I love learning something new....

So I am in a halloween swap on Craftster and my partner wished for this adorable acorn "purse" thingy. I think it is adorable and am thinking of making one for me too!!!

Anyways, the first row instructions said "Magic Circle". Now I've never been what you call an expert crocheter, but I was totally lost. So, I googled it (with the word crochet of course, lest I stumble upon something less than work-friendly) and I found this handy tutorial!!

So, I've just learned somethingnew today that can really help my crocheting!!!!

YAY!

Stumbleupon brings me something AWESOME!!

So, I've found another swap site. Swap-bot.com.

It seems to specialize in smallish swaps, which is just FINE by me!!!

I just started making ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) for folks not yet in the know. So I joined a swap for ATC's. So that should be fun!!!

I am thinking of starting a swap here too!!!

Twilight New Moon Swap from Craftster

Stuff I made and sent to my swap partner:

Stuff she made and sent to me:

She sent WAY over the limit, and they were such nice items, that I felt guilty.

So....who wants to do a local craft swap?!?

Anyone in?

Okay, my Nationwide Polymer Clay Class - Finally

So, I promised I'd write about teaching my first Polymer Clay Class for Nationwide Insurance's Jewelry Class.

Firstly, I had made plans to teach a few techniques that kinda got changed VERY last second under the advisement of Miss M. On top of that, I had about 10 minutes to rush to the conference room and set up before the class got there for the lunchtime session. (note to self: lunch classes really aren't enough time)

So, I got there and was sweaty, exhausted and worried that the change in lesson might throw me off. I started pulling out all the clay. I barely got out all the supplies before ladies started coming in. The next 50 minutes was mostly a blur, even though I had spent the week before it carefully planning witty quips and helpful pointers.

I've determind that one hour is NOT enough for a polymer clay class. If I can avoid it in the future, I'm gonna try. It's just not long enough to teach at a pace where everyone has a change to get attention. So the whirlwind class ends and I bake their beads.

Several hours later, the second class started. I had one pretty experienced polymer clay student and mostly newbies. Now this is when I started learning some valuable teaching lessons.

1. If you have time, prepare pieces in various stages. So you don't have to make the items along with the students.
   
2. Do not encourage speeders, because if they are assuming what you want them to do, they aren't listening and will most likely mess something up.
3. Keep calm when adults get upset that their project doesn't look like another's....because in the end, it's the finished product that is the important thing.
   
4. Walk around and help people. Talking and demonstrating only work until the students start using their hands. Then their ears and eyes are focused on their work, not what you're saying/doing.
   
5. Teaching is fun, especially when someone is certain they've "messed it up", because when you get to the end and you slice open your canes, the look on their faces when it turns out great is too fun to miss.

Class 1's beads! Not shabby!!

My first professional Class

So, yesterday, I spent teaching classes on making basic canes out of polymer clay.

It was exciting, I have to say!! There were a few students that made me want to no longer teach adults, but in the end it was better. I learned some valuable lessons about teaching adults, which I will post tomorrow.

I also have some pictures to be posted tomorrow.

I was just excited that I actually survived two classes of about 8 women each!!!

More news tomorrow.

Wow...I'm not worthy

I was reading today's e-mail from the polymer clay guild. I've seen this guy's videos back in the 80's and had no idea how they worked. His name is David Daniels and he's frankly amazing!

It seems his work is 4D polymer clay. Yes, 4D. He builds huge polyclay canes and slices away layers to reveal the animation. Unles you've made a clay cane, it's hard to really fathom how he does it. Having made several really tiny ones...I can not only appreciate his work, but have been sitting here with my mouth agape. Completely in awe.



Just....friggin speechless.....

Teaching a Polymer Clay class!!!

So it seems I will be teaching my first formal class on polymer clay. One certain Miss M at Nationwide has hired me to teach for the Art Club.

I'm totally stoked about this!!! I am going to head to the local craft store tonight to find teaching materials. And who knows, maybe this IS what I'm supposed to be doing!!!

I can't wait!!!