Fellow Guild Members,

We had a wonderful meeting this month. After chatting while waiting for everyone to arrive, we finally settled down to discuss business, including welcoming new members. Afterwards we had our informal demonstration on making polymer clay eggs. Byrd started the discussion by showing us her techniques using blown out natural eggshells, and she started us making eggs along with her demo. Then Nancy showed us her variations on the idea including covering eggs directly with canes. I (Sara Jane) had brought the plastic egg shells that I have been covering, and briefly discussed what I do differently to cover these. Although similar in basics, each person did things a little differently. Pat brought back her eggs from the recent egg swap that she was in, and we passed examples of everyone's eggs around to admire. There were definitely tips shared that were new to most of us, and although I always learn much from each meeting there is always one tip
that makes it all worthwhile. This meeting was no exception. I couldn't wait to try my new tips at home and I have been thrilled with the results. During the breaks for cooking we continued with sharing our new works and the announcements. We also shared some Celtic stamps during the last part of the meeting, and many people got to take home not only eggs but some new stamp molds. It just doesn't pay to miss meetings!

Some items of business:

1) We are currently in the second quarter, so anyone joining the Guild now (through the end of June) will owe $15.00 for this year by our pro-rated pricing schedule.

2) Classes with Linda Goff in June: We have enough people to definitely offer both classes, so that means sign up is still possible until we fill up the available spaces. We have a location!! Classes will be held at Chevron Beads in downtown Asheville. The directions to Chevron have been posted to the BRPCG list site on eGroups. Cost per class is $50.00 for BRPCG members, and $60.00 for non-members. Please specify which class you want. You can mail checks (made out to Pat Smith) to hold your spot in a class to our treasurer:
Pat Smith
8 Hilltop Drive
Travelers Rest, SC 29690-1608
This will take the place of the June meeting, so there will be no meeting in June at the YWCA.

3) May meeting plans: Byrd has offered to teach her class in polymer clay painting. She will be trying out on us the class she will be teaching at the Polymer Clay Haven Retreat, so you have a wonderful opportunity to experience this talented teacher as part of your guild benefits. You certainly can't beat that price. We will be holding this class at Byrd's studio in Bristol, Virginia instead of our regular location at the YWCA in Asheville. There was some discussion of carpooling, both with the people in Asheville, and with the people who will be going through Asheville on their way to Bristol. I would suggest posting a request for car-poolers to the BRPCG eGroups list if you are interested. We will get back to you later with both directions and a supply list.

If I left out anything important, please feel free to add your own
post. We love to hear from everyone in the guild.

submitted by Sara Jane Whyte, April 16, 2000