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Polymer Clay is a brightly colored, easy, and cheap medium for would be “arts and crafters” to dabble and create. This event is not for them. This series of classes, held the past several years in Las Vegas, offers 32 hours, divided into 8 sessions over four days, of enlightening classes for the emerging, highly imaginative and skilled artisan that presents their ideas in a complicated and versatile medium.

So, from November 5–8, 2009, Diana is immersed into this artful group, clay prepped and mind open to learn new and adventurous techniques from of the countries most ambitious Polymer Clay artists. We left Tuesday, 11/3, after completing Diana's work day and drove to Glenwood Springs, CO to spend a very comfortable night in the America's Best Inn. A new chain, for us, of motels and were very pleased. The fun had just begun!

Wednesday, November 4^th – The drive from Glenwood Springs to Las Vegas was uneventful. Weather was warm, clear and dry. We had Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol, on CD and got about a quarter of the way through it this day. A very good “read”, by the way. We arrived in Vegas about 4p . . . in our room about 6p . . . then out to dinner and back to crash. A very long day. Oh, did I mention we got a very nice Deluxe Luv Tub room for a $20 upgrade? Well worth it . . .

Thursday & Friday. November 5^{th &}6^th – These two days kinda merge in our minds. Diana learned from some fine polymer clay artists and Noel learned that he can walk too much. He loves to people watch and walking from casino to casino along the Strip is a great people watching opportunity. Not much gambling and no big successes. We both were exhausted at days end.

Saturday, November 7^th – Tonight, after classes, we drove to the Stratosphere and took the elevator up about 900ft in 30secs and walked around the glass enclosed observation deck. This deck also has several Squished Penny machines! Those, of course, were our primary goal. After the drop back to casino level we enjoyed a nice dinner in their diner, called Roxie's, where the waitstaff sings, live, 50's hits as they wander around the restaurant. No extra charge!

Sunday, November 8^th – As this is our last day and we've had so little time to get Squished Pennies, Noel struck out alone to Primm, NV (on the California border) and got three Squished Pennies and one Squished Quarter. After this final day's classes we attended the closing Pizza Party. The ladies get a bit boisterous while wining door prizes and playing games. There were 10-12 students in each of four classrooms and they don't change rooms so they get to know each of the others in their given classroom rather well. This is the primary opportunity to meet the others that came to Clay Carnival. Prior to this event most of the participates made “poker chips” and traded them with the others. This was fun for all and gave a great opportunity to see, discuss and hob-nob with their fellow crafters.

Monday, November 9^th – We broke up our drive back to Colorado into two days. That gave us the great opportunity to see our friends Marty and Pat that had moved from Denver to Grand Junction a couple of years ago. We got the grand tour of their recently purchased home and then enjoyed a nice dinner together with them. A good time was had by all.

Tuesday, November 10^th – A short drive back to Johnstown, a little over half way through The Lost Symbol, and two stops for Squished Pennies (one was closed for the season) and we got home mid-afternoon, unloaded the car, and rested, happy to be home again.