Classes

Hey there, I just received my Bead and Button Class Brochure in the mail. I love looking through that book, there are so many great classes being offered. It also reminded me I should announce some of the classes that I will be teaching this year.

Before I give you the list of classes at Bead and Button, I will be teaching a two day workshop in Miami again this year. Last year this workshop was so much fun. I am sure this year will be just as much fun. They are a great group of beaders and I have added some new things to the class, including raku!

Ceramic Vessels and Rattles and an Intro to Raku

Date: Sat and Sun, April 18 - 19, 2009, 10 AM to 4 PM

Description: We are taking ceramic bead making to the next level to create vessels & rattles. Students will learn basic ceramic bead shapes as well as how to create hollow forms: vessels or rattles. For those who didn’t take the 2008 class, the focus will be on basic bead shapes. But, don’t worry, the 2008 class is not a prerequisite and the required kit includes all materials for bead making! In addition, all students will get an introduction to raku, with an opportunity to complete one pendant.

You can see more information here at the South Florida Jewelry Arts Guild.

Here are the Bead and Button Classes....
There are several more this year because I know last year the first sold out so quickly, we wanted to make sure everyone could fit it in their schedule this year.

I have a two day ceramic bead making workshop.

Making Ceramic Beads, Components, and Findings

Description
Come learn the techniques of ceramic bead making from the author of “Ceramic Bead Jewelry.” In this fun class, you will learn everything you need to know about making, glazing, and firing your own ceramic beads. Students will learn how embedded wire is used for making components and findings as well as beads. Class will focus on making the basic shapes, links, components, hollow beads, and pendants. Different decorating techniques will be discussed. Past students have completed as many as 30-100 beads in class.

Making Ceramic Beads and Vessels

Description
This fun class is taught by the author of “Ceramic Bead Making.” The class will focus on the basics of ceramic bead and vessel making. Learn to make basic ceramic bead shapes and pendants. Also learn vessel-making techniques for making rattle beads, miniature amphoras, and more. Learn to decorate the beads in class using underglazes and glazes.

Ceramic Bead Making

Description
Come learn the technique of ceramic bead making in this class. This fun class is taught by the artist and author of “Ceramic Bead Making.” Students will learn to make basic bead shapes, pendants, and components. Students will decorate the beads in class using underglazes and glazes. Additional session offered Sunday, June 7 (B09325).

Kilns 101

Description
Have a kiln but are afraid to use it? Thinking about buying a kiln and not sure which one to buy? This is the class for you. Many kilns can be used for ceramics, glass, and metal clay. Students will learn which kilns are best for each media. There will be demonstrations on loading and firing ceramic beads, glass fusing, and firing metal clay. We will go over sample firing schedules for all three medias. There will also be an extensive question-and-answer session, so students are encouraged to bring their kiln manuals to class.

As always please e-mail me if you have any questions about the classes. I am always happy to help you choose the right class or answer questions about them. Registration for the Miami workshop is in progress right now. The Bead and Button Classes open on January 13th for registration.

Have a great day, Jennifer

Back From Miami

Hi Everyone, I am back from Miami. What a fun trip it was! I am still unpacking, returning e-mails and getting organized from the trip and in the meantime here are some photos. I had twelve fabulous students in my two day workshop. The first day we were making ceramic beads. Day two of the workshop was painting and glazing. The last picture is of the great party that my friend Lynn hosted at her house. Doesn't that look like fun? It was.

I just want to thank everyone at JAG, the Jewelry Arts Guild of Southern Florida for hosting me and my workshop. The beads that all the students made are being fired this week. As soon as the kilns cool down, I will be sure to post the pictures. I think there are going to be some great beads.


We all had so much fun, there is already talk of me returning to teach another class in the future, so if your in the area stay tuned. I will post more tomorrow.....

Teaching, Teaching, Teaching

Hey everybody! I have just finalized the plans for three ceramic bead making classes this year. How exciting is that? Lets go in the order of which comes first....

I will be teaching a 2 day ceramic bead making workshop in Miami. This is for the South Florida Jewelry Arts Guild but anyone and everyone is welcome. The dates are April 19th and 20th. If you have any questions or would like to sign up please e-mail Lynn Yuhr at lynnyuhr@bellsouth.net This class will be fun!

Next is a one day ceramic bead making class at Bead and Button. This class will be taught Sunday, June 8th at the show in Milwaukee, WI. If you have never been to the Bead and Button Show you better consider going. It's a beaders heaven. For more info go to www.beadandbuttonshow.com

And last but not least, I will be teaching a one day class at The Puget Sound Bead Festival. The dates of the show are July 11-13th. I don't have a specific date for teaching yet but information will be available soon. Here's the show website for more information www.pugetsoundbeadfestival.com

So it seems as though I have three corners of the country covered for anyone who would like to learn the fun and addicting art of making ceramic beads. One more thing, the photo above has some of the beads that you can make in class.