Charm Swap | Charm Benefit Drawing | 1-2-1 Sessions | First Ever Guild Relay Race | Show and Sell

Charm Swap Information

Q: What is the PMC Conference Charm Swap?

The Swap is a social event at the conference in which people exchange charms; an opportunity to meet old friends, make new friends, and create an exciting collection, all at once!

Q: Is it required?

Absolutely not. This event is 100% voluntary. You don't need to sign up in advance, either. Just show up, and if you have charms to swap, you're in! We'll see that you have something special to wear that will indicate that you are RTS (Ready to Swap).

Q: When does this happen?

The swapping begins on Thursday, July 17, from 7:30 to 10:00 and will continue throughout the conference. The first night of the conference features a dessert reception to open the invitational exhibition, "57 / 1." During the reception you can also get treats of the nonfattening kind--charms made with PMC.

Q: How many charms should I bring?

This is entirely up to you. At the last conference, the average number was probably around 20. The more you bring, the more you swap.

Q: Is there a recommended presentation?

Each charm should come equipped with a sturdy sterling jump ring so it is ready to be hung. Clip your charms to a business card or photocopied it onto a small piece of paper with your name so recipients can remember who made each charm, even after they've been attached to a bracelet.

Q: Do the charms need to be made of PMC?

Yes, but you can also use glass, polymer clay, beads, or other materials.

Q: After I swap, are the charms mine to keep?

You betcha! What a unique souvenir of the conference and your new friendships. To get the benefit right away, you might even want to bring a chain bracelet and a pair of pliers.

Charm Benefit Drawing

A group of volunteers has offered to collect donated charms that will be assembled into finished jewelry that will be raffled off during the conference, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and The Marrow Foundation. This benefit is sponsored by the international metal clay community at large, and has no connection with the PMC Guild. We are happy to contribute a venue and logistical support.

There are three ways you can be part of this project:

1. Donate a charm.
Send your charm by July 1, 2008 to
Holly Gage
P. O. Box 614
Bowmansville, PA 17507
Include a 5mm open jump ring and a card with your name (and message if you'd like)

2. Sell raffle tickets.
You can download and print out tickets to sell to your friends and coworkers. Bring the proceeds with you to the conference, or mail a check to Carol Hamilton, 6436 Bowie Drive, Springfield, VA 22150.

3. Buy raffle tickets.
Purchase tickets yourself. You'll have a chance at some historic jewelry while you donate to a good cause.

1-2-1 Sessions

This is a special opportunity to meet one-to-one with leaders in the field to discuss your work and your career. Eight professionals will sit down with you for a 20-minute private conference to discuss your work, resume, business plan, or similar relevant matters. This activity will take place from 12:30 to 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, and is by appointment only. You can sign up when you arrive at the conference in the registration area. Sorry, not before, and first come-first served. There is no charge for this golden opportunity.

First Ever GUILD RELAY RACE

Competitive teams of energetic PMC artists will race against the clock to make a metal clay object and demonstrate its successful use. It's bold, it's exciting... and it sounds like fun. Be there for this history-making event!

Show and Sell

This two-hour venue has become a standard component of the PMC Conferences. It is a chance to show others in the community what you have been doing, and, as appropriate, to offer work for sale. This is a great place to see beads, homemade tools, and accessories developed from within the community. A fee of $20 provides a table and chair for this casual and energetic event.

»» Next