report

Meeting of the London Polymer Clay Group

27 September 2009

Report and photos by Carol Blackburn

It was lovely to see so many at our September clay day and a very warm welcome to new visitors Janet Roemmel, Aazar Zare, Madel Potgieter and to Sue Margetts who travelled from Manchester to join us. We are hoping that with our encouragement Sue will start a polymer clay group there.

As everyone arrived and set up their workplace, grabbed a coffee and laid their work on the 'show and tell' table we began the day with Susan Rimmer's demo. Although for beginners, it was attended by everyone including the 'old hands' knowing there's always a good chance of picking up new hints and tips along the way.

Lots of new clay creations were displayed on the 'show and tell' table including pieces made following demonstrations at the July clay day.

Carol Blackburn

Clare Mcknight

Debbie Carlton

Madel Potgieter

Sue Smith

Ros Massil

Susan Rimmer

After lunch I demonstrated Finishing, a topic that is frequently mentioned when discussing items on the 'show and tell ' table. From simply leaving the baked clay as it is, to sanding for a satin finish or for a high shine using a buffing wheel and the use of the different varnishes available. During the afternoon several people baked pieces to have a go at sanding and buffing.

Following a suggestion from June Smalley at the July meeting we made our own polymer clay name tags. Lots of people made one and it was interesting to see how different they all turned out. Some used alphabet cookie cutters and others used extruded clay strings or rolled snakes to outline their names. These will replace the plastic pin brooches previously used at each clay day.

During the day we sold raffle tickets for a chance to win a copy of Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio's new book 'Polymer Clay Color Inspirations'. It was kindly donated by Debbie Carlton and won by Clare Mcknight.

Many thanks to everyone for helping to dismantle the tables, clear up the room and wash the mugs etc. and to Clare for her delicious home-made coffee cake slices. Utterly scrummy!

Our next clay day is Sunday 29th November. Remember to bring your clay creations to show-off and don't forget to bring your new poly clay name tags.

Till then I hope you have time to 'play' with clay.