We had fun at our March meeting, as member Nance Ross showed us how to make four different styles of bookmarks. The results were creative and varied! To see pictures of some of the completed projects, just click on the link to our Flickr site in the right hand column of your screen.
There were seven members present at the meeting, plus four guests who pariticipated enthusiastically!
**Report of our business meeting:**
**Old Business:**
Jane pointed out that our Hobby Lobby display had not been updated for a long time and asked whether anyone would volunteer to take on this responsibility. No one present volunteered, so anyone who wishes to do this is asked contact Jane.
**New Business**
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**Deluxe Craft Fair:**- Angela had new information on the fair, which will be May 9, at the State Fair Grounds, and thought we might wish to reconsider our decision not to participate. She reported that we have been offered a free table for demonstrations. We decided to take advantage of this as a good time to demonstrate making Bottles of Hope. Since the fair falls on our May meeting date, we will count it as our meeting and hold our business meeting, if necessary, via e-mail.
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**Oklahoma State Fair:** Angela updated us on her discussions with the staff of the state fair. Our guild will have two 6-foot tables to do a demonstration on Sunday, September 20th, from 2 pm to 7 pm. Angela will need a count of participants at some point, and each participant may demonstrate a technique of his/her choice.
Another exciting development is that we decided to initiate a separate **polymer clay category for the state fair** and sponsor a $25.00 prize for the “Best of Show.” We set up **4 classes** for entries: **1. Sculptured; 2. Jewelry and Accessories; 3. Beads and Buttons; 4. Household and Functional**
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**Opportunites for future demos:** – Shirley asked whether the group would like her to list our guild with the Art in Public Spaces Program. The coordinator of the program often receives inquiries regarding groups that will do public demonstrations. The members voted to do this.
**Reports:**
**Upcoming Meeting Schedule:**
Vice President April G. led the group in revising our schedule as follows:
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**April 11:** – Faux Marble Stones with Jane and Flower Petal Cane with April
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**May 9:** – Meeting and demo of Bottles of Hope at Deluxe Craft Fair
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**June 13:** – Inclusions in Clay with Nance
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**July 11:** – Mica Shift (presenter not decided)
**Treasurer’s Report:** Angela reported expenses of $89.88 for our library, leaving a balance of $579.59. Currently, we have 8 members.
**Bottles of Hope:** Coordinator Nance said arrangements are being made to do an event at Norman Regional Hospital, date to be decided. The involved staff seems very supportive and has urged us to put messages in the bottles. Nance mentioned other possible partnership ideas she wants to pursue with the hospital.
**Librarian’s Report:** Jane gave glowing reviews of our two purchases for last month and also the newest issue of Polymer Cafe. Angela pointed out a useful tip in the magazine for maximizing oven space for group projects, suggesting we might want to adopt it for our meetings.
**March Library Drawing:** The book *Making Mini Foods and Market Stalls*, by Angie Scarr was selected for purchase this month.
**March Raffle:** Four raffle categories were brought for our bi-monthly raffle. Winners were particularly lucky this time: Nance (two items) and Shirley (two items). Nance and Shirley will bring raffle items for the May raffle. **April** will be a **swap month**, and the **theme is “blue.”** That should get creative imaginations flowing!
**Show and Tell:** Everyone admired the beautiful items brought by Lee Ann, Jane, and Nance.