Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild – Page 35 – Learn and play with polymer clay!

November 2011 Meeting: Pandora-Style Beads

by Crafty
November 5, 2011

This month, **Myra Cleveland** has generously offered to teach us how to make **Pandora-Style Beads**. Myra, who joined our group earlier this year, blogs at Clay Harmony and sells her work on Artfire. We’re eager to learn how she makes these beautiful beads!
Our meeting will be held **Saturday, November 12, 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:**
– Scrap clay (for practice beads)
– Clay in desired colors (including translucent, if desired) – Kato is best
– Small cutters (to make multiple beads of the same size)
– Piece of clear Plexiglas or plastic (the front of a CD cover is perfect)
– Sculpey Etch ‘n’ Pearl tool (large or medium size)
– Small canes to decorate beads (optional)
**Myra will provide:**
– Grommets/eyelets (2 per bead). Myra has generously offered to provide each person with 10 grommets, enough to make five beads, and will have more available for sale at the meeting. She will also have snake chain bracelets, silver spacer beads, and charms for sale, so people can leave the class with all the parts needed for a complete bracelet, if they wish.
**Raffle**
This month we’ll be holding a raffle, so bring a few extra dollars if you want to participate. September’s winners (Angela, Angel, and Stacie) will be supplying the prizes.
**Retreat Meeting**
We’ll hold a planning meeting for our 2012 Retreat before the guild meeting from 12:20-1:10. Since the Hobby Lobby classroom will be occupied during that time, we’ll be meeting at a little restaurant called “Sunny Side Up.” It is east of I-35 on the south side of 19th street, behind the shopping center where Hobby Lobby is.

Minutes for October 2011 Business Meeting

by Penni Jo
November 5, 2011

**Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild Meeting**
**Date: October 8, 2011**
**Introduce / welcome guests**
Our meeting began as Shirley welcomed everyone and began the meeting right away as we had a long program. The room was packed with 16 people in attendance including guests Pat Pearson, Kay McKinnis, Linda Krejsek, and Margaret Watsek.

**Program:**
Penni Jo taught an embroidered pendant project (see left) using techniques from her ten page Original Booklet ~ Faux Ribbon Embroidery that was given to guild members a few months ago. A full color six page step by step tutorial was provided to make this faux embroidered pendant with faux wood hanger bar, twisted rope border, tiny molded tassels and molded tricolor tassel fringe. All of the techniques and basics taught were from the Faux Ribbon Embroidery booklet.
If a member does not have the larger, ten page booklet with nearly 200 photos you can write to Penni Jo at claylady43@gmail.com and ask for the pdf file. The pdf lesson file is also available to members the same way.
Please do not share the project sheet or the booklet as PJ is planning to have it published. If a non member wishes the pdf full Booklet, contact PJ about the price. Above right is the finished sample that she began in class to demonstrate some of the stitches and techniques learned while making the project
**Show and Tell:**
Pat had water color beads to show. She is a retired Air Force officer and has been playing in clay for a year.
If I have missed anyone’s show and tell, please let me know. It was a very, very busy time.
**Business Meeting**:
**1. Approval of Minutes:**
The following corrections were made.
1. The visions comment should read “Grady Craft alliance took over Vision Makers and sent an email to Shirley. The do not know when the next Visions Makers show will be.” You can get on the mailing list if desired. http://bradycraftalliance.org/
2. Cheryl did not win in the September Raffle.
**2. Officers Reports**:
**Vice President -Angela**
– Nov: Myra – Pandora Beads.
– Dec: Annual ‘Share a project’ where members bring a project that they have learned in guild and share a bit about how the project was done. Those wishing to swap at the end may do so.
– Jan: Lee Ann TBA.
– Feb: Shirley – To be determined.
**Treasurer- Angela**
Balance: 722.84
Members: 15 members.
**BOH Report ~~ Nance**
Our beloved Nance will have surgery for cancer on Oct. 20 at Norman Regional.
**Librarian ~ Jane**
The new book is in and Jane reported on it. Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects by Jacqueline Gikow. This book was chosen because the magazine article “Polymer Unlimited – 4 artists on the magic of polymer” chosen was no longer in print.
Jane pointed out some parts that she found interesting and reported that she was impressed and touched on some of the highlights in this very unusual book.
**Old Business?:**
1. Guild Report, PJ:
a. Retreat discussion notes and the following two subjects will be emailed to members.
b. Basecamp:
c. Vendors
2.. State Fair Demo:
1. Any improvements? Everyone liked the demo area this year.
2. Added categories? The following discussions were made.
a. Mixed Media with the primary focus of the item of clay. For example. Tom’s wonderful character dolls with sculpted faces and hands.
b. PJ asked if a “Display Only” Category could be added. Angela said she could check.
**New Business**:
1. We talked about finding a larger meeting room. A number of ideas were batted around. Members, if you have time and can, look in your area for a meeting place. PJ suggested we think outside the box as her brother-in-law’s club group met in the back of a furniture store. No charge.
2. Ruth brought up Recreation professionals. Hospitals, continuing educations CEU. Send works to them. If selected your work will be taught. $$
**Announcements:**
None.
**Library Drawing for a new book ~~ Jane**:
Winning Title: it was decided to order the first issue of Polymer Art magazine to see if we like it.
**Swap or Raffle:**
Winners: Tom and Myra got each other’s swap. Myra’s was a beautiful Fall bracelet and Tom brought a fabulous visual pun.
Our theme was “Come on Fall!” Tom’s light switch cover featured an impatient squirrel’s hand outstretched under an Oak tree with one remaining acorn. “Come on, Fall!”
**Next meeting:**
**At Hobby Lobby in Moore.**
**November 12, 2011 1:30 to 4:30pm**

Minutes for COPCG September 2011 Business Meeting

by Penni Jo
October 2, 2011

**Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild Minutes**
Date: September 10, 2011
**Introduce / welcome guests**
Shirley welcomed our new members and visitors to our merry band of clayers.
**Program**:
Shirley introduced our new members and visitors to Bottles Of Hope, their history and purpose. Angela demonstrated step by step how the bottles are covered with clay. The following embellishments for the bottles were demonstrated by PJ.
Sample Bottles Of Hope
– a. How to apply Lisa Palvelka’s foils to clay and create a sparkling effect using 60 grit coated sandpaper.
– b. How to make a skinner blend and then, for those who wanted to see how to use the skinner blend, how to make a leaf cane. The watchers all received a segment of the leaf cane.
**Show and Tell**
Myra, Sue, Stacie, a visitor; Jane, & Penni Jo brought Show and Tell this month. Due to the many things happening, your secretary did not get a list of each person’s show and tell. Shirley showed the magazine “Ornament” and the lovely polymer clay project inside. This magazine was included in the IPCA Retreat Goody bags. It was suggested that we contact Ornament magazine for our goody bags.
**NOTE:** Angela would like ideas of companies that we can contact for goodie bag items.
**Swap or Raffle**
(Treasurer Angela was not able to stay till the end of the meeting this month so the raffle was held early in the meeting.) As winners two months ago, Cheryl, Penni Jo, and Myra brought items for the raffle.
This month’s winners were: Angela (won Myra’s), Angel (won PJ’s), Cheryl (won Myra’s), our little visitor (won Sue’s) and Stacie (won Cheryl’s).
**Business Meeting**:
**1. Approval of Minutes:**
PJ announced that the minutes were on line and also e-mailed to all members previous to the meeting. Nance moved, Jane seconded, minutes were approved.
**2. Officers Reports**:
**Vice President – Monthly lessons -Angela**
– Oct: Penni Jo – Faux Ribbon Embroidery.
– Nov: Myra – Pandora Beads.
– Dec: Annual ‘Share a project’ where members bring a project that they have learned in guild and share a bit about how the project was done. Those wishing to swap at the end may do so.
– Jan: Open
– Feb: Shirley – To be determined.
**Treasurer- Angela**
Balance: $721.76
Members: 13 + 2 New makes 15 members.
**BOH Report – Nance**
Nance will be getting some more finished bottles soon.
**Librarian ~ Jane**
The new book, ‘Polymer Pizazz II’ came in with lots of categories. Christi has two articles in the book.
Jane also announced that the PolymerCafe challenge is ‘Just Jewelry’ and is due on Oct. 10. These dates are on our webpage along with the PCC challenges, so be sure to check it often.
**Old Business:**
**1. Guild 2012 Retreat**:
Penni Jo reported: Christi is coming!! Her attendance will appeal to out of towners.
Date April 19, 20 & 21 2012.
Classes/Demos: Christi will have two half day classes. One on Thurs & one on Friday.
There will be 6 demos.
A light continental style breakfast and cold lunch will be provided.
A write-up for the website is up. Be sure to check it out. Thanks so much Angela. [Great looking page](https://okpolyclay.com/retreat.html)!
More links will be added as needed. Among them are:
1. Online electronic registration form
2. Tourist info for the greater Oklahoma City area
3. There will be a link to Christi’s site as she will be handling the class registrations on her site. We need to choose the two desired classes ASAP.
Cost of Retreat:
– Member cost will be $60.00
– Non member cost $75.00 for early bird registration (before March 24, 2012)
– Late registration: $85.00
To accept these numbers, it was moved by PJ and seconded by Sue and the prices for the retreat were approved.
The cost of renting tables was brought up and it was discovered that a number of members have tables that they can bring.
Stacie and Sue have trucks.
A theme was discussed and the following were suggested:
– Carnival in Rio
– Spring Fling
– Rodeo
– Safari
.
It was moved and seconded that our theme will be Safari. Myra will modify the colors of the poster to reflect this theme.
**2. Promoting our hobby:**
Shirley reported that Vision Makers will have 5 shows. Tulsa is not sure of a date for their new show.
**3. OK State Fair**.
Demonstration on Sunday 18, 2 to 6. Angela handed out the entry tickets to those that had signed up.
Shirley to bring the banner.
Quarter page flyers: Jane to get some printed.
Myra did a poster for the fair and will send the artwork to Bob Linn to be printed at Kinko’s.
Shirley asked for volunteers to do a phone follow-up for the people who sign up at the fair.
Angela will email, Shirley will phone.
Members were asked to bring some finished work to show, a clay project, tools etc.
Angela will bring the oven, mitts and a map.
**New Business:**
None of record.
**Announcements**:
**Library Drawing for a new book ~~ Jane**:
Winning Title: Polymer Unlimited – 4 artists on the magic of polymer.
Since the magazine with this article is unavailable our library selection was later changed to Polymer Clay: Creating Functional and Decorative Objects by Jacqueline Gikow,
**Next month’s swap theme**:
Come On Fall!!
**Next meeting: October 8, 2011**
**1:30 to 4:30**
At Hobby Lobby in Moore Oklahoma

October 2011 Meeting: Faux Embroidery

by Crafty
September 26, 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.

Welcome, State Fair Visitors!

by Crafty
September 18, 2011

**Welcome** to those of you who are stopping by after seeing our display and/or our demo at the Oklahoma State Fair! We hope you’ll consider attending our next meeting, which will be held Saturday, October 8th. All levels of clayers are welcome!
If this is your first visit to our website, you may be interested in these pages:

About Us: Answers questions about our group’s meetings, membership fees, and more.
Annual Retreat: Our 2nd OK Poly-Clay Twisters Retreat will be held April 19-21, 2012. Features classes with Christi Friesen!

You may also want to sign up for our email list or connect with us on Facebook — both great ways to get notifications of upcoming meetings and other polymer clay items of interest.

September 2011 Meeting: Bottles of Hope

by Crafty
September 3, 2011

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.

Minutes for COPCG August 2011 Business Meeting

by Penni Jo
August 18, 2011

**Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild Meeting**
**Date: August 13, 2011**
**Introduce / welcome guests**
Our meeting began as usual with members visiting with each other while setting up for the meeting. We had a number of guests this month. Tom Gibson, a doll sculptor using polymer clay, a medium not usually accepted by most Art Associations and Societies, Angel Mance, and Lori Luli a previous guest and beader who joined our happy group this month.

**Show and Tell**:
Myra showed a filigree Christmas Ornament, switch plate and bookmark as well as Pandora beads! Nance had a lovely feather/leaf pendant. Lee Ann showed her beautiful, finished Opal pendant. Sue had finished her switch plate and showed a number of other fabulous switch plates in a variety of colors and styles. Angela finished her switch plate in a ‘stenciled’ pattern that was delightfully charming! Cheryl showed a blade cover that was not only colorful it also provided safety. Penni Jo showed two switch plates. Shirley had some lovely silver clay seashells and a silver pendant that she’d made with her sister. Lori showed some of her work including Mokume Gane, faux wood (aka Faux Bois) and steam punk hearts, techniques she’d learned recently in a number of classes. Jane showed two incredible switch plates of falling leaves, one with wire work.
**Program:**
Resident Hobby Lobby April Gregory brought a number of demonstrations of a number of “TIPS” for use with or to supplement our polymer claying.
There were 6 sections of tips.
> 1. Clear materials: Shown in three different pendants. Each pendants was a polymer clay ‘jewel’ glued into a bezel and the bezel was then filled with a ‘clear’ material.
> a. Kato liquid clay- The bezel was filled, baked and hit with a heat gun. Most of the liquid clay remained cloudy as the layer of clay was very thick.
> b. Dimensional Mod Podge – Bezel was filled, allowed to dry and then filled again to smooth. It was the medium clarity.
> c. Resin, two part — Mixed equal amounts poured over the ‘jewel’ allowed to cure and a second layer added to level. To tint, use alcohol ink. Faux geodes can be made using resin and polymer clay mold.
> 2. Glues:
> a. Quick Set — Epoxy, very strong.
> b. Poly Bond by Lisa Pavelka — Excellent hold, heat resistant, but keep the lid on TIGHTLY!
> 3. Re-purposing (altering) materials — Metal:
> a. Silversmithing can be ‘faked’ with Polymer Clay and other materials such as adding metal dots from the scrapbooking aisle to the outside of a bezel.
> b. Silver metal to Gold effect. Sand to etch the surface and get down to the base metal to change the color of the metal using Rub N Buff which comes in metallics as well as a number of colors. She used two colors on a metal piece. Rub N Buff can also be used on Polymer Clay.
> c. Emboss metal. Stamp, add powder, dry and heat. Finish with desired effect.
> d.Embossing leather: Stamp the leather using an embossing ink. Sprinkle with embossing powder. Allow to dry. Heat. The leather now has a beautiful raised pattern.
> e. Change the color of the leather.
> f. Krylon 18 K Gold pen can be used to color and repurpose items.
> 4. Layering:
> a. Metal Filigree can be bent, cut and punched. Use the pieces to embellish a design.
> b. Use a “Big Bite” hole punch in leather and light metal. Make a hole in filigree and a leather band. Stack a number of punched items to form a design. Attach the stack to the leather strap using a grommet.
> 5. Shrinky Dinks: create designs, color or print, cut out and bake.
> a. Color with colored pencils.
> b. Print out on an ink jet printer at 50%.
> 6. Demo: Bird and cart.
> a. Showed the form used to create the bird. She covered the form with Polymer Clay, baked and cut the warm clay to remove from the form.
> b. She identified the various jewelry parts, jewels, wire, etc used to finish the project. WOW.
> c. She described how the project was assembled with the parts.
**Business Meeting:**
**1. Approval of Minutes:**
> The minutes were read. PJ goofed big time and got our guests from last month mixed up, mis-identifying our newest member. It should read We had two guests: Marolyn Bryant from Shawnee and Cheryl Rains from Oklahoma City. Cheryl Rains joined our merry band and is our newest member. (PJ thought Cheryl was Marolyn. My most humble apologies to Cheryl.)
>
> Minutes will be approved pending changes.
**2. Officers Reports:**
**Vice President -Angela**
– September 10: Bottles of Hope Day — work on bottles, share techniques & ask questions
– October 8: Faux Embroidery with Penni Jo
– November 12: Pandora Beads with Myra
– December 10: Annual Christmas Share-a-Project Meeting
– January 14: OPEN (any volunteers?)
– February 11: TBA with Shirley
**Treasurer- Angela**
– Balance: $720.19
– Members: 11
**BOH Report ~~ Nance**
She needs medium sized bottles. PJ has some that can be used by the group.
**Librarian ~ Jane**
Jane showed the new book by Christi Friesen, Woodland Creatures.
**Old Business?:**
**Promoting Polymer clay:**
1. April will ask if we can demonstrate Polymer Clay use in the individual stores near the entrance.
2. Ruth asked about the art council. Angela mentioned OVAC (Oklahoma Visual Arts Colation) will be having a 12″ by 12″ auction.
3. Angela also mentioned that OVAC website allows artists to have a portfolio on their site.
4. A show formerly with “Vision Makers” is now organized by the Brady Craft Alliance
5. Shirley to check to see about Vision Makers.
6. More pictures in the body of reports. We need more members to upload photos to the guild Flickr site. So far, only four members are represented on the group site. http://www.flickr.com/groups/okpolyclay/
**IPCA biannual retreat:**
Jane and PJ reported on the retreat, how much fun they had and that they’d met a clayer from New York City whose monthly meeting was as involved as the mini retreat held in PJ’s house last April! There were clayers there from everywhere. We learned a lot. Jane watched most of the demos. PJ sold molds and her line was picked up by Metal Clay Supply in Jacksonville TX.
**State Fair**:
Need to enter by the 15th. If entering later cost will be $10.00.
Drop off entries September 10th and 11th.
Demo Sunday September 18th 2:00 PM
**Twister Retreat**:
Penni Jo Reported on Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman found by Nance.
Costs: $100.00 a day and $75.00 janitorial fee for an allover cost of $375.00.
Great big fellowship hall with big kitchen. We can have both.
PJ will write to the pastor and ask if the facility is secure, are the dates open and how early can we come and how late can we stay. The pastor reported that we may have a key for the retreat, come early, stay late.
There is no security but since we will be the first in and the last out the room should be secure.
Shirley has contacted them and gotten a firm date. April 12, 13, & 14 of April 2012.
We may have a breakfast and lunch if we desire.
A motion was made by Shirley that, the facility will our first choice if the hours, security and dates check out. If so then we would like to plan to have our retreat there. Seconded by Jane, motion carried unanimously.
**RETREAT TYPES:**
The types of retreats were described by Penni Jo who has attended a number of them.
1. Classes all day long at retreat. Fandango. Students can sign up for some or all of the classes that you pay to attend. Classes last all day. Great for students, not so much for teachers and those who do not wish to take classes. The retreat room is a bit bare. Teachers strive to develop a project that the guild will want to bring to the group. Tough to get in as a teacher. Vendors get a booth for the cost of 20% of sales. NOTE: Room and all meals provided in the cost of the retreat. Approx. $500.00 + or -.
2. Demonstrations only: Sandy Camp is an excellent example of this. There are nine demonstrations over the three and a half day retreat. Demonstrators give two 30 minute demos. One right after the other. Demonstrators are selected from applicants. Demonstrators get free vendor booth and pay 10%. Attendee’s pay deposit of $100.00 for vendor booth which is applied to the 10% they will owe from sales. No meals, no room provided. Cost $90.00. Included the closing banquet.
3. IPCA bi-annual retreat. Demonstrations from a number of people. Any one can sign up to demo. No vendor section but attendees may sell from their table space and keep all of the proceeds. Cost $295.00 Lunch and Breakfast provided. No room cost provided.
4. Other Retreats I’ve read about or heard reports of can be a mix of the above. Some have short classes with a fee to attend, 3 to 4 hours long. Rest of the time is retreat.
**Demonstrations**: Since Jane and I attended the IPCA retreat and watched demos in the room with everyone else, it became apparent that we need a different room in which to demo. It is very hard for the watchers to hear the demos if everyone else in the room is chatting and laughing (which happens often at a retreat).
PJ to contact the church and see if a small room nearby could be used just to watch a demo. There may be a small additional charge for the extra room
PJ to CHECK DATES and be sure of the dates.
Guest rooms: Several offered to open their guest rooms to retreat attendees. Get list.
**Steering committee meeting**? Braum’s in Moore on 19th street Saturday Aug 20 at 1:00. After this starter meeting, we can bring our lunch to Hobby Lobby and meet before the meeting.
**New Business?**:
None of record.
**Announcements:**
None
**
Library Drawing for a new book** ~~ Jane:
Winning Title: Polymer Pizzaz II
**Swap or Raffle**
Swap Winners: Jane, PJ got Jane’s, Myra, Sue got Angela’s, and Angela got Sue’s. If I’ve missed you, please let me know which plate you got in the swap. Thanks.
**Next meeting: Sept. 10, 2011**
**At Hobby Lobby in Moore.**

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