Mermaid Beach Bead Studio

New Spring Beads "Watercolors"

2012-02-15T06:22:00.004-08:00

This is my newest glaze design which I absolutely LOVE!!! The finished glazing process resembles a loose watercolor painting. Very loose and fluid, the colors mingle and blend forming a wonderful blend of spring colors.

New Polymer Clay Monogram Pendants

2012-02-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Very sweet.....these are my newest monogram/initial beads. Approx. 3/4 inch squared they make the perfect charm for a unique and personalized necklace design. Hang them on a chain and add some dangley charms for an eclectic and one of a kind piece of jewelry.

2012-02-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

I love to to paint so.......I have found that adding some of my polymer clay embellishments make great additions to my little shabby hand painted signs (you can find more of my shabby signs on my other etsy shop at http://www.southernfroufrou.etsy.com/). On these signs I have added a sweet pink rose, heart and various beads to add a dimensional effect. How sweet are these:)

Pretty little hearts..in polymer clay

2012-01-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

This little heart turned out so sweet. I just love faux ceramic look of this fun little heart. I have it strung on hand dyed silk cording....it's ready to wear:)

Initial Charms in Polymer Clay

2012-01-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

Smaller sized initial charms in polymer clay. These are my newest charms which fit easily on necklaces or charm bracelets.

Video Tutorial Using Dye Ink In Polymer Clay

2012-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

I Believe in Angels Ornament

2012-01-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

How sweet is this.....I love making ornaments from polymer clay. I love tiny little hangy things LOL. I also love anything angelic.....so this piece was a gimmie:)

Air dry clay designs

2011-08-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

So, in case you didn't know my big dream is to get my own kiln one day and work in pottery/ceramics. I absolutely love ceramic beads and pendants. That's the main reason I started working in polymer clay...it was the closest thing to pottery I could find. It's fairly easy to re-create the look of ceramic with polymer clay. Sometimes I think p/c may be easier to work with than clay. However, the earthy feel of working in clay can never be replaced. On my quest to work with earthen clay I have delved into the world of air dry clay (which is simply clay that doesn't have to be fired in a kiln). I really love working with the a/d clay as anything that can be created with fired clay can be done with a/d clay. Only problem is that it is not near as stable and strong as kiln fired clay. It's great for making beads and pendants as long as you make sure and seal it with a varnish or sealer. My next project is to take some of my pieces to a ceramic studio and have them fired (this gets a bit pricey when you only have a small amount to fire so I'm waiting until I get a large batch ready before I take them in).

Faux Ceramic Polymer Clay Pendants

2011-08-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today I mixed up some gorgeous turquoise glaze. I just had to find something to put it on so I pulled out a couple of pendants that were underglazed in earthy brown hues. This is the result...

More fun with crackle finish...

2011-08-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

I love the look of crackle ceramic beads. I have developed my own technique to make my polymer clay beads look like kiln baked ceramic beads. Simply by applying the crackle finish over my final design I get the look of fired ceramic.

Test beads in coral...

2011-08-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of my latest 'test' beads in coral hues. I just received my crackle glaze this week and am so excited to start using it in my designs. It adds a totally different look to the beads. Kind of looks like a faux raku fired bead. I like to stain the crackle with a bit of distress ink to add a vintage effect. I'm still playing with my crackle varnish but I'll post more pics as I get them.

2011-08-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

New faux ceramic clay design...."My Heart Shall Beat Because of You". This is a new pendant design finished in a copper glaze. I love using my glazes to create that beautiful faux ceramic effect. One day I hope to get my own kiln and work in ceramics but for now I'm content just copying the look in the clay:)

Hot out of the oven....

2011-08-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here's what I'm up to today. A large batch of lotus blossom pendants are headed to the oven to bake. After that, lots of glazing going on. Hoping the glaze I ordered gets here soon. I don't want to run out mid-glaze. Still using Studio by Sculpey for now. However, I have positively decided to switch to Varathane as soon as I can find some. I actually found a large 1 gallon can of it today at Lowe's.......way to much and I didn't have $40 to drop on Varathane today LOL. I just need a small can for now. Think I'll just order it online. Seems to be more and more the norm these days. I'd rather order online than waste time, money and gas driving all over town to not find what I'm looking for (and it's soooo hot here in South Alabama). Come on fall...I'm ready for some cooler days!

Making Word Beads and Charms...

2011-08-01T15:59:00.001-07:00

I ran across this website awhile back on Polymerclay Web (Chatty Charms) which inspired me to make my own word beads/pendants. I used the basic idea presented in that tutorial using various colors of base clays (mostley browns and blues). Then I stamped my images and text into the clay and baked. Once completed I embellished them with various thin coats of acrylic paints (in layers). The techniques in the link are excellent resources for more information on how to create word pendant. These little pendants are totally addictive to make.

Trying out new glazes....

2011-08-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the results of my glaze experiments for the day. The first pendant (lotus blossom) is the new glaze technique. I used Triple Thick Gloss Glaze by Decoart. I mixed a bit of my ink tint in with it for the color. I'm really happy with the outcome. It's actually just a bit more shiney using this glaze than my usual Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze (this glaze has been discontinued by Polyform). The second picture of the square heart is the Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze (which will always be my fav). They look fairly similar. I am hoping for the same results in my other designs. I'll post pics as I go.
P.S. If anyone has any comments or info on using Triple Thick Gloss Glaze I'd love for you to comment:) I've never used it so I don't know a lot about it. Okay, so I have really been researching this whole polymer clay 'glazing' process for several days now. I never thought much about it as I was happy with my old product. However, now being forced into finding something new it seems that the professional p/c crafters highly recommend "Water Based Varathane Diamond Polyurethane Interior" for all their glazing needs. See this link for a wonderful explanation by polymer clay artist SaraJane . For more info on using Varathane check out Polymer Clay Web.
Mossyowls.blogspot.com is another great site for more info on glazing (plus a ton of info on creating with p/clay)...
Wow, now that's what I'm talking about....Tina Holden, polymer clay artist of Beadcomber Originals has the perfect formula for making faux ceramic on p/c. Take a look at her gorgeous pendants (looks just like ceramic...I need to get some mica powder today!!) In my research it seems that the Fimo Gel is hard to find in the U.S. I think it has to be specially ordered from Europe. I'll post more on how to purchase Fimo Gel when I find a source.

Polymer Clay Glaze Comparison Tests

2011-07-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

I was so disturbed to learn that Studio by Sculpey Glossy Glaze is no longer being manufactured. My supply was getting low so I had looked for it at Michael's & Hobby Lobby on my last few trips. To my dismay, I couldn't find it at either location. I figured they were just out of it. After several months of not finding it I searched online and alas, I discovered that they don't make it anymore. GRRRRRR!!! That was an essential part of my design process. It was how I got my faux ceramic effect and it's not available any longer. I read that Polyform is not going to replace it with anything comparible either. Now, it's back to the drawing board. I've got to find a comparible product to achieve the same effects. Here's a great post from Garie International on a comparison between Translucent Liquid Sculpey, Kato Liquid Polyclay and Fimo Deko Gel. I've never heard of Fimo Deko Gel but it seems to be the best of the three for my purposes. I am still hoping that Polyform will change there minds and put it back out there (even if it's in a new package). Until then, I am forced to find a new source.....SIGH!

P.S. I will keep adding links to this post as I find more helpful info on glazing. Here's some great links that I've found: Craft Test Dummies did a comparison test on several glaze products with some interesting results. Mossy Owls on blogspot has great info on using Kato Liquid Polyclay as well.

Mermaid Beach Bead Studio Gallery

2011-07-30T06:56:00.001-07:00

TraceyReneeDesign's photostream on Flickr.

Art beads in polymer clay.

Great tip on glazing issues for polymer clay....

2011-07-30T05:45:00.001-07:00

I found a great tip on one of my fav polymer clay sites beadsandbeading.com on the topic of glazing your polymer clay beads. This is a great tutorial beadsdbeading.com, (I positively have to get this tutorial). I have been using Sculpey Studio Glossy Glaze for several years now with no problems. I can add my own color blends with my alcohol inks and it mixes up nicely. However, I do not care for regular Sculpey Glaze...it has a totally different texture to it (to me). I've never tried the Future floor polish or Varathane (simply because I have not been able to find any locally). Still keeping my eyes peeled for some though....always up for new techniques and ideas. Here's a few pics of my latest designs.
P.S. I will keep editing this post as I find more great tips and ideas on polymer clay glazing. Here's another great technique (freebie) at Polymerclay Web. This is basically the way I do it. I have tweeked it here and there but this technique works wonders for a faux ceramic pendant.

More Retro Blues....

2011-07-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more of my retro blue designs in polymer clay. I mixed some teal blue clay (small half pea size) into some transluscent clay for a bakelite effect. Works really well.

Retro Kitty in Clay

2011-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun and funky little retro kitty cameo pendant design. I used a faux ceramic glaze to give it a more vintage feel. Retro blue glaze really made this little kitty pop:)

Fall colors back on the table...

2011-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe summer is already almost gone. Time to start concentrating on autumn colors and even Christmas designs. Time has a way of slipping up on us so I've found it best to be proactive and start preparing for the seasons a couple of months early. I have my autumn glazes out on the table mixing up some new hues for this years pendants. I have learned so much on color mixing and blending with my alcohol inks. It's amazing how many different glaze colors you can mix from just five ink colors. Color mixing is one of my most favorite things to do after my pieces have been baked. There's always a little mystery in every 'mix up' of colors:)

New Polymer Clay Monogram Pendants

2011-04-13T20:29:00.001-07:00

Here's a new monogram design I have created using white polymer clay. Once baked I glaze it and it's ready to string. I have added silver bails to the larger pendants.

Another great polymer clay rose tutorial....

2011-03-29T19:24:00.001-07:00

How to Make Polymer Clay Roses Tutorial

2011-03-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

A Heart A Day....

2011-01-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

Polymer clay heart with slate grey wash. Very simple yet chic.

How to Make Button Molds & Buttons in Polymer Clay

2011-01-19T21:18:00.001-08:00

A Heart A Day...

2011-01-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorite pendant designs. It was made from white clay, then stamped, baked and washed in light blue glazes. Once the blue was dry I antiqued the entire pendant to bring out the textures.

A Heart A Day....

2011-01-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet and tiny ceramic tile heart pendants on silver ball chain.

A Heart A Day...

2011-01-17T18:49:00.001-08:00

My goal for this new year is to try and 'create' some type of art every day. So, I thought what better way to experiment with art than to make heart designs. My objective is to make some type of art with the heart shape every day. I hope to post my creations every day as well. The posts will be under the label 'A Heart A Day...'. This pendant is made from white polymer clay. I made two separate sides then bonded them together for a more chunky look. Each side is textured and I have done a black acrylic wash and antique wash. Cute and simple:)

Gorgeous Necklace Design by Beadnoninka on Etsy

2011-01-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to showcase photos of a beautiful necklace design made by Beadnoninka on etsy. She used one of my polymer clay face cabs to make this stunning intricately embroidered beaded necklace. Her work is absolutely amazing. She makes colorful beaded embroidery jewelry designs with seed beads and mixed media pieces. I am always mesmerized when I see the work of talented artists like Beadnoninka. The time and attention to detail in each of her pieces is amazing. Take a look at more of her lovely designs on etsy at Beadnoninka

More new tile charms...

2011-01-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have added a few more tile charms to my designs. Hoping to get some mixed media earrings made up with some of them.

Polymer Clay Pendant Tutorial

2011-01-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Polymer Clay Initial Monogram Pendants

2010-12-29T17:49:00.001-08:00

New stamps and new designs. I'm ready for the new year:) I am addicted to making monogram pendants. Combining paint with the clay makes for wondrous new creations...

Merry Christmas...Happy Holidays:)

2010-12-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hoping everyone is enjoying this holiday season. The New Year is quickly approaching. As usual, I have tons of promises to myself for the new year....make more clay objects, learn new techniques and mediums and find more time to 'create'. I'm hoping I'll be able to achieve a few of these goals as the days seem to zoom by faster and faster:)

More Holey Hearts...

2010-12-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

I've been making a lot of heart shaped pendants lately. Trying to come up with a few new designs before Valentines Day arrives. My Holey Hearts pendant design is one of my most favorite designs. There are so many possibilities for them and they are so versatile in how they can be strung. They look great on silk, hemp or leather cording. Simply tie them onto your cord and it's ready to wear.

Beads are drying....

2010-10-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it feels like it takes forever to get my polymer clay beads ready to sell. Kneading, rolling, stamping, baking, painting, drying....whew! What a long process. But, before I start feeling sorry for myself I remember what my fellow ceramic clay artists go through to complete one tiny bead. From getting a perfect consistency in their clay to firing, and glazing and re-firing. What an ordeal....all for that perfect tiny bead:) I admit I am fascinated with earthen clay and hope to move towards working in this medium one day. Until then I will be happy rolling out my polymer clay and learning all that I can about this art form. I stayed up late last night forming these beads that are now drying this morning. I've found it more efficient to get my bead designs formed up the night before so they are ready to bake and decorate as soon as I come back to my studio.

New Designs...

2010-10-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Been busy experimenting with new forms of clay. I love polymer clay and the possibilities are endless with it. However, my fingers have been busy playing in earthen clay lately. I've found a new source of creativity.... self drying clay. Not the kind that is made of paper but real clay. It feels the same as clay that must be kiln fired except it air dries to rock like consistency. It's very versatile and easy to work with too. These little angels are some of my newest air dry designs.

New Bead Designs

2010-09-03T13:04:00.001-07:00

I have been totally consumed with making new bead and pendant designs this week. Busy, busy, busy little bead studio....the clay's a flying LOL.

Angel Sprites

2010-06-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some angel sculptures for my etsy shop. Here is an example of a finished piece. I like to work in a folk art style and that is what is reflected in each of my 'angel sprite' designs

Polymer Clay Spirit Dolls

2010-06-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

I have recently added a new line to my polymer clay designs...spirit dolls. These little dolls are so fun to make and the sky is the limit. I use a bit of my mixed media artistic insights to embellish each one after I have stamped and baked it. Each Spirit Doll symbolizes an inspirational message she was created to deliver:)

Polymer Clay Snowman Pin

2010-06-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

New holiday pin designs.

Hibiscus Pendant

2010-06-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

This was a fun and easy pendant design I finished up this week. I found a gorgeous hibiscus rubber stamp (it was even on sale) and I had to have it. I used premo sculpey and loved it. This is definitely my clay of choice now:)

Polymer Clay Kokeshi Doll Pin

2010-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I formed this pin with Sculpey III polymer clay. After I baked it I painted the details and added a cute little faceted heart.

New Pendants and Earrings

2010-06-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have been busy stamping up my clay pendants with some of me newest rubber stamp images. The more I read and search about polymer clay on the web the more great ideas I come across for creating unique jewelry. I must say that I have fallen away from traditional beading material now and become immersed in the world of mixed media jewelry design. The possibilities are endless. I have discovered that Sculpley III does not my first choice of clay for making my earrings and pendants. After reading an article by Cindy Lietz (beadsandbeading) on the hardiness and strength of different brands of clay I have a better idea of which ones to use for my jewelry design projects. These are a couple of my newest mixed media designs.

Video Tutorial Earrings With Polymer Clay

2010-05-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Maneki Neko Polymer Clay Beads

2010-05-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

I love those cute little lampwork glass figurine beads of various characters. Beautiful birds, fish, faces, cats, dogs the supply is endless. Here recently I discovered some cute little beads on etsy called Maneki Neko beads. This means 'lucky cat' in japanese. They were so adorable I just had to see if I could recreate them in polymer clay. Here's my first attempt. Now that I've made one I have a million ideas in my head of how I want to make an entire series of them now. They are quite addictive:)

New Lotus Polymer Clay Pendants

2010-05-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of my newest polymer clay bead designs. I used a mold for the flower pendant and I hand carved the line sculpture into the other pendant. Next, I used alcohol ink and liquid pc for the glaze. Re-baked and wella...

New Polymer Clay Beads

2010-05-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

I am trying my hand at sculpting some of my own original beads now. Of course, mermaids were my first endeavor. Fun, whimsical mermaid beads what could be better. I used pink shimmer sculpey clay to form them. Next, I grabbed my sculpting tools (an old pencil, pen and a pair of scissors) and started sculpting. I think I need to invest in more practical carving tools though it make may the task at hand a little simpler. These are some rough, preliminary models but I think with a little work I can come up with the 'perfect' mermaid bead LOL.

New Bead Designs

2010-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired by my Beady Muse and she's ready to make beads. Here's what she's come up with lately. Round, flat and in between there's clay and paint flying around everywhere. I've converted my mixed media studio into my bead studio. Packed away my canvas and paint brushes (well not all the paint brushes...saved some to use for painting beads of course). Mixed media art is so me. I have a hard time focusing on one medium for extended lengths of time. So, combining several hobbies into one is perfect. With polymer clay you can sculpt, paint and bead all at one time. What could be better.
Here are a few of my latest creations with clay. Simple pendants with a faux finish resembling tile pendants (oh to work with ceramics, if only I could afford a kiln...sigh). Versatile focal beads as a point of interest for a chic necklace design on chain, string or ribbon. Elegant yet simple is my motto.

Beads of Clay Slideshow...Beautiful Bead Creation

2010-04-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

New Polymer Clay Bead Designs

2010-04-25T06:45:00.001-07:00

This past week I've been concentrating on working with my clay trying to churn out some unique pieces to add to my jewelry designs. Here's a couple of pieces that I've come up with so far. The owl bead was hand formed and sculpted. I used a pc tool and an old pen that no longer writes to add the intricate carvings for the face and body. The pendant was formed by cutting a circle shape with my clay cutter. Then I stamped it with one of my fav rubber stamps. After baking I used acrylic paint to add highlighs and lowlights. The bird pendant was varnished with Sculpey Glaze. I don't think I'm going to varnish the owl. I like the earthiness of the matte finish on him.

Varnishing Your Polymer Clay Beads and Pendants

2010-04-23T07:21:00.001-07:00

After taking a year off I've once again picked up my clay and am back at the drawing board. This pendant was created with white Sculpey clay. I then stamped it with a rubber stamp, baked it and added paint to enhance the stamped surface. My past experience with varnishing my clay pendants did not turn out so well. I have tried many different types of varnishes from store bought clay varnishes to clear finger nail polish (which does NOT work). My varnishes always left my pieces sticky. I found an excellent link on how to varnish your polymer clay beads and pendants JaedWorks. For this pendant I want a natural matte organic finish with no gloss. I am going to try some of the suggestions by Jaedworks and see what happens.

Grand Opening New Bead Shop

2010-04-22T15:26:00.001-07:00

Grand opening of Mermaid Beach Bead Studio on etsy. Stop by and take a look I am selling handmade polymer clay beads, pendants and jewelry designs. Check it out at Mermaid Beach Bead Studio

Seashell Boxes

2010-03-27T16:21:00.001-07:00

I've been working on a few seashell projects lately with boxes, frames and mirrors. Here's a few samples of what I've been doing. FYI never use hot glue as an adhesive for your seashell art. I like to use something very permanent like Surebond Clear 9001.

Remnant Fabric Collage Hearts

2010-01-30T19:14:00.000-08:00

I like to work with fabric equally as well as with paper when I am designing my collages. This little heart is a combination of the two. I've used muslin, batting and various fabrics to create the heart shape itself. I then stuffed it with tiny treasures of found papers, shells, beads, etc. and machine stitched it in a quilted design. I like to call them remnants as it is a great way to use up little scrap pieces of fabric and ephemera that I'm sure all of us artists and crafters have lying around all over the place:)

Art Journal Techniques

2010-01-30T07:56:00.001-08:00

Art Journal Page

2010-01-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

This journal page uses a very interesting technique of paint combined with imagery. By painting over a found image you change the entire look of the piece. I learned this technique from a video tutorial on you tube. I'm going to try and find the video again and I'll post it on here.

Art Journal Pages

2010-01-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

These two pages were created in my little "Journal of Faith" that I'm working in at the present.

Recycled Greeting Card Collage

2010-01-29T11:14:00.001-08:00

5x7 recycled greeting card collage entitled Bluebird. I've recycled an unused greeting card by collaging various found papers and lace for texture. Then I pressed it flat for several days under some heavy books to ensure that it would stay flattened out.

Mixed Media Collage Parrot

2010-01-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

Another in my 5x7 series of mini collages on panels. This one is entitled The Parrot. I'm striving to use my on photographs in my collage work at the present. It brings a sense of personality into a piece.

Mixed Media Mini Art Quilt

2010-01-28T17:46:00.001-08:00

This is a scan of one of my mini art quilts. I have not finished it yet as I'm not completely certain what I'm going to do with it. I think it would make a lovely art journal cover and most likely that's where it will end up. I've used various fabrics, laces, threads and papers to create this fabric collage mini art quilt.

Mixed Media Collage Owls

2010-01-28T14:47:00.000-08:00

5x7 collage on canvas panel. First in a series of mini collages. I've tweeked the colors using digital enhancing to add an antique tint to it. The original is just a bit brighter. Digital enhancing really allows collage artists to continue adding new dimensions to their pieces....now I may never know when it's 'finished' :)

Recycled Collage Ornament

2010-01-28T06:56:00.001-08:00

I'm getting addicted to making these little collage ornaments. I love to make small scale collages so these small ornaments are a natural fit for me. I usually cut out many pieces of cardboard circles at one time. It's so easy to grab up one and start collaging. Quick, easy and free!

Recycled Collage Houses

2010-01-27T12:26:00.001-08:00

Another recycled idea here....using recycled cardboard from drink boxes I created this sweet little collage house. I call it 'Angel House' since the main focus is around the cute little winged angel face. I've used paper, ribbon, silk flowers, beads and more ribbon to create this ornament. I see that it needs some sparkle though so I'm off to add glitter for some extra sparkley:)

Altered Book Page 1

2010-01-27T12:02:00.001-08:00

Altered books are a fav for me. The idea of taking an old and sometimes discarded book and turning it into a new work of art is so inspiring. I have been working on a sweet little altered book for the past few months. Really, it should not have taken me so long to complete. As usual, I have jumped from one art project to another, quickly setting aside an unfinished collage, altered book or art journal to start anew on another project. I still have to complete the last few pages of this altered book but here is page one:)

How To Make A Mini Art Journal

2010-01-26T22:49:00.000-08:00

Art Journal

2010-01-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

I'll be posting pages from one of the smaller art journals I'm working on currently. I call this journal "Journal of Faith". I use all types of media when working in my art journals from paint and paper to found objects. As long as I can still fairly close the book it's fair game. I had previously posted many pages of my art journals but decided to re do my blog and lost everything. So, I apologize if you've already seen some of these works but maybe it will still spark an instant of creativity for you.

Recycled Collage Ornaments

2010-01-26T21:36:00.001-08:00

I've began using recycled cardboard in some of my collage designs. These ornaments are made from recycled cardboard which I have added papers, lace, ribbons, silk flowers, etc. The tiny bits and pieces you can add to your collage the more interesting it will be. I'm an avid collector of ephemera which really helps when you are also a mixed media artist:)

Collage Shadow Boxes

2010-01-26T10:42:00.001-08:00

This is one of my collage shadow boxes made from a recycled little box I had lying around the house. I collaged my images inside the box then I added the plastic lamenate cover and the outside ephemera. These are so fun to make. I plan on adding several of them to etsy shop (they are addictive once you start making them).