Videos
Jean and I arrived at the tent with our munchies just in time to look in on Twocan Clay - Janet Pitcher and Kelly Steindorf - as they showed how to plan and troubleshoot making a cane. Christie Friesen arrived just minutes before her demonstration where she showed us how to make a sea turtle and a frog. The mechanics were almost brain dead simple once we saw how it was done. However, her whimsy in embellishing is where her inherent talent truly lays. Donna Kato arrived in the early afternoon and showed us how her PC Brocade is put together. Again, once seen it is another simple technique that renders elegant sheets of clay. She also gave a short demonstration on how to maximize the conditioning of her clay so it would be easily usable. Compression before running it through the pasta machine is essential to get the molecules moving - much like the old Fimo Classic. By slicing it slightly larger than the widest setting on the pasta machine and then applying considerable pressure while rolling the slice with an acrylic roller (or similar rolling tool) and then running it through the pasta machine makes a world of difference in how Kato Clay handles. If this method does not work with Kato Clay and the block continues to crumble or be difficult to manipulate, Donna has asked for all users to please contact Vernon at Prairie Craft and explain what has happened. She has promised all malfunctioning clay will be replaced. Late afternoon Lisa Pavelka arrived with her family and gave her evening demonstration on how easy it is to make transfers using water slides. Ever popular, transfers drew a huge crowd and her waterslides at the store disappeared with alacrity.
As the day progressed, the bulk of the attendees began to wander in. Among them was syndee holt, Marie and Howard Segal, Carol Potter, Judith Skinner, and too many others to name - both known and unknown. The chatter and laughter and decibel level rose inside and out of the tent as people linked up with friends and got to know others who were new to them.
Between demonstrations, I continued to work away at my feather dusters and also managed to cobble up a couple "harfs" for the store. A harf is a Hat and scARF combination, also known as "magic tubes." Knitted on a round hand held loom, these delightful accessories are ideal for folks who live in areas where nights get cool, but not frigid. I also gave more foot rubs to people with aching feet. Much of my time was spent wandering up and down the aisles looking at the progress of the projects found at most of the creation stations, complimenting, picking brains and greeting new arrivals. I was blown away by the talent of beginners and experienced clayers alike. To be in an entire roomful of artisans is like a shot of adrenaline. The muse sucks inspiration from the very air. I also watched Sam Katz as she began the two day project of covering a bowl with millions (I exaggerate, but not by much *crooked grin*) of tiny rounds of clay and a dragon. Her imagination runs closely with the whimsy of her awesome mentor, Christie Friesen, but is showing definite signs of delightful individuality.
Dinner was hosted by the SDPCG and was Mexican Food with strawberry margaritas. The guys and gals did an outstanding job and the dinner was exquisite. The margaritas were absolutely delicious! Everyone ate in the tent and the conversation was muted as we all appreciated the goodness of the spread. Myra had determined I was bug free, so I was able to enjoy her company as we sat next to each other and commented on all the talent in the tent, what we traded and the little triumphs we'd had up to this point.
Right after the dinner was the raffle and many items had been donated to bid on by the attending artisans and by companies sponsoring the retreat. All of the raffle tickets were sold except for a small handful, raising over $1000 for the "Julie fund," enabling the guild to pay for two classes for 2005. It was my treat to watch as Myra won a bag of Pearlex ink pads with refills, much to her obvious delight. She was like a kid with a new toy. Later that evening, Twocan Clay awarded Myra with the gift of her own Bottle of Hope with slices of fish canes built by several of the attendees with her in mind. We all wept a bit.
Jean and I ran out of steam around 9.30p and walked back to our cottage to flop on our beds and wind down. We slept soundly with our brains giving out from the inspiration overload.
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Copyright 2004
Colleen D. Bergeron.
Last revised: November 30, 2004.
