Polymer Clay Collective Conversations

The Polymer Clay Collective group is launching a new biweekly  guest spot feature called “Polymer Clay Collective Conversations” wherein members of our group will share details about themselves and their clay experience through a series of questions. The answers to these questions will be posted on the featured member’s blog, business Facebook page, or directly onto this PCC group page. 
Each featured member will have the same set of questions to answer, with one additional question posed by the preceding featured member.  And so it goes....

POLYMER CLAY COLLECTIVE INTERVIEW:  Tammie Tusher Everly

• Tell us a bit about where you live.

We are a US Navy family so we move a lot. Currently, we live in Chesapeake, Virginia. It is right outside Norfolk, VA where my husband is stationed. We will be here for 3 more years, then who knows where...

• What do you do when you're not polymer claying?

I spend a fair amount of time on the computer. Between my blog, website, Etsy, ArtFire, and Face Book groups I devote at least 1.5 hours a day.

I do other jewelry related techniques such as metal work, wire, resin and stringing so I usually do something creative most days.

I also like to cook, read [historical fiction & biographies] & I have 2 boxer dogs that get a lot of walks and play time outside. 

• What did you want to be when you were little and do you think you ever will be? 

I wanted to be Samantha from the TV show ‘Bewitched’.  Sadly, I don’t think I will ever be able to twitch my nose and make things happen the way I want them to, but wouldn't that be AWESOME!

• Tell us something about yourself that we don't know.

People are surprised to find that I am 6’3”

• Tell us your polymer clay story: What made you first try polymer clay and how long has PC been part of your life?

I have been jewelry making for about 8 years. A little over 4 years ago I wanted to take a stab at making my own beads. I had NO idea what I was doing, but with the great amount of knowledge on the internet, many books from the library and a vast amount of mistakes… I found out that I LOVE polymer clay. It's so versatile and can be varied into so many projects. 

• What's your favorite PC technique?

 My favorite technique is Mokume Gane. I love the fact that each slice is a different surprise. Additionally, I recently have been inspired by Ginger Davis Allman of The Blue Bottle Tree and her ‘Rustic Bead’ techniques.

• What are your art/design inspirations?

My inspirations definitely depend on my mood.  I am inspired by History, Antiques, Vintage ephemera, Nature and the outdoors and of course color, and textures.

• My 'extra question' from Domarita is "What is your best piece of advice for someone who is brand new to PC."  

My best advice would be, clean hands and clean tools, be patient, be forgiving of yourself and don't be afraid to experiment.  

• Show us something you’ve made with polymer clay. 

OK, I will in a just a minute...

Thanks to Jeannie Dukic, Lola Surwillo, all the friends at Polymer Clay Collective for this opportunity to share.  Thank you for spending your time here today.

OK, now pictures......    :-D

Mokume Gane covered glass ornament 'US Navy' edition

Mokume Gane covered hen's egg

salt & pepper shakers

Wall Cross

One of my 'signature'  Dragonflys

geranium leaf in polymer with resin coating

Trio of Sand Dollar pendants

Floral Pendant and earrings set 

'Butterfly at the Window"