BSSDC Programs

April 2008 | Past Speakers

April 2008

Janet Pitcher, Polymer Clay Artist

Janet Pitcher is from an artistic family, but started out by studying for a career in retail buying, getting a degree in Business. About ten years ago, she discovered polymer clay and started a business with a partner. With handmade signs, the two women went to craft fairs and sold their beads and jewelry. Janet's spirit of whimsy is evident in the name picked for the business, TwoCanClay, leading to the toucan as a business symbol. Today, TwoCanClay is Janet's business and the two women remain friends.

Janet loves making polymer clay fun, and specializes in canes of animal images, including the signature toucan as well as giraffe, panda, and tiger. She makes these canes freehand, so each time the animal is slightly different and unique. Also, reducing the canes introduces a little distortion, adding to the whimsical nature of the beads. Janet did admit that it took a lot of practice to get as good as she is at making the animal canes and reducing them.

In addition to animals, Janet makes hearts, flowers, leaves, geometric designed canes as well as finished jewelry. To read more about Janet and her work, go to TwoCanClaydesigns.com.