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.)

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!

I'm teaching at JSI in July!

Okay gang... I KNOW that I am in the midst of Bead&Button prep, but I have another upcoming exciting event to share with you.

Some of you are familiar with Jewel School On JTV. I periodically join them on-air to demonstrate my favorite soldering tools. But now they are taking educating jewelry makers one step further with classes.

Fast forward to the Jewel School Institute!

From the website... "The Jewel School Institute is the classroom learning department of Jewelry Television^® and Jewel School. It is our dream come true to extend learning opportunities to our customers beyond our live television shows. Education is an important part of JTV’s commitment to the customer. Introducing new jewelry making venues and offering the latest in jewelry making supplies are important elements in our mission of empowering women and men to stretch the boundaries of their creativity.  Jewelry Television uses the medium of live television to educate the shopper about gemstones and jewelry and the beauty they can bring into her life."

Cool, huh?

I am so excited that they asked me to do a three-day workshop for them coming up on July 19-21. Here is the class description...

"This 3-day workshop is definitely "metal-immersion".

In fast-paced day one, students will complete an instructional sampler based on the unique sampler section in my book, "Simple Soldering". You will learn to saw, solder, rivet and set stones and really hone your technique without fear of “messing up”. We’ll have plenty of 1 x 1 copper squares and materials to use and experiment with in this section. We will use a simple and portable soldering station featuring butane micro torches, which is safe and easy to replicate at home. 

Next we move to day two devoted to the wonderful world of ring making and stone setting! Taping on the skills learned in day one, students will learn how to size, shape, design, and set stones to make rings for every finger (almost!).

On day three we will put the torches away and work on cold connections and patinas. Students will explore a variety of patinas on metal and create unique pieces featuring colored metal mixed with riveting techniques. (I can’t wait to share these great techniques with you.) These three days are going to be jam-packed, but promise to be educational, interesting and most of all, fun!

Three days of all the metal techniques you can imagine! Class runs from 8-5 each day and by then end you'll have a great understanding of a variety of metal working techniques. Plus you'll leave with beautiful jewelry. This is a perfect class for students who want to get started working with metal. You will have to bring some tools, but I will have a bunch of specialty tools and the soldering stations all set up for you. Materials? No problem. They are all included in the kit fee.

Find the link to enroll here.  I hope you'll join me. I can't wait to share these techniques with you.
JTV is located in the friendly town of Knoxville, Tennessee. The folks at JTV are so nice, and accommodating. I know we will have a great time

Great Classes and Even Better Students!

What a weekend!

I taught two classes this weekend at two great local Bay Area treasures. Small business brick and mortar craft and bead stores are slowly fading away. Thank goodness that we still have a few great ones in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Saturday was ring fabrication at Baubles & Beads in Berkeley. Now THAT'S a bead store! Lovely selection, great staff and a nice classroom with a CAMERA to show the demos up close to students. I had a super time and my students made such beautiful rings. Great job ladies! New class sign up start on Tuesday and you can find the whole schedule here.

Sunday was Patinas and Cold connections at A Work of Heart in San Jose. Seriously. I have no words to describe how cool this place is. I had a super-full class with such terrific and creative ladies. It was a pleasure to have all of you in class.

AWOH Studio is a craft-a-ganza. Andrea (the owner) has a great schedule full of all kinds of craft classes. I am teaching a class on Fine Silver Fusing on Thursday that still has a couple of spaces left. You can check out their entire class schedule here and make sure to sign up for the newsletter to stay current on what's happening. I also wanted to mention that my friend and excellent instructor, Steven James is teaching his Torch-Fired Enamels class there at the end of the month. It's a great opportunity so sign up if you can as there are a few spaces left and learning to torch fire enamel is AWESOME! Check it out here.

Classes & Party at My New Studio

It's almost ready!

The hammers are hung.

The metal is sorted.

The kitchenette is stocked.

So here are the details. Some of you may remember the days of my former bead store in San Francisco. It was fun. I hosted cool events, great classes and gathered the most interesting and fun students.

Well, that is what's happening here. Nope, don't get too excited. This is NOT a retail bead store. What it IS is, a place for people to gather and learn. A place for my classes. A place that will host terrific Truck Shows from special vendors that sell high-quality jewelry supplies at great prices. A place that will host guest instructors and special events (remember Bead Brunch?)

I have a page on this blog dedicated to the happenings at the studio that is updated frequently with the latest happenings. (Click this link) The address, directions and details are all on that page. Bookmark it so you'll always see the latest classes and events. Better yet sign up for my newsletter and get the news delivered right to your email box.

My classes are listed on the page above and are on my Etsy store for purchase.

Now all that is missing is you! This is an open invitation to join me at my kickoff event on December 8, 1-4 PM. I'll have my new book available for purchase, a FREE Make & Take sponsored by Tierra Cast and a TRUNK SHOW with beautiful semi-precious strands at great prices. Refreshments are served and the party is going to be GREAT! 

BONUS!!!!! All class sign ups are 20% off when you enroll at the Studio on the 8th. BUT if you want to make sure you get a spot in an upcoming class, you can take 20% off right now by using code OPENINGPARTY upon checkout at the Etsy store. (PSST...the code is good on everything in the shop... not just classes, but you didn't hear it from me.)

I hope you can join me and thanks so much for your continued support!