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Polymer Clay Polyzine Copyright 2000-2006 Raleigh, NC ISSN 1534-1038 All Rights Reserved. |
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Jeannie's
Journal |
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 Do you
have special clay pals? You know, those friends who not only understand
your obsession with polymer clay, but absolutely live and breathe it
themselves? Aren't they great? It's always good to be amongst our own
kind. It's comforting and exciting all in one. Getting together with
clay friends always seems to bring out the best in me. If I have the
slightest case of the blahs or boo-hoos, they are quickly whisked away
when I hear the harmony of pasta machine motors and handcranks combined
with plenty of laughter and oohs and aahs when the clay turns out just
right. And it never hurts if your clay buddies happen to be talented
artists, too. I learn so much at these little soirees -- tips and
techniques, and the joy of friendship. I am especially blessed by the
two amazing women in the photo above. You might recognize the one on
the left as my beautiful daughter, Katie Rogers. The lady on the right
is, of course, the lovely and talented clay diva herself, Donna Kato. I
took this picture in Cary, North Carolina last year (2005) on a
Saturday afternoon that is now one of my fondest memories. It was the
day I made my very first (and successful) butterfly wing cane. Donna
taught me how and Katie sat helpfully next to me watching me fumble and
fuss until finally, in what can only be called metamorphosis, a
beautiful butterfly emerged from my very own hands. Believe me, under
the guidance of my compadres in clay, I too was transformed.Do you have your own stories of how claying with friends creates special memories? Tell me about your adventures in an email, with pictures if you have them, and I'll publish your story in an upcoming issue of pcPolyzine. For me, working with polymer clay is a great way of making new friends, too. Several of my best claymates are folks I've met in the clay aisle at craft stores. There's always someone looking for a particular product or trying to figure out the best clay to use and I gently pounce upon them offering my well intentioned help. We end up taking for a long time (OK, I talk, they listen patiently) and end up feeling as if we've bonded in some great secret society. Has that ever happened to you? It's one of my favorite ways of meeting new people. There is never awkwardness or a lack of conversation. I can talk about clay for hours! Next time you're in Michael's or A.C. Moore or Hobby Lobby or wherever you buy polymer clay, introduce yourself to that stranger standing next to you who can't seem to decide between FIMO or Premo, and next thing you know, you'll be digging out your calendars to set up a clay play day together. As I write this journal entry, I am about to fly to Las Vegas for the 65th Annual Winter CHA show. The Craft and Hobby Association exhibits the best of the best in new and exciting arts and crafts products each year for the trade. It is an international gathering of strangers, who though the miracle of crafts, forge many business relationships and lifelong friendships. I can't wait to see so many of my clay pals in one place. It's a virtual who's who of the polymer world and I am not embarrassed to admit I become a first class groupie when I'm introduced to the those I call the Clay-erati (like 'glitterati' only better). As many times as I can throughout next week, I'll post a quick note to you on the home page of the ezine (www.pcpolyzine.com) with all the goings-on at the show. I'll be your eyes and ears and will keep you up to date on exciting new products and celebrity sightings. Wish you could be there, too. Look for my postcard postings and write to me if you get a chance. |