Virginia Art and Soul Workshops

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Stephanie Lee 6:30-9:30 Friday Eve	894 - Nesting Instincts	[back to quicklinks] $ 65 Plus $10 materials fee
Nature offers us some of the most beautiful artwork.  Ripples in sand, patterns in bark, and a masterpiece in its own right – the bird nest.  In this workshop, you will manipulate wire to form woven bird nests, which will house bead “eggs” of your choosing.  You will learn some basic heating, shaping and wire manipulating skills, which you can translate into many other pieces of jewelry and artwork. Construction of durable yet delicate “squared loop” earrings will be taught – a base from which you can create a myriad of other designs in future projects.  As a companion to the earthy earrings, you will construct a ring that’s a perfect fit!  No metal-smithing experience is necessary, but even if you are a seasoned jeweler, you will walk away with some new inspiration to add to your toolbox. Sterling wire and extra freshwater pearls will be provided (don’t forget your brass or copper wire for the “twigs”). You’ll be the talk of the forest in your nature-inspired accessories – ready and perched for a little birdie to whisper something in your ear. Supply List: --1 roll of Brass and/or Copper wire 18-22 gauge --Hammer --Steel Block or Anvil (if you already own one.  We will be able to share) --Wire cutters --Needle nose pliers – one round tip and one flat tip --Beads – think of the “eggs” in your nest.  Freshwater pearls work great!  I will have some on hand as well.  The holes of your beads need to be big enough for 20-gauge wire to fit through. Instructor will provide: --Torches --Metal aging solutions and containers --Various tools such as steel blocks, flex shaft, etc. --Extra Copper or Brass wire* Materials fee includes: --Sterling Wire for all pieces --Supplemental Beads and Pearls

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