Qualifications I have

I've been working professionally as an artist for over two decades. I have done this as a production artist, designer, instructor, and author. I have been working professionally with several mediums, especially polymer clay during this time. I began dabbling with metal clays since their first introduction in the United States around 14 years ago. I was urged by Art Clay World President, Jackie Truty to earn my Level 1 and later Senior certifications. Earlier this year, I was honored with the title, Metal Clay Master. It is a privilege to have my classes requested around the world. In addition, following several years of working with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS as a freelance designer/instructor, I was included among the inaugural group of artists and designers for their Ambassador program. A career highlight for me was teaching their design team a mixed clay (polymer and metal clay) workshop at the corporate headquarters in Wattens, Austria earlier this year.

People I have been

Most importantly, a mother to four of the most amazing people I could ever know. While I'm primarily self-taught as an artist, my first career was as a television producer/director. I studied broadcasting and hold a degree in Journalism. I have also been a summer camp counselor, telemarketer, model, and school teacher.

Lisa Pavelka

Lisa Pavelka, a Colorado native who now resides in Las Vegas, is an award winning artist, designer and author. Although she is well versed in several mediums, she is best known for her polymer clay expertise. Having worked with the medium professionally since 1989, she has focused her creative energies in taking polymer clay in new directions; especially in the areas of mixed media applications. 

As a polymer clay pioneer, Lisa has tackled everything from jewelry making and home décor to scrapbooking and altered arts to name a few. She has shown the crafting world there is almost nothing that can’t be done with polymer clay, whether it's coming up with new techniques or covering the back of a van. 

Lisa is author of three books including the award winning best seller: Polymer Clay Extravaganza (North Light Books), and DVDs—Gifts from the Heart & Hand (Page Sage) and Claying Around with Lisa Pavelka (2007). 

Recognized as one of the world's leading experts on the medium of polymer clay, Lisa is a featured columnist and contributor for magazines including Polymer Café's Q&A column from its inception, Expression, Belle Armoire, Rubber Stamper, Simply Beads and many more. As a designer, Lisa is much in demand by companies such as Amaco, Fiskars®, Swarovski® Crystal to name a few. In addition, Lisa is a frequent guest of television programs including HGTV’s Carol Duvall show, DIY’s Jewelry Making, Fiskars TV, and PBS’s Beads, Baubles and Jewels. She has also been a featured artist on the Discovery channel.

Her expertise has lead her to partner with JHB International, first as a button designer and then in collaboration to develop her Signature Series product line for the crafting market which includes her first break-out product, Craftrends Award Winning Poly Bonder™ (2004), which is the only “super glue” that is rated for high temperature use with clay. In the winter of 2006-07, Craftrends also recognized Lisa's Signature Series Texture Stamps as an ACE Award Finalist for creative excellence. 

Lisa believes that everyone is an artist and is dedicated to helping others discover their canvases. She shares her love of creativity by actively instructing students of all ages and levels throughout the world. Teaching volunteer workshops to school age children or instructing nearly 200 retailers in a single sitting, teaching continues to be one of her favorite activities. She is highly sought out to teach at conventions, retreats, stores, galleries, and for creative guilds. 

Lisa is committed to the polymer clay industry and the polyholics of the world. She is designing a polymer clay educational program that will inspire crafters to grab a slab of clay and with the right tools and support they will be able to create a beautiful project. So pick up Lisa's products and start claying around!

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