"trends in the european polymer clay scene" - the e-book

"trends in the european polymer clay scene" the e-book for iPad is out now! 
The book is written in ENGLISH! 122 pages and 23 videos, lots of pictures! The file is 317MB and so it takes a bit to download it! The polymer clay scene is becoming more international and so knowing more about each another is getting more important. This introduction to the contemporary European polymer clay scene is one way of getting connected. The European artists have different conditions than the artists in the U.S. and that makes their work different and exiting. A number of the mayor European countries and their characteristics in terms of the respective polymer clay scene will be introduced and examples of the local polymer clay work will be shown. In this enriched e-book you will see and hear parts of the speech given by Anke Humpert at the IPCA Synergy3 in March 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. It also shows the graphics for the statistics and, of course, the work of the European polymer clay artists! Buy it here!

the longest day....

Yesterday was the longest day of the year and I really had a long day!! I got up at 6am (not exactly my time!) and had to get ready to drive with all my polymer clay tools and a biiiig box full of modells, I had prepared the last week(s). I had a photo shooting day for my new book! I was kind of nervous, because that was a first time for me! And driving on one of my most dreaded Autobahns did not make it better either. The way to the photographer could have been a littleless stressfull, but I expected that any way!
But when I got there, everything was just perfect: great studio, wonderful photographer and we worked together like a charm! It is so great to have pictures taken by a pro, nothing like it! The day just went by very busy, but also with lots of insights on my part. I was fearing it would take well into the evening, but surprise surprise, we where done with everything at 5pm and after a much more relaxed hours drive I was home again. I cant wait to see all the photos, when they are printed and I just know they will be very good!

Gestern was der längste Tag im Jahr und ich hatte wirklich einen langen Tag! Ich mußte schon um 6 aufstehen (nicht wirklich meine bevorzugte Zeit!) und mußte mich fertig machen mit allen meinen Polymer Clay Werkzeugen und viiiiielen Modellen, die ich in den letzten Wochen angefertigt habe, los zu fahren. ich hatte einen Fotostudio Tag für mein neues Buch!!! Ich war schon ein bisschen nervös, den ich hab das zum ersten Mal gemacht! Und das ich dazu auf meiner am meisten gehassten Autobahn fahren mußte, hat es natürlich auch nicht besser gemacht. Der Weg zum Fotografen hätte etwas weniger stressig sein können, aber damit hatte ich ja schon gerechnet!
Aber als ich dann dort war, lief alles wie am Schnürchen: super Studio, wunderbarer Fotograf und wir haben ausgezeichnet zusammen arbeiten können! Es ist wirklich unbezahlbar, Bilder von einem Profi gemacht zu bekommen, da geht nichts drüber! Der Tag ist wie im Flug vergangen, aber auch mit sehr viel Arbeit, und mit einigen tollen Einsichten ( von mir). I hatte befürchtet, dass wir bis spät in den Abend brauchen würden, aber Überraschung! wir waren schon um 17 Uhr fertig, und nach einer Stunde viel entspannteren Rückfahrt war ich wieder zu Hause. ich kann es kaum erwarten die Fotos gedruckt zu sehen und ich bin mir sicher sie werden super sein!

Today I made my earrings for the 52 earrings challenge and the theme was "the half", because we are half through with the challenge now. At first I had a bit of trouble finding inspiration for this theme ( the lack of time did not really help either!) but when the spark hit me to do something with ying-yang everything came together really easy.

Heute habe ich meine Ohrringe für die "52 earring" challenge gemacht und da war das Theme "die Hälfte", denn wir sind schon halb durch mit den 52 Wochen! Anfänglich hatte ich ein bisschen Schwierigkeiten, den richtigen Einstieg zu finden ( und die mangelnde zeit war auch nicht hilfreich), aber als ich dann die Idee mit dem Ying-Yang hatte, passte eigentlich alles schnell zusammen.

Some times next week I will send out my next newsletter. If you like to reciece it, please sign up for it on my website: www.anke-humpert.de

 Im laufe der nächsten Woche werde ich meinen nächsten newsletter raus schicken. Wenn Du ihn auch haben möchtest, schreib Dich bitte noch auf meier Website ein: www.anke-humpert.de

Have a great weekend! Habt ein schönes Wochenende!

funny facts about my books...;-))

..... right now there is not much else I can think about, then working on my new book. It´s always like this, when you are coming close to one of the dead lines and I guess this will never change! Tomorrow I have a photo shoting for the step photos. This is new, as we did not do this for my earlier books and I am really exited about it! I got to pack everything and a lot of the things need to be unbaked. It´s a challenge!

...im Augenblick denke ich an nicht viel anderes, als an das Weiterarbeiten an meinem Buch. Es ist immer so wenn ein Abgabetermin im Raum steht, und ich denke das wird sich wohl nie ändern! Morgen habe ich einen Fototermin für die Arbeitsschritte. Das ist neu, den in meinen früheren Büchern gabs das noch nicht und ich bin schon ganz aufgeregt! Ich muß alles packen und etliche Modelle müssen ungehärtet transportiert werden. Das ist eine ganz schöne Herausforderung!

I had a good laught when a friend send me a link to one of my older books (Spanish edition), and told me it says it was published in 1899....???? What??? I know I have been around for quite some time, but that is pushing it a bit too much, right? ;-))

Gestern gabs einen guten Lacher, als mir eine Freundin den Link zu einem meiner älteren Büchern (Spanische Ausgabe) zugeschickt hat, und mich darauf aufmerksam gemacht hat, das es 1899 veröffentlich wurde....???? Wie?? I weiß wohl, das ich schon ne ganze Weile hier bin, aber das ist dann doch etwas übertrieben , oder....? ;-))

To make it even better, I also noticed the my other book was offered for a really high prize: 785€ ( about $995).....!!!! I can not belive it!!! That´s a lot for a little book like this!!! Maybe I should offer some as well...?? ;-))
Um den ganzen noch den Hut auf zu setzen, hab ich auch noch gesehen, das mein anderes Buch zu einem wirklich stolzen Preis angeboten wird: 785€....!!! Unglaublich!!! Das ist ganz schön viel für eine kleines Buch, wie meins!! Vielleicht sollte ich ja auch einige verkaufen...??? ;-))

Have a happy week and let me kow some funny facts about your live...;-))
habt eine schöne Woche und erzählt mir auch was lustiges aus Eurem leben....;-))

My book in SPANISH!!! Olé

....look what I found in my mailbox today: my newest book in SPANISH!!! Olé!
It feels great to have it actually in your hands...;-))
Schaut mal was ich heute in meinem Briefaksten gefunden habe: mein aktuelles Buch in SPANISCH! Olé!
Es fühlt sich echt großartig an es in den Händen zu halten!

And the give-a-way goes to .....

my daughter and her friend just picked the two winners of my blog give-a-way:
Beasabine, you win the two books and
Shizuka, you win one book!! Congratulation to both of you!

Meine Tochter und ihre Freundin haben mir mit dem Auslosen des Give-a-ways geholfen:
Beasabine, Du hast die beiden Bücher gewonnen und
Shizuka, Du hast ein Buch gewonnen!! Herzlichen Glückwunsch an euch beide!

I also like to thank everyone who did post the links to this give-a-way on their blog!! Thank you everyone...;-)
Ich möchte auch allen Danken, die einen Link zu diesem Give-a-way af ihren Blogs gepostet haben: Vielen Dank Euch allen!

Time for another give-a-way...;-)

es ist wiedermal an der Zeit, ein Blog Give-a-Way zu machen....;-)

Today I have three copies of the European Polymer Clay Art for you. I want you to help me a little bit with spreading the news about this book: write a post on your blog or website (Facebook is cool, too) and spread the word! If you have done so, come back to my blog and post a comment, with the link of your post included! I can only put your name in the drawing of the prize, when you have done both! I will draw the winner next Friday ( 30th April). The first prize will be two books (one to keep and one to give to a friend) and the second prize will be one book. Everything clear? So go blogging!!! ;-)

Heute habe ich drei Exemplare des Buche "European Polymer Clay Art" für Euch. Ich würde mich über ein bisschen Hilfe beim Verbreiten der Infos diese Buches freuen: schreib eine post über das Buch auf Deinem Blog oder Deiner Website (Facebook ist auch okay) und mach ein bisschen Werbung! Wenn Du das gemacht hast, komm bitte wieder auf meine Blog und schreib mir einen Kommentar, mit dem Link zu Deinem Post! Nächsten Freitag ( 30. April) werde ich die gewinner auslosen. Der erste Preis ist zwei Exemplare des Buches ( eins zum Behalten und eins zum verschenken) und der zweite Preis ist ein Exemplar des Buches. Alles klar? Na dann blogged mal schön...;-)

EDIT: For those of you who do not want to wait, the book can be bought at Martina´s shop or at my etsy shop, too...;-)

Natürlich könnt ihr das Buch auch kaufen und zwar entweder in Martina´s Shop oder in meinem Etsy Shop. ;-)

Happy news!!!

Our book is here and finally read you be shipped to you! You can order it for Euro 18,95 at Martina´s shop or per mail.
Since I know everyone would love to see who finally got into the book, we have the table of contents and two sample pages for you to look at!
I would love to hear any comments from you when you actually had a look at the book .... please sent us your opinions about it, so we can make the next book even better...;-) 

European Polymer Clay Art - nearly here!! Fast ist es da!!!!

Dear polymer clay friends,

you are all waiting for the "European Polymer Clay Art" book. Right now, it is at the printer´s and we expect it to be delivered at the end of March. The book can be purchased for 18.95 Euro at Martina´s shop “www.polymerclay.de” – and we are looking forward to your orders.

Both of us had not anticipated the amount of time and unexpected formalities that were necessary to complete this book. But now we are more than happy with the outcome!
It was disappointing not to be able to present the book at the Synergy2 Conference in Baltimore. However, the slide show of all submitted pictures of polymer clay art was recognized by all attendees (see the included email by Marcia Laska).
We hope you will be as enthusiastic as we are about this wonderful collection of European Polymer Clay Art and hope for your support.

Best wishes,

Martina and Anke

Mail by Marcia Laska
"Thanks to both of you for your work collecting images of European work.Many of the visitors to the gallery and exhibit stood and watched the many images that continuously played during Synergy.Clearly your efforts were appreciated by many. I realize how much work went into this project. You are both to be commended for the hours youspent.

Take care,
Marcia Laska"

My new book ist out!! Mein neues Buch ist da!!

Heute hab ich eine ganze Kiste voll mit meinem neusten Buch bekommen...;-))

Today I got a box full of my second polymer clay book...;-)

Hier könnt Ihr es bestellen.

...finally: everything gets back to normal...;-)

...finally things get back to normal here. And I cant tell you how happy I am about that! I was getting a bit too much lately. But I dont want to bore you with my stress, so I rather show some pictures...;-)
Finally my complimentary books have arrived. I had seen it shortly on the fair in Frankfurt, but it is much better to sitt at home and have a good look through the real thing! It arrived one day after my birthday. Good timing!

My birthday was very quite and calm this year, but I was soo glad about that. I had caught a cold in Birmingahm and so I just wanted to senpt it  on my sofa, and so I did!

Birmingham was fantastic and I had not much time to take pictures...so just a few here:

 

Some of the pictures were made by Suze Weinberg, who was so kind to allow me to use them. If you like to see more please go to her blog. She has done a really good job with all the pictures!

new Cover!!!

two posts in one day? there must be something wrong with me...*giggle*

Well there is some new I just have to share with you!!! i just got the cover picture of my new book, that will be out some in the first quater of 2010. here it is....tata!!!And here you can preorder it. Do you like it???

Thank you , thank you , thank you!!!!

I just closed the list of entries for our European Polymer Clay People Call: we have over 50 entries from 16 countries!!! Wohhhh! 

I never ever would have hoped for this kind of responds! Thank you everyone how participated!!! This is fantastic! Now the work for us will start!! I keep you informed about the progress!

Call for Entries: Euro Polymer Clay People

Euro Polymer Clay People
- A Photo Album of European Polymer Clay Artists and their Work-

The International Polymer Clay Association has gone international this year and there is a growing community of Polymer Clayers in Europe. The connection to America is still quite weak and only a couple of European artists are household names on both sides of the big pond. In February 2010 the Synergy II Conference will take place in Baltimore. At this meeting a lot of connections are made, but this is not a road
many Europeans can travel.

With all this in mind an idea was born: the idea of a photo album of European Clay People and their work, which will travel to the Synergy Conference in 2010.

This Photo Album will show the wide variety of European Clay Work in its present state (that is in 2009), but to show it, we need YOU!!!! All of you Polymer Clay enthusiasts in Europe!

We will select a good number of people, that will have the opportunity to show their work: Five pictures of their work (one bigger and four smaller ones), your Name, City and Country, a contact Email or URL, and, if you like, a small picture of you. We would like a short description of you and your work (about 200 - 300 words, in English. This text will not be edited, so please, send it in in good English!), however if you are not able to write in English this is not a must, just an opportunity for you to present yourself!

The pictures have to be of high quality ( one 210 by 130 mm, 300 dpi, four 130 by 100 mm 300 dpi) and uncut. Preferable unpublished, but that is not a hard and fast rule. However if your work has been published anywhere else already, do state so, please!

We do especially encourage new faces and of all European countries (including Israel and Turkey) to send in their entries.

There is an option of buying a printed version for everyone after the Synergy Conference in February 2010, if there is enough interest in it. The price will depend on how many people show their interest in this project.

We hope this call for entries will be of interest for a great number of European Clayers and we are looking forward to seeing your work! Please do send your work in before the 10th of December 2009. The ones we select will have to sign an agreement, which will give us permission to publish their work.

Please, forward this call of entries to other European Clayers, who you think might be intrested in sending their work to us!

If you do have any additional questions, please do send us an Email, and we will be happy to help you!

Anke Humpert ( anke@webgetables.de ) and
Martina Weller ( info@marweldesign.de )

Happy 4th of July!!!!

....wish all my American friends and readers a wonderful day of celebrating!!!
Here in Germany we just have an ordinary day, rainy and cold as such.

I have been pretty exhausted lately and am still in the middle of getting on top of my organization thing. But I do not want to let yo stand in the rain... so I thought today I will give you some links to my inspirations sources right now, in no particular order...;-))

I just love the way Sarah keeps here scraps and clippings!!! the ultimate solution, how do reduce all these magazines flying around AND still keep all the inspiring pictures of them!!!

A very cool way to bind your own journals are here. I love this tutorial!!!

Some of these ideas to use household items to get organized are just soooo cool!!! Check it out!

New forum and platform for Scrappers! A Must see!!!

Got this book, which Ali E. recommended and I love it!!! Use what you already have to make cool! thing!!!

Just finished reading this!!! Starhawk is just a brilliant writer!!! I had been reading "The fifth sacred Thing" last year and I trully enjoyed it. Walking to Mercury is like what happened before and its closing the time gap from now to the future ("The fifth sacred Thing") and the past("Walking to Mercury"). Very inspiring book in many ways!!!

Have a great day and be inspired!!!

Well....Friday again!

..... slowly I am getting back to normal. I am still not feeling at my best, but I just cant rest any longer. I have been back to work yesterday and today I was trying to get a couple of things organized, that have been sitting on my desk far too long already!
But I am still taking everything very easy, since I do not want to go back to bed again!



I finished a couple of handmade cards, that I had promised sweet Emily in Canada ages ago...she probably thinks I have completly forgotten her. But that is not the case!! Live is just trying to get a lot out of me and I am still not at my goal for this year: to get all the old comitments off my desk and just work in the now!
I am also still true to my word for this year (which is " DARE"" in case you have forgotten...;-) ) and I dare to show my work and, yes, I also dare to be rejected!!!! But I try not to let this get to close to me .... one day I know I will find the right space and get my work noticed!