Workshops and Classes

Choices of items to buy made by the teachers at Clay Out West

This month workshops and classes head the list of things I've done or going to do.  Clay Out West used to be called 'Carnival' and was in Las Vegas.  For years I've wanted to attend but did not.  The location changed to Albuquerque NM and I decided I was going! 

The polymer clay workshop ran for 4 days with internationally known teachers.  Peter and I drove from Prescott to Albuquerque in a day - a long day!  He spent his days exploring the area - the zoo, the Rattlesnake Museum, the Petroglyph Park and Sandia Peak.  Lots for him to do.  I spent my days in a classroom playing and learning with lots of other crazy artists.   There were 4 classrooms with 20 ladies (and a couple of men) in each.  The teachers rotated between rooms.

Result from Carol Blackburn's class

Animals from Leslie Blackford's class

My goal now that I am home is to spend a day (several days it turns out) practicing the new techniques so I remember and become proficient. 

Home projects

The Saturday after coming home, I taught a polymer clay class making holiday ornaments with 7 students.  This was my first class here and everyone had fun.



There were several examples of ornaments in various colors.



 Layers of clay were conditioned before class because that takes time and the class was only 2 hours long.  I wanted the students to have time to play.  They chose their colors, shapes and enhancements of glitter, crystals, etc.  Each student's work was unique to that person and everyone learned more about clay.  I think we will have more classes in the future.



This weekend I'm taking a metal clay class on line with CraftCast.com and later in the month I'll start an online polymer series with Dan + Tracy at Dan Cormier. 

Sounds like busy weeks ahead expanding my knowledge and skills.  That means more to share with you!