Wendy was a moving force behind the 2006 launch of the Samunnat project for abused women in Nepal. She was skeptical about the logistics of the project, but a vendor requested that she teach what she was wearing so she jumped in.
The saga of Samunnat’s success has come from many sources and they all lead back to Wendy whose involvement has been key. She richly deserves this honor.
Bet you didn’t expect a flock of chickens on PCD this morning, did you? These little creatures roosted at the recent Perth Polymer People meet up and were created under the tutelage of Wendy Jorre de St Jorre.
Each hen’s feathers are sliced from a cane and layered over a base. The variety of canes contributes to their colorful personalities. If you need an idea for a social polymer evening, look at Wendy’s Facebook page to see the other one-night projects they’ve tackled.
Wendy sent several large groups of bugs to the Into the Forest that shouldn’t be missed!
Look closely and you’ll see that the flowers on Marji Purcell’s 2″ tall potted plants are actually stoppers for Bottles of Hope.
These recycled glass medicine vials are covered with polymer and filled with good wishes and hope for health. They are distributed to cancer patients.
Cancer survivor and polymer artist Diane Gregoire began the project in 1999 in Rhode Island. The concept has spread internationally and many guilds and organizations contribute their time and art to this project.
Competition for cool BOH designs like Marji’s makes this a popular guild project. It gives you a great reason to clay with friends, learn a few tricks and spread hope at the same time.
You might not have noticed the polymer bracelet that Jane Pauley wore for this segment of CBS Sunday Morning. But the bracelet, which was made by the women in the Kindway polymer class at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, is our community’s link to a heartwarming story.
Notice that the warden, Roni Burkes, is also a member of the Harmony choir. Under her guidance the polymer, quilting, writing, dog-training and many other programs at ORW are thriving. The classes awaken creativity and allow inmates to heal and give back.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed stashes of clay, unused equipment, books and tutorials and made generous donations to help the women tap into the creative spirit that we share. Happy holidays!
Tina Crouse’s is a feel-good Friday story. She’s launched a Facebook page to spread the word about the KindwarePremier program. Tina is the Ohio project’s manager and she’s introducing their new collection of Medallion Cuffs, wide leather bands with a polymer oval stamped with a choice of an inspirational word.
Tina took part in the Kindway program when she was incarcerated. The polymer jewelry that inmates make as they’re building their skills is sold by volunteers at art fairs and other events.
Once they transition back into their community, they may opt to continue selling their polymer art through Kindware Premier. Tina explains it more clearly.
“I became involved in this organization while I was incarcerated and not only did it change my life, but it gave me a future. All these handcrafted gifts are made possible because there are people investing in lives impacted by incarceration. While I was incarcerated I was able to develop a skill set working with polymer clay that I never knew I had. It became an outlet for me. Each time I worked with the clay I would turn all the negative that happened in my life into positive. All the bad things that were said to me into kind words – I am a good mother, I am smart, I am beautiful, I am worth it and I CAN CHANGE! All those stones thrown at me at one time are now re-purposed and transformed into beautiful gems.” she says eloquently.
But life’s not always easy (here’s more of her story) and Tina works as a waitress and takes care of her children as well. She was able to attend the Buckeye Bash conference last month (that’s Tina with me and Ron Lehocky in Dayton). The Kindway women sent along inchies they’d made. Tina serves as a terrific role model for other women who will be released in the near future.
Your support,likes, and good wishes energize these women and the Kindway/Kindware project. Have a feel good weekend. Contact Tina here to purchase her cuffs which cost $25 plus $3 shipping.
