While Snowbound in Maine

Some things to do when the snow is snowin' and the wind is blowin'?

• 1) Make donuts
• 2) Play with the dogs in the snow
• 3) Make jewelry

In the last two weeks I've done all of the above and, since one of my New Years Resolutions was "de-stash". I've found particular satisfaction in No. 3, including making ten, yep ten!, twisted pearl necklaces shown in the photo below.

I've whittled down my stash of freshwater cultured pearls to almost nothing, so when these gals are gone, they're gone!  Lots of beautiful earth tones, one, blue, one green, all with interesting bead cone endings in pottery, glass, Sterling and Swarovski crystal.  All with chain endings so you can adjust the length to suit yourself.

A Long Time in Coming

After a busy Fall and Holiday season, three good shows and teaching classes, I have been hard at play at my work bench.  

My newest piece, which has gotten lots of compliments, is Nautilus.

Many hours of pounding and torching were needed to produce  it.  And we're not even talking about all the cleaning and polishing involved!  To make it really stand out, I've lined it with turquoise stones.  All those dents and dimples were made by moi and I haven't lost a fingernail yet!

I will be teaching three classes this winter at Star's, in Vienna, Virginia.  This will probably be the last time I offer Diary in Metal and the Ammonia Fumed Pendant as I will be concocting new designs for Fall. Each class is six hours long. The price is $65 at Star's.  Contact Star's at (703)938-7018. There is also a $30 kit fee, payable to me.  

Saturday, February 16, 10-4pm Diary in Metal 

We will make a two-page metal "diary", while learning to etch, torch and rivet the components using brass and copper.  Three types of rivets will be used.  Leave with a completed pendant that your friends and family will want for themselves!

Saturday, March 2, 10-4pm Drop Dead Gorgeous (DDG)

Anyone can make this truly beautiful pendant necklace using the macramé technique I teach. We will finish it in class.  Students in my last class bought all the kits I had assembled from my wonderful stash. My newest design, shown in the photo and available in the kits, uses Red River Jasper.  Truly DDG.

Saturday, March 30, 10-4pm Ammonia Fumed Pendant 

You will cut and pierce copper and brass and set a stone in it, ripping open a window in the metal to see the stone.  Next you will lace together with sterling silver wire and then fume the piece in an ammonia fuming chamber you've just made.  If that isn't enough, we will also make a domed pair of earrings using my dapping tools.