I'm the Featured Artist for the Blog Hop

I am so excited to be the featured artist for the 

Artful Gathering Blog Hop this week.

After over 15 years of designing jewelry, in precious metal clay and mixed media, and working in mixed metals,
I am thrilled to be a part of a growing trend.

On-line retreats.

I love teaching at "in person retreats", so I can interact with the students, 

and get to know you one on one.

And guess what?  

We get to do that with Artful Gathering as well, 

                                                       for six weeks with each session.

I will be available for each six week session, to answer your questions, give you the support you need, and be your cheerleader within the workshop.  I will encourage you to post pictures of your work, and share with the class, so everyone can support each other.

Doesn't that sound like fun?? 

To sign up, just go to the Artful Gathering website, with the link below.

I would love to meet you in one or both of my classes.

Artful Gathering Event Registration is Open!

Follow along with me for fun, creativity, and a chance to win a

$200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!

Here are descriptions of two premiere video workshops at

The Artful Gathering Online Art Retreat 2012

In session one:

Romantic Relic Frames

Session One
June 6 - July 17

A few examples of what you can make, using metal, solder and found objects!

Here's a description of the class:

In this exciting class, you will be making a mixed media frame, from scratch!  This is a drop dead gorgeous opportunity to enshrine one of your favorite memories for all time.  Choose one of those photos tucked away, one you love but haven’t found just that right frame.  Or maybe one you want to print out from your iPhone? 

There are a number of techniques you will be working with to create your frame.  This lists a few:

Sawing with a jewelers saw

Piercing and drilling sheet metal

Flooding solder with a butane torch

Drilling flooded solder

Attaching micro hardware

Learning some cold connections

Attaching rhinestone chain through a soldered technique

Creating patterns

Forming a base for the frame

Designing a leg from wire and soldering

We will be working with sheet metal, cutting, sawing and filing it, preparing it for assemblage.  I’ll show you how using a jeweler’s saw can be easy, after mastering my “zen” method of sawing.  Additional techniques include drilling, wire work, soldering with a butane torch, and assembly of mini hardware.  You have the option of attaching rhinestone chain or a multitude of found objects to the front of your frame.  If bling is your thing, you may choose lots of rhinestones and pearls. If not, use vintage or antique found objects, and give your frame a steam punk, vintage assemblage look. I will also demonstrate how to form a stand for the frame, and attach a back.  A couple of patterns will be provided for you to choose the shape of your frame, or feel free to design your own!

This class will be a detailed, step-by-step demonstration of every single process needed to complete your frame, and make it your own. Whether you are a virgin at soldering with a butane torch or experienced in metal work, there is something new for you here. I love making these sweet frames, and I think you will too. They make a wonderful gift, or make it a keepsake  for yourself, and display your Romantic Relic Frame on your favorite side table or desk.  What a special way to showcase a special person, (or pet) in your life.

I look forward to meeting you in my classroom.  We will have a blast!

In session two:

Overcoming the Fear of Fire

Session One
July 15 - August 25

Here is the class description:

This class is tailored to the craft person, and meant specifically to help you overcome any fear or hesitation you might have about using a mixed gas or butane micro torch. You know, the one you saved up for, or received as a gift, buried deep in your garage, gathering dust, or stored unopened somewhere in the house! Or have you wanted to purchase a torch, but had no idea of what kind to buy, or how to use it?

This class is aimed specifically to help take those fears away, and shine some light on the mystery of using a mixed propane/oxygen gas Smith Little Torch, and a variety of butane micro torches, for your jewelry creations.

In this workshop I will walk you through a step-by-step process on how to light these torches, and the basics on how to operate them. I will show you what gases I prefer to work with. Also covered will be which torch is best for which purpose, as well as how to fill them, light them and some safety issues. My wish is that by the end of this workshop, you will know which torch is best for your use.

What can you create with these kinds of torches? How can learning about heat add to your jewelry skills? Here are just a few things you could do with these tools.  I will demonstrate these techniques:

-      attaching metal to metal

-      attaching wire to metal

-      attaching jump rings to metal

-      soldering jump rings

-      ball up wire for earrings

-      ball up wire to finish off bracelets

-      anneal metal to soften for shaping

-      floating solder on metal

There are many more applications for using heat in jewelry making.  For instance, you can make bezels to set stones, create one-of-a-kind pieces, solder mini hardware for attachments, etc.  There are endless possibilities.

Are you ready to join me in this journey of unlocking the mystery of fire? My goal is to have you jump in and use that torch you have been hoping to, but have been too hesitant to try one until now. Knowing how to use heat with jewelry and mixed media creations unlocks so many doors, and opens your mind to expanded design techniques.

So, on to the blog hop!

I hope you're playing along!

Come Hop With US!

Hop Rules:

If you would like to hop with us and meet all the super awesome Artful Gathering 2012 Art Instructors, and have a chance to win a random drawing prize in our random drawing, then hop with us! Each week, I will announce the blog for you to visit, and off you go to meet them, and to pick up the newest secret word. Your chance to win prizes....

1. For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
2. Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys!
3. This weeks word is .....Own
   Next week, I'll announce the next person to hop to. Good luck!!!

Thanks everyone!

love and hugs to all.

Hope to meet you in classes this summer.

Riki