September 2011

We are very fortunate this month to have nationally-known sculptor & instructor (not to mention our own group’s co-founder!) **Penni Jo Couch** teaching the lesson. She’ll be showing us **Faux Embroidery** — a technique many paid to learn from her at this year’s Fandango retreat. (But we get to learn it for free!) We’ll find out how to use skinner blend scraps or solid clay to create “stitches,” which can then be used to create patterns and decorative designs.
Our meeting will be held **Saturday, October 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).
**Supplies to bring**
* **Polymer clay**:
* Brown or wood grain for hanger
* Background clay, shown is ecru lightened with white
* Ivory clay for the tassels, borders and loops
* Small amounts of skinner blends in your choice of colors or flower color (shown is red)
* Stem and leaf colors (shown is green)
* **Molds & Textures**: If desired, the borders and tassels can be molded. Tiny embellishments can be purchased or molded. Any strong woven pattern of fabric can make good texture. Penni Jo will have both molds and texture sheets for use in class.
* **Jewelry Findings**:
* Pin back for a pin.
* If necklace, cord or chain of choice.
* For tassels, two head pins.
* **Charms/Jewels**: Iron on gems or tiny charms for embellishments.
* **Tools**
* Your favorite clay tools, plus…
* Single edge safety razor for cutting slivers.
* Wire cutters
* Round nose and regular small pliers.
* Small, sharp pointy tool like a smooth skewer etc. for lifting and ‘stitching’ the leaves and flowers.
* **Optional**:
* Mica powders for embellishing the hanging loops.
* Pasta machine for clay.
* Extruder for fine ropes.
**Note**: If you have the “Faux Ribbon Embroidery” tutorial printout that Jane gave everyone at the meeting a couple of months ago, please bring it.
**Swap Theme**
This month we’re doing a swap with the theme “**Come on Fall!**” Everyone who wishes to participate should bring one handmade item that fits with the theme.
**Retreat Meeting**
We will *not* be holding a retreat planning meeting before our regular meeting this month.

As part of our group’s ongoing participation in the **Bottles of Hope** program, we’re spending our September meeting covering bottles. Bottles of Hope (BOH) are polymer clay-covered bottles that are given to cancer patients and survivors. These bottles often include a personal message of hope inside to encourage the individual. Read more about the BOH program here.
Our meeting will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 1:30-4:30, at the Hobby Lobby on I-35 and South 19th in Moore (2650 Service Road, Moore, OK 73160).
**Supplies to bring**
We’ll provide some bottles — if you have your own small glass bottles to cover (generally about 2-4″ tall), that’s great, too! Bring your preferred brand and color of clay, plus whatever other tools and supplies you want to use.
You may already know how you want to cover your bottle. If not, here are a few ideas:
* **Play with your supplies.** Texture sheets, molds, cookie cutters, and mica powders are but a few of the supplies that can make a beautiful bottle.
* **Cover it in canes.** Bring canes (or make some at the meeting) to cover your bottle.
* **Try a new technique.** Since Bottles of Hope are fairly small, it’s a great way to try out a new technique you’re interested in. Browse our library and try a tutorial you’ve never tried!
* **Ask a fellow guild member.** We have so many talented folks in our group. Maybe you missed a meeting where someone demonstrated a technique you’d love to learn. This casual meeting will be a great opportunity to play catch-up and help re-stock our BOH stash at the same time!
* **Get inspired.** Browse Flickr to see what other polymer clay artists have done with their bottles.

We look forward to a creative — and productive — meeting!
**Raffle**
We’ll be holding a raffle this month, so come prepared with a few extra dollars. July’s winners (Penni Jo x 2, Marolyn x 2, and Myra) will supply the prizes.