January 2011

Eight members and two guests were in attendance at our January meeting. Jane welcomed the guests and began the meeting with Show and Tell. Members shared some fabulous clay projects they had made.
**PROGRAM:** Lee Ann K. taught us a technique for making **large hollow vessels**. The vessels were made over a glass form of our choosing. After baking, the clay was cut in half and removed from the glass form. It was then glued back together and smoothed before adding a second, decorative layer. As always, Lee Ann’s clear instructions and helpful guidance made for an excellent lesson.
**BUSINESS MEETING:**
**MINUTES**: Not everyone had received the December minutes by e-mail prior to the meeting, so approval was postponed until everyone could check them for errors.
**OLD BUSINESS:**
–
Annual membership dues were due. Jane asked members to pay our treasurer, Angela.
**NEW BUSINESS:**
–
**Congratulations:**
Jane congratulated Angela on the publication of her new book, *Polymer Clay 101* which she co-authored. Angela talked a bit about the process of putting it together and announced that she had some copies available for sale to guild members.
Jane also congratulated member Lee Ann for having her mica shift challenge project published in the most recent issue of *Polymer Cafe* Magazine.
Jane also had a project published in the challenge article. Congratulations also went to Angela for having a project article published in the same magazine.
–
**Election of Officers for 2011:** The following new officers were elected:
**President** – Shirley C.
**Vice President** (programs) – Angela M..
The following officers will continue in their offices:
**Web Master and Treasurer** – Angela M.
**Secretary** – Penni Jo C.
The following positions were changed from elected to volunteer:
**Bottles of Hope Coordinator** – Nance R.
**Librarian** – Jane L. and Lee Ann K. volunteered to assist
**Photographer** – Ruth Mitchell
–
**Challenges:**
1.
**Polymer Cafe Challenge**- Wearable Art: Entrants need only send in a picture of the piece, a brief description, and their inspiration. The official entry form from the magazine must be used – no photocopies. Members were encouraged to mention our guild in their entries.
Information about a **bead contest** will be e-mailed to members later.
**NEW BUSINESS:**
–
Web Master Angela M. reported that through our Web site, we have had several **requests for beginner classes**. There was some discussion, including the issue of whether we should charge a nominal fee for such a class, in order to cover materials and time. The group decided to postpone any decision until more thought could be given to the matter.
–
Jane asked whether anyone wished to meet for a **play day** on the **5th Saturday of January**. She will check with Hobby Lobby as to whether our meeting room will be available and let us know.
**REPORTS:**
**Programs**: Our schedule for upcoming programs is:
–
**February** – Kaleidoscope Canes with April (with Sue as a backup)
–
**March** – Mosaics with Angela (tentative)
–
**April** – Retreat? Penni Jo has been working on this, but it is not definite.
–
**May** – Penni Jo may teach?
**Treasurer:** Angela reported a balance of $462.93, not including the dues which have been paid today. We have 10 members.
**Bottles of Hope Project:** no report
**Guild Library:** Librarian Jane L. reported on our newest library items, *Polymer Clay Beaded Jewellery* by Isabelle Cheramy Debray and our latest issue of **Polymer Cafe** Magazine.
**Drawing for New Library Book:** No drawing was needed because we acquired Angela’s new book, *Polymer Clay 101* and also we received last month’s new book, *Foundations in Polymer Clay Design*, by Barbara McGuire. Since our subscription to *Polymer Cafe* Magazine is ready for renewal, neither will there be a drawing next month.
**January Raffle:** Items were donated by last raffle winners, Angela, Sue, and Ruth. Winners of the raffle were Jane, Teresa (guest) and Angela
**February Swap:** Next month we will have our bi-monthly swap. The theme will be “Love Is in the Air.” Jane encouraged members to use their imaginations to interpret this theme.

Hello Clayers, it’s that time again! Our next meeting is this Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 1:30-4:30, at the Hobby Lobby on I-35 and South 19th in Moore (2650 Service Road, Moore, OK 73160 ). We are in for another exciting class from Lee Ann. She will be teaching us how to make large vessels. She brought some lovely examples to our December meeting, and although I was not there, I received reports of how lovely and amazing they are! Although she will show us how to make large vessels,to save time and space, we will be making small ones. I am looking forward to another great lesson from our very talented Lee Ann!
**Supply List:**
Molds from Glass Containers Supply List
1) Smooth and clean glass container. Since all of us will be using the ovens, choose
something small.
2) Scrap clay to cover container. Will be rolled on thickest setting of pasta machine.
3) Craft knife and clay blade.
4) Pasta machine
5) Slow drying glue such as Tacky Glue.
6) Masking tape or blue tape
7)Clay the color of your final choice
8) Oven mitt or hot pads.
Don’t forget to bring an idea for a book to add to our library and a raffle item.

1. **Introduce / welcome guests**: Our meeting began as usual with members visiting with each other while setting up for the meeting. Lots of holiday chatter filled the room with happiness. Sue brought two guests, Connie F. her sister and Denise W. Another guest Debbie joined our merry band of clayers. There was a quorum of voting members.
2. **Show and Tell**: This was especially exciting as Lee Ann brought some projects as ‘teasers’ for next month’s meeting, Big, hollow vessels. The samples were fabulous hollow vessels in many styles and colors. We were all blown away by them and are eager for next month’s lesson. She also answered lots of questions, how, cut where, what kind of forms needed. Etc.
3. **Program**: The program was brought by all of us. We each brought a project to show made using a technique we’d learned. Ruth brought an ornament embellished with poinsettias and leaves made from canes that she has learned to make. Sue brought a Christmas tree with tiny candy canes made using a lesson on leaf cane learned in guild. Lee Ann brought a snow scene with a tiny reindeer and tiny trees. Her design was inspired by an advertisment. Jane brought a gingerbread man recipe card holder with matching recipe cards made by her hubby. Penni Jo brought feather earrings. Each member described their project and, if they wanted to, went into a bit of detail as to how each piece was created, any special info about it, the inspiration of the design etc. All in all, there was a lot of eye candy and information.
4. **Minutes**: Last meeting’s minutes were posted online and sent to members:
* Sue moved they be approved.
* Lee Ann seconded.
Approved.
5. **Old Business**:
* Penni Jo reported on the possible retreat next April. We discussed if we would like
to have goodie bags (PJ reminded us that Makins had asked to know about guild events,
they will send stuff): Yes. Supporters: Yes. Vendors: Yes.
* Jane reminded us that our dues are due next month. We will get a notice of the
amount with any deductions earned from Angela.
6. **New Business**:
* We were reminded that Angela’s book was out. Ruth said she had seen it on Amazon. There is also a video and a writer review with her picture. We were all so very excited!!
* Jane gave us a handout of a proposed slate of officers for 2011. They are as follows:
** Shirley Conway, President
** Angela Mabray, Vice present, Treasurer, Webmaster
** Penni Jo Couch, Secretary
** BOH Coordinator Nance
** Librarian, Jane Linn
** Ruth has volunteered to be the photographer.
* It was discussed in the group that the last two offices in the list be changed from elected offices to appointed positions by the leader. Moved by Sue. Seconded by Ruth. Carried.
* Be thinking about the offices and let the group know if you are interested in a position. Voting will take place in January.
7. **V.P. Report** (upcoming lessons):
* Jan 8. Large hollow Vessels – Lee Ann
* Feb 11. April Kali Cane – Sue will back up if April can’t teach.
* March 8 Angela Mosaics (tenative)
* April 9. Penni Jo Retreat to be held over the retreat weekend?
* May 14 Open
8. **Treasurer’s Report** ~~ emailed by Angela:
* Balance – $481.53
* Members – 10
10. **Librarian Report** ~~ Jane: New library book will be reported on and shown next month.
11. **Drawing for a new book** ~~ Jane: Foundations in Polymer Clay Design by Barbara McGuire
12. **Swap**: Members played “Dirty Swap” with the projects that they had brought to show.
After the swap, Sue spent time demonstrating polymer clay techniques to our visitors. Thank you Sue!!
Angela (2), Sue and Ruth won a raffle in November. There will be a raffle in January.
Next meeting: Jan 8, 2011 At Hobby Lobby in Moore.
January has 5 Saturdays, will we have a play day?
*Meeting submitted by Secretary Penni Jo Couch.*