November lesson - Christmas Reindeer

November marks our last class for 2011 and we're going to be doing Christmas Reindeer. Skill level is beginner and I'll be sharing some of the materials if you don't have them.

Here are the material requirements

• Scrap clay that's somewhat brownish rolled on thickest setting, 2-3 inches long and wide
• Brown clay that contrasts a bit with scrap clay rolled on thin setting, same size
  
• 5 toothpicks
• Coppery wire or other wire, about 12 inches, scissors or wire cutter
  
• Red clay if making a Rudolph nose, black clay for regular nose
  
• White and black clay to make eyes, pea size, or just use googly eyes
• Something to colour the toothpicks with (I use a combination of Future and Pearlex)
• Christmas embellishments
• Optional - Pearlex powder in brownish colours for the body to highlight texture
• Wire brush or sandpaper for texture
• Glue (I like Weldbond)

If you can't make it to November's class be sure to join us in January for our Happy New Year Pot Luck.

New members always welcome.

Cold Connections, September's Meeting

Here are the pictures of examples for this months class in Cold Connections with Elaine.

June's Meeting - Miniature Foods

Hi Folks,

Our very own Jacey Culham will be teaching miniature food on Sunday June 26. Food items demonstrated will include bacon and eggs, donuts, cup of coffee, slice of pie and whole pie and more!

Supplies to bring along:

*Firm clay - Fimo classic, Kato or well leached Premo in lots of "food" colours - small amounts only will be needed of
white, dark brown, caramel, beige, yellow, red, green, orange - in fact just bring lots of colours period!
*Needle nose jewellery pliers
*wire cutter or nail clippers
*2 inch head pins
*TLS (liquid clay)
*small fine pointed paintbrush
*yogurt cup for water, yogurt or cottage cheese lid for palette
*jewellery findings - only if desired - earring wires, pin backs (very small), charm bracelet
*your regular clay kit including pasta machine
*patience and a sense of humour!

Additional Tool Pics For The Cat Pin Class

Pictured above is the pigment ink marker I use to outline the cat's features, as well as the dollar store tool I use for making the cat's eyes.

March meeting - cat pins

Here is a picture of what we'll be making at the March meeting - it's a hinged cat by Debbie.

For materials

For materials you'll need

3 colours of clay to make a skinner blend
Some brads which can be bought at Michaels (use your 40% off coupon)
Liquid clay
A marker which can write on clay
A pin back
Some white clay for eyes

Your basic clay kit

Here's a picture of the brads.

February Meeting - paper clip bracelets

February's Meeting is how to make paper clip bracelets. This is considered an easy class and everyone should be able to walk away with a finished project. If you'd like, you can make earrings instead.

You'll need:

• Circle Kemper Cutters (or equivalent), size 7/16” and 5/8”
• Spiral paper clips (8-12, depending on your wrist size and whether you want earrings), I bought mine at Staples, an office supply store in Canada, they come 50 to a pack for about $7
• Jump rings, 2 mm inner diameter minimum, 8-12, these can vary in size
• A decorative sheet of clay, medium thickness (4 on my Amaco 7 setting pasta machine with 7 as the thickest setting), 2 inches by 2 inches, or big enough to cut 10-12 of the smaller circles. You can be creative here and use veneers, canes, mokume gane, whatever. Mica shift, however, won’t work.
• A complementary colour sheet of clay that will form the underneath, same pasta thickness setting, large enough to cut an equivalent number of circles. This can also be decorative but it's not critical.
• Pearlex and Future floor polish might also be helpful, but not required.

For the decorated side of the paper clip bring clay colours that you like. If you've got mistakes that are in the right colours for you but not big enough to do anything special with, this might be the use for the clay.

We'll also be doing a raffle and brainstorming for future class ideas. Bring books, ideas, and suggestions.

Cheers,

Sandy

Happy New Year Party

Come one come all to join us in our Happy New Year Party.

When: Sunday January 30, 1:00

Where: Japanese Cultural Centre, Toronto Ontario

What: An afternoon of socializing with old and new friends

Bring a potluck meal to share with others.

If you'd like, you can also bring a present to exchange. Ideally something you've made from clay or can be used with clay. Approximate gift value $10.

We'll have a show and tell as well for clay or other hobbies that you'd like to show off.

All are welcome, including people who've never been before. We're a friendly group.

Remember to bring your dues money if you haven't already paid.

Cheers,

Sandy