Education-Continuing the Journey of Being an Artist

I am just so blessed and grateful for my family's support....yesterday was my birthday and my family bought me 2 awesome books to inspire and encourage me to try to new things in glass and silver/metal smithing.

I would love to take an Advanced Stone Setting Class from the Craft Guild of Dallas but haven't had the funds or time! :) John found an out of print book that is sought after called The Techniques of Master Stone Setting by Gerald L. Wykoff, G.G. ; it is a comprehensive picture/tet guide on diamond and colored stone setting using prongs, beads, bezels with an emphasis on pave and cluster setting. So, of course I was up later than I should have been poring over the book!

The other book that I was given is Fuse It by Petra Kaiser. I love the pictures (~ 300 color photos ) and the easy explanation/description. My husband fell in love with the it when he saw the original jewelry holder made from fused glass. Duh, why didn't I think of that!!!

So now, my "materials and supplies" wish list has grown because of all the new projects/ideas that I have! After 3 years, I still have a ton of ideas/projects/techniques in my sketchbook/idea pad that I haven't tried; that is what I love about being an artist....the infinite possibilities to express my voice to the world!

Metal Smithing Class-Fabrication Techniques

I'm currently taking a metal smithing class focused on fabrication techniques at the Craft Guild of Dallas. My instructor is the ever patient Suzy Badger. This is one of of the few opportunities I have to learn new techniques because they offer evening intstruction!

I have learned to make a silver domed ring, cut out my own earring designs(pictured) and I'm currently working on a bezel ring with chrysolloca.

The Craft Guild is such an awesome place. They also offer classes in metal clay, lampwork beads, dichroic glass, bookbinding & pottery.