Get Creative in a Jewelry Class!

Have you ever been bitten by the "Creative Bug"? Would you like to learn how to make your own jewelry? It's actually pretty easy if you know how.

In several weeks, I'll be teaching a 4 week class at the Round Hill Arts Center in Round Hill, Virginia. This class is an extension of the 1 day "Intro To Wire Jewelry" workshops I've put on. The Center has had several people inquire about a longer, more intense jewelry class, so we've put this class together.

I'm pleased to say that the workshops have been well received and have gotten some nice reviews.

I took the Wire Jewelry class and would like to let you know what a great instructor you have in Meredith. She was informative, we practiced everything she talked about, and we walked away with skill enough to do it ourselves. She very nicely handled a large age range and skill differences. Also, when help was needed she showed you what to do, not did it for you. I had a great time, and would not hesitate to sign up for a class she is teaching.

Thanks,
Molly Tew

Here's the scoop on the class:

Jewelry 101: Intro to Making Wire Jewelry Instructor: Meredith Hilt Date: March 22- April 12, 2011 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cost: $115 (Plus $25 materials fee payable in first class) This 4 week class is a more intense version of our Intro to Wire Jewelry Workshop. This class is designed for the beginner who wants to learn the basics, or for those who want to expand their jewelry skills and produce quality finished pieces of jewelry. Learn basic jewelry techniques needed to design and create your own beautiful jewelry using copper and sterling wire. We will spend some time becoming acquainted with safety, jewelry tools and wire. We will move on to skills such as making jump rings, links, clasps, and ear wires. If you’ve ever wondered what all those components can be used for, wonder no more! Each class will focus on building a different piece of jewelry. Students will learn to create earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants. Finishing techniques will also be discussed. What isn't completed in class may be taken home to finish. Learn the basics of jewelry making with this hands-on class and gain confidence. You will learn skills that will allow you to easily make your own jewelry at home! Register here

Hope to see you there!

Hello, It's Been Awhile...

You know what they say about best laid plans and all that? Roads paved in good intentions?

I guess this post should have been titled "I'm Baaaaa-ck!" since I'm finally publishing after a rather long hiatus.

Just to update you, the garage project has stalled. Boo. It chugged along pretty well, and then, I guess, winter hit and hubby doesn't like the cold. I'd been promised it would be finished in time for my birthday, and well, that's only 3 weeks away. So, no WAY will the project be finished by then. But here's a picture of where it stands now.

In the area of things that I CAN control: I'm still working on getting motivated and taking charge of my creative life. Unfortunately, my business, family life and outside obligations run me ragged. But, I did take a wonderful online class in January with Alyson B. Stanfield - who I HIGHLY recommend. She is an Artist's Business Coach and a super teacher, life coach and general cheerleader. I took the "Blast Off" class which is geared to boosting your art career. Wow, talk about motivation! She gives so much insightful information and you really get psyched up! I learned a lot - I just need to start putting it into action!

I made it through the holidays (just barely) by stocking the galleries with what little I had. Now I desperately need to sit down and crank out some jewelry. No time to paint these days. Gotta manage my time more prudently.

On a high note, I did manage to put in a couple hours last Saturday. My daughter and I have been sick for TWO WEEKS! I was just diagnosed with Bronchitis and forced myself to take a day off to just sit around and heal. But BOY, did it feel great to sit and create! I played around with chasing and made some cuffs. One is copper and the cuff on the right is sterling. I'd love to take this farther and make more. And I swear I'll post more images as they come along.

Sooo, Watch This Spot, as I promised Alyson that I was going to stay on course and BE MOTIVATED, CREATIVE and to SELF-PROMOTE (She even made me sign a contract with myself!)