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November 2011
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June 2012

New for 2012!

First, let me wish you a Very Happy New Year and a superb 2012.

These are the classes I've scheduled for winter/spring 2012 at Star's Beads in Vienna, Virginia.  Registration begins at 10am on Monday, January 9.  You can register by phone:  (703) 938-7018.  Each class is six hours (10-4pm) and $65 plus a $30 materials fee. There is a maximum of eight
students in each class.

Coloring on Metal, Part 1.  Saturday, April 7

Colorwork
Students will make their own fuming chamber and use ammonia to oxidize copper or brass.  The metals will turn varying shades of turquoise.  Class project is a pendant with a captured stone and techniques taught include coiling, cutting and texturing metal, setting a stone with coiled Sterling Silver.  A domed pair of earrings will also be made using a special patina.

Coloring on Metal, Part 2.  Saturday, April 28

Coloring_metal_2

Coloringmetal

Learn exciting new ways to color metals with paints,pencils, patinas and paste.  We will color copper and brass metal blanks, filigree and Lucite beads using these various methods.  A fun and easy class.

Diary in Metal. Friday, March 30

Diary_in_metal
This is my "revised Sophisticated Steampunk" class with an all new project.  A potpourri of cold connection techniques (no soldering).  Make a metal keepsake diary necklace with metal pages displaying your special photo and inspiring words while learning to etch, texture, rivet, cut, pierce, stamp, Patinate and oxidize brass and copper. This is a jam-packed day full of techniques and fun!

Diaryinmetal

Not your Grandmother's macrame. Saturday, March 10, 10am-4pm

Scrapbox bracelet etc staley june 2011 013 (Small)

In my studio in Great Falls. I love teaching this class and students love taking it!  It is my Daggers and Dandelions bracelet class, BUT we are making a pendant necklace like the one shown below.  You will finish the project in class.  I assemble the kits with my very special findings, leaves, flowers, beads, etc. to make a smashing piece of jewelry.  The $85 fee covers class, special kits, fibers, just bring yourself!  Limited to five people only.  To register for this class only, please email me:  [email protected]


The perfect gift!

 Some Festive Gift Ideas from
the Jewelry Studio of Donna Barnako
It's Never Too Late! 

Here are some last minute ideas for your holiday shopping list.  I am happy to giftwrap, mail, welcome you to my studio, send other photos, whatever you would like to make your gift giving (and receiving) as easy as possible.  I do take PayPal, too! Below are descriptions of some of my newer pieces.
 
"Camouflage"
 
IMG_0272
A freshwater cultured pearl necklace with matching earrings.  It is meant to be worn at the base of the neck, has a lovely sterling silver and matching pearl clasp and unusual paddle shaped pearls that give a ruffled appearance.  Wonderful with a plain cashmere sweater!  $175 for necklace and earrings.
 
"Painting with Fire"
 
IMG_0270
This is a classic designed bead crocheted necklace with a stunning handmade glass focal bead.  I purchased the focal bead in Rockland, Maine from a design studio called "Painting with Fire", hence the name.  The bead crochet takes me many, many hours to complete, about one inch in an evening, and this is after I've strung the 15 feet of beads needed to do the crochet.  There are sterling silver accents and clasp and the beads are a Prussian blue with antique gold to complete the effect.  $200.
 
"Crossover"
 
IMG_0273
A really fun to make and easy to wear necklace.  It allows me to raid my stash of wonderful antique and exotic findings I've gathered over the years.  The necklace is a long chain meant to be crossed over rather than clasped.  On each end I've assembled some accents.  The close up of either end gives you the idea:  an ancient Berber enameled medallion, an equally old sterling and onyx studded globe, a sterling wire worked bead I've made, quartz, Swarovski crystal  and a really wonderful royal blue "found object" from my endless antique market forays.  Wear it to the super market or to the White House, a real conversation starter.  $180.
 
Photo #276 "Scarab"
 
IMG_0276

A linked bracelet that incorporates so many techniques:  cutting with a jeweler's saw, riveting, etching designs with acid, torching for color, oxidizing for an antique look.  The bracelet features a vintage 2cent stamp (Statue of Liberty), watch parts, a bumblebee, semiprecious pumpkin agate and turquoise.  $250.
 
Have a very wonderful, warm holiday.
The best to all for a healthy and happy 2012

Donna