ARTBliss - what a wonderful weekend!

I cannot even begin to convey what an absolutely wonderful weekend I had at ArtBliss!  Now, I have never met most of the creative minds in my "virtual world" that are behind the blogs and Facebook commentators that I visit on a daily basis.  But, this weekend I finally did!  I did not take many pictures, as my mind was literally going a mile a minute, but the fun began at the Friday Night Meet and Greet. 

 

Click on the pictures for a larger view

Jeanette Blix, Cindy Wimmer, Jen Judd, and Kerry Bogert (lousy pic, I know!)

My main reason for attending ArtBliss was to take classes from two artists - Kerry Bogert and Stacie Florer, both of whom are phenomenal in their respective fields.  But, I picked up some goodies, too! Sorry about the quality of the first two pics-I used my IPhone instead of my camera... 

Gorgeous lampwork made by Kerry Bogert

I so wanted to take a class with Erin Siegel, but there was only one of me!  But, I brought my copy of her book, Bohemian Inspired Jewelry with me and got her autograph!  I also picked up this earring kit!  I had insomnia the whole weekend so I made these on Saturday morning.  I loved them so much that I bought a second kit (which I made Saturday evening when I could not sleep) and am giving the second pair to my niece Rachel! Erin's mother-in-law came with her - they are quite possibly two of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure to meet!

 

Jenny Davies-Reazor had a trunk show....yes...I was there!

My first class was with Kerry on Saturday, where we learned how to colorize metal via embossing.  Then, we made a cold connection bezel using one of her most awesome cabochons!  The project is from her newest book, Rustic Wrappings (which I love!!).  The thing that impresses me the most about Kerry is her exciting use of color.  It's more than just looking at a color wheel and deciding "what goes together" - it is instinctive.  Kerry was a wonderful teacher and I expect to use these techniques and expand on what I learned from her.

 

The cold connection bezel I made in Kerry's class is no-where near perfect.  But, I am okay with that.  I learned so much from her that I know that I can - and will - perfect this technique!  She is also a sweet heart and a such wonderful teacher!

 

My Saturday Evening class was with the wonderful Stacie Florer.  The woman is a magician with metal work and I strongly urge you to visit her site!  I still cannot believe this was her first time teaching!  Saturday's class entailed making what she calls Heavy Metal Beads.  So. Much. Fun!!!  The beads are made from sheet metal (copper) - this entire bracelet I made was with sheet metal and wire and I LOVE IT!

 

 

 

I finagled the length of the bracelet by adding extra jump rings near the clasp.  I am always amazed at what liver of sulfur and a few hours in the tumbler can do to copper!

 

Sunday's class, also with Stacie, entailed creating the Elemental Bracelet.  This is the class that has really opened up my eyes to how I view my jewelry design.  So many techniques....so little time! 

I snuck a picture of Stacie into my collage...

My bracelets together - I love them!

My sincerest gratitude to Jeanette Blix and Cindy Wimmer for coordinating such a wonderful event.   I have not only gained much-need skills to aid me in my jewelry-making venture, but I have met some fantastic, like-minded women whom I hope to meet up with again!

 

In my next post, I will share pictures of beautiful handmade charms made by some of the lovely women I met this past weekend.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by!