Sacred Heart sketch

It's great to be back after a long holiday in the states to see my family and long time friends.After visiting San Antonio, Texas, I was inspired to create a series of sacred hearts on my return.

Life has been so busy and things are finally settling down that I'm back in the studio making some of these things a reality.

I began this morning sketching out an idea of what I have been formulating in my mind. As I drew and erased and drew some more I finished with this image and now on my studio bench envolving beautifully.

It's a mixed media piece.  The wings will be made of faux bone and rivited on.  I think that I'll make the flames from 24 gauge Red Anodised Aluminum sheet and rivet that into the top opening of the hollow form.

I'll post up a finshed pic when it's all completed.

Twelve New Things in time for the 12 Days of Christmas

I've just photographed a dozen of my unique handcrafted jewellery and now preparing to package them.  They will soon be listed on the Australiana Online website for those shopping early for Christmas pressies.

Shop Online

www.australianaonline.com.au

Some new creative idea

I'm back in Australia after a five week holiday in the USA visitng my family and friends.  It's been a great opportunity to catch up with everyone and in that time I've also acquired some new artist ideas that I can't wait to explore when I get home.

I'm in Sydney at the moment for a few days just to get readjusted to the passing of the international date-line. I must admit that I came home with a couple extra suitcase that I hadn't planned on purchasing which are busting out at the seams with heaps of creative books and art supplies. It's past of my plan in teaching other creative art mediums.

I'll share pictures as I explore these new ideas. I think that I'll start with a series of mixed media collage art with the idea of recording stories recalled by my, middle, brother of our times growing up in California and Texas. My brother, Joe, is a great story teller and he has a fantastic memory.

PMC & Polymer Clay Leaf Pendant

This is a PMC technique which allows the combination of PMC and Polymer Clay without the use of glue. This is also know as the Reverse Bevel Bezel and has been championed and perfected by Linda Bernstein who is a USA Senior PMC Instructor. It is just  one of the projects in the CCIP program which comprises 2 levels of certification, that I teach in Sydney and my Bellingen Home Studio. You can read more about the Certification Program on my website.

Hello my Little Chickadee - an Introduction to PMC Class in Sydney



Hello my Little Chickadee



Introduction to Precious Metal Clay (PMC3 Silver)

Date: Saturday, May 28th 2011 - 1:00pm to 4:30 pm

Location: Elizabeth Bay, Sydney

Prerequisite: No experience necessary.

This workshop will show you all the techniques and tips to create your own unique fine silver jewellery. PMC is a unique jewellery making material. This user-friendly product is a malleable substance that is composed of fine silver particles in an organic binder. PMC is an amazing medium invented in the mid-90’s. When fired, the binders burn-off and you are left with a piece that is 12-15% smaller and made of 99.9% pure silver, more valuable than sterling.

In this class you will learn how to shape, texture, cut, sand and file PMC and then after firing with a small butane torch you will learn how to polish the finished work. You are given the choice of completing either a pendant or a pair of earrings.

You will also learn about adding patina and polishing using both hand and a rotary tumbler.

Materials student should bring: Pen/Pencil, Notebook & Apron.

Included in the fee are the following: 9 grams PMC3 Lump clay, tuition, use of various tools and supplies in class.

Cost: $140.00 with 50% non-refundable deposit required upon registration.

Availability: Yes

See website for more class listings on http://www.veradesigns.com.au/

Shattered Heart

I've discovered an Online University (is what I call it) where I'm learning how to use Photoshop Elements more effectively.  This site was recently introduced to me by Jack Meagher a fellow member of the Bellingen Arts Council.  I'm so glad that he told me about it 'cause now I can finally work out how to use this software better.

The site is called http://www.lynda.com/ and there are so many videos to watch on "how-to's".  It's really awesome.  As you can see was playing around with layers and gave this PMC Heart, that I made awhile back... quite a spirital look.  I'm gonna keep playing around with it in the next few days.



Introduction to Polymer Clay Class in Sydney

Faux Bone Beads & Jewellery Construction project

Date: Saturday, May 28th 2011 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Sydney (Elizabeth Bay)

Prerequisite: No experience necessary.

This beginner's class teaches you how to replicate the look of bone/ivory. You will learn the basics in working with polymer clay and how to condition, etch markings into it and permanently set paints to create depth and dimension. You will complete the cane and then create your own unique handcrafted piece of jewellery on the day.

Materials student should bring: Pen/Pencil, Notebook & Apron. Also bring along some favourite beads that you would like to include in your bracelet design. There will be a selection of various beads available for purchase for those interested in doing so.

Included in the fee are the following supplies:

• Polymer clay
• Acrylic Paints
• Sanding Papers
• 25cm length beading wire, toggle & clasp, and two crimp beads.
• Use of pasta machines, bead piercing tools, brushes and oven.

Morning and Afternoon Tea provided. One hour lunch break allotted, there is a great selection of cafes nearby or you may bring your own lunch.

Cost: $120.00 with 50% non-refundable deposit required upon registration.