Finishes

I have tested and used a number of different glossy finishes looking for the "miracle" product to use forever more!   Not sure I've found that product...at least for every project and item, anyway.

Sculpey Gloss (also available in Satin finish) is a good product, but pretty expensive compared to other products that can be used with PC.

Studio gloss (by Sculpey I believe) is very hard to find now.  I don't know if it's been discontinued or if retailers in my local area have simply stopped carrying it.  It was probably my favorite. (I'm sure that's why I cannot find it anymore! LOL).  It can be heat set/dried in the oven and was made for use with clay.

Minwax PolyAcrylic is an inexpensive product that can be used on PC.  It is fairly thin, thinner than Sculpey, and can be brushed on.  I recommend a number of coats as it is not very thick.

Future floor polish (now Pledge with Future in it) is also a product that works well with PC. It is extremely thin, so a number of coats are required.  And it smells better than the others.  It cleans up well, like the Minwax and Sculpey, with water and soap.

Both the Minwax can and Future bottle will last a very long time for about $8 or so. Minwax can be purchased at the local hardware/Lowe's/Home Depot type stores.  The  Pledge with Future in it can be purchased at your grocery store/Walmart.   The Sculpey gloss is approx, $4 for a very small jar.  Sculpey also will not last very long after it has been opened and about half is used. Once air gets into the jar, it gets thick and cannot be used. I like the Sculpey product for use with the clay, but it cannot be heat set in the oven as the others can.
There are a couple other  products that have been discussed by other clayers as being good for clay.  I have not yet tried them, however.

I am attempting to perfect my sanding technique and buffing tools so as to not need a gloss finish applied after curing.  I've come close, but am not yet finished experimenting yet.  I don't expect this will be the ideal method for everything I do, but am hoping this will be the new way to get a high gloss sheen on my pen barrels.

If anyone has any suggestions or tips, I am open to hearing them.  Or if you have any questions about the finishes I've used, feel free to ask.

This is a pen I made (and am using myself as a "test" piece) that does not have a gloss coat applied.  It has been sanded and buffed.  However, it was buffed with a material that didn't hold up well at the high speed, so back to the drawing board.

 This is a pendant (used from the same clay) that was sanded & buffed as well. It also does not have a gloss finish applied to the clay.  Looks pretty good, but I'd like a bit more of a glass-like shine.

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1st Flea Market as a Vendor

I thought I'd share the pics from the brand new Hendersonville Flea Market this past weekend.  This was my first time as a vendor to any type of flea market or craft fair (and this one should be/could be called a craft fair or at least flea market/craft fair).  I learned a lot!  LOL
Now that I have a better idea of how these things work, I have a few ideas to better my booth.  BUT I don't think it was too horrible for having gone into it rather blindly!  I will also have more space next time. Anyone out there who has any suggestions by experience, I'm all ears!
The November show will be the "Grand Opening Weekend" for this new venue.  (Nov. 11-13) I'm hoping to see a lot of Christmas shoppers there!  So...if you're in the Middle TN/Southern KY area that weekend...be sure to stop by and say hello!  And...if you have any requests, let me know. I could have an item ready for you by that date. 
I have so many ideas in my head for Christmas items...stay tuned.

Craft Fairs

                         
Looking for some craft fair/show options in the Northern-Middle TN/Southern-Middle KY area.  If anyone has any suggestions, experience with a particular fair/show, or other information, please pass along.  Much appreciated!!

Ink Pen

This is an ink pen I covered recently.  I've had difficulty finding the right pen that will work.  Some won't hold up in the heat, the ones with a cap (rather than retractable or twisting) pose a problem because the cap won't fit on the pen after it has been covered, and sometimes the retractable ones work great other than working around the clip and I had one melt enough on the inside to not allow the "clicker" to retract after curing.
Metal twist pens would be ideal, but are generally more expensive.  Metal retractable pens would be great if the plastic inside will withstand the heat.  The bic round stick pens are great -- they hold up while curing and are perfectly round which makes it easier, however, as stated above, the cap cannot be used after covering, so the tips are exposed and prone to drying out or marking the inside of  your purse.
If anyone has a suggestion for a pen that would be ideal for this project, please let me know!  I think they are a great usable item!