Bronze Clay

I've just begun working in Bronze Clay.    The price is definitely right!!!!  Check-out  www.pmcsupply.com

There are some differences in how it is to be fired, but the workability is very similar to PMC.

I'll be posting my pieces very soon!!!

Liz

Peoria Art Guild Upcoming Classes with Liz Barnes

Peoria Art Guild Upcoming Classes with Liz Barnes

THE PEORIA ART GUILD STUDIO SCHOOL

Schedule of Summer 2009 Classes: June -August

www.peoriaartguld.org

Basic Wire Wrapping Workshop

Members $30 / Non-members $35

Materials fee:  $7, payable directly to instructor.

Saturday, July 25, 10 am - 1 pm

Min: 5 / Max: 10

Liz Barnes, BSA

Finally, a workshop that teaches the basics of wire wrapping for jewelry!  In this workshop the instructor will provide clear, simple instructions on how to connect, dangle and decorate jewelry using beautiful wrapped wire.  Each student will begin with a spool of copper wire to practice their new skills before jumping into silver wire designs.  Use of tools is provided.  Those interested in purchasing their own tool kit may contact the instructor for recommendations.

COLLABORATION BREEDS - CREATIVITY

I was e-mailing a fellow artist today. We were discussing the importance of taking an Art Class versus a 'ONE-ON-ONE' experience. So much learning that takes place when people begin to work in collaboration with others. Students teach students. The instructor teaches the students. The students teach the instructor. We learn from other's accomplishments and disasters.   These observed experiences can reduce our" learning or creating" CURVE.

COLLABORATION BREEDS - CREATIVITY

The beauty of COLLABORATION carries into many other areas of our lives: education, medicine, business.   As a person of FAITH in Jesus Christ, I'm reminded how Christ chose to live life in COLLABORATION with others.  He was not a "Lone Ranger."  He was deeply committed to a group of men who lived their lives in COLLABORATION.

I wonder.......... how much I live in COLLABORATION with others?  Do I have a group of people who drive me to become more than I am on my own?  Is my heart open to collaborate with others?

A few years ago I taught ART at a small Christian grade school, Highland Christian Academy.  I had an idea for the 4th grade class to write and then illustrate their own original stories.  These would be done in groups of 4 students each.  The plan was so beautifully orchestrated in my mind, well behaved students, creating literary masterpieces with illustrations far beyond their perceived capabilities.  If you've taught..... you know that I was living in a DREAM WORLD.

I presented the idea to the students.  They looked at me with glazed eyes, you know, the "I have know idea what your talking about look."  The first two classes were disastrous.  I was breaking up arguments in each group.  The students couldn't make any decision without arguing.  I was getting worried that this was going to be the BOMB of all BOMBS (I'm past 35 years old, so BOMB means something BAD.).

But by the 3rd class I started to see some progress.  They were delegating people into positions.  Their stories were beginning to take shape.  Photos of CLAYMATION scenes were beginning to look like something recognizable.  The stories weren't what I had imagined, but...... COLLABORATION was beginning to take place.

Finally after weeks of work, the students were ready to present their books.  We invited parents and friends.  The tables were decorated and yummy treats were waiting.  A rocking chair was placed at the front of the room for the designated readers. 

The crowd was loud.  The reading was awful.  But..... there was a sense of accomplishment on the faces of each student.  They knew how much work that had gone into to their original books.

COLLABORATION....... not always easy, but always worth the effort!!!!

Liz

Peoria Art Guild Spring Classes with Liz Barnes

www.peoriaartguild.org

EXPLORING PRECIOUS METAL CLAY

Members $50 / Non-members $60 (Materials $10, payable directly to instructor)

Section I: 4 Tuesdays, March 31 – April 21, 6:30 – 9pm

Section II: 4 Tuesdays, April 28 – May 19, 6:30 – 9pm

Min: 5 / Max: 10

Liz Barnes, BSA

This class is a complete introduction to precious metal clay that will expose students to several simple techniques while creating at least three pieces of fabulous fine silver jewelry.  Supply list available. 

 

EXPLORING FUSED GLASS

Members $50 / Non-members $60

Materials $40, payable directly to instructor, includes variety of glass, mold-making materials, & personal glass cutter.

Min: 5 / Max: 10

Section I: 4 Thursdays, April 2 – April 23, 6:30 – 9pm

Section II: 4 Thursdays, April 30 – May 21, 6:30 – 9pm

Liz Barnes, BSA

Designed for those who wish to cover all the basics of fusing small glass projects, this course will teach you everything you need to know to get started.  Topics covered include kiln and mold preparation, glass selection, project design, firing schedules, annealing, and compatibility testing.   Students will make several small coasters/tiles or jewelry pieces and one slumped bowl.  All tools are provided, no experience necessary, but familiarity with glass cutting is helpful.  Feel free to bring any glass tools you may already have.

Still Thinking......

The family went to see the comedian Tim Hawkins tonight in Galesburg!!!!  Tim wasn't too excited about going.  But we drug him along anyway.  I did notice quite a few smiles in his direction.  

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Liz

Just Thinking.......

Blah, Blah, Blah

I need a space not to talk about jewelry!!!! 

 Art "yes," 

creativity "yes," 

God "yes." 

 The business of it all, nooooooooo.

The goal for my life  

..... not allow my PASSION to become my PRISON.

I need a nudge to finish my  series pieces....

Sleep (finished),  Awakening, Purified (both still waiting)

It is so easy to have creative ideas....

but to carry those ideas through to completion.....

that is the difficult part.  

But what a sad commentary...

 to be given the gift of creative thoughts 

and 

dreams 

...and to never realize those.  

It's so easy to become lulled 

by the everyday.  

The heart, the passion become dulled and sleepy.

Lord, wake my heart!!!!

Liz