A couple weeks a ago I attended the CHA ( Craft and Hobby Association ) summer show in Illinois. I volunteered to go with Ilysa of Polymer Clay Productions to help her out with some filming she had planned to do . Ilysa is a fun and outgoing person to be around. Even though I already knew her from my membership with PCAGOE, this was the first time we had met in person. It was like seeing an old friend again! We had a blast that weekend. I got to meet Lisa Palveka (of Heart in Hand Studio and Covered in Clay) and watched her do a demo for Ilysa to film. She is a very sweet lady and I was very humbled in her presence. I wish I had had the time to sit in on one of the classes she taught that weekend. One can dream……

Even though I had a great time, I was a little disappointed with the show. It was 99% scrapbooking vendors. I was hoping that all of the polymer clay related companies were going to be there. Ilysa told me that there were a lot of companies that didn’t show up at this time. We did however meet with Kathy of Staedtler and she gave Ilysa the info on the Bottle of Hope Designer’s challenge. This year the theme is “A Message of Hope”. Here are the contest guidelines:

The bottle used must be any standard size bottle such as the ones used during chemotherapy treatment, insulin bottles, or any glass bottle 4 inches or smaller.

75% of the piece must be made with Fimo brand clay

All entries must be received by December 15, 2008.

Three award categories:

Best expression of hope, chosen by Lisa Pavleka and the Staedtler group.

Best of show, chosen by leading editors in the craft industry.

Peoples choice award, chosen from the attendees.

Each winner will get $250 for themselves and $500 donated to a cancer related charity or hospital of their choice.

The top four entries will receiving the most votes at CHA will receive a gift basket valued at $100 retail.

Get busy on your submissions, December always seems to sneak up on some people (like me) .

Good luck on everyone’s entries.

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Kawaii Cat Pancakes Polymer Clay Tutorial

POP! – Perspectives on Polymer

Contemporary Craft is thrilled to be hosting POP! – Perspectives on Polymer June 25-29, 2022. A five-day celebration of contemporary work in polymer, the event will have something for everyone who loves polymer clay. POP! will feature four workshops along with virtual talks by some of the best polymer artists in the country, an exhibition of small works in polymer, and a curated feature in the Store. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 25, 6-8 PM, and will be free and open to the public.

POP!’s focus on workshops and the materiality of polymer makes this boutique event more than just a conference. Each participating artist was selected for their unique perspectives on polymer and the exciting ways they are moving the medium forward. The featured instructor for the event is Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, whose pioneering techniques in polymer have made him one of the most respected artists in the field. His jewelry and sculptural objects have been shown in many national invitational exhibitions, and his works are represented in numerous private collections, galleries and museums.

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POP! – Perspectives on Polymer