Because I am constantly asked "what is this made of", I'll go through some of the more non-traditional materials that I use. For now, here is a list. I hope someday to post explanations concerning the nature of some of the materials I use, why I choose them and how I use them.
BASE MATERIALS
* Polymer Clay-- Kato Poly Clay, Sculpey and Bend 'n Flex
* Liquid polymer-- Kato Liquid Sculpey, Translucent Liquid Sculpey, Fimo Decorating Gel
* Low/No Solvent Resins
* Precious Metal Clay-- Art Clay varieties
* Sculptable Expoy-- Epoxy Sculpt
* Vinyl Concrete
EMBELLISHMENT
* Acrylics paints--Liquitex, Jacquard Luminere, Golden
* Tempura Paint--Rich Art Glossy Tempura
* Metal Leaf
* Foil Papers
*Alcohol inks--Ranger Pinata
* Resin dyes--Castin' Craft
* Plastic Colorants--SoStrong
* Mica Powders--PearlEx & Ranger Pearls
* Embossing enamels--Ranger Embossing Powders
* Glass beads & cabacons
* Copper flashing, wire, findings
* Sterling, silver plated, and Fine Silver wire, beads, solder & chain
* Water based Varathane
* Base metal findings and beads
* Embrodiery thread
* Various fabirics, ribbons and trim
Glass Attic-- Polymer Clay information. If you are willing to do the rummaging, you can find a variety of answers to any polymer question you have on this site. A collection of reasearched text, comments, and polymer artists' input as well as links. No more comprehensive site out there, but not real pretty.
Kato Polyclay--My preferred polymer clay and liquid polymer brand. Donna Kato, a polymer clay artist developed this clay to overcome the downfalls of other available clays. If you've played with Sculpey or Premo and been frustrated by the soft texture or the dullness when mixing color, try this stuff. Explanation of this brand's properties and store locator at this site. Otherwise, its available on nearly all on-line polymer clay resources sites.
Smooth-On-- Resin, molding materials and casting plastics ... the sculputural community's standard resource. Good for large quantity orders.
GENERAL ART SUPPLIES AND RANDOM RESOURCES:
--Ebay!: Resins (search "casting resin"), PMC, beads, silver, tools, molds ... but check your local stores first. With shipping costs the deals aren't always as good as they might seem.
--Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and your local Art supply stores. There are very few things I use that can't be purchased at local stores in some version. These are the best places to start when you begin playing with these materials.
--Harbor Freight Tools: Inexpensive tool resource. Check this site or a local store before shelling out big bucks for "specialty" artists tools. Inexpensive but perfectly good files, sandpaper, gloves, masks, respirators, torches, drills, dental tools, plliers, wire cutters, polishing wheels, etc. can be found here.