Polymer Clay...and more...

using a technique as 'your own'

There has been a lot of talk around the polymer world as of late about teaching someone else's technique as your own.  Granted that once you 'publish' an article on a technique  or project, it belongs to the world.  I don't have a problem with fellow artists learning a technique and even making pieces to sell.  I do think there is a problem when an artist blatantly takes someone else's technique and TEACHES it as their own.   Two very important friends of mine are dealing with this presently.  I think that the very important fact here is that the contract for this conference clearly states that classes should NOT be based on a technique already published in an article.   I have been the biggest fan of Bead and Button Magazine and Show, but find that this situation makes me think less of it!  It would have been a dream of mine to teach at Bead and Button Show, but now to find out that there are polymer classes being taught that are techniques totally stolen from my friends!  I realize that the polymer community is a very small part of the Bead and Button Show.  But this is a big thing to us.  I am proud of Dorothy and Donna for standing up for themselves.  It may have not made a big thump to the B & B Show, but at least we know.  Honestly, it would still be a dream of mine to teach at B & B Show.  I hope that taking this stand won't hurt any future chances I may have, but I felt it was necessary to voice my opinion.

Beth Curran at Buckeye Bash

Beth Curran shared her wonderful version of kaleidescope caning.  She has some interesting thoughts about putting components on the 'edge' of the cane.  People throughout the retreat room were caning away with Beth's ideas running through their minds.  OK....maybe most of us can't get Beth's ideas (she is WAY too smart for most of us!), but we can try to grasp her clay ideas!  Thanks, Beth

Mary E.

I love her.  Every time I see one of her flowers, I think of a flower cane.  I take joy in the color.  In the fun.  I love Mary E.

Jean Comport at Buckeye Bash

Jean Comport is a fun and funky person and brought her wild style and ideas to share with everyone at the Buckeye Bash.  I am going to post some photos of Jean's cool 'stuff'...check out the "Pasta Machine Goddess" as well as all the other goodies.  Jean taught classes in 'shoe painting'...wow there were some funky shoes being painted at the bash!  And miniature book making.  And Jean is an expert in both!     Here is a photo of Jean and Anita Behnen. I am posting some smaller photos of Jean teaching, and more of her fun stuff.

Neat Inro I Found On Flickr

I was browsing Flikr and found this really neat Inro done by MW Donnelly.  I don't know this artist, but thought this was really nice.  I am hoping to get some photos posted from the Buckeye Bash later this week.  It's been a stressful week.  The Witan French Market show was WONDERFUL!!  It's a small show put on by a woman's charity organization.  They had one of their best years ever, with lots of women coming through the show, and BUYING.  It was a really good show for me, and I had nothing new...just remains of last years inventory.  I have had a unbelievable week health wise.  Went to family doctor on Monday, saw the pain management doctor on Tuesday, and then the urologist today.  To top off the deal, I got the flu on Wednesday.  My back is still sore from the injections, but at least I feel like someone is treating my back pain at this time.  FINALLY after almost a year.   I am going in next Thursday and under sedation they will give me a shot directly into the nerves by the spine where they think I have nerve damage.  I've been through every other test, this can't hurt!  (Well, actually the injection spots DO hurt, but whatever!)  Off the topic of my back problems!   I am also hoping to post some photos of new beads shortly.....