​Someone recently purchased a set of dragonfly earrings and pendant and asked me if I had a bracelet as well? I didn't, but the thought intrigued me. What would one look like? It would have dragonflies of course, but then what? Since the original ear/ pendants are an open three-dimensional dragonfly in silver with copper wings, my first thought was to link them together end-to-end with jump rings and add a simple clasp.  It would be pretty and delicate, but not me. I am not a link chain bracelet person. I am a cuff gal !

​ So... what would a dragonfly cuff look like? Well, one could pierce out small dragonfly shapes in a solid silver cuff but that wouldn't have 2 tones of copper and sterling or the signature textured copper wings. (I originally made them in silver wings too, but only the copper wings one sold well,  who knew?.)
One could etch or stamp a dragonfly design on a silver or copper cuff, but meh...not very original , and not much like the earring /pendant set. Then I thought of fusing or soldering the copper /silver earring sized dragonflies onto the surface of the cuff in a random dragonfly flight pattern. I settled on three dragonflies the same earring size so I could use existing pattern  (time-saver here). I laid them all out flat on a bracelet blank and fused them down. I did some synclastic forming ( I don't do flat) on the cuff and volia! I was happy with the results and it may become a member of my repeatable or production line.  It needed to be affordable as this is not a high end group, more of a fun day to day  thing, and wearable....another of my parameters.  "Extremely wearable jewelry"

There are many other design possibilities out there to fit the parameters but for now this one satisfied me and hopefully my customer. I suspect this design will evolve a bit as I make more of them. I already have the idea to alter the edge shape  on the next cuff:    what fun.
​Happy Designing!   

A glimpse into the design process and then what happens when you create that piece. Do you feel compelled to strictly adhere to the original design or see it as a starting point like I do.
I thought I'd share with you a rough sketch with some notes on what I THOUGHT might be good, then a photo of the finished product.  I started with a design concept requiring "circles" with some other required elements for an upcoming class I will be offering. .  As you can see I made some changes along the way. I feel no obligation to the original sketch unless there is a part I love and have to keep. I make adjustments for balance - physical weight, as well as visual "balance".  Changing the single bale hang point to the double attachment balanced the physical weight of the off center stone/ dangle. Sometimes I need to simplify, due to time constraints the students will be limited to. I am of the LESS IS MORE school of thought, but that doesn't mean it takes less time. We never seem to have the luxury of enough time in class.
 As part of the design process it helps to make some of the main elements and then play with moving them around and LOOKING at them. Trust your "eye" on what is better. If you have that luxury of "TIME",  lay it out and walk away for awhile, and come back for a fresh view. OR consider looking at it in a mirror.  If you are really having a hard decision, you might consider asking another..maybe your hubby or daughter. They might not be schooled in design, but they just might have an observation you hadn't noticed.  That does not mean you have to TAKE anyone's advise or suggestions. It's still YOUR piece and must be your decision. But after you get over your hurt feelings  ( yes, family sometimes has an un-sugar coated delivery)....you just might see they had a valid point.
Feel free to alter your plans along the way. I often find when I am looking thru my stash for the perfect colored stone or bead to compliment the piece...I find something better, although that may require taking a few steps back design wise to make it work...hopefully for the best.
 Another trick is to photograph your piece along the way. With digital and smart phone cameras, it is free and quick. I often do this when I have the perfect layout, but have to disassemble it in order to solder it . I use my cell phone pic to make sure I get it back right. The photos also help with the design. Sometimes we see something in a photo that we don't in real life.
Use any design tool that works.  And why not save that original design sketch and photograph it with the finished product to see where you started...and where you ended. Who knows there might be another creation in that original design.

"Summertime and the living is easy...." Well, I don't know about easy...but.. Summer is the season that we choose to do things that we enjoy for ourselves and kick back and relax and have fun. There's no holiday stress and craziness with family is like there is other times of the year. Think about treating yourself to an Art Retreat class. Try making a adventure out of it like I do and when I  travel there; spend a few extra days to do nearby museums, galleries, National Parks, or visiting old friends. I am pleased to tell you that Renee and I are planning summer Retreat adventures with you in mind.  Click on class Titles for active links
First up,  there's the exciting new ART RETREAT AT THE BEACH. In California. near Newport  Beach, Laguna  and all kinds of good places.  You can fly in and practically walk across the street to the venue, or drive and see the sights. This is sponsored by Vivi Magoo who puts in the Art Retreat in the Desert and Art on the Prairie, so you know it will be awesome.

 These are my class offerings: First off..."Rad Reticulated Wrap Ring".....try saying that 3 times fast LOL .       Students LOVED this class and it sold out in February, so here is your chance.

Next up is: "Fold Over Bracelets; an Anticlastic Adventure"....  This is a new class first being offered here at the "Beach"  Working with Bi-Metal and anticlastic forming bracelets with minimal tools will make you smile.

and then  "Cuttlefish Bone...not just for Bird Brains"   Cuttlebone casting is easy and opens up many possibilities for future projects. The unique texture, as well as quick casting  makes this technique one you will love.

August brings "ART UNRAVELED". You will not be fazed by the Phoenix heat as the Embassy Suites venue is lovely and cool inside with all your old retreat friends and the new ones you are sure to make. Many meet up annually to enjoy  the creative learning and the social aspect at this retreat.
Offering this year is a more involved 2 day learning experience with anticlastic forming and spiculum shapes. So many students comment..."I wish I had more time". So with 2 days filled with projects, you can pick and choose or if you are quick and like to be challenged, do all the projects demonstrated. Check out "Formed and Fabulous and Spectacular Spiculums" 

Also offered is "Chase your Blues Away"  an air chased bracelet in silver!!!  Chasing is the skill of forming metal with punches form the top on a fold formed "Pillow" of air......don't worry, it will make sense when you see it.

SO... Plan a "Retreat" from the summer doldrums and energize your creative spirit. Sign up early so you won't risk the class you want being filled. Grab a friend, sister or neighbor and make it even more fun. See ya there!
- April & Renee
​

  Another great workshop is behind us and it is easy to say a good time was had by all. 
They were challenged with a lap seam, anticlastic forming, heat texturing the edges,  creating interesting textures and twists of wires for the inner bangles....then getting them attached....no easy feat...haha .  Everyone went home happy wearing their new creations. We even decided that a whole day could be spent just exploring the possibilities of twisting, rolling , texturing  and corrugating wire and strips, as one students sample lead to other ideas and suggestions and all had endless possibilities.  ( another class? hmmmm?)  Of course we all wish there was more time to do finishing, polishing and patina details, but time always flys when we're having fun!!   Won't you consider joining us next time?

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.

​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

​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.

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?

​As an artist I am curious and love to learn new processes. I am always trying new things which leaves less time to pursue old things. While this jumping around prevents me from ever getting bored, it doesn't allow a thorough investigation of any one subject or technique.  It is suggested that working in series is a good way to master a technique or subject matter.  I think most of us find when we do one successful work, it gives us ideas about what we would do differently next time and that is a very good road to follow in your artistic ventures.
I recently stumbled upon a new direction in my Aspen patina paintings. As I was finishing up a pair, I felt it needed something more; a focal or accent. Thinking about birds in trees and my favorite bird; Ravens,  I decided to add a couple to my painting. Happy with the results, I photographed the small area that held the Ravens and posted it on my Facebook page. I really liked this detailed photo (and so did about 50 other people). so I created a new piece that was small, with Ravens, much like the photo detail, and  posted a photo of it. It sold immediately, giving me more opportunity to work in this Aspen/ Raven series. Each one brings new ideas and opportunities for more in the series.
 
The point is... keeping going with one idea and letting that flow into adjacent ideas and see how                                                                                                                                   far you can go!

I, myself , am relatively new to "Art Retreats". Until several years ago, I had never heard of them and then when I did, I thought they were glorified scrapbooking or crafty gab sessions. Boy was I wrong!   I doubt they ever were that, but they have evolved in recent years to include much more advanced techniques and drawing high caliber instructors. Add to this mix; discounted resort hotel rates, and often complimentary food and cocktails, it is an ideal place to hook up with friends and fellow students and make new acquaintance. A lot of us do our art in the vacuum of our own studios, which is great...most of the time, but it is wonderful to learn a new technique, get feed back and see what others create given the same equipment and design criteria. During workshops I have taken I am pleasantly surprised to see the ideas of others, thinking...."that is so cool, but if I did it I would do...." which is they way we make things our own. 
I have discovered that these retreats become an annual get away to learn and meet up. Many have become good friends traveling to  get together once or twice a year at these events, shutting out the day to day obligations for a day or a week to saturate one's soul in the creative process. I recommend trying an Art Retreat, and suggest to get the full enjoyment out of it to take several workshops and stay a day or two ..or the week if you can. My first retreat experience I only took one class and did not stay at the venue. I was sorry when I had to go, I sooo wanted to stay for more and socialize, network and just plain soak it all up!   Try it! Trust me...you'll like it.

 As an instructor, this blog on Class Prep and being a good student,  caught my eye.  It has some very good points that I may not have thought to list had I made this list, but I think I must add a couple more.  I will add mine as #3.A  & 4.B

 

I share here from:

 PMC CONNECTION Cornerstone Blog. http://pmccblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/tip-of-month-class-prep.html3

Tip of the Month - Class Prep

One of the most important aspects of being successful in a classroom situation is being a good student. Of course you want to make sure you have a great instructor, one whose work you admire and whose style you relate to. But, a satisfying class is a collaboration between the student and the teacher. Preparation and forethought can make all the difference. Here are my top five actions to take into account:

1. Sign up! That seems like a given, but often students wait until the last minute to register for a class. But teachers, and the institutions they work with, need to know that a class will have a certain number of students to be profitable in order to run it. The local art center I teach for cancels classes a week in advance if they don't see the numbers they need. Sometimes delays in registering have to do with the student's schedule, monetary issues, or procrastination (I'm a foot dragger from way back). Letting the instructor know that you plan on taking the class (even if you can't sign up in advance) will allow them to prepare, purchase materials, and keep the class on their calendar.

2. Make sure the skill level of the class matches your own. If the description says it's for intermediate to advanced artists, and you're really just beginning, don't do yourself and the other students the disservice of signing up. You'll be frustrated, and because the instructor will probably spend more time with you, the other students will miss that one-on-one attention. Email the instructor in advance with questions and he or she might have some suggestions on how you can prep for the class and be successful with your level of experience and knowledge.

3.A  DO NOT SHOW UP LATE! The absolute most important info is actually given out in the first few minutes. When students are late they either miss this info, which puts both students and instructor at a disadvantage or You make the whole class wait and waste precious workshop minutes either waiting for you or repeating critical info. Accidents and delays happen , but try to allow for that possibility and arrive early. You will get a better seat and will have time to meet fellow students, get set up  and relax. Make it a priority to be prompt.


3. If you are just beginning, and the class is an Intro, don't expect that the instructor will let you set a diamond, make a ring, or try another advanced technique. There is a learning curve to every craft, and we all have to start with the basics. Don't get in your own way by trying to create a masterpiece your first time out of the gate.

4. Bring whatever you think you might need to make a piece you're proud of. You have an artistic voice or style that may be different from the instructors. Filling your toolbox with textures, gems or other inclusions, and carving tools or cutters that you like will help make a project really special and personal. Make micro molds or gem settings in advance, bring metal clay sheet cut into shapes that you like, or create custom shape templates to put your own spin on the project.
4 B. Put your name on the hand out and make notes on it . I always find a few stray handouts  when cleaning up after a class and think maybe the student didn't think it was useful or important. If you have notes on it then you found it valuable and I will make an effort to get it back to you. I personally work very hard on my hand outs for students and am a bit dismayed when I find them on the floor or in trash.


5. Don't be afraid to finish the piece at home. Spend time learning the actual technique and put the finishing touches on when you can take your time in your own familiar and comfortable studio. You're learning how to build a box, make hinges, create a specific texture, or carve into clay. A project is made up of a variety of techniques, and your goal should be to learn the techniques so that you can adapt them to work with your style of production. Don't think you need to make a piece that looks exactly like the instructor's sample. On the other hand, don't spend class time trying to re-invent the wheel. Sometimes making something that does look exactly like the instructor's sample frees your mind from design choices that might otherwise distract you from the business of the class.

The most important thing to think about is why you're taking that class, what you hope to learn from it, and how can you take your new skills and make them work with your own jewelry making practice. Posted by Lora Hart

*I think it is important to emphasize taking your new found skills and using them in a way that suits your personal style. This is one of the wonderful things about taking a class: discoveries that make you exclaim : How cool! ....but I think I'd do it THIS way" resulting in something that is uniquely yours.

now go register for a class! - April Bower