Creating is a process.
“Creativity takes courage”
Henry Matisse
"The artist is distinguished from all other responsible actors in society — the politicians, legislators, educators, and scientists — by the fact that he is his own test tube, his own laboratory, working according to very rigorous rules, however unstated these may be, and cannot allow any consideration to supersede his responsibility to reveal all that he can possibly discover concerning the mystery of the human being. Society must accept some things as real, but he must always know that visible reality hides a deeper one, and that all our action and achievement rest on things unseen. A society must assume that it is stable, but the artist must know, and he must let us know, that there is nothing stable under heaven. One cannot possibly build a school, teach a child, or drive a car without taking some things for granted. The artist cannot and must not take anything for granted, but must drive to the heart of every answer and expose the question the answer hides"
James Baldwin
Inspiration
When it comes to crafters and artists, everyone needs inspiration. Inspiration can be found in everything really, some might find it while they listen to music, some might be inspired by seeing others artworks, someone else's muse might be visiting them while they are reading their favourite book, some might be inspired all the time, some might be inspired just observing nature, or simply observing life unfolding.
However you might be inspired, do not ever forget to feed your inspiration, your art will benefit from this.
Choice of materials
As a Guild, we are not supporting a unique brand of Polymer Clay (PC). You might ask us: why? Well, we think everyone should be free to test the material by themselves and then make their choice. Polymer clay reacts to the warmth of our hands, and if a clay is good for someone might be really not ideal for someone else. It is all about personal preference, and as such, we encourage the creative process, leaving the choice of the best PC to you. Try all brands, benefit from the stores where we buy from and experience, literally on your own skin which one is the best for you! In our Members only Area, our members often discuss pros and cons from their point of view depending on the project they are working on.
Tools suggested
Assuming you are about to sit home with your first Polymer Clay block we'd like to congratulate you on joining the Polymer Clay world!
Many websites will tell you: "this is a must-have!" While it is true for certain creations, remember that as a beginner, your hands, an empty glass bottle to use a roller and toothpicks can go a long way!
If you want to have an easier job when creating, then find a flat surface, a simple tile, a marble slab, a glass pastry mat, any of these will facilitate your work!
In our Members Area we can discuss in details any doubt you might have, join us!
Find the courage
Sometimes starting it's the hardest thing...
We have all been there, and we know how hard it is, so if you have doubts, join us for free on our main IPCG Facebook page,
Once you will join us you will have access to our Members area, both on Facebook and on our Website, our members are happy to answer your questions and to share online resources. Many of us have gone through the same struggle than any crafter and artists has gone through, we know how important is having a community to support us and to share the great moments, and those moments when things are going not so well.