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Lisa’s visit to Germany, Origin of Polymer Clay
Ursula Plankermann and Kerstin Humplair from Eberhard Faber (makers of FIMO) with Lisa Pavelka. "Representatives from Eberhard Faber were on hand the first two days to observe and distribute goodies to all. Eberhard Faber generously provided all of the clay used in the workshop."
Over sixty years ago, the first polymer clay was developed in Germany by a doll maker named Fifi Rehbinder. The formula was sold to the German company Eberhard Faber who developed it into the Fimo. The clay has undergone many changes and improvements in the past several decades, but continues to be popular throughout the world.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to teach a group of 20 amazing ladies from around Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. They came together at a lovely youth hostel in Mainz, just outside of Frankfurt for three intensive days of clay instruction and fun.
Everyone dove right in. Several of the students who were fluent in English helped overcome the language barrier by translating those elements that couldn't be taught visually. The skill levels in the workshop ran the gamut from absolute beginner to published author and professional clay artists.
For more on the visit to Eberhard Faber and to see Bettina Welker's jewelry see our next issue
Designer/author Helen Bradley sent in this holiday entry for Amaco's 3-D Designers Challenge for Memory Trends '06 in honor of her design partner Michelle Zimmerman's adventurous childhood.
On-line Gallery
New 2006 Product Review:
WireFrames for Dimensional Memory Making
WireFramesTM are dimensional forms that unfold to become foundations for your creative masterpieces. They are the perfect canvas to embellish with your favorite Amaco® products including: Fimo Clays, ArtEmboss® soft metal sheets, Amaco® WireForm® wire mesh, Amaco® Craft Wire . Add beads, fabric, paper and more to create gorgeous projects such as votive/candle holders, plant stands, jewelry frames, wall sconces, l uminaria, memory shrines and so much more! Your choice of round or square shapes offer limitless creative possibilities. WireFramesTM include two elastic cords to hold them in place while decorating. Open sizes for each frame are: 4" x 4" x 8"H (square) and 8 1/4"H x 5" Diameter (round). Each frame includes instructions for the projects pictured on the package. For inspiration ideas, check out the WireFrame® Designer Challenge for 2006 at the link above.
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Child artist Mariah Welsh chooses charity for Amaco’s Bottles of Hope
Daughter of author/designer Linda Peterson, Mariah Welsh was diagnosed at 2 months old with medulloblastoma. Her cancer is successfully in remission and she wants to give back to those who have helped her. Part of a loving network of family, friends and her doctor, who heads an affiliate hospital of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Mariah has attended Camp Rainbow www.camprainbow.com
Even when ill, Mariah attended Camp Rainbow where she could continue receiving treatments, play and be creative. On March 9 to 11, Mariah will be a counselor for Teen Camp where the theme will be “Teens and the Arts”. Camp director Ronnie Brockman estimates 40-45 children will attend this one weekend. Sessions are primarily in the summer. They are planning several art workshops, even considering their own “Bottles of Hope”. As judges for the top 25 entries for this CHA-Designers Challenge, the Indianapolis chapter of the NPG is supporting Mariah’s choice of Camp Rainbow as recipient of your “Bottles of Hope”. Extra bottles not distributed over Teen Camp in March will be distributed in the summer.
Polymer Dreidel Project by Lisa Pavelka
Ornament Project by Lisa Pavelka
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