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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

February Wrap Up

My new things for February!

Wow, I can't believe its been so long since I've posted.  But today is one of the first days I've had to come up for air.  February was filled with a couple of classes I took, grand daughters for a week,  taught a two day class, gem show....and here we are....March!!

In keeping up with my New Year's Resolutions, or challenges I guess, I promised myself to try something new each month.  February was weaving with metal.

I was lucky enough to take a two workshops with the talented Mary Hettmansperger, author of many books, including Wrap, Stich, Fold and Rivet, a wonderful book.  She's a wonderful teacher, filled with talent, and a hoot to boot.  And her background is weaving, so she brings that knowledge to the jewelry world, and teaches how to weave with metal.  It took me awhile to get my head "wrapped" (sorry) around the method, but I was pretty smitten with the outcome.  I didn't have anything to weave around, I know, hard to believe, but I had to buy this at the store where we took the class, Creative Castle.  Its an amazing crystal, and worked great for this project.  Mary showed me how to weave the bail too!
Fun huh?  The second day was a torch fired enamel class, which I had tried before. But hadn't added gold leaf or silver before, and that was toooooo much fun.

 I got to take the class with a couple of my dearest friends, Diana Frey and Stephanie Gorman.  It was too much fun.


Thanks for insisting on another photo Diana, it turned out great!  That's Steff on the far left, Mary, me and Diana.  Poor Mary, we wore her out!  Ha ha.


And, I have some fun news.  I just listed a kit to make the fun hinged cuff on my Esty store.  Its everything you need.  I even included etched metal, with a French flare.  This is perfect for the royalty in you!


I also included one of my new sweet bird gift bags.  You can regift this sweet thing, or keep it for something special.

There is a tutorial listed as well, in case you are interested in just that.


This last weekend Diana and I taught our Queen for a Day class.  It was small and fabulous.  I'll post photos of everyone's darling projects soon.  Nana is beat right now!!
Hugs to everyone, miss you guys.

12 comments:

Charlene said...

Nonna understands how Nana feels. The GRANDS are grand but, WOW they wear me out! Love your cyrstal & the kit. Mary Hets is a great teacher. Diane & I took a class from her in San Antonio in November. They all laughed at me because I was afraid of the torch. HUGS!
Charlene & Elle (who is sound asleep in her little bed right now).

Unknown said...

Wow Riki! That pendant is fabulous! I love Mary's work and drool all over my book every time I open it. Sounds like you had great fun!

sharon said...

Fabulous woven piece Riki...really gorgeous! Your kit is soooo awesome too, you create beauty with everything you do!

stregata said...

Love the wiring on the crystal and the little bird bag is just too sweet.

romantic decay said...

WOW Nana! The wiring on the crystal is awesome (everything is).

Anonymous said...

All of your work is so beautiful. That wire weaving is amazing!

Sharon said...

Wire weaving is a great accomplishment and your piece is just beautiful! Your kit is beautiful as well.

Alice said...

What a stunning woven pendant! I'd love to try all of these things, but no time!!!!

I've got my eye on the hinged cuff kit and the pretty little gift bag.....birthyday money burning a hole in my pocket.

Beatnheart said...

I was on my way to visit you and low and behold there was a comment from you....kismet! I love the kit Riki...tempting indeed. Love the photo of all you stylish gals...

Jen Crossley said...

Your Pendant worked out so beautiful.Mary is a awesome teacher so much fun and very talented.I did a class with her in Australia.

Unknown said...

Such fun and excitement! Thank you for letting me share in the passion that is Riki!

Diane said...

Riki...I love the kit, and the pictures of it! Wonderful =)) Yes, Mary does look a little worn out, and I think I know why =) She had (at least) three VERY talented artists in her class! Enough talent to wear even Mary out!