Polymer Clay Beads

with Rose Mary Fosdick
4-Day, May 11–14, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $300
Materials Fee: $30

Participants will design and create their own custom polymer clay beads, experimenting with color, pattern, shape, and texture to produce unique wearable or sculptural pieces. Demonstrations will cover basic conditioning of polymer clay, color blending, simple canes, surface embellishment techniques, and proper baking/finishing methods. The class will begin with inspiration and technique demos, move into guided hands-on exploration, and conclude with time for refining, curing, and sharing finished work.

Plan to bring: any small tools, found objects for texture, or jewelry findings you’d like to use, though all essential materials will be provided.

Location: Main Campus - 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Rose Mary Fosdick (she/her) is a Michigan-based artist whose work is deeply influenced by the natural landscapes of her childhood in Barry County. She holds a degree with honors from Western Michigan University, where she studied political science, psychology, and sociology. Alongside her career in social work and community development, she developed a long-standing studio practice in polymer clay, a medium she has explored since the 1980s after discovering the millefiori (caning) technique through the work of Nan Roche. Fosdick has exhibited and sold her work through art fairs and galleries under her studio name, Rosemary & Thyme. She is also a dedicated educator, having taught polymer clay to students of all ages for more than three decades at arts organizations and schools in Michigan and elsewhere. Fosdick now focuses full-time on her studio practice and teaching, continuing to share her passion for polymer clay and creative exploration.

Photo courtesy of artist