Capture the Dragon - Engineering Sculptural Lampwork

Friday 9:00 - 4:30 $125  
  Melanie Schow    

Student Level: Advanced, strong intermediate – students must be proficient with wire, tools and working with heavier (16 gauge) wire as well as comfortable with making eyes, wrapped loops and manipulating wire
Type of Workshop: Process workshop with the goal of mounting a large sculptural bead and designing a necklace to carry it

 

How can I turn a sculptural bead into a wearable piece of art?  Often the lampwork beads we love to collect are heavy and present the artist with some real engineering challenges.  This class will take you through the thought process behind mounting an art bead and then work through the detailed steps needed to accomplish the task.   We will build a structure to support the bead and design a necklace balanced to carry it.  The challenge of working with art beads is well worth the effort for the dramatic end result. 

$155  Kit (optional) includes: artist’s lampwork dragon focal bead; 1 spools 20 gauge colored art wire; Lucite or coordinating accent beads,  silver accent beads; silver and silver plate: spacers, bead caps, small bead caps; 1/16” or 18 gauge mandrel

Featured in the Spring 2009 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry, this Capture the Dragon workshop will take you beyond the pages of a magazine article with the planning and execution of a wire armature for sculptural lampwork, interactive demonstration and instruction with Melanie and a hand-out filled with examples, options and photos never seen before.  Join Melanie for this fun and informative hands-on day!

If not purchasing the kit, students must bring:
Artist’s sculptural focal bead – horizontal hole, must accommodate 2 pieces of 16 gauge wire
1 spool   20 gauge colored wire in colors to accent your focal bead
9  coordinating beads – 5- Lucite or other light weight material, 4 - fancy silver: in styles that work together and match your focal
12           bead caps
8            small bead caps
7            spacers

Note: choose findings to coordinate with your metal choice, silver or copper

NOTE: Instructor will have artist’s lampwork Dragons for students to purchase if you want to use a Dragon in your design

All students must bring:
8  feet     16 gauge dead soft wire sterling silver wire or copper
1 foot     22 gauge dead soft wire sterling silver wire or copper
20           6.5mm 16 gauge silver or copper jump rings
1-2 feet  Heavy gauge chain in silver, copper, or other metal of your choice

Note: when considering what metal to bring, be aware the kit will include silver findings

 Tools:
Round nose pliers                                                               
Large round nose pliers                     
Chain nose pliers                                
Flat nose pliers                                    
Flush Cutter
Ruler
Work surface
Task lamp, extension cord and magnification if needed

Optional Tools :  Bring your own or Instructor will provide tools for students to share: drill and vice, or coiling tool, 1/16” or 18 gauge mandrels, 3/8” mandrels, 1” mandrels

Note: designed for advanced students this class leaves room for individual design decisions.  If you have the option to bring some extra materials, pack them to give yourself more design choices.  Instructor will also bring additional materials for you to purchase if you wish to augment the basic design you learn in class.  

 Questions? Email Melanie at bendwire@aol.com
Website: www.bendwire.com