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Ongoing Jewelry Classes
at my house
Pay in class with cash or
check, just contact me ahead of time to let me know you are coming: Katie 704-240-8295. What to bring? The only thing you must bring is a work surface. This can be a ceramic tile or an oven-proof cutting board. I will give you a little clay at each class, or you can buy it in quantity from me, from Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or online. You don't need to invest a lot of money in tools; try mine first and then decide what you like. A pasta machine is nice, but you can get similar effects with a rolling pin, and many things can be hand-formed- after all, it is "hand-made" art jewelry! If you are a sketcher or note-taker, bring paper and pen. If you are coming from work and wearing nice clothes, you may want to bring an apron. Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions or need directions to my house. Catharine (Katie) Henderson Selph What are classes like? Classes are informally structured, sort of like a sewing circle. At the start of class I will show inspiring examples of work by other artists on websites or in books, and do a brief demonstration. Then you can work on your own, or collaborate with other artists. You can copy a design you like, or just "go for it" depending on your confidence and skill. I will go around and help people who need it, and work with you to help you achieve the results you want. While pieces are "firing", we'll take a break and talk about what we've learned. Meeting in a group is a wonderful way to experience the cross-fertilization that happens when different personalities bounce ideas around. Some people tend to be precise and methodical, while others are free and spontaneous-- it's all good! Who can take these classes? You do not have to consider yourself an artist to create beautiful jewelry. I have made my living as an artist all my life, and have deep trust in both the creative process, and in people! I will be teaching techniques and skills, but I will also work with each student to help them access their "inner artist" and express their unique talents. Because we will sometimes be using sharp tools, these sessions are not open to anyone under 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult. Couples and men are welcome and encouraged to attend. Private Classes on any topic are $15 per hour. My place or yours (women only). I can also do demonstrations for your club or organization. |
Join us at
Location: upstairs at Court Street Grille, entrance at 113 Court Square, Lincolnton. All of the artists who showed at my recent house party will be participating: Katie Henderson-Selph- abstract paintings, graphics, and art jewelry. Jennifer Hoyle- pottery, jewelry, and landscape/nature photography. Teresa Mode- Elegance by Mode: handmade jewelry and beadwork. *Pamela Wise-, Wise Jewelry Creations: original gemstone jewelry. *Pamela will be showing at the Lincoln Cultural Center with Kathryn Berkowitz. Also at Court Street Grille Loft: Poetry reading and
open mic Contact: Katie 704-240-8295 catharine@charter.net Make earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins or ornaments. We will primarily work with polymer clay, but we also do beading and wire-forming, which are good basic skills for anyone interested in making or repairing jewelry. You can make items to sell, or just for yourself and family to enjoy. Classes are organized in a sequence of five (see below) but don't let that stop you from coming when you can. Each class stands alone. After the opening demonstration I will help newcomers with the basics. Classes are scheduled to run an hour and a half, but most people usually stay about 2 hours to have enough time to finish a project. If you need to leave early you can take work home to finish. If you buy a package and find you can't come to a class you can either let someone else come in your place or make it up later. I'm flexible. 1. Beginning Polymer Clay: color-wheel, properties of different clays, mixing and conditioning, free-forming, firing, finishing. No tools required. 2. Tools and Gadgets: findings, earrings, pin backs, closures, crimping, extruding, molds, pasta machine, rollers. Make a pair of earrings in class. A good opportunity to 'try before you buy" jewelry-making tools. No tools required. 3. Bead-Making: basic bead shapes, flowers and leaves, die cuts, re-fired beads. No tools required, but bring more clay if you want to make enough beads for a bracelet or necklace. 4. Advanced Techniques: (Open to beginners with any previous experience.) We'll demonstrate transfers, canes, skinner blending with pasta machine, mixed media, textures, mold-making. No tools required but allow time for this class because we will be covering a lot of ground. 5. Production Session and Swap-Meet: apply what you have learned in previous classes to produce in volume for sale or gifts. Bring items you have made to exchange with others. (This is the only class not open unless you have attended at least one previous class.)
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What is Polymer Clay? Basically, it is plastic- the same plastic plumbing pipes are made from. Polymer Clay has been around since the late 1930s, but its use as an art medium is only decades long. There is a great deal of experiment and innovation by polymer clay artists. Often, techniques are borrowed from other craft traditions, such as ceramics, leather working, metal working (mokume-gane), or glass working (millefiori, lampwork). This modern medium is growing in popularity because materials are inexpensive, it is easy to learn and lends itself to an enormous variety of applications. While most people use it to make art jewelry, it can also be used to make ornaments, figurines, doll faces and parts, plaques, boxes, etc. (Because it is porous, it is not suitable for dinnerware). Unlike ceramic clay, it can be fired in a home oven, is break-resistant, and comes in a rainbow of colors. Nationally, there is a movement to recognize polymer clay as a fine art form; there's even a polymer clay museum! Very accomplished artists can sell their work for high prices.
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