Last summer I ordered a small marquetry side table from Chris Malcolmson.
Despite the fact it is a Sheraton table, I thought would be a nice compliment in
a room with the William and Mary chest of drawers he made for me.
I want things
to be harmonious but not matching. I am keeping my eye out for a taller piece of
furniture for the same room, a beautiful secretary perhaps.
PS....
You might have caught a glimpse of my vanished post which was a help
question . I got a fast answer, so I deleted the post so as not to trouble you with it.
I have been struggling with the NEW polymer clay formula imposed on
clay companies like Fimo and Sculpy by the Environmental Protection Agency. The clay now is much too soft,
sticky and sort of greasy. I HATE IT! It is impossible to work with.
I have been told that Kato polymer clay is the better option now for
its working qualities. I am hoping this is true because I have ordered it to
finish a project I have been struggling with. Most of which is finished, except
for the hands and face. Surely there has to be an answer if it is not Kato. I
could never make an animal with the new formula clays.
Thanks a lot EPA.... You *&^%$# &^%$. Grrrr
The table is beautiful Catherine, a secretary is on my to do list for sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new clay!
Thanks Elga. I look forward to seeing your secretary. I know it will be gorgeous.
DeleteHi Catherine, The side table looks wonderful and compliments the other items in the room perfectly, regarding polymer clay have you tried cold porcelain? or extra fine miliput? the cold porcelain can be made at home milliput on the other hand can be found online and is excellent for sculpture work if mixed correctly.
ReplyDeleteTony.
Thank you Tony. I am going to try that. :-)
DeleteWhat a stunning little setting you have made with your new side table......it all looks exquisite!!!!
ReplyDeleteLinda x
Thank you. It was my birthday present. From me to me. haha
DeleteBeautiful table, the colours are stunning. And your inventive curse words made me chuckle
ReplyDeleteX
Those curse words were a bit more colorful when I was trying to make hands out of bubble gum.
DeleteBeautiful little table, Catherine. I did see your "ghost of a post" and was wondering if you got a satisfactory answer. I have heard Kato clay is excellent though I have not used it myself. I know some clay artists who mix either rice flour or semolina into the clay to stiffen it (haven't done that myself) or leach the plasticizers from it by pressing it between white paper (have done that with ProScult with some success). Original Fimo was the best and I am fortunate to have a few bars still in my stash... though not necessarily the right colors :-( Happy claying! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your clay tips. I am going to keep trying everything suggested until I find a way.
DeleteA beautiful table. The marquetry is wonderful. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Indy. I do feel very lucky to have it.
DeleteThe table is exquisite and such a lovely warm wood. Looks lovely with your other furnishings and accessories.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was very pleased that it seemed to fit in with all the other pieces I have.
DeleteThe table is beautiful! But once again, I am truly floored by your stunning photography and setting :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Linda. You always say that. Thank you!
DeleteDitto! That table is drop-dead GORG! I hope you found a solution to the clay prob.
ReplyDeleteThank you John. I am not going to give up yet on finding a solution to my clay problem.
DeleteHi Catherine, I love the table and your choice of furnishings is always Top Drawer! This looks so comfortable situated where you have it. Do you have a photo of the entire room in another posting?
ReplyDeleteelizabeth
Elizabeth, I don't have a room or a dollhouse yet. I am that silly person that put the cart before the horse. I am hoping to start building one soon. haha
DeleteA stunning, very special piece.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though there is going to be a great deal of tearing at hair, and gnashing of teeth as the result of the new fimo forumla. The question that leapt to my mind immediately was why?, and secondly whether it will be imposed on other brands too in time. Not that it matters to me personally, I'm avoiding it like the plague because I feel that if I start playing with it I'll get hooked! ;)
I have a pretty good stash of clay so I am not sure when the formula changed. I am sure when the EPA forced this change they did it to every company who makes polymer clay.
DeleteC'est un très joli achat qui va parfaitement avec vos objets précieux . Le seul défaut de cette table ...c'est que l' on n'ose pas poser un objet au milieu , le travail est si magnifique !
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine
DeleteThe table you ordered is gorgeous! I too find it difficult sometimes to create harmony in a scene without it becoming dull. I think you managed very well and did a perfect job.
ReplyDeletethank you I was very happy it seemed to fit right in with other pieces have.
DeleteOh what a beautiful table, he really des some amazing work! It looks great with the other chairs - not too formal, just right.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about the fimo post, but as I hate even the original stuff, I knew I wouldn't be able to help!
I hope you find something to replace it.
Am off to see if Chris has a website...
I also hate working with polymer clay.... oddly enough. It is the finished product I like. I really hate making animals too but I love having them in my collection.
Deletecette table est une ouvre d'art comme la commode d'ailleurs.
ReplyDeleteComme je te comprends Catherine pour les pâtes polymères .Plus jamais la fimo .J'utilise actuellement de la sculpey primo et sculpey for Doll ( achetée il y a 1 an ) pour mes sculptures .Mais vous habitez au USA et il y a de la "Prosculp " et je crois que c'est la meilleure pâte pour sculpter des personnages.
Wat een prachtige tafel. Een echte aanwinst. Veel plezier ermee.
ReplyDeleteGroeten Xandra
Thank you Xandra
DeleteThe table is wonderful. And I like this cozy corner.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Faby
Thank you Fabiola.
DeleteThis is absolutely beautiful. Re: your sticky clay...have you tried leaching it? Roll between two sheets of clean white paper and leave for 10 minutes - it should absorb the extra liquid - or so I'm told.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin. I am going to try to leach the clay right now. I will let you know right here if it works.
DeleteEs una mesa increible.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
Gracias Elena
ReplyDeleteHello Catherine,
ReplyDeleteYou have such wonderful pieces...I drool every time I see pictures of your incredible rooms.
I wish you luck with the clay!
Big hug,
Giac
Thank you Giac, I have been a little worried about you. It isn't like you to vanish for so long. I hope all is well in your life. XXX
DeleteOMG Catherine, this piece is fantastic, I love it.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting, your philosophy regarding furnishings: pull pieces of different styles and create harmony is a guarantee of originality and movement (even in in miniature rooms)
Yes, I am one of those who saw a chewing gum stuck to a shoe and then ... anything!
Thanks for giving an explanation, in fact I was a little worried :-)
Lovely hugs,
Flora
Thank you Flora. It is the same philosophy I use in my own 1: 1 house. So if a dollhouse is being lived in today I see no reason why not to mix different periods of furniture.
DeleteAnd yes the new formula clay is just like working with chewed gum. ewwww
I love the table and Im sorry the EPA's a bunch of *^&^*^%
ReplyDeleteHugs
Marisa
Thank you for your kind comment about the table.
DeleteI guess I had so much of the old formula clay I am just finding out what others have been dealing with for a couple of years. I don't belong to any groups so I had not heard about it.
It is a real masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteGeneviève
Thank you I am glad you like it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning table, you do have a remarkable way of putting things together, always very elegant.
ReplyDeleteAs for fimo, my experience is limited but sticky clay sounds like no fun at all!!
ML Fi X
Thank you for your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteAs for the clay. I have now leached out the oily stuff using white paper. It made it firmer and I can work it now. Though it is not as good as the old formula at least I can finish the project I started. :-)
Another beautiful piece by Chris. This is one of those pieces which will fit in anywhere!
ReplyDeleteI have not read all of the comments, but I understand you have found a solution of sorts for your clay problem. For some reason 'talcum powder' popped into my head. I have no idea if this actually works, but I have a vague recollection of it being used with Fimo. Please don't make any complicated sculptures before trying it out ;-)
Thank you Josje. I also though it was a very versatile table.
ReplyDeleteI have used talcum powder to smooth clay and corn starch too. Maybe that is what you were thinking of.
This is an absolutely gorgeous side table. Outstanding marquetry!
ReplyDelete