Art Unraveled

Tomorrow I leave for Phoenix to attend my very first Art Unraveled. I am super excited about it. My mom and my good friend Lisa Sichi and I are signed up to take two different workshops by the amazing Susan Lenart Kazmer. Not to mention I get to see oodles of my Craft Lab friends like Traci Bautista, Kathy Cano Murillo, Tim Holtz, Michael DeMeng, Barbara Mathiessen and more! I will be in Phoenix Thursday through Sunday taking two classes. I’m a little worried about the classes because they are way above my skill level and use intimidating tools like anvils and saws. I guess that is why you take classes though, to learn something new. Here is a rundown of the two classes I will be taking…

Riveting and Rings
Combine layers of metal sheet, found objects and paper to create layers of negative and positive space to complete an unusual wearable ring. Focus on cold joining techniques such as riveting, prongs and staples. Learn to add height and dimension by incorporating a variety of alternative techniques.

Talisman Bracelet (that is what is in the picture)
Challenge what is commonly held notions of what is considered jewelry. Tastefully alter and incorporate personal mementos and found objects to create a wearable work of art. Create unique charms using silver, brass and copper sheet metal. Learn metal techniques such as hand hammering, shaping, stamping and a variety of oxidizing methods. Become familiar with metalworking tools such as the flexible shaft drill and it’s attributes. Learn Talisman history and how they were created to gain certain attributes such as protection, strength, material and spiritual gain. Students will finish their bracelet with a sterling silver closure.

I keep having these visions that in one of the classes I am going to cut my hand on some sheet metal. Luckily I have already had a tetanus shot this year, but I am more worried about going to Cincinnati next week to take the “how-to” pictures for my book and not being able to do any wire wrapping because I have stitches on my finger. Or they need to take a close up how to picture of my hands and there is a gaping wound that will have to be photoshopped out. The other thing is I am leaving for Cincinnati from Phoenix and need to get a manicure since the pictures will be close ups of my hands. I’m about to spend a weekend at an artists retreat sawing metal and getting dirty, my nails are going to be a wreck by Monday. When Naughty Secretary Club jewelry the book comes out just excuse my fingernails.