April Bower
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Back from Tucson!

2/22/2016

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Back from Tucson and the annual Gem Show  and Art Retreat in the Desert.
​It was fantastic as usual. The classes I taught were the first days of the retreat starting on Monday morning. We were able to set up Sunday afternoon and I was grateful for that as there is always lots of figuring out and rearranging tables and getting the  electric cords to the power things. As you can imagine there is a bit of chaos, no matter how well you plan. Luckily I have good friend and able assistant Renee Garver to help. Fortunately , because I live in beautiful AZ and drive to the Retreat, I can bring fun extra stuff that those who ship and fly cannot.; like real anvils and stumps ( Many stumps came with me but many went home to new studios with students) real vises  and belt sanders were a luxury. Remember these are hotel Ballrooms that we must magically transform into working studios for a few days...no easy feat. Our Retreat hotel staff is so friendly and accommodating....a big thanks to them!  When we were finished I took a little video to show off our accomplishments.
​First day was Rad Reticulated Wrap Ring  Students learned the process of depletion gilding and heat texturing silver then mad a ring and set a facetted stone in a tube setting! Wow full day and lots of fun showing off the masterpieces at the end of day.
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​Tuesday was   Tribal Trio. Where we made pendant and earrings of copper or silver with heat fused  decorative pins. It was a great group if innovators who came away with nice unique pieces.
photos of tribal
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​Wednesday was Burned Bi-metal Bracelets  with heat texturing folding edges and forming their silver/ brass Bi-metal , and copper bracelets, and they really got into the patina to make them pop.
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4:30 Wed eve....But wait....someone has to pack all that equipment up and load it in the van!  Well, again, I rely on organized Renee to help make sure its organized and fits back in the bins. The next instructor needs to set up for  their next day classes, so we must hurry a bit....besides we plan on rewarding ourselves  with Happy Hour at the Hotel with a great bunch of students sporting their new fantastic jewelry projects!  Can't miss that!
See what we do for you?   of course, we can't do it  WITH OUT  you, so come join the fun next Retreat!  We'll be there...will you?
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    April Bower

    Metal artist and workshop instructor, April Bower shares information on workshops and retreats, Gallery News, new works of art she's created and news of other artists.

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