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Art Workshops being taught by April Bower
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LIVE WORKSHOP :
Stagecoach Village, Carefree, AZ.
April 29th & 30th 2023
Waters Edge Bracelet
Fused Argentium cuff workshop one day Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sonoran Arts League -
7100 E Cave Creek Rd.
Suite 144
Cave Creek, Arizona 85331
7100 E Cave Creek Rd.
Suite 144
Cave Creek, Arizona 85331
Art Retreat in the Desert
Live classes during the GEM SHOWS in Tucson AZ
February 2 - 7 2024
Register @ VIVIMAGOO.COM
returning students Aug 18th, New students Aug 21st
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Folded & Pinned Cuff
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Simplicity is under rated.
This workshop strives to make use of simple line folds embellished in several ways for a fun, wearable line of customizable jewelry.
Forming, folding, texturing & pinning.
Contrasting metals & patination used as well.
Argentium cuff bracelet created but technique is useable in pendants/earrings.
This workshop strives to make use of simple line folds embellished in several ways for a fun, wearable line of customizable jewelry.
Forming, folding, texturing & pinning.
Contrasting metals & patination used as well.
Argentium cuff bracelet created but technique is useable in pendants/earrings.
Golden Plumage
14K GF feather earrings | Friday, February 2, 2024 | 6 pm – 9 pm
Learn how to use a more economical Gold: 14k Gold Filled double-clad sheet in this fast paced no sawing, no soldering workshop.
Stepping Stones
Feb 3rd 9 am- 4:30 pm
Learn the ins and outs of fusing the new 940 Argentium, fusing wire and granules, roller printing texture, while creating a dramatic unique earrings or pendant.
Twisted Sister Rings Feb 3rd 6 pm to 9 pm
A taste of Argentium 940!
If you have you hadn’t had a chance to try it out yet or are Argentium curious and would like to give it a try, here is a great chance.
With the “Twisted Sister” ring we’ll be fusing Argentium wires and making a fun wearable ring.
You will be able to translate this skill into other projects as well.
If you have you hadn’t had a chance to try it out yet or are Argentium curious and would like to give it a try, here is a great chance.
With the “Twisted Sister” ring we’ll be fusing Argentium wires and making a fun wearable ring.
You will be able to translate this skill into other projects as well.
Opposites Attract
Playing with the idea of “Opposites” or contrast, you will create a highly textured side with reticulation of silver and combine that with a highly polished smooth side in a comfortable wearable ring,
then add a bit of bling by tube setting a small facetted stone.
Learn to create highly textured reticulation, Depletion Gilding and tube setting.
then add a bit of bling by tube setting a small facetted stone.
Learn to create highly textured reticulation, Depletion Gilding and tube setting.
2 day LIVE workshop sponsored by AZDCA, held in Tucson at the studio at Randolph Park.
March 9th & 10th 2024
Fascinated with Fusing Argentium
registration is now open for this innovative exploratory adventure into Argentium silver and using fusing
Past Workshops that can be requested:
also check Virtual workshops available on this website.
also check Virtual workshops available on this website.
Into the Curve: Synclastic Cuffs
Spend an day learning how to create easy Synclastic shape bracelets with simple handtools. Experiment with textures and simple patinas
Learn about the “April” hammer designed by me and created by NC Black Co., used with the swedge block.
You'll learn how to create synclastic formed cuff bracelets and earrings with these simple tools and complete several cuff bracelets, one in Argentium Silver and wide hoop earrings in Argentium too.. I’ll share with you a bunch of tricks and tips to be successful making these. I will have some April hammers for you to use if you don’t have one and some to purchase if you decide you’d like one of your own. Wood swedge blocks too.
Learn about the “April” hammer designed by me and created by NC Black Co., used with the swedge block.
You'll learn how to create synclastic formed cuff bracelets and earrings with these simple tools and complete several cuff bracelets, one in Argentium Silver and wide hoop earrings in Argentium too.. I’ll share with you a bunch of tricks and tips to be successful making these. I will have some April hammers for you to use if you don’t have one and some to purchase if you decide you’d like one of your own. Wood swedge blocks too.
Dust to Dust:
Folded, Fused, Dusted and Pinned –Argentium and Gold Ring
Fold, texture, fuse & form this Argentium silver ring using silver and 18k gold dust and 14k fused pins and bezel to your semi-customized design, adding tube setting of a faceted stone. Argentuim is known for its wonder fusing properties, and gold for timeless beauty and contrast.
It's a Wrap!
Learn to use the rolling mill to do the work for you when tapering a rod or heavy wire that looks completely hand forged. You can create large tapers to delicate tendrils with this technique, which can be very useful when creating your own designs.
In this session you will roller taper a 6G Argentium rod into a long taper, fabricate a wide partial band of Argentium sheet then encircle it with your forged taper to create a unique band ring. Your choices of textures, width as well as a small amount of 18k yellow gold embellishments, will make your ring uniquely one of a kind. Argentium Sterling silver will be our main metal and 18k gold makes wonderful contrasting accents.
In this session you will roller taper a 6G Argentium rod into a long taper, fabricate a wide partial band of Argentium sheet then encircle it with your forged taper to create a unique band ring. Your choices of textures, width as well as a small amount of 18k yellow gold embellishments, will make your ring uniquely one of a kind. Argentium Sterling silver will be our main metal and 18k gold makes wonderful contrasting accents.
Dusty Leaves; Argentium & Gold
Learn to use a combo of folding, 3-d forming, fusing a texture, and adding gold to create a pair of earrings and pendant (or suggestions for combo pieces) with rich form and texture. Working with Argentium silver and 18k gold, these skills can be expanded and incorporated into your library of techniques and your own style. We will oxidize our leaves with Goshiba, so you will get to try a new patina/oxidizer.
Assistant Renee Garver will be on board to help guide you
Assistant Renee Garver will be on board to help guide you
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Check back for additional workshops in the 2nd half of 2023 and 2024!
or Join our ONLINE workshops.
or Join our ONLINE workshops.
These workshops below may be available on demand.
Any upcoming scheduled dates will be listed above or you can create your own group.
Contact me for details.
Any upcoming scheduled dates will be listed above or you can create your own group.
Contact me for details.
Using a variety of Patina products, we will create a unique piece of wall art celebrating the coppery colors of fall on genuine copper sheet. Use of heat, patinas, dyes, & oxides and real leaf stencils, to cover a 11" x 14" cradle board with the copper for a finished piece that captures the beauty of autumn. It will be a fun, creative expression of nature you will be proud to display. Learn stencils, patinas, adhesives, sealers and finishing techniques. No previous experience required and all materials supplied. These patina painting workshops are perfect for Birthday gatherings or groups of friends, to make a very special occasion . Adults only. ( 6 week + notice)
This class is available Online. click on title below for registration & dates
Starry Starry Night: Fused Dust and Pebbles –
Pendant & Earrings in Argentium Silver and 18K Gold ,
Create coordinating earrings and pendant in Argentium Silver, known for its wonderful fusing properties, with 18k yellow gold accents. Learn how to create and successfully fuse the metal dust to create texture and dimension, contrasting with other texture and fused “pebbles” in both silver and gold.
Yin Yang: Reticulated, Fused, and Granulated Ring
This ring has it all, Yin & Yang, opposite yet complimentary: Texture/ smooth, Angles / curves, High / low, light/ dark, gold/silver, soft /hard.
Using sterling for its best attributes, and Argentium for its best. Learn reticulation and depletion gilding, fusing and granulation. We will add 18k gold for luscious color and Patinate to bring out all those contrasting elements.
Using sterling for its best attributes, and Argentium for its best. Learn reticulation and depletion gilding, fusing and granulation. We will add 18k gold for luscious color and Patinate to bring out all those contrasting elements.
On the Edge ,
Learn the technique of upsetting an edge with a texturing hammer, and create the hammer as well.
In this 3 hour class you will alter a supplied cross peen hammer into a texturing hammer, then practice upsetting edges of silver strips to create a pair of Sterling earrings to wear home. If you have the soldering skills you can learn how to customize a commercial latch back, finding for your earrings or use a post/ nut.
In this 3 hour class you will alter a supplied cross peen hammer into a texturing hammer, then practice upsetting edges of silver strips to create a pair of Sterling earrings to wear home. If you have the soldering skills you can learn how to customize a commercial latch back, finding for your earrings or use a post/ nut.
KISS: Keep It Super Simple
A 3 hour challenge to take a 1″ x 6″ strip of 26G Argentium sterling and make 4 (or more if you like small) pair of earrings out of it with no waste of material. Shapes & Texture will be the focal with some forming. Sometimes you just need to create fast and simple, but these can be the beginnings of layered or embellished pieces as well.
Whimsical Shaman
Create your personal Whimsical Shaman to help guide you thru your life’s journey. In this workshop you can create a Fun Whimsical Shaman pendant in red brass and copper, bring a special small bead for him to carry or choose from some supplied.
Forged Taper and Fused Frame Reticulation
multi- day workshop.
In this comprehensive workshop, we will explore the art of reticulation in silver while fusing with Argentium silver to create a jewelry piece of your choice; pendant, ring, or earrings along with your personal embellishments (i.e.: Bezel set stones, pegged pearls or dangling briolettes suggested, although Bezel setting stone setting will not be taught). Not a cookie cutter workshop...each finished piece will be uniquely yours. Learn to Roller Forge a tapered element, possibly used for bail, shank or strong design element. Emphasis on design and bails and shanks as cohesive design, rather than afterthought. Learn to melt and pour your own ingots for heavy wire tapering, or start with a length of silver wire/rod.
Argentuim silver has some wonderful properties and a few limitations. It fuses easily. Come learn some of the tricks of this metal so you can enjoy it in your studio.
Argentuim silver has some wonderful properties and a few limitations. It fuses easily. Come learn some of the tricks of this metal so you can enjoy it in your studio.
Tribal Pendant or Bracelet,
Create a unique tribal inspired pendant or bracelet with this deceptively simple, yet versatile technique. Explore shape, size, metal embellishments, and bale options, bracelet forming and shaping, as well as mastering heat balled pins and other embellishments & patina. Some soldering involved. Open to all skill levels. Beginners, as well as the more skilled, can learn techniques that can be adapted to their own style/ look . Working in copper with sterling accents. Copper will patina black beautifully for this high contrast effect. You can do both projects if pendant is simple and the combination is limited to 10 silver pins total, or there is torch time after all have finished their first piece.
Foldover Bracelets -An Anticlastic Event
Using a fusion of techniques to create a pair of 3 Dimensional , anticlastic cuff bracelets, first in copper, making use of the wonderful coloring options copper offers, and a second one in sterling / bimetal.
Learn about working with Bi-Metal, as well as texturing, burned edges, anticlastic forming and folding, soldering and patina, This workshop has it all!
Learn about working with Bi-Metal, as well as texturing, burned edges, anticlastic forming and folding, soldering and patina, This workshop has it all!
HIP TO BE SQUARE
Squared, Folded, Reticulated and Fused Ring
with Argentuim Silver and an Adjustable Shank
Control some of the chaos in the reticulation by placing folds and using Argentium silver to create a beautiful squared frame for your ring top. Add on a creative adjustable size wide squared band underneath, then an accent cab or beautiful grey pearl to finish your beauty.
with Argentuim Silver and an Adjustable Shank
Control some of the chaos in the reticulation by placing folds and using Argentium silver to create a beautiful squared frame for your ring top. Add on a creative adjustable size wide squared band underneath, then an accent cab or beautiful grey pearl to finish your beauty.
- Formed and Fabulous, Anticlastic Forming, Earrings
Burned Bi-Metal Bracelet
Burned Bi-Metal bracelets: First practicing in copper, students will heat texture the edges, learn to fold the bracelet borders, texture or form the exposed center and learn to shape the cuff bracelet. Then with confidence and gained skill, you will choose to create a second bracelet out of a silver /brass bi-metal.
Silver bi-metal is a sterling layer bonded to a brass layer. Using this product, with the silver layer exposed and touching the skin on the cuff interior, it makes a unique wearable silver clad bracelet at a much reduced cost over solid sterling silver.
Silver bi-metal is a sterling layer bonded to a brass layer. Using this product, with the silver layer exposed and touching the skin on the cuff interior, it makes a unique wearable silver clad bracelet at a much reduced cost over solid sterling silver.
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Cuttlebone Casting
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Synclastic and Anticlastic Forming
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Spiculums
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Mokume Gane'
Learn about how to use Mokume Gane' ( layered wood grain patterned metal) and experiment with patterning
" Mokume" is an art form in itself requiring serious equipment and years of study, but you can take advantage of the pre-manufactured meta l available thru suppliers Rio Grande and Reactive Metals to create luscious pieces of jewelry. Learn some tricks and tips to be successful with this metal. Make a pair of earrings and experiment on patterning your own billet of Mokume Gane' to make your own unique patterned sheet that can be used to create some things at your home studio .
" Mokume" is an art form in itself requiring serious equipment and years of study, but you can take advantage of the pre-manufactured meta l available thru suppliers Rio Grande and Reactive Metals to create luscious pieces of jewelry. Learn some tricks and tips to be successful with this metal. Make a pair of earrings and experiment on patterning your own billet of Mokume Gane' to make your own unique patterned sheet that can be used to create some things at your home studio .
