Want to Know Who Won Our Sea & Sky Challenge?

Who did you vote for? Did she win? Find out now! Here are the results:

By Popular Vote:
1) Night sky pendant -- Envydesignsjewelry with 13 votes
2) Sunset Necklace -- SparkleBeeDesigns with 9 votes
3) Amazonite Fine Silver Pendant -- Vaasvara with 5 votes

By Technical Vote:
1) Amazonite Fine Silver Pendant -- Vaasvara with 8 votes
2) Dream Cloud Silver Ring -- YorkAvenueStudio with 3 votes
2) Night sky pendant -- Envydesignsjewelry with 3 votes
2) Sunset Necklace -- SparkleBeeDesigns with 3 votes

Overall (based on percentage recalculation of the two above):
1) Night sky pendant -- Envydesignsjewelry
2) Amazonite Fine Silver Pendant -- Vaasvara
3) Sunset Necklace -- SparkleBeeDesigns

Congrats to Envydesignsjewelry! Who won by a slight advantage based on the popular vote! Vaasvara did a great job as a new challenger! Thank you for all who entered and voted. Don't forget we've a blog giveaway going on that you can enter and win:
http://metalclayheads.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-are-only-limited-by-your.html

You are only limited by your imagination and skill level. - Janie

MCHs December featured metal clay artist is Janie of Life Art Designs.

Janie is a metal clay and polymer clay artist in one. Her special theme is nautical with lots of dolphins, sea turtles, palm trees and marine creatures. Her Etsy shop also offers a variety of polymer clay creations - buttons, canes, beads plus more. Following is a short interview with Janie. Enjoy!

Why did you pick the name Life Art Designs?
My work is mostly inspired by the marine life and nature found in my local environment. I live on a very small barrier Island in the Gulf of Mexico in the USA. There is much art to be found in the life around me. My favorite marine lives are the Dolphins. You can probably tell this by the different ones that I have in my Etsy shop.

What are the major challenges when creating metal clay jewelry?
Of course the first challenge is the design aspect of any piece and the process you go through to make it become “art”. Probably my biggest challenge though has to do with the nature of the clay itself. The fact that it dries out so fast can be an irritant especially if you are working on a complex piece.

What do you enjoy most about working in Metal Clay?
The design possibilities with metal clay are endless because it is clay and is malleable. You are only limited by your imagination and skill level.

What is your greatest ambition as a Metal Clay artist?
I would like to one day have my work published in Art Jewelry magazine. I have drooled over and been amazed at the work that is published in their magazine for years.

What is the biggest mistake you've ever made? What did you learn from it?
One time I had a custom order request for a very large pair of earrings of an exact design. After the client told me what she wanted, I explained to her that they would be quite heavy and very, very expensive. In fact, they were a $300 pair of earrings! She said she understood and wanted them anyway. I had her try one earring on before I finished them both. I figured if they were too heavy, I could still use the one as a pendant. After trying the one on, she was thrilled and wanted me to proceed. After the order was complete, the client was ecstatic with how they turned out and thanked me profusely. However, about a month later she contacted me. She said that although she loved the earrings, they were just too heavy to wear for any length of time. I ended up making a whole new pair of the same design only smaller and lighter. Now, she is really happy and wears them all the time. And I have two large pendants of the same design. What I learned from that is that sometimes you need to say no to a customer. Just because you can make something doesn’t mean you should.



Janie is giving away her Silver Fern Leaf Necklace to a lucky reader!. To enter the giveaway, here are the rules:

Every person is eligible to enter the blog giveaway with up to FOUR (4) entries. How can you get an entry? You can do any of the following and then let us know that by leaving a comment under this feature so we can keep track.

1. Follow our blog and post a comment here = 1 entry
2. Check out featured artist and post favorite piece under comment here = 1 entry
3. Heart featured artist’s shop and post a comment here = 1 entry
4. Follow featured artist on Facebook and post a comment here = 1 entry
5. Make a purchase and let us know here = 2 entries
6. Refer a friend and post a comment here = 1 entry
7. Tweet about the giveaway using key word metalclayheads and post a comment here = 1 entry
8. Share the Metal Clay Heads blog giveaway link on FB (Go to http://www.facebook.com/MetalClayHeadTeam and click Share) and post a comment here = 1 entry
9. If you voted and commented on our last challenge = 1 entry

The giveaway deadline is January 15. We will announce the winner on January 16th. Good luck!

Sea and Sky Challenge

This is our last challenge of 2011 and boy-oh-boy, it is hard! I'm so thrilled to have so many fabulous entries from the MCHs. You rock! The challenge theme this time is Sea and Sky, with the required technical skill of using bezel or prong setting. Here are the beautiful entries:

Dream Cloud Silver Ring from YorkAvenueStudio

Fine silver Dream Cloud ring with genuine Citrine gemstone. I selected a delicate pale yellow Citrine gem because it was perfect to showcase the color and shine of this ring. I've antiqued the detail of the cloud to show darker contrast and used a rainbow patina for some blue hues on the prong setting. The Citrine gem reflects the blues which adds to the uniqueness of this design. More ...

Amazonite Fine Silver Pendant from Vaasvara

Sky, Water and Earth come together in harmony in this completely handcrafted fine silver pendant. Stylish and organic, the pendant is hand-sculpted, hand-textured, antiqued and polished. Hangs from a sterling silver rollo chain, punctuated with beautiful green color chrysoprase and sunstone beads. The texture is made from a mold of real coral, thus representing the deep seas. More ...

Sunset (Handmade OOAK Necklace with Hessonite Garnet, Oregon Sunstone, and Silver) from SparkleBeeDesigns

A glowing hessonite garnet sun pendant handmade in fine silver. This one of a kind pendant will remind you of the most beautiful sunset. Each ray of the sun was hand cut without any templates or guides. The half loop at the top is fine silver with a hammered texture. The pendant is suspended by two tiny high quality Oregon sunstones. More ...

Night sky pendant, handmade fine silver, red pearl, ruby, moonstone necklace - OOAK-Twilight from Envydesignsjewelry

Gazing out of the window on the night sky, the moon hanging low over the sea, with the red glow of Mars in the distance. This moonlight pendant is sculpted of recycled silver, from a lino-carving I made. More ...

From Sea to Shore - Dichronic Glass in Fine Silver Necklace from Lifeartdesigns

From sea to shore. A large blue dichronic glass cabachon set into a texturized fine silver pendant. This is one of my handcrafted fine silver pendants made from silver metal clay. A large round blue dichronic cabachon is the focal point of this fine silver pendant. More ...

Amethyst and Precious Metal Clay Necklace from Heartsabustin

February's birthstone set in sterling silver and backed by fine silver from precious metal clay. I created the back of the pendant from ArtClay SlowDry 650, a form of precious metal clay. I texturized it with a handmade texture plate I created from polymer clay, and fired it. I formed a bezel and edged it with more precious metal clay. More ...

Amethyst twilight mist silver necklace from StuckOnSilver

Amethyst cushion cut stone in a rustic fine silver prong setting. The lavender amethyst gemstone measures approx. 8x10 mm and the pendant with the bail measures approx. 10x20 mm. More ...

The public poll on the right is open for two weeks. The technical poll, also open for two weeks, is restricted to MCHs team members only. Enjoy and don't forget to vote! Please cast your vote on the right column; and if you post a comment, you will be automatically entered into our December blog giveaway. Polls will be close on December 14th.

Sea & Sky Challenge Technical Poll

For MCHs only. Thanks!

Gift Guide for Mothers

Don't forget the most wonderful person on earth - your hardworking mother who deserves a nice gift this season as well!

Gift Guide for Nature Lover

Season changes four times every year, but our love for nature never change! Enjoy this collection of nature inspired artisan handmade jewelry.

Gift Guide for under $50 from the MCHs

Handmade artisan gifts for under $50. You will find something perfect for your F&F.

It's time of the year to celebrate and share.

The Metal Clay Heads are busy spending precious time with their families, but also passing on the joy of sharing by offering great discount or free shipping or both to our lovely customers at the same time. All our metal clay pieces are handmade with recycled metal which is eco-friendly. Make someone feel special this Holiday by giving OOAK handmade metal clay items today!

Here are a list of participated MCHs offering discount/free shipping or both. Each shop offers different discount, please look for related info on the announcement section. Use promotional code "mchs2011" (or refer to individual shop for the code) while check out. Promotion offer starts Black Friday.

ArtisanSilver -- 10% off
Envydesignsjewelry -- 10% off
FacciaFelice -- Free US shipping
Fishbonesilver -- Free US shipping
Heartsabustin-- 20% off
HGWjewelrydesigns -- Free US shipping
KRINLOX -- 10% off
Lynncobb -- Free shipping and a free Sunshine polishing cloth for purchases of $50 or more.
PPennee -- 10% off
PrairieMudStudio -- Free US shipping
SeavBeach -- Free US shipping
SparkleBeeDesigns -- Free US shipping
StuckOnSilver -- 10% off
Willowandme -- 10% off
YorkAvenueStudio -- 50% off orders over $200

It's snoooooooooowing!

Kathy from YorkAvenueStudio recently blogged about creative snowflake jewelry from the MCHs! Click on the link to her blog post -- Snowflake Jewelry - Frosty Fun Fashion Must Haves to drool!

Gorgeous pieces inspired by nature. Are you ready to feel the snow?

Congrats to AMIdesigns!

YOU WON! Thanks for entering our October blog giveaway AMIdesigns, you won the beautiful Silver Coral Post Earrings from AliBaliJewellery! Please let us know your contact info so Ali can send you the pretties! Thanks to everyone who entered!

Inspired by Nature. Achieved by Metal Clay.

MCHs October featured metal clay artist is Ali of AliBaliJewellery.

Across the Pond comes metal clay artist Ali Reid. Ali started out as a silversmithing student and achieved her goal as a full time artist creating metal clay jewelry in just a couple of years. Ali signature style is clean, simple lines, with much of her inspiration coming from the flora and fauna of Scotland. The rainbow patina she created on her jewelry is truly amazing! Let's grab a cup of tea and enjoy our interview with Ali.

When did you first become interested in Metal Clay? How long have you been designing jewelry using Metal Clay?
I first became aware of Metal Clay in 2007. I had just started a silver smithing evening class and ventured into the local bead shop to get some beads to adorn my designs. They were running metal clay classes and I decided to sign up for a three hour beginner’s course.

What was your first piece of Metal Clay jewelry?
The first piece I made was a heart shaped textured pendant and matching earrings. I made these at the course and was instantly hooked on metal clay! I attended a few more courses to learn to make rings and hollow objects. I’ve also been lucky enough to attend masterclasses by Sherri Haab and Gordon K Uyehara when they visited Scotland.

What inspires you?
My inspiration comes mainly from the flora and fauna of Scotland. Most of pieces are influenced by or created using natural objects.

Why did you design the giveaway piece? What is special about your giveaway piece?
My giveaway piece is inspired by beautiful coral rock pools which can be found on the Isle of Skye. I was attracted to the many colors in the rock pools and my coral range was designed with these images in mind. The little earrings I’m giving away are by far my best sellers, both online and at craft fairs. Fortunately I never get tired of making them and every pair is absolutely unique!

What do you enjoy most about working in Metal Clay?
I love texture and Metal Clay is just fantastic to work with, textures which would be impossible to produce in sterling silver, can be created with ease using Metal Clay. I carry a little amount of two part molding compound around with me, you never know when you might spot an interesting texture!

What is your greatest ambition as a Metal Clay artist?To continue to be fortunate enough to make my living as a metal clay artist! I started working full time as a metal clay artist in December 2009 and was lucky enough to hit the ground running as the Christmas rush kicked in! I’ve steadily built my business, expanding from just selling online and at craft fairs, to starting to supply shops and galleries. I will be doing my first trade fair in January 2012. That aside, I also want to organise myself sufficiently to create time to spend designing new and more challenging pieces, continuing to play and enjoy metal clay!


Ali is giving away a pair of her beautiful Silver Coral Post Earrings to a lucky reader!. To enter the giveaway, here are the rules:

Every person is eligible to enter the blog giveaway with up to FOUR (4) entries. How can you get an entry? You can do any of the following and then let us know that by leaving a comment under this feature so we can keep track.

1. Follow our blog and post a comment here = 1 entry
2. Check out featured artist and post favorite piece under comment here = 1 entry
3. Heart featured artist’s shop and post a comment here = 1 entry
4. Follow featured artist on Facebook and post a comment here = 1 entry
5. Make a purchase and let us know here = 2 entries
6. Refer a friend and post a comment here = 1 entry
7. Tweet about the giveaway using key word metalclayheads and post a comment here = 1 entry
8. Share the Metal Clay Heads blog giveaway link on FB (Go to http://www.facebook.com/MetalClayHeadTeam and click Share) and post a comment here = 1 entry
9. If you voted and commented on our last challenge = 1 entry

The giveaway will run for two weeks. We will announce the winner on October 28th. Good luck!

September Challenge Results!

Our challenge theme this time is "In The Garden" and the technical requirement is adding colors to the metal clay piece. Here are the results:

By Popular Vote:

1) Down in New Orleans VI -- Stardust with 30 votes
2) Handmade Autumn Silver Dragonfly Necklace -- Envydesignsjewelry with 18 votes
3) Large Spider Earring -- AnnaSiivonen with 9 votes
4) Bronze Flower Necklace -- PrairieCoastArt with 4 votes

By Technical Vote:

1) Handmade Autumn Silver Dragonfly Necklace -- Envydesignsjewelry with 7 votes
2) Down in New Orleans VI -- Stardust with 4 votes
3) Bronze Flower Necklace -- PrairieCoastArt with 2 votes
4) Large Spider Earring -- AnnaSiivonen with 1 vote

Overall (based on percentage recalculation of the two above):

1) Handmade Autumn Silver Dragonfly Necklace -- Envydesignsjewelry (30%/50%)
2) Down in New Orleans VI -- Stardust (49%/29%)
3) Large Spider Earring -- AnnaSiivonen (15%/1%)
3) Bronze Flower Necklace -- PrairieCoastArt (1%/14%)

Jennifer of Envydesignsjewelry is our winner because she won 50% of the technical vote. Alice of Stardust was really close to winning, just 2% behind! We also have a tie on the third place. I can't wait to see what theme Jennifer will pick for our next challenge in November. Thank you for your participation!

September Challenge - In The Garden

Before you even knew it, it's our September challenge time! This time it is more exciting than ever since we've many first timers and new members who has entered a piece of their amazing work! Our September Challenge Theme is "In The Garden". The technical requirement is add colors to your design. Here are the entries:

Down in New Orleans VI from Stardust


I'm not going to lay down in words the lure of this place. Every great writer in the land, from Faulkner to Twain to Rice to Ford, has tried to do it and fallen short. It is impossible to capture the essence, tolerance, and spirit of south Louisiana in words. —Chris Rose More ...

Bronze Flower Necklace from PrairieCoastArt


Beautiful handcrafted bronze flower pendant with patina finish. Antique brass 18" necklace. A striking combination of colors. More ...

Maple Seed & Garnet CZ Pendant from StuckOnSilver


These are nicer in a pendant where they behave themselves than in my garden! This pendant features a faceted garnet cz nestled in a cluster of those intrepid little "helicopters" that twirl from maple trees. The replicas are made from my own molds made from rascally seeds I picked up in my front yard. More ...

Mother Earth's Autumn Gift from Adornyourself


Raw Brass disc, Hadar J's copper leaf, enamels, and gold luster. Torch fired. More ...
Handcrafted Flower Necklace from Lifeartdesigns


A handcrafted flower necklace completed handmade from scracth out of fine silver metal clay and polymer. The focal point of this necklace is the flowers and floral theme. Yellow and purple flowers intermingle into a base of deep pink polymer clay. More ...

Princess Ai Heart Locket from Rainjewelry


I would use fine silver for the locket part (it would not open) and the lock, sterling silver chain wrapped around the locket and the necklace and a red cubic zirconium heart for the stone. I can tarnish the piece a mellow gold color. More ...

Large Spider Earring from AnnaSiivonen


One large spider single earring. Dangles with one leg piercing your ear and he´s hypoallergenic since his legs are made of titanium. Might be the coolest or creepiest earring ever, garanteed to make heads turn. More ...

Fine Silver Enamel Pendant Seed Bead Necklace from DesignsbyHarriet


This pure silver triangular shaped pendant has a raised circle in the center with swirls of aqua/green enamel. The swirl design on the triangle is oxidized to bring out the pattern.
The necklace is made of large green and yellow seed beads separated by small irridescent gold seed beads and clear long beads. More ...

Last Bud Pendant from Seavbeach


These are the last buds of summer. Made with steel clay and enameled buds. More ...

Handmade Autumn Silver Dragonfly Necklace from Envydesignsjewelry


A beautiful fall colored fine silver dragonfly, flitting through the garden...
I started by carving my design into a rubber block, pressed the clay into the design, then refined, set the gemstones and fired the dragonfly. Set into the pendant are 2 each of Yellow sapphire, alexandrite, and amethyst CZ's. I added a swirl and dots the the back of the piece as well. More ...

The public poll on the right is open for two weeks. The technical poll, also open for two weeks, is restricted to MCHs team members only. Enjoy and don't forget to vote! Please cast your vote on the right column; and if you post a comment, you will be automatically entered into our October blog giveaway. Poll will be close on October 2nd.

September Challenge Technical Poll

Restricted to MCHs only.

This is where we turn our creative juice into juicy creations! Part 3

MCHs Bench Roll Call Mini Series Part III

Storage Solutions in the Studio - Janie of Life Art Designs


I recently began reorganizing my studio. I work in different mediums such as silver clay, polymer clay, and sometimes resin. This can lead to a lot of disorganization due to all the different materials involved. I separated my space into three separate work areas. One area for polymer clay, one for metal clay, and a third area for tumbling, buffing and polishing, and assembling jewelry. More ...

Who won the FLY pendant?

The result is in! Kathy of YorkAvenueStudio won our August blog giveaway! Congrats!

Thanks to our featured Metal Clay Heads Lesley of Thoughtfully Adorned who sponsored the giveaway. Our next blog giveaway has been scheduled for Octobler. Our featured artist will be AliBaliJewellery. Please stay tuned!

Coming up is our September challenge. Both public and technical polls should be up mid-September. Can't wait to see what wonderful creations the MCHs come out with.

Sprinkle Your Home and Self with Thoughtful Adornments

MCHs August featured metal clay artist is Lesley of Thoughtfully Adorned.

Lesley described herself as "a thinker and lover of beautiful words and sayings." Her jewelry are beautifully adorned by positive words, affirmations, and positive symbols -- which would inspire or touch you in a positive way.

Why did you pick the name Thoughtfullyadorned?
I decided to call my shop "Thoughtfully Adorned" because I love making pieces of jewelry or art that either inspires or speaks something for the person wearing it. I have always loved words, quotes, positive symbols and things that I can see around me to remind me that all is good and to breathe! Thoughtful pieces ... I liked that ... so I added adornment and it just kinda felt right to me.

When did you first become interested in Metal Clay? How long have you been designing jewelry using Metal Clay?
I have been working with metal clay since about May of last year. I had a book about it for a couple of years and I kept looking at it thinking I would try it some day. So, one day, I just decided to start the process. I started buying supplies slowly and some PMC3. My first pieces were supposed to be leaf shaped earrings -- "supposed to be" lol. I torched them to death! I did not understand the torch process. I finally learned to do it in a darkened room so I could see the orange and to move the torch around! I was so thrilled when I made a real piece of silver jewelry. It was a round pendant with a bird on it with the words "FLY" I made it for my mother as she works at the local tiny airport and actually took flying lessons in the past. She loved it! I used polymer clay first to figure out how to construct it!

What do you enjoy most about working in Metal Clay?
I guess what I love most about working with metal clay is that it is a clay and can be molded, shaped, cut and designed and there are hardly any limitations. I love all the processess and techniques that one can learn. I love cracking the code of new processes -- but it can take me a while to do that! LOL

Would you tell us your creative process?
My creative process starts with an idea and may stay in my head for weeks to months. I have a copper elephant right now that has been fired and is awaiting a silver overlay -- something I have never done. So, I get a little overwhelmed with a new process and I have to read about it-see videos-talk to other metal clay artists on line and get some courage. I'm not advanced at all in this medium -- I find it hard to find the time to learn everything I want to learn since I work full time as a Registered Nurse/marketer in healthcare.

What inspires you?
I am so inspired by the many artists that you can find on the internet -- not just jewelry artists but mixed media, photographers -- so many! I am inspired by heart warming stories of people who do what they love and love what they do.

Why did you design the giveaway piece? What is special about your giveaway piece?
I'm giving away the "FLY" pendant that is like the one I gave my mother. I hope that whoever wins it is inspired to take off and "Fly" and be free to do what they love and push on! Thanks so much for featuring me on this blog. All of the artists here just amaze me!!!

To enter the giveaway, here are the rules:

Every person is eligible to enter the blog giveaway with up to FOUR (4) entries. How can you get an entry? You can do any of the following and then let us know that by leaving a comment under this feature so we can keep track.

1. Follow our blog = 1 entry
2. Check out featured artist and post favorite piece on the blog = 1 entry
3. Heart featured artist’s shop = 1 entry
4. Follow featured artist on Facebook = 1 entry
5. Make a purchase = 2 entries
6. Refer a friend = 1 entry
7. Tweet about the giveaway using key word metalclayheads = 1 entry
8. Share the Metal Clay Heads blog giveaway link on FB (Go to http://www.facebook.com/MetalClayHeadTeam and click Share) = 1 entry
9. If you voted and commented on our last challenge = 1 entry

The giveaway will run for two weeks. We will announce the winner on August 29th. Good luck!

This is where we turn our creative juice into juicy creations! Part 2

MCHs Bench Roll Call Mini Series Part II

Room to Think (Studio Makeover) - Jennifer of JKistlerStudios

I love garage sales (AKA yard sales). I love scoring a great deal on something I need or can use that otherwise I couldn't afford to buy. A few weekends ago I saw a dining room table that just shouted "work table!" to me. As in, "I would feel like such a professional working at this table!" It's dark wood, one piece (no annoying opening for leaves), and has a bit of successful-CEO-desk vibe to it (at least compared to my other studio tables). More ...

Jennifer Wins Our July Challenge

Congrats to Jennifer of Envy Designs Jewelry who won our July Magical and Mysterious Challenge.

Here are the results:

By Popular Vote:

1) Egyptian 'Book of the Dead' pendant from Envy Designs Jewelry with 31 votes
2) Tiny Secret Fine Silver Real Maple Leaf Necklace from York Avenue Studio with 19 votes
3) Secret Door Locket from Seavbeach with 16 votes

By Technical Vote:

We've a tie this time:

1) Tiny Secret Fine Silver Real Maple Leaf Necklace from York Avenue Studio with 3 votes
1) Alutiiq Petroglyph Bracelet from Stuck on Silver with 3 votes
2) Secret Door Locket from Seavbeach with 2 votes
2) Egyptian 'Book of the Dead' pendant from Envy Designs Jewelry with 2 votes

Overall (based on percentage recalculation of the two above):

1) Egyptian 'Book of the Dead' pendant from Envy Designs Jewelry
2) Tiny Secret Fine Silver Real Maple Leaf Necklace from York Avenue Studio
3) Secret Door Locket from Seavbeach

Jennifer will pick a theme for our next challenge in September. Our August blog feature + giveaway is coming soon, please stay tuned! Thanks to all who's voted and supported the MCHs!

This is where we turn our creative juice into juicy creations!

MCHs Bench Roll Call Mini Series Part I

It could be the kitchen countertop ... it could be an old hand-me-down desk ... it could be an iron desk from the corner office ... No matter what it is, we jewelry artists call it the bench -- our little piece of heaven where we spend hours after hours perfecting our jewelry. It could be neat and tidy but many times it's quite messy.

Let's show you where we turn our inspirations into reality!

My Fabulous Work Station! -- Dawn of DaVoria Jewelry

I fell in love with this hoosier cabinet when my husband and I were browsing in an antique shop a few weeks ago. I had been wanting one for the longest time to use as my work station. More ...

Magical and Mysterious Treasury

heartsabustin created a Treasury with the theme Magical and Mysterious to showcase the entrants in our hinge technique Design Challenge.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjAxODMyOHw1MDM4OTg4NTE

Go give us some love!

July Challenge - Magical and Mysterious

Ah ... it's Summer! And I guess many of us Metal Clay Heads are busy with vacation, activities and sunbathing; therefore, we have less number of entries this time. But they're of much higher craftsmanship than ever before! Our theme this time is set by last challenge winner Anise of Seavbeach -- Magical and Mysterious. The technical challenge is using hinge(s) as part of the design. Here they are:

Tiny Secret Fine Silver Real Maple Leaf Necklace from York Avenue Studio

I used real Maple leaves for this design, which is a lovely pendant with a hidden treasure of gems on the back. The front is a gorgeous Maple leaf curled naturally with an antique silver finish. The back has two tiny Maple leaves on a hinge that lifts to reveal the secret stash of Alexandrite. More...

Secret Door Locket from Seavbeach

"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."
-Alexander Graham Bell More...

Alutiiq Petroglyph Bracelet from Stuck on Silver

Hinged fine silver bracelet celebrating five expressive Alutiiq faces from petroglyphs found in the Kodiak, Alaska, archipelago. Approximately 27 grams of fine silver. 7"x 5.4" with jump ring and S-hook findings. More...

Egyptian 'Book of the Dead' pendant from Envy Designs Jewelry

This pendant is made from recycled silver to represent the 'Book of the Dead', and has the raised form of Anubis, the god of the afterlife, who after death would lead the deceased to the scales of justice, to weigh your heart against the 'feather of truth' to determine you worthiness (represented on the inside front page) to move on the the afterlife and meet with Isis and Osiris. More...

The public poll on the right is open for two weeks. The technical poll, also open for two weeks, is restricted to MCHs team members only. Enjoy and don't forget to vote! Please cast your vote on the right column; and if you post a comment, you will be automatically entered into our August blog giveaway. Poll will be close on August 3rd.

July Challenge Technical Poll

This technical poll is restricted to MCHs only. Thanks!

Click here to take survey

Congrats to Beachshopgirl!

You won our June blog giveaway! You will receive the Love Birds pendant from our metal clay artist Michelle of The Tarnished Halo. Please contact us with your info as soon as you can! Special thanks to Michelle who give away the beautiful pendant, you can check out her vintage and romantic art pieces here.

MCHs Need Your Vote to Win the Handmadelogy Top 10!

Click on the list on top and vote for us today!

Hopelessly Romantic with a Vintage Flair

MCHs June featured metal clay artist is Michelle of The Tarnished Halo.

After falling head over heels in love with precious metal clay, Michelle has created so many unique wearable art with a touch of vintage flair. Vintage is after all her first love besides her pal friends. Wonder why she picked the name The Tarnished Halo? Want to know what inspires her? Read on...

What is your greatest ambition as a Metal Clay Artist?
I think my greatest ambition as a Metal Clay Artist would be to be featured in a magazine, and be able to turn The Tarnished Halo into more than just a hobby. I would love the opportunity if it should present itself to be able to enjoy making really special pieces for people full-time. Everything about making individual pieces and custom pieces just simply fills me with joy!

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by nature, and human connections most of all. I’m a hopeless romantic, and believe in true love, and that it will conquer all. Like my love birds pendants, I believe that there is a soulmate out there for everyone. I love the shape of a circle, it is the happiest and friendliest shape, and a perfect symbolism that everything is connected, and that everything will always come full circle.

When did you first become interested in Metal Clay? How long have you been designing jewelry using metal clay.
I first became interested in Metal Clay on September 17th, 2010. I remember the day very clearly, I was working on stamping some silver disks when I ran across Metal Clay jewelry on Etsy.com. I was simply head over heels with it, and knew that I wanted to be able to make it, I just didn’t know how to begin! So, my husband and I went to the bookstore and I would eat, sleep and dream about being able to get to the point of making clay pieces. For Christmas my in-laws and my husband surprised me with a kiln, and a stock pile of clay supplies! It wasn’t until two weeks later that I mustered up the courage to try it, and wah lah…I simply fell head over hills in love with every aspect of creating really unique pieces of jewelry, and then I just kept moving forward!

Why did you pick the name The Tarnished Halo?
I was actually brainstorming with a friend of mine and trying to come up with something really unique. I love the description of “tarnished” and then it kind of took on a life of its own with a bit of a deeper meaning. I believe that when you really embrace that we are all imperfect, and perhaps a little tarnished and beat up on this journey that we call life, it adds character and strength to us. My jewelry isn’t perfect, and I think that is one of the beauties of making artisan jewelry is that it is as unique, and not commercial, but specially made for that special someone!

My first piece of Metal Clay jewelry was my bronze keyhole necklace. I was entirely too nervous to go with the silver for my first solo attempt!

Michelle is giving away the Eco-Friendly Tiny Love Birds necklace in recycled silver to a lucky winner this time!

To enter the giveaway, here are the rules:

Every person is eligible to enter the blog giveaway with up to FOUR (4) entries. How can you get an entry? You can do any of the following and then let us know that by leaving a comment under this feature so we can keep track.

1. Follow our blog = 1 entry
2. Check out featured artist and post favorite piece on the blog = 1 entry
3. Heart featured artist’s shop = 1 entry
4. Follow featured artist on Facebook = 1 entry
5. Make a purchase = 2 entries
6. Refer a friend = 1 entry
7. Tweet about the giveaway using key word metalclayheads = 1 entry
8. Share the Metal Clay Heads blog giveaway link on FB (Go to http://www.facebook.com/MetalClayHeadTeam and click Share) = 1 entry
9. If you voted and commented on our last challenge = 1 entry

The giveaway will run for two weeks. We will announce the winner on June 30th. Good luck!