It’s almost that time of year - Clay Carnival Las Vegas!  This year we’ve added a day to the event - you’ll be taking two 4 hour classes each day, and have time to rest, recover and maybe have some fun in the evenings, too...with us! 

This year’s teaching line up is Natalia Garcia de Leaniz (Spain), polymer pioneer Lindly Haunani, Judy Belcher, Kim Cavender, Cathy Johnston, Leslie Blackford, Sue Kelsey and me (Donna). 

The Carnival begins on November 13 and runs through the16th.  So, you’ll want to come in on the 12th and leave on the 17th (unless you want to come earlier or leave later!)  The site is the same (and most economical) Imperial Palace Hotel located on the strip.  Their number is 1.866.583.2608, please mention code SIPOL8 to get the reduced  hotel rate.  The rates are:  65.00 (W, Th, Sun) and 109.00 (Fr, Sat), double occupancy.  If you book from our block of rooms, we’ll even reduce the overall cost of your Carnival by $40.00.

The cost for this Carnival is 450.00 and includes 8 - 4 hour classes, Kato Polyclay for your classes, and 1 pizza party!  Carnival Night is Sunday, so make sure you stay over for our event where...drum roll...everyone’s a winner!  This is Poker Chip Swap Night! 

Cathy has opened registration!  If you pay by check, instead of PayPal, we’ll pass the savings on to you with a $10.00 registration discount.  Her web addy is:  www.cathyjohnston.net

If you’re not already a member, sign up to our newsgroup - claycarnivalevents - it’s a yahoo group. This is where a lot of questions are answered and you’ll have a chance to meet others who will be attending.  You can join regardless of whether you come to Vegas, or not.

Hope to greet you in Vegas or meet you online!  Printer friendly pdf

Natalia Garcia de Leaniz (ESP)

Natalia’s a rising star in polymer clay who’s work is marked by high style and great design.  Natalia and wonderful husband, Dani founded the polymer clay guild in Spain and oversee it as they mentor many budding Spanish artists.  We are so pleased to have her join us and know you will be, too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/tatana/. 

Natalia’s project is a stunning hollow pendant featuring mokume gane.

Kim Cavender (USA)  

Since I first discovered polymer clay about twelve years ago, I feel as if the years have flown by. It's truly been an amazing journey of learning and creativity. I’ve been fortunate to share my enthusiasm for polymer clay with viewers of The Carol Duvall show and readers of Polymer Café and Expression magazines. A lifelong dream came true when I was given the opportunity to write my book, Polymer Clay for the Fun of It, and to contribute to several others. As as I love writing, the opportunity to travel and teach workshops and meet so man much y wonderfully talented and creative people who share my passion for this medium has been nothing short of incredible. I manage to maintain my creativity in a testosterone-filled house in West Virginia with my husband Ben, my sons Daniel and Adam, and my miniature schnauzer pups Jackson and Baxter. Life is good.

You can see more of my work at http://flickr.com/photos/kimcavender/ and visit her blog at http://kimcavender.blogspot.com

Lindly Haunani

Lindly Haunani has over eighteen years of experience as a polymer clay workshop leader. Her work has appeared in over fifty Invitational and juried shows. She is one of the founding members of the National Polymer Clay Guild, co-author of Artists at Work, and the star of several how-to videos.

 When not fantasizing about being a food stylist, a stand-up comic or a fabric designer...she can be found traveling around the country to teach workshops while belly laughing. She is best known for her sensitive use of color and gentle and empowering teaching style. Her website is:  www.Lindlyhaunani.com and her Talking Color blog addy is: Lindly.wordpress.com.

Lindly the pioneering mokume gane expert, will be teaching “Haunani Gane” - featuring glistening layers of polymer clay and holographic glitter.

Natalia’s “Hollow Pendant”

Lindly’s “Glistening Brooch”

Donna Kato

I write, I teach, I play with clay and horses.  I love polymer clay and I love the Las Vegas Clay Carnival!  I have the attention span of a gnat.  I am often times forgiven for my disorganization.  Thank you.

I’ll teach from my newest series of bracelets - it’s an organic, fluid, textured piece with a splash of color.  The one you’ll make is the foundation for the rest of the series - I will explain.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

Kim Cavender

Kim is one of the most versatile polymer artists around - stretching our medium and taking it, and us, in new and exciting directions.  We reap the benefits of her active mind as she shares her discoveries with us.  A Kim class is also tons of fun.  Author (Polymer Clay for the Fun of It!), teacher, artist..she’s the total package.

In “Claying Organically”, you’ll explore the joys of organic shape, form and design.  You’ll explore color, texture and asymmetry - the “imperfect, perfect” forms you make will become organic jewelry pieces of your own design.  This technique-based class will take you along new and exciting avenues as you take your own personal polymer clay journey.

Donna’s “Black Bracelet with a Splash!”

Cathy Johnston

Cathy has been working with polymer clay for 26, count ‘em 26 making her a real pioneer in our community.  More than anyone I know, she has successfully married her love of books and her love of polymer clay. 

She’s the founder of the Eastern Washington Guild.

“Have you worn a good book lately?” is the title of this fun class by Cathy.  In it you will make your own polymer embellishments, a book and create a unique art brooch.

Cathy’s “Have you worn a good book lately?”

Leslie Blackford

If you’ve been to Polymer Clay Daily, you’ve seen Leslie’s unique and personal polymer clay art - pure expression of what lies in her heart.  Little package, big heart.  She inspires and encourages others to reach in and find that same personal connection and joy through their own artistic expression.

In Leslie’s class, you’ll create your own “Shrine of Creative Inspiration” - one that you can tuck in a purse or pocket and carry with you!  Your shrine will be like Leslie’s, in miniature.

Leslie’s “Shrine of Creative Inspiration”

Sue Kelsey

Sue has been a working artist/designer in polymer clay since 1983 as well as well as a participant in juried craft shows and galleries.  For the past nine years she has shared her love of all things polymer as she has demonstrated at trade shows such as CHA (HIA) and taught both locally and across the country. 

In this class, “Fabulous Box with Surprises Inside”, you’ll learn Sue’s technique to make hinges in polymer clay.  This unique box can be disassembled for its safe journey home. 

Sue’s “Fabulous Box with Surprises Inside”

Judy Belcher

Everybody doesn’t just know Raymond, everybody knows...Judy!  In addition to making polymer art, writing (Polymer Clay Traditions) and teaching, she’s the President of the National Polymer Clay Guild, Mom par excellence and proud owner of the best collection of great jackets around.  Judy is known for her mastery of all things millefori.

Judy’s class is called “It’s all about your backside”!  All joking aside, the back of your work is as important as the front.  And, what’s more important than proudly telling the world “I made this!”  You’ll begin by designing, then making your own personal signature cane and you’ll learn how to pack a cane so your signature “style” doesn’t end up “swill”.  Class will end with a discussion about the back of artwork.  Bring along a piece you feel was successful and one you weren’t so pleased with, and I will, too (and I’ll ask the other instructors to bring theirs).  Don’t be afraid; let’s learn from each other so we can all make beautiful art.

At left, Judy’s backsides and caned signatures!

Kim’s “Claying Organically”

Judy’s “It’s all about your backside”