It's a beautiful day in Omaha! I'm ever so delighted to announce the Workshops of Silver Bella, 2009! As you can see, there is a variety of workshops and styles, all in keeping with Silver Bella style, and all new and freshly designed by our wonderful instructors. Take a peek!
Edit: Upon registration (April 13th) you will select 5 workshops from the offerings below. Be sure to use the schedule in the above post to coordinate times and dates.
Each workshop below is offered twice.
VINTAGE CHARM BRACELET with Kaari Meng
Filled with old glass beads and baubles, this bracelet is the perfect place to start if you have never made jewelry before. The charm bracelet class will begin with an introduction to the basics of beading: we will learn to use three tools, cutting pliers, needle nose pliers and flat nose pliers; how to open and close jump rings properly; how to set or glue cabachons into bezels; and how to thread
and loop beads with head pins. Students will work from a special bracelet kit, which will include everything you need to make a vintage charm bracelet.
Students bring: No other supplies are necessary. Tool, glue and all supplies are provided for you.
Vintage Rosary Necklace with Kaari Meng
The rosary necklace workshop is all about repetition, religious medals and repentance. In this class, we will learn the basics about jewelry pliers and how to use them, how to attach jump rings, how to make a rosary chain linked out of beads and eye pins, and how to set cabachons into bezels. Students will work from a necklace kit, which will include everything you need to make a vintage rosary necklace, in signature classic French General style.
Student Supplies: All materials and tools included.
EPHEMERA BIRD with D. Sharp
“I hope you like birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven.” I almost always reflect on these words by Emily Dickinson when I take the time to pause and appreciate the sights and sounds of the birds around me. A little starling brings an irrepressible smile; a crow’s cleverness engages me. I am equally fascinated with specimens that one may find in a ‘cabinet of natural curiosities’, and I created this bird to be housed under one of my glass bell jars.
With a dimensional body made with a mache form, stuffing and paper clay, this bird is feathered in crepe and patterned papers reproduced from my ephemera collection. And doesn’t it seem fitting that a paper bird’s beak is actually a calligraphy pen nib?
In this workshop, materials will be provided to create your very own feathered friend, including the body form and head, templates for the bird form and feathers and a variety of papers. Students may wish to bring there own vintage paper ephemera, patterned paper or art paper to use
To facilitate the process, I will provide students with pre-made heads and legs as well as instructions for creating them. We will be making our bird self standing on the table, but if you wish to have it on a stand, you may choose to attach it later to one you have or you may choose to pre-order one through me which I will bring to class.
Students need to bring a basic tool kit, hot glue gun, scotch tape, bone folder, small scissors, metal ruler with cork backing, an exacto knife, small cutting mat, small needle nose pliers, small paintbrush for glue and any additional papers or embellishments that they may want to use.
I can’t wait to see the whole flock!
SACRED SILVER HEART with D. Sharp
The heart is a potent symbol that can convey the spiritual, the intellectual and the emotional - a universal emblem that can communicate many different sentiments of love, from the blithe to the sacred. The ubiquitous heart shape box, most often seen at Valentine’s, can be transformed in an equal array of styles. I have a tradition of creating a heart box for my husband every year, each one different from the last, and each year I have more fun than the last creating it.
Drawing inspiration from religious imagery and antiquities, we will create a sacred heart box more stunning than any old Valentine chocolate box. Fashioned from silver papers, with delicate pleated rays and a unique tapered form - with a bit of ribbon it can be transformed into an ornament for the tree.
All materials will be provided to create our project heart, but students may choose to bring any coordinating silver paper they want to use, or if they wish to make the heart a different color, card stock and 2 coordinating papers. In addition to our sacred heart, students will be provided with a template to make other heart boxes as well as instructions for a variety of other techniques to adorn them, including an embossed velvet top, paper and glitter embellishments and using vintage book covers for material. I will bring a sampling of heart shape boxes created with these techniques for future inspiration. Students will also come away with a simple box making technique that can be applied to creating boxes of all different shapes.
Students need to bring a basic tool kit, hot glue gun, scotch tape, bone folder, 2 double stick adhesive sheets { Terrifically Tacky makes a 6 X 8 sheet}, metal ruler with cork backing, an X-acto knife, small cutting mat, small paintbrush for glue and any additional papers they may want to use.
LINEAGE OF LOVE with Pam Garrison
We'll make a lovely garland using photos of your loved ones or adopted ancestors (I've used both here). I'll share some photos, you bring some special family photos (bonus points for sepia or black and white) or your own adopted ancestors, and we'll decorate them using scraps of ribbon, findings, buttons, and other bits and bobs (you bring some and I'll bring lots to share ) so we can embellish away. Then we will wire wrap them together to form a seasonal strand that will add some magic to your holiday celebrations. You can stand this on a mantle, tuck it in a tree, drape from a cabinet, wire from side to side in a frame...the display options are endless for this decorated celebration of family and the holidays.
Bring to Class: family photos, (you can attach to mat board ahead of time or wait until class), some adopted ancestor cabinet cards if you'd like, X-acto knife if you have one, Cropodile (or hole punch or Japanese screw punch (if you already have one), personal embellishments such as: jewelry findings, buttons, scraps of ribbon, watch pieces,little words on paper/sayings, embroidery thread and needle, jewelry tools (round needle nose and flat plier type) if you already have them, if not we'll share.
HOLLY DAYS COUNTDOWN WREATH with Pam Garrison
We'll shake up the traditional advent calendar concept, creating an ever-growing wreath, all while keeping the traditional elements of felt, fabric, sequins, buttons (included) in our new advent calendar wreath. We'll do some simple stitching, learn a few new stitches (no previous stitching experience necessary!), and assemble an evergreen wreath, sampler style. You'll leave the class with a wonderful twist on the old classic advent calendar: a wreath created by you for your loved ones to count down the days in Bella style!
Bring to Class: one 10" styrofoam wreath (1 1/2" thick), a little embellishment goodie bag with a few special treasures like buttons and beads and small jewelry bits, tiny ribbon scraps, an embroidery needle (or two- different sizes) and 3 skeins of embroidery floss in your favorite holiday colors. I will bring various styles and colors of fabric strips to choose from to wrap your wreath, but you may prefer to bring your own fabric scraps that you love, one that matches your "style" and holiday home decor better. If so, tear it in 2" strips and bring at least 3 yards in length. I will also be providing felt in the colors above, but again, if you prefer others, just grab a few felt squares of your preferred colors.
CIGAR BOX ASSEMBLAGE with Rebecca Sower
Join us as we turn an old cigar box into a lovely masterpiece. The focal point of this art project is the center wooden block assemblage that we will dress up and bring together to create visual interest. We will be learning several techniques using paints, glues, beads and more in this workshop. You will leave with your own unique work of art ready to display in your home.
Please bring your own cigar box (6x8” or larger). Other materials will be provided, but you are welcome and encouraged to add your own buttons, beads, ephemera and findings if you’d like.
HODGE PODGE JOURNAL with Rebecca Sower
Whether you are a journal keeper or not, you won’t want to miss this class where we will create from scratch one of my popular hodge-podge journals. We will begin with the detailed cover and then fill the journal with your selection of papers and pages. Create yours as uniquely as you like. The finished product will be an album or journal chock-full of papers, pockets, flaps and folds. All perfect for capturing your thoughts, quotes, photos and secrets.
All materials will be provided for this class, but you are welcome to bring any ‘extras’ that you may want to include in your book.
SWEET SWEATER HAT By Charlotte Lyons
Design and craft your own fancy hat from felted sweaters and other accents. Bring one pre-felted wool sweater (thrifted, washed in hot water, dried in the dryer), scissors, regular needle, tapestry needle and strong thread. We'll mix and match shared pieces from the scrap pile to create amazing, one-of-a-kind hats, and I'll have my own goodies to share with you too. No worries about the sewing- just one super easy stitch is all you need.
Don't forget your stash box of vintage accents, flowers, pretty buttons, yarns and trims!
WONDERLAND MOBILE with Charlotte Lyons
Let's make this sweet wonderland mobile of fantasy cottages and pines all decked out for winter with colorful trims and sparkle. We will cut, paste and embellish to our heart's content while creating this beautiful holiday decoration. Bring your paper and fabric scraps, sparkle and vintage bits as well as basic tools for paper craft including scissors, craft glue and wire cutters.
If you happen to have a paddle of brass 26 gauge floral wire to share with a friend, please bring that too. There will be lots of extras from my stash too.
BUNDLE UP BIRDIE SHADOW BOX with Jennifer Murphy
In the heart of winter, we all have to bundle up to keep warm. This little shadow box will be a sweet reminder that while it's cold outside, our little nest is always warm. Jennifer will give tips and tricks for making simple little pom pom birds and walk you through the step-by-step creation of this little shadow box.
Each student should bring: favorite decorative paper, glitter or mica, paper and sewing scissors, ruler, 3x4.5 paper Mache box (found at Micheals), X-Acto knife and cutting mat (only if you have one already scissors will work if not), paper or felt glue, pinking sheers, foam brush, bone burnisher, hole punch, and if you can: a couple acorn tops and twigs would be great too! Jennifer will supply all the rest!
A FRENCH COUNTRY HOLIDAY with Anna Corba
We'll be creating some of my very favorite pieces in this workshop; a musical candy cone, and an over sized wooden hang tag to compliment your cottage for the holidays. I look forward to sharing them with you! The cone is covered with vintage sheet music and adorned with various fabric trims and vintage baubles. Bring your own goodies or dive into my stash of ribbons and embellishments. Explore collage composition while completing the wooden hang tag. We'll also learn the proper way to apply a beeswax glaze for a timeless finishing touch. Bring any papers and ephemera that you would like to use, including a special focal image sized to fit a 6 x 4" tag...or use an assortment of my goodies.
Please bring with you: 14" fabric trim, 1" cheap bristle brush, Tacky Glue and a small brush to apply, X-acto knife, magazine or catalogue for gluing palette, small plastic container to hold glue, vintage sheet music if available, glitter glue if desired, small cutting mat, if available, various paper ephemera and assorted embellishments.
BE MY GUEST... with Anna Corba
We will be creating a beautiful book from scratch which can be used as a guest book, keepsake book or a very special journal. The inside pages are sewn together with luscious ribbon while the outside covers can be collaged or simply covered with a favorite decorative paper. Use paper that you love from your own collection or I will have addison endpapers (as used on the sample) available for a nominal fee. We will build the book up from here adding embellishments to the outside and secret musings on the inside! We will create a lovely oversized bookmark for a whimsical final touch.
Please bring with you: silk ribbon (needs to be thin enough to fit through your needle), large eye darning needle, 1" cheap bristle brush, Tacky Glue and small applicator brush, small plastic container to hold glue, magazine or catalogue to use as a gluing palette, cutting board if available, X-acto knife, if using your own paper for the cover, bring two 10 x 12" sheets, various ephemera including postcards, colorful card stock, buttons, stamps, velvet flowers, fabric trim etc., assorted rubber stamps, including alphabets if desired, glitter glue if desired.
(I will also have a wide assortment of goodies to choose from!)
SNOWMAN CLIP ORNAMENT with Jennifer Murphy
Is there a greater joy than building a snowman? He stands throughout the winter as a reminder of a day well spent. In this workshop we'll use the highest quality fabrics and materials to make an heirloom that can mark this season for generations. You'll learn the basics of dying and felting wool felt (which will be done before the workshop begins), what is and how to use Excelsior stuffing, and joy of working with the finest materials and methods which have been used for over 100 years to make stuffed animals and toys.
Each student should bring a few supplies:paper and sewing scissors, needle nose pliers or hemostats, large and regular sewing needles, and Felt glue (if you have some on hand).
A $15 fee is due upon entering workshop which includes: prefelted and dyed wool felt, excelsior stuffing, cotton chenille stems, candy cane or bottle brush tree, beautiful vintage ornament clip and other specialty supplies.
VICTORIOUS MEDALS with Teresa McFayden
The time is right to recognize victories in yourself and others. Reward yourself in this workshop by creating a fabulous garland-scape adorned with vintage awards, medals and medallions. We will "borrow" the styles and design of hundred year old medals from my collection and personalize them just for you. Medals constructed of fabric will be awarded with dimensional embellishments such as wire, velvet, chain link, jump rings, glitter, mica and more come together to pay tribute to...you or anyone deserving of honor and recognition! You're a Bella, and now you have the medals to prove it! A Silver Bella exclusive.
Bring with you to class: 2 sheets (8"x11") of felt,velvet, canvas or burlap (whatever textile you like for backing), 2ft. of 18g. silver or gold wire, needle nosed pliers, 1/8" paper hole punch, small scissors to cut details, and any unique and/or decorative trim to embellish your awards.
*Bring a Basic Tool Kit to each Silver Bella Workshop Containing the Following:*
Scissors, glue stick, Tacky Glue, ruler, X-Acto cutting knife and cutting mat, pencil, black marker, extra bling such as small ribbons, old jewelry, charms or special trinkets you enjoy, etc.
By using some of your "own" supplies here and there, you personalize any artwork you create!!
We like that.
