Tucson Here I come with Ice Resin® in hand!

If you are going to Tucson for the Gem and Mineral Shows, Jane Sally and I are teaching ICE Resin® classes at the upcoming To Bead True Blue show.  The wholesale part of the show is Jan, 30-Feb 4, and the retail event (open to the general public) is Feb 5-7.

To Bead True Blue is just one of more than 20 wholesale and retail shows that are part of the amazing Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. The event takes over the city and turns it into a massive jewelry makers paradise.

My teaching schedule is:
 Jan 30, 31st from 6-9 p.m. Incorporating Resin into your Work for all skill levels.

Students will learn many different ways to use the new resins on the market. They will work with ICE Resin designed specifically for the jeweler. Techniques taught include mixing, pouring, curing, and a variety of ways to add color and texture. Students will also explore ways to use resin on paper and with organic objects, while learning many quick tips to make it fun and easy. Each student will make specific projects in class to gain hands-on experience.

Feb 2, from 6-9 p.m. Casting Call: Putting Your Resin Work Center Stage for all skill levels.

If you’ve fallen in love with ICE® Resin but are unsure how to get more creative with it this is the class for you. We’ll be taking ICE to the next level by making it dimensional. We’ll discuss what can be molded and duplicated; make push molds to create our cast resin pieces with. Students will learn proper handling and mixing of ICE® Resin, simple mold making, adding color, inclusions and embeds and finishing cured pieces. We’ll also talk about mistakes and problems that can occur and how to make sure they don’t happen in the first place. Student supply list: small objects to mold, small box with lid to take home your filled molds.

Jane will be teaching on Feb 3 from 6-9 p.m. Make Your Own Resin Filled Bezels for all skill levels.

Resin filled bezels are beautiful. Even the humblest of objects become a treasure when place in a bezel filled with the clear and durable ICE Resin Students will learn how to make their own bezels in sizes and depths. Techniques and skills covered in the class will include: mixing and pouring resin, coloration of resin, inclusions, using open back bezels, making your own bezels from everyday items and making bezel hangers. Students will leave the class with several resin filled bezels that will cure overnight and be ready to be proudly worn. Student Supply list: Interesting papers; Small items to be placed in bezels; Gallon size food storage bags-3; Apron. Tool list: Basic jewelry making tools will be needed, including round nose and flat nose pliers, files, wire cutters, small hammer. Optional: Decorative and letter metal stamps; Small bench block or anvil.

Our workshops are filling fast. If you are going to Tucson and have always wanted to learn how to work with resin, now is the time to sign up. Email your registration to ice_resin_workshop@ymail.com


I'll also be working the Objects and Elements booth B20 with Cheri Lenart so please stop by and say hello!
We love to talk about mixed media creating and answer any of your ICE Resin® questions.

A New Perspective

 

The pretty view from my back porch, from wet winters in SF to snow in West Virginia!!!

2011 is going fast and furious, I can't believe its already the middle of the month.  My arrival here was "chaotic" to say the least but things are looking up now.   If I told you of everything that went wrong, you'd  never believe me. Its like the plot of some bad 'made for tv' movie! 

To give you a Cliff's Notes version of it all, when I arrived at my new apt, it was a complete shock and disappointment.  The photos I had seen before hid a MULTITUDE of sins( to put it mildly).  After a couple of hours in the place, I knew I couldn't stay there for any length of time let alone live there.   However, I was stuck there because my moving truck was coming the following morning.  I had to stay to get my stuff unloaded. After a horrible night, I thought "maybe I can stay for a couple of months then figure something else out", try to make it work for a while, etc....... That thought didn't last long LOL.  It went from bad to worse to "you have GOT to be kidding me, this isn't REALLY happening, is it???"  I know someday I'll laugh at it all, someday............not anytime soon though.

The straw that broke this camel's back was when I took Bettie out for her bedtime potty at 1am and coming home to a broken door knob that wouldn't unlock...... It was 28 degrees out and we were already cold from our walk.  I tried to break in and couldn't.  I about flipped out, here I am 1:30 am, no ones around, couldn't find a locksmith that was open, etc..... THANK GOD, my BFF was on duty that night.   I texted him saying "guess who's locked outside in the cold?", and he came over to rescue us.  He tried to unlock the door himself but even he couldn't get the stupid door open.  He stayed with us until the locksmith came (over an hour later!)  and Bettie and I got to sit in the police car and keep warm.  I am so grateful to him for doing that for me and owe him big time for it.

Finally about 3:20 am I was inside that apt, writing a $121.90 check for something I shouldn't have had to pay for.   Needless to say I was SO ready to get out. The next day I went out and got another apt.  I begged the owner to let me took it as is - uncleaned or painted, but I didn't care. I needed to move and I liked it the minute I walked in the door.  It is far from perfect, but feels SO much happier and homier in here.   My family rallied around and helped me move all my stuff for the 2nd time in a week.  I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had all the help and support I got from them all. 

I feel like I hit bottom with that first apartment so there is nowhere to go but UP from here! Its been cold and snowing and I'm enjoying it. When I'm outside, but I don't like feeling cold indoors.   There are so many things I need to replace, which is typical I guess after splitting up a household.  I didn't bring the microwave with me,and everyday I realize how much I used it. I left the iron and ironing board, the step stool, the 'good' knives, etc.....all stuff that will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Living alone is hard to get used to, and so is living without cats. I haven't lived without a cat for 25 yrs. It feels weird without one (or 5). 

Now that that is all behind me, I'm ready to take on 2011. I need to make my goals/intentions and plans for the year. There is so much I want to accomplish this year.   I've got a number of events I'm teaching at and a few I'm hoping to get into.  My first one is in a couple of weeks and I'm SOOO EXCITED about it!!!  I'll be in Tucson for the yearly bead, gem and mineral show,  preaching the gospel of  mixed media art at the Objects and Elements booth and teaching resin classes at the To Bead True Blue and Tuscan Bead Show.  I can not WAIT to go, its been on my 'wish list' of things to do for YEARS!!!