Margaret Regan

Medium: polymer clay, a man-made modeling material. I tune the clays for color, strength and consistency. This last property is critical. I add or leach oils to achieve this balance. Polymer clay cures at temperatures under 300 degree F; I heat my pieces in a standard convection oven. Once hardened, it can be sanded, buffed or carved.

Technique: a process similar to ancient glass cane work, often referred to as millefiori. I make a patterned block of colored clays. Because I have conditioned my clays to have the same “squeeze-factor”, I can then stretch the block without distorting the pattern and reduce the scale of my designs. I cut slices from these elongated blocks to use as collage elements in my jewelry. I additionally use 23K gold leaf. My jewelry is not painted but is a combination of colored poymer clay and precious metal.

Materials: I make all polymer elements and purchase metal, glass and stone components. I operate a one-gal studio in a former convent, Immaculata Hall. I am the sole creator of my pieces.

Educational Info: BA in Philosophy, obviously a good career move — none of those pesky high-paid job opportunites to lure me away.