Business:

Irene conducted the meeting. She announced that guild elections are to be held in February 2002. Ballots will be distributed in January. Look for an e-mail soon from Irene about elections.

Gail showed additions to the library: several jewelry and bead magazines, "The Best Little Beading Book," and "Creative Ways with Polymer Clay" by Dotty McMillan.

We discussed formation of the Smoky Mountain Polymer Clay Guild, which will meet in Sevierville, TN, on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Several members expressed interest in exploring some shared activities and resources with SMPCG and the Tennessee/Kentucky guild.

Gail and Marion reported on the Grovewood exhibit. They said the BRPCG tree is beautiful and the whole exhibit is tasteful and attractive. The gallery is not using live trees this year; ornaments are displayed on lighted tree-like constructions.

Kathy and Byrd were at the Goddess Shop today on Montford Ave. Irene proposed a group dropping in on them after the meeting.

Maggie attended the ACC show in Charlotte, where she met clay artist Carolyn Zilliacus. CZ said she'd be open to arranging a seminar with BRCPG when she's in the area in order to save travel expenses. Irene contacted Elise Winters to see if she would consider a similar arrangement.

Show & Tell:

Irene has signed a contract to write a version of "The Weekend Crafter" for children. Congratulations, Irene!

Maggie showed some beautiful "crackle" textures and patterns she's achieved by using powders on unbaked clay painted with Verithane or TLS.

Gail showed fantastic baskets she made of hand-marbled paper at the Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. One particularly beautiful, ornate basket Gail says she'll never sell: It was so labor-intensive that she wants it someday to contain the ashes of her mortal remains.

Suzanne showed the results of some experiments she's done transferring ink-jet printer output to clay, using Invent It! body sticker tattoos.

Irene shared a tip she's discovered: When using Armor-all as a mold release, let it dry before putting clay in the mold.

For the January Meeting:

January is a materials-swap month, so be sure to bring any and all craft materials to swap.

We agreed to try our first "PC Challenge" in January. The theme is "black and white." Anyone who wants to participate should bring in a black and white creation to show and discuss.

Happy holidays to all!

submitted by Suzanne Ivester, December 11, 2001