The ever fearless Bridget has once again dared the torture of the pen and blank paper and conquered them both. In a stunning submission the factual account of BRPCG Clay Day is presented in all its naked honesty with the occasional sprinkling of humour and good will. But let me not delay your literary adventure any longer...
April 10, 2010: Clay Day!
Greetings from the house without a kitchen. Your schedule-challenged secretary has been mucking about in the land of never-ending construction, instead of focusing on more fun and useful endeavors like polymer clay. Fear not !– The remnants of the April 10 Clay Day are still rumbling around in this tortured brain somewhere . . .
Oh, yes, how could I forget? Lots and lots of fun people came from far and wide: Pete from VA, Ernie from Atlanta, and even lots of folks with girl names from in-between. We did miss a few of you: Barb V off taking care of family, Sandra taking care of business, and Jim taking care of excess chocolate, as he was pampered through his recovery. Plus too many more to name.
In addition to all the great folks and fun, did we ever have food. One visitor was overheard (after at least 4 slices of Sharon Solly's yummy cake) she would be at every clay day from now on. We do take good care of ourselves. Nobody goes home hungry!
Lots of great show and tell. Barb D brought in her entry into the Polymer Café Fall Leaves Challenge. Julie brought samples she's been working on for her book. Pete brought the work she did at Clay Fandango. Rhonda and Christina had gone into full-scale production mode and out-clayed everyone. Several folks brought their pieces from the Kathleen Dustin class. Amerie brought some plums from Canton so gorgeous, they hopped over from the food descriptions and demanded to be included with the art.
Pat won the best-dressed award, appearing in a swanky black and white ensemble with piles of coordinated polymer accents.
We had so many demos, we had to postpone one for next month. Remember our May Meeting is the 3rd Saturday. Update your calendars now or you'll have to go downstairs and flirt with the firemen, `cause we won't be there until a week later than usual.
Barb D's Basic Beads will be taught in May. After all the other demos, our brains were close to exploding, so Barb graciously agreed to haul all the demo gear back for the May 15th meeting. I'm so glad. I was looking forward to hers, and it wouldn't be fair to rush through it when some folks had already started packing up.
Amy did get to present her demo: Backfilled Beads. She even demo'd the way she creates a simple base bead. Her samples were gorgeous, and the teaching so effective, we could all do it, too. If you didn't make it, be sure to catch Amy so she can show you what you missed.
Maggie brought exotic imported techniques to us from the Queen City Clayers in faraway Charlotte, NC. The guild had challenged themselves to make polymer clay look like watercolor silk, and succeeded beautifully. Their method used alcohol inks and produced some surprising results that were lots of fun to play with. If they don't quit coming up with such great ideas, they may find themselves looking for a larger meeting space. I'm tempted to rent a bus and haul us all over to see what all the excitement is about.
Julie showed us the Rorsarch Slab, Crazy Sheet, Oh, whatever - Name that Technique! Then, just to show off, she gave us a simple way to make signature canes. Pat had the shortest name, and she did have the black and white motif going anyway, so she now has a lifetime supply of Pat canes. That, of course, gave us yet another demo: Julie's table-slamming reduction secrets. Is it any wonder we didn't get through all the planned demos?
Amerie brought her mold-making suplies. Let's get this straight for once. Those are little blobs of squishy stuff that you use to shape clay, not the fungal variety. We were all left with our brains looking at things differently – wondering what shapes all around us would be fun to be able to cast in a mold for clay.
Do you guys realize that there are guilds out there that just have meetings? –You know, those dull-as-a-dirt-sandwich events where people fall in love with the sound of their own voices? They don't have food. They don't have clay. Whatever is the point? Aren't you glad to be part of the BRPCG? Me, too.
- Bridget
me too..although I only ate 3 pieces of cake. Until next time, fare thee well.
-blog fairy
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Meeting Report: 13Mar10
Yeppers, I am running late with posting the meetings as they are sent to me. Chop it up to a hectic life, general everyday stresses, place any excuse here: ______ the fact is, time gets ahead of me very quickly. But I am getting to it slowly. As we now have a new secretary, pen and paper in hand, Bridget makes her secretarial debut.
Blue Ridge Polymer Clay Guild: March 13, 2010 Minutes
We had a good crowd on Saturday – right at 20 people. And this is despite an ailing Jim Peacock (Get Well Soon!) and Suzanne and Marilyn still being trapped behind the rockslide. We have one new member, Hema, who has just moved here from Missouri.
Lots of exciting news!
Julie told a lot of lies about the trip to Cabin Fever and Synergy, presenting her gracious chauffeur in a most dubious light. I wasn't there to hear all of this slander, as I had spaced out and run back to the house to collect both clay and pasta machine. Pete, you are not the resident DA for this month. Maybe you can reclaim the title when you come for Clay Day next month. Julie and Bridget both brought in the treasures they collected to show off.
Teresa is going to be attending a 3-day workshop with Wendy Froud in the Chicago area April 30th -May 2, 2010. Wendy was the original designer of Yoda and also worked with Jim Henson. Anyone unfamiliar with Wendy's artistry can find lots of examples on the web, starting with http://www.worldoffroud.com/index.html. There you will also find a link to Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Brian Froud, a classic once prescribed by a very hip MD for my son.
Pat came back looking rested and refreshed from her cruise, which included St. Thomas and lots of other wonderful destinations. She didn't give high marks to Holland America cruises, though. Best to stick with the old standbys, like the QE2.
Barbara and Maggie brought in samples of spores inspired by a National Geographic article. They were so realistic, we were worried they might be contagious. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should call 911 or go to your local emergency room, as they have not yet created antidotes.
Many beautiful pieces were seen sporting the latest in Hidden Magic, courtesy of Sharon Solly's demo. That technique really does produce some gorgeous effects. Bridget shared some info collected from travels to MD. If you didn't get the Synergy info, you can read Susan Lomuto's insightful look into the world of polymer at http://dailyartmuse.com/2010/03/04/synergy-2-part-1-in-pursuit-of-excellence-the/-evolution-of-a-medium/. If there was anything else you wanted copies of, please contact Bridget directly.
Under some very trying circumstances (a chorus of hecklers that would put any group of doo-wop girls to shame), Sharon Solly presented an outstanding demo on making tiny boxes. She uses pearl clay and alcohol inks to create a Raku effect.
As always her tips were quite detailed and anyone who followed instructions was assured of a tidy, well-proportioned box. She claims to have been mesmerized by houses lately, but she's not alone. Everyone who's seen the enchanting examples she's created is starting to feel the same way.
. . a Few Reminders
Kathleen Dustin Class
Saturday and Sunday, March 27 & 28 10am – 5pm both days (get there early and be ready on time!)
Remember to bring the food you've signed up for, and those who have promised to bring ovens or other items, don't forget them.
Saturday, April 10 is Clay Day: 9am – 5pm.
Please remember to bring:
Snacks to share
Beads for the bead jar
Donations for the auction
(can be anything – use your imagination!)
Supplies for demos – to be announced later
Lots of cash – small and large bills
May 15th – the 3rd Saturday
Our meeting in May is the 3rd Saturday, not the 2nd, due to some scheduling challenges with the community center. We'll keep reminding you!
Thanks for electing me your Secretary. You folks are terrific. I'm glad there's something I can do to help!
- Bridget
Posted by the blog fairy on this gorgeous spring day...
I bid you adieu.
-blog fairy
Blue Ridge Polymer Clay Guild: March 13, 2010 Minutes
We had a good crowd on Saturday – right at 20 people. And this is despite an ailing Jim Peacock (Get Well Soon!) and Suzanne and Marilyn still being trapped behind the rockslide. We have one new member, Hema, who has just moved here from Missouri.
Lots of exciting news!
Julie told a lot of lies about the trip to Cabin Fever and Synergy, presenting her gracious chauffeur in a most dubious light. I wasn't there to hear all of this slander, as I had spaced out and run back to the house to collect both clay and pasta machine. Pete, you are not the resident DA for this month. Maybe you can reclaim the title when you come for Clay Day next month. Julie and Bridget both brought in the treasures they collected to show off.
Teresa is going to be attending a 3-day workshop with Wendy Froud in the Chicago area April 30th -May 2, 2010. Wendy was the original designer of Yoda and also worked with Jim Henson. Anyone unfamiliar with Wendy's artistry can find lots of examples on the web, starting with http://www.worldoffroud.com/index.html. There you will also find a link to Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Brian Froud, a classic once prescribed by a very hip MD for my son.
Pat came back looking rested and refreshed from her cruise, which included St. Thomas and lots of other wonderful destinations. She didn't give high marks to Holland America cruises, though. Best to stick with the old standbys, like the QE2.
Barbara and Maggie brought in samples of spores inspired by a National Geographic article. They were so realistic, we were worried they might be contagious. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should call 911 or go to your local emergency room, as they have not yet created antidotes.
Many beautiful pieces were seen sporting the latest in Hidden Magic, courtesy of Sharon Solly's demo. That technique really does produce some gorgeous effects. Bridget shared some info collected from travels to MD. If you didn't get the Synergy info, you can read Susan Lomuto's insightful look into the world of polymer at http://dailyartmuse.com/2010/03/04/synergy-2-part-1-in-pursuit-of-excellence-the/-evolution-of-a-medium/. If there was anything else you wanted copies of, please contact Bridget directly.
Under some very trying circumstances (a chorus of hecklers that would put any group of doo-wop girls to shame), Sharon Solly presented an outstanding demo on making tiny boxes. She uses pearl clay and alcohol inks to create a Raku effect.
As always her tips were quite detailed and anyone who followed instructions was assured of a tidy, well-proportioned box. She claims to have been mesmerized by houses lately, but she's not alone. Everyone who's seen the enchanting examples she's created is starting to feel the same way.
. . a Few Reminders
Kathleen Dustin Class
Saturday and Sunday, March 27 & 28 10am – 5pm both days (get there early and be ready on time!)
Remember to bring the food you've signed up for, and those who have promised to bring ovens or other items, don't forget them.
Saturday, April 10 is Clay Day: 9am – 5pm.
Please remember to bring:
Snacks to share
Beads for the bead jar
Donations for the auction
(can be anything – use your imagination!)
Supplies for demos – to be announced later
Lots of cash – small and large bills
May 15th – the 3rd Saturday
Our meeting in May is the 3rd Saturday, not the 2nd, due to some scheduling challenges with the community center. We'll keep reminding you!
Thanks for electing me your Secretary. You folks are terrific. I'm glad there's something I can do to help!
- Bridget
Posted by the blog fairy on this gorgeous spring day...
I bid you adieu.
-blog fairy
Meeting Report: 20Feb10
BRPCG's February 2010 meeting was held on Feb. 20th at Avery's Creek Community Center with 8 in attendance, including new member Valerie Halverson, welcome. And welcome back to Lynn after a long absence.
The meeting had been re-scheduled from the 13th due to inclement weather.
The meeting started off with sharing of our sadness at the passing of our friend, fellow guild member and newly elected guild secretary, Mary Lee Forsythe. All of us that knew her will miss her greatly. In a touching gesture Barb D. placed roses where Mary Lee usually sat.
"Generosity of time and spirit - that is what makes a wonderful artist," was said by Amy. The quote is by Judy Belcher from her Milliefiorie Story Cd but it summed up Mary Lee's spirit and attitude as an artist eloquently.
Barb D. received an acknowledgment from the American Heart Association of the $100.00 donation from the guild in Mary Lee's name.
Congratulations to Marilyn D from our Tennessee contingent for her wonderful article and winning challenge entry in Polymer Cafe.
Show and tell and introduction started with Sharon Solly and her exciting news. Donna Kato has contacted her to be one of the teachers on Donna's new on-line Craft.edu site. It is a new type of on line class thing and still in the works. It consists of many famous teachers in all types of art mediums. Sharon will be teaching her famous fabulous faux lamp work beads and also her mixed media paper techniques. Oh, and she brought her famous copper and clay bracelets like the ones shown on Polymer Clay Daley for show and tell. Way to go girl. You ROCK!
Show and tell continued around the room and with so many talented folks it's hard to list all the wonderful things. Barb D showed us her faux amber necklace and a bracelet that was inspired by a method Mary Lee had shown us.
There were butterfly canes, note pad and pen set, and a heart box to name a few more things. Karen H brought house shaped macaroni, aluminum tags and small vials to share with all.
After show and tell some time was spent checking out all the neat projects.
Then most of us went to work on our own projects. There was a lot of sharing of methods, general socializing and some wandering around as usual. Barb D. and Maggie even discovered that they both had the same inspiration to do beads from a National Geographic article with photos of grains of pollen. We will have to see how that turns out. Funny how polymerclayers see the world as something to cover with or imitate in clay!
Next meeting Sharon will demonstrate how she makes her little box house Beads.
If I have left anything out or gotten something wrong please let me know.
Submitted By Temporary volunteer report writer,
Maggie
The meeting had been re-scheduled from the 13th due to inclement weather.
The meeting started off with sharing of our sadness at the passing of our friend, fellow guild member and newly elected guild secretary, Mary Lee Forsythe. All of us that knew her will miss her greatly. In a touching gesture Barb D. placed roses where Mary Lee usually sat.
"Generosity of time and spirit - that is what makes a wonderful artist," was said by Amy. The quote is by Judy Belcher from her Milliefiorie Story Cd but it summed up Mary Lee's spirit and attitude as an artist eloquently.
Barb D. received an acknowledgment from the American Heart Association of the $100.00 donation from the guild in Mary Lee's name.
Congratulations to Marilyn D from our Tennessee contingent for her wonderful article and winning challenge entry in Polymer Cafe.
Show and tell and introduction started with Sharon Solly and her exciting news. Donna Kato has contacted her to be one of the teachers on Donna's new on-line Craft.edu site. It is a new type of on line class thing and still in the works. It consists of many famous teachers in all types of art mediums. Sharon will be teaching her famous fabulous faux lamp work beads and also her mixed media paper techniques. Oh, and she brought her famous copper and clay bracelets like the ones shown on Polymer Clay Daley for show and tell. Way to go girl. You ROCK!
Show and tell continued around the room and with so many talented folks it's hard to list all the wonderful things. Barb D showed us her faux amber necklace and a bracelet that was inspired by a method Mary Lee had shown us.
There were butterfly canes, note pad and pen set, and a heart box to name a few more things. Karen H brought house shaped macaroni, aluminum tags and small vials to share with all.
After show and tell some time was spent checking out all the neat projects.
Then most of us went to work on our own projects. There was a lot of sharing of methods, general socializing and some wandering around as usual. Barb D. and Maggie even discovered that they both had the same inspiration to do beads from a National Geographic article with photos of grains of pollen. We will have to see how that turns out. Funny how polymerclayers see the world as something to cover with or imitate in clay!
Next meeting Sharon will demonstrate how she makes her little box house Beads.
If I have left anything out or gotten something wrong please let me know.
Submitted By Temporary volunteer report writer,
Maggie
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