polymergence header
In This Issue
Attention Guild Leaders
Guild Spotlight
Facebook Challenge
Looking For A Mentor?
Members Only Features
What's Happening on Facebook
Online Resources
Worldwide Calls For Entry
Magazine Challenges
Synergy3 Update
Featured Article
Special Offer
Fox News Interview
Bead Dreams 2012
Classes & Workshops
Polymer in Print
______________
 
Attention Guild Leaders

UNCLE KATHI WANTS YOU!  
   


Kathi Briefer-Gose and Frances Bauer are trying to put together a contact list for all the guilds worldwide, and they would like your help. 
 
Do you know someone in your area who tries to organize gatherings for polymer clay enthusiasts?  
 
Are you in a local polymer clay guild that meets on a regular basis? 
 
We'd love to hear from you!  Please click the link below to read more about updating your group's contact information. 
                      
                     
                        Read More   



Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook
 

______________

 

GUILD SPOTLIGHT

Lexington Polymer Clay & Beading Guild 
  


The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society is an organization comprised of 8 guilds, one of which is the Lexington Polymer Clay & Beading Guild.

Th Polymer Clay & Beading Guild has been an active guild for the past 7 years, and in that time they have hosted many polymer clay artists and teachers. 
Members of their Guild also teach Polymer Clay workshops year-round.

 
They have an exhibit every year in the Gallery at the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society that lasts approximately two weeks, and participate in many of the LACS events, including:
-May :"Open Studios"-2 day event
July: "Artisans Market" Tent and Gallery Art Sale- month of July
Oct: "Fall Fundraiser" - 3 day weekend in Oct
Dec: "Holiday Market"- month of Dec

 
To learn more about the Lexington MA Polymer Clay & Beading Guild, please visit the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society website.  

 


______________

 

June Facebook Challenge :

Hot Pink & Black
Sutton Slice Technique
  
Challenge Submission by Mags Bonham 
 

In May, the IPCA held it's first Color Challenge on the IPCA Facebook Group. For the challenge, group members needed to post polymer items made in the colors of orange and lime green.   They could create anything they wanted, as long as the colors of the items were primarily lime and orange.   

 

It was a great challenge event, and June's challenge is just as fascinating.  The colors are hot pink and black, and the technique is Sutton Slice.  If you'd like to see the submissions for the challenge, visit our official IPCA Facebook Group. 

     

 


____________________

For Members Only:

Looking For A Mentor?


   

We're still matchin' peeps up!

The IPCA Mentor Match-Up program is off to a flying start, and we'd like to get YOU involved!

Are you someone who would like to share your expertise with others?

Are you someone who could use a little guidance in getting started, or are you stuck on learning a particular technique?

Get ahold of Kathi at the email address below and she will match you up with just the right mentor or mentee!

 

Please note, you must be an IPCA Member to have access to this Mentoring Program.  

Get signed up by contacting Kathi Briefer-Gose at kathig@dragonsglass.com
____________________

New Members Only Tutorial

The Perfect Pen
 
Have you ever wondered what sort of clay creation would be appreciated by all your friends and family? I've found that nice pens make a perfect gift. They are quite affordable and simple to make. So, come on along, grab up some of your decorated clay that you've had stored away for a rainy day, throw in a pen kit, and we're off. This is a simple and quick project that will have your friends and family thinking you are an artistic genius - and super generous too!     

Read More
____________________

 What's Happening
On Facebook? 

   



  The IPCA has a vibrant online community, as polymer clay enthusiasts from around the world have taken to sharing their thoughts, ideas, and projects on Facebook.  This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few highlighted groups:

International Polymer Clay Association is the official facebook group for our guild.  Whether it be a question about polymer, a new twist on an old technique, or a discovery of craft treasure in the bottom of the bead bucket, the IPCA facebook group is a great place to participate.  This is an open group that anyone can join.

IPCA What's On Around The World is a Facebook Group dedicated to sharing information on upcoming classes, exhibits, workshops, and events.  This is an open group that anyone can join.

Swellegant is a group dedicated to sharing tips and techniques on using metallic surfacers, like the Swellegant brand.  This is an open group that anyone can join.

Just Polymer Clay Tutorials is a group that gives links to online tutes, whether in print or video format.  There are many links to free or low-cost items, with plenty of projects to stir up one's muse.  This is an open group that anyone can join.

Polymer Clay Swaps is a new group dedicated to swapping!  Never participated in a swap before?  That's okay, they'll lead you through it.  Members worldwide can participate in the ongoing swap, which is currently Window Ornaments.  Deadline for signing up for the swap is July 15.  This is an open group that anyone can join.  
____________________

Online Resources

________________

  

 

Worldwide Calls for Entry

 

Note: Many calls in the US are open to non-US residents

 

Baang and Burne Contemporary Call for New Artists 2012
New York, NY, USA 
Deadline: 8/15/2012
Open to all artists 18 + worldwide

El Paso TX, USA
Deadline: 8/1/2012
Open to artists from Greater El
Paso area only 
 
Tubac, AZ, USA 
Deadline: 9/3/2012
Open to all artists 18+ worldwide

Bettles, AK, USA
Deadline: 9/30/2012
Open to all artists 18+ worldwide

New York, NY, USA
Deadline: 9/30/2012
Open to all artists 18 + worldwide

San Francisco, CA, USA
Deadline: 10/15/2012
Open to artists 18+ US only

Kansas City, MO, USA 
Deadline: 8/1/2012
Open to all artists +18 worldwide
 
Paris, France
Deadline: 9/2/2012
Open to all artists 18+ worldwide

San Francisco, CA, USA
Deadline: 8/24/2012
Open to artists 18+ US only

 Boston, MA, USA 
Deadline: 9/13/2012
Open to all artists 18+ worldwide


________________

 

Magazine Challenges

  

All Dolled Up Beaded Art Doll Competition

 Landofodds.com  (open to artists in the USA)

deadline August 13, 2013 

 


 PCC Monthly Challenge 

Polymer Clay Central Forum

(open to artists worldwide)

deadlines monthly 

 

________________

 

Synergy3 Update

 

Synergy3

  

  The Synergy3 Publicity Committee has created a promotional flyer for the conference.  

 

This flyer can be printed on standard letter-sized paper and distributed to students, customers, and fellow guild members.  

 

The file is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader or Apple Preview.

 

To download the flyer visit the Synergy3 website at synergy3conference.net.

 

__________________________

 

The venue for our conference has changed it's name, but not changed location.  The venue is now called the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria.  

 

 

 

Volume 7, Issue 6
July 2012
 Summer In The City
How To Keep Your Head And Clay Cool In The Heat
 


 Summer has finally arrived but now - how to keep a cool head and how to work with clay that is too soft? Here are a few tips and tricks (not all to be taken seriously) that might come in handy.

SPECIAL OFFER - MEMBERS ONLY
 


 Lisa Pavelka so thoroughly enjoyed connecting with all the IPCA members at the Bead & Button show that she wanted to offer a special summer promotion on her products just for the IPCA members.

Starting June 13 through August 31, 2012 she would like to offer a 25% discount off retail to all IPCA members.

All they have to do is visit www.lisapavelka.com to place their order. Enter the following promo code before checking out to receive the discount - IPCA2012.

 
Fox News Affiliate Interviews Pavelka
 


 Cary Docter of the Fox News 6 affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin interviewed Lisa Pavelka about her 365 Days Of Lip Service and the sponsorship by Carma Laboratories, the makers of Carmex Lip Balm. 

Click on the image above to go to the Fox News channel 6 website and view the video.    
 
BEAD DREAMS 2012
Winners In The Polymer Clay Category



Each year the Bead & Button Show hosts a marvelous international competition, entitled "Bead Dreams".  This year's winners in the polymer clay category are:

1st Place
Melanie Muir
"Skye-Line"
  
 
2nd Place
Melanie Muir
"Symphony in Monochrome and Fuschia"





















 
3rd Place
Anna Gray
 
 Congratulations to both winners of this year's Bead Dreams Competition!

If you're interested in learning more about Bead Dreams, you can visit the Bead & Button Show's website.

  

Worldwide Classes & Workshops
July 2012 - January 2013


July 1 , 2012 thru March 1, 2013
Free E-Course

Voila.Eu.Com

"How To Become A Better Artist:  An 8 Month Journey"

Instructor: Christine Dumont

Find more information HERE




July 4-11, 2012
La Cascade
Durfort, France

Capturing Ancient France

Instructor:  Dayle Doroshow


Find more information HERE



July 7 - 8 & 10, 2012

Creative Journey Studios

Buford, Georgia, USA  

 

Intricate Kaleidoscope Caning

Big Beads with Reverse Inlays

 

Instructor: Sarah Shriver

  

Find more information HERE

 

  

  

  

July 13, 2012   

Saddleback Base Lodge

Saddleback Mountain, Maine, USA 

   

Rocks Cuff Class 

  

  Instructor: Melanie Muir

 

Find more information HERE

 

 

 

 

 

July 9-12, 2012

Saddleback Base Lodge

Maine, USA

 

 

The Marriage Of Surface And Form Using Polymer Clays

 

 

Instructors:  Bonnie Bishoff & Melanie West

 

 

Find more information HERE




July 14, 2012
Stones N' Silver Studio
Bastrop, Texas, USA

Twig and Coral Branch Bead Jewelry

Instructor:  Randee Ketzel


Find more information HERE




July 26 - 29, 2012
Connecticut College
New London, Connecticut, USA

Clay ConneCTion Retreat

Retreat Highlights:  Demonstrations, Tile Swap, Bottles Of Hope Challenge, and more!

Find more information HERE



August 11 & 12, 2012
Hampton Roads Conv. Ctr.
Hampton Roads, VA, USA

Butterflies Are Free &
Flower Power

Instructor:  Linda Hess

Find more information HERE





August 14 - 21, 2012
Ocean voyage, various ports of call Departs from Seattle, Washington, USA

2012 Clayditerod Alaskan Cruise

Instructors:  Lisa Pavelka, Julie Picarello, Jackie Truty, Katie Baum

Find more information HERE


August 15, 2012
Bead Fest Philadelphia
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Oaks, PA, USA

Beaded Clay Icons

Instructor:  Laurie Mika

Find more information HERE




August 18 & 19, 2012
Hawthorne Suites
Albuquerque, NM, USA

Taking It To The Next Level With Polymer Clay And Wire

Instructor:  Ronna Sarvas Weltman

Find more information HERE







August 19, 2012
Bead Fest Philadelphia
Oaks, PA USA

Green With Envy Jade

Instructor:  Patty Barnes

Find more information HERE



August 25, 2012
Ink About It!
Westford, MA, USA

Found Poetry ATC's

Instructor:  Amy Crawley


Find more information HERE



September 1 - 8, 2012
La Cascade
Durfort, France

Miniature Hollowware
& Reinforced Armatures


Instructor:  Jeffrey Lloyd Dever

Find more information HERE



September 11 - 18, 2012
La Cascade
Durfort, France

A Happy Week Of Creativity

Instructor:  Ronna Sarvas Weltman

Find more information HERE






September 14 - 16 2012
Toddington Village Hall
Toddington, Gloucestershire, UK

Polydays 2012

Instructors: Bettina Welker, Carol Simmons and Alison Gallant

Find more information HERE



September 21, 2012
Art Is... You
Petaluma, CA, USA and
Stamford, CT, USA

Ornamental

Instructor:  Laurie Mika

Find more information HERE





Oct. 10-14, 2012
Temecula Creek Inn
Temecula, CA, USA

14th Annual Sandy Camp
SDPCG Retreat:
"50's Rock & Roll"

Free demos, book swap, consignment store, & more!

Find more information HERE




Upcoming Events in November, December, & January:


Lindly Haunani in the Netherlands

Christiane De Haes and  Christine Dumont  in Luxemburg

   

Celine Charuau in Belgium  

 

 __________________________________________

 

 Unable to attend polymer clay classes in person?   

 

CraftArtEdu might be the answer.  CAE offers online classes where you work at your own pace.  There's a polymer clay category, as well as other craft interests.

 

Find more information HERE 

 

 

Polymer in Print: What's New

 

New Books

 

 

Polyform Products, Beginner's Guide to Polymer Clay, April 2012

Polyform Products, Beginner's Guide to Polymer Clay Jewelry, April 2012  

 

 

  

  

Books Coming Soon  

 

Dawn Schiller,   FaeMaker: Making Fantasy Characters with Polymer Clay, August 9, 2012

  Michele Barrow-Belisle,  How to Make Polymer Clay Fairies, September 1, 2012

Wilkes, Lori, The Absolute Beginners Guide: Working with Polymer Clay, October 16, 2012

Judy Belcher, Polymer Clay Master Class: Exploring Process, Technique, and Collaboration with 11 Master Artists, December 26, 2012

 
 

 

 Magazines  

 

 

PolymerCAFE' , July 2012
"On the Road with Jennifer Patterson" by Trina Williams
"Sister's Choice"  - Jennifer Patterson
"Flower Pendants" by Syndee Holt
"Mayan Headdress Necklace" by Karen Mitchell & Ann Mitchell
"Fashion Designer Wannabe" by Christa McKibben
"Make Your Own "Charm Beads" by Kathy Canuel
Another Glimpse Into Your Workspaces
and much more!



The Polymer Arts, Summer 2012:

 

--Learn new ways to reuse old canes and scrap clay 
--Read the inside story on the Stroppel cane phenomenon and the art it's inspiring.                          --Become inspired by Ron Lehocky's heartwarming story of how he uses polymer to better the lives of children and the environment, and much more!  




 
From Polymer To Art, Summer 2012
 The Yellow Issue

Table Of Contents Page HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Art Doll Quarterly, Summer 2012:
The newest issue of Art Doll Quarterly is a breath of fresh air in the warm summer months! Talented master doll maker Jack Johnston presents his first tutorial that kicks off his four part installment on how to sculpt a complete art doll from head to toe. Colleen Athens Coluhoun introduces her Jewel Jointed Dolls that have a beautiful bling to them, and Ramona Pelley is back with her spectacular Cloth Stories - this time with her version of Snow White! Don't miss the compelling art dolls and sculptural figures made from cloth, polymer clay, Creative Paperclay®, wire armatures, and mixed-media elements that line the pages of this must-read adventure.


Art Jewelry, July 2012
--Air Chasing
By Wendy Edsall-Kerwin
--Top Tools of Top Jewelry Makers: Ten jewelry artists weight in on the tools they can't live without.
--Set Up Your Studio-Metal Clay By Jill L. Erickson
--Build a Low-Tech Jig to Make Consistent Steel Wire Links
By Brenda Schweder
And much more!