No…. not the Easter bunny! Well, he may be coming too, but I’m talking about one of our favorite polymer clay designers/teachers, Julie Picarello. Julie was (secretly) commissioned to made custom pieces for each elected officer of the then newly established Central Mississippi Polymer Clay Guild back in 2008 and we’ve been ohhhing and ahhhing ever since. The picture to the right shows the set that Julie made just for us based on our new president's favorite colors.
When we discussed who to invite to be our first workshop teacher, her name was a front-runner and after much coordination and communication back and forth, we’re all set and ready to go! Julie does limit the size of her classes so if you are interested, please go to our
website and print out the form as soon as possible. It would be good if you have previous experience with polymer clay.
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Julie will be teaching at the Southern Heritage Cultural Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi on Saturday, April 24 thru Sunday, April 25. Here’s the class description from Julie’s website,
Yellow House Designs:
Imprint Mokume Gane & Mixed Media Workshop
Mokume Gane, which loosely translates to "wood-eye-metal", is a Japanese metalworking technique traditionally used to adorn samurai swords. An adaptation of this process can be used to create vibrantly colored and beautifully detailed polymer focal beads and bead sets. This two-day workshop will focus on the process of imprinting & designing beads as well as how to integrate them with washers, metal tubing, semi-precious gemstones and vintage objects to create a stunning and unique piece of jewelry.
All supplies are included with the exception of clay - semi-precious stones, washers, metal tubing, copper or brass chain, 23k gold leaf, sandpaper and unique imprint tool kit.
Day One: Bead Design & Finishing
1) Color Stacks - Color inspiration, mixing tips, custom palettes & incorporating 23k gold leaf
2) Imprints - Use a wide variety of unique tools (& make your own!) to develop a design
3) Base Sheets – Incorporate imprint slices with contrasting and/or textured base layers
4) Focal Bead – Shaping & smoothing a focal cabochon bead and/or bead sets
5) Finishing – Info and tips on sanding, buffing and bead drilling techniques
Day Two: Jewelry Fabrication
1) Tool Review – Pliers, cutters, pin vise, hammer, jewelers file
2) Focus on Design – Bail, stone incorporation and accent pieces
3) Create Bail – Metal tube, wire-wrap, riveted or hidden
4) Fabrication – Create coiled wire end caps and a hammered clasp
5) Links – Useful resources for supplies, color choosers, etc.
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If you are interested in coming to Vicksburg, Mississippi to join us for this exciting learning experience, be sure to
sign up soon. We’re offering an early bird special that will save you $20 on the class fee.
