Class Starts on Wednesday, May 2nd, at NWACC

Hello everybody.  Since class begins on Wednesday, trips to the bead store continue, and Flea Market sales of bracelets go up.  The Spring craft fair begins on the weekend, so there is new material at the Flea Market too.  After wearing a new necklace, made from materials from JoAnn's, two waitresses tried to buy it from me.  That was fun too, since I had just finished it on the way out the door.  Experiments do work!  Remember, keep it a hobby, and things just happen.

I wanted to make a necklace, so I went to find beads--something new and different, and finally found the perfect ones.  Picture will follow.  That was a really fun project, and returned me to the blue theme I had started.  While I teach, I try new projects just to see them completed.  It is rewarding to see new students, and previous students and their new projects.  I urge you all to just try.  Much of jewelry is connected to muscle memory, and that takes some time, but is very rewarding in the long run.

I appreciate your loyalty in following the blog.  It's fun planning new projects and sharing the results with you.  Let me know if you would like to see something special.

On to more organization for class, and pictures of the necklace and earrings from yesterday.

Have a wonderful weekend.  I will be back soon.

The jewelry is displayed at the Bella Vista Flea Market,
across from Allen's Grocery.

Things We Can With Wire and Pearls.May 2nd - New Class Starts at the Crossing, NWACC

Hello Friends!

I have been experimenting with texture, wire wrap and wire with pearls and have a gorgeous necklace here.

I had started weaving wire with pearls to see what would happen and was very happy with the results.  Also,there are some tricks to  holding the wire while processing the actual work.

We will all be happy to have wire wrap and pearls for necklaces and bracelets.  These are just some new ideas using woven wire.  Experiments are in the process for class, and I'm sure we'll all enjoy the results.

Classes begin next Wednesday, May 2nd, at 10 AM.  Tamarra will be firing up her dremel for the illustration of drilling stones and rocks not yet drilled.  We are ready to go, and will start with earrings on Wednesday, progressing to simple necklaces, and wire ideas.

I will write again before class to update you!

Sincerely, Chris

Texture with pearls and wire.

Gearing Up for Jewelry Class Starting May 2nd, NWACC at the Crossing

Hi, everyone!  It's such a pleasure being able to write to all of you.  With class at NWAAC beginning in a little over a week, on May 2nd, I am getting the supplies together.

I'm all geared up to start again.  Today, I made another braided choker, to wear alone or with a pendant.  Our camera acted up yesterday and did not focus right on the jewelry, so pictures will follow as soon as possible.

It is such a blessing to have such a fun hobby.  There is never a lack of ideas to try when I keep the right items around.  I suggest beads, 20 gauge  wire, wire for necklaces, closures and magazine pictures, not to mention catalogs of jewelry, and general inspirations like a trip to a supply store.  Even colors, new clothes for spring, and daydreaming work.  Find a way to copy a favorite, and savor the feeling of creating new and interesting pieces.  Pliers of many styles are necessary ,  and fun to experiment with.  Our first class will include a demonstration of drilling a hole into a stone we happen to find anywhere with a drill.

Coming here from Arizona 2 and 1/2 years ago, there are so many examples of stones I found that simply were not drilled yet, and I had no experience with a drill--at least not enough to not shatter the rock find.  I used to spend time in jewelry stores in Scottsdale.  That was wonderful experience to get me started.  I found I  could use the inspiration well in making my first pieces.  The availability of so much turquoise and quartz was incredible too.  The trend now is more in wire, but beads of beauty will never leave.  My favorite this year is lapis, so I try to stick to blues for a while, then change.  Anything will work when the urge strikes.  Have fun practicing, and see you soon in class.

This time we will make watches with interchangeable bands, several kinds of wire pieces, and other fun projects.  Each time you will take home a completed project, and often 2,3, or 4.  I will keep writing as class time comes.

NWAAC Jewelry Class Starts May 2nd at the Crossings

My next class at NWAAC is May 2, with all the Wednesdays in May following from 10-12.

A visit from best friends in Ohio slowed down general jewelry construction, while boosting opportunities for practicing my favorite hobby.  With fingers still bandaged from earlier attempts at wire, I made Rosemary many new pieces for her collection.  We had a wonderful time, and I taught her how to make beautiful pieces from her collection of beads, collected on our many trips around Arizona (while we lived there), and Arkansas.  One of our adventures was visiting all strung out, with a class with Bea Rivera.

I have since stocked up on wire, and devised a way to weave, or braid wires into necklaces which can be used plain or with pendants.  These are a bit easier on my fingers than byzantine has been.  These necklaces are definitely worth a try, though they use 1+ package of Beadalon wire.  They are pictured here.  I loved the braiding and the pretty look they have alone and with pendants.  I also tried some combinations with the many colors of wire now available at jewelry supply stores.  It's good to be back.  I missed you all.

Byzantine Jewelry by Bea Rivera

The student, Chris Jackson, is a bit slower than the teacher, Bea Rivera.

Making a Bracelet Watch, With Interchangeable Bracelets

Bracelet watches; with lobster claws change the color in an instant.   They are perfect for summer ease and beauty.  I just finished a peach color to match my new morganite ring, a red for July 4th, and a silver/clear to wear with anything.  Pictures of those will follow.  The watch face is a Geneva quartz made for Swarowski.