Polymer Play Days

Sad News......

2011-11-25T05:27:00.000-08:00

It is with great sadness, and a heavy heart that we must all now say goodbye to our dear friend Helen.

She died on Thursday 24th November after such a long, hard fought battle - in the end the fight was simply too great.

Helen and I spent most of our time in fits of giggles - to me she was the ultimate giggler! Boy did we laugh - tears streaming down our face with laughter, and at the most strangest of things. A simple glance, a raise of the eyebrow and we were off - these will be my memories.

Goodnight my friend, sleep well.

Message to Vero!

2011-09-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Vero

I have just double checked the link and it does work, it takes you direct to the Yahoo sign in page. If you do not already have a Yahoo account, simply scroll down that page a little and click where it says "create a Yahoo account" and follow the prompts.

Alternatively email Alison the organiser direct .....

alisongallant@yahoo.co.uk

Supplies for the Polymer Clay Event!

2011-09-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

2 VERY IMPORTANT files have been uploaded to the YAHOO GROUP and it is important that you nip over to the group to view them.

1 gives the list of supplies that you MUST bring with you when attending the Polymer Play days so thats really important as some of you may need to go shopping.

The second file gives you information regarding the DEMONSTRATIONS.

If you are not a member of the Yahoo group - simply click on the link displayed on this blog - all this information is held in the FILES section of the group under the headings:-

The Polymer Clay Event clay and tool doc.
The Polymer Clay Event demonstrations.doc

Go visit now!

Helen says .......

2011-09-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

"thank you" to every one that has sent her good wishes via the blog and the Yahoo Group. She is so very touched.

The update is that she is still poorly but today has the most lovely rosy cheeks - which is a nice sign. She is still hooked up to the various bits and bobs, and she is very breathless so is on oxygen, and as a result finds it difficult to speak - well hold a conversation of any length.

She wants to concentrate on getting through this so that she can see you all in October, it is something she is looking forward to very much.

As you know, Alison is now dealing with all the arrangements - and very soon there will be a post regarding the supplies and tools you need to bring to the Polymer Play Days.

Helen can "feel the love" - so all our positive thoughts, and vibes are doing their work - lets all keep sending them!

Alison

Helen says.......

2011-08-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I have just posted a reply to Natalia via the Yahoo group and felt it only right to do the same here on the blog.

It is with regard to texting, phoning, emailing etc Helen at the moment.......I know many of you will want to contact her to wish her well, send her your love, get well wishes etc......

The Hospital ward Helen is on is very strict, as it is obviously full of poorly patients, and lots of machinery.....all mobile phones HAVE to be switched off before entering the ward.

Helen has been allowed to keep hers so that she can speak with Stephen .......that is the ONLY call she wants to receive at the moment. No matter how short the conversation is between them - imagine what it must mean to each other when they are so many miles apart - so that is what is the most important thing at this time.

Wouldnt it be awful if they took away Helens phone because of us wanting to wish her well - and Stephen was unable to speak with her?

I will pass on everyones love and good wishes when I see her - and the most important thing is that she concentrates on getting herself better. Lets do what we have always done - take a few moments, close our eyes and pass on positive loving thoughts.........altogether now..........Go!

Helen says........

2011-08-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Helen is a wee bit poorly at the moment so if you have any questions or want to book for the Polymer Play Days, then can you contact ALISON GALLANT rather than Helen please.

Helen was a bit concerned that she wouldnt be able to reply to your emails or phone calls in a timely fashion.

Will keep you posted as to how she is

Alisons email is:-

alisongallant@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks!

Christine Dumonts Brooch

2011-06-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Today is scorchio - so I hope those of you who also have this lovely weather are enjoying it.

We've just received this photo from Christine Dumont of the beautiful brooch that is our fourth workshop.

It is comprised of two plates cleverly held together by magnets and you will also explore surface decoration techniques in Christines brand new class!

by Alison

Workshop Photos - hurrah!!!

2011-05-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Woooo! Howdy Doody everyone! At long last some photos of workshops are here!

Stephanie Kilgasts beautiful mini fruit tarts made into earrings and pendants - wooo fabbo - good enough to eat!

Natalia Garcia de Leaniz Funky Desert Bangles show the innovative finishes that Natalia has devised to apply as decorations!

Alison Gallants screen printing class. It gives a few of the many patterns that you will be able to choose from to use on clay and a finished pendant you can construct!

If you would like to take part in our "inchies swap" during the event, please start thinking about your design. You can use canes, alchohol inks, mokume gane, embellishments, in fact anything you like to decorate a sheet of clay that will then be cut into 1 inch squares. We'll let you know how many to make in good time!

From Alison!

Good news.....

2011-04-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

Big H is back home and feeling so much better - the Hospital have sorted her out and she is progressing very well. I think all our postive thinking really helped!

Thank you to those of you.....

2011-04-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

who have posted comments wishing Big H well - she is feeling a little more comfortable but still in an awful lot of pain. The hospital have done a lot to relieve the initial problem and are monitoring her very closely at the moment, but she is in a really nice room on her own, is very comfortable and given everything looks remarkably well and is in good spirits.

Emailing Big H.....

2011-04-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Big H is in hospital at the moment and has been for the last few days - if you have been emailing her and had no reply now you know why! She may be home tomorrow, everything is a little up in the air, but please be patient if you are waiting for a reply from her.

Have a great Easter everyone and enjoy the good weather!

Back to normal.....

2011-04-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

So pleased the header is back - it just felt all wrong with that maintenance sign up did'nt it, plus I hope you are all enjoying this glorious weather.

Capt A tells me that she is waiting for photos of the projects from the various tutors - soon as they come through the wires they will be uploaded for you to fall to the floor out of shock at the sheer gorgeousness of them all!

Are you all feeling creative - is your mojo working overtime? All the wonderful spring flowers are bursting into colour and that alone should spark off your creativeness.

I have been asked and asked "How is Helen?" - well I can say that she is quite poorly at the moment, this round of chemo is really exhausting and brutal. Brutal is the only word that describes it - my poor dear friend is suffering quite badly at the moment. So, as we have all done over the months, and especially at this special time of year ......can we please take a few minutes out to pass on our positive thoughts to the Big H....altogether now..............(((((((close eyes and send out those thoughts)))))))

PPD 2011 - Hotel

2011-03-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Valerie Wallace sent this information to Helen who has asked me to post it for anyone who may be interested:-

contacted the hotel where Craig and I stayed for the event last year, it’s an apartment hotel in Darley Abbey. It’s only about 20 min away from the venue so for anyone who might be driving this could be a really cheap option of a place to stay. They have offered us a rate of £99 per night for a 2 bedroom apartment and said they would offer this rate for anyone in our group who would like to stay there. With a few people sharing, this makes it a really cheap option, plus you’ve got a whole apartment including kitchen so you can cook your own meals if you’re so inclined. The guy said to contact him directly to book – carl.bridge@birchover.com.

PPD 2011 - Everything you need to know (well almost!)

2011-03-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

At last, at last! Here are details of the new polymer clay event to be held in the Midlands . Several things have held us up with this announcement but now we are “hot to trot” and here is the information we have been promising to post.

We have a new teacher to the UK , Stephanie Kilgast who will be killing two birds with one stone teaching miniatures which work well as jewellery. Have a look at her marvellous website to see just how talented she is.

Donna Kato will be with us with a new section called “Ask Donna” where you will be able to ask Donna about any problems you have with your clay work. Donna will also be giving a presentation about Craft Edu to tell you how to make the most of the lessons on this site and also how to present lessons and earn money

Leslie Blackford will be here to show you how to breath character and life into clay. Alison Gallant will teach screen printing on clay using her unique and new to the market screens. Natalia Garcia de Leaniz has a lovely new bracelet she is going to teach and Christine Dumont also has something new to show us with wonderful beads she has created.

As well as this, there will be numerous demonstrations for you from Jema Hewitt will show the mysteries of Steampunk, Dani Torres Mancera who will surprise us all, Valerie Wallace will demonstrate her Celtic Canes and Frances White will show techniques with alcohol inks, lots to learn. We will also have a fun evening at which we will swap our “inchies”, and a dinner for us to enjoy each other’s company. Lunch and refreshments will be provided each day and this is all for £275.00 or £250 if you book and pay before April 30th.

As ever, Cathryn and Ruth will run the shop for anyone who wants to bring finished work to sell. There will also be everything for sale that a polymer clay addict could wish for, from clay to cutters, findings, screens for printing and much more.

The venue will be the Genesis Family Centre in Alfreton and we hope to see you there, there is plenty of accommodation near by and good car parking as well as a shopping centre within easy reach.

Polymer Play Days 2011 Registration is open.....

2011-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

and all you need do is pop over to the Polymer Play Days Yahoo Group and download the form, or leave a comment and we will contact you with the form! ALSO look out for the NEW FACEBOOK GROUP opening very soon!

Polymer Play Days 2011

2011-03-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Big H and Capt A have more or less confirmed everything now - SO .......Next week a LOT more information will be uploaded to the blog - so you MUST keep visiting!

Caravan Parks nearby - Golden Valley Caravan Park is a short drive away
Bramble Cottage in Oakerthorpe sleeps 8 so perhaps a few of you can get together.

Polymer Play Days 2011!

2011-03-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

I will keep on posting so that the Yahoo Group and the Blog contain the same information:-

THE DATES     14th - 16th OCTOBER 2011

THE VENUE     The Genesis Centre ALFRETON Derbyshire    (click on the blue and take a lookie see!)
Dead easy to get too - a few yards off Junction 28 of M1 and A38.

WHERE TO STAY    The Travelodge (Swanwick), Premier Inn (South Normanton), The Derbyshire Hotel
                                   (South Normanton)

Obviously we are not recommending any of the above places to stay - but I will keep looking and asking round, anywhere which is really good then I will post on the blog.

TUTORS       I know that 1 newbie has been confirmed and you will love it.

The Big H is still poorly - so Allison Gallant (now known as Capt A) is helping as well.   Once the Big H is fully up and running, then she will get together with Capt A and all the event info will be announced and then opened for registration.

Bye Bye - and everyone send some "lurve" and healing thoughts to the Big H

Save the Date.......its on!!

2011-03-07T01:08:00.000-08:00

Save the date everyone - 14th - 16th October 2011 Polymer Play Days!!!!!!

Its booked .........

NEW VENUE
NEW TUTOR
NEW EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

The whole thing has been shook up, dusted down and made much more exciting! So......its in the middle of a thriving town so thats GOOD NEWS for those selling in the shop (so get making peoples!), Travel Lodge within walking distance, major railway station just a couple of miles away, clean and light surroundings in the workrooms - just overall perfectness!

Keep checking back as we post all the wheres and whyfors!

Save ya pennies! Guess whose been published!!!!!!!! Yea!

2011-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

First of all Save all your pennies because YES there will be a POLYMER CLAY EVENT this year - the Big H and Allison are planning as I write.........BUT first of all (and most importantly) the Big H has to get better then all will be revealed.   However.......it WILL happen, it WILL be in the UK, and it WILL be this year, and it WILL be totally brilliant!

SO GUESS WHO HAS BEEN PUBLISHED!!!!!!! WHO IS FAMOUS AMONGST US!!!! .......
It is JOANNA - well done and doing the happy dance for Jo!   So if you click here it will take you to the article and she made the FRONT COVER! Thats superb and a real achievement.

Georgie boy is a bit of a flirt - first Maddy then moi, who else will this guy pester?   You know, sometimes, life can be difficult enough without the drop dead gorgeous, extremely wealthy, totally adorable, beefcake hunk bothering you.... like...all....the.....time!     Get a life George - make a film, buy a villa, just do one!

Whats happened.......

2011-02-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

to the blog? Why have there been no postings? ((((((tumbleweed blowing down the empty street)))))))

Well, to be honest it is my fault - BUT you need to help me now get this blog back on track! We have tried SO HARD to get the yahoo group working but it seems to have died a death - tis so quiet over there that the only one posting is a spammer! LOL!!!

OK.........Carrie has asked "How is Helen" - well she is poorly, POORLY, POORLY, POORLY!!!!!!
So lets have some real positive thoughts going out there to the Big H - who had a great time in America and the things she made at the Clay Carnival were jaw dropping. I was like "WOW"

Right then - who amongst us has any news they would like to share on the blog, cos if you have drop me an email and lets share it. Been published? Sold something fabbo? Been on a workshop? Bought a new Polymer Clay tool/book you think is fab/rubbish and want to share?

So to kick us off here is my news:- I am George Clooneys secret desire....yes its me. I have told him and told him ...George it is just not on, so stop with the flowers, texts, jewellery and whathaveyou. Its over, it was fun whilst it lasted, but I am just not that into you any more. Finito, End of.

Cheerio!

Halloween!!!!

2010-10-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Lots of woo woo and spooky goings on tonight when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest! Tonight is the night to cast spells, boil up toads and sheeps eyes......alternatively you can watch Downton Abbey and the X Factor results!

WELL..........the Big H is off to the Las Vegas Clay Carnival! YEA!!!! The little demon had some fabbo news from her last hozzy visit and went straight out and booked her trip........so from EVERYONE
WELL DONE BIG H!!!! We are all totally over the moon over your good news and have the best time ever over the pond, and when you come back come and tell us all about it with lots of piccies!!!!!!

So - a huge thankyou for the entries to the challenge - H thought they were all just wonderful. So we are going to award all 3 of you with the Polymer Play Days Button! WELL DONE!!

Have a great Halloween everyone!

Autumn Challenge Entry

2010-09-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a very different entry for the challenge - this is a pin and its by Sue Corrie aka Ghostshift. Beautiful shape isnt it and so very different!

Autumn Challenge Entry

2010-09-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Another entry for the challenge - isnt this one lovely! A great entry from Kim!

Autumn Challenge Entry

2010-09-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

This entry is from Klavdija and her bracelet is full of Autumn colours - isnt it lovely!

Why not visit her new blog - scan down the blog list for Klavdija and click on the link - some really beautiful polymer clay items are pictured.

A NEW CHALLENGE!

2010-09-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

The last one was all over the place really........so I am going to set another one. You have until HALLOWEEN to complete this one. Either upload your photo to the Yahoo group challenge folder (the one with the woman on the front). If you cannot do that....leave a comment and we will pick it up and sort it out for you.

Every entry will be put on the blog as well so that we can all admire everyones work.

The challenge is a quote by Tennyson:-

"Looking on the happy Autumn fields
And thinking of the days that are no more"

So......Autumn colours, oranges, yellows. reds, browns............and blow it.......I am going to enter it myself!

Cannot stop....off to make some beads!

Hurrah!

2010-09-08T02:10:00.000-07:00

The Yahoo photo uploader has now been fixed - so you can quite happily go ahead and upload your photos
to the group.

There are some AWESOME designs on there at the moment - dont be shy .....UPLOAD!

Entries for the Challenge

2010-08-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Snowy skies with hope for spring on the way

Carol Clark has sent this lovely entry for the September Challenge the colour is lovely and delicate - its really quite beautiful.

Yahoo Groups are having a problem uploading photos and they are trying to fix it, thats why there have been some problems - but if you leave a comment or email me I will post your entry on the blog.

Lost Mojos .....

2010-08-30T02:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Some of you will have picked up the message from the Yahoo group, but thought I should post it on here as well.

Due to a combination of lost mojos, school holidays, no inspirations, nice weather ......blah blah blah
over the next few days for the CHALLENGE simply upload a picture of a favourite item of Polymer Clay that you have made......something YOU think is really beautiful.

It may kick start you off - and the CHALLENGE will be extended for 7 days so that you can upload your photos. If you cannot do it - then post a comment with a link to your photo - come on lets do SOMETHING!!!

Challenge...........or not??????

2010-08-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Sorry that it has been a while .....anyway how are you doing with the challenge "Cherish the Day"?

Anyone having problems uploading a picture - let us know! All we want is a picture of something you have made from Polymer Clay which fits the heading "Cherish the Day".....we have had the most wonderful button made for the winner to put on their own blog/website/flickr etc.

Remember it ends on August 31st and Helen is judging!

New look for the blog

2010-07-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Doesnt it look wonderful - and the heading is divine isnt it. You can imagine her clippity clopping looking for PPD ...((((((she is very posh)))))) "Heller, Hill-kiss-stone Fewtbarl Clarb, pliss" LOL!!

Anyway - this is not the reason for posting. Christine Dumont is running a workshop in London on 17th September 2010 - nip over and take a look now as she has some spare places on the workshop - looks really good.

Notice the spiffy new signature as well!

Grab button....

2010-07-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Isnt it the most fabulous grab button ever! Grab it and pop it on your blog - it is so pretty and elegant - I totally love it - Helen chose it, hasnt she got great taste.

Susie Jefferson of 1st Floor Flat has done this grab button along with a Challenge award button - which will be the ultimate achievement for all Polymer Clay Artists! The PPD challenge award is deffo the one to aim for.

Neet of www.hickydorums.blogspot.com put us onto Susie - she is now working her magic on my own blog, so if you are looking for a way to promote yourselves using the blog network, or ETSY and would like a new heading, grab button etc. then do take a look at her work and contact her.

Very often, a striking new header can really make your blog or ETSY shop pop - she is very very affordable and easy to work with.

Check her out by clicking on the 1st Floor Flat button on this blog!

Cherish the day.....

2010-07-15T01:01:00.000-07:00

is the Challenge being run on the Yahoo Group. So are you stuck for ideas in how to interpret this to Polymer Clay?

You can make jewellery, design items (think of Dannis wonderful sculptures from PPD2010),

tiny books that Cathy Johnston does, ornaments, icons....the list is endless.

Cherish the Day.....think about a glorious sunset or sunrise and all the fabulous colours that can be woven into the design.

A perfect day at the beach - lends itself to the colours of the ocean, the sand, the rocks.....the felting technique would be great as that looks like sand! Incorporate the bubbles that Lindley taught

Country picnic.... blimey you could fashion a picnic basket and fill it with goodies!

A wonderful English meadow full of daisies, cornflowers....you could have a ball with those lovely wide bracelets that Donna does

An icon representing what Cherish the Day means to you...

It can be anything at all - doesnt have to scream straight away "oh thats obviously....."

pop a little description about your item so that we can join your creative journey.

The challenge closes on AUGUST 31st - and there is a dedicated folder in the Yahoo Groups photo section.

You can enter as many times as you wish - we dont mind!

Helen will judge the winner - so please enter.

2010-07-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well, total humiliation today. My minders aka Cathryn and her mum have come round to see my arms as they are in such a mess from the reaction to the dressings, you know the kind of attractive thing, big blisters torn off etc. Well, they thought a lot about the discomfort I am in, the sores are on the inside of my arms and so brush against my clothes. They between them, no one is claiming the brainwave, thought that if they bought tiny pampers, they would wrap nicely around my arms, be held in place with the velcro fastenting and as an added extra, they smell nice. These particular ones have tiny trains chugging up them. So, now I look even more stylish than usual, with pampers wrapped around my arms. I know people say I can wear most things, but this takes me to new heights. I must get in touch with Stella McCartney as I understand she is designing the outfits for our Olympic team and she might be able to use the tip.

Maybe the next challenge on the group will be "What I can do with Pampers"!!

Helen says.....

2010-07-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

that everyone who left their raffle ticket behind has a prize, but she has not had the time to package them up and forward them on at the moment.

This is her hospital week - so its a hospital day, back again the next day, then to the Pharmacy to sort out stuff, then back to the hospital again.......and so on.

BUT its also a BIG WEEK because the Yahoo group is almost up and running and very soon you will receive your invites to join! (You dont have to join of course - it is up to you!). If you do not receive an invite it is because we dont have your email addy, so when it is open I will post on the blog. Neet is also working her magic on the group - setting up folders and doing all the stuff that we dont know how! LOL!!! ((((((Big wave to Neet))))))

ALSO.....Helen has decided the CHALLENGE!! Way to go!!! It will really make you think....
so that will happen next week as well.

SOOOOOOO before I go.....everyone close your eyes.....and lets send some good vibes through the air to Helen cos she needs them this week (its chemo week).

Thank You, Thank You Thank You!!

2010-07-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today I took the money raised at Polymer Play Days to MacMillan Cancer Care. The total amount was £942.43 and I just want to thank you all for your gifts, your generosity in bidding at the auction and just generally for being so supportive with this charity. I am so proud of you all, it was a lot of money for such a small amount of people to raise and I thank every single one of you for your kindness.

MacMillan will send an official letter which we (by which I mean Cathryn) will post on the blog for you - it's too technical for me.

I have had some lovely emails and cards from you but the event would be nothing without you guys, so thank you all for coming I am so glad that you all enjoyed our wonderful teachers.

Flickr and stuff.......

2010-07-03T07:24:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

As you can see I have been busy building up the sites to visit on the right hand side of the blog.

I may not have your information - so if you have a FLICKR, PICTURETRAIL -

anything like that (NOT an email addy) then PLEASE PLEASE

email it to me so that I can get it on. (cathryn-wood@sky.com)

Once its completed then we shall begin featuring you all one by one - which should be anytime next week, a decision will also have been made about the Yahoo Group and the very first CHALLENGE!! Yikes!!!!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Cathryn

Reasons to have a Yahoo group . . .

2010-07-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hi, believe it or not, this is Helen typing and not my siamese twin Cathryn (lol) even though she is talking me through doing this, I am such an old fossil with this modern stuff, I have only just got rid of my slate and chalk.

I am very keen to help polymer clay become more known for the art form it is and so we would like to try a Yahoo Group which will help people who do not have websites or Etsy's, blogs etc and so you can all keep your friendships going and share your knowledge and ideas.

You don't have to join a Yahoo Group.

We want this to be a group and blog that is inclusive and befeficial to everyone and so, you MUST let us have your ideas and thoughts - good or bad we won't mind but will of course ignore the bad ones.

I really like...

2010-06-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

this header and background and its much clearer to read - dontchathink?

Next step is to begin to advertise all of your blogs, etsys, websites etc. in a

nice format.

Keep checking back....keep leaving me your comments...any good ideas then let me know!

What a brilliant.....

2010-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

weekend eh!!! You guys are so talented that you just blew everyone away....you are AWESOME!!!

Hope everyone had a safe journey home - and left feeling really inspired about the different things you have learnt this weekend. Looking forward to seeing some really fabulous work using these techniques.

Do you like the new revamped blog? Not sure about the font in the title....

Anyway - down the right hand side we are running two polls, be sure to answer them please!!

Back again ....with everything restored....

2010-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

I hope!!! The picturetrail should be back on line within the next few moments (well give it an hour or so!). Huge problems with Google, Volcanic Ash, Football, cakes not rising ......just about everything......and its all headed straight towards the blog and picturetrail and gunged up the wires.

My life where has the time gone - its all kicking off on FRIDAY.....Yay!!! Soooooo looking forward to seeing everyone, and I am feeling all tickey boo and pacing myself for the event as I simply dont want to miss one single millisecond.

Donna and Lindly are coming into Birmingham tomorrow - and that makes it all the more real as well. Terribly excited about seeing Donna again, and of course meeting Lindly. The weather is lovely - so I think we are in for a fabby weekend.

OK - a word now about the shop.......

1. Keep your stuff together in a box, tupperware etc. clearly mark your box with your name, this means we can return any unsold items to you in the same box on Sunday afternoon.

2. Price everything CLEARLY - no need to convert to £, we will simply take whatever the figure reads as £. So $4 will be £4 etc. If you wish to donate to MacMillans then please add on 10% to your prices - let Cathryn and Ruth know.

Have a safe journey everyone - and really looking forward to meeting up with existing friends and making new ones!

Love Helen

Howdy Doody!

2010-04-07T05:49:00.001-07:00

Did you have a good Easter? It rained and rained here - in fact - guess what? Its still raining now! LOL!!!

Have seen Helen regularly and we have come up with a super dooper idea -

as you know Helen is fighting Ovarian Cancer - and we really wanted

to do "something" for a cancer charity, and try and tie it in

with the Polymer Play Days.

So.....Helen has suggested that we donate 10% of the shop takings to

MacMillan Nurses.

So who or what are Macmillan.......read on.....

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care. Cancer affects us all. We can all help. We are Macmillan.

I just cannot tell you how much these people do...so very very worthwhile.

How do you guys feel about this? All we are asking you to do is pop 10% on all your prices

so we can give that to Macmillan - that means you will not be out of pocket and we are

supporting such a worth cause.....BUT most of all you will be indirectly supporting Helen,

and that is the best way we can support her I think. Plus it will mean loads to her it really will.

Dont just read this and not comment - let us know how you feel about it please.

Cathryn

Time flies.....

2010-03-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

and I have been naughty again havent I???? Not blogging, bad girl!!

Just so many things to do, places to go and people to see!!!

Anyway ............back now and the countdown begins to THE Polymer Clay Event

...which is of course....Polymer Play Days 2010!

Cannot wait - sooooo looking forward to it, and seeing you all and stuff like that.

Last year's bead swap was brilliant so we will be swapping beads again this year!!!!! Yeah!!!!

As a guide I would say make about 40 beads to swap. Again, the instruction is DON'T STRESS ABOUT THIS. If you are new to clay, just make simple beads, or if you feel that is too much for you, you don't have to do it. Most of all - have fun.

It is just brilliant to see new ideas and just to swap a fabbo bead. What I thought was a great idea was that some of you had attached the beads to one of your business cards, or just a little card with your name, contact, blog etc. Thats a great way of networking and getting your name and work out there.

Now readers......last time I got a blog addy wrong, so go to the last posting and read Sophies comment because she gives the correct addy - go visit its a brilliant site!

Bye bye and have a wonderful Easter - full of love, chocolate, fun, happiness and chocolate!!

yum yum!!!

Here are some...

2010-02-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

more photos of the Sandra workshop - this time from Dana!

www.flickr.com/photos/kotowa/

When you have looked at those we will go on a massive Blop......ready ....steady and.....CLICK....

Veronque Freyche:- Les Fimoteries D'Olifant (as you do.....)

http://www.lesfimoteriesdolifant.over.blog.com/
http://www.lesfimoteriesdolifant.dawanda.com/

And then over to Pamela Francheschetto (thats my real name actually.......with the title Countess in front of it.....just so as you know for the next time you see me ....although no need to curtsey as I am not at all formal)

http://www.wabi-sabicreazioni.eu/

I hope I havent spelt any of these wrong - the writing was quite difficult to read - so huge sorries if I have (dont be mad with me.....just leave a comment with the correct spelling)

I have just checked the lesfimo...... links and they dont work....Veronique please let me know the correct link.......!
Enjoy!!!!!

Lets go abroad now....

2010-02-04T08:46:00.001-08:00

To warmer climes.....anywhere is warmer than here at the moment. So lets go and pay a visit to Sophie Turlur-Chabanon (great name.......I want a long fancy name like that!)

Les Bijoux de Bull - which everyone knows means "Take tea in the house with two chimneys wearing a yellow pullover"

so click on the link as follows:-

http://www.bijouxbull.dawanda.com/ (shop) (in the search box type in bijouxbull)
http://www.creabull.canalblog.com/ (blog) (this is nice)

Have fun! Bye!!!!

Blopping again.....

2010-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

didja go and look at Leila Bidlers site.........didja.........didja?

Well today we will go and pay a visit to Amy Brown - put the kettle on Amy we are coming over to yours now............

www.amybeedesigns.blogspot.com

Remember to blop her and leave a nice comment!!

Lets go Blopping.....

2010-01-31T06:40:00.000-08:00

Thats blog hopping - I made that up!! LOL!!! Wow! I have got fed up with the photos now, so lets have a rest from those and go and look at a blog...... this one is LEILA BIDLER who did some fabulous jewellery including covering some pencil sharpeners! How cool is that!

So take a look and leave a comment so that Leila knows you have blopped her!

www.flickr.com/gom6699

Look at the pictures of Nottingham - some of you may know that I LOVE Ghost Hunts.....and we have some pretty haunted places in Nottingham. You see the one of Ye Olde Trip to Jersusalem - well that is a corker!! Really spooky!

A message from Daniel ........

2010-01-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

about his project. Now I have to say that when I was writing about the project, I was searching for a word.....and that word was ETHEREAL and the definition " world created through the poetic imagination". Think of that phrase and then look at Dannis projects.......gorgeous!

Anyway....below is Dannis message about his project and I have to say, and remember that I am a painter and not a polymer clay artist, I think you would get loads and loads out of this workshop in terms of creativity - it will make you look at the clay in a totally different mind set.

***********

You are absolutely right -only from the pictures, it is difficult to identify what the project is about.
So may I ellaborate a little bit on it.Polymer clay is an amazingly flexible and adaptable material, which benefits from almost any single technique available in the jewellery world. Mokume gane, millefiori, lathe turning, die casting... such a lot of jewellers' technical approaches to art have been successfully adapted -and even refined and perfected- to the polymer clay world.

This project -I indeed love the name you found for it, 'organic avatar'- is about adapting ancient jewellery techniques to polymer clay for making super-hollow, super-light, super-full-of-light pieces for your jewellery of decorative creations.

The pictures initially displayed for the project show very extreme possibilities using these techniques: dye-tinted, translucent beads, some as big as 4x2 inches, yet only 1 mm (or less) thick, so volumetric, delicate yet sturdy. They were all backlit so as to notice how hollow and ethereal they are.

But, of course, the same techniques can be used to make intrincate, opaque, small beads and pieces. For the purpose of clarity, I'll be sending new pictures of pieces in this way. Again, the technical solutions behind them are incredibly simple, and the results most creative and rewarding -and so much fun to design and make!

Love,Daniel

Clay pictures..

2010-01-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

Once again I have no idea who did which .... so dont be shy and claim your photo!

I know this one is Sandras!

I think this one is as well....

I thought this one was lovely - I love the blues

Sandras...

Jewellery ....

2010-01-27T06:11:00.001-08:00

these pictures are in no particular order or anything....just wading through all of those I took at a rate of 5 per day!

So lets take a little look at some of the jewellery - if you dont see yours here, then it will be on at some stage.......

I thought this was divine - look closely and you can see the little diamond.... Sandra made this.
This is from Veronique Freyche - we will be looking at her website and blog very soon as well.

Remember these from an earlier blog posting - well they were made up into bracelets. My friend bought the pink one

Really sweet and much admired

I liked the oreo cookie one - they were on a cookery programme last night as well!

Todays 5 pictures.....

2010-01-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Still on the students - so claim your photo with a comment!

Can you see that photo by Angela....well I made them before I got to the seminar. I got up early that morning and knocked them off whilst my porridge was cooking (((((as if))))
See all the colours in a line....

Amy is concentrating hard - you can see her chinese takeaway in the white bag on the table...

Rustling up some pasta for lunch....

Alison is just about to say something.....what was that Alison....couldnt quite catch it.....something.........OH!!

Took loads and loads of photos at

2010-01-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

Sandras seminar......way tooooooo many to post all on one post....so I am going to post 5 per night and then we will go and look at everyones website/blog etc. So you have to keep visiting every day!

The seminar was so good, soooo intense ...at times everyone was really quiet and concentrating. On the Sunday as the broaches took shape we nearly fell through the floor - everyone without exception had produced the most amazing and breathtaking piece. So a huge round of applause to all you girls, and of course Sandra who was a brilliant teacher.

Helen did a grand job of making tea/coffee and keeping everyone fed. So much so she will be opening her own transport cafe in an old caravan on the side of the A1.

Dannis projects have now been.....

2010-01-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

uploaded to the picturetrail. They are very futuristic - Avatar Polymer Clay methinks.
Most unusual and different and I think you would gain a lot from this workshop - they have been lit beautifully.

They look quite medical at first glance, then biological and organic - yes thats a much better description - I think we shall name them Organic Avatar - what do you think?

Take a look www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival

Charging up the camera to take lots of photos of the Sandra McCaw seminar for the blog...... woooo betcha all visit the blog to see the photos!

PPD2010 is cooking on gas because.....

2010-01-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

Natalias workshop piccies have now been uploaded to the picturetrail. Oh my word they are brilliant - I think this PPD is shaping up to be the most creative yet!

Go take a look www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival

Counting the hours to Sandra McCaw!

Fabulous first cane design by.....

2010-01-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

FloRaeMe - and she has designed a really sweet cupcake cane - click on the photos to take a closer look and you can see the cute little cupcakes!

These are the beads unbaked
Baked.....

and then made into the bracelet and also a necklace, pendant etc. They are so adorable and well done Jo for this great design!

Well blow me its Flo Rae Me....

2010-01-15T02:17:00.000-08:00

I am a bit of a follower of a few people - I am watching them develop, explore and continue their journey of creativity. Flo Rae Me is one of those people and I can see her work really begin to shine as she finds herself.......I love these pillow beads! Particularly the colours and vibrancy which lends them to a very tropical feel. Did you know that colours of the tropics are the colours for 2010 - well Flo Rae Me certainly does.

I like the daisies peering out in these beads - each bead is so individual and so pretty, I hope she makes these up into jewelry for the Sandra McCaw seminar......I will be watching! LOL!!!

If you do not already follow her blog, then go along and pay a visit now - leave a comment, and make her day!

www.FloRaeMe.blogspot.com

Jema Hewitt......

2010-01-14T03:01:00.000-08:00

Is featured next on our trails - Helen bought me this and I love it, I wear it an awful lot. If you are reading this Jema - I did stick the little white bead on the clock part because it kept poking me! So that is down to me (((((sorry!))))

When Helen gave me this I was thrilled, because I had my eye on it for the whole of the PPD 2009 - and I wrote to Jema to say that it had been bought for me - she replied telling me that I must not wear this in thunderstorms or I would be trapped in fairyland. If she had said Marks and Spencers I would have worn it!

Anyway - take a look at Jemas work it really is wonderful.....
http://www.bridal-originals.co.uk/jema-hewitt.htm

Jane Zhao -

2010-01-05T02:51:00.001-08:00

Poking around the internet and found this hugely talented ladies site - some of her work is tremendous. Go take a look - www.janezhaoarts.com

Alison Gallant has

2010-01-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

sent her projects for the PPD 2010 - yeah I know I say this everytime.....but honestly I did go ((((((gasp)))))) when I opened up the pictures. They are beyond fabulous and enter into the realm of the totally divine (especially the bangle.......I want, I want, I want!!).

Go and visit the picturetrail and be prepared to faint with sheer pleasure!
www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival

Lindly Haunani project has been....

2010-01-01T03:11:00.000-08:00

uploaded to the PPD 2010 so nip over there now and take a look!

www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival

You have until Midnight

2009-12-31T07:19:00.001-08:00

Tonight to get the discount for the PPD 2010 - so hurry up and dont miss out!

Here is a totally different take on Polymer Clay by Gillian Allen - this lady is very very talented so go take a look at her work on:-

www.art-e-zine.co.uk/gillclay.html

I know it is not to everyones taste - but it certainly floats my boat! I just love her creativity and adore vintage photos anyway. It is a great combination and I hope it inspires you!

Warmer weather......

2009-12-24T02:49:00.000-08:00

Here in the UK we are freezing cold. We are just rubbish at cold weather - I am particularly, I moan a lot when I am cold and I am always cold!

Well looking at the different Polymer Clay sites I went onto this one http://www.decoclay.ru/ - I can remember seeing these at the PPD earlier this year. Everyone was in total awe of this work - it was sumptuous. We had to point out so many times that it had been handmade and not silk flowers - then it was a total double take and "WWWWHHHHAAAATTTTT - no way!!"

This is work to be admired and gasped over - so go on GASP at the sheer craftsmanship involved in this. I know I did.

OK - are you all booked for Sandra and/or PPD 2010??? If not hurry up and book - the numbers are really coming in now. When reading this you have probably guessed that Helen doesnt write this - I do. I am Cathryn - Helens friend. Helen has completed this round of Chemo and she has had the most fantastic result from the hospital - everyone is so thrilled. The chemo has done its job and she doesnt go back now until February. She looks really well and is so looking forward to Sandra and is busy planning and beavering away sorting that out and also PPD2010.

So .....from Helen, Ruth and myself - we wish you a very Happy Christmas Day, eat loads, be merry, but never forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Speak to you in a couple of days time - you never know.......it may be your picture in the next post!

Oh my word!.....

2009-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Just look at this! Isnt it the prettiest most divine thing you ever saw! Browsing through the followers blogs and I saw this and my jaw just dropped - it made me feel so summery. It is beautiful......
Go visit Zuleykhas Polymer Clay Blog now - its full of fab photos, tutorials and its just wonderful.

http://zuclay.blogspot.com

Where are your photos Jo???? (FloRaeMe....?????) come on and send me some right now girl!

Ghostshift....

2009-12-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest purchase from Sue Corrie aka Ghostshift - I love her work. In fact I am so switched onto Polymer Clay jewelry I think its fabulous! No way could I make it - but I love it and we are turning more and more people onto this wonderful art form.
Over the next few postings I am going to be looking at peoples work and posting pictures of it for you to admire and drool over.........
so if you want to be featured here - then you can either wait for me to stumble on your site/blog/pictures.... or better still leave a comment with your full addy on it so I can visit and select some photos.
I also love Jema Hewitts work - and I own a wonderful pendant which I saw at the PPD 2009 and loved it - Helen bought it for me - and Iadore it!!
Couple of other people are on my purchase list for January - so I hope they will be attending! BTW - Ghost Shift doesnt have a website but I think Sue has a Flicker account.

Keep nipping.......

2009-12-15T08:47:00.001-08:00

over to the picturetrail because Lindleys projects have come through and pictures will be posted soon...... HINT ......they are to die for!! H is spoilt for choice!!

Nip over.....

2009-12-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

to the picturetrail - www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival because the pictures are up for Donnas project at the PPD 2010!

Oh cannot wait for Sandra McCaws seminar - so looking forward to seeing all the jewellery - in a little while I am going to put up a piccie of my latest purchase from Sue Corrie (Ghostshift) - I love it!

Oh Wow!!!!

2009-12-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is the project for the Sandra McCaw seminar - isnt it the most divine pin you ever saw??? Dontcha just want it??? Cos I do!!

I want it on a necklace, a bangle - everything, I love it - totally love it!!!

I dont know one tiny little jot about Polymer Clay - but I know what I like and what I admire - and this is just fabbo. Here is an example of the type of canes you will be making as well.........I cannot wait to see the pins, and the canes and all the jewellery you will be bringing.

I really love the colours and the whole ice cream feel of them all - it makes me long for Summer, flowers and bumble bees!

Earn whilst you learn (The shop!)

2009-11-30T02:11:00.000-08:00

Any of you that came to last years PPD will know that the shop was really really great!! We sold an awful lot of jewellery for you - I know of one lady that completely sold out, she did really well.

So for the Sandra McCaw seminar.......if any of you attending are bringing stock for us to sell here are some hints and tips which you may find useful:-

1. Price up every item of jewellery really clearly. (Dont worry about £ and Euros - basically we take £1 = Euro1.) If you use a different currency - dont worry we will sort it out for you.

2. Have a list of every item of jewellery with a short description so that Ruth and I can easily identify which item has been sold, and allocate the money to you. Alison Gallant used a number system last year - i.e A12 £30 . This was really easy for us to follow - remember it got very hectic last year as well.

3. Think about whether or not you will supply wholesale - we think that shops may very well attend this event looking for new interesting stock.

4. Business cards are a must - I always use the Postcard size available from Vistaprint. I think people can find these more easily than the small business cards - they can also make notes on the back of the cards. You can put if you supply wholesale on this as well, or give a discount for bulk purchases. We like to place a pile of cards next to your jewellery display.

5. Presentation - we can take out some of the items to display - but they do look far more luxe if presented in a nice box or something.

6. Make whatever floats your boat - but try and present an assortment of items with varying prices. We tend to buy matching things - pendant and a ring, pendant and a bangle - plus Ruth and I can really push any customers in that direction for you.

Ruth and I are there to sell for YOU - so come and talk to us!

Testimonial from.........

2009-11-17T06:09:00.001-08:00

one of Sandras students:-

I had the chance to meet Sandra McCaw as she came in France for a polymer workshop.
She’s a great woman who has fairy’s fingers. Everything she takes in her hands is transformed in a marvellous thing. Ask her any question and she’ll resolve all your problems.
I would also add she’s a great dance partner ! "
H. R.

Are you counting the days to the workshops??????

Sandra McCaw classes ..wooooooo

2009-11-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

http://polymerclaydaily.com/2009/11/16/photos-of-mccaw-classes/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+polymerclaydaily%2FnpYN+%28Polymer+Clay+Daily%29

Love Shack......

2009-10-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a great picture of Sandra McCaw, Sarah Shriver and Barb Sperling "entertaining" at a polymer clay retreat in Colorado a couple of years ago. They were singing "Love Shack" after having had a few Mojitos, the official drink of that particular retreat. Notice the polymer clay microphones, compliments of Judy Belcher!

2009-10-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Went to see Helen and she has written this for you about Sandra McCaw - Helen is really pulling out all the stops for you guys! You might think "why?" - well just remember that Helen loves the Polymer Clay Playdays, and loves arranging them, and really encourages and promotes everything and anyone with a talent and love for creating artistic items.

In fact, let me tell you how I first met Helen. I loved to paint, and thought I could paint - and saw that Cheryl Bradshaw (Chezza) was running a workshop at Helens place, so I booked in. I had never met Helen before, or been to her studio - all I knew was, that I wanted to learn more. From completing that first workshop, I booked with as many tutors as I could afford and it really shaped, encouraged and developed my artistic skills. Helen and I became instant friends, sharing a love of giggling over anything stupid, people watching, and Project Runway. Sometimes it was really hard to afford all the workshops, but it was worth every single penny, and I do not regret any of them. Through those workshops I have met a great and dear friend, who I love like a sister. Learnt so much - which led to many prestigious teaching and designing contracts.

So........... dont think twice, just book the workshop, learn and soak up everything these great tutors have to share with you. You never know, it just might lead to all sorts of opportunities. Remember.. knowledge is power!

Here is Helens item for you.............

Sandra McCaw

It is a thrill to be able to welcome Sandra McCaw to England to teach her wonderful technique. As you may know, at my workshops I like to supply you with the clay you will need. In the case of this workshop, Sandra likes you to do a bit of work mixing colour before you come (a worksheet will be sent to you in good time) which means you have to have your clay. So, I will replace the amount of clay mentioned in Sandra's sheets but it may not be the same colour as you used, especially if you have mixed your own unique colour. But you will receive four blocks of colour and two white which is included in your fee. Here is a description of Sandra's workshop which is intensive and you will learn so much of her technique.

The McCaw Cane

Learn the secrets of creating the magical “McCaw Cane” from the originator of this technique. Participants will create intricately patterned canes while practicing the execution of precise geometric canes. A variety of cane combining and manipulating strategies will be explored. We’ll look at alternative patterns, and uses for the finished canes. Students will construct a brooch.

Since the initial mixing of gradated shades is a somewhat lengthy process, students will be required to complete some color mixing before the start of the workshop. This exercise should take about 3-4 hours. A handout with detailed instructions will be sent in advance to workshop participants.

Handouts with extensive notes will be included in the workshop.

Workshop Length: 2 days

Supply list:

Fimo Classic Polymer Clay, 2- 2 oz. Blocks (or approximately 1/3 of a large brick) of each of the following: Any two colors, either out of the package or mixed, though I encourage mixing your own, it’s so much more interesting!
4-2 oz. Blocks (or approximately 2/3 of a large brick) of Fimo Classic White.*

1” pin back. (Sandra will have some available for sale)

Tools:

Pasta Machine
Acrylic roller
Work surface
Cutting blade
12” ruler
Deli wrap or similar paper
Spatula like tool (for lifting and positioning delicate cane slices)
Small swatch of textured fabric ( approx. 4 in. X 4 in.)
Any tools you generally like to work with

*The clay amounts listed will make two canes approximately 1.5” square x 2” long. Students may wish to double (or triple!) the amounts, since the mixing takes time, thereby giving you more “bang for your buck”, and some extra to experiment with after the workshop.

Over achievers are welcomed to mix a third color to integrate into the final cane.

Registration Documents for the PPD and Sandra McCaw

2009-09-16T09:06:00.001-07:00

are now ready! email me zaroscat@boltblue.com

Sandra McCaw DATES........

2009-09-09T07:48:00.001-07:00

are 23rd & 24th January 2010, the venue is KIMBERLEY PARISH HALL. The hall is light and airy and has a tea/coffee bar. Directly opposite the hall is a large car park, and all the overnight venues on the picturetrail will apply to this event.

Nelson and Railway is just a few minutes walk away, so that would be a great place to stay.

"Earn as you learn" will be in place at this event - so bring along all your jewellery etc. for us to sell for you.

Keep checking out the blog as we continue to update it!

2010 projects - first one uploaded!!

2009-09-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sylvie Perauds projects for the PPD 2010 have been uploaded to the picturetrail - go and take a look now and gasp at how good and different they are!

More more on Sandra McCaw!

2009-09-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to tell you that Sandra McCaw has agreed to come and teach in England in January 2010. It will be a two day intensive course on her wonderful cane techniques. Sandra prefers to use Fimo Classic for her work, so that is the clay you will need. As you probably know January is in the middle of the football season so the venue may not be Ilkeston Town Football Club, but another yet to be chosen but will be in the area.

Unfortunately spaces are limited, Sandra wants as maximum of 20 in her class. This means the cost cannot be shared out so much so I am afraid it is a bit expensive but since it is not long after Christmas, you can always ask for it as a Christmas present. Cost will be £190.00, I have tried to make it as cheap as possible for you all. However, it will be two days of quality teaching with lots of notes from Sandra and will be money well spent. As ever, I will make sure you are fed with teas and coffees and lunches.

Book now - don't miss out.

Lindley Haunani

2009-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Has a new book out!

Sandra McCaw

2009-09-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Helen is so looking forward to hosting this seminar - it really is a "major" thing - first time teaching in the UK, great news for everyone wanting to learn her fabulous techniques.

I love these items taken from her website - go and browse it now, its lovely!

http://www.sandramccaw.com/

STOP PRESS!!!

2009-08-03T12:45:00.001-07:00

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE

Guess who is coming to teach.........

SANDRA McCAW

Helen is organising a two day seminar in Jan/Feb 2010 - the dates and venue are yet to be confirmed (Helen is hoping for the Football Club - if not it will be in the same area)

Now here is the really cool news......

If you book PPD 2010 and Sandra McCaw - then Helen will give a discount!

Contact H now and save your place!

August 18th.....

2009-08-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

is Helens birthday! Yea!!!!!!!.....

I thought about buying her some jewellery - but she has heaps. Then I thought about bags......now Helen LOVES handbags, not just any old handbag.....they have to be really fancy, beaded, buttons, bows, diamante, pearl, ribbon encrusted creations. So I thought I would be "safe" with that.....when I saw her tonight guess what.......she has bought some new handbags.

BTW - H never buys in the singular, it is always the plural!!

So chatting away to her tonight and she said "actually I am short on earrings" - so there is my birthday pressie for her! They have to be dangly, fancy, and for pierced ears - so if any of you would like to send her a pair for her birthday as well, that would be cool dontchathink?

She had her second round of Chemo last Tuesday, although the first lot last year collapsed her veins so that is causing a few problems and isnt very nice. On her birthday she will be half way through this lot of treatment - and she is so looking forward to it finishing. Although she knows it wont end with this round.

I took a couple of pictures of her - you can tell she was keen can't you! LOL!!!

Lindly Haunani has been...........

2009-07-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

named a 2009 Niche Award winner, placing first in the Fashion Jewelry category.

Just think......you could be training with her at the 2010 PPDs!

http://www.americancraft.com/NICHE_Awards/2009winners.html#professionals

Where to stay...

2009-07-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

As you know the picturetrail (www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival) is in the process of being updated ready for 2010. If anyone local is attending then perhaps they could suggest a hotel near where they live and give a lift to and from for anyone staying over.

It would really promote the whole "fun and friendship" that PPDs generates - so email me so that I can include it on the trail (cathryn-wood@sky.com)

Helen is feeling a bit brighter and she says a huge "thank you" for all your good wishes, they really do help her.

Have you visited www.FloRaeMe.blogspot.com yet? Go on, nip and have a look!

I have seen Helen today and....

2009-07-09T13:10:00.001-07:00

she is soooo poorly. The chemo on Tuesday has left her feeling really sick and unwell. So much so, that we only stayed a few moments, there is nothing worse than feeling sick - you just want to be by yourself. When she contacts me, I will go round and pass on all your good wishes as I know it really does give her the boost she needs.

Please do not think that the comments are not read, I read them and always make a point of letting Helen know, and she loves to hear them - she can remember who everyone is! Amazing!

I will say "so and so says such and such" - and she will say "Oh yes, I remember her, she was wearing this and that, can you place her now?" I am like..... duh?????

Are you following the.....

2009-07-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

picturetrail? It is gradually being updated and this year we are doing it slightly differently - putting the hotels in individual sections rather than all under one heading. Fingers crossed it should be easier to navigate - do you like the heading - isnt it just fabulous!

The strange pictures are mine - I have thing "thing" for cabinet photos. They are very old photos and the stranger the sitter the better - I collect loads of them and just love them if they are bit cross eyed or just plain odd!

Now, you have all been asking to be updated about Helen - today she began another round of Chemo. She has told me that she shouldnt lose her hair this time - mind you, I have to admit, that she looked just as nice with no hair, and when it did grow back it looked fab! Really short and funky.

So....... lets all send really positive, good thoughts and vibes to Helen.......

ready everyone.......close your eyes and send them .......NOW!

A wonderful thought which

2009-06-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

cheered Helen up no end - especially at the moment when she is facing so much.

Anita sent Helen this most gorgeous stitched star book, Helen totally loves it - and the thought and care behind this gift really lifted H's spirits.

So.....a HUGE thankyou to Anita from Helen, and one from me for making my friend happy!

Save the Date..........

2009-06-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

June 25th/26th/27th 2010 - for the Polymer Play Days!!!!!

Helen has booked the venue and the following teachers have confirmed:-

Donna Kato

Lindly Haunani

Sylvie Peraud

Alison Gallant

Daniel Torres Mancera

Natalia Garcia de Leaniz

We hope Iris Mishley will be teaching in 2011 - but she will be soooooo missed this year.

Helen has chosen these dates because there is an event in France too close to April 2010 (the original planned date) and she felt that it would have been unfair if anyone wanted to do both events.

But June is fabulous - lots of time to save up and get creative producing lots of work for the event shop! Ruth and I will be there - we wouldnt miss it!

The details are on the picturetrail - www.picturetrail.com/euroclaycarnival

but not the Paypal link for payment, that will go on later this week. The price is £260, and if you pay before January 1st 2010 you will get a £50 discount! How good is that! Its brilliant!