VACATION Time!!!

I've been working with metal for a year now and am completely smitten! So much so, that I've enrolled in more classes.  I'm keen to improve and refine my soldering and stone setting techniques and learn skills such as riveting and creating textures on metal using a rolling mill - I can't wait!! I'm also ready for some vacation time :)

Sooooo, Wild Woman will be closed until around the middle of May, beginning January 15. I'll be charting my progress here and on Facebook so you can follow along if you wish!  ( https://www.facebook.com/WildWomanJewelry )
See you soon!
karon xo

Improving My Technique...

Handforged Sterling Hoops with Secure Clasp
 

 I have been primarily self-taught in my skills as a jewelry maker.  And while I have gained much experience and developed my own successful ways of 'doing things', I've really wanted to grow, improve and refine many of my techniques -- and maybe uncover and remedy some 'bad habits' at the same time. My last class at Hui was perfect for just that! Creating these simple sterling hoops refined my shaping and hammering skills and developed a new technique for creating a secure clasp to better hold the earring closed.  I also practiced using different tools for filing and polishing.

Stacking Bangles in Sterling, Copper and Brass

 Stacking bangle bracelets provided new opportunities in soldering - experimenting with brass and copper solder, firing temperatures, sanding, hammering and shaping were all part of the process and were valuable experience.  Plus, I have three pretty mixed metal bangles to wear! 

 

One of my favorite things to make is stacking rings - so cute and so fun to wear in a bunch! I learned a great deal more about ring sizing, making a set of  'templates' for each ring and bangle size and some fabulous production techniques. It was a great class!

 

Sterling Stacking Rings

Leaving the studio yesterday, I felt kinda sad.  I've met some really talented and wonderful people there in the last couple of months and will miss them and the comraderie of our groups.  I can't wait to return and sign up for more!

PS.  I also finished my larimar ring which I'll post later this week :)


Professional Developement, Maui-Style

Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center Maui is operated from this charming building located in the historical ranching town of Makawao right on the side of the volcano, Haleakala.  Today, Makawao is a vibrant community of artists and artisans whose work is available in numerous shops and galleries that line its character-rich streets. While we are on the island, I’ve enrolled in a metalsmithing course that will improve and expand my skills and designs working with wire and sheet metals.  I’ll be cutting, drilling and piercing metals, learning various soldering techniques and most exciting of all, bezel setting stones! I am SO looking forward to this! They also offer some great photography classed which I'm considering as well. And, I can’t wait to meet some members of the local art community!



Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center in Maui

The college is about 35 minutes from our place which is quite convenient.  I could travel the distance by highway, if I choose, BUT, part of the island culture is to slow down and take your time – so, I think I will take the longer route along the north shore through Pa'ia, a little surf town and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Maui mornings…inspiring, I think. 

 

Stay tuned as I will post photos of my progress (I’m optimistic there will be some J) and the scenery along the way!