WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

Hi Everyone...
Welcome to MPCG 2011. This is where you will come to get all the information you need to attend our seventh annual Polymer Clay Gathering held here in Morrisburg Ont. from Thurs. April 07 to Sun. April 10.. Here you will find registration and hotel information as well as demo descriptions, schedules and material lists. Be patient with us, we are just getting started!
You can also come here and post any questions or queries you may have.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The basic clayer's kit

Clay of your choice,
pasta machine (no motor),
work surface,
tissue blade,
knife or scraper,
roller,
wet/dry sand paper,
note taking and drawing materials,
index cards,
paper towels,
texturing materials,
modeling tools such as knitting needles or what you like to use,
piercing tools,
x-acto knife,
mould release,
glue,
smile.

MPCG-09 Class description: Violette Laporte

Bookmaking 101
Recently, I learned how to make books with Coptic stitching. And because it is a lot of fun and making a book is rewarding, I thought I would share this with you. This is not a clay project; it involves paper and sewing. It is therefore a very optional class (I mean, more optional than others because they are all optional he he). The clay involved will be making your clay covers in advance. I was quite happy/proud to hold that first book and I hope I can help you to acquire that same feeling.

Materials list
Clay covers (2), finished, no holes drilled, 1 to 4 thickness, and measuring 3 ¼ by 4 ¼. I will also have instructions for a cover measuring 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 as well: it is the size of Moleskines which are quite practical. It does not really matter if your measurements are not exact. We are not looking for perfection here.

Thread. I use the waxed linen found at Wall Mart; it comes in black or beige. Can be found where the beading stuff is (you might even have some leftover from some past projects – go and look). You can also wax your own thread. The important thing is to use a thread that does not stretch at all; it also has to be strong.
Paper. For your first book I would not go all out. So get a sketchpad that you can draw or write on and is not expensive. I would suggest you share the sketchpad because you won’t need all that much paper. I have a pad with sheets that measure 9x12 and I use 6 or seven sheets to make a book. You can also use any paper that you have available.
A cutting surface, x acto knife and ruler (I like the metal ones if you decide to tear your paper for a more handmade look), pencil.
An awl for poking holes in your signatures (those are your paper sheets folded and assembled).
Needle for sewing: make sure the thread can go through the needle hole.
Bone folder if you have one; if not you can use anything, even your nails.
A drill to make the holes in your covers. The holes must be fairly small because if they are too large, your book will be wobbly. I use a 1/16 size drill bit; the 1/8 size drill bit also works. It is a good idea to make a handle for your bit. Below: a visual idea of the materials list.



MY first book:

To see others, go and take a look at my blog .

Monday, February 16, 2009

MPCG-09 Class description: Georgia Ferrell

Fanciful Fabric and other stuff

This class will be to explore how to make and what can be done with various thickness of clay ‘fabric’.

Some uses are:
Dressing dolls
Surface treatment for and wrapping beads
Covering vessels
Decorating flat surfaces
Book pages

This fabric can be cut, can be painted, can be written on, stamped, screen printed--- among other things, which we can explore.
It can be made to a specific shape or pattern.

Check out the photos for some examples.
I will offer some specific projects for you to try, or come with some ideas of your own!

Materials list

Bring some or all of the stuff along with items 1 and 2.
1. Basic kit of clay and tools
2. Liquid clay of your choice… try to have several, including some coloured, although you can
colour your own.
I like fimo gel, but it is hard to get. I also use kato medium and tls.

3. Sparkles, glitter, flakes, pearl ex and other powders
4. Inks, acrylic paints
5. Metal leaf, jones tones foils, etc.
6. Yarns, thin fabrics like silk, tissue paper
7. Old baked clay, thin wire, ribbons, small mementos like ticket stubs—not too thick tho.

Other stuff
A heat gun – will have to check this one out for power supply, but I am sure we can figure
out how to have at least one available.
A grater of some sort
Scissors
Well, whatever else you want…………………….
Here are some pictures to whet your appetite.




and finally an apron for Morrisburg!

MPCG-09 Class description: Sandy Willis

Fun With Flakes

Come experiment with the iridescent flakes that no one really knows what to do with. We will learn how to make earrings and/or pendants as well as other items as time permits.

Materials list

typical stuff (pasta machine, clay, blades, roller, liquid clay, etc)
Grummer or other flakes (Michaels has them in their paper making section, use the 40% off coupon), one bag is plenty and people can easily share a bag
Optional stuff:
-gold or silver leaf, Jones Tones foils, and other embellishments
-Pinata or other inks (I have about 10 colours that I'm willing to share)
-stamps
-stamp ink pads
-small containers or storage sacks to store flakes in
-small tiles
-memory glass
-pearlex or other powders
-if you want to make earrings you'll need some round nose pliers. I will have my own with me for sharing.


I will have a small supply kit for everyone for other items such as earring findings and brooch backs. Cost will likely be $2 with proceeds to charity.
Here are a few pictures of what you can accomplish.



MPCG-09 Class description: Gaby Orbach

"Brocade" Frame


My class will be technique oriented finishing with an easy project - to explore different surface techniques by texturing the clay, applying paint, metallic powders or foils to the raised areas and then rolling flat to achieve a silkscreen effect. Variations on the theme will also be introduced. After experimenting with different decorated clay sheets, a decorative frame will be created by covering it with reassembled pieces of the prepared decorated sheets. The time line (3 hrs.) for the class will be as follows: spend half the time to explore the different surface techniques and then spend the rest of the session to decorate the frame. If time allows, I will have jewellery samples with the same technique that some participants might also like to experiment with.

Materials list

-black polymer clay (enough clay at widest setting of pasta machine to cover your size frame;I used a 71/2" by 6" frame approximately.)
-wooden frame - should be conditioned in a 250 degree oven for 15-20 minutes and covered with a layer of modge podge when dry.
-patterned stamps,texture sheets or any other materials that create texture
N.B. the above should produce a shallow stamp
-pigment powders,stamping inks or acrylic paints (your choice of colours including metallics).I will be using mostly acrylic paints such as gold,copper,silver and metallic emerald green.
-dry release agent - cornstarch,baby powder
-gold foil sheets
-cosmetic sponges or sponge dabbers (optional)
-cardboard (for frame template)
-scissors
-varnish (liquid floor wax)
Here are a few pictures to give you an idea.



MPCG-09 Class description: Jacey Culham

Funky Fast Food in Miniature

In this class Jacey will teach you how to make a selection of fast food - in miniature! These
adorable little food items can be used as funky jewellery pieces, as scrapbook embellishments, for dollhouses - or - for the doll makers in our group - as fast food for dolls, bears or fairies. The food created will include Hamburgers, Hot dogs, French Fries and Poutine plus all the necessary toppings (pickles, relish, mustard, ketchup etc). For dessert we will make that all Canadian favourite - Doughnuts! No special skills or tools are required for this class - clayers of any skill level will have fun and produce great results. A little kit of basic tools will be provided for each student at no extra charge.

Materials list

Besides your usual clay kit you will need -
*Clay - to successfully create miniatures a firm clay is best - I usually use Fimo Classic but Kato or pre-leached Premo will work too. You will need small amounts (half a small block) each of white, yellow, ecru/beige, dark brown, red, green, black, and if you have them- Fimo terra cotta, rosewood and caramel. If you don't have these - don't worry we can mix them from Kato or Premo.

*Fine pointed tweezers to pick your tiny food items
*TLS or liquid Kato or Fimo gel
*Small good paintbrush size 0 or 00
*Small old paintbrush for dry brushing
*yogurt or cottage cheese lid to use as disposable palette
* small yogurt cup or small jar to use for water for painting
*Loctite Gel Cyanoacrylate glue

* PATIENCE and a sense of humour!

MPCG-09 Class description: Wendy Orlowski

Resolution Steampunk !

At the beginning of this year I decided that I would try not to be such a consumer. Instead I vowed to start using up some of my stash and that's how I got on the Steampunk bandwagon.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Steampunk think old school. I mean really old school, like back when everything was still steam powered. It's all about fictional technology and things encrusted with metal bits and gears. Throw in a bit of fantasy, some timelessness and some whimsy and you've got Steampunk.

In this workshop we will be creating a pendant or brooch in the Steampunk style that incorporates the CaBezel Jewellery Molds (if you don't know what these are you can go to www.shadesofclay.com to get an idea, but don't worry, I'll be bringing enough for everyone to use.)

In the first part of the class I will demonstrate how easy it is to use the molds. We will make various bezels and learn how to turn a few into "earth crystals" using liquid clay. We'll also use a "Skinner blend" to create a cabochon that resembles an old polished stone that was perhaps mined years earlier.
Next we combine these finished pieces with some scrap clay, some metallic powders and a whole bunch of tiny metal bits to create a timeless looking piece of jewellery that can be worn as a pendant or brooch and if time permits we can make a small pair of earrings to match.

Now run off and start taking apart your old jewellery and that broken watch to get all of those tiny, shiny, fancy bits of metal!!

Aptly named because I came up with this class proposal after making my New Year's resolution : To use up some of my stash before buying anything new!!!!!!!)

Materials list

-patty papers
-spray bottle of water for a release agent
-acrylic rod/roller
-a firm clay (like Kato for the bezels)
-I prefer to use black clay as a base when I'm attempting to imitate metal but scrap clay can work just as well
-any Pearlex powders or pulvers so you can mimic your favourite metal
-fine glitter
-liquid clay
-small texture tools ( buttons work well)
-a few colours of clay to make a skinner blend(This will be used to make a cabochon that will resemble some kind of rock or stone from nature)

-Tiny little metal bits in silver or gold or both. Tiny washers, springs, chain, buttons, metal beads, glass beads, screws, scrapbooking supplies, grommets etc. As long as it is small it will work.
Dig into your husband's/mother's or sister's stashes.
TRY NOT TO BUY ANYTHING NEW FOR THIS PART !!!!!!
I will bring stuff to share.

If any of you ladies already have the CaBezels Molds please bring them along. If you don't already have them....no worries, I will bring some molds for you to play with.
Here are a few pictures to give you an idea.





This was sent to the group in March and I am adding it here.

One of our SOPCG guild members recently mentioned that she was having a difficult time knowing what type of metal parts i was requesting for my steampunk workshop so i decided to take a few pics and put them on my blog .

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules as to what you must use. Just about anything will work.

Think old school, steam powered, fictional technology , metal bits and gears,fantasy and whimsy.

Here is the link http://www.theartofmyclay.blogspot.com/

I'm really lookinmg forward to MPCG !!! See you there.
Wendy

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Reminder

Just a reminder that you have 2 weeks (Feb. 15th) to get your checks  
to us. Until then, your spot is reserved, after that, we are opening  
it up,  and we already have a waiting list started so, don't delay!!
We need one  $50.00 check for your deposit and one post dated check  
(April 2) for the remainder. (325 for a double and 450 for a single  
room.
It would also be very helpful to us, if you let us know by email if  
you are NOT going to be attending MPCG this year.
Thanks a bunch and don'f forget to visit the MPCG Blog.
  http://mpcg2009.blogspot.com/
Margi and Vio.