Our March meeting was relatively small -- seven people -- and we had two new faces. Welcome Maggie from Charlotte and Penny from Traveler's Rest!

We talked first about the guild checking account, and all decided that Pat is trustworthy enough :) to have the checking account in her name ("doing business as the Blue Ridge Polymer Clay Guild"). This gets us a free checking account, possibly even earning a miniscule interest.

Another topic of discussion was the upcoming classes with Linda Goff in June. Remember, everyone -- the deadline for signing up is the April meeting -- that's April 8 for you to have your class fee to Pat. You can read all about these very cool classes if you check the archives on the BRPCG eGroups site. Everything I've read and heard indicates that Linda is an excellent teacher. Email Sara Jane at sjwhyte@email.unc.edu if you have any questions.

Also, we still don't have a location for the classes. If you are in the Asheville area, please do what you can to find us a suitable space!

You still have time to send your beads to me (Irene) if you want to contribute to Crafty Owl's 2,000 Beads for 2000 Project. Read about it in the list archives and email me at fatbak@pobox.com for my address. I'd like to get these in the mail to England by the beginning of next week, so please get them to me asap!

Newcomer Penny volunteered for two things -- first, she is willing to be our guild exhibit coordinator. This is a good way for our guild to get exposure (and get polymer clay out there too). As Penny organizes her thoughts on how to do this, she'll let us know what she needs from us.

Secondly, Penny offered to contact libraries and community organizations that print a directory of guilds and civic activities, and to see if we can be included in future printings. She seemed undaunted by what seems to be a couple of substantial tasks! Thanks, Penny.

Edie had an interesting suggestion, and it prompted a brief discussion with this result -- if anyone has extra supplies that they'd like to sell, bring them to any meeting to see if anyone in the guild would like to purchase them. This is a good way to get rid of something you might not need anymore, that someone else might be in the market for.

Likewise, if you are willing to organize a group purchase from a mail order source, bring the catalog to a meeting with you. For either of these, it might be beneficial to post a note to the group that you will be bringing supplies to sell or what company you're organizing an order for.

We had a brief, semi-successful, clean-your-pasta-machine demo. Semi-successful because for various reasons, several pasta machines could not be dismantled. But at least we know why. :)

Although a Clay Play Day had been scheduled, we spent the rest of the meeting talking and then ooh-ing and aah-ing over show and tell. Newcomer Maggie brought some delightful sculptures and newcomer Penny brought some lovely eggs. Marilyn brought jewelry made with a variety of techniques, including a very impressive Celtic knot cane. Pat and Byrd also brought their egg swap items, which prompted a plea for an egg demo from Byrd, Pat, and/or Penny.

Remember, if anyone has a demo they'd like to share with the group, contact Sara Jane, the demo coordinator.

See y'all next time!

submitted by Irene Semanchuk Dean, March 14, 2000