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Comment on Students’ Work by dianne

dianne — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:19:37 +0000

Oh gosh Janet – seeing this brought tears to my eyes! I’m sooo happy for you!!! Congratulations! I’m very excited about going back to Haliburton this summer and I’ll look forward to seeing you again! Till then, all the best!

Comment on Students’ Work by Janet Knight

Janet Knight — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:51:05 +0000

Hi Dianne,
Thought you would like to know that I entered my seaglass pendant (and chain) in the Broward Shell Club Show this winter and won first prize in my category and the trophy for Best Beginning Exhibitor! Can you believe it – after all my struggles. I am in the process of signing up for Wire 11 this summer. Am very excited about the course, and looking forward to having you as my instructor. Sincerely, Janet

Comment on Collections by dianne

dianne — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:37:12 +0000

wirejewelryworkshop.comHi Holly – Nola’s comment reminded me that there is an instructor in CA named Wil Peterson, who lives in Escondida. He works primarily in round wire, and does a lot of traditional wrap along with some of the more baroque looking “wire sculpture” style. http://www.wirejewelryworkshop.com

Comment on Collections by Nola Bogie

Nola Bogie — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:13:45 +0000

Hi from nippy cold Toronto to those in “sunny Cali” I am a member of two forms of mineral clubs (North York Faceters Guild and Scarborough Gem and Mineral Society.)Luckily, Dianne is in our area. My Scarb Gem club has arranged a January advanced workshop with Dianne learning to make the bracelet in the photograph. Perhaps you can check out the gem clubs in California.In addition to one club meeting every month, mine arranges very interesting workshops chosen by member request.Some are al day.For example,we do cabbing (cabochon)which is using the machines to take a rough stone to the finished polished shape for jewellery.We do wirewrapping, chain making, stained glass copper foil technique using agate. Go to Google and click images and type wire wrapping pendants.

Comment on YOJ11-13 Ruby Zoisite Pendant by dianne

dianne — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:37:17 +0000

Thanks Thelma!

Comment on YOJ11-13 Ruby Zoisite Pendant by Thelma

Thelma — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:33:59 +0000

I LOVE this pendant…I just bought myself one very similar in & color, although its oval & flatter on top. I too, prefer the settings where the stone takes centre stage. Have never liked the “frilly” settings. Beautiful stone and it IS a wonderful stone for stroking. Wearing it sparked my creativity! Beautiful stone

Comment on Why “Wire wrapping” is a Traditional Metalsmithing Technique by dianne

dianne — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:14:51 +0000

Hi Lisa! I agree that wireworking (“wire smithing” ) is an excellent introduction to the world of working in metal. I’ll actually be covering that in a future essay. Thank you for adding to this discussion!

Comment on Why “Wire wrapping” is a Traditional Metalsmithing Technique by Lisa Van Herik

Lisa Van Herik — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:40:10 +0000

I think this is a great article that really helps distinguish the many facets of wire smithing, which I think deserves its own category in metal smithing. Because it is often the easiest entry point for folks wanting to learn how to make wire jewelry, it needn’t and shouldn’t be dismissed because wire wrapping has so much exposure. Try and ignore folks like this who need to elevate themselves by making such stupid distinctions.

Comment on Collections by Holly

Holly — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:43:06 +0000

thank you so much! If you are ever in CA just send me a message. I would be interested in taking a class for sure. I will keep your advice in mind. I will deinately hold on to a few of my beginning pieces. Here’s to hoping you get to come out here sometime.

warm wishes,
Holly

Comment on Collections by dianne

dianne — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:25:17 +0000

Hi Holly –

Thanks for your comments! The one important piece of advice I can give you is “Save some of your first pieces.” As you get more experienced, and your skills improve, you’ll look back at what you’re making now and be amazed at how far you’ve come. You may be tempted to take those early pieces apart because they’re not as nice as the work you produce later. Don’t give in! I still the very first piece I made, and it always reminds me of how excited I was at the flood of ideas that came after I finished it. We tend to forget about how enthusiastic we were when we first started making jewellery. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or to “waste” wire – some of my favourite designs have come from taking a wrong turn!

Yes, my classes are in Canada, but I’d love an excuse to come to California

All the best,
Dianne