Artist Doreen Kassel

Ornament made by Doreen Kassel

This evening I came across the artist, Doreen Kassel.  I'm in love!  This New Jersey artist is a former illustrator of children's books and products, and now makes the most delightfully quirky creatures. 

Christmas ornament by Doreen Kassel

She forms and sculpts polymer clay over glass ornaments, then rubs layers of oil paint over them post-firing.  There is something quite satisfying about being able to see the layers of clay and paint in her pieces, and her fine attention to detail with facial features and expressions. 

Christmas Ornament by Doreen Kassel

I had to look up some of her inspirations -- E.H. Shepard and William Holbrook Beard -- and instantly recognized their works.  Shepard is the Winnie-the-Pooh author, and Beard is known for his paintings of animals (most notably bears) engaged in human activity.  I can only imagine the wondrousness of her dreams, and how charming and amusing to be surrounded by all of these creatures in her studio. 

I'm going to bed tonight and dream of dancing bears.

Website:  http://www.doreenkassel.com
Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/uncommoncreatures
Be sure to also check out her tiles, jewelery, music boxes and adopt a piglet pages!

Kokeshi Dolls by sämyii

kokeshi dolls, originally uploaded by ::sämyii::.

Here is another burst of color for you on this Friday!

Sämyii, from Macerata, Italy, makes some of the cutest things. These colorful kokeshi dolls with their somewhat rigid, polymer clay hair toppers just tickle me pink! I love them.

Made with a wooden base, she bakes on the clay "hair," wraps around fabric for the clothing, and paints on facial features. So simple, yet so fantastic! Who says polymer clay has to be difficult?

Check out her Flickr site for more pics and other handmade items, as well as her Etsy shop!