Your Company Name: Mike's Clay Stuff
Email Address/Web Page: Finder7109@Aol.com
City & State: Arlington, Virginia
Type of Craft: Miniatures and Animals
Tell us in your own words, how you discovered polymer clay and how long have you been using it?
I discovered polymer clay when doing a project for school in
3rd grade. I did not know what it was yet and I had not worrked with
colored clay. The friend of mine that I was working with was the daughter
of an artist and so we had some clay at our disposal.
Are there any special artists that you can attribute your interest to or that have inspired you?
I took a class at school in 4th grade where I learned all
about it. I like the fact that it is cheap and easy to bake so that I can
use the ideas of famous artists like Red Grooms.
What is your specialty?
I like to make little carictures of animals, vehicles, and
other normal everyday items.
Can you tell us why you find polymer clay the expressive medium for you?
It is cheap, relatively easy to get, very easy to shape and
mix, plus I don't need a kiln to bake it or paint to paint it.
Have you published any polymer clay books or do you have any in the works?
Not yet, I'm only 15!
I know it is very difficult to express, but have you won any awards for your polymer clay work?
I have made some money in shows but I hven't had time to get
much exposure.
What are your expectations for the future? Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
I hope to be in college, sitting with my clay and a toaster oven.
Do you have any advice for the beginning polymer clay enthusiasts?
Make sure that you join pieces well. Don't just smooth, make
the pieces fit together or interlock or SOMETHING to hold them together.
Are you a member of any Polymer Clay group,or any other craft
organization?
No, except I do go to a polymer clay chat once a week on line.
What brands of polymer clay do you prefer and why?
I love Sculpey III because it is cheap and easy to work and mix. I use Fimo and Promat occasionally, but not as often because they are more
expensive.
Last and most important can you tell us all about you? Your family, your
training?
I am almost entirely self taught. I learned the basic
techniques from a class in grade school but now i just do things on my own.
