|
August
2010 at Dragonfly Beads
103
Wesley St
Manlius, NY 13104
315-682-3207
| August already? Wow, time sure does
fly. It certainly flew by for me last week: I was
attending the PMC Conference at Purdue in Layfayette IN!
It was a lot of fun, and I’m back energized, recharged and
ready to work on new projects in PMC.
The most exciting news is that
there is new clay on the block! PMC Pro was announced at
the conference! PMC Pro is a new silver alloy, which is
stronger that any of the silver metal clays before it. It has
a much longer working time, it works like butter, it's easy to
carve and texture, and it is MUCH stronger as fired clay than
any of the clays before it. That means it will hold up in
rings, bracelets and can withstand traditional metalsmithing
techniques once it's fired. I can't get my hands on in
until October, but I can't wait! Also officially
announced was the new Fast Fire Bronz clay. This has a
MUCH faster firing temperature as well as more consistent
results and I’m looking forward to playing with it and trying
some bigger pieces.
I purchased a lot of fun new toys
for the store, including a rivet and grommet tool, so once
that arrives and I master it, expect some fun and “riveting”
metal projects! I was also able to get back issues of
Issue #3 of Metal Clay Artist Magazine, so if you missed out
the first time around, you can still get your hands on this
issue! To read more
about my time at the conference, check out www.dragonflybead.blogspot.com.
Remember that over the summer,
classes are a la carte! If there is a class you’d like
to take, simply call the store and make an appointment!
Most classes can be accommodated on a 1 on 1 basis and
scheduled to fit into your busy lives. Suggestions for
new classes are always welcome!
The second session of Kids Summer
Bead Camp starts on Tuesday, August 17th. Camp meets
from 9 am to 12 noon from Tuesday through Friday, August
20th. Session 1 was a lot of fun, so sign up your crafty
camper for session 2! The cost for all 4 days of camp
(including all supplies) is $100. Call the store at
682-3207 to register. Please register by Saturday,
August 14th.
The store will be hosting another
Rio Rewards PMC Certification October 8th, 9th and 10th.
This is such a wonderful class, and after my time at the PMC
Conference, I’m even more excited that I’m able to offer this
course at the shop! Rio Grande hand selects the best of
the best for their Senior Instructors, and Chris Darway has
certainly made a name for himself in the Metal Clay
world. He is an incredibly patient and skilled
instructor and just all around nice guy. The 3-day
course costs $425, which includes all the materials (and
believe me, you’ll be getting a LOT of Metal Clay!).
Students will complete 7 projects, which will test student’s
proficiency using PMC in a variety of ways. New
techniques will be taught and mastered. For more
information or to register, call 1-866-345-2698 or email
education@riogrande.com. After completion of the class,
each student will be awarded a certificate and enrolled in the
Rio Grande Rio Rewards program (which means discounts on clay
and PMC tools!). In addition, each student receives a
one-year membership in the PMC guild. And keep in mind
how blissfully wonderful it is to be able to take 3 days and
JUST PLAY WITH CLAY with a wonderful and patient
instructor! This class wil3l be limited to 10, so sign
up early!
We have TWO winners of the 40%
off drawing this month! (The cards stuck together when I
picked them out of the basket, and it didn’t seem right to
throw one back!) Congratulations to Joan Morris and
Barbara Mangicaro! Congratulations to both!
Enjoy this last month of
Summer, get inspired and stay crafty!
erin |