Meeting Report–28th November 2010

It was good that so many people managed to get to the meeting despite the cold weather and the tube strike. We cranked up the heating system and had a warm and cosy clay day.

A warm welcome to new members Pat, Nina, Cara, Marilyn, and Nancy.

We started the meeting with a proposal from Debbie Carlton and Rebecca Thickbroom who are organising the first UK polymer clay retreat for Friday 11th March to Sunday 13th March 2011. It will be based at the Heights Hotel in the beautiful Isle of Portland , Dorset. The retreat will bring together ‘old hands’ and ‘newbies’ to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere. The theme of the weekend is Polymer, Pamper and Play. Besides clay workshops there will also be massage and beauty therapy available and, of course, the hotel has a leisure centre with a gymnasium for the more energetic of us. The cost of the weekend is £275 based on 2 people sharing a room. This includes two nights accommodation and breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, a light sandwich lunch on Saturday and Sunday and a three course dinner each evening. A deposit of £125 must be paid by 31st December . If you are interested in coming along, please contact Rebecca Thickbroom on 07902155280 or email info@polymerpamperplay.co.uk.

The ‘Show and Tell ‘ table allowed everybody to display their work and answer questions about technique and method. Those who attended the Corbieres workshop in France in September reported back on their experiences and this led to a lively and useful exchange of ideas and information.

We were informed that Craft and Design magazine is featuring polymer clay in its May 2011 issue. This would give us an ideal opportunity to promote the work of the London Polymer Clay Group as well as the medium of polymer clay. We need to give some thought to how we could use this opportunity. One suggestion was that the group could run an event in May but this would clearly need some time and effort spent in organising it. If we are to run an event we need to start planning it soon. If you have any suggestions or ideas please contact Debbie Carlton on debbie@debbiecarlton.com

The day finished with a short demonstration by Carol Blackburn on toggle closures. Carol showed how to finish off necklaces and pendants stylishly and simply. I may never need to use shop bought endings again !