Doreen Kassel's Uncommon Creatures

☞ click here for more information ☜

I'm very excited with these new tiles that explore our insides & personal history & let us take off into fantasy too, as new techniques are learned. I'll be teaching my Tiny Creature Pendant class too, lots to learn & great fun! I'll be teaching these at CFCF 2012, in Maryland in February!

My New Pig

2011-12-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

This is my new pig. I designed him to use for my BMAC promotional materials, but I've quite fallen for him. I wanted him to be engaging & full of heart. I hope he is!

2011-12-12T05:48:00.001-08:00

tonight at midnight @ spookytime Jingles! We're breaking free from under the tree : )

2011-12-11T05:35:00.001-08:00

New Pup

Holiday Cheer

2011-12-02T04:58:00.001-08:00

UPDATE! Has Anyone Seen These Two, They May be Lost in The Mail! Safely Delivered today : )

I'm still busy finishing wholesale & personal Christmas orders but I needed a little Holiday sparkle for myself. I made these two tiny glittery snowmen (1 & 1/4") & they cheered me up, I put them on Etsy & they sold right away, even more cheer!

My New Steampunckers

2011-11-20T19:48:00.001-08:00

I'm having a lot of fun experimenting with steampunk findings... lots of new ideas!

2011-11-12T12:33:00.001-08:00

Krampus & St Nick,

at it again. Tonight! Spooky Time Jingles

2011-11-11T05:39:00.001-08:00

Sneak peek, visit STJ on the 13th at midnight!

2011-11-03T11:38:00.001-07:00

My arts business institute interview

New Beast

2011-10-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some exotic beast ornaments

2011-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

click on me ☝ for more info : )

I'm very excited to be teaching at CFCF 2012, check out the other wonderful instructors!

2011-10-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

New Christmas Angels

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-09-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

My tiny turtle

2011-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Come & see me at the STJ Soiree!

2011-09-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

Mr F. & his Lovely Bride ♥

2011-08-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air ♥

Spooky Time Jingles Soiree September 2011!

2011-08-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Click on Pumpkin Head for more details!!

Art Doll Quarterly Autumn Issue is Here! & I'm in it!

2011-08-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Autumn 2011 issue of Art Doll Quarterly is on newstands! Among other places, you can find it at Barnes and Noble and Michaels Arts and Crafts. I'm excited to be included & It's great to be in the company of so many wonderful Halloween artists. The cover artist is Scott Rucus, (Scott Rucus Studios), spectacular work! If you love Halloween you will love the autumn issue of ADQ!

Teaching at Orlando Polymer Clay Fandango 2012!

2011-07-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that I'll be flying off to teach at the Orlando Polymer Clay Retreat in 2012, May 3-7th!
http://www.oapcguild.com/Retreat.cfm

Spooky Time Jingles 3rd Anniversary!

2011-07-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

spookytimejingles.com

Help us celebrate Spooky Time Jingles 3rd Anniversary & support the Make A Wish Foundation.
A portion of our sales will be donated, so check us out on July 13, midnight!

My New Day of the Dead Paper Clay Skelly ♥

2011-07-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Pre July 4th!

2011-06-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

My New House Pet Gang!

2011-06-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

My New House Pet Gang

2011-06-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

I'm THRILLED to announce that I'll be teaching at Artfest, in Port Townsend, Washington, May 28-April 1, 2012!
It's a great opportunity to be with really creative people in a unique setting!

Teaching at Klay Karma!

2011-05-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching at Klay Karma July 22 - July 24
in New Hampshire...

Klay Karma

BMAC Baltimore Show, July 10-13th

2011-05-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to be in participating in the BMAC this year in Baltimore! On the 10th there will be a collector's day, open to the public & the 11-13th will be wholesale days. Yikes!

My first Paper Clay Ornies, I love this stuff!

2011-05-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!

2011-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Jainnie WINS the Piggy!!!!!!!!!
& Panda Becomes a Model!!
Thank you sooooo much to everyone who voted & helped me make this decision!!
I appreciate all your input!

Kindly Help Me Choose & Win a Piggy Ornie!

2011-05-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together an ad for Niche Magazine for the July BMAC show. I'm only using one image, & I can't decide between the Koala & the Panda. Please post your choice below! I'm using www.random.org to pick someone to win my 'Piggy Love' ornament!

Pick the Koala or the Panda through May 18th, & I'll announce the giveaway winner here on the 19th!

2011-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Almost time for our 1st big showing of 2011!!

The final countdown is on, just days from our 3rd time at the National Halloween Convention! Still finalizing every lil detail of our new displays this year. Think Neo-Victorian haunted house meets SpookyTimeJingles!!! You will NOT be disappointed. We are trucking in actual Victorian furnishings and props to set the tone. So come see for yourself, have a cup of fresh coffee with us, shop our haunted art and take a load off. Our booth is meant to be a full experience. See you there!
Http://www.nationalhalloweenconvention.com/

2011-04-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce Missus Piggy Music Box has been chosen for inclusion in the New Book, 'Humor in Craft'!

NPBW Poster Art

2011-03-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Little Bear Icon for National Picture Book Week

2011-03-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

This very intelligent fellow will be used as an icon for National Picture Book WeekClick here for NPW

My New Workshop in Southern New Hampshire , May 13-15th

2011-03-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

In May I'll be teaching in Hollis, New Hampshire (just up a bit from Massachusetts). I'm really excited because the full weekend will really give us a chance to create some great work!

Here's the announcement...

3 Day Polymer Clay Workshop with Doreen Kassel

Darbella Studio is very pleased to welcome polymer clay artist Doreen Kassel for a 3 day workshop, the weekend of May 13, 14, and 15, 2011.

Doreen will be teaching students her own unique method of sculpting in full dimension, and in relief using polymer clay. Alphabet and number stamps will be used to add interest or an inscription to the piece. After baking, students will learn the secrets of how to achieve a vintage feel to their piece using oil paints which will enhance details, highlight texture and even make any imperfections look amazing! She will then guide you through finishing your creation to be a wearable piece of art, or something you can frame or hang as a decorative masterpiece! Doreen assures us that no experience in sculpting is required, all that is needed is a desire to create and a bit of patience.

Doreen has been working in polymer clay for 25 years, she is also an award winning children's book illustrator. Her work can be found in books, puzzles and games. She creates one of a kind, collectible creatures and beasts. Whimsical & off beat, she crafts wearable art jewelry, tiles, Christmas & Halloween sculpture & ornaments. Her work is inspired by vintage children's books & old, well loved, toys. She is a winner of the 2011 Niche Award, sponsored by the Buyers Market of American Craft. The award recognizes unique creative thought, market viability and excellence in craftsmanship.

Her work can be seen at these sites...

www.doreenkassel.com

http://doreengay-kassel.blogspot.com/

http://spookytimejingles.com/userpages.php?usersearch=uncommoncreations

When: May 13, 14 and 15, 2011 (Fri. 5-9pm, Sat. 10-4pm, Sun. 10-3pm)

Where: Darbella Studio, Hollis NH

Cost: $195.00 ($225.00 after May 1st)

Seating for this special workshop is extremely limited and early registration is recommended to guarantee your spot. (Please note the discounted pricing for early registration) Email darbella@charter.net for a registration form. Supply list will be emailed upon receipt of payment.

Spooky Time Girl... coming on March 13th to STJ

2011-03-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Go to Spookytime Jingles March 13th, at midnight to see Spooky Time Girl & a bunch of other Spooky & Sweet Creatures & Beasts

I colored & glittered these guys, not sure which way I like it : )

2011-03-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

Spooky Tile from CFCF

2011-02-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

This is a Spooky tile I made while teaching a wonderful group of students at Cabin Fever Clay Fest. I had the BEST time.

Art & Soul Retreat Blog Hop

2011-02-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

In Portland, Oregon, in the fall of 2011 an extraordinary event will be taking place! Some of the most talented masters of their craft, from all over the country, will be gathering to teach & inspire. There will be hundreds of art makers coming together to take workshops & leave creatively nourished for months to come.

I will be teaching vintage inspired tile making & vintage inspired pendants.

Here is a list of some of the other wonderful instructors with links to their yummy blogs...

Can't Wait!

Niche Award 2011 : )

2011-02-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to announce that I won!

The award recognizes unique creative thought, market viability and excellence in craftsmanship. Really exciting.

Wonderful Pics of the Beasts by Ryan @ OneCam

2011-02-17T14:57:00.001-08:00

http://theonecam.nfshost.com/wordpress/?p=1013

Demoing for Etsy at Toy Fair, NYC, February 15th. Come by & visit.

2011-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

Check Spooky Time Jingles on February 13th @ midnight

2011-01-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

I'll be joining Spooky Time Jingles! Click on Pumpkin head for STJ ♥

Art & Soul Retreat

2011-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

Click below for info...

Art & Soul Retreat, Portland, Oregon

2011-01-24T09:21:00.001-08:00

Doreen Kassel Uncommon Creatures ‎"Cogitate" about taking my one day workshop at CFCF, February 20th!
Learn the techniques involved in making beautiful vintage style work : )

♥ I'm teaching at Cabin Fever Clay Fest in Laurel, MD, in February!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥

2011-01-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

My CFCF 2011 pre-conference workshop is entitled “Vintage Texturing and Sculpting/ Tile Stories.’ In my workshop, you will learn to create the vintage looks that bring you back to the romance of old illustration, toys of a simpler era and the colors of pressed flowers. Using a tile as a starting point we’ll sculpt in relief, use ‘undercutting’ to create deep linear definition, texturing for lighter variations in line. There are wonderful ‘accidents’ that turn into lovely surprises. I often add banners of text, adding more contrast & charm. We’ll back the tile with felt & add a pretty vintage-style ribbon for hanging.
The painting technique involves applying oil paint, rubbing, & wiping in several steps. The way the image emerges as the steps progress is truly exciting!
For registration information and form, click here… It will be a wonderful time!

My Neglected Blog

2010-12-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

My blog has been sadly neglected, my New Year's resolution (one of them) is to post here more often & in a more conversational tone. So, see you soon. : )
Happiest of Holidays to all!

Daily Art Muse

2010-12-06T05:01:00.000-08:00

Great piece by the talented Susan Lomuto.

More Ornaments & a Tile : )

2010-10-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

nice logo : )

2010-10-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a NICHE award finalist for 'Bear Hug'!

2010-10-29T05:03:00.001-07:00

Winners will be announced at a ceremony held during BMAC, Feb. 12-15, 2011. Winners will receive an awards certificate, trophy, listing on the NICHE Awards website and prominent listing in the Spring 2011 issue of NICHE magazine.

A Beautiful Blog I've found

2010-10-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Check out this beautiful, elegant blog I've connected with through Etsy. Very sparkly & special!
www.creativechaos.typepad.com

New Ornaments/ to show at Sauce For The Goose/ Arts Council of Princeton

2010-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Honoring the Mighty Beet/ Tile

2010-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

My New Etsy Shop...

2010-10-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/uncommoncreatures

Tiles

2010-10-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

My new tiles : )

2010-09-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

My New League of Uncommon Creatures

creature

with card that opens to the league credo

League of Uncommon Creatures

Sartorially splendid, well mannered & fair,
possessed of warm hearts & an elegant air.
Wry-humored, intelligent, merry & blessed,
unflinching & valiant when put to the test.
The Pig, the Fox, the Rabbit, the Bear,
seek beasts to apply, who are brave, true & rare.

2010-09-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

My New Member of The League of Uncommon Creatures

new addition of a card that opens to a spread.

Craftedu.com Teaching

2010-09-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Adopt a Piglet ♥

I'll be teaching classes on www.craft.edu : ) More info soon...

Some new piggies & a friend

2010-06-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

ACRE Las Vegas

2010-06-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

ACRE was great in so many ways!

ACRE Las Vegas Friday...

2010-06-02T04:22:00.000-07:00

I'm off to my first big show in Las Vegas Friday. A lot of work has been done, new pieces, jewelry, displays, banners, brochures, cards, & more. It's been a very instructional process, I hope it's a good experience there. It's been a great experience in my studio!

Monday Class

2010-04-15T04:15:00.000-07:00

We have a lovely & lively class going on Mondays from 10:30-1:30.

New work

2010-04-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

I've started making fun, botanical jewelry. I've been in the studio late into the night, loving working on these. I'll show more soon!

Workshops!

2010-03-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Some polymer workshops coming up! Focusing on basic techniques & jewelry. Please email to be put on the list & I'll post & email more info, dates.

2010-01-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Wow!! My Thursday morning class is full! Now offering a second class on Tuesday mornings, 10-1.
Should be lots of good work!

class update

2010-01-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

My classes are shaping up nicely. Starting in March on Thursday mornings, 10-1. Looks like a great group.
It will be a lot of fun!

2010-01-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

My emerging line of Valentines...

2010-01-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

How much do I love you?

valentines

2010-01-24T14:33:00.001-08:00

This much!

Classes

2010-01-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

Planning a schedule of classes on Thurdays at 10 am in my Hopewell studio.
Beginning polymer clay techniques, caning. Creature creation!

Acres Show in Las Vegas

2010-01-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

YAY!

The applications are in, the jurying is done, and the final three artists for the IPCA booth at the ACRE show in Las Vegas have been selected. The artists who will be attending ACRE, representing the possibilities of polymer clay, and taking orders for their work are: Leslie Blackford, Jana Roberts Benzon and Doreen Gay-Kassel.

Working hard to develop fun, wholesale items for American Craft Retailers Expo in June.
It's kind of daunting!

Angel on my Shoulder?

2010-01-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

Polymer clay, wire, oils, powders
& found objects; springs, watch parts & screening.

6 1/4" X 6" X 2"

Entry for Synergy Gallery

MOOGiftBox

2010-01-08T19:42:00.001-08:00

The MOO MiniGiftBox competition is now over. Judges (Design Director of Etsy, Michael Craig, MOO's Creative Director, Denise and MOO's Product Designer Paul) have, after much head-scratching and debate, decided upon some winners! They all win a Mosaic Frame and a pack of MiniCards.

Special award: Doreen Kassel Each of our three judges were blown away by this amazing polymer clay creation. ‘It’s like an exhibit from an Egyptian museum!’ ‘Or a fairytale’ - take our word for it, they were impressed, and thought it deserved a special prize all of its own.

MOOGiftBox competition
Originally uploaded by doreen kassel
Mini Moo Box covered in polymer clay,
oils, wire& pearlized powders.
It opens, baby moo inside.

I won!!!