Memory Jewelry

I learned basic jewelry construction techniques in the late 80's, and I gathered, reverse engineered, and refined the techniques in this class to integrate my love of paper arts, collage, and found object assemblage into my jewelry making.  I've been doing this for so long I've forgotten where I picked up most of the techniques, but I credit Maria, the owner of my favorite Portland art store collage, for turning me on to so many of the products that make this class possible!  It's not a highly technical class: there's no soldering and no messy resins (though those can be a lot of fun to work with)!  If you love paper arts, and you can make a sandwich, you can make some very cool jewelry - this is total bling for collage artists.  Come and get your adornment on! 

Next class starts December 2nd, 2008  . . . scroll down for details, including a sample project gallery and what people say about the class.

Memory Jewelry 

At DIY Lounge at Collage
Register on-line at www.diylounge.com or by calling 503-249-2190
Tuesdays, December 2nd and 9th, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
At DIY Lounge at Collage on Woodstock, 4429 SE Woodstock, Portland, OR
$65 includes all materials for up to six projects

If your best friend needs to have a necklace that features her favorite pooch, or your mom wants grandkid earrings for special occasions, this is the class for you! Learn how to turn your favorite tiny images and ephemera (1/2" diameter round images to 1"x3" rectangular images) and turn them into nifty bracelets, earrings, pendants, and even rings! 

We'll learn three basic techniques - one using glass pebbles, one using thin slide glass, and another using acrylic shapes - for preserving the image for use in jewelry.  (Bring your own images or experiment with mine - color photocopies work best.)  I'll also show you nifty techniques for making tiny collages - and also for turning these basic preserved images into magnets, ornaments, or even thumb tacks!

Next, we'll use glues, tapes, wire, and basic jewelry findings to turn those tiny images or collages into jewelry.  Great for beginners and those with a little basic beading under their belts, I'll also provide you with all the basic jewelry-making info you need to craft these easy-to-make, fun-to-wear, one of a kind accessories - No soldering required!  And you'll get to use all my tools - and then you can decide if you need your own set for crafting at home.

This two-part class gives time for the glue to dry and the ideas to gel - and with a two-day class, you've got time to make gifts for your friends - and something for yourself!

Sample Project Gallery

What People Say About This Class:

"Beautiful jewelry, easy to succeed. Great materials. Great price for class.  Best jewelry class I've ever been to!" K.T., Portland, OR

"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your Memory Jewelry class at DIY Lounge . . . I look forward to having lots more fun with what I learned in your class and I appreciate you making it so enjoyable." B.B., Portland, OR

"The length of the class was good - enthusiastic instruction!" J., Portland, OR

"Fun teacher . . . I loved it!  Thanks for the great class." B., Portland, OR

"Great ideas! Great, fun instruction! Very generous!" Anon, Portland, OR

"[The best part was] being able to use all the materials - learning how to make fun stuff!"  B.W., Portland, OR

"Creative positive energy." L.M., Portland, OR

"Hands-on."  D., Portland, OR

"I felt like I could leave with instructions and finished products." K.S., Portland, OR

"[The best part was] having all the materials provided in class." C.J., Portland, OR