Tiny Tools

Yesterday I shared some photos of demo pieces from my latest classes.   The left over clay earrings were not created with a ready made texture.

When first starting out in metal clay, it's easy and fun to use ready made textures.  But, after awhile it becomes rather boring (and expensive.)  Sometimes I make my own textures from polymer clay or PPP plates.  On this pair of earrings I finally used some little tools I purchased years ago from Leslie Tieke when I took my PMC Connection certification class.  I didn't know what they were or how to use them at that time.  I just knew they were cute little kits with cute little tools in them.   (I like little things.)

For these earrings, I created the texture directly on the clay.  Some of the tools are little wheels with different types of edges on them.  The other set of tools are shaped at the end.  The pattern is random as I just rolled over the clay to test them out.  Now that I've finally used them, maybe I'll create a series of textures with them.

Hard to Resist

A conference cannot be complete with out the Vendor Hall.  I knew it was coming and I tried to prepare (as much as a shopaholic can.)  But of course it is never enough.  (At least this year I brought cash and my check book..... what a mistake.)

There were actually two places to spend my money.  The merchants area and the participant's "Show and Sell"

Earl Roberts making a sale at the PMC Connection booth.  They were offering a good deal on Sterling Silver so I caved and bought a pack (plus a few other things as I stood there.)  I've known Earl for several years now and enjoyed meeting up with him again.

I have quite a few stones that I need to bezel set (as mentioned in my post on soldering.)  So, I was determined to stay away from the vendors selling stones.  I stuck to my resolution for about an hour and then I caved.  I didn't buy any big stones, but I did purchase some 3mm, 4mm and 5mm spinels and CZ's for my students to use from Gemstone Resources.  

All Craft was only there for part of the show but I did manage to get some of their brass brushes.  (They have the softest brass brushes!)

From Metal Clay supply I purchased Gilder's Paste.  I've never used the paste, but one of the charms I exchanged for had it on.  Pretty cool looking stuff.

Rio Grande wasn't selling at the show but had lots on display and was offering free shipping with the code from the show.  From them I ordered some new texture sheets and a sterling silver stamp (now that I'm finally going to try it.)

There were other vendors too and I don't want to slight them but I mentioned only the ones I purchased from.

The artist "Show and Sell" also made a dent in my pocket book.  I bought several pair of earrings, a book and a new tool .  Will share those purchases in another post.

Suffice it to say that I won't be buying anything in the near future (except for metal clay and groceries.)

Arrowmont Retreat

     The annual conference  this year is hosted by Art Clay Silver and is being held in the Chicago area in mid July.  I haven't been to a conference hosted by ACS but I've talked to someone who went to the last one in Las Vegas.  They said it was outstanding. 

   I did make it to the PMC Conference last July at Purdue University in Indiana.  I have nothing to compare it to except the many art conferences I've attended over the years.  Based on those conferences, the PMC Conference was outstanding.

  Since these things are pretty pricey I can only attend one such event a year.   PMC Connection is hosting a retreat at Arrowmont in Gatlinburg TN, April 27 - May 1.  Being in love with that whole area (been there probably eight times, at least) and always wanting to take a class at Arrowmont, the retreat won out.  The class offerings are numerous and listed on www.pmcconnection.com and also www.pmcsupply.com (I think.... will check that one out.)

Besides the wonderful area, there are rumors flying that Arrowmont will be sold and will no longer exist.  (Rumors say it will be torn down for more tourist attractions..... just what they need.)  So, I wanted to be able to get there before it is gone.

  I'm taking a 3 day earring extravaganza class with Linda Kline.  This class is full of a variety of techniques, so it will be like getting several classes in one.    My second class is figure (or is it face) sculptures with Vera Lightstone.  I went to her demo at the conference last year and just fell in love with the little lady.  She is so cool.  I told my friends right then that I would love to take a class from her.  (And I am!!!)  On Friday of that week I am taking a polymer/metal clay class to find out how to add polymer to my work.  I taught polymer clay to my high school students, so that should give me a little heads up in the class.  All in all it is going to be an exciting week.

   To add to the fun, I get to meet up with my friends from my Certification classes as we are renting a townhouse together.  If it works like last year,  I won't be getting much sleep.  In the evenings we all shared our individual expertise and I came home with so much more information than I paid for. 

    If you are going to Arrowmont, give me a heads up.  I'll look for you.