Day 1 of the Retreat got off to a great start with many volunteers converging on the workroom bright and early in the morning. Together they made light work of the tasks at hand - filling goody bags, organizing items for check-in and helping setup the workroom. Thanks to their dedication, we were able to open the workroom two hours earlier than expected.

Soon after the workroom opened, attendees arrived and began to settle in to their workspaces, greet old friends and make new ones. Before long, impromptu table-side demos were taking place, attendees were shopping at Polymer Clay Express' table and from fellow attendees.

Late afternoon brought the Welcome Reception in the light and open Falling Waters Lounge. The buffet table was well stocked and based on how quickly some of the trays emptied, a big hit. Folks gathered around to relax, chat and eat and then returned to the workroom for more clay fun.

Select pictures from the day are on the IPCA Flickr page.  Enjoy and we'll report back for Day 2! 

Kerrie enjoys the English Sunshine

I wonder if I'm the only one who thinks there's plenty of time to complete projects, in my head, only to find the technique seems to take ten times as long?  Then look at what I've made and have a major confidence crisis because it probably isn't anywhere near as good as everyone else's?

My little worktable (and floor) is piled with 'work in progress', and I'm determined to make my contribution to the Bead Strand and Auction, and Swap .  I think it is so important for our work, at whatever humble or advanced stage we think we are, to be included in the Bead Strand.  Why?

The International Polymer Clay Association and the 2009 Retreat Committee are pleased to announce the details of the upcoming IPCA Retreat, A World of Inspiration. The dates of the retreat are the afternoon of July 11 through the morning of July 14, 2009. Early, discounted registration of the event will open for members of the IPCA in mid-February and continue through the end of March. Standard registration will continue through the end of June.

Your registration for the 2009 IPCA Retreat: A World of Inspiration includes the following amenities:

The IPCA Retreat Committee is counting down the days to the 2009 Retreat, A World of Inspiration. Registration has been steady and we are looking forward to meeting polymer clayers from the United States, Great Britain and Israel! If you've been debating about registering for the event, debate no longer! There are still spaces left, albeit not too many, and the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort has offered to extend our special room rate of $99 per night plus tax.

There are going to be plenty of great activities in addition to 3+ days of polymer clay fun, guest artist Christi Friesen, demonstrations, a raffle, shopping with Polymer Clay Express, and an art auction at the closing night dinner.

We are still soliciting donations of products and artwork for the raffle and auction. If you want to participate, please contact Judy Belcher at your earliest convenience.