I spent 3 days and 4 nights nights at the Orlando Area Polymer Clay Guild’s annual Clay Fandango at Lake Yale in Florida. It was quite an experience for clayers of all skill levels.
When I thought about filming my experience at Fandango, I knew I wanted to give an overview of what went on during those three days. But quite frankly that all changed quickly, I was so caught up in enjoying myself and working on what I was learning each day that I didn’t have the time nor did I even want to be running around filming everything.
I was impressed by the instructors and demonstrators, they were all so giving and dedicated to their work and their students that I wanted you to meet them in a different way than you normally would. I wanted them to tell you a little bit about themselves.
The classes might have been scheduled to run from 9am to 5pm, but in reality, the instructor and students were working until 9 or 10 at night. Maureen and Barbara demonstrated off and on until 10pm. This all happened with smiles and laughter. Who are these women? What does the rest of their lives look like? How does their life compare to mine or yours?
Maureen Carlson is such a wonderful story gathering soul that she naturally knows how to bring out the best in people. So, what better person than Maureen to conduct this interview? Maureen, I am forever grateful, thank you. And thanks to the all of you for taking time to slow down long enough for me to get this delightful moment on film.
The group of polymer clay stars on this video include, Christi Friesen, Sarah Shriver, Julie Picarello, Barbara McGuire, Maureen Carlson.
Thanks for introducing us to these women Alice. I could see how much fun was had as well as get a glimpse of some ‘famous’ names!
Aimee, that is exactly what I hope to share with you. These woman who are like us and are also following their passions, doing what they love. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you so much for filming this, Alice (I KNOW how much trouble you had making it happen — kind of like trying to herd cats!!). I loved to be able to see the gang of 5 once more — already the Fandango is starting to feel like something I imagined as life moves back into the forefront. Isn’t it a bummer how life keeps intruding on our pleasures?
Miss you, too!
Charline, I’m laughing…you’re right getting them all together and seated before the camera. It almost didn’t happen. But it did and they were wonderful!!
Thanks for sharing this video, Alice. I enjoyed hearing a little about the lives & work schedules of these polymer clay icons. And they were so much fun to watch. Great idea having Maureen conduct the interviews!
My pleasure Angela. They’re more fun in person and i have the out take bloopers to prove it. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it.
Great Job, Alice! Thank you for filming the Fabulous Five! It is nice to know these talented icons are also wonderfully human . As far as instructors and demonstrators go, the Fandango participants struck gold. I loved every minute of of the creative fun!!
Alice, thank you for filming these lovely ladies. It was nice to relive the camaraderie I felt for those 4 days at Lake Yale. I truly miss everyone and look forward to next year.
Boy, seeing your videos makes me want to go next year. I wonder if my hubby will agree to that AND the Huston Gem Show? (Plotting my strategy now…)
Gave you a shout out in my post today along with pix of my new bracelet cuff. It was tons of fun. Thanks!
Kate
Pam, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I want to show them as we got to see them. (and as we became more tired, they only became funnier!) Just wanted anyone that might be thinking of attending any of these long gatherings to know they really should save their money. It doesn’t get any better.
Oh Angie, I certainly agree with you, I miss everyone and the atmosphere. Great Fun! Thanks so much for giving my first “drawn” faces a home. Stop by to visit here again soon.
Kate,
Start saving now, you’ll be happy when it’s cold outside and you’re on your way to Florida and all this fun. Pack the freezer with pre-made dinners and assure your husband you’ll come home happier.
Your bracelet is beautiful…..
The dates for next year are May 19 – 23, 2011. It’s well worth the money. I’ll be there!
See there Kate, Angie and I are already planning and the Orlando Guild has set the date. Just think all that fun and you don’t have to cook once. Angie, I’m already thinking about it. Thanks for the dates.
Ohhh, I could celebrate my birthday there! That’s it, my present to myself…
Thanks so much for the link to my post.
Kate
See you figured out how already.
Help!! I want to see the instructor video but there are no buttons to click on to start it. I can see the OAPCG volunteer video. Do you know what’s wrong? I have Vista….is that a problem?
Alice….I have a clamp to one of your pasta machines….better that than your special wee tiny little circle cutter…lol. It was such fun sitting next to you and we didn’t even plan it. I wish I could be claying all day instead of working. I’ve put over 500 miles on my car for work since I got back. When am I going to clay?????
It was great sitting next to you Patrice, Can’t believe what a fun time the whole experience was. I was wondering where there handle was. No big deal, we’ll meet for lunch one day soon.
I don’t know why you can see one but not the other. I’m going to try to figure it out soon.
Thanks for saying hello, Alice
don’t know what you did, but today I can view and it is great! They are all so down to earth and willing to share….I can’t wait till next year!
I put it on Youtube. The other site requires the latest quicktime so you have to download it. Glad you can see it now. Yep next year will be great.
Great video Alice. How to I get the info on next years event. Can anyone attend?
Hi Pat, You can go to http://www.oapcguild.com/Retreat.htm but next year’s isn’t up yet. I’ll let you know personally!!!
Doreen Kassel and Barbara McGuire are teaching and I’m not sure of the other person. You’ll love it.
I’m having my pen and ink class next month here in my studio, just posted about it. I’ll be having several classes this summer.
http://polymerclayetc.com/?p=2771