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Sunday, April 01, 2012




Artful Gathering Event Registration is Open!


I am very happy to announce that this week I'm
the Spotlight Artist for The Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Follow along with me for fun, creativity, and a chance to win a
$200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!


I will be teaching two fabulous premiere video workshops at

The Artful Gathering Online Art Retreat 2012


Heart Strings


Session One
June 6 - July 17 





A vintage brass thimble is the beginning component, and my inspiration, for a necklace I call “Heart Strings”, which I first shared in the Spring 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry.

Made using layers of luscious strips of recycled sari silk, Dupoini silk, vintage lace and/or tulle, along with multiple lengths of various pieces and types of chain, you will enjoy exploring the possibilities of perhaps using baroque pearls, semi-precious beads, vintage bits and baubles, buttons and charms, or perhaps favorite pieces of brass filigree.

In this class I will guide you through your very own creative process, as you begin to creatively transform these tassels into beautiful works of art.
I will show you how to add various lengths of chain, bits from a gorgeous piece of  vintage rhinestone earring or bracelet, rosary chain; as well as how to wire wrap your beads, pearls and crystal rondells. Two more techniques that I will share in class, is how to design one of my "tiny etched books", and the other will be my  wire nests I call “nesties”. There are actually endless uses for these two pieces way beyond the Heart Strings class.

If that isn’t enough, you will have the option to adorn your thimble and tiny book with vintage text. I will show you how! And, if you choose to add one of my favorite brass lockets, I will show you how to use mica to cover your image or special words that will be tucked inside.

Finally, I will show you how to create a simple necklace, using a combination of either recycled sari silk or vintage lace and chain. You may want to add a sprinkle of wire wrapped beads, pearls or crystals…finishing with a choice of simple hook closures.

This is a class full of techniques, and GREAT fun!



Etched and Layered Cuffs


Session Two
July 15 - August 25


Etched and Layered Cuffs made their debut in the Summer of 2010, when they were published in Stampington and Company’s, Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine. Since then I have designed more than I can count. I have taught a total of seven classes at national retreats, as well as locally, and continue to have requests for more!

In this class, I will share my experience and special tips and tricks for preparing and stamping several styles and sizes of pre-made brass metal cuffs. I will walk you through the steps for successful etching, which will include important safety measures you should observe, including how to dispose of your enchant once finished. We will cover the different patina options, including a very special surprise patina not shared with any other of my Etched & Layered classes!

Once we cover the etching technique, we will move on to the all important next step…layering! This is the part of the project where you will really be able to soar with creative energy. I will share many ways to layer your cuff, and will pack in as many examples as I can during our time together. Layering elements are endless, and can include vintage brooches, ear bobs, and shoe or dress clips, brass filigree, vintage tulle, recycled sari silk…the possibilities continue to surprise me!
The attachment method will be done with a cold join technique I find useful and easy, and will transfer over to many projects far beyond your Etched and Layered Cuffs.

Having taught close to 100 students, I have seen countless examples of creativity that exists designing these timeless cuffs. So, come join me, as we Etch and Layer. You won’t be disappointed!



Come Hop With US!

Hop Rules:

If you would like to hop with us and meet all the super awesome Artful Gathering 2012 Art Instructors, and have a chance to win a random drawing prize in our random drawing, then hop with us! Each week, I will announce the blog for you to visit, and off you go to meet them, and to pick up the newest secret word. Your chance to win prizes....
  1. For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
  2. Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerry's!
  3. This weeks word is .....Dips

    Next week, I'll announce the next person to hop to. Good luck!!!

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5 comments:

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful to see your artful cuffs!
wishing you a fabulous workshop.

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

My fingers are crossed to win because i am dying to take your classes!

Georgie Horn said...

I just love your tassels!

Daryl said...

Have a productive workshop!

Cindy said...

Diane, I love reading about these two projects! And boy was it fun to see your students creating these in person at artBLISS last year. ..I was just looking at my pictures the other day, especially one of a student holding up her cuff proudly for a photo (it has such a beautiful blue rhinestone focal). If I can squeeze it in amidst that big project I'm working on, I'd love to take one of these classes - I love every inch of them! :-)