The Making of Spring - a Polymer Clay Artwork

This video takes you through the 3 weeks process it took to create this Polymer Clay decorated egg, which sits on a nest, resting on a cherry blossom garland, also made from Polymer Clay. It was made as an entry into a juried competition for Polymer Clay in the UK where the competition theme was ‘Celebration’.
This is my celebration of Spring, and my starting point was spring being the beginning of life for many creatures, hence an egg on a nest. The egg is decorated with two Bluebirds sitting among cherry blossom, all known as harbingers of Spring, and all the designs are inlaid and based around a blown goose egg. The polymer clay is worked in a raw condition then baked/cured in an oven. The finished egg has been sanded by hand and polished to a high sheen.
The nest is made entirely from Polymer Clay, and the cherry blossom wreath it sits on is also made from polymer clay, with a little metal armature in the stems of the blossoms, to create a stable base for the nest.
The whole piece took over 3 weeks to make, and I filmed about 10 hours of the process. I have condensed this down into just 20 minutes, to show the main techniques used. I hope you enjoy the video.
If you like my work, then please do have a look at my website, www.fionaabel-smith.co.uk and follow me on Facebook / fiona.abelsmith and Instagram. / fionaabelsmith.artist
I also have a number of Polymer Clay Tutorials to buy, both in my Etsy shop, PolyOriginals - www.etsy.com/u... where I have more tutorials in a PDF format, and as a video tutorial here - polyoriginals.t...
The music from the video is English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny and Waterfall by Aakash Gandhi and both are available from the KZbin Free Audio Library.
Thank you so much for watching.

[@Birdnerd1968]

I've scrolled past this recommended video probably a dozen times, but didn't click because I thought that egg was painted. I thought from the little preview photo that there was no way it was a polymer clay egg. Even watching you, I can't believe you made those birds from clay. They look like paint or embroidery. Amazing technique and patience. What a beautiful job with such attention to detail. I love it!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much Amazon 421 :)

[@cindyscheel5116]

I am an egg shell artist and I have been for more than 25 years. I have never seen anything as incredible as this! Just in awww at what you have done! Incredible!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thanks so much Cindy :)

[@Aaron9822]

Utterly incredible, painting with polymer clay.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much, it is such an enjoyable process 🙂

[@joyceparkes2678]

Just wow Fiona. I’m sitting here gobsmacked! Thanks for the visual creative tutorial 🥰🙏🏽

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

I am so glad you liked it, thanks so much Joyce :)

[@viviandibrell849]

If I hadn’t watched your video with my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed anybody could make something so amazing with polymer clay. You are incredibly patient and imaginative and creative and this is just mind-boggling. The detail is astonishing. I hope you won if there was a contest! Wow!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Vivian, that is such a lovely compliment :)

[@susanchamblee2549]

Watching a TRUE ARTIST work her MAGIC...!!! Oh my goodness...just BEAUTIFUL Fiona!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a lovely compliment, thank you so much Susan :)

[@ThorneyRose]

If you didn’t win you should’ve!!!!! This is just gorgeous! Stunning! and bloodily sheer genius talent!!! And I’d like to see the winners work if it wasn’t you. Thank you for sharing. 🌹Rosie of Oz🇦🇺 & 🐶Omega the Cavalier🐶

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Rosie and Omega :)

[@MichelleJ1822]

This is extremely creative!!! Never seen anything like this!!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much :)

[@royalblueorchid6525]

I almost never comment on videos but WOW! This is so impressive, just amazing!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that :)

[@juliejohnston9753]

OH! MY! GOODNESS!! Fiona, there are simply no words to express my thoughts and feelings. As a 'newbie' to the clay world, this just shows me what a wonderful medium this is in the hands of a true artist (which I am not and never will be). Your attention to detail, getting every feather just right, is simply amazing. God has truly blessed you with this gift. I cannot imagine the total time spent in the thinking, planning and execution of this outstandingly beautiful work of art. (not to mention the time it took to edit 10 hours down to 20 minutes.) I would accept this as a gift ANY DAY! And would happily pay top dollar to purchase it. Thank you so very much for sharing your gift with those of us who love and appreciate the art we cannot make.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

oh wow, thank you so much Julie, what a wonderful comment, you have now made my day in 2 ways, this and the tiger pendant ;) Thank you xx

[@tammythomas3745]

You are the Queen of Clay Beauty!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Tammy :)

[@joyceengland3947]

Ditto!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks Joyce :)

[@lesleywarner499]

I envy you your patience and skill!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much :)

[@sarahharless5044]

oh and you took that to a whole other level! my Gosh! You know you did. hats off to you!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Sarah :)

[@theohiohousewife]

I am in awe of your skill and confidence

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@hoodirash]

I wish if youtube give me the authority to give u millions of likes and loves. This is such amaaaazzzzing.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a wonderful comment, thank you very much Howida :)

[@hoodirash]

@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals the pleasure is mine to watch your masterpieces. Greetings from Sudan.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

@@hoodirash Thank you, greetings from the UK :)

[@tools4ewebycarolhowe496]

Absolutely beautiful work Fiona!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much Carol :)

[@tamarahlcargile4048]

Awestruck! At one point I thought , Wow. Then, oh no! Why’d she change that? Oh my gooosh! She’s amazing!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Tami :)

[@beatekrischun7255]

I only can say WOW! 😍😍😍

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks Beate :)

[@lindabryant4292]

Fiona! This is stunning. Thank you so much for the inspiration. 🧡

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much :)

[@missbea0717]

Wow you are so patient

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Bea :)

[@marniesueb]

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@rosemorales3135]

You are freaking amazing 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ can you do more birds. I love watercoloring birds

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thakn you so much 🙂

[@thundersound6372]

Wow! Absolutely stunning!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@zümrüt_yilmaz]

This is just unbelievable !!!! 👌👌👍👍👏👏🤩🤩😍😍🥰🥰🌹🌹

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much :)

[@dandelionhaven8592]

That is amazing! Wow, you have a gift Miss Fiona

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much :)

[@michelletipton7640]

Absolutely amazing! Thank you for sharing your incredible talent!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Awww, thank you so much Michelle 🙂

[@ellen5596]

Absolutely unbelievable ❤❤❤

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much 🙂

[@gabrielleschmidt1435]

Absolutely Stunning!😻

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Gabrielle :)

[@BlondieSaidWhat]

The definition of magic is you having clay in your hands making these creations. Simply beautiful.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thank you so much Tammy :)

[@tudorfranz]

This is such an intricate work, Fiona. Delightful to watch an artist create with so much loving detail~. Thank you for sharing!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@EdiChiArt]

You truly elevate this art with your techniques and skill. You are to polymer clay, what Yulia Brodskaya is to paper quilling.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Wow, thank you so much Edina :)

[@susanchamblee2549]

This is just AMAZING Fiona❣️❣️ Did you just display this beautiful piece of ART WORK or did you win an AWARD or did you end up selling it? Your ARTISTRY knows NO BOUNDRIES my lovely friend🥰 I am so sorry that you suffer from arthritis in your hands especially when your physical work (and your play time as well as teaching time) is in your hands😢 Which is why WE ALL SO APPRECIATE YOU and your tutorials so very much❣️❣️ And your artistic ‘eye’ is also FANTASTIC...!!! The way you “paint with polymer clay” just elates me and pretty much just blows my mind...‼️‼️ What a WONDERFUL ARTIST you are dear friend❣️ Do you ever get a chance to display your art...?? I hope so...just exquisite💖

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much Susan for such lovely compliments ;) I have displayed this at Art Shows so it has been exhibited :) and no, I haven't sold it but it sits on display at home :)

[@ivetteperales3104]

So beautiful!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Greetings from México ♥

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Ivette, greetings from the UK :)

[@lizrichardson3309]

Utterly glorious Fiona! Thank you for telling us just how long this took. Time lapse is great for showing a whole project, but we rarely get told how long work like this takes! Your patience and artistry is amazing and inspirational.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks so much Liz :)

[@lindanewcomer830]

That is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Agreed, Santa bring me a boat load of patience this Christmas! I have a ceramic piece I've been trying to decide how to cover and you've given me So MANY new ideas!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! ❤️

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

have fun with your piece, thanks so much Linda :)

[@carynjackman3578]

Stunning!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Caryn :)

[@lummiebergsma5750]

Wonderfully done. Love it

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Lummie :)

[@maureend6515]

Stunning piece of art!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@christinaaugustine27]

Dear Santa🎅🏻what I want for Christmas🎄 is “ PATIENCE 🙏“ to create a beautiful Easter Egg like Fiona Abel Smith …pleaseeee !!!!😅 😉

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much Christina :)

[@tigercatartist]

I believe you to be right up there with the greatest artists in the world. I just loved this.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, what an amazing comment, thank you so much Helen :)

[@ninarogers9123]

Nosing to say... , just BRAVO!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Nina :)

[@deyodie]

Beautiful

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Debbie :)

[@Theperilsofbev]

So beautiful🌹

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@susanhiggins8973]

You are a true artist. The time and talent that went into this piece is remarkable.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thank you so much Susan :)

[@jeanetteyork2582]

Marvelous technique in craft! You have a superb eye for botanical and zoological details...great color balance, and care of execution: also the one layer approach to the egg makes it seem even more sleight of hand. This is an achievement you can be enormously proud of. This was well executed in every sense, from concept and plan to finished art. The video documenting this work is also good and the music was inspiring. Thank you ... Brava! 🌷

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Jeanette :)

[@sf5823]

Beautiful work! Well worth the effort and patience to see the project through. True artistry!👍

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@butterfly-iu5ig]

Absolutely fabulous!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@heatherlady9964]

I'm soooooo impressed.....

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thank you so much :)

[@cinziaromano2069]

Un capolavoro da autentica artista

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

grazie mille Cinzia :)

[@YARNBARF]

A polymer clay artist friend of mine suggested your video for me to watch. I am so glad that I did!! Your artistry, your attention to detail, and your patience, are beyond compare! You have opened my eyes to even more possibilities with polymer! Thank you for sharing your art and your process with us! I have but one question: How did you bake this? At what temp and for how long? Were you afraid of bubbling or cracking? And did you use a real egg, or a shell of an egg? So gorgeous and I am in awe!! ♡♡♡

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much, what a lovely compliment :) I used a real, pre-blown, goose egg , I actually baked it slightly higher than the manufacturer's recommended temperature, for an hour. Yes, I was worried about bubbling, you never know, but I had inlaid so many pieces that I had done my best to minimise them. But there is always that moment, when you take it out of the oven and remove the foil ;) I hold my breath, and the first thing I am looking for are bubbles, or problems, and only when I see none of those, can I relax and check out the rest of it.

[@LinMacadilly-vp9nm]

WOW!!! I have never seen such detailed, delicate work as you have just finished!! You are truly a master. I am just in AWE!!! ABSOLUTLY BEAUTIFUL METICULOUS work. You should be very proud indeed!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much Linda :)

[@lindacsmith13]

I hope you won (or win), that is astonishing.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Linda :)

[@lindajeffery]

Fiona, this is stunning.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Linda :)

[@CraftyAllsorts]

Stunning!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)

[@lindarosaSVNV]

beautiful !

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Linda :)

[@durindagraver2593]

Omgosh this is beyond beautiful. I hope you won the grand prize. Such precision and color choices are lovely.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Durinda :)

[@Haffina]

Wow!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you Haffina :)

[@juliefolliard8262]

You absolutely amaze me by what you achieve, I am always mesmerized watching your wonderful creations. Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge and tips.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much Julie :)

[@DeeQuinlan]

It is mesmerising watching you work. Thank you for sharing this process you are so patient.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Dee :)

[@shirleyzolman5656]

Absolutely stunning work!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Shirley :)

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

Perfect! You are extremely talented!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks you so much :)

[@carrieevert1518]

For me? Oh my goodness...you shouldn't have, but I'm glad you did!!! Thank you, Fiona! lol Now, to be serious. This is the definition of Masterpiece. Fiona, I'm so glad you share your exquisite talent with us and you're so generous to post the videos of your techniques and work. I humbly thank you! Good luck in the competition...you should win handily!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Carrie :)

[@jackofallclays3081]

There is a level of perfection and mastery that both impresses me and irritates me at the same time

[@sheryldelaney4804]

Wow! Amazing!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Sheryl :)

[@owenauer3406]

I would never have the patience to do that, or the skill.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks Owen, I get so lost in the process that the time just slips by :)

[@jennylawson1980]

Truly a gifted artist, with golden hands n enormous talent. TY for sharing it with the world n for teaching me the art of patience in my own art worlld.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you for such a lovely comment Jen :)

[@jennylawson1980]

Your so welcome. Thank you for being such a inspiration. I am now hooked on Polymer clay work. :) plz never stop creating 💜

[@cynthiarichter792]

One word - incredible!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Cynthia :)

[@dawnhill2508]

All I can say is Tres beau et magnifique!!!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you, et merci beaucoup :)

[@leewitte4580]

I am in awe!!! it is just so beautifully detailed!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks so much Lee :)

[@MHarenArt]

That is truly remarkable and beautiful!!!!! Bravo!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Maggie :)

[@pigcatapult]

11:28 it's like painting with spaghetti! :D

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Yes, very much :)

[@Bettina257]

Your talent knows no bounds!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you Bettina :)

[@donbedner6482]

Absolutely breath-taking!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Don :)

[@D_i_a_m]

Je n'ai pas de mots pour décrire combien je suis émerveillée par tant de talent et de beauté O-o

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Merci beaucoup Dominique :)

[@janedoe6181]

Wow! I’m speechless! I really am awestruck. That is a masterpiece. I imagine it’s 100 times more stunning in person. It is so obvious you are a painter the way you used the tiny threads of clay to add depth and highlights. I’ve never seen anyone else do anything quite like that.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Jane :)

[@hermiesaeijs7029]

Wow! Love it.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you Hermie :)

[@maryvanderwood5552]

You are an amazing artist and teacher, Fiona. Each tute I watch of yours blows my mind! You, dear lady, are very impressive.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thank you so much Mary :)

[@user-yk1hn2zx2b]

I’m speechless every single time I watch this. You are amazing. Your results and patience are what I strive for each and every time I sit down to work with clay. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a wonderful comment, thank you so much J :)

[@joroberts3474]

This is an amazing piece of art! I hope you have the opportunity to display it in a museum or gallery because it truly needs to be seen and admired. Thank you for sharing, you have a gift.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Jo :)

[@Stephanie_Hancock]

I'm watching with my bottom jaw on the table. OMG and I still can't make a cane. You are incredible!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Stephanie :)

[@glitterdarla]

So lovely!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you glitterdarla :)

[@gyllenhaalic66]

Oh my. This is exquisite but you have far, far, far, FAR more patience than I do ! Lovely job. Thank you for sharing :)

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)

[@teadrip]

Absolutely admire your patience, your skills. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)

[@carol-annepaull6724]

I am gob-smacked! That is the most amazing polymer clay video I have ever seen! Thanks Fiona.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thank you so much Carol-Anne :)

[@lilaalabed2527]

Fiona, this is just stunning! What a beautiful piece of art. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Lila :)

[@rosiehutchinson9333]

Oh My Goodness what a lot of detail and work you put into that - so beautiful xxx

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Rosie :)

[@lisadarrah5251]

Wow!!! That is exquisite... I am in total awe. Thank you for sharing your incredible artistic creativity.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Lisa :)

[@MissLyrata]

Spectacular! I don't think I would ever have the patience to do a project like this!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you MissLyrata, when I am doing it, I get so caught up in the process that time just goes, so it's not so much a question of patience, just getting lost in what you are doing :)

[@nansmith7502]

Thank you for this Fiona. You are truly a virtuoso of polymer clay art!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Wow, thank you Nan :)

[@TheWiseMagpie1]

Wow...!!! In all my years of polymer clay (since about 1975), I can't remember seeing such gorgeous work...!!! You are an amazing artist..!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow, thank you so much, that is such a huge compliment :)

[@astridsunderland555]

Fabulous 🥰

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Astrid :)

[@julieabaylis]

simply amazingly breath taking.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Julie :)

[@katetracton131]

Brava!!! Your painterly use of all those extrusions is remarkable. A lot of work, but so worth it! Thanks for sharing your process with us.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Kate :)

[@nickynarbin]

Oh m gosh - she has done things with clay that I never imagined were possible- those birds - the shading !! Truly a work of art.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Nicky :)

[@Raykphth]

Thanks so much for this, I would love to come close to your patience and your ability with clay. I understand exactly what you showed but the genius in all artwork is the design and yours is well earned in your years of polymer clay work. In your other videos you have the technique of showing us all exactly how you do it and I understand that the ability through experience is well learned, but you still care for those of us who are new to clay and I learn to practice through your teaching. I wonder if you will be at the polyanglia do in Norwich in October. I would love to meet you.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much Ray. Sadly I am having to miss Polyanglia, as I have a big Art exhibition on at the same time, so need to be at home for that. But I know you, and everyone else who is going will have an amazing time, and I will think of you all over that weekend. I have no doubt we will be able to meet at some other polymer event in the future :)

[@MelissaJones-lj5de]

You are a Master of this medium and this is a Masterpiece!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Melissa :)

[@Kaycyd]

I was totally blown away! I was mesmerized every second watching this video! I've learned more techniques, thank you. As the others have stated, you are VERY talented!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much Kaycy :)

[@Marysiewert]

wow

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you Mary :)

[@paulawilliams6040]

Wow! That is simply stunning! You are so very talented. This was a joy to watch. Thank you.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Paula :)