2026 Swap Theme: Foreign Lands
The theme of 2026’s artist’s swap is Foreign Lands. We will be making our swaps in sets of 5. You can join as many sets as you would like. If you want to make two sets, then you would make 10 items, for example. Not all of the items in a set must be the same, HOWEVER, no two sets can be the same. So if you want to make two sets, here are several of the combinations you can do: A) 5 of one type, 5 of a different type.
B) 10 all different C) 5 of one type, 5 all different. What is not allowed: A) 10 all of the same type B) more than 5 of the same type. Here is a swap infographic to show how the swapping works. For each swap group of 5 you join, you will receive 5 different ones back. You will not receive one of your own back. The swap happens at Clay Camp, and the deadline is usually before dinner (by 5pm) on Saturday. If you cannot make it to camp and want to participate in the swap, communicate with Kim Day (polymerclay@gmail.com) and get your items to her before Clay Camp.
Brown Bag Gift Exchange: This is not a ‘white elephant’ gift exchange; bring something that you would want to receive, with a value of about $30. (Some popular choices are clay-related items and chocolate!)
Each participant brings a gift in an unmarked brown paper bag and adds it to the gift pile on Sunday afternoon. Everyone randomly draws a number. They select gifts in that order — with a twist… The person assigned with #1 picks out a gift and opens it so all can see what it is. Then the person assigned with #2 gets the choice of ‘stealing’ #1’s unwrapped gift or choosing a wrapped one from the pile. If #2 steals #1’s gift, then #1 must choose and open another wrapped gift.
NOTE: Gifts can only be stolen once!
As subsequent players take their turns, they either select a new gift or take an already opened gift from any of the other players that has not been stolen before. Any player who has a gift ‘stolen’ either choose a new gift or take an already-opened gift from another player. Continue until everyone has had a turn for a gift. After the last turn, the person who started (since she/he didn’t get a chance at the beginning) can put back the gift and ‘steal’ a gift according to the rules.
Food and Lodging: Food is available from several wonderful restaurants, cafes, and take-out places within a 2-3 block radius of Art Works. There is a refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave available for use (no maid service here- please clean up after yourself). There is also a potluck planned for Sunday lunch. If you don’t live within driving distance, lodging is available at the Harbor Inn Best Western a few blocks away and there are many other hotels/motels/AirBnBs around Edmonds, too.
‘Non-raffle’ Raffle: You may donate any item to this NWPCG fundraiser. Donated items will be displayed with a cup in front of each. Tickets are sold for $1 and you place your ticket(s) in the cup corresponding to the item you want to win. Proceeds go to the Guild Scholarship Fund. Members in good standing may apply for a Clay Camp scholarship to help offset the cost by half. This helps members, who will normally not attend because of financial concerns, make it to Clay Camp.
We typically see donations in the form of lovely handmade clay creations, crocheted or knitted items, clay books, clay supplies and other craft supplies. It is also a fun show to watch! This happens on Sunday afternoon.
Snack Table: We usually have one table in the work area overflowing with snacks people brought to share. Anything that doesn’t require refrigeration is welcome.
Free Table: There is one table where you can leave things that you no longer need or want but may be useful to others that you want to give away for free. Think of old beads you’ve never used, a new supply you have extra of – please remember to take home any of your unclaimed items.
CHECKLIST FOR CAMP
The table surfaces in the workroom will be covered with paper and extension cords will be at each table when you arrive.
Bring:
Polymer clay
A work surface (some large laminated paper will be available to use but it’s limited)
Pasta machine/clay roller
Your other favorite tools, cutters, inks, etc.
Task lamp for you work space
Ceramic tiles and a timer for your clay in the oven
Chair cushions for the padded folding chairs (or bring your own chair)
Your most creative self!
Optional:
Items to donate to the Raffle
Items for the Free Table
Food items for the Snack Table
Things you’ve made that you would like to sell or trade
Your Brown Bag of goodies for the Brown Bag Exchange