What's on my bead mat? May edition!

I just realized that I’m cheating a little, because I didn’t actually take photos of the pieces on my bead mat. I forgot!!! It doesn’t matter, because each has been on said bead mat, at least once during the month. You wouldn’t want to see it right now, because it’s very messy, full of beads, and just waiting for me to either cram them back into their tubes, or get frustrated and mix up some bead soup! You know how it goes!!

You’ll notice that while the purple doll is still naked, I’ve actually made progress on my green one, and am currently loving the process! The working title for this one is “Silly Goose”, because Erin (who also works in that beehive of activity called BeadFX), told me that the form looked like a goose from the back. Isn’t it funny how a connection is made, and names are born?

I took a fabulous class with Robyn Cornelius, at BeadFX last Saturday, and made her Silver Wave Bangle. Okay, I admit that it wasn’t really on my bead mat, but I love it so much, that I just had to show it off! It all started out with a flat piece of silver. I’ve taken a few classes, and puttered about with metal, but certainly nothing this ambitious! Robyn is a fabulous instructor, and you’d be lucky to take one of her workshops! Believe it or not, this was completed in a one-day class!

I purchased these commercial bangles at a thrift shop, several years ago. I wonder if Liver of Sulfur would work to change the colour? It might be fun to try, even though I’m not sure which type of metal it is. Are any of you experts, ready to weigh in with an opinion?

I’m not telling you what this is, but promise to show it to you next week (that is, if I remember!).

Pearls, did I say pearls? These were in a stray bag, in a place they should not be, and I did not even remember buying them! Oops! I wonder what I should make? Did I ever tell you that I’ve been hoarding pearls? Do you suppose there will ever be a worldwide shortage? If so, I’ll be well set! I admit that I do have a germ of an idea, just waiting for a few stray minutes......I wonder where I’ll find those minutes this month?

My bead mat is going to be busy during the month of May! It’s finally spring, and well past time for renewal and regeneration! Although creativity is always present, it does need a little tweaking from time to time. I guess that May is good time to take action! Are you tempted to join me?

Join us for a class with metalwork artist Robyn Cornelius

We are proud to present four classes with metal artist and instructor Robyn Cornelius! Robyn owns and operates Little Rock Jewellery Studio in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is an explorer of materials and techniques, and describes her jewellery as sculptural and colourful, with clever mechanics and rustic finishes. She has a degree in Jewellery and Metals from the Alberta College of Art and Design.

Robyn as the ability to break what seems to be the most complicated project into workable steps that all can understand. I've had the opportunity to take two classes with Robyn at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee and, as I'm NOT a metalworker, I must say I was able to make both projects and am proud to wear them!

Flame Painted Copper Cuff
Friday, May 6; 10:00am - 1:00pm
Make a pierced flame painted cuff using basic silversmithing techniques. Learn how to use the torch to paint colors onto your copper cuff. All levels; metalwork experience will be helpful but not required. Register on or before April 1 for only $125. As of April 2, the registration fee will go to the regular price of $140.

Mini Pierced Pendant
Friday, May 6; 2:00 - 5:00pm
Learn all the tricks to piercing with ease, while making this multi-layered mini pierced pendant. Choose from a variety of images or bring your own. All levels; metalwork experience will be helpful but not required. Register on or before April 1 for only $125. As of April 2, the registration fee will go to the regular price of $140.

Silver Wave Bangle
Saturday, May 7; 10:00am - 5:00pm
Hand-forge your very own wave bangle, then texture, solder, and embellish the inside using a variety of techniques. All levels; metalwork experience will be helpful but not required. Register on or before April 1 for only $250. As of April 2, the registration fee will go to the regular price of $280.

Silver Dusted Frame Cuff
Sunday, May 8; 10:00am - 5:00pm
Fuse silver scrap dust onto copper, then make settings for gemstones, rivet a vintage frame to your cuff, and shape it. You will be able to complete this project in class. During the evening hours, experiment and play with additional silver-dust fusing techniques. All levels; metalwork experience will be helpful but not required. Register on or before April 1 for only $250. As of April 2, the registration fee will go to the regular price of $280.

Complete information about the classes, including what materials to bring to each class is on our website at www.beadfx.com. Click on 'Classes' and follow the links to the May class calendar.