This year, Old Town Crafts does it again, with their rubber stamp and accessory convention. This year there are over 90 classes being offered, taught by such renowned artists as Beth Cote, Fred Mullett, Sandy and Jennifer Obertin (Rubber Nature Art Stamps), Susan Pickering Rothamel (US Artquest), Suze Weinberg, and more. 

Classes
There are too many classes to list here, but here is a sampling:

Take a few hours to learn a bit about polymer clay in the great class that includes faux ivory techniques and focuses on some new and simple methods of carving unbaked clay to enhance and embellish stamped images. The final result is an aged ivory lid on a sweet little treasure box that is sure to impress your friends at home.
 

Have you admired silver jewelry but felt intimidated by the technique and tools required? Well, do we have a class for you! Through the magic of PMC, you will create a fabulous Silver Relic Pendant that will be the envy of all your friends and neighbors. No silver work experience required, but polymer clay experience is a plus.

pcPolyzine's own Lauren Van Hemert will be offering two polymer clay classes. In this class, students will learn how to make molds for polymer clay. Then students will use those molds and imitative techniques to create a faux ivory polymer clay amulet, reminiscent of vintage Oriental ivory carvings.

Use polymer clay, glass stones and an assortment of embellishing techniques to create faux antique pins, pendants, earrings, etc. Each student will complete one or more objects during this class period. 

In this class, students will use polymer clay, various texture tools (including rubber stamps) and faux finish techniques to create a gorgeous Inro type lidded wearable vessel. Techniques are broken down into steps and components so that even a beginner should be able to succeed. Each student should complete one vessel. For those of you who aren't familiar with Roberta Altschuler, her stunning beaded and clay pieces have graced the covers of such magazines as Belle Armoire. Her company, ERA Graphics, sells stamps and matrix boards, perfect for polymer clay.

Students will create a necklace incorporating the following techniques: impressed slice off Mokume Gane using rubber stamps and texture plates, Mokume Gane pad slices to create faux etched beads, textured spacer beads, extruded clay cords, beading and stringing, and polymer clay finishing techniques.

In this class you will make your own floral polymer clay beads & a lovely bracelet using the beads you made and accenting it with sterling silver beads and findings. The class encompasses an equipment & materials review, basic cane making techniques, how to make a flower cane, cane reduction, how to make beads from the canes you make and how to put together a simple, but stunning, beaded bracelet.
 

Come join us and be a kid again playing with clay. You’ll create a beautiful clay embellishment to adorn a book cover or as a home décor piece. No two will be exactly alike. We’ll paint or use Pearl-Ex powders to finish your piece. We’ll also teach you how to make a mold using our mold putty. Everyone will get to make a mold. Bring a small figurine with a detailed face if you like or we will also provide things for you to mold. 
 

In addition to the wonderful classes, there will be contests in several categories: Journals, Creative Beading, Polymer Clay, Cards, Altered Books and Iris Folding. Enter one or all of the contests. Prize for each category is $100 shopping spree at Old Town Crafts.

Special Events

There are two evening events being planned: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and An Evening with the Artists. 

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (Sold Out) -- There will be fifteen tables with ten at each table. While you dine, a demo artist will come to your table and spend 15 minutes showing some techniques. Each demo artist will give you a little something for your "Goodie Bag". There will be 15 demo artists. Leave with some new techniques, goodies, and a full tummy.

An Evening with the Artists -- Susan Pickering Rothamel of US Artquest, Sandi and Jennifer Obertin of Rubber Nature Stamps and Suze Weinberg will share their tremendous talents and various techniques and introduce the latest in their product lines. There is still space available for this event. 

If You Go

More information and a complete list of class descriptions and schedules is available online at www.oldtowncrafts.com. St. Mary's, Georgia is located just at the Florida/Georgia state line off of I-95. The closest airport is in Jacksonville, Florida. Accommodations are available in the Historic District of St. Mary's or in Kingsland, Georgia.