Workshops

The Chicago Polymer Clay Guild is excited to announce our Spring 2025 workshops with Shelley Atwood. Please join us for this two-day Zoom event.

Saturday: Carved Wearable Vessels

In the Carved Vessel Pendants class, we’ll delve into several key techniques. Participants will learn to carve using an inexpensive gouge. We’ll cover essential carving tips like moving the clay for smoother curves, using light to highlight carved lines, and sanding for better tool grip. The class will guide you through creating practice sheets for texture plates, and discuss optimal clay types and curing conditions to prevent air bubbles and breakage. You’ll also learn how to construct the vessel itself, from cutting and curing identical front and back pieces to carving them post-cure. Techniques for crafting and sizing the talisman to fit within the vessel, assembling the vessel with an internal skeleton and external tube, and creating a functional lid will be thoroughly explored. Finally, we’ll cover the assembly and finishing touches, including cord threading for wearability.

Sunday: Textured, Hinged Pendants

In the class on Textured, Hinged Pendants, participants will learn a variety of fundamental techniques essential for crafting these unique pieces. We’ll start with different methods for adding texture to polymer clay, including carving raw clay, using ball stylus and homemade tools, and employing household items for unique impressions. The class will cover preparing and conditioning clay, ensuring it’s at the right consistency for detailed work. You’ll also learn how to shape your pendants using templates and cutters, and how to integrate textures into these shapes effectively. A key focus will be on creating hinges using techniques like folding, using ferrule cutter tubes, and extruding tubes for different design effects. Finally, we’ll explore finishing touches like applying trim and creating bails, alongside the assembly of the pendant with hinge mechanisms to ensure functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Registration

These Zoom-only workshops will be held Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 9am to 4pm with a lunch break both days. You may register for both days, or each day individually. Registrants will be provided with a supply list and Zoom link upon receipt of paid registration. The workshop will be recorded for paid participants and will be available for six months after conclusion of the workshop.

• Both days: $155 for CAPCG members, and $180 for non-members (which includes a one-year CAPCG membership).
• Single day: $80 for CAPCG members, and $105 for non-members (which includes a one-year CAPCG membership).

Please fill out out this form to register. Registration/payment deadline is April 26, 2025. Cancellation deadline is also April 17 to qualify for a refund. Cancellations after April 26 will not receive a refund of workshop fee.

Past Workshops

Donna Kato
Sara Shriver
Gwen Gibson
Marla Frankenberg
Lindly Haunani
Christi Friesen
Carol Simmons
Lynne Anne Schwarzenberg
Maureen Carlson
Nan Roche
Doreen Kassel
Jana Roberts Benzon
Donna Greenberg
Ann Duncan Hlavach
Julie Picarello