Polymer Clay

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Benefit Class

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I received this information from Lee Ann Armstrong this morning, and knew that I had to pass it on.   Here’s a chance to take a class from a fabulous artist, while helping out a member of the polymer clay community:

“Christi Friesen has offered to do a 3 day workshop, April 17,18, & 19th, 2009. That’s 3 fun filled days of generously discounted classes. We can’t begin to thank Christi for her help in this event!!!


This workshop is a benefit event for polymer clay artist Ponsawan Silapiruti’s daughter Ada. Ponsawan is polymer clay jewelry artist living in Indianapolis and her work has been featured several times on Polymer Clay Daily.


You may know the story: On March 2,2008, Ada was a vibrant, caring young woman full of life, excitement, and promise. On March 3rd 2008 she was in a coma with brain damage and broken bones. Hit by a drunk driver that sustained no damage. The world changed for Ponsawan, Ada and their family.


Ada is home now being lovingly cared for by her mother. Ponsawan has found it in her heart to forgive the drunk driver (she is a better person than I am). Ponsawan rejoices in Ada’s small accomplishments; a glance here, moving her hand. Progress is slow but the expense of caring for Ada, even at home, isn’t slow and continues to mount.


Full workshop details and online or snail mail register form is available at:

http://www.indianabeadsociety.org/class-friesen.htm


I hope that people will attend the classes or consider a donation to help Ada (and

Ponsawan).  http://dearada.blogspot.com/


co-sponsored by Indiana Polymer Clay guild and Indiana Bead Society”

——–

Thanks for your help in spreading the word,

Lee Ann Armstrong

[tags]ponsawon, indiana polymer clay guild, indiana bead society, christi freisen, benefit class[/tags]

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Comments

  3. Christi’s new on line classes and workshops are all listed on her site now.

    cforiginals.com

    She’s very busy! Might come your way with one of her wonderful, delightful classes…even if you’re in Ireland and Australia! luvjean

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Mache Molding Compound

There are some craft projects that feel like they belong on a rainy afternoon kitchen table, and this Milk Mache Molding Compound is exactly one of them. It is part craft, part science experiment, and part “wait… did we just turn milk into something solid?”

This clever little project from CraftBits shows you how to make a simple homemade molding compound using just milk and vinegar. The idea is wonderfully old-school: when the vinegar reacts with the milk, it separates into curds and liquid, leaving you with a soft mixture that can be pressed, shaped, and dried into a hard, stone-like material.

It’s a lovely one to try with kids, especially if you enjoy hands-on STEM-style crafts that do not require a trolley full of supplies. You can use the finished compound to make small charms, beads, ornaments, rustic tags, or simple molded shapes. Just keep the pieces small and thin, as this is not really the sort of compound you would use for large sculptures or anything that needs to be perfectly smooth.

What I like most about this project is how accessible it is. Most of us already have milk, vinegar, a bowl, and paper towel in the kitchen, which makes it a brilliant last-minute craft activity. It also has that slightly magical quality children love — one minute it is liquid, the next it is turning into a moldable material.

A couple of tips before you try it: use whole milk if you can, as it tends to give a better result than skim or semi-skimmed milk. White vinegar is also the best choice, as darker vinegars may affect the colour and texture. And don’t rush the draining stage. If the mixture is too wet, it will be soggy and hard to shape; if it is too dry, it may crumble.

This would be a fun companion activity for our other kids craft ideas, especially if you are looking for something simple, inexpensive, and a little bit educational. It also fits nicely with home crafts and handmade gift embellishments if you want to turn your dried shapes into tags or decorations.

Would I call this a polished, professional clay substitute? No. Would I call it a wonderfully curious, messy, memorable craft experiment? Absolutely.

If you enjoy homemade craft supplies, kitchen-table experiments, or easy projects that make children ask “how did that happen?”, this Milk Mache Molding Compound is well worth a try.

You can find the full project instructions here: Milk Mache Molding Compound