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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
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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.
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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.
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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 | |
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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!
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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. | | |
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Online Resources | |
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Worldwide Calls for Entry

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

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Synergy3 Update

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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.
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The venue for our conference has changed it's name, but not changed location. The venue is now called the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria.
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Volume 7, Issue 6 July 2012
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Summer In The City How To Keep Your Head And Clay Cool In The Heat
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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.
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SPECIAL OFFER - MEMBERS ONLY
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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.
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Fox News Affiliate Interviews Pavelka
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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. |
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BEAD DREAMS 2012 Winners In The Polymer Clay Category
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Each year the Bead & Button Show hosts a marvelous international competition, entitled "Bead Dreams". This year's winners in the polymer clay category are:
 | 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.
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Worldwide Classes & Workshops July 2012 - January 2013
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July 1 , 2012 thru March 1, 2013Free 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, 2012La Cascade Durfort, France Capturing Ancient FranceInstructor: Dayle Doroshow Find more information HERE
July 7 - 8 & 10, 2012Creative 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, 2012Stones N' Silver Studio Bastrop, Texas, USA Twig and Coral Branch Bead JewelryInstructor: Randee Ketzel Find more information HERE July 26 - 29, 2012Connecticut College New London, Connecticut, USA Clay ConneCTion RetreatRetreat Highlights: Demonstrations, Tile Swap, Bottles Of Hope Challenge, and more! Find more information HERE August 11 & 12, 2012Hampton Roads Conv. Ctr. Hampton Roads, VA, USA Butterflies Are Free &Flower PowerInstructor: Linda Hess Find more information HERE August 14 - 21, 2012Ocean voyage, various ports of call Departs from Seattle, Washington, USA 2012 Clayditerod Alaskan CruiseInstructors: Lisa Pavelka, Julie Picarello, Jackie Truty, Katie Baum Find more information HERE August 15, 2012Bead Fest Philadelphia Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Oaks, PA, USA Beaded Clay IconsInstructor: Laurie Mika Find more information HERE August 18 & 19, 2012Hawthorne Suites Albuquerque, NM, USATaking It To The Next Level With Polymer Clay And WireInstructor: Ronna Sarvas Weltman Find more information HERE August 19, 2012Bead Fest Philadelphia Oaks, PA USA Green With Envy JadeInstructor: 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 ArmaturesInstructor: Jeffrey Lloyd Dever Find more information HERE
September 11 - 18, 2012
La Cascade Durfort, France A Happy Week Of CreativityInstructor: 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 CampSDPCG 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 NetherlandsChristiane 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
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Polymer in Print: What's New
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New Books
Polyfor m 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 "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!

--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!

The Yellow Issue
Table Of Contents Page HERE  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.  --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! |
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