Heart Strings

Thursday $135  
  Diane Cook 9:00-4:00    


Student Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Type of Workshop: Project

 

 

    A vintage brass thimble is the beginning component for a necklace I call “Heart Strings”, which I first shared in the Spring 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. Made using layers of luscious strips of recycled sari silk, Dupoini silk, vintage lace and/or tulle, along with lengths of chain hung with pearls or beads, vintage bits and baubles, or vintage buttons and charms.

    This class will be great fun, as you begin adding various lengths of chain, wire wrapped beads, baroque pearls or pearl drops, tiny vintage shoe buttons, vintage rhinestone dangles, broken bits from a vintage rhinestone bracelet, or perhaps a vintage rosary or group of charms! In no time, you will see your “Heart Strings” fill to overflowing.

    I will share my technique on how to design a tiny book using a piece of etched or textured metal, including how to tuck tiny vintage book pages inside. This little book will become a special dangle in your tassel, as you attach it to a chosen piece of chain. And, I’ll show you how to make your very own little nest, I call a “nestie”.

    Along the way you will have the option to dress your thimble and tiny book with vintage text, and perhaps a tiny crystal or vintage rhinestone earring dangle. I will show you how!

    Included in your kit will be a tiny brass locket, perfect for placing a special word or picture that pulls at your “heart strings”, then seal it with mica.

    The final step will be to create a simple necklace, using either recycled sari silk, Dupoini silk, vintage lace or chain. You may want to add a sprinkle of wire wrapped beads, pearls or crystals. The finishing touch will be a simple hook closure.

    Kit Fee of $20 payable to Instructor at class time includes:

  • Class Handout
  • Vintage Brass Thimble
  • Etched Metal
  • Brass Locket
  • Brass Puffy Hearts
  • Brass Eyelets
  • Brass Jump Rings
  • Brass Eye & Head Pins
  • Brass Connectors & Lanyards
  • Recycled Sari Silk or Dupoini Silk
  • Vintage Lace
  • Sanding Pad

    • Instructor will provide the following to share/use in class:

  • Beading Pad
  • Rouge Cloth
  • Patinas, Novocan Black Patina for Solder & Liver of Sulfur
  • Satin Varnish & Small Paint Brush
  • The Ultimate Glue & Toothpicks

    • Supply List:

  • Chain-Nose Pliers
  • Flat-Nose Pliers
  • Round-Nose Pliers
  • Flush Cutters
  • Bench Block
  • Bench Pad or Rubber Bench Block
  • Ball Peen Hammer
  • Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8mm (www.beaducation.com )
  • French Shears ( www.beaducation.com) or Scissor Shears ( www.eurotool.com)
  • Metal Awl or Scribe (Ace Hardware)
  • Bailing Pliers ( www.ameritool-inc.com)
  • Small Metal Jewelry Files (X-Acto File Set at Ace Hardware or
  • Economy Needle File Set at www.eurotool.com)
  • 1/8” drill bit (sold individually at Home Depot or Lowe’s)
  • Fine Point Marker, Black
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Bronze or Sterling Silver Wire, 1’-20 gauge ( www.objectsandelements.com or www.riogrande.com)
  • Bronze or Sterling Silver Wire, approx. 5-6’-22 gauge ( www.objectsandelements.com or www.riogrande.com )
  • Several lengths and/or styles of chain, including brass and/or sterling silver, silver or gold toned
  • 6-8mm pearls, baroque pearls, glass/crystal or pearl drops, glass or beads of your choice
  • 6-8mm crystal rondells
  • Vintage Rosary Chain (optional)
  • Vintage Rhinestone Buttons or Vintage Shoe Buttons (optional)

    • Resource Guide:

  • www.brassbouquet.com
  • www.metalliferous.com
  • www.beaducation.com
  • www.objectsandelements.com
  • www.ameritool-inc.com
  • www.eurotool.com
  • www.riogrande.com

Questions? Email Diane at rosajosies@yahoo.com
Website: rosajosies.com