NEW! DVD Giveaway and Class in the Studio this weekend.

**We have a winner!** Check the comments on the post below. Chosen at random, commenter Teresa gets the DVD.

Middle of April? Okay. If you say so. Things are humming right along in Kate Richbourg-land. I have, like 5 million irons in the fire and each project is fun and challenging at times. I feel like a sprinter that's nearing the finish line. I. am. so. close. to. finishing. Sorry about the radio silence on the blog. Those fun and challenging projects are requiring every second of my writing time.

One big project that I worked on this year (and the end of last) was a DVD set for F&W, Interweave & Craft Daily. The IW gang and I tossed around a few ideas and the one that all of us were most excited about creating was a series on portable torches for the home metalsmith. You can check out the preview here (#solderlikealady).

You can download individual lessons from the DVD on the Interweave Store website, but even better is the just-released 6-lesson DVD. I just received my copies in the mail and I have one to give away to you!

If you'd like a chance to win, leave a comment about why you'd like to #solderlikealady and I'll choose a random winner on Sunday evening. The video covers all of the portable torches that I wrote about in this post for Jewelry Making Daily along with great projects to create.

And a quick note of you are local to the Bay Area and want to get creative this weekend, I have a couple of spots left in my Metal Movement class this weekend at my studio. Check out the details here. All tools and materials provided.

Stay tuned to the blog in the coming weeks as I have more exciting news AND giveaways to share with you. Have a great weekend everybody!

New Classes at Bead & Button and My Studio

New! Exciting! Classes!

So as you may know I have been obsessing over rotary tools and how to maximize them for small-space jewelry making. (And if you didn't, now you know.)

So after many months of hammering (well, drilling) away I have a fantastic new class to share, Rotary Tool Basics: Drilling and Riveting Mixed Media. You are going to learn how to add a hole in stones, found objects and metal. Then you'll learn the fine art of cold connection using a variety of riveting techniques.

Cool, right? You have two ways to join me in class. First up in March at my studio in South San Francisco, CA. You can find that info at this link. Or you can travel to Milwaukee in June for the Bead&Button Show. It was just added to my class lineup. Check all my B&B classes here.

I also have a SECOND new class at my studio in April. Metal Movement: Explorations in Texture, Shape and Form. It's all about using the rolling mill, hydraulic press, hammers and flame to make a bunch of patterned and textured sheet, wire and components to use in your jewelry. Also, if you've been thinking about purchasing a piece of heavy-duty equipment like a rolling mill or hydraulic press, I'll help you figure out what you'll need and you can place the order right in class.  All the info at this link. 

I am super excited about both classes. I'd love to see you in Milwaukee or at the studio. Meanwhile, don't forget to #solderlikealady! (More info on my new DVDs coming soon.)

6 Torches. 3 Dresses. 2 Days. And Soldering Like a Lady.

Back at the beginning of December, I took a trip to the F&W headquarters in Ft. Collins, CO. The task at hand was filming 6 complete metalworking DVDs each one featuring a different portable torches.

Over two days. That's like 16-hours. Which leaves little room for error.

I like tight deadlines. Seriously. A cross-country jaunt involving fire, film, lots of tools, and intense prep worked for me. So I hopped on a plane and headed for the bright lights of the Interweave production studio in Colorado.

I am really excited about this project. I chose the torches specifically because they are easy to find, straightforward to use and work with small spaces. Some of them may be familiar and some may be completely new.

A few of my torches.

The projects took a little more planning. I wanted to create projects that were contemporary, interesting and adaptable. A place for viewers to have a jumping-off point. I don't want you to make cookie cutter projects...I want you to take the ideas and run! (Thank you Emily Miller and Kriss Silva... project assistants, extraordinaire! Without the two of you, these projects just would have been jumbled pieces of wire. Bathed in my tears.)

Six projects. One for each torch.

On the first day we jumped right in! I had a camera on me all day. It was a mix of behind-the-scene footage and on-camera instruction. And lots of bright lights. And red lipstick (MAC Ruby Woo.) And coffee.

Behind my bench.

I did a lot of off-the-cuff quips and the footage was used to create a couple of promo videos. Here is one where I discuss my biggest on-camera screw up...



Now you can join me and learn to "Solder Like a Lady." (Read as "like a kick-ass lady, in red lipstick and pretty dress, with a torch.") Thanks to my dear friend Mary Cravens, I was well dressed and my three frocks were comfy and camera-ready. Custom apron on and ready to fire things up. Go stylish or go home. It's a great motto for just about everything.

The Interweave/F&W gang were terrific! They made everything go super smoothly and the resulting videos are gonna be great. Here is one more promo...

They are set to release in late Feb/early March. Stay tuned to the blog for more info when they are available along with a special tie-in project coming up soon in Step-By-Step Wire magazine. 

I also just hosted a webinar about small-space jewelry soldering. Find it here. I discuss a few of the torches that I used in the DVDs and cover everything you need to solder in your home studio. It's a great companion piece. A few more webinars are coming up soon that will tie in as well. I'll keep you updated about those, too. Thanks for watching!

Hey, January...I got you.

January 1st feels good, doesn't it? Holidays over and done. New ideas brewing. Morning sun shining and post New Years revels hydrating.

2015. I got you. 

I have a couple of thingsto share that might help you ease into making 2015 a good one.

Have you heard of the Passion Planner? I hadn't either. I found out about it on Facebook when some bead-world friends posted about it. It's planner, journal, idea-keeper and motivator all in one.

I've started mine for 2015 and I already love it. I have so many random thoughts and great ideas and stuff that I want to achieve that I can't always keep track of everything that flies through my head. It's laid out for non-lineal thinkers like me. Includes space to plan life and work. Exciting!

There are a couple of new publications that I am excited about, too. First is a revamp of The Crafts Report (a favorite of mine) called Handmade Business. It looks like it's going to be full of good info. Currently they are offering a free subscription to their digital version (the free version includes the majority of the content of the paid edition) but I think it's a cool way to check it out. Looking forward to seeing what they have to share.

The second is a special edition magazine from Interweave Press and the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors called Artists & Makers. I got my hands on the debut issue along with a few extra copies. it has helpful articles, interesting profiles and general inspirational goodness. I have three copies to share. If you'd like one, leave a comment and I'll pick three at random on Monday. Leave a way for me to reach you in the comments so I can get your mailing info.

Are you on my mailing list? There are great new classes and events coming up in my studio for 2015. I have done some rearranging and added a some new tools and equipment. More information to come in a few weeks. You can also check out my website for all the latest information.

All the best to you in 2015!

Upcoming classes! Online and in the studio.

Exciting news! I have THREE classes scheduled at my studio in South San Francisco. (It's about time I know, and more are coming soon.) Plus one online at Craftcast.com!

First up in the studio, on December 7, "The Art of the Bangle." Bangle bracelets are all the rage right now and they are so fun and easy to make. $95 for the day includes all materials and tool use in class. Everything is provided, all you need to do is show up. We are going to make a bunch of bangles and cuffs, and other components that use a simple round link (like hoops, rings and chain links). This is a brand new class based on a technique that my friend Bob Burkett generously shared with me.

I only have 5 spots available in class so sign up early as it's going to fill fast. The enrollment link in my Etsy Shop is here.

The Art of the Bangle

An speaking of Bob Burkett. Next in the studio is a special guest artist class with one of my favorite bead artists. "Zen and the Art of Waxworking" with Bob. He is just starting to teach his techniques and is really excited to share his knowledge with you.

Bob at work.

It's coming up on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 & 3, 2014. 10-5 both days. Cost is $225.00 and all materials are included. There are only eight spots available so sign up soon at this link. A complete description and details are listed there too. This class is sure to fill up quickly. It's a great opportunity to learn from a master. I CAN'T WAIT!!

Next up another newish class, Tube Set Pendants and Stack Rings. I am teaching it for the first time this weekend at the BABE show in Oakland, CA. It's full (as are all of my classes there, yay!) but I really wanted to teach it at my studio, so here it is! Saturday, March 15, 2014, 10-5. Cost is $150 for the day with all materials (sterling silver!!!!) and tool use in class included. Complete description and enrollment at this link on my Etsy store.

And just to give you class overload, I have a LIVE ONLINE class coming up next week on Wednesday, November 20th for CraftCast.com. Sign up here for Getting Loopy: Simple Chain Making and Beyond. It's all about chain making and the art of the metal link. How it works is you watch the live class presentation, ask questions, watch video tutorials and listen to me talk. Can't make the specified time? Want to watch the class over again? The enrollment fee includes a link to the video class so you can watch again and again, whenever you want! It's gonna be fun and super informative.

I am really excited to be a part of CraftCast and hope you can join me on Wednesday!

Getting Loopy!

Okay, gang. That's it from the class front. Check you calendars and hope to see you in class, soon!

Class at BABE 2013

Hello September!

September means a lot of things to me. Summer in San Francisco, my birthday, slowing things down a bit... AND preparing for a great bead show that happens in the Bay Area in November!

That's right gang... BABE 2013 is just around the corner. One of the biggest bead shows on the west coast is November 16-17 and I am teaching three classes there.

I just received notification yesterday that my classes are filling up fast, so I just wanted to let you all know in case you are planning to attend, you had better jump on it quick.

It's a great show. A lot of wonderful bead vendors and really great classes. What could be better? (Well nothing, in my humble opinion. Okay, a FEW things maybe. Like a vacation. Or desert. But I digress.)

Here is a rundown of my classes:
Things get started before the show on Friday, November 15 with my Simple Soldering Boot Camp. This is my most popular class, perfect for those of you who want to get started with soldering but need a nudge in the right direction. Based on my popular book Simple Soldering, it's the perfect way to remove your fear of the torch and jump right into making soldered jewelry.

Next up on Saturday, November 16, I am teaching a NEW class on tube setting, Tube Set Flower Pendant and Stack Rings. For the student that has some (not a lot) of experience with soldering and is looking for a new challenge. Plus, they will make great holiday gifts! (Who mentioned holidays?? I gotta make a Christmas list!)

And on Sunday, November 17, we wrap things up with Patinas and Cold Connections. A great class to learn all about riveting and coloring on metal. And since the class is local... I am going to add a special bonus... how to use a rolling mill to pattern metal and wire!

You can read all about how to enroll, here on the website. So start planning now and I can wait to see you in class in November!

Classes in Tucson 2013

Have you been to the Tucson Gem shows? It happens every year in February in Tucson AZ. You can find everything there, from the finest diamonds and jewelry to geodes sold out of an RV belonging to an old rock hound. It's all there.

This year I am going to be in the thick of it! I am so excited to teach at the J.O.G.S show. The fine folks at JewelryTools.com sponsor the Education Center at the show and invited me to teach a few of my best-selling classes. Click on this link to see all the classes and days I'm teaching.

JewelryTools.com is an online tools supplier that carries the entire EURO TOOL catalog, including brands such as Wubbers, Lindstrom, Wolf, Lortone, and many more. Based in Utah, you may be familiar with their sister company, Wire-Sculpture.com. All the tools will be available at the show and you'll get to use many of them in class.

Simple Soldering Boot Camp

 Plus, I have discount codes you can use to save on taking a class! Just enter the code in the Promo box at checkout and the discount will apply to your total.

• Buy 1 class, get $20 off: KR1320
• Buy 3 classes, get $75 off: KR1375
• Buy 6 classes, get $175 off: KR13175

Start making plans now as travel and lodging during the gem shows gets filled up fast. The classes are going to be great. There are 18 world-class instructors (see all instructors here) teaching a diverse selection of classes (see all classes here).

Ring Roundup

Hope to see you the biggest jewelry event of the year. I'll be there with torch in hand ready to make some jewelry. Come and join in, post-class margaritas are on me!

Hola! FREE Micro Torch Basics Class.

¡Buenos dias! I am back from my trip from Mexico and I can't wait to share what I learned. So many traditional Mexican jewelry-making techniques, designs and materials... My head is bursting.

More on all of that great stuff later on the blog. (I gotta TON of pics to download.) Right now I want to share something EXCITING that happened while I was away.

Looky...

My new class on Craftsy.com.

It's FREE!!! That's right! No charge and you can watch it again and again and again. All you need to do is sign up and become a member of Craftsy.com. In my class you'll learn how to use a butane micro torch PLUS how to make a couple of my favorite ring projects. I walk you through each step on using the torch, setting up a safe workspace and other tips and tricks so you won't be afraid to turn on that torch and get started.

The class is broken down into five separate lessons so the class is easy to navigate and presents techniques in easy to follow portions.

I am so super-proud of this class and so happy that students are enjoying it. Are you new to Craftsy? You can learn all about their online classes here. You can check out my activity and projects on the site by following my profile.

Things don't stop there, though! I have a second class coming up in the next couple of weeks... stay tuned, I think you are going to like it. 

Now go forth and fire it up!

Classes on Sale at Beaducation!

Yep! Right now all Online Video Classes from Beaducation.com are 30% off. It only happens once a year and there are only two days left to stock up.

Don't miss this great savings opportunity to learn from some of the best instructors in the business. Want to take my soldering or riveting class (both on SALE for $17.47 each) or any of the others that I teach? You'll find a list of all of my Beaducation online classes here.

It's easy. Just jump on over to the class section on Beaducation.com, choose your class and click "Buy Class Now". In a moment the class will be in your account and ready to play. No lengthy downloads, no waiting. Just one click and you are ready to start learning and making your own jewelry. The class never expires and you can watch it anywhere that you have online computer access.

Still not sure if the online video format is for you? Well, try it before you buy it. There are a WHOLE BUNCH of FREE classes for you to check out. And if you like the FREE ones, the paid ones are even better. They go more in depth into the technique and they include a downloadable class handout.

Happy learning and see you on the computer screen!

Lucky Me!

Last night I spent a very enjoyable evening teaching fusing at A Work of Heart in San Jose, CA. Let me tell you, San Jose has a GEM in that wonderful space. A total art studio with lots of lovely classes. Paper, sewing machines, jewelry... it's a crafter's paradise. They rent studio time by the hour or you can subscribe for the year for access to all of their great supplies. More about that, here.

Let me tell you, their students are AWESOME! Looky what we made...

Great work Ladies!

I also picked up a few goodies. That darn shop is so distracting...I just had to grab a few things.

I  can't wait to play with my new paper doll stamps!

I'll be back at A Work Of Heart on July 10th to teach Viking Knit. Check out the class here. Have a great weekend, everybody!

Class enrollment begins today...

...At Baubles and Beads in Berkeley, CA at 10AM PST! I have four great classes on the schedule. Click here to see all of their class offerings but here is a peek at what I am teaching:

NEW CLASS Soldered Key

Dapped & Capped Beads

NEW CLASS
Patinas & Cold Connections

Freeform Wire Pendant

I am so excited to be back at this great store. Their classroom is extremely well appointed and includes a video and screen set up so that students can see the action up close without moving from their seats.

Enjoy browsing all of the great class offerings and hope to see you there!

Ring Roundup!

Whew! That was FUN! Last Saturday I taught my "Ring Roundup" class at Bead Inspirations in Alameda, CA. Bead Inspirations is a lovely little bead shop that is jam-packed with all things beady and they offer a variety of classes including some of mine. So Saturday morning I packed up my torches and drove over the bridge to the East Bay to share my love of making rings with 8 eager students.

We started off with a warm-up session. A get-to-know-your-torch-and-materials kind of thing. Everyone made a bunch of simple, stackable rings. (You can see a few in the picture above.)

The torch set up. Note the "distressed" soldering surface.

 After that, we moved to some fabrication. The students jumped right in and made rings with set cabochons!

 Everyone made at least one ring and some fast workers even made two. It was a great day had by all. A big thank you to the staff at Bead Inspirations. You all make it easy and fun to teach at your cute store.

If you'd like to join me in a class, I have a few coming up at Bead Inspirations in the next couple of months. There is another Ring Roundup session, Rolled & Wrapped Beads and Embellished Leather Cuff. Hope to see you there!

Makin' Beads

Come make beads with me!

I am so excited to teach a class locally. Bead Inspirations, in Alameda CA is hosting a 1-day workshop with me on November 19.  Enrollment is on now and there are a few spaces left.

We are going to have a great time! I am bringing a few extra things to play with in class including some pretty beads to cap.

I just taught this class last weekend at Wiremasters and the students made such LOVELY things. Here are a few samples...

To register contact Bead Inspirations in Alameda. Here is the full class description. Hope to see you there.

On the road again...

Last night I had to make a choice. It was one of those life choices that most women have to grapple with at one time or another. It was tough, but sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and make the hard decisions.

Look, I loved each of them. Each one was unique and filled a special place in my heart. They made me feel pretty and in my own way I needed each one.

But my suitcase was full.

Five pairs of shoes for a five-day trip just wasn't going to happen.

I am leaving next week to teach for "Weekend with the Wiremasters." Yes, I have kits and tools and jewelry to pack. I have to wrangle soldering set-ups in my car. I have to find that class sample that I decided to wear and then tuck away in a safe place so I could find it later.

But come ON. The real problem that I grapple with before I go out on a teaching gig is "What am I going to wear and how many shoe changes can I fit in my suitcase?"

Look, its a precarious balance between comfort and style. I gotta be mobile in class. I have pre class set up, the actual class itself and the immediate after party (usually held with chilled glasses and savory snacks) so this shoe choice needs to last all day. Comfort and cute don't always go hand-in-hand.

You'd think I could just find a nice neutral shoe. One that would go with everything. I could just slip it into a single shoe bag and tuck it in and go.  Nope. I like color. I love red shoes and blue shoes and shoes with flowers and shoes that have straps and shoes that tie.

So last night I lined 'em up and culled the heard. It was hard. I may have wept a silent tear, but I did it and I am proud. Three pairs are making the trip and one of those pairs are going on my feet, so I just need room for two.

(Okay, humor me. I know three pairs of shoes may STILL be a little excessive for a five-day trip, but let me have my moment.)

If you don't have plans for November 3-6 and want to have a super fun filled metals and wire weekend, Wiremasters is still accepting signups. Check out my classes here, and details about the whole event here.

Samples from my Crystal Frame Ring class.

The weather promises to be beautiful and they have a lovely pool. 

Whoops. Make that four pairs. I need flip-flops for the dash to the hot tub.

Now that the tough decisions are over, I can get to assembling kits and printing handouts. In my slippers.

The Bead & Button Show Class Catalog is LIVE!

...and up today.

If you clicked on my teacher link to get to my site, let me say a big WELCOME!

Follow my site to learn more about me, my classes, stuff I make and even a tutorial thrown in every once in a while.

I am teaching two classes at the Bead & Button Show in June. I love to teach metalwork and these are two of my favorites!

Capped and Dapped Beads

In this class, students will learn the joys of tube riveting. These beads are a great focal bead in a beaded design or look great simply strung on a chain.   ***Edited to add that class is full****

In addition to working with copper and sterling silver, students will also work with anodized aluminum sheet. The sheet is used in the sample above and makes a very striking piece.

Ring Roundup

In this class students will have the opportunity to create a selection of rings. From simple and stamped bands to set stones, we will cover it all!   ***Edited to add that there are limited seats available***

Check out the entire class catalog and show information at the Bead&Button Show website. Hope to see you in class and if you have any questions about my classes, send 'em my way!