Sunday, January 10, 2010

January 2010 Corpus Christi Guild Meeting

We recently traveled to south Texas to spend some time in the sunshine, relax a little and play a little. While we were driving south, I contacted Patty, the list owner of clay-polymer yahoo forum. Patty lives near a highway on which we would be traveling. We made plans to meet at a truck stop and visited over two hours while Joe took a much needed break from driving. She is a teacher and former president of the International Polymer Clay Association.

During our conversation, she mentioned that the Polymer Clay Guild in Corpus Christi would be having their meeting on Saturday the 9th. When we got to McAllen, the park we planned to stay could not take any more travelers with dogs so we called Oleander Acres, a "nice park with friendly folks" recommended to us by people we visited with on the way.

Turns out the guild meeting was only 160 miles from our campground in Mission, Texas. So, of course, I had to go. The meeting was in the home of a member, Margaret. She was a most excellent hostess with seating for everyone and room for our clay "stuff". Thank you Margaret.

There was a business meeting with Ruphia, the president leading the group. She does marvelous work and is very talented. The newest book on color was shown and a project from the book, a fabulous necklace with subtle color changes from one end to the other.

I saw a lot of the member's work and was totally blown away. Not only are they a great group of people, there is an abundance of talent, imagination and friendliness. I wish it were possible to thank each of them individually by name however, my senior moments are denying me good recall of all of their names.

Patty was the project teacher, bringing a great lesson on making a rose cane. If you are a clayer (a person who plays in polymer clay as often as possible), you know what this is. A cane of colored clay that no matter where cut, a beautiful rose goes through the slice. The technique is ancient, called millefiori, or "thousand flowers" in Italian. Thin rods of colored glass formed patterns that, when cut across the length of the rod, were used to make dishes, jewelry, etc. Another example is Christmas candy with a tree, bow or bell through the center of the candy.

This particular cane was designed by Leigh Ross and used with permission.

We all made the rose cane then Patty demonstrated how to make a leaf and 'pack' the cane with background color, completing the total project. She also provided printed copies of the lesson so that we could finish at home if need be. While working the room was filled with happy chatter. It was a most wonderful time.

I made a pair of earrings with the cane using a lace cane with an ivy border taught to me by Mary of the Dallas area guild and a leaf cane. Here they are on a tile, ready to bake.

Thanks again Patty, Mary and all you wonderful folks in the Corpus Christi Guild!!