May 11, 2002

We met at the Earth Guild. There was a small but enthusiastic crowd. We were entertained by the rock band auditions at the theater behind the classroom but even they couldn't drown us out. There were the usual exchanges of tips and talk. We discussed regular business and the show at Grovewood galleries. We ooh-ed and aah-ed over all the tiles brought for the sign. Irene demonstrated theory on arranging tiles for a balanced and pleasing result. Irene and Suzanne worked on the middle of the sign. It is our logo with 3 x 3 tiles around it made by different members. Kathy Wu demonstrated making templates for letters and made the elegant lettering for it.

submitted by Maggie Westall, June 12, 2002

We laid out the tiles and discussed how we planned to arrange them. The center is an actual-size printout so we could better visualize the layout.

 Then Kathy demonstrated creating a stencil to be used for cutting out the polymer clay letters for the sign.

Patience is required! 

 A part of the finished stencil.

Then Kathy placed the stencil over the polymer clay and used it for precision cutting. Kay took mental notes.

 Suzanne and Irene worked on the shapes for the mountains.

Keeping the clay mountains properly shaped when moving them to the baking tray proved to be a challenge.

Show and tell included some tiny sandals that Suzanne made for the beach swap she's participating in. 

As well as some faux raku beads on a bracelet, and some mokume and silver leaf celestial jewelry, all by Maggie.