Click here to visit ...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Get to Know ... Angela Peace

Angela Peace
When you take a course - whether bead-related or not - you tend to be drawn to known instructors, right? Of course right! Well, its time to get to know the instructors who teach at BeadFX! In this issue of The Beadful Life we will get to know Angela Peace.

Balance and harmony through shape and texture. This is the goal that Angela Peace strives for when she designs a piece of jewellery. 



Spiral kumihimo with ceramic pendant

Initially, many of us got to know Angela through her teachings of traditional Chinese knots such as the Plafond knot, the Button knot and the Pan Chang knot and the traditional art of Kumihimo or Japanese braiding. More recently she has introduced us to new fiber techniques such as “Pandora-inspired” braided cord and Soutache. But who is Angela and how did she become a teacher?

“I was launched into the world of creating with fiber at 5 years of age when I was taught how to knit,” says Angela. “Textiles were introduced with embroidery and sewing lesson at age 8 – and the rest is history.” Angela’s father created jewellery and, by watching him work, learned the names and properties of many stones. Her interest with knots began with a gift from a Taiwanese exchange student who gave her a knotted Pan Chang knot key fob. That attraction bloomed when Angela moved to Hong Kong in the late 1990s and discovered the world of decorative knots and their countless applications. “The more I looked, the more I became fascinated with how knots historically had been used in jewellery and how they still had a presence in contemporary designs,” explains Angela.

Soutache earrings
Angela began to learn her craft from old diagrams and eventually found a teacher. “Valerie inspired me with her skills and gave me the confidence and knowledge to move forward with knotting and kumihimo,” says Angela. “Since those early days, I have taken classes with experts like Rodrick Owen (kumihimo guru); Giovanna Imperia (wire kumihimo) and, more recently, with Aimee McNamara (Soutache).”
Angela keeps a book with sketches, ideas and inspirations. Sometimes ideas are not enough – they need to be ‘creatable’. “I have had to invent techniques to make things work. This can be very frustrating when trying to maintain a traditional aesthetic,” she explains.

A teacher by profession, Angela enjoys sharing in the enthusiasm and interest as students learn a new skill and then seeing the enjoyment that goes with accomplishment.  “I must confess, that on occasion, my students teach me a new skill for which I am very grateful,” says Angela.

When not teaching, Angela plays Mah jongg, enjoys going to movies and loves reading mystery books. “I am busy looking for new experiences with family and friends,” she says.

What advice does she give to others who create? “I think we have to trust our own creativity and give it great value,” states Angela. “If we can do this, then there is opportunity to move forward and develop as an artist.” 

Upcoming classes by Angela Peace:

Intro to Chinese Knotting
Thursday, March 14
6:00pm - 9:00pm
This course will introduce you to the traditional art of Chinese knotting. Learn to tie two types of button knots and how to incorporate them into your jewelry designs. These two knots can be tied alone or in multiples to make a unique necklace cord or tied between beads to add texture to a design. The class project will be a pair of knotted earrings with choice of beads and cord colour. Class fee: $50;  Kit fee: $12

Pan Chang Knot
Saturday, March 23
9:30am - 12:30pm
The Pan Chang knot is one of the classic Chinese knots. It is attractive and stable and can be used alone or in combination with other knots, beads and pendants to create an impressive jewelry design element. This class will teach how to tie and tighten the knot in the basic form as well as additional methods for modifying the look.  Time will also be given to discuss design applications. During the class the new techniques will be applied to complete a pair of earrings.Class fee: $50; Kit fee: $12

Kumihimo Basics
Friday, April 12
12:30pm - 3:30pm
This is an introductory kumihimo course and will teach how to make some basic cord styles and how to finish the ends. These cords can add texture and pattern to your jewelry designs and are especially impressive when used to enhance focal beads, and pendants. In class, you will use a round Kumihimo foam disc and weave with 8 strands of satin cord. Traditional and non-traditional cord end finishes using fiber and metal findings will be highlighted. Class fee: $50; Kit fee: $12

Braided 'Pandora Style' Cord Bracelet
Sunday, April 14
11:30am - 2:30pm
Learn this Pandora style braided cord technique to show off those special one-of-a-kind lampwork and metal clay beads and pendants. This technique can be used with a variety of materials to create a range of looks from the delicate to bold man-jewelry. Class fee: $50; Kit fee: $10


To register for any courses at BeadFX, please call or visit the store. Payment must be received at the time of registration to confirm your place.

No comments: