I've just received a suggestion from a former art teacher, and it's so promising, I just have to share! She said, and I quote: "the best (and easiest) way to form a clay mask is over wadded up newspaper. You can just crumple it up and lay the slab over it or make a shape by rolling and forming the paper and then taping it. Slab can be worked on while over the mold or flat. Leave slab over your paper mold until ready to fire. Have fun!" Why didn't I think of that? I thought of paper mache, but slightly damp wadded newspaper just may do the trick with a minimum of fuss and mess. Plus, I think that since I bake on paper (trays and box forms) all the time, if I let the paper dry enough I can leave it right on the form to bake it without worry about what effects steam could have. I love this PLACE!! Lamb

Thanks so much, Kathleen, for providing the link on Shrove Tuesday. I learned so much from it. And again I have to tell you how pretty your tables (and food) are. The colors are beautiful. I'll start looking for stuff to use next year. Gosh, this is fun! Also, I did have medications for my pink eye but they didn't work this time. I started on one Friday night as soon as I realized my eye was acting up. When that one didn't work, I dug out the other one and started that one Sat. Sunday was worse, so Monday Alfred took me to the Dr. for even stronger stuff. It is better today. Thanks for asking. Your tables aren't blurry today!! Betty

Phyllis, it was a amazing couple of days. Like you, I'll never forget it. I only shared a few of the hundreds, I'm sure, of the pics we took. This is all new to us as he made this choice last minute. What I know now is he will be at Pendleton for the next 3 months for training and then assigined to a base for additional training for six months from what he has told us. A year more or less??? Grace, welcome to the forum! I've been very busy and haven't had much time here. Man, four boys...you have your hands full. Ellen, not sure you know what your asking for....these guys eat like there is no tomorrow...lol! Terri, MOS...from what he told me it is Military Occupational Specialty. He went for supply and demand to take advantage of his accountting. He did very well in H.S. and was in college courses his final year. Also, won a couple of scholarships in a national compition with his team. As it stands now he changed his mind and decided he wanted to go into infantry. He made this change with several others once they arrived in SD. Not sure why he did this...he just said it was what he wanted and felt he needed to do??? Claims he can make a lat change in a couple of years??? DS and I are meeting with his recruiter on Friday to get more info. Reguardless, I will stand behind him and support him and his decisions even though I might not be happy with them. I'm thinking it has something to do with older friends in the army who are now serving????. Pickle Lady, you are one of many who's names are the norm in my group. It may be your proper name or forum name....the members of this forum have become a part of my groups everyday lives....your ears should be burning. : ) Thanks again for all of your posts, support, and general good will.....my group and I love all y'all!! David

Great theme Karen. Love all the Mardi Gras Jewelry. The kids are going to have a Ball. The knife is cute. I don't think I have seen one that folds before. Annie, I'm sure that the cake spatula will get a work out with all the beautiful cakes you make. And of course I'm very happy that you like the knife rack that Karen choose for you. ~Ann