Maker of Saints

 Thursday 9 - 4:30   $145  
  Deryn Mentock        


Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project oriented class. Focus will be on using various techniques to create a finished focal and clasp and working on links, as time allows.
Prerequisite: None

 
 

    The word “santos” derives from the Spanish word for “saint.” These carved and sculpted figures were originally created to provide remote churches, and homes, with sacred works of art. The santos was used as a spiritual alter or icon and was an object of devotion, to be cared for; painted, costumed and accessorized. In this class, you’ll become a “santero” (maker of saints) and create your own beautiful santos focal. Bring your object of devotion, or art, to hang inside her cage body. I’ll show you how to create a unique wirewrapped clasp and matching focal element from which your doll will be suspended. Then we’ll finish the piece by making the necklace portion with long and lovely, beaded links. Some skills you’ll learn in class are annealing, texturing, wirewrapping, link construction, riveting, working with beads and stones, and more. This necklace is completely hand constructed and cold connected creating a one-of-a-kind mini alter, to be treasured.

    Please make sure to patina your wire before coming to class.

Materials fee of $15 payable to Instructor at class time and includes use of tools and supplies:
  • Metal strip
  • Riveting material
  • Torches
  • Fuel
  • Dremel and drill bits
  • Texturing tools
  • Disk cutter
  • Small amount of silk
  • Hole punches

    Students should bring:
  • Chain nose jewelry pliers
  • Round nose jewelry pliers
  • Flush cutters for wire (craft store type)
  • 4 oz ball peen hammer
  • Small rubber dead blow hammer or rawhide mallet
  • Steel bench block
  • Bench pillow (or hand towel) for use under bench block
  • Two hole metal punch or 1.8mm hole punch plier
  • Metal shears
  • Metal files
  • Mini bench vise
  • Fine grit foam sanding block
  • Sheet metal, 24 gauge copper, sterling, brass or bronze-at least 2 ½ x 2 ½
  • 2 ft, 18 gauge, round copper wire (optional: sterling, brass or bronze instead of copper)
  • 6 inches, 20 gauge round copper wire (optional: sterling, brass or bronze instead of copper)
  • 6 feet, 20 gauge round dead soft sterling wire (optional: copper, brass or bronze instead of copper)
  • 5 inches 24 gauge round copper wire (optional: sterling, brass or bronze instead of copper)
  • 2 feet, 26 gauge round copper wire (for wrapping clasp and focal)
  • Please patina all wire before coming to class:
  • 14, 8-10mm gemstone beads with holes large enough for 20 gauge wire
  • Mix of 4mm to 8mm beads, pearls and crystal rondelles with holes large enough for 20 gauge wire
  • 13, 3-4mm rondelle beads with holes big enough for 26 gauge wire
  • Charm or element to hang in cage-no more than 1 inch in length
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Battery powered work light

    • Optional supplies: (if you don’t want to wait):
  • Texture hammer
  • Ear plugs

    • Place an advance order for your supplies & tools and pick it up when you arrive at AU:
    Mixed Media: The Occasional Artist - Email your order to: theoccasionalartist@cox.net or call 623-847-2215
    Jewelry: The Urban Beader - Order at theurbanbeader.com, then send email to sales@theurbanbeader.com stating that this is a pre-order for Art Unraveled. Once the email is received the shipping will be reimbursed.

    Questions? Email Deryn at mocknet@sbcglobal.net
    Website: somethingsublime.typepad.com