budded cherry tree branch with a bright blue Texas sky for a backdrop.

Who inspires you?
My mom inspires me, she is an artist and art was just an integral part of my childhood. We had a fat roll of brown paper that was as tall as I was! We could just tear off a length any time we liked, put it on the floor and draw big paper murals. She also mixed salt clay for us to make miniatures with.

What inspires you?
Shapes and the juxtaposition of colors. I’m fascinated by how colors appear to change according to how you arrange them next to each other. I also don’t mind saying I am influenced by what’s trendy and retro-looking! Learning new polymer clay techniques is very exciting. I’m never bored with the organic shapes of eggs.

Where do you create?
Right now I create at home, but this summer I will be moving into a studio in a renovated mill nearby. It’s very exciting!

How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I have been working with Polymer clay since 1989. I still have some of my first beads and it’s amazing to see the evolution of my techniques. I taught classes through the nineties, that was fun too!

Who inspires you?
I was first inspired to work with polymer clay by Kathy, my good friend and a local Spokane artist. Kathy creates life-like polymer clay Santa’s. So, two years ago I went out and purchased my first block of clay intent on making my own Santa. The result was raw and somewhat flawed, but I was fascinated with this new medium. I am big on research, so googling up polymer clay artists on the internet introduced me to the versatility of clay. Donna Kato and Maggie Maggio have been my most recent inspirations as far as well-known clay artisans go. Although, I have to give credit to the unknown artist as well! I am equally inspired by many local artists and those whose talent has yet been undiscovered. I am so grateful that many clay artists are willing to share their artwork and more importantly, publish tutorials on the art of polymer clay. Reading books, magazines and tutorials then trying out different techniques keeps me busy beyond belief. More often than not, marveling at the end result. It is amazing how many different directions clay will take you; imagination is your only limitation.

What inspires you?
Life in general inspires me. As I go about my day I am constantly aware of color, shapes, textures and the emotion evoked from everything visual. Staying in touch with my emotions, really examining what brings on a smile, a good feeling… Was it a color? A shape? How can I re-create that feeling with a work of art? Sometimes I need to reach out and touch an object, just to get the feel and imagine how to create that same feeling. I put my heart into all of my work and I would hope that my art brings with it some emotion to those who experience it.

Where do you create?
For so long I had a corner here, a table there, a space in the basement or the back of a closet to store my stuff. My kids grew up and all the sudden I had these extra rooms in the house! I recently converted my son’s old bedroom into my very own art studio! I’ve got great lighting with two large windows and morning sun, heaps of storage and workspace. I am in heaven! Summer months here in Spokane, you can find me in our outdoor room surrounded by the colors of summer flowers, which by the way are everywhere!

How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I am rather new to PC, picked it up two years ago for the first time but never really got serious about it until about 6 months ago. I joined Etsy in Nov. ’06, then began selling Mar. 2, 2007 ( http://www.cutesis.etsy.com ). I feel like I am in a student position right now, still learning and experimenting. I have so much to learn and so many things yet untried! It’s an exciting position to be in, I have so much to look forward to and don’t feel I will wear out my welcome to polymer clay any time soon!

Who inspires you?
My two sons (4 & 7) inspire me everyday. They help remind me to look at the little things. They can get so excited about a cool rock or a bug. The things that adults often overlook. My youngest is an artist too and his uninhibited creativity inspires me to try new things and to remember that just about anything (and I do mean anything) can be made into art. He doesn’t worry about whether anybody will like his art, he just creates from the heart and he inspires me to do the same.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by just about everything around me. I am attracted to color, texture and contrast, so when looking for inspiration I tend to look at things through those elements. I am probably most inspired by nature. Trees, leaves, flowers, grass, wildlife, rocks etc. really get my creativity going.

Where do you create?
I have just recently upgraded from my kitchen counter to a small corner of my basement. I wasn’t expecting to have a lot of success with selling my art, so I didn’t have a specific place set aside until now. I have a little table and I am working on organizing everything. It’s not my dream studio, but it’s mine and I like it just fine.

How long have you been working with polymer clay?
I have been working with polymer clay for about 13 years. I found it while I was in college when I needed to fill my create urge between my studies. I started with making canes and jewelry and then used it to sculpt things and now I like to stamp impressions into it. Who knows what I will be doing with it next year. Polymer clay is so versatile that the possibilities are endless. Which is probably why I love it so much.

Who inspires me — I’d have to say my immediate family because they are always there to cheer me on and inspire me.
What Inspires me — I’d have to say nature inspires me, all animals but mostly dogs, my dog, all the dogs I’ve had in the past and will have in the future.
Where do I create – I have a little room in my condo that is devoted entirely to my craft, it’s called a sunroom because it’s really too small for a bedroom so it’s perfect for my office/studio space.
How Long have you been working with polymer clay? I’d say about two years now that I’ve been working with polymer clay, but have worked with arts/crafts all my life, but found a true love and passion for poly clay.

Non- PCAGOE members, vote for the winner and be entered into a drawing for a fabulous polymer clay prize pack created by the talented members of the PCAGOE. If you are registered as a buyer or seller on etsy.com , you can vote by commenting on this thread. Just let us know your etsy shop name and which entrant you are voting for. Your shop name will be entered into a drawing for the prize pack pictured below! The winner will be announced on April 1st!

Here is what last month’s winner, snowyangel.etsy.com had to say about her prize pack, “I always knew etsy had talent and diversity but this package definitely opened up my eyes to new possibilities. Please if you get chance visit these very talent shops and their creators, you won’t be disappointed I promise you.”

#1. Elevation by created by studiobijou.etsy.com
Inspired by the song of the same name by U2.

“I and I
In the sky
You make me feel like I can fly
So high
Elevation

Love
Lift me out of these blues
Won’t you tell me something true
I believe in you”

#2. Wish You Were Here by HardflowerStudios.etsy.com. This 37″x38″ mosaic was
inspired by the song of the same title by Incubus from the Morning View cd.

Here are a few lyrics from the song:
I lay my head onto the sand….
The sky resembles a back-lit canopy
with holes punched in it.
I’m counting UFO’s
I signal them with my lighter,
And in this moment I am Happy, Happy…….
I wish you were here.

#3. The Hum of the Record by IttyBittiesForYou.etsy.com
The inspiration for this piece came from two sources. The record player comes from the song “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae. The little hummingbird comes from my favorite band, Guster. They have a hummingbird on the cover of their album “Keep it Together”.

#4. Amazing Grace by artsyclay.etsy.com
My entry is a brooch measuring about 2″ x 2″. It depicts images from 3 of the verses of Amazing Grace: The words “I once was lost and now am found, was blind but now I see” are depicted by the closed crying eye to one side and the open seeing eye on the other.

“I once was lost” and “through many dangers, toils and snares” are represented by the dark side of the brooch, with a tear falling out of the eye, and a dead barren tree branch which can cause you to get tangled if it’s hanging low or to trip over its roots in the dark woods (physically as well as spiritually).

When we are with God, we are saved from being lost, we are found, we come home, and we are bright shining as the sun. These are depicted by the bright yellow color, the blooming tree, and a little heart to represent God’s love.

#5. Unbreak My Heart ACEO by blockpartypress.etsy.com
Inspired by the Song “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton from back in the 90′s. The song is kind of a desperate cry for a lover to come back after ending the relationship. I tried to show the desperation by using the dark colors and making it almost “grimy” looking. I highlighted some of the strong words of the song. The broken heart is obvious, but I wanted to make it look battered and bruised and the wire is representing the tenuous hold she has on her broken heart.

#6. A Few of My Favorite Things by bencandance.etsy.com
Inspired by the song “A Few of My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music.

#7. My Version of Paradise by ilysaart.etsy.com
Inspired by the song, “Big Yellow Taxi “by Joni Mitchell
“Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.
They paved paradise put up a parking lot.
Hey Farmer farmer put away that DDT, give me spots on my apples or leave me the birds and the bees, please”.

#8. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by blueladystudios.etsy.com
This pendant was inspired by my middle daughter. When she was a baby the only song that could consistently calm her to sleep was Twinkle, Twinkle. It was also the first song she learned to sing.

#9. Dog and Butterfly by nanjodogz.etsy.com
This piece was created with one of my favorite songs in mind ‘Dog and Butterfly’ by Heart (of course it had to have a pup in it, but it is a beautiful song).

#10. Is This Love by BreezyDawnDesigns.etsy.com
Inspired by the song “Is This Love” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
This was our wedding song and our anniversary is in a couple of days, so it seems appropriate for this months challenge.

#11. A Wonderful World by polyclarific.etsy.com
Its a little trinket tin which has been upcycled from a peppermint tin. The song that this represents is of course up there in my top favorites and its ‘A Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong.

#12. Mil Besos by madeinlowell.etsy.com . It was inspired by the song “Mil Besos” by Patty Griffin on her 1000 Kisses album. She sings the title song in Spanish, it’s sultry and romantic, I hope this necklace evokes the same feelings.

#13. Long and Winding Road by StonehouseStudio.etsy.com
Inspired by the song, “Long and Winding Road” by the Beatles.

#14. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by hambacreations.etsy.com
This was inspired by the song, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel.

#15. Peter Cottontail by nothinglikeit.etsy.com
The song I chose was “Here comes Peter Cottontail”. OK, I know you’re rolling your eyes right now and NO it is not really my favorite song but the story is…
My best friend sent me this stupid musical Easter card in early March that plays the tune. Ever since then I can’t get it out of my head. My challenge piece is an attempt to exorcise this musical demon!

#16. Yellow Submarine by ladyraycello.etsy.com.
Inspired by the song, “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles.

#17. Key West View ACEO by thecolorofdreams.etsy.com . Inspired by the song “Margaritaville”. This song always makes me think of Key West and the ocean.