Polymer Clay Art Jewelry
Margaret Regan lives in Helena, Montana with husband Chris and sons, Sam and Max. As a child in Billings, Montana, she played near the sandstone bluffs that encircle the city, turning over rocks to search for bugs and stringing yucca seed necklaces.

Margaret always loved making small-scale things, and spent long summer afternoons constructing fairy stone-and-stick houses. These childhood interests resurface in her polymer clay work, which is playful, detailed, and occasionally insect-inspired.

Here are some examples of Margaret's work:







About Polymer Clay
The term polymer clay is used to describe synthetic clays manufactured by several companies under their individual trade names. Each manufacturer's formula varies in durability, texture, and color, but all are similar in one aspect: They are clays formulated to cure at temperatures far lower than typical kiln-baked clays.

Because of their relatively low firing temperatures, these clays have seen a broadening application in arts and crafts. Their plastic-based composition yields a final product that is much less susceptible to breakage than ordinary clays. Still, it takes a seasoned artist to construct long-lasting sculpture when intricate design and several media are combined.

Margaret says:
"To work in a colored, sculptural medium is a joy. Imagine, saturated color so thick and luscious you can roll it into a ball. The material gives me so much - instant texture, infinite color, all the detail I desire, and the opportunity to write my own text.

"Polymer is very recent in the history of craft media. Its relative newness on the art scene means that there is not an ancient tradition of use. The basic properties and possibilities of polymer are still being discovered. What a thrill to be an explorer!"

Artist Statement

I love the float and drift of dreams, where familiar objects appear in new settings, and our lives are revealed in visual metaphor. The ability to alter context is a gift: known with novel, commonplace with improbable. Scale and weight and location are all up for grabs. In my work, I revel in these open-ended possibilities.

The medium I use for my explorations is polymer clay, a man-made modeling material. After "tuning" the clays for color, strength, and consistency, I puzzle-piece together patterned blocks of clay. My process is similar to the centuries-old Millefiori techniques of glass makers. Stretching the clays lengthwise reduces the pattern, and piece by piece I create intricate designs of brilliant clay.

I additionally use sterling silver and pure gold leaf. My designs are not painted but are a combination of colored polymer clay and precious metal leaf. I am an innovator in this medium and have pioneered techniques that I now teach nationally. I am engaged in all aspects of the work, from initial design to final sanding. Using the sculptural properties of polymer clay allows me to create jewelry rich in color, texture and visual dimension.