Paragon Kiln Distributor

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December 14, 2011

This was sent to me by CAST member:

Julie Cannariato
ArtZcat Creations
214-952-7591
www.artzcat.com

I am now a Paragon kiln distributor of the SC line kilns (Silver Clay- SC1, SC2 and SC3) and I have found out Paragon is having an “across the board” price increase effective in January and I am told almost all kilns and probably supplies will be affected. If anyone is thinking of purchasing a kiln, whether the SC line from me or a different model from somewhere else, now would be the time to do it! If price is an object they might consider a “kiln share” where two go in together and split a kiln. Each person gets it two weeks a month or it stays at one location and they share the services of it. I can’t imagine not owning a kiln.

This is not meant as an infomercial. I just know how much our own personal firing options, creativity and productivity increased with our own kiln. We have been able to experiment and develop new products. We just added a second kiln last month (my dream Silver clay kiln- the SC2) and just finished the rewiring for a third kiln, the Paragon GL24 Commercial grade glass kiln with elements in top, sides and door which will be arriving next week. It is our “Dream Kiln” for glass.

Even though I only carry the SC1,2 and 3 if anyone is interested in purchasing a kiln and would like help choosing a model I am familiar with Specs on almost all models of Paragon kilns and several other brands (I did a lot of researched before I bought). I can only sell the SC line but I believe American Ceramics in Ft Worth seems to have the best prices in the area and carries all Paragon models and offers specials quite frequently. There is usually an additional 3% discount if you pick up from the factory. I am 20 mins away from Paragon and can pick up most kilns from Paragon during their whs hrs and I can hold them to be picked up from me at your convenience (or I can bring to Cast meeting) so CAST members do not have to pay shipping charges even if you order from a different dealer. I normally do not charge for this as long as I can afford the gas and time away from my “day job”. Just trying to help share the joy!

Also, for those who already own a Paragon kiln, Paragon offers a free maintenance and repair class that will be coming up in the next few months. If anyone would like for me to notify them as to the date and time it will be held once Paragon gets it scheduled please let me know. I think many kiln owners have a Paragon and would find it interesting and useful.

I do not know what those who relied on Artists in Action for firing needs are doing now but we will be offering glass and metal clay firing services as well as “Studio time” for those who need it. Dallas is a bit of a drive but we are here if they need us and are willing to offer a discounted rate to CAST members so they may continue their work.

The most important item to relay right now to members, before the January meeting is that anyone thinking of getting a Paragon kiln should get one before the price increase. I believe it will be January 14th or 16th but I know it was set to be in January.

Categories: What's going on?.

CAST Minutes – November

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November 29, 2011

NOVEMBER 14, 2011
Meeting held at Raymond’s Southern Kitchen in Lorena, Texas.
Lisa Monroe called meeting to order about 6:30pm
Roll was not taken, but we had approximately 12 in attendance.  Everyone having lovely pieces from the October Retreat were very happy to show them off.  Retreat discussion:   Accommodations were very satisfactory!!!!   Objections were the class that lasted late Friday night and the Saturday night dinner.  Measures were discussed to correct these issues in the future.  It was agreed that we should have our 2012 retreat at the same location.  Stillwater Resort, Glen Rose, Texas.  A deposit of $200.00 is being sent to the resort to guarantee our space for next year.  2012 dates are October 26, 27 &28th

Treasurers Report….Current balance $700.05.  We made quite a bit on the silent auction this year.  It was well received.  The Mahjong players were a great addition and want to return next year.  Cost for 2012 will be $217.00 per person for the meals and rooms.  A motion was made to have our payments for the retreat spread out through the year by Judy Lewis, Tammy Bar seconded the motion.  The first 1/3rd due in February 2012.  The second 1/3rd due April 2012 and final payment in September 2012.  The September payment could be adjusted if our CAST group earns money during the year.

We will be looking for teachers to come to our group for a seminar. Have a favorite? Tell Lisa. We may have access to a location to have a class.  Ms Lisa has connections as well as Ms Julie. If you know of a “free” or very reasonably priced room for rent let Lisa know.

December Meeting, Tuesday, December 13th (REVISION:  we will meet at Julie’s house on Dec 14th)
Cast Christmas Party. Julie Stultz graciously agreed to host this event in her home. Julie’s address will be sent out in the CAST Christmas Party email.  Everyone is encouraged to bring “finger foods”.  Hot food will be difficult to keep hot…. so try to stay with dips, chips finger sandwiches etc.. We are planning to have the “Chinese” silver charms exchange. To be fair to all, charms should have approximately  10gr of silver. (REVISION:  We will have a Chinese Ornament exchange….NOT a charm exchange). So sorry for the confusion!

January 2012 meeting location to be announced later.

Categories: Minutes.

Clay for Lorena’s class

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October 12, 2011

Hello out there!  Lisa wanted to give you all a heads up on the kind of clay that is needed for Lorena’s class.  So, here it is:

You will need the original Metal Adventure bronze clay….NOT the fast fire kind.  Tammy Barr with PMC123 will have some there for purchase.  You may want to give her a call if you want her to bring you some clay.  That way she can prepare.

Lorena says that she will talk about the fast fire kind on day two.

I can’t wait!

Categories: Classes, Retreat.

CAST Minutes – September (Second Correction)

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September 27, 2011

There is one more correction to the minutes as follows:

Under the office for Entertainment, the officers are Reta Bielik and Lynda Harkins….not Reta Bielik and Linda Wall.

Their title should be Entertainment….not Entertainment Planning Committee.

Submitted by Tammy Gilchrest

Categories: Minutes, What's going on?.

CAST Minutes – September (First Correction)

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September 26, 2011

Well everyone…….I guess I made an error on the minutes…It has been brought to my attention that the Friday evening class is the CARVED METAL CLAY EARRINGS WITH ALCHOHOL INK PATINA… and the Sunday afternoon class is the MAKING A CABOCHON RING IN METAL CLAY…..

Thank you for the correction…now I know someone is really reading it!!!!
Submitted for correction to September CAST Meeting Minutes
by Barbara Bessire, Secretary

Categories: Minutes.

Reference to Metals

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September 22, 2011

Have a piece of metal that isn’t marked and have no idea the gauge??  I have started a blog page on Mixed Metal Art that references wire and sheet sizes along with percentages of precious metals. It’s a good reference when you can’t remember all of those numbers!!

Here is the link:  METAL GUIDE

Categories: Info.

CAST Retreat 2011 – Class Supply Lists

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September 21, 2011

Carved Metal Clay Earrings with Alcohol Ink Patina

Project Description

Learn how to hand carve these beautiful earrings in metal clay using files, calipers, and burs and then add a splash of color by applying alcohol ink! The techniques learned in this workshop will allow the student to confidently create and carve their own one of a kind design in the future. In this workshop, Janet Alexander, an experienced jeweler and designer transcribes the fundamental wax carving knowledge used in mainstream jewelry manufacturing to carving in metal clay. This is your chance to take your jewelry making skills to a higher level.

Artists Instructor: Janet Alexander

Email Address: janetalexander22@yahoo.com

Web site: janetalexander.net

Date & Time: October 28th,  6 pm-10 pm   (Friday)


Student level: Intermediate (student should know basic metal clay skills)

Project workshop: The student will go home with a set of finished earrings.

Description of learned skills: Learn how to carve various designs in dry clay, basic design principles, embed fine silver wire for earring wire, and how to use alcohol ink as a colorful patina.

Kit Fee and a list of items provided in kit: $45.00.  Includes: 5” of 20-gauge fine silver wire, Mini fiber wheel- red, brass calipers, 20 Piece 1/8″ Shank Diamond Point bur set, Quick Art  triangle template, earring template, doming form, alcohol ink, blending solution, Modge Podge, Silver Black, masking tape, paper towels, and printed handouts

Supplies provided by the teacher: tumbler and steel shot, burnishing solution, extension cords, paper towels, kiln, and dehydrator.

Student Supply list: 25gram  package of  PMC3, PMC3 paste,  plastic wrap, clay roller, small needle file set( non diamond), craft Knife, clean tooth brush, 3- small craft brushes,  small dust pan to catch clay dust, rubber block, coarse grit nail file, fine grit nail file, snake roller, plastic report cover, measuring cards,  fine point clay cutter, small pointed clay shaper, flat clay shaper, small container of water with a sponge in it wire cutters,  round-nose pliers, chain-nose pliers, plastic food wrap or clay vault, steel scraper or non-stick Teflon pad, cordless rotary tool with an adjustable chuck or 1/8” chuck, small pointed tipped clay shaper, small flat clay shaper, 600 and  400, sand paper,  Optional: Optivisor or magnifying glasses, and work light with extension cord.

**********************************************************************

Bronze Metal Clay Workshop

Date & Time: October 29th & 30th,  9 am – 5 pm (Saturday) & 9 am – noon (Sunday)

List of Materials:
1. Bronzclay 100 grams (The student can bring more if they want to)
2. Craft Mat
3. X-Acto knife
4. Clay roller
5. Needle tool
6. Coffee warmer
7. Paint brushes (two per student)
8. Small spray plastic bottle
9. Nail buffer (sanding board)
10. Carving blocks with carving tool similar to this: http://www.metalclaysupply.com/Hatties- Metal-Clay-Carving-Kit-p/53149.htm
11. Badger balm or Olive oil
12. Playing cards
13. Textures sheets (optional)
14. Curved burnisher (hand burnisher)
15. Flexible non-stick surface (2 sets) http://www.metalclaysupplystore.com/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=4929186&showprevnext=1
16. Polishing cloth

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Making a Cabochon Ring in Metal Clay

Project Description

Learn how to embed a fine silver bezel into metal clay, complete multiple firings for one item, and set a cabochon stone.

Name: Janet Alexander

Email Address: janetalexander22@yahoo.com

Web site: janetalexander.net

Date & Time: October 30th,  noon -4 pm   (Sunday)

Student level: Intermediate (student should know basic metal clay skills)

Project workshop: The student will go home with a finished ring.

Description of learned skills: Learn how to correctly size yourself for a ring, make a ring band, embed fine silver bezel wire into a ring base, fire each separately, combine the two fired items, and then set a cabochon stone.

Kit Fee and a list of items provided in kit: $45.00.  Includes: fine silver bezel wire, cabochon stone, work surface, Silver Black, ring patty, paper towels, paper, tape, and printed handouts

Supplies provided by the teacher: tumbler and steel shot, burnishing solution, wire cutters, metal snips, ring gauges, ring mandrels and stands, extension cords, paper towels, kiln, and dehydrator.

Student Supply list: 16gram  package of  PMC3, PMC3 paste, PMC3 syringe clay, clay roller, small needle file set( non diamond), craft Knife, 1- small craft brushes, burnisher, coarse grit nail file, fine grit nail file, snake roller, plastic report cover, measuring cards,  fine point clay cutter, small pointed clay shaper, your favorite clay cookie cutter shapes, flat clay shaper, small container of water with a sponge in it,  2-chain-nose pliers, plastic food wrap or clay vault, steel scraper or non-stick Teflon pad, small pointed tipped clay shaper, small flat clay shaper, 600 and  400, sand paper,  Optional: Optivisor or magnifying glasses, and work light with extension cord.

Categories: Classes, Retreat, What's going on?.

CAST Name Change

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September 20, 2011

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all having a fabulous week…..

In our last meeting, it was discussed that we are no longer just clay artists.  Many of us have branched out into other forms of creativity.  It was proposed to change our name from Clay Artists Sharing Techniques to Creative Artists Sharing Techniques.  I have spent some time looking around on the web to see if there is a group with this name close by us.  I have not found anyone thus far.

So….  We are now officially Creative Artists Sharing Techniques.  Kudos to Marla Kutzer who so “creatively” thought of the new name.  Fortunately, we can keep the CAST nickname!

We are a group of artists that enjoy working in many different mediums….not only clay.  Our members are skillful at Precious Metal Clay, Silversmithing, Metalsmithing, Glass, Fiber, Mosaics, Wirework…and the list goes on.

Have an artful week!
Tammy Gilchrest :: Mixed Metal Art

www.mixedmetalart.com

Categories: What's going on?.

CAST Minutes – September

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September 20, 2011

The September Meeting was held at Raymond’s Southern Kitchen.  There is a large meeting room and do not charge for the use, they only ask that everyone eat dinner.  They serve several meat items, have cooked veggies, fresh salad bar and of course a choice of those yummy desserts.  Dinner was very good. Minutes from the August meeting were approved as had been written and sent to members.

Lisa announced, with whole hearted approval, that we would be a “CASUAL CLUB” .  We will follow the rules as needed.   Try to remember that when reading the meeting minutes.

Officers elected were:

  • Lisa Monroe, President
  • Julie Stulz, Vice President
  • Barbara Fry, Treasurer
  • Barbara Bessire, Secretary
  • Reta Bielik & Lynda Harkins, Entertainment (Corrected)
  • Tammy Gilchrest, Webmaster

Julie Cannariato will liaison for our club with other clubs.

All were elected unanimously.

Meeting minutes will be emailed to Tammy Gilchrest, Tammy will post these on the web site.  Tammy will also send each member a link to enable them to get to the minutes. We will discuss this again at the November meeting to see if everyone received this link.

CAST is a great group of very talented artisans.  We need ideas for upcoming demonstrations and classes.  All art forms are welcomed.  Discussion was made to change name to CREATIVE ARTIST’S SHARING TECHNIQUES.  Please call Reta or Linda with your super ideas and let’s get this club in ACTION!!!!

Janet Alexander, one of the RETREAT teachers, joined us for our meeting.  Discussion about her classes and details for the retreat were discussed and supply lists were passed out.  If you missed the  meeting, the lists are available on our web site. Janet’s classes will produce a finished piece.

Sharon Gillespie will be bringing copper clay to be purchased for Lorena Agulo’s class.  This is a technique class only.

Friday:  Check in after 3PM.  Dinner at 5PM  Janet’s Carved Metal Clay Earrings with Alcohol Ink is 6PM – 10PM (Corrected)
Saturday:  Lorena’s Bronze Clay Workshop is 9AM – 5PM.
(Breakfast & Lunch provided)  Reservations for Dinner have been made at the River House Grill.  3 entrees to choose from (to accommodate our large group).  Cost will be under $25.00.
Sunday AM:  Will be used to correct any problems from the Saturday class.
Sunday PM:  Janet’s Ring class from NOON – 4PM (Corrected)

In addition:  We will be having a Silent Auction.  See Reta & Lynda on Friday with your items. The Auction will end at 10PM Saturday night.

Bring your kiln if you can.  Bring a dremmel tool.

IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID THE BALANCE DUE ON THE RETREAT AND/OR IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID THE $40.00 DUES FOR THE YEAR,  PLEASE SEE BARBARA FRY.

Submitted by:  Barbara Bessire, Secretary

Categories: Minutes.

3rd Annual CAST across Texas Retreat

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September 8, 2011

Featuring National acclaimed artists:  Lorena Angulo and Janet Alexander

Accommodations at Still Water Lodge, Glenrose, TX
(www.glenlake.org/stillwater-amenities)
$200.00 (CAST members: $125.00)

Janet Alexander’s Class “Carved Earrings With alcohol ink”

Friday Nite 6pm-10 pm
Class only fee $135.00 (CAST members: $85.00)
Plus supplies

Lorena Angulo’s Class “Bronze Clay 101″

Sat. 9am – 5pm,
Sun. 9am – Noon
Class only fee $175.00 (CAST members: $125.00)
Plus supplies

Janet Alexander’s Class “Cabochon Ring”

Sunday Noon-4pm
Class only fee $125.00 (CAST members: $75.00)
Plus supplies

For accommodation questions, information or to Reserve a spot:

Call or E-Mail:

Barbara Fry
254-749-4007

Lisa Monroe
254-722-1044
lisa@lsmonroe.com

Categories: Classes, Retreat, What's going on?.

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