
This Clayday was a real day for swappers!

This swap was launched back in the Spring with the Greek Polymer Clay Guild and the theme was flower beads of any kind – caned, sculpted or anything you like! We had collected the beads from those taking part at the March Clayday and Sue Heaser had posted them all off to Greece. She had now received all the Greek beads from the Greek Polymer Clay Guild and these were spread out on a table for everyone to admire. We were really delighted with the variety, colour and the wonderful work that our fellow swappers in Greece had produced. The beads were then sorted into groups of five, giving as much variety in each group as possible and everyone who had taken part in the swap received a pack of five beads. It was not just a bag of beads – but a collection of ideas and inspiration as well.

We had been invited to swap with the North West Polymer Clay Guild in the USA and the chosen objects were texture sheets. The package had arrived already from the States and we all gathered round to admire the amazing ingenuity that had gone into creating these little texture sheets made of polymer clay. We had to get cracking and make lots of sheets to send back to the States so Sue demonstrated some texture sheets ideas and everyone settled down to make. Jo handled the baking and had a tough time keeping up with production! In the end we had almost enough and hopefully a few more sheets will turn up soon so that Sue can send back our contribution to the States.

Amelia had promised to show us how she makes her beautiful sculpted roses so we all gathered round to watch. Amelia has developed a really successful way of making very realistic roses and it was fascinating to see her pulling petals almost out of the air to create a delicate and convincing rose.
This continues to be a popular feature of our Claydays and the table had a variety of useful books and tools for sale at bargain prices which were snapped up. Enid had brought a collection of jewellery-making magazines to give away but we decided to put them in the raffle – thank you Enid!
The Raffle
This is always great fun and we usually have a nice collection of prizes brought by members. Jo had again brought some of her lovely fresh eggs from her own hens for the raffle - thank you Jo! Raffle prizes are always gratefully received so if you have anything you can contribute next time, do please bring it along.

See you next time - Sunday 21st July 2013.