The Ravensdale Polymer Clay Conference has always been a total immersion experience, a week overflowing with wonderful teachers, stimulating students, the widest possible variety of classes and demonstrations, and beautiful surroundings in wooded Washington state, just 30 minutes from Seattle.

It’s been three years since the last Ravensdale and the Northwest Polymer Clay Guild has decreed that it’s time for another one. The theme this year is “Polymer Clay with Mixed Media.” Registration for the August 3-10, 2003 event began on March 15, so if you are interested, don’t delay! Complete information is available at the Ravensdale website.

The classes being offered are full of spark and inspiration for the beginner to the advanced. For example, Tory Hughes is teaching Begin at the Beginning, a starting level class in polymer clay designed for light speed advancement of skill levels with a phenomenal instructor.

Patti Kimle is teaching an intriguing process of watercolor effects in polymer clay using alcohol based pigments, a fairly new product on the market.

Barbara McGuire is teaching a wire workshop and incredible translucent encased embedded beads. She will also teach elegant stamped, collage pins which includes tricks and tips for using Shaplets templates for fabulous finished results.

Also on the class menu, Debbie Anderson will be teaching a special process for creating porcelain-like, hollow, double-sided imaged beads. Her method requires only a single baking.

Other classes available include making polymer clay books with pockets, fun and kicky candlesticks, Lindly Haunani's version of mosaics as alternative art, and a full metal working studio combined with polymer clay taught by the ever clever Judith Skinner.

The RavenStore will be bigger and better than ever, situated in a very expansive space with two walls of windows almost floor to ceiling. Sharing the space will be The Rave exhibit on artful ways with polymer clay.

Our locale, Trinity Lutheran College, is located on forested property, perfect for a leisurely walk or taking a quiet moment to relax at the picnic area. Many of the classrooms look out onto a Zen court yard complete with gurgling fountain, another option for reflection or a quick break.

The campus is less than five minutes away from the heart of Issaquah, which features a Starbuck’s coffeeshop, a Michael’s Arts and Crafts store, a huge rubber stamp store, unusual thrift shops, grocery, restaurants, and even one of the infamous Krispy Kreme donut stores.

There is also a wonderful state park on Lake Sammamish, just two minutes from the campus, with a public swimming area, boating, water gliding and more. The campus is less than 30 minutes from downtown Seattle and about the same distance from the airport -- an ideal site.

The cost for lodging and food (three meals a day and including the Saturday night salmon bake) at this conference ranges from $86-$90 per day for the full seven-night package. There are partial week, spouse, and commuter options available as well.

Don't miss out on the fun and excitement! Come join us for this great, life changing artistic event.

Zen garden on campus