Connie's Musings!

A horrible thing has happened in our clay community...

Jenny Patterson http://www.quiltedinclay.com/ was packing up from a show she did in Iowa when a box of her beads went missing!

If you see any of these beads on the many online selling venues, or a local bead shop, PLEASE contact her!

Here is a selection of quotes from Jenny describing what happened.

"2 weeks ago while packing up after a show, my case with ALL my finished "Quilted in Clay" beads was stolen out of my trailer. Along with all my findings, crystals and beads I use as accents to make necklaces.

I am estimating that I had upwards of 4500 clay beads in various sizes inside that case! I make beads in in 4 different sizes and shapes, in EACH of the 33 designs I currently have listed on my web site. Plus a number that I don't have on the website.

These shapes are 3/4" mobius beads, 5/8" square, 1/2" square and 3/8" square. All finished and drilled.

It was suggested to me to keep an eye on eBay and Etsy for these. Which I plan on doing, but these are huge shops and I can't monitor them alone, so I am asking for help.

If you all would not mind taking a look at the current designs on my website:

http://www.quiltedinclay.com/products/jewelry/quilted_jewelry1.htm

And if you happen to see something that might be my beads, please let me know.

I am devastated! We are talking hours and hours of work just GONE! Some of these designs, I don't have any cane left, so I can't even make any more beads, unless I remake the cane. I am having to call customers and tell them I can't sell them the items they ordered, and ask them to choose something I have on hand, or give them a refund...

Yes I am working with the police in Des Moines, where this happened. I have filed a report.

I fear what happened is that someone spied this case, and decided to take it. Not only did I have my beads in it, I also had my sterling and gold findings in it. I am thinking that the thief could care less about my beads, but will take the gold and sterling and turn them in for cash.

I do have insurance, which I am working filing.

As for the designs involved, it's hard to say, I KNOW I had between 12 and 72 beads in each style (mobius, 5/8"square etc) in EACH of my 33 designs currently on my web site.

I have not put it on my website yet, only because I have been so busy with orders, and figuring out what was in the case that I have not had time....

The show was the AQS Quilt show in Des Moines Iowa, the theft happened sometime between 8PM and 9:30PM, as we were loading after the show. The case is silver, wheeled, with locks on it, about the size of a suitcase.

  I do have to say the security at the event center was very good! I really have no clue as to how this happened, they even have video camera's in the loading dock area, but unfortunately there was nothing to help me. The angles were wrong or something. I have been working closely with the police department there.

There IS good to come of this! I have put off putting together a better way of tracking my inventory for a couple years. This is forcing me to take care of that, and re-organize!

Since I had to provide documentation of how I price my product to my insurance, It has also forced me to take a good hard look at how I price my work. I am glad to say that I feel that part is in good order....

Basically  we had finished tearing down our display, I finished packing stuff up while the DH went and got the van and trailer. When he got to the loading area, he came to the booth with our 2 wheeled cart, and took a load out. He had brought in some boxes I needed, so I stayed and filled them. Then pushed out one of our other wheeled carts, and this case that is missing. I met him on the dock, and we switched, he took the cart and the case, and I took the empty 2 wheeled cart. He went out and loaded the 2 items into the trailer, I loaded the 2 wheeler, we met on the dock and switched again. We continued this until all was loaded. Then we locked the trailer and went home.

2 days later it was time to unload the trailer, all the locks were in good shape, they had not been tampered with. When we unloaded we realized my case was no where to be found. I can only conclude that someone took it when we had our backs turned.

I have discovered after sitting down and doing a mental inventory, that I have greatly underestimated the number and $$ amount of things I kept in that case. Of course the DH has been telling me this for ages, but I was to stubborn to believe HIM! LOL

And although I have to call my customers, explain the situation, and re-vamp some orders, this is actually making for better customer relations. 

Moral of the story, it's a good thing I took out insurance for just this sort of thing!"

 

Why am I so outraged about the outcome of last Tuesday's vote?

Let me spell it out for you.

Recently in our lives, Nancy and I have been embroiled in "family issues". Her Dad died two weeks ago on Tuesday, all the related issues that go with that sad situation have us both on edge and really stressed out. Add to that, my Mom lives with us and has the beginning inklings of a health issue, the details of which I won't go into yet as nothing has been confirmed. Both of us are being pulled in opposite directions, doing our level best to be supportive of and helpful to our family. We are worried and concerned about our family.

Our Family.

Us. Love. Responsibility. Respect. Caring. Support.

Our Family

[Bahram Maskanian, defines family] "A family is a primary social group in any society, typically consisting of a man and a woman, or any two individuals who wish to share their lives together in a long-term committed relationship with one another, raising offspring and usually residing in the same dwelling.

Family is the main building block of a community; family structure and upbringing determines the social character and personality of any given society. - Family is where we all learn: love, caring, compassion, ethics, honesty, fairness, common sense, reason, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for ourselves and others, which are the vital fundamental skills, and family values, necessary to live an honorable and prospers life in harmony, in the world community."

The Definition of Family.

Governor Baldacci signed the Marriage Equality bill into law last spring here in Maine. That law gave legal backing to our family and all other families in Maine. We had the rights that we'd fought for for so long and so hard. It was right in our hands...

We have what's called the People's Veto in Maine. http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/peoppak.htm

Before the law could officially go into effect a Peoples Veto was enacted. The political process in action....

In essence the veto was asking that a right, a law that the legislators and Governor agreed upon was to be put to a peoples vote to over turn it. To remove a right that was given. To take something away from a group of people.

What decade are we in again??

Tuesday, the law was repealed.

What did that do exactly?

Well... I'll tell you.

One of the arguments was that we already had the ability to have a civil union or a domestic partnership.

Would you give up your marriage license to get one of these?

What does your marriage license afford you that these don't?

At the very least your marriage license allows you - without question, to go into your husband or wife's hospital room and hold their hand as the die.

To support your spouse on their deathbed... without question -  access to your family.

Nancy and I don't automatically get that right. When I was in the hospital last year for my knee replacement, we had to FIGHT with the recovery nurses to let her in to see me after surgery. Even though we placed her on all the forms and spoke to everyone we could that she was my next of kin...

Completely unacceptable.

Your marriage license grants you, the surviving member of this union to your spouses Social Security and pensions, if they are larger than your own... financial security, financially responsible for each other.

Legally.

Responsibility for your family.

Nancy and I don't automatically get that. Should she pass before I do, the mortgage on this house will be automatically paid off... but can I, on partial disability, working a part time job and getting the occasional teaching gig with my artwork, could I afford to keep this house up alone? I doubt it.

By repealing this law they have denied us and every other gay and Lesbian family the right to be legally and financially responsible for each other.

That's what the repeal of this law did to us on Tuesday.

Rights were taken away from me.

Us.

In America....

Today, in 2009.

Outraged?

Yep. 

However, mostly I'm ashamed of our society and I vow to educate people about my life.

Education and telling my truth... that's what will change this wrong.

How I feel after the passage of the people's referendum to repeal the Equal Marriage Law in Maine, November 4 2009.

 

 

Come take a peek at some of the examples of the "Make and Takes" you'll get to make during the half Day (10am to 3pm) Workshop for Beginners to Polymer Clay at Sweetland Retreat in November...

 

We've just lowered

the class price...

to $30!!

Grab a friend and come have some fun playing with clay!

Message the gals at Sweetland Retreat over on Facebook to sign up!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=100000165810595

Or check out the Sweetland Retreat webpage!

http://www.sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Check out some of the examples of the Make and Takes pics!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=125320&id=622506921&l=87be3d3726

 

If you’ve never touched clay, or you’re a seasoned clayer, come join us for a day long workshop! In the morning I’ll be speaking about how to work with artist grade Polymer clay – KATO brand. This is a wonderful clay that works up beautifully!

Bring a bag lunch and afterward we’ll split up and start making stuff!!

We’ll have a FUN day of creativity!!

This is a smattering of the projects that you’ll be able to *make and take* during my upcoming class at Sweetland Retreat. Come join us and learn from each other!

 

Check me out on Facebook to get timely updates!

** edited to add pictures**

My Sweetmeat had a pressie waiting for me tucked under the blankie last night!

(Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!) She is so good to me!

Found it when I was getting in bed. Pulled down the blanket and there it was! A knock off Dremel! JUST what I need to do all the drilling I need to in order to complete one of my class examples, plus I have a whole bowlful of beads that need drilling! YEEEEHAW!

I’m having a Studio Marathon Day today! YAY!!!!

Gonna work on my beads for class demo and the upcoming show. I’m gonna work on more of my class demo examples. I’ll finish up my student tool bags, and perhaps do some caning. I’ll be taking pics and will post them to my facebook and flickr pages soon.

Sunday I’ll be volunteering at The Common Ground Fair at the VSA Maine Children's Tent. We’ll be making lots of fun stuff with the kids! Like “Hay Teddy Bears”. Can’t wait! It’ll be fun! Come look for me!!

The floor of my studio is covered with all my teaching supplies! Why you may ask?

I’m getting ready for my teaching gig at Sweetland Retreat in November!

I found these cute little mini-multi pocketed pink and green totes to use as my student tool bags! Aren’t they just perfect!? I always provide for my beginners classes a tool bag full of PC tools for their use during the class only. All these tools I’ve made or purchased myself. They aren’t up for sale. There’s things like a length of PVC pipe, a tile, some straight edge razor blades, hand made sculpting tools, needle, clay pushers..etc. I’ve struggled as to how to neatly contain these tools ,yet be able to quickly hand them out when needed. I found these at Goodwill for 2 bux a bag! I love them!

Feeling down about not having much fun lately?

Well, change it! That's right!

Change it!!

Come join me and a group of fine folks who are interested in the same thing you are!

POLYMER CLAY!!!

And change that "down" feeling to an
~UP~
feeling!

Come learn something fun and find a new friend or two who shares something with you!

Theresa Chioffi of Dragon Fire Designs and I, Connie Pelkey of Constance Pelkey Designs invite you to a full day of learning about artist grade polymer clay, a very approachable and versatile medium.

In the morning, on Saturday, November 14th we will learn the basics of polymer clay – conditioning, mixing colors (the Skinner blend), creating simple canes, baking and finishing techniques, basic tool use and care, storage options, the differences in brand names, and fun tips and tricks will be discussed!

After a bag lunch, you will split into groups to work closer with the instructors and “get your hands dirty”! Whether you have dabbled with this medium or never touched it, you will successfully complete a small project of your choice to take home!

Join us for a day of Fun and new Friends!

$50 includes supplies

Check it out at Sweetland Retreat!

http://www.sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Thanks!
Connie
.·:*¨¨*:·Constance Pelkey Designs.·:*¨¨*:·.
Polymer Clay, Fine Silver, Fiber Arts Jewelry & Accessories ~ Art for you and your home!
207.333.1145
ConstancePelkeyDesigns.blogspot.com

How to Condition Kato Polyclay by hand:
Open a package of clay and cut the block into 3 or 4 slices, working lengthwise across the block. Flatten each slice with the acrylic brayer. Fold and roll it again with the brayer, repeat 20 to 25 times, or knead it with your hands in any way that is comfortable for you. One great way to do this is to create "snakes," twist the snake, then form it into a pancake or ball, repeating until the clay is malleable.
Baking Kato Polyclay
Polymer clay needs to be baked in your oven to harden.

• Place your finished item into the oven on an oven safe dish -- I frequently work on a ceramic tile and then bake my work right on the same tile, eliminating the need to transfer my work from one surface to another.
• To prevent flat, shiny spots on your beads, bake the beads on loose polyester batting.
• Bake at 275°F for 60 minutes. (All Kato Polyclay colors, except translucent, may be baked at 325°F for 30 minutes.)

Other Hints

• Keep your hands and all surfaces clean. Polymer clay seems to attract dirt and the light colors will show everything!
• Never work on a wooden surface – polymer clay will damage wood
• If the clay is too dry, add a drop or two of the Kato Liquid Polyclay and then condition
• Allow polymer clay to cool in the oven, if possible. And, unless otherwise instructed, allow polymer clay to cool completely before continuing
• Always test glues and glazes on a piece of baked polymer clay and allow the glued piece(s) to sit for several days or more. Some glues and glazes react to polymer clay and will become sticky, some “eat” the clay causing the glued piece to come off; this could take weeks to happen

How to condition Kato Polyclay with a clay-dedicated pasta machine:

Step 1

Open a package of clay and cut the block into 3 or 4 slices, working lengthwise across the block.

Step 2

Flatten each slice with the acrylic brayer until they are just slightly thicker than the thickest setting of the pasta machine. Run each slice through your pasta machine on the thickest setting.

Step 3

Lay each slice side by side, slightly overlapping, and run through the pasta machine again. Set the pasta machine one notch lower, and roll the sheet through, you will notice the sheet getting longer.

Step 4

Fold the sheet in half.

Step 5

Place, fold side first, into the rollers; run through again.

Step 6

Repeat the folding and rolling process for a total of 25 times.
A clay-dedicated pasta machine makes the conditioning process much easier but if you don't have one, don't despair! The next best tool is your hands.

Copyright Permissions

Please feel free to duplicate this instruction sheet for jewelry-making classes. Instructions may not be reproduced for other uses without written permission. For more information please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com

Check it out!!

http://www.sweetlandretreat.com/workshops.htm

Polymer Clay: Beginner's Workshop
Saturday November 14th, 9am - 5pm

Join instructors Connie Pelkey of Constance Pelkey Designs & Theresa Chioffi of Dragon Fire Designs for a full day of learning about artist grade polymer clay, a very approachable and versatile medium.

In the morning we will learn the basics of polymer clay – conditioning, mixing colors (the Skinner blend), creating simple canes, baking and finishing techniques, basic tool use and care, storage options, the differences in brand names, and fun tips and tricks will be discussed!

After a bag lunch, you will split into groups to work closer with the instructors and “get your hands dirty”! Whether you have dabbled with this medium or never touched it, you will successfully complete a small project of your choice to take home!

Join us for a day of Fun and new Friends!

$50 includes supplies

Instructor: Connie Pelkey, Augusta, ME
Connie makes wearable art and more! This includes bags, accessories, art beads, boxes, scarfs, functional and fun sculpture and just about anything else she takes a fancy to! From design to construction, ahe does her best work and hopes that it shows in her items. She's happy to answer any and all questions related to her work. See more of Connie's work here: http://constancepelkeydesigns.blogspot.com/

 

1. Free stuff at the brand new GREEN grocery store
2. Nancy’s 30th HS reunion – fun, but buggy!!
3. Breakfast with GOOD friends and live jazz music in the background
4. Nancy snoring in her chair during a mid morning nap
5. Picnic at the Bicentennial Park here in town, DESPITE the rain and gloom
6. Nero seeing a pond for the first time and walking off the dock and being SHOCKED at walking off the edge of the dock and into the water! LOL
7. Nero continuing to jump into the water! Too cute!
8. A bottle falling into the water and Nancy having to get wet up to her ear to rescue it! HA!
9. Bog Dog and Bog GF – stinky and wet in the car! LOL
10. Eating our picnic lunch in the car due to bugs and rain! Yum!
11. Roast Pork simmering in the crock pot all day – Yummy smells
12. MOUSSING Nero’s head and ears after he and Nancy had a shower! Fun!
13. Chilaxin’ in front of the tube for the evening!

G R E A T   W e e k e n d  !!!

After I cleaned and rearranged my hermies home the other day, one of them promptly buried herself! This is a good thing! It means she is molting. Not to be confused with changing her shell.
Hermits are decapod crustaceans, they have their own shell or exoskeleton, except in the most vulnerable spot, the abdomen. As a result, they take over outer shells left abandoned by other sea creatures. As they grow, or sometimes by whim they change these shells.
Once a year or so they molt. They bury themselves in damp sand and break out of the exoskeleton and the new one takes a few days to harden. They are VERY vulnerable to attack, especially from other hermies, at this point, so we need to be VERY vigilant and keep a close eye on her this week or so. I might even remove the hermies that aren’t molting to a covered plastic shoebox until she emerges from the sand.

 

 

This was originally posrted on Constance Pelkey Designs, comment here or there - up to you! *smile*

 

Kate, Theresa and I will be at the Art Fair in Hallowell tomorrow!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=75850308947&ref=mf

Come see us!

More importantly though...PRAY FOR SUN!!!!!

*So  much so - notice me NOT mentioning the “R” word in this post!*

And speaking of which... if ANYONE has or knows of someone having a free standing awing that'll keep us out of the sun *wink, wink* and would be willing to loan it to me for the day... email, or better yet, call me!!
Thanks so much!!

Connie
Polymer Clay, Fine Silver, Fiber Arts Jewelry & Accessories ~ Art for you and your home!
207.333.1145
ConniePelkey@gmail.com

 

From: b woods
Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 1:50 PM
To:
Subject: Shaw's Anti-Marriage support

Dear Friends,

This morning, at Shaw’s in Augusta, my partner came across a petition table for the collection of signatures to repeal Maine’s same sex marriage law. He made a complaint to the store manager and was told Shaw’s could not be selective about who they allowed to petition at their store. My partner informed the manager he would no longer be shopping at Shaw’s.

I called and spoke to the store manager informing him that I would no longer shop or use the pharmacy at Shaw’s because they were allowing the petition drive to discriminate in matters of civil marriage in their store. I told him I thought that I found it highly offensive that Shaw’s was allowing an organization, aimed at discriminating against a class of people in the law led mainly by select religious groups, to operate on their premises. His response was that Shaw’s was not taking a stand on the issue, just allowing the collection of signatures as they did with other petitions, according to their policies. I asked him if Shaw’s would allow the KKK to collect signatures for a petition to remove racial and religious protections of Maine Law, and he seemed to agree they would not. I said I believe that Shaw’s did not therefore seem to have a blanket policy about allowing any group to collect petitions in their stores and by allowing the anti-marriage organization to advance their petition at Shaw’s, to my mind, meant that Shaw’s was supporting legal efforts at discrimination and also a particular religious dogma. He said he would talk with other management and try to rectify the situation.
I have no idea if anything will happen. But I believe it’s worth letting businesses know that if they’re going to support anti-discriminatory efforts, they’re not getting your business.

I urge other people to take a simple action if you run into any petition collectors in businesses you frequent:
Inform the manager that you find it offensive that the business is allowing and thereby supporting efforts to change Maine law to discriminate against a group of Maine citizens. Further inform the manager that you will stop doing business with them (if you can) and that you will be urging your friends to do the same. Any action needs to be taken swiftly because in Shaw’s case, they allow the petitioners there for only two days.

Local businesses should know it is a bad idea to allow these petition drives at their store and it will cost them. If we are vigilant and quickly confront businesses about the negative message they are giving if they allow anti-marriage (and how it compares to other discriminatory efforts) petition drives in their stores and that they will lose business if they do, it may prevent a lot of shoppers from unintentionally signing a petition they would not otherwise. Please consider forwarding this message to your friends and associates and social justice organizations in Maine.

Bob Woods

Web cam is on! Working on my Butch Shoe sculpt this morning! Come watch me! http://tinyurl.com/owxk2m