Archive for February, 2010
Plastics at the Super Bowl
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
A couple of plastic products are getting media attention today because of their connection with the Super Bowl. The Facts newspaper in Clute, Texas, has a feature about Dow Chemical Co.'s Primacor resin, used in the face masks for both...
Video from Liz Welch – FPUK – creating moulds to use with Friendly Plastic
Sunday, February 7th, 2010It looks like Liz and I were on the same page with the videos! Check out Liz Welch's latest video on how to create a mould to use with Friendly Plastic. Then watch the Friendly Plastic video for tips on using FP pellets in the mould.
Have you seen Linda Peterson’s video on using Friendly Plastic in moulds? If you haven’t, go and check it out now on the Friendly Plastic Blog. The reason for pointing you in that direction is because it ties in very nicely with my latest FPUKtv video on how to make the moulds using a two part silicone putty called Easy Mold. As the name suggests, it is really easy to use, and it is quick to make some exciting moulds from your precious bits and bobs.
Easy Mold comes from the same stable as Envirotex Lite and it is simple to mix the two differently coloured putties together, press the ball of smooth putty around an object or push an object in to the putty. You leave it for anywhere between 5 minutes to 20 minutes depending on the amount of putty you use, and then gently remove the object from the putty (or the other way around in some cases) and hey presto, you have an incredibly detailed reusable mould.
Whilst there are loads of lovely moulds out there to buy (cake decorating / sugarcraft moulds, and the fabulous range from Krafty Lady), sometimes you want to do your own thing. I have found it excellent for making multiple copies of objects that are precious to me that I don’t want to use in a project, or that I only have one of when I need 10. Markets, car boot sales, and charity shops are great places to find interesting things to mould; so is your jewellery box.
The moulds are flexible so they are really easy to release from, and you don’t have to stick with using Friendly Plastic, why not try polymer clay, paper clay, Hearty, or any of the other modelling compounds out there.
Like Linda, I prefer to use hot water to soften my FP for moulding, it makes it much easier to handle (not sticky or too hot). You can use up all your scraps in a mould as well, and then simply paint the surface afterwards using acrylic paints. My personal preference depends on what I am trying to achieve: If I want total control over detailed colouring then I go for Friendly Plastic Pellets, but if I want a background colour with a metallic look that can still be altered, then the FP sticks are the way to go.
The other nice thing about the putty is that it seems to have a long shelf life as long as you keep the lids tightly closed, so you are ready to make a mould whenever the inspiration takes you.
Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.
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CHA 2010 Design Challenge Winners
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Have a look below. I'm sure you will recognize some of the artists who have appeared on the blog previously. Congratulations to the winners and THANK YOU to everyone who entered!
Our 2010 Open Design Challenge for the Craft & Hobby Association Show in Anaheim highlights Friendly Plastic. Artists from around the world have made butterflies to commemorate the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust for the ‘Butterfly Project’ at the Holocaust Museum Houston. Others created one-of-kind Mixed Media Jewelry and/or Altered Art for Jewelry or Home Décor, which will be donated to the Living Room Santa Rosa, a daytime shelter for abused women and children.
Our 2010 Open Design Challenge for the Craft & Hobby Association Show in Anaheim highlights Friendly Plastic. Artists from around the world have made butterflies to commemorate the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust for the ‘Butterfly Project’ at the Holocaust Museum Houston. Others created one-of-kind Mixed Media Jewelry and/or Altered Art for Jewelry or Home Décor, which will be donated to the Living Room Santa Rosa, a daytime shelter for abused women and children.
Best of Show “Friendly Plastic Charm Bracelet†by Terie Pauley. | The winners were announced at the Friendly Plastic Open Design Challenge Awards Reception on Monday, January 25, 2010 at the CHA Show in Anaheim. The winners are: Ambrose Holcomb’s “Oh: Holey Flight†for Best Butterfly by an Artist Age 15 and Under Cathy Frank’s “Generation Lost†for Best Butterfly Sherry McGilvray’s “Garden Jewels†for Best Mixed Media Jewelry Linda Hess’ “Mardi Gras Vase†for Best Mixed-Media/Altered Art All winners receive an etched crystal award, $100 personal check, plus a $100 check to be donated to the charity of their choice. Thank you to all the artists who made this showcase possible. Click on each entry to enlarge and view details! |
Best Butterfly by an Artist Age 15 and Under | |
 Entry 4: Oh, Holey Flight by Ambrose Holcomb | |
Other Entries | |
 Entry 1: Because of You by Giselle Romero | |
 Entry 3: Draggin' Bling by Ambrose Holcomb | |
 Entry 6: By Nestor by Sara Romero | |
Best Butterfly by an Artist Age 15 and Over | |
 Entry 13: Generation Lost by Cathy Frank | |
Other Entries | |
 Entry 7: Hope by Annette Cox | |
 Entry 9: Freedom by Annette Cox | |
 Entry 11: Autumn Bliss by Melissa Dallmann | |
 Entry 14: Flower Doodle Butterfly by Adrienne Goodenough | |
 Entry 16: Strong Heart by Linda Hess | |
 Entry 18: Inspire Change by Susan Kurz | |
 Entry 20: The Regal Monarch by Susan Mostek | |
 Entry 22: I Fly Royal by Rose Wotton | |
 Entry 24: Northern Lace by Bev Nicholson | |
Best Mixed Media Jewelry Winner | |
 Entry 29: Garden Jewels by Sherry McGilvray | |
Other Entries | |
 Entry 26: Beautiful Bow Headband by Marisa Pawelko | |
 Entry 28: Pearly by Susan Kurz | |
 Entry 31: Inspirational Cuff & Ring by Marisa Pawelko | |
Best Mixed Media/Altered Art Winner | |
 Entry 33: Mardi Gras Vase by Linda Hess | |
 Entry 34: If it weren't for Caffeine by Linda Hess |
 Entry 35: Ms Porcince Pixie by Karen Kloberdans |
 Entry 36: Pair of Plant Buddies by Susan Kurz |
 Entry 37: Florence Fairy by Susan Mostek |
 Entry 38: My Colorful Dream by Terie Pauley |
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News flash: McCormick is expensive
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Did you know that the average average straight-time labor cost for contractors at Chicago's McCormick Place is $66.30 an hour, compared with $42.62 in Las Vegas and $26.83 in Orlando, Fla.? Those numbers come from the Chicago Tribune, reporting today...
Friendly Plastic Snowflake Ornaments by Liz Welch
Friday, February 5th, 2010
This picture seems quite fitting today as it's snowing outside my studio window located in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. We are deep into winter and experiencing one of the harshest winters we've had in the past several years.
These snowflakes are the artwork of textile and Friendly Plastic artist Liz Welch, who resides in the UK. She is credited with developing the "Oooze" technique of which these snowflake ornaments were made. This is a great way to capture a snowflake forever!
To see more of Liz's work or to attend one of her workshops visit her blog: www.rarebird.wordpress.com
Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.
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Contemporary Metallic Gold Pendant by Marusia on Etsy
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Just a little bit of Friendly Plastic is all you need to create a contemporary necklace. This beautiful design is by Marusia. To purchase this or to view more of her work, visit her Etsy Store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryByMarusia
Linda Peterson is compensated and endorsed by AMACO. The guests features may or may not have any affiliation with AMACO.
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Eastman might sell PET business?
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Many in the plastics industry know Eastman Chemical Co. as a PET resin supplier. But the company may be planning to exit that business, according to a story in the daily paper where the company is headquartered. The Kingsport, Tenn.,...
Plastiki almost ready to go
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Remember the Plastiki -- the boat made out of old PET bottles that David de Rothschild plans to sail from California to Australia, to raise awareness of marine debris? The Plastics Blog first discovered the project almost two years ago....
But do you NEED a bag?
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
"Paper or plastic" has become a cliche, but with retailers trying to cut down on plastic bag usage, consumers should get used to a new phrase at the checkout: "Do you need a bag?" Getting asked that question doesn't bother...
House in Argentina made of plastic bottles
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Every once in a while I come across something that's blogworthy just to share the photos. That's the case today in a post from the Treehugger.com sustainability Web site, which posted an item today headlined "Amazing House Made Entirely of...