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Your Jean and Carl Memory

Comments from Friends and Family!

"Jean was my first polymer clay teacher. I was the only one signed up for her class. It was a fabulous experience. I learned so much from her that day. But what I will always remember is after the class, she took the time to send me a note complimenting me on my work. "

— Pat Ewing

"I read with great sadness today about the passing of a dear person, Jean Hornberger. I read what Susan had to say about her and wanted to say something myself. Jean was an inspiration to me. In her quiet, sweet, helpful way, she told us how much going to Art New England meant to her. She was so happy to be among 'friends', who understood her passion for polymer clay and art. She patiently helped me step by step learn a new cane which we all made and shared with each other in Tory's class. I have a slice of hers and am honored to have it in my book of shared memories of that week in 2001. Jean shared her story about her illness and never dwelled on it. I am so sad to be writing this...always hoping that she was still with us and making beautiful art. We will all miss Jean and have all benefited from knowing her."

— Maxine Rosenberg

"Dall'Italia: BRAVISSIMA!! Sei una vera artista!! Baci (Kiss) "

— Silvia from Italy

"Jean, better known to me as my 'Mother'", left me with many happy and as many sad memories. She had hopes of passing her passion for the arts to as many people that surrounded her. She found incredible inspiration working with the polymer clay groups. It was not until she passed away that I understood the importance of her work with the polymer clay. I thought that she was simply shaping the clay into the designs, not realizing that every pattern and design was well thought out and designed from the talents that my mother possesed. I only began to appreciate this new medium of expression after her passing, and only hope that she will inspire more creative artists. I will always hold the pieces I have from her workings with the polymer clay as treasured gifts from a talented artist."

— Love - Brendan Battles
Her Loving Son

"I have a really funny 'memory' to share. I first became aware of Jean Hornberger's work today while surfing around on the Polymer Clay Central site. I literally gasped when I saw her clay jewelry for the first time, and then I eagerly read every scrap of information I found on Jean and her husband, Carl. Prior to this I had never heard of them. Well, as I was gazing at Jean's creations, I kept thinking 'I must contact this artist and talk to her about submitting her jewelry pieces to Belle Armoire for publication.' Then I saw a few necklaces with crochetted beads. That rang a bell. Right in one of my many 'submission' drawers here in the office, I had a beautiful necklace of rollup beads made with polymer clay wrapped with wire, beads and fibers. The necklace had been submitted to me as an answer to one of our recent "Calls for Creativity," and I recall being quite impressed by it, but the artist's name was not familiar to me. The central bead is covered with crochet--something I'd never seen before, but now found to be strangely familiar. Could it be the same artist? No, surely not! But just now I've opened my drawer and sure enough, the business card attached says 'Jean Hornberger' and you'd better believe I'll be calling her post-haste. Keep your fingers crossed, and if Jean agrees we'll be seeing her artwork in some upcoming issues of Belle Armoire."

— Sharilyn Miller, Editor
Belle Armoire magazine

"I was thrilled to find this wonderful feature article on Jean this morning. I had the pleasure of meeting her for the first time last week at the Arts New England workshop taught by Tory Hughes at Bennington College in Vermont. Jean was truly a joy to be with and an inspiration to all of us. I awaited her arrival in class each day with great anticipation. Her unique wardrobe of beautiful imported fabrics topped off with her one of a kind jewelry creations was such a joy to see. Spending a week with Jean was a rare blessing that I will never forget. "

— Susan Martens

"I had the pleasure of meeting Jean at the Muse this June, noting her Vermont license plate as a fellow Vermonter, as well as a polymer crafter. This exhibit is wonderful to see. My thoughts to you both!! "

— Barb Henry

"First of all Leigh- thanks for doing this. Those of us that have had the opportunity to meet and work with Jean and Carl are truly lucky people. I am just sorry that circumstances kept them from being as well known as Tory Hughes or Nan Roche. Many people don't realize that several polymer specific tools on the market today are based on the original designs or ideas of Carl. He was a true tinkerer. Nothing pleased him more than being given a new challenge except maybe teaching the solution to a group of awestruck clay addicts!

As far as Jean goes, like Leigh, she is also one of my heroes and I wanna be Jean when I get around to growing up! I never met a more warm and funny lady. She has handled some of the toughest situations in life with strength and dignity,and laughter well beyond the norm. Plus she likes to trade with me so I get really,really really cool stuff!! See you at Shrinemont next May, Jean! Blessed be! "

— Carissa Nichols

"I met Carl and Jean at my first Shrine Mont in 1999. Both were very generous and sharing. Carl demoed his bead roller, and Jean gave me a private demo of Fimo tinted translucents and opaque clays! I also was very glad to see Jean at the Muse, so I enjoyed her at the Muse 2001 and sent a hug home to Carl! I hope both will be back at Shrine Mont next year."

— Barbara Sosna

And if you've noticed a really interesting flower holder in some of these pictures, it is called an "Earth Texture Vase", and it is created by Mona Kissel. These one-of-a-kind pieces reflect the Japanese way of displaying flowers, and Mona can be reached at mona@monakissel.com.