AnKara Projects

Background:

Established costume jewelry company AnKara Designs in January of 1991
Have worked in polymer clay for 32 years, professionally for 30 years, specializing in mixed media applications
Have developed new techniques in liquid polymer clay for 22 years (since its introduction to the general crafts community)
Appeared regularly on the Carol Duvall Show on HGTV and Do-It-Yourself Jewelry Making on DIY
Appeared on several episodes of Craft Lab on DIY
Projects have appeared in numerous magazines including Bead and Button, Polymer CAFÉ, The Polymer Arts, Bead Designs Studio (formerly Bead Unique), Simply Beads, Jewelry Crafts, Expression, and more

Published Books:

Bead Jewelry 101 by Karen Mitchell and Ann Mitchell, Creative Publishing International, first edition- July 2009, second edition with DVD- September 2011
Liquid Polymer Clay: Fabulous New Techniques for Making Jewelry and Home Accents by Ann Mitchell and Karen Mitchell, Krause Publications, June 2003

Published Articles and Projects:

"Hibiscus Flower Mosaic" project article, The Polymer Studio magazine, Summer 2019 (#2) issue.
"Purple Leaf Necklace" and "Magma" necklace set- Volume 2, 2017 issue of "Just Mixed Media!" magazine
Wrote FAQ sheet and two projects on liquid polymer for Staedtler Noerth America web site
"Micromosaic Necklace" appeared in Staedler national ad in PolymerCafe magazine, August, 2016
"The Watchful Eye", Egptian revival style polymer necklace appears in Polymer Journeys 2016: The Art and Craft of Polymer, published by Sage Bray, April 2016
"Sparkling Watch Band", Mixed-Media Magic", and "Exotic Inlay" project articles, "Just Jewelry" magazine, Volume 2, 2015
"A Small World: Adventures in Micromosaics", The Polymer Arts, Fall 2015
Contributed to article titled "Material Diversity", The Polymer Arts, Spring 2015
"Blue Deco Necklace" project article, From Polymer to Art (Dutch magazine), Number 3-2014 issue
"Clay Ombre Necklace" and "Clay Flower Necklace", downloadable projects at JoAnn.com, made for Staedtler, in-store project sheet and poster, Spring 2014
Interview by Trina Williams and project article "Snow Flurry Earrings", PolymerCafe Magazine, January/February 2014
“Mixed Media Polymer Hats: Brimming with Possibilities”, The Polymer Arts, Summer 2013
Coral project for JoAnn Fabric and Craft Spring 2013 Media Press Kit
“Snow and Ice Necklace”, Belle Armoire Jewelry, Dec/Jan/Feb 2013
“Art Deco Evening Bag and Bracelet” (cover article), PolymerCafe Magazine, December 2012
“FIMO Pumpkin Cane Hair Accessories”, project for Michael’s web site, Fall 2012
“Mayan Headdress”, PolymerCafe Magazine, August 2012
“Simply Sorbet” (seen on cover), PolymerCafe Magazine, February 2012
“Magnificant Malachite” (cover article), PolymerCafe Magazine, February 2011
“Simply Delicious Noodle Filigree” (cover article), PolymerCafe Magazine, August 2010
“Flower Ring” (cover article), PolymerCafe Magazine, December 2009
“Leaf Embellished Wine Glass” for JoAnn Fabric and Craft web site, spring 2009
“Tiled Picture Frame with Efaplast Microwave Clay” for Staedtler web site, spring 2009 “Urban Edge”, Simply Beads Magazine, February 2007
“Cleopatra Necklace”, Bead Unique Magazine, Winter 2006/2007
The Bead Bugle, featured columnists “Adventures with Polymer Clay”, online beading magazine, January 2005-2008
“Sunken Treasure Medallion Necklace”, project for Michael’s web site, May 2004
“Translucent Liquid Sculpey Techniques”, tips sheet for Michael’s web site, May 2004
“Clay Cloisonné”, Expression Magazine, May/June 2004
“Marbling Magic with Liquid Polymer Clay”, Bead and Button magazine, April 2004
“Sheer, Sparkling Inlay with Liquid Polymer Clay”, PolymerCAFE magazine, holiday issue 2003
“Holiday Hostess Brooch with Liquid Polymer Clay” (shown on cover), Jewelry Crafts magazine, holiday issue 2003
“Impression Glazing with Liquid Polymer Clay”, Expression magazine, November/December 2003
“Sheer Effects with Liquid Polymer Clay”, Expression magazine, September/October 2003
“In the Studio with Ann and Karen Mitchell”, PolymerCAFÉ magazine, Summer 2003
“Fiorato Beads with Liquid Sculpey” by Ann and Karen Mitchell, Jewelry Crafts magazine, August 2000
“Liquid Sculpey Mosaics” by Ann and Karen Mitchell, Jewelry Crafts magazine, February 2000

Accessories in Print:

"Broken Dreams", a necklace created by Ann, appeared in "Polymer Journeys: The Art and Craft of Polymer 2019", published by The Tenth Muse Arts, 2019.
Six photos: 2 necklaces, a bracelet, a brooch, a pendant, and a display rack featured in “Just Steampunk 2!” Magazine, Scott Publications, November 2012
Necklace and bracelet featured in “Just Steampunk!” Magazine, December 2011
Multiple jewelry projects for print advertisements appearing in numerous national craft magazines for American Art Clay Company, 2007
Polymer Pizzazz: The Best of Bead and Button Magazine, “Modern Marbling”, Kalmbach Trade Press, November 2006
Polymer Clay Creative Traditions: Techniques and projects Inspired by Fine and Decorative Arts, By Judy Belcher, Watson-Guptill Publications, January 2006
Dazzling Bead and Wire Projects, edited by Mickey Baskett, Sterling Publications, Fall 2005
Two polymer mixed-media masks featured in the "Marvelous Mask Challenge", PolymerCafe Magazine, Summer 2005
“Introduction to Clay Beading”, 6 project brochure for Polyform Products, Spring 2005
400 Polymer Clay Designs: A Collection of Dynamic and Colorful Contemporary Work, edited by Suzanne Tourtillot, Lark Books, Fall 2004
Leather Crafting in an Afternoon by Mickey Baskett, Sterling Publications, March 2004
Creative Stamping in Polymer Clay by Barbara A. McGuire, North Light Books, F & W Publications, 2002
Wire in Design-Modern Wire Art and Mixed Media by Barbara A. McGuire, Krause Publications, 2001
“Metal Effects on Polymer” by Esther Anderson, Jewelry Crafts magazine, February 2000
Polyform Products Sculpey III advertisement, 2001-2002
Polyform Products Translucent Liquid Sculpey brochure, 2001- 2002
Polyform Products advertisements, Translucent Liquid Sculpey 2001- 2002
“Polymer Clay 2000”, a juried calendar by Trudy Schwartz-Burrill, 2000
Foundations in Polymer Clay Design by Barbara A. McGuire, Krause Publications, 1999
CD album cover, “Give Yourself Away” by rock guitarist Racquel Zonte, Fall 1999
“A Complete Guide to Gold Plating” by Esther Anderson, Jewelry Crafts magazine, December 1999
“The PMC Challenge” by Esther Anderson, Jewelry Crafts magazine, October 1999
Back book cover jewelry, Recipes For Hot Sex by Dr. Joan Irvine and Jeanne Ernst, Spring 1998
Christmas Cookie Edition, Better Homes and Gardens magazine, article featuring Annamarie Mitchell by Peg Rahn, December 1997
Harvest Festival advertisements and brochures, 1996-Present
“Visions of the New Millennium”, a juried date book by Trudy Schwartz-Burrill, pending publication

Television Craft Demonstration: Carol Duvall Episodes-Home and Garden Television Network (all with liquid polymer clay):

CDS- 1864: Umbrella Table Planter
CDS- 1816: Frame Necklace Rack
CDS- 1757: Stained Glass Vase
CDS- 1728: Clay Fabric Purse
CDS- 1643: Window Transfer Candle Lamp
CDS- 1634: Mosaic Candlestick
CDS- 1512: Polymer Clay Woven Belt
CDS- 1502: Polymer Clay Plant Hanger
CDS- 1413: Leopard Print License Plate Frame: CDS-1360: Bow Tie Link Necklace
CDS-1329: Embossed Garden Tin
CDS-1256: Clay Fabric Lampshade
CDS-1212: Clay Ribbon Rose Hand Mirror
CDS-1146: Polymer Clay Cloisonné Memory Book
CDS-1106: Double-Sided Terra Cotta Bead Bracelet
CDS-1029: Terra Cotta Tiles
CDS-952: Leaf Votive (also listed as DIC-227 for DIY Crafts show)
CDS-942: Clay and Fabric Bookmarks
CDS-813: Liquid Clay Mosaic Box

Television Craft Demonstration: DIY Jewelry Making episodes- Do It Yourself Network:

DJMK- 609: Butterfly Hair Holder
DJMK- 606: Shell Necklace
DJMK- 602: Ladybug Baby Headband
DJMK- 507: Dragonfly Hair Clip
DJMK- 402: Leopard Print Choker
DJMK- 106: Braided Leather Choker
DJMK- 102: Crystal Chandelier Style Earrings

Television Craft Demonstration: DIY Craft Lab episodes- Do It Yourself Network

DCLB-240: Polymer Clay Molds
DCLB-229: Metallic Clay Effects/ Sun Mirror/ Polymer Clay Sequins

Additional Television/Online/Print Appearances

Planned, wrote, and filmed video for Staples Summer Camp online program, as requested by Staedler North America to feature their FIMO Kids Kits, demonstrating how to make the dinosaur and unicorn kits, June 2020
Created multiple polymer mixed media project videos for "When Creativity Knocks", an online craft website, can also be found on Youtube, 2018-present. Includes: "Recycled Coffee Cup Flower Pin" (Ann), "Stars and Planets Hoop Earrings" (Karen), "Baby Shower Etched Glass Mug" (Ann), "Cupcake Barrette" (Ann), "Floral Sparkle Earrings (Ann), "Fall Harvest Candlestick" (Karen).
Interviewed for article “Art Show Warriors”, The Polymer Arts magazine, Winter 2012
Interview by Liam Mayclem, “Eye on the Bay”, November 2012
“When Creativity Knocks” with Ana Araujo, online craft show taped at Ventura Harvest Festival, October 2010: Polymer clay demonstration on Good Day Sacramento, November 2008
Craft demonstration and interview- mosaic star pin, “In the Spotlight” hosted by Kari Michaelsen, KADY television, Camarillo, CA, September 2003
Craft demonstration and interview- magnetic clay picture frame, Ann Mitchell: “Today in L.A. Weekend” (NBC), weekend news program, May 2003
Interview and clay demonstration, Ann and Karen Mitchell, Good Day Sacramento,
Morning news program, November 2002
Interview, Ann and Karen Mitchell, “Periscope”, cable television talk show hosted by Sam Coleman, November 2000
Interview, Karen Mitchell, “Inland Empire Alive!” cable talk show hosted by Diane Abbott, November 1997

Accessories on Television and Film

“Killer Pad”, horror /comedy feature film directed by Robert Englund, specialized accessories, 2006
“Voodoo Moon”, drama/horror film on FX channel with Eric Mabius and Charisma Carpenter, specialized and fashion accessories, 2005
“The Haunted Mansion”, Disney feature film starring Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Tilly, period accessories, November 2003
“Ghost Dog: A Detective Tail”, made for television film for PAX cable station with Daphne Zuniga and Jack Wagner, dog themed accessories, January 2003
“Red Zone”, independent feature film with Freddy Rodriguez, Hip Films, themed men’s jewelry, December 2002
Fashion segment, “Live with Regis”, television talk show, ABC, 2000
Fashion segment, “KTLA Morning News”, television news program, Los Angeles, 2000
Fashion segment, “Good Day Philadelphia”, television news program, Philadelphia, 2000
Fashion segment, “Good Morning Texas”, television news program, Houston, 2000
Fashion segment, “Fox Thing in the Morning”, television news program, Chicago, 2000
Music Video, ‘Can’t Be Me’ by rock guitarist Racquel Zonte, album- “Give Yourself Away”, Spring 2000
“Forever Love”, made for television film with Reba McEntire, 1998
“You Wish”, television situation comedy, ABC, Fall 1997
“Ink”, television situation comedy starring Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, CBS, Fall 1996
“All My Children”, television daytime drama, ABC, 1992, 1994
“Innocent Obsession”, independent film, 1992

Accessories in Theatrical Productions:

“Peter Pan”, Opera a la Carte, Spring 1996
“The Gondolier”, Opera a la Carte, Spring 1995
“King of the City: An Evening with Al Capone”, Scottish theatre festival, 1995

Exhibitions,Competitions and Awards:

Member's Choice Winner (tie) for an Applicant Artist- International Polymer Clay Association Exhibition, "Floral Galaxy", 2017.
Received "Creative Pioneer and Innovator Award" for work in liquid polymer and polymer jewelry design techniques, given by Kathry Ottman, Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fests, February 2017
Honorable mention (art nouveau style floral necklace by Ann), “Liquid Clay Challenge”, Polymer Café Magazine, August 2010
Winning entry: Mixed Media Award for “Bottles of Hope” competition sponsored by the American Art Clay Company, January 2007- bottle was donated to Elizabeth Edwards
Winning entry: honorable mention in “Your Design Rocks” competition, polymer clay category, sponsored by Rings and Things, January 2007
Exhibition, “The Rave,” Ravensdale Polymer Clay Conference, Issaquah, WA, August 2006
Winners, first and second place, invitational exhibition and competition, “The Leather Challenge”, sponsored by the Leather Factory, February 2004
Invitational Instructors Exhibition, Ravensdale Polymer Clay Conference, Issaquah WA, August 2003
Juried exhibition, “Red, White, and Blue”, The Old School Gallery, Louisiana, Missouri, July 2003
Invitational slide show exhibition for the British Polymer Clay Guild at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England, hosted by Sue Heaser, April 2002
Invitational exhibition and competition, “The Leather Challenge”, sponsored by the Leather Factory, January 2002
Exhibition, “Illuminating a Medium: A Retrospective of Polymer Clay” at the ‘Courting the Muse’ conference sponsored by the National Polymer Clay Guild, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, June 2001
Winning entry, “Transparent Liquid Sculpey Creativity Challenge” at the ‘Courting the Muse’ conference, liquid clay fabric bra, June 2001
Exhibition, Polymer Clay Haven, Louisville, Kentucky, 2000
Exhibition, “Incredible Clay: Feats of Polymer”, the Bead Museum, Glendale, Arizona, 2000
Exhibition, “The Rave 2000”, Ravensdale Conference, Northwest Polymer Clay Guild, August 2000
Exhibition, “Polymer Clay 2000”, SoHo Gallery, Pensecola, Florida, Fall 1999
Exhibition, costumes from the film “Elizabeth” and other regal garments, sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Beverly Hills, California, Fall 1998
Winning entry, “Most Delicious Sweet” in polymer clay, sponsored by Accent Import/Export, Inc., Ravensdale Conference, Northwest Polymer Clay Guild, August 1998
Winners, Harvest Festival Direct Mail Contest, out of 900+ exhibitors participating in show circuit, AnKara Designs brings in the highest number of customers based on coupons counted at gate (spring and fall seasons), 1997-Present

Classes and Demonstrations:

Presented a two-hour virtual (Zoom) demonstration for the Chilly Clay Retreat, hosted by the Tallahassee Polymer Clay Art Guild, "Design, Inspiration, Construction", February 2021.
Taught a one-day workshop three times at the Orlando Fandango Polymer Retreat, "Engineering and Construction for Polymer Jewelry Design", May 2018.
Invited to present "Polymer Jewelry Construction: Inside Out" at the Synergy 4 Conference in King of Prussia, PA, sponsored by the International Polymer Clay Association, July 2017
Taught "Creating Personal Treasures" retreat in polymer and jewelry making techniques at La Cascade in Durfort, France, May 2017
Taught three one-day workshops on liquid polymer and polymer jewelry construction original techniques at Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fests 2017
Offered workshop "Textured Leaf Mosaic Necklace Set" for online retreat "Polymer Clay Adventure 2017", January-December 2017
Invited to present "Polymer Jewelry Construction: Inside Out" at the EuroSynergy 2 Conference in Bordeaux, France, sponsored by the International Polymer Clay Association, July 2016
Taught two one-day workshops with original jewelry construction techniques at Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest in Laurel, MD, February 2016
Taught two one-day workshops with original liquid polymer clay and jewelry construction techniques for the Kansas City Polymer Clay Guild, March 2015
Taught two workshops with original liquid polymer clay and jewelry construction techniques at Cabin Fever Creative Arts Fest in Laurel, MD, February 2015
Taught two workshops and did one demonstration, all with original liquid polymer clay techniques at Cabin Fever Clay Fest in Laurel, MD, February 2014
Polymer Clay Basics class for summer art program, Altadena, CA, July 2012
Craft class for Webelos/Cub Scout den at Polytechnic School teaching leather stamping, card making, and basic polymer clay skills for the Craftsman Badge, 2012
Flower cane polymer clay pendant project with 44 Girl Scouts for “Art-rageous” camp program, Girl Scouts of Los Angeles, July 2011
Marbled pendant demonstration and project with 100 Girl Scouts and Brownies ages 5-8, Girl Scouts of Los Angeles “Polymer Fun” event, February 2011
Taught polymer clay jewelry classes quarterly at Brea Bead Works in Brea, CA, 2007-2012
Demonstrated FIMO polymer clay, pens, pencils, and Mastercarve carving blocks and tools for Craft and Hobby Association Show, January 2009
Taught workshop with Mastercarve carving blocks and tools, brush-tip pens, and FIMO polymer clay for Staedtler at Craft and Hobby Association Show, January 2009
Demonstration of FIMO polymer clay for Staedtler, presented to art teachers of the San Diego Unified School District, September 2008
Demonstrated FIMO Polymer clay for Staedtler at Craft and Hobby Association Show, February 2008
Demonstrated Friendly Plastic for the American Art Clay Company at Craft and Hobby Association Show, February 2008
Demonstrated Create-a-Block acrylic boxes for Rayson Arts and Crafts at Craft and Hobby Association Show, February 2008:
Taught workshop on Friendly Plastic for American Art Clay Company at Craft and Hobby Association Show, February 2008
Taught two seminars at the “Synergy Conference” sponsored by the National Polymer Clay Guild in Baltimore, MD, February 2008
Guest Speaker (Karen) on jewelry design for Educator’s Luncheon at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles, CA, February 2008
Quarterly classes at Brea Bead Works, Brea, CA March 2007-present
Craft and Hobby Association, demonstrations, project samples, workshops and video production for Staedtler, AMACO, and Rayson, Inc., February 2007, 2008
Ravensdale Polymer Clay Conference sponsored by the Northwest Polymer Clay Guild, Issaquah, Washington (2 single day classes, 1 2-day workshop, 2 demonstrations) liquid and solid polymer clay, August 2000
Lecture and slide show, 1 1/2 day comprehensive liquid polymer clay class, Fresno Fiber Arts Guild, February 2006
Demonstration on Liquid Polymer Clay Techniques, Arizona Polymer Clay Guild, January 2005
Hobby Industries Association Show, demonstrations: liquid polymer clay- Polyform Products; leather- The Leather Factory, February 2004
Ravensdale Polymer Clay Conference sponsored by the Northwest Polymer Clay Guild, Issaquah, Washington (2-day/12 hour comprehensive liquid polymer clay class), August 2003
ACCI Conference, Liquid polymer clay workshop, Chicago, IL, July 2003
Classes, jewelry design, solid and liquid polymer clay, AnKara Designs studio, 2001-present, ongoing
Classes, Liquid Sculpey and Jewelry Design, “ Courting the Muse” conference sponsored by the National Polymer Clay Guild, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, June 2001
Demonstrations, Greater Los Angeles Polymer Clay Guild, August 2002- present
Demonstration, Polymer clay, Huntington Library Bookstore, December 1998

Special Collections:

Descanso Gardens, La Canada, CA 2005- 2007
The Gold Rush Gallery, Graeagle, CA, 2004- present
Huntington Library Bookstore, 1997- 2002
Fashion Institute Museum Gallery Gift Store, 2001
Smart Museum of Art, pieces in museum store in conjunction with Archibald Knox exhibit, Chicago, Spring 1998

Unusual Projects:

Created sample kits (200) for FIMO leather clay for Staedtler North America to present at a Michael's manager's meeting, 2020.
Painting basketball awards, the Miami Heat, 1996- Present, includes balls for Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, gift for Bruce Springsteen, and many other players
Made booth display figurines for Staedtler, North America of their children's FIMO clay kits, January 2016
Created stone and polymer necklace, bracelet, and earring set for a fundraising auction for the Lassen Park Foundation (national park), September 2015
Created two nature-themed necklaces fora fundraising auction for the Lassen Park Foundation (national park), September 2014
Created mosaic polymer clay and wood candlesticks for a fundraising auction for the Lassen Park Foundation (national park), July 2013
Created a necklace set and a decorative box with Sierra theme for a fundraising auction for the Lassen Park Foundation (national park), November 2012
Made a Steampunk style necklace and display stand from an alarm clock for fundraising auction for Monrovia Association of Fine Arts, March 2012
Painting basketball awards, The Phoenix Suns, 2009
Painting basketball awards, the Washington Wizards, 2008
Painting basketball awards, Converse, 2005
Painting basketball awards, the Charlotte Bobcats, 2005
Collaborative project, patriotic ribbons in polymer clay for limited edition glass clown sculptures by Abelman Art Glass, Spring 2002
Painted basketball awards, the Los Angeles Clippers, 1993-1996
Custom designed accessories for professional dancers: ballroom, flamenco, swing, belly; ongoing projects

Professional Organizations:

President, Greater Los Angeles Polymer Clay Guild (Karen)
Members, Monrovia Association of Fine Arts
Member, International Polymer Clay Association
Member, American Crafts Council
Member, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
Founding Member, Women Inspired Networking Group (W.I.N.G.s) (Ann)