Lucy and COVID19 Isolation

I found this fabulous head on Facebook Market place about 6 weeks ago. When I saw her I wasn’t sure she would fit in the oven but I knew I needed to buy her.

When I got her to the studio the first time I did was make sure she fit in the oven. She’s 20″ long from the tip of her nose the the last curl on her head. Luckily I have a two regular kitchen ovens that are clay dedicated . One here at home and one at my studio in downtown Sebring.

I didn’t have time to work her right away so she just chilled out in my studio. Then Covid19 hit and I’ve been home with my husband for the last five weeks. Is that all it’s been???

She came home with me and I’ve been working on her covering her with polymer canes that I have been making over the years. Every time I have a workshop in my studio I make canes, every time I film a video for my online workshops, I make canes.

So I have a cane inventory that you couldn’t believe and what better way to use it than on this lady? I am here to tell you she took a bunch of canes. I think I only use the same one once or maybe twice.

Here she is finished. Or at least finished for now. there are a few things I’d like to fix, but I’m ready to stop working on her for awhile.

Below I’ll show you as she progressed.

Oh and I’ve named her Lucy… like in the Sky with Diamonds… *g*
I may have to add a few sparkles, but that will have to wait.

This is how she was when I first started covering her with canes.

I decided that I didn’t like the random canes and decided to follow the waves.

I just kept on adding canes because I have a large inventory. If you have ever taken a workshop with me you’ll know I am always encouraging everyone to build your cane inventory so you can just sit down and create.

I was able to begin and finish her with out ever having to make a new cane. If I would have had to make a new cane for every wave I might not have finished her.

Obviously you won’t have as many canes as I do but as you build your cane inventory or as I like to call it, your stash, you’ll be surprised how many projects you can finish in a day.
I worked on both sides for days.


I’d finished a few rows and then I’d bake her. That way I didn’t mess up the rows I’d finished as I worked on the next.

Then finally the day came when I could finally put her in the oven for the last time. Was I glad? You bet. I’m used to large projects but this one seemed like it took forever.


She just fits on an angle. I baked her one last time for 30 minutes andI’m a happy, happy, woman.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you want to build your cane inventory or just make a couple of fun projects from my online workshops.

self portraits in the time of self Isolating

self portrait - Alice Stroppel
March 31, 2020.

My husband and I have been self isolating at home because of the Corona virus circling the globe. This is the third week that we have had everything delivered and have only gone out to the post office and I’ve gone to my studio a couple of times. I can pull up to the back door and enter from there, never seeing or coming in contact with anyone. We will continue this way until it is safe to venture out again. I have brought most of my polymer supplies home and I’m lucky to have a wonderful place to work here.

I want to give back to the community that has always supported me by encouraging words and sharing over the years. So while we’re all at home and self isolating I thought it would be a good time for me to continue creating some self portraits. I’d like you to join me and post your self portraits to my FaceBook group page titled Self portraits in the time of self isolation.

Your portraits can be recent or works you have created over the years. I work mainly in polymer clay but any medium is welcomed. I might even venture out into other mediums too.

I’m starting the adventure out by encouraging you to try a polymer clay string self portrait free. I’ve created a series of videos and created a free workshop in my online school. No purchase necessary, just follow this linkPolymer Clay String Portraits.

Because I also have a mortgage to pay on my studio I’m offering 30% off all the rest of my workshops for the whole month of April. Just go to my online school here, choose the workshop you want, click and use this code before checking out. SELF2020

And while you’re there don’t miss my other free workshop titled Stroppel Cane Earrings.

Everyone stay safe stay home if you can. Flatten the curve.