*Many thanks to Nance R. and Jane L. for graciously writing up these meeting notes in the absence of the secretary.*
Seven members were present at our October meeting. We had a great demonstration of the “Starry Night” technique from Jane Linn, with reminders and a graphic to show us to be sure to include three intensities of color in our design: very light, medium, and fairly dark, so it would make the design pop.
Penni Jo gave us a demo in making feathers using the Starry Night pattern we had just completed.
**Business Meeting:**
**Reports:**
**Upcoming Meetings:** April G. reviewed the meeting schedule:
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**November 21:** We will meet at Elements Beadery in Bethany, where a staff member will give pointers on finishing our jewelry.
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**December 12:** Christmas Decorations/Giftables
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**January 9:** Mica Shift Technique with Lee Ann
**Treasurer’s Report:** Angela reported a balance of $476.77.
**Librarian’s Report:** Jane L. reviewed our newest library purchase, *PolyPens: Polymer Clay Pen Sets* by Linda Peterson. She felt that it provides beginners with good instructions for making some fun and practical pen projects, as well as providing inspiring ideas for more advanced clayers.
**Old Business**
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**State Fair Guild Demo and Competition:** The group evaluated the project and made the following suggestions for the future:
1. Have a sign-up list at the demo table where interested visitors could list their phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
2. Add to the back of our guild handout flyer some basic information about polymer clay and supplies to bring to the first meeting or to get started.
3. Consider having members do the demonstration in shifts.
4. Members thought the display of our banner, raised and behind the demo table was excellent.
5. On the demo table, have a display of finished projects that show the diversity of the medium, along with a sign that says, “You can do this with polymer clay.”
6. We discussed adding two additional categories for the competition, one for childrens’ work, and one for miniatures. It was also suggested that we break beads and buttons into two separate categories.
**New Business:**
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**Meeting Space:** Penni Jo invited us to visit the spacious facility at Southern Oaks Recreation Center, where she teaches her Thursday night class. We have discussed the need for more space at our meetings, and this space would give us room to grow. However, it is not open on weekends, so we would have to change our meeting time.
**Announcements:** Angela updated us on several crafts shows and competitions in the area.
**Library Drawing:** The winning suugestion for purchase this month was *The Polymer Clay Cookbook: Tiny Food Jewelry to Whip Up and Wear*, by Jessica and Susan Partain.
**Show and Tell:** Guild members brought their state fair entries to show, and all were incredible! Most were put in the Hobby Lobby display case at the front of the store.
No raffle was held this month.

The Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild made its first official appearance at the Oklahoma State Fair this year, taking part in both competitions and demonstrations.

Creative Arts Competition

The group sponsored the new Polymer Clay Creations category in the Creative Arts competition. There were 20+ entries (including at least 1 entry from outside the group) in the 4 classes. Esteemed group president Jane Linn walked away with first prize in 3 of the 4 classes, with Penni Jo Couch taking first in the other class. Jane also won the $25 Best of Show award donated by the group. See full results here. [PDF]

Polymer Clay Demonstration

On September 20, several group members spent the day demonstrating various polymer clay techniques to fair visitors. The demo tables were set up near the Creative Arts display cases, which proved to be a great spot. The group handed out lots of fliers and talked to many friendly and interested passers-by. Hopefully a few will join us at our next meeting!

Thanks to all who took part in the competitions and the demonstration — great work!
Photos courtesy of Shirley (top photo), Ed (middle), and Angela (bottom). More photos here.

After beginning September’s meeting with Show and Tell, we got right down to business, with six members in attendance.
Angela Mabray’s lesson involved making nametags embellished with 3-dimensional molded items. Angela, whose Crafty Goat blog is widely known for its carefully researched reviews of books and materials, began by discussing several mold-making compounds, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and their appropriateness for different applications. This was accompanied by a detailed handout. We then made a nametag base and transferred a toner-based printout of our name to it. Last, we created molds of some small items from colored clay and attached them to the tags. Pictured is a nametag in progress.
Thanks to Angela for a well-organized lesson! Few finished during the meeting, but we hope to see some beautiful nametags next month.
**Business Meeting:**
**Old Business:**
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**Oklahoma State Fair Competition:** Entries will be accepted September 12th from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and September 13, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. Enter the grounds through Gates 3 or 4, located off May Avenue.
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**State Fair Guild Demonstration:** Angela distributed fair tickets and parking passes. She will e-mail everyone a map. It was decided that each member participating would choose a separate technique to demonstrate.
**New Business:**
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**Hobby Lobby Display:** Jane L. announced that she had a new sign made and had purchased a new stand for our Hobby Lobby display.
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**Polymer Cafe Competition:** Jane announced a contest sponsored by *Polymer Cafe Magazine* featuring faux techniques. She urged members to enter.
**Reports:**
Vice President April G. led us in planning topics for our upcoming meetings:
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**October:** Starry Night Cane and weave canes with Jane
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**November:** Share a Tip Day
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**December:** Faux Wood with Lee Ann
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**January:** TBA
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**February and March:** Hollow Vessels with April, a 2-part lesson
April asked whether we would be interested in a class on jewelry findings and their use. Everyone was in favor, so April will check with area bead stores to find a presenter. Additional program topics under discussion are calliedoscope canes, pietre dure mosaic, rose canes, polymer clay portraits, and mica shift.
**Treasurer’s Report:** Angela reported a balance of $501.01. We have 8 members.
**Bottles of Hope:** Nance R. reported that beginning next Tuesday, she will be teaching bottles of hope for the cancer support group during the second Tuesday of each month at Norman Regional Hospital.
**Librarian’s Report:** Jane L. brought attention to our newest issue of *Polymer Cafe Magazine* and Angela M. reviewed our newest library addition, *Polymer Clay Color Inspirations: Techniques and Jewelry Projects for Creating Successful Palettes*, by Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio. She described it as an excellent and exhaustive workbook, akin to a college course in color, which might be too thorough for some, but very helpful for others. Angela also praised Maggie Maggio for her newly begun online “Saturday School”, with weekly excercises that go along with the book. Her web site is www.MaggieMaggio.com
**Announcements:** Angela Mabray will be teaching a class September 27th at the Craft Weekend at Downtown DIY. She distributed cards. Craft Weekend will provide a location where people can come to participate in a full two days of crafting.
**Drawing for a new library book:** *Polypens*, by Linda Peterson was the winning item and will be purchased by the guild this month.
**Bi-monthly Raffle:** Winners of the raffle items were Nance, April, and Lee Ann. As winners, they will be responsible for bringing items for the next raffle, in November.
**October Swap:** October will be a swap month, and the theme will be “canes.” Any member may participate by bringing one, two, or three canes, adding up to a total of 3 inches of cane to swap with others.