Sculptural Polymer Clay with Kathleen Dustin

Colored polymer clay is an amazing material that enables you to make vessels and containers in any shape. In this hollow-sculpture class Kathleen will discuss shape-design principles and lead students through the process of making a polymer clay container like her own handbags.

Participants will learn the start-to-finish method Kathleen uses to create a container with an integrated lid, inside rim and attached cord. Each student will design and complete a handbag or covered container in their choice of colors, shape, and embellishment.

This is not a beginner class. Each participant must be familiar with the use of common polymer clay tools and equipment and must know how to make a jelly roll cane and Skinner blend.

Supply List: please direct questions about supplies to education@nhcrafts.org

• Pasta machine with C-clamp (rather than just a pasta machine clamp). The machine will work hard, so it will need to be very firmly attached to the table. Motors are allowed but not required.
• Work surface and the favorite tools you normally use with polymer clay.
• 2 sanding sponges with fine/medium grit.
• X-acto knife or scalpel with at least one new #11 blade.
• Bone folder
• Ruler or tape measure
• Pin tool or needle tool
• A good slicing blade, flexi or stiff
• A kitchen brush with stiff bristles to texturize the surface of your clay
• New bottles of cyanoacrylate glue in BOTH liquid and gel forms. Kathleen uses Loctite brand.
• A small container of baby powder
• A bottle of liquid polymer like Cernit Glue, Translucent Liquid Sculpey or Liquid Fimo.
• One roll of regular kitchen aluminum foil.
• One Pound of scrap clay, mixed and conditioned to one color, any brand except Kato.
• 6-8 2oz bars of colors you like including black. Some colored clay will be provided by Polyform Products.

Accommodations: A block of rooms at The Hotel Concord, 11 S. Main St, Concord, NH (located one block from the workshop location) has been secured at a special rate. The cut off date for securing a room at the reduced rate is March 8, 2027. You must call the hotel directly to book your room and identify yourself as a participant of the League of NH Craftsmen Group. Their phone number is (603) 504-3500.

Getting to Concord: The closest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional. You will find a list of ground transportation options on their website.

Kathleen is a highly sought after teacher whose classes sell out quickly. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

Kathleen Dustin is widely recognized as one of the leading pioneers in the use of polymer clay as a fine art medium and has been working with it professionally for 35 years. Her exquisite sculptural evening bags and art jewelry reflect the layers of her life experiences both abroad and at home in New Hampshire. Kathleen has an MFA in ceramics from Arizona State University and is a juror for the League of NH Craftsmen. She teaches professional workshops throughout the US and Europe and has work included in the permanent collections of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Currier Museum of Art, and the Racine Art Museum.