jill rockwell metal & bead arts

LAST DAY - OUT OF HAND ARTISAN SHOW

2011-11-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

Friends and jewelry collectors/lovers.....today is the final day of my Christmas jewelry season!

I am at the Out of Hand Artisan Christmas show in downtown Victoria, at the Crystal Gardens

(Conference Centre) on Douglas Street. There are MANY excellent artisans here, and so much to choose from with quality goods....handmade, wonderful gifts.

I have been thrilled to see so many of my students and jewelry friends at this show, and hope

the rest of you will come out for this show today, 10 to 5. There is musical entertainment for all of today as well. Then, I am off to Europe for Christmas and to collect brand new treasures for

spring jewelry!

Gifts For Myself and Others

2011-11-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Shoppers, this is the favorite event of so many Victoria residents at Christmas time...

I hope to see you there. More information available at Island Artisan's Association

2011-10-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

It is Circle Craft time again... This amazing show is DEFINITELY worth a day trip to Vancouver!

You can save on tickets by either going to the site,

www.circlecraft.net

or you can drop by my house in the next week for a rack card, which will save you $2.00

on your entry (good for all the days)

Hope everyone can make it for this superior Christmas shopping experience

OOPS, ART SEA!

2011-10-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Oops forgot to say

the demo/store event is OCT 19 (Wed)

ART SEA EVENT, SIDNEY

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

The arts council of Sidney is hosting a 10 day series of events for

called

ART SEA

I will be demonstrating Viking Knit from 12:30 until 3:00

at Marmalade Tart Boutique

on Beacon Ave.

for more information or directions, click on my link to Marmalade Tart

There will be a small selection of my jewelry available, too

Viking Knit Class added!

2011-09-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

As the Oct 9 class is filled, another Viking Knit class is scheduled for Oct 20

from 10 to 1:00

Contact me immediately by email (from the blog, or mjill@shaw.ca)

to register, as I am out of town and will only return in time to do the classes.

Class is FULL!

2011-08-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Viking Knit Class for Oct 9 is filled.

If you have a class you'd like to schedule, give me a shout and we'll see what we

can pull together in October!

VIKING KNIT

2011-08-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Want to learn how to make Viking Knit for your projects?

Now scheduling class for Sunday, October 9 from 1 to 4:00

You will wear your new sterling silver viking knit bracelet home!

Contact me for registration.

Glendale Gardens Aug 6 & 7

2011-08-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this beautiful event! Buy some fun stuff and eat lunch! Enjoy the wine and beer garden, the classic cars, the artisans, and the horticultural centre. More info below, check post.

Glendale Gardens Aug 6 & 7

2011-08-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

I will shortly be posting the card for Glendale Gardens, Art & Music in the Gardens.

This is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Gardens at the Pacific Horticultural Centre, and if you live

in or near Victoria, I hope you are familiar with the gardens and support the festival with your attendance.

This is a very nice event in an exquisite setting, where you can enjoy music, entertainment for the children, food, and this year a wine and beer garden! All this, plus 60 local artisans offering high quality work. It is a bit more low key than some events, you'll enjoy a stroll among the gardens.

Hope to see you there, and the weather is promising to be fabulous!

This Sat. and Sunday, 11 to 5 each day

Chinatown: Check out the Gallery!

2011-07-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Island Artisan's Association proudly presents 20 artisans' work for a limited time

showing until Sept 5, at Dale's Gallery in Chinatown Victoria.

A wonderful collection of garden, home and wearable items, all locally hand crafted.

Special Event June 26

2011-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

May Metals Workshop was fantastic!

2011-05-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

The first "summer" (and as we live in Victoria, this year I am using the term loosely)...workshop is over, and what a great group of four, we laughed and worked and had a fun, productive weekend.

This blog entry is mainly photos of some projects that emerged.

Once the creativity gets tapped, everyone gets very excited and the ideas start popping!

I have not scheduled a July Workshop (June and August are filled) but if

you are interested in one, contact me and we can consider setting it up.

Project Photos:

Julia's 3 part etched bracelet in progress

Lynn's cuff, etched, textured, colored and patinated

Eva's etching...almost too pretty to cut!

Joan's "problem-solving" concave embellished pendant

SAANICH PENINSULA ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW APRIL 30-31

2011-04-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of my new work for

the Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts Show.

The Show is at Mary Winspear Centre

10-6:00 Saturday Apr 30

10-4:30 Sunday Apr 31

Workshops filled, scheduling more!

2011-04-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Pleased to announce, both the May and June Metal Workshops are FULL!

The July 9 -10 Workshop is now taking registration.

The August 13 - 14 Workshop can take 3 more students.

I have also got a Viking Knit class and a Bead Retreat scheduled, and if you

are wanting to register for either, please contact me for the dates in May.

The cost of silver is not coming down, in fact it is climbing. All class fees for silver

Viking Knit and Precious Metal Clay are being increased.

Ciao, jewelers! Enjoy the sunshine while we have it!

First Workshop is FULL

2011-04-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

The first 2011 metal workshop is full. For those of you still wanting to register for a summer workshop, I can take ONE more person for the weekend

of June 11 & 12.

The other dates scheduled are July 8-9

and August 13-14

Metal Workshop 2011 REGISTRATION

2011-03-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

This Friday, April 1, registration will open for the first 2011 Workshop. The workshop is a two day course, 10 to 5 and is very comprehensive.

You will learn basics for all types of connections, patinas, etching,

resins, and forging.

For those who wish to take their jewelry to the next level - You will be able to create your own components and completely customize your work.

Registration begins at 10:00 and you may phone me at 250-360-1207.

I will require 50% payment to confirm and will mail you a waiver which will be returned with your final payment on a prearranged date. This is the most sought after of my

offerings and fills early. I can take only a small group of students.

Date of first Workshop: Sat, May 14 & Sun, May 15

I will be opening registration to my mailing list in the afternoon of the 1st,

but am offering the opportunity first to those who follow the blog.

The Values of Membership

2011-03-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have regular contact with so many folks who are creative and want to be part of the artisan world, yet so few are members of an active arts & crafts association.

As the membership secretary and Vice President of Island Artisan's Association,

I encourage ALL my students to consider joining this group. You need not yet be in a position to feel ready to participate in shows, or you may just want information, but being an active member of an arts group will kick start your creative efforts to go further.

Membership is only $30 a year, and you are not required to come to meetings, and not even expected to, if you live in a distant town on the island. Nevertheless, you can participate in our ongoing Yahoo group discussions, on any subject you need help with, from any member.

We also have a subsidized professional photo session each spring, photos you can use for applications, cards, banners, etc.

We will be offering a discounted rate for members to get business insurance coverage. A professional is coming to speak to us on April 4 at the monthly meeting.

We offer advice on credit acceptance, show displays, wholesaling, and more.

We have a well attended Christmas Show and Spring Wholesale Show, and are considering another large show during the year.

As a group, we are always exploring market possibilities.

Just in general to be "in the loop", consider joining Island Artisans and becoming more informed about arts and crafts on Vancouver Island.

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

2011-03-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

It was my privilege to participate in the wonderful Gasparilla Festival of the Arts!

This photo will give you an idea of the weather (windy but sun prevailed), and the size of the crowds, which I considered MASSIVE, and the beautiful setting for the festival. Now....to establish a following in Florida, hmmmm....sounds good to me!

Meet Miss Molly!

2011-03-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Here is the non human hostess I am presently visiting in Florida. Can she pass for Minnie Mouse?

I'm IN! Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

2011-03-01T07:47:00.001-08:00

2011-02-12T10:26:00.001-08:00

2011-02-12T10:24:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Classes/Travel Plans

2011-02-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

My class schedule will be briefly interrupted by a trip to Florida. I know how you pity me. I had planned to show at the Gasparilla Art Show, but doesn't look like that is going to happen....meanwhile I am here stressing madly over all my 2011 applications. Fingers crossed!

On the schedule: Viking Knit on Wed the 9th from 1:00 to 4:00

However I will need to hear from you immediately if you want to join this class.

I am going to have more students wanting to do the metalworking this summer (May to Oct only, and one weekend a month only) than I can accommodate. My advice to you is to click on as a follower of my blog (upper left) and you will be notified when I post. The day I open registration, it is usually filled as I can take ONLY 4 students at a time (it is just so much work and skill, I have to be readily available to help everyone in the workshop). You'll see I've posted and can get back to me quickly to register.

Here's what it includes: etching, tool competence, connections (solder and cold joins), resin, torch use, patina and texture making, sawing, rivets, grommets, flood soldering, and if time permits, enamel demo and formfolding. I use the easiest methods of all to do each process so you can add skills with confidence. We work outdoors, but we can take it! We're artists committed to our work!

This workshop is process oriented, not project oriented. In other words, you will create your own projects with the components you make yourself. The cost is $375 for the weekend. I send you a waiver and you return it with a 50% payment of $187.50 About 2 weeks before class I ask you to send the remaining payment. You will be supplied with connection materials, tools, torch time, copper and brass. Its a lot of work, but so far it is the most popular workshop I hold.

Come fall, I will be designing a couple of project oriented classes for INDOORS. I'll even turn on the heat!

Now find that link and follow my blog so you can be in the know early!

p.s. I'll be thinking of ALL of you while sipping wine by the lake in Sharlene's gazebo!

Looking Up - 2011

2011-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

The first thing I've done this year is take a trip to Washington to buy some class supplies at Pouncing Rain Jewelry and Metal Working Center. (Okay, I also went to the spa!)

My biggest challenge of the year is going to be the price of silver, which has skyrocketed. More than likely I will have to raise the prices of classes later this year, so if you were considering taking one, sooner is better than later to schedule.

I'm having interesting classes at the moment, with students from as far as Washington state and Montreal having come into Victoria this month and making that part of their schedule.

While in Washington I had a terrific visit with my dear friend Kathleen, who owns Pouncing Rain. One topic we touched on was Copprclay, the PMC version of copper clay. I have no consistent results and was interested to discover that they have also discontinued their classes for that reason. It just does not fire well, no matter how careful you are. I follow instructions to the letter, yet 50% of the time, the pieces are like a ceramic in the center. It's disappointing, and I have wasted enough time on it!

DID I MENTION????? DOOR PRIZE TOO!

2010-12-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Oh gosh, we forgot to put some very important bits on our invite....

Like a Door Prize Drawing!

Come register, shop, and have some holiday treats!

Treat yourself!

Open House & Gift Sale: Sat. Dec 11, 10 to 4

2010-12-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

It's that glorious time of year again, and my annual home event is this
Saturday, Dec 11. (10 to 4:00) Coincidentally, Moss Street Market has its Holiday Craft Show on, just onestreet away from here, so you can take in two shows and make a day of it!

This year I'll be joined by Claudia Lorenz, she'll have some of her hand-turned exotic wood writing

pens and scrumptious silk and wool woven scarves. Also by Adrienne who will

be offering some pieces for the younger woman's jewelry tastes.

One of my customers over-bought wire, if you are in need of silver wire, some of that excess will be

on sale, too!

We will have snackies, hot apple cider, and other treats for you to enjoy while you visit.

Can't wait to see you, and bring ALL your friends!

visa / mcard / debit all available...make a list or send that partner of yours, we'll help choose a gift!

The Winner of Tickets!!!!!!

2010-11-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

The tickets were won by Inta Dickinson! Congratulations, and see you at Circle Craft!

2010-11-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Circle Craft Christmas Market is next up!

2010-11-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

The BIG show is next week! Here is the pertinent info!
2010 Show Information
WHEN
Wednesday, Nov. 17th to Sunday, Nov. 21st, 2010

SHOW HOURS
Wednesday thru Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

WHERE
NEW Vancouver Convention Centre West
1055 Canada Place
Vancouver BC
V6C 0C3

ADMISSION
Adults $12
Student / Seniors (65+) $8
Children under 12 FREE

Chance to WIN!!!

2010-11-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

Its about a week until I go to Vancouver for

Circle Craft Christmas Market

The entrance is $12, I have two tickets to give away to two lucky

Christmas shoppers!

Just email me at jrockwearableart@gmail.com

and tell me you read about it on my blog!
I will choose two winners on Sunday night
and arrange to get the tickets to you.
Circle Craft runs Nov 17 to 21

Gifts For Myself and Others

2010-11-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview for my upcoming Christmas shows.

Gifts for Myself and Others runs from Nov 12 to 14 at DaVinci Centre

Circle Craft Vancouver runs from Nov 17 to 21

Hope to see everyone there!

Hope to see you there!

2010-10-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

I am at only two Christmas Shows this year. Many people tell me that if they go to only one Christmas Market on the Island, this is the one. It is classy, full of artisans who actually make their living with their art, and you can find creative, unique gifts for everyone you know...and yourself!

Viking Knit

2010-10-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Here are my latest students from the weekend's viking knit class: Lucy and Heather, showing off the beautiful bracelets they made! Lucy wrote:
A note of Thanks!!! for your fabulous jewellery instruction yesterday in Viking Knit..... it was better than my highest hopes!! Jill, you make the learning easy and most definitely lots of fun as well, your passion and kind heart shines through. I am so thrilled with my Silver Viking Knit Bracelet and can't wait to get started creating more. I can't wait to take many more of your jewellery 'playshops'.

Fresh from Florence!

2010-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

So many new ideas from Italy....this is some titanium mesh that I bought in Florence from Lily and Tim, at Beaded Lily, which is located at Via Toscanella 33r Tim also makes awesome glass beads, and I will be posting my new creations with those. After a month off, I am brimming with inspiration and creativity, time in the studio is just flying! Isn't the mesh a touch of renaissance femininity? Just a note: Nothing but NOTHING is for sale until end of November...I have to get ready for 2 shows' worth of inventory. Just want to show off what I am doing!

Greetings from Florence

2010-09-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, and Ciao from Florence! I can't upload a photo or I would...but have had a splendid time in Amalfi on the coast (wow, every Italian in the country also vacations there, though), in Umbria and Tuscany, and now in the wonderful city of Florence. Finding lots of "treasures" for new jewelry....the most exciting one is a page written in 1694!!!!!!!!!!!! It will become beautiful pieces. To be unveiled at Circle Craft in Vancouver in November! Met a very ingenious jeweler in Perugia, took lots of notes and will adapt the ideas for Jill Rockwell Metal & Bead Arts. See everyone soon, Ciao ciao ciao!

Triumphant Returns...

2010-08-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Filberg Festival for 2010 is behind me....as is the Glendale Gardens Art and Music event.

It was a whirlwind tour and highly successful, due to my manager, Sharlene Wall, who took it all in

stride and in hand! I am the artist, not a business person, so she handily organized the entire

mess! Met a lot of wonderful folks, potential students, and had a fantastic experience overall.

Now, work must commence for the November 17 to 21 Vancouver event: Circle Craft Christmas Market.

Meanwhile, when I am in town, classes continue. Viking Knit is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 on the following days: Aug 11, Aug 17, and Aug 20. Silver Clay (PMC) is scheduled from 10:00 to 4:00 on August 21 (Saturday). Both class types have very limited seating remaining, contact me if you are interested in joining the scheduled groups.

Filberg Bound!

2010-07-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

I am too exhausted even to plant a photo here....and I should be sleeping! Hope to see many, many of my customer/student/friends up in Comox for what promises to be a sunny (yippee!) long weekend of music and entertainment.

Open Studio Metalwork

2010-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

After completing the metal workshop weekend, students may book my studio for work and help for 3 hours at a time for $40. Yesterday was such an open studio, with the metalworkin' gals from my last

workshop. They are going great guns with new projects, I'm thrilled to say! Looks like I may have begun scheduling for August 14/15, so contact me (click on this page) for information if you are interested.

Metal Workshop #2

2010-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

These earrings are superb! Please scroll down my posts and see some other of Colleen's creations from the Metalworking Weekend Workshop. I will get pictures of Linda and Mimi's works to post soon. Its a joy to have students who are not afraid to run amok with ideas. These are just sumptuous. I so admire the craftmanship and originality of the work by all three women this weekend.

Next workshop is full already (July 3/4) Possible dates for the rest of summer: July 17/18 , August 14/15,

August 20/21, August 27/28

No more in 2010

Blithe Spirit

2010-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Having Colleen in the group is riotous fun. Her whimsical and remarkable personality shows through in her work - it is unconventional, unique, and truly refreshing. She tore apart two watches and made these wonderful earrings with some resin and etching...truly exceptional.

Metal Workshop Wonders

2010-06-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Wow...its all I can think to say! This weekend three amazing and talented ladies furthered their proficiency in jewelry making with new skills at the summer metal workshop (#2). Get an eyeful of this fabulous patina that Colleen achieved, and crafted into a one of a kind bracelet. It has so much depth! Two days later, everyone is torch and drill proficient, and loves hammering.

Decidedly Feminine

2010-06-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is the gray, gray skies we are experiencing, and my longing for a REAL spring and some color....I woke up one morning, delved into a folder of vintage butterfly prints, and got busy making some jewelry. The extra periwinkle blue is provided by a bit of hand-dyed silk, some blue lace agate, and tanzanite.

First Metalwork Weekend Ever.....Great Time!

2010-05-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

Please scroll down and view all the pieces that Sandi made during the first of my "summer" workshops.

The weather did not co-operate (although it was mild and not too windy) but we were undaunted,

as artists must adapt to circumstance with stamina, heart, and desire! Just think of the plein aire painters,

producing beautiful foggy views of London, and drippy rainy gardens in France. Sandi stuck it out with great aplomb and a super attitude, and made so many beautiful pieces, and has lots of gorgeous textures, patinas, and components for so many more! What an open, eager, and delightful student she was, and now I look towards June 19-20 and my next workshop with 4 students (full)....I have also learned a lot about what can and cannot be covered in just 3 days! Now I am weary..........and I know she is too. But it is a happy weary! If you are interested in the next workshop, it will be Sat-Sun, July 3-4. I can take 2 more students.

Sandi Hard at Work

2010-05-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

Workshop Beauties!

2010-05-30T19:43:00.001-07:00

Sandi's Earrings

Check Out all the Photos of the Workshop!

2010-05-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sandi's resin bracelet. She is working on friendship bracelets for her sister and herself with other

components made in class. Love the resin music, You're still You!

Absolutely Wonderful First Metalworking Weekend!

2010-05-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

The weather did not cease from gray...but Sandi had heart, creativity, and perserverance, and the weekend, despite losing one student, was a resounding success! She made a pile of jewelry,

and has components to work on a ton more pieces. I have photos to share, and I am

so thrilled with what she learned and produced in the workshop!

What's "NEW" in My World!

2010-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Super Shiny Etched Brass, Vintage Embellishment (French Celtic)

I know that most of my work is made to look aged....but my desires to try something "new" and to use this vintage embellishment....took me in a new direction. That, and the polisher motor that my dear friend Lauretta foraged from a garage sale...she finds the BEST treasures! After weeks of screaming foul words, my soldering has finally become acceptable...and this is sweat soldered onto an etched brass piece and highly polished.

Another landmark: today I begin my first major workshop held here at my studio. It is a 3 day metalworking intensive, using all my finishing and connecting skills, and I think it is going to be amazing DESPITE the weather. It sort of puts a damper on working out in my shop, but I will sidestep it by putting up my tent, and tables for hammering and etching. I'm excited and nervous. This is the trial run. My next workshop in June is filled already. I will hold one in July, but no dates are set ...let me know if you are interested.

One Down, Just Getting Started!

2010-05-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

The First Show of the Year!

     Lots going on at the moment, but the SPAC show has come and gone, which is my first of the year. I did very well, earning 3 Juror's Choice Awards. I now turn my eyes and efforts towards the Filberg Festival, the Island's premiere music and art festival, which is held the first weekend of August in Comox, BC.
    I have been teaching LOTS of classes, and encourage those of you discovering my blog to contact me for information, as I will be teaching all summer as well. Send me your email, I will add you to my mailing list for the schedules both of classes and shows.   The only other show I will do in summer is the Glendale Gardens Arts in the Garden Show, the second week of August, at the Pacific Horticultural Centre in Victoria. A beautiful, well attended event every year, I encourage you to come enjoy this tranquil place!
   More soon, I must go have some wine and relax..........I expect great ideas to bloom next month when Riki (check out my esteemed colleagues and her blog) returns to the Pacific Northwest with her husband, and we put two creative minds together and come up with something new and wonderful. Keep checking for new developments..........

AND THE WINNER IS........

2010-04-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Claudia Lorenz! Claudia's name was pulled from the bowl of entries (thank all of you who looked on my site and entered the draw) and she wins the lunch gift card and two tickets to the Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts Show. I will be working on patron's night, so may see some of you there. Patron's night is really great, well catered, wine flows, and you get $100 off your patron's night purchase of art...for information on becoming a patron, call me or email me at mjill@shaw.ca

Event Tickets...A Chance to WIN

2010-03-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts Society

57th Annual Fine Art Exhibition and Sale

Saturday April 24, 10 - 6

Sunday April 25, 10 - 4:30

This is a very popular event and there is so much beautiful work on sale. I always participate,

and I have two free tickets to give away to this event. All you have to do is take a look at my

blog here, and then contact me at mjill@shaw.ca with your email address. I will

put all the names in a hat, and choose one on April 16. Then I will pop them into the mail

to the winner. I will include a gift card from a Sidney coffee shop with $25 on it, that means

two of you can go out for lunch and view all the art...make a day of it!

Destination: Vancouver

2010-03-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Vancouver! I'm very lucky to live on an island, and very fortunate that I can get to the mainland

occasionally for a little exposure to the big city. Why did I include a photo of a viking knit bracelet?

Because I am taking my class materials and teaching while I am there....that's something new.

Hoping to expand that into something more wide-reaching.

This is an example I made up for my classes, slider is a product of the Silver Metal Clay class I

teach on an intro level. Contact me if either class appeals to you, and we can set a date.

Finally, some new work emerging!

2010-02-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Oh, I have been a lazy girl. Finally getting some work done, thanks to Lauretta, who is

letting me use her acetylene set up, and overseeing my soldering work...

I am very pleased with this new bracelet. Such a gorgeous labradorite.

2010-01-31T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of newer pieces for 2010 as I am readying my submissions for the major shows of the year. The sea urchin is one of my favorite patterns, and one of the most beautiful textures in nature (in my opinion!) Here it is oxidized and paired with a glowing labradorite, and hung on the simplest of elegant silver cords, a multiple, thin strand. It's a special piece, in both it's simplicity and it's presence. $255

Backyard Beads in the Newspaper....and classes coming up

2010-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

Look for us in the Times Colonist, a week from tomorrow!

Classes upcoming (those on our current mailing list can sign up now, before the
Mad rush created by Sarah Petrescu’s story!)

Thurs Jan 21, I have a person from Montreal on a time schedule who
Wants to do a bead retreat day. If you would like to join her to make a small group, please
contact jill via our website.

Silver Metal Clay classes with Jill are available on YOUR schedule, most days.
Give me a holler and we can set up your day, for anywhere from one to 4 students.
I do need a wee bit of advance notice to order silver clay, so be thinking AHEAD.

Viking Knit class: we can accommodate up to 5 more students, our next class will be
Friday, Feb 12 from 9 to 1:00. You will walk away with a gorgeous new bracelet, woven by you!
Check out the newspaper article, they came to our last class!

If Fridays do not work for you and you want to make a Viking Knit bracelet, contact Jill who will gladly schedule another class at your convenience.

We have a Thurs evening series beginning Feb 4 at Monterey Centre for 3 weeks. Call them at 250-370-7300 for information and registration.

All class project content and contact information is available on our website www.backyardbeadsvictoria.com See you soon!

Italia

2009-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

Bracelets are hard to photograph properly. This is sturdy, 20 gauge brass, etched with all

manner of Italian symbols: the leaning tower of Pisa, a tuscan rooster, etc.,

and the handmade pure silver embellishment utilized a mold I made of an OLD, crusty, faded earring with no mate that I found in the Piazza dei Ciompi flea market, in Florence.

Embedded with the word Italia. $109

One Week till Christmas!

2009-12-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Only one week to go! Yesterday's posted earrings were sold, so here is a

VERY festive pair. These are pure silver, textured with a sea urchin, oxidized to vibrant

color, and topped with handmade European glass beads in a rich, jewel-tone teal.
2 inches overall, flash and dangle, $86

Little Sea Urchin Earrings

2009-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Stocking Stuffers! Two views of a pair of little earrings (by my standards)

Pure, oxidized silver

Textured with a sea urchin, topped with handmade European Yayin glass and

teeny little glowing Labradorites. $80 one inch in length overall.

My Camera is Working Again!

2009-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Yey! I have so been wanting to share a few new pieces and my camera was

on the fritz! Frustrating, as I am no tech whiz! But I called Lumix, and

they told me how to fix the setup and now I can show this new lentil

bead with European Glass necklace on silver cables. Vintage flavoured with a

tiny little peacock feather coated in 24 kt gold.

Should be under someone's tree!

Sunday Morning, Too

2009-10-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am really happy with this finished cuff! I believe I did call this line eclectic...my themes are all over the place, but that's the fun of it. After months of experimenting with other methods and media, I still find that silver clay is one of my best choices for consistently excellent outcomes and quality pieces. I just haven't ironed out the kinks with copper clay, although I love the richness of the pieces that do emerge from the kiln with the desired outcome, so I will be using more silver clay this fall and winter to create really unique pieces that are indicative of my own style.

Sunday Morning Work

2009-10-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning, should be resting, but I have ideas that need to get realized into metals! This is an Asian-inspired (a bit of a kimono, perhaps?) brass and silver piece. The etching includes lanterns, cherry blossoms, and characters. The silver clay piece has been patinated and attached. All but 3 of the old cuffs have been sold. I've begun creating a new bunch of them for the fall/winter season. Less beach theme, more eclectic.

Masque Necklace

2009-09-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is kinda fun and different, hey? Find this and other unique necklaces and cuff bracelets at the Cowichan Wine & Culinary Festival (Sept 19 and 20) ~Cherry Point Vineyard, at the Quail's Nest Studio collection display. Wine, food, and jewelry, what else could you ask for all in one place on one weekend?

Sorry, they're sold!

2009-09-02T16:32:00.001-07:00

All the necklaces I have posted, and am posting this week are available from www.quailsneststudio.com, the online gallery who carry my work. I just wanted to share them, so you all can see what I'm working on. It is only September, but I have Christmas orders to fill.

2009-09-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

It's almost like getting 2 necklaces in one! Mixed metals, silver clay bead, glass...simply divine.

Simple Accessories

2009-09-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Summer wanes, and I am preparing for my fall work by doing as much etching as humanly possible before the weather gets nasty...when I have to be cold and wet in my workshop! I am all over these rubber cords for fall and winter, they are simple but look appropriate for any occasion and outfit short of formal dress. Each one is unique - this one an etched fleur de lis, an old key, some of my silver clay beads and some glass beads by an artist in Kimberly, BC. Elegant in a casual way, exactly what I am aiming to create!

2009-07-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it, the Filberg Festival that we have been working so hard to prepare inventory for, will open next Friday in Comox. I have feverishly been finishing bracelets (isn't this one great? The lock is made of copper clay and the key is an antique I picked up at a Paris flea market), earrings, and necklaces, and have had a couple of sleepless nights, but c'est la vie! Riki Schumacher of Riki Jewelry in Washington has been here helping me prepare, and what a bonus that was! Heading up there on Thursday with Paul...wish me good things!

2009-07-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

She's an Angel! I feel so free, doing something NEW. The viking knit and silver clay of two years ago...took a hike! It was getting a little tired for me, and I think for all my customers, too. Now I want to stir it up a bit and get creative anew! I hope everyone loves the new designs as much as I do. Hope everyone is coming to the Filberg Festival to get one! Thanks to Lauretta, Riki, and Shell, who constantly spur me on. You are my real angels!

Shoreline Beauty Bracelet

2009-07-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

I simply cannot get enough of summer...or of these bracelets! This one is wide, 2 inches, a brass cuff with deeply etched designs that include shells....and embellished with a silver starfish I made. Every piece is carefully finished to be the very best quality. Patinas are hand applied and worked to give the piece immense depth and interest. One of a kind, of course!

Beauty and the Bee

2009-07-07T09:41:00.001-07:00

Is this not GORGEOUS?? Oh I LOVE doing new things with jewelry!! This piece is etched copper, only an inch wide, for those daintier jewelry lovers. Embellished with one of my silver creations, patina hand worked for depth and richness. Lots of interest. Also going with me to the Filberg Festival, if not sold...I just want to show it off to everyone! Isn't it fun?

New Directions

2009-07-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Boy, are things going in a fun new direction for me and my jewelry! I am so over silver clay and viking knit, everyone has seen it! Anyway, that is the hallmark of art, it is always on the move. I just love the depth of the new pieces, and I can embellish them with all sorts of unique touches. Riki Schumacher (see Riki Jewelry for amazing pieces!) taught me some basics in etching, and now I am in the workshop daily doing fun and adventurous projects! This one is brass, etched, embellished with a resined bezel (seeds) and some antiqued chain. It is warm, fascinating...think collage on your wrist! It's going to the Filberg Festival if someone doesn't snap it up first, $188.

Pink Lady

2009-04-29T06:42:00.001-07:00

A tender glance, this is a tinted vintage postcard portrait, resin-encased in patterned fine

silver and copper. The flower is oxidized silver made from an impression of an italian antique

earring. Handwoven viking knit combined with lampwork glass, chain and pink Quartz.

Tasty!

Sweet Nightingale

2009-04-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

A choice little necklace with unique bits of vintage, handwoven copper viking knit,

and handworked metals. Contact me for more details.

2009-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Earrings meant for a very unique lady to wear... Matte Onyx spears, .999 fine silver with 24 kt gold overlay, found brass objects.

2009-02-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

This item is available on etsy.com Handwoven heavy gauge sterling silver, found objects, and candy-colored peach jade. Cést Francaise...I got the key in a flea market in Paris.

2009-02-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Always one of a kind.

Bracelet: .999 fine silver, oxidized for unique colors. Handwoven sterling silver wire. Yellow jade and found objects of mixed metals.

2007-11-22T20:11:00.001-08:00