Twisted Sistah Choker

 Wednesday $135  
  Diana Frey 9:00 - 4:30    

Student Level: Beginner
Type of Workshop: Process and Project

 

Using heavy gauge wire, students will learn sculptural, free-form wire working techniques to create the foundation of this choker. With a little forging, patina, and soldered touches, this wire structure will be ready for your selected embellishments. Working with a fine gauge wire and using techniques similar to weaving and sewing, various beads, stones, crystals, found objects, shells, buttons, etc. will be whimsically attached creating the encrusted allure of this piece.

A custom-made bezel will be provided in each kit which students will fill with their selected image and resin. Basic resin techniques will be taught along with some fun ways to add dimension and texture to your resin. Instructor will provide a variety of bird images and ephemera to choose from. Students wanting to bring their own images are reminded that the images should be approximately ¾” in size.

Various ways to finish your choker will be demonstrated such as adding lengths of chain, wire-wrapped beads, making of a clasp and ball-ended headpins. Now’s the time to start collecting your treasures to add to your choker: shells, small stones, beads, pearls, antique buttons, tiny filigree, found objects, crystals, spacers, tiny lockets, rhinestones, religious icons, small watch faces, small keys, etc. An assortment of sizes, shapes, textures and tonalities work well for this project. Found objects and stones don’t have to have holes in them to work, as I’ll show you how to attach those pieces with wire.

This is a very freeing, intuitive project with layer upon layer of encrusting elements. Won’t you join me!

Kit Fee of $20 payable to Instructor at class time includes:
14g brass wire for choker
resin supplies
images
hand-made bezel (please note bezel in kit will not have vintage gallery wire on it as in the photos above)
pro-polishing cloth
instructions

Supplies Provided by Teacher: Patina agents, butane torch and soldering supplies (3 set ups); all resin supplies; heat gun, images and ephemera

 Supply List:
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Flush cutters
Nylon jaw pliers
Chasing hammer
Steel bench block and pad
24g dead soft brass or sterling silver round wire (approximately 15-20 ft.) (Please note: if you choose brass wire, do not purchase “art” wire or a wire that has a coating on it. Coated wire will not take a patina.)
16g dead soft, round brass or sterling silver wire (approximately 4”) if you wish to make a clasp or bring a pre-made clasp
An assortment of beads, pearls, stones, crystals, found objects, buttons, tiny vintage stampings, filigree, shells, spacers, rondelles, etc. for your choker.
Images 3/4” in size for bezel (toner or laser copies on matte paper) or ephemera
Flat plastic container with lid to transport your bezel to your room as it will need to continue to cure over-night before you attach it to your choker.
A few jump rings to attach chain or beads (I recommend 16g jump rings between 5-6mm)
Ruler or measuring tape
Scissors
Apron and rag
Chain (new or vintage) to complete your choker if you wish (approximately 14 inches)
Colored pencils or chalks if you wish to add color to your images

Questions? Email Diana at: belladonna1351@charter.net
Blog: www.dianafrey.blogspot.com