Ragged Edge Beads @ Ragged Edge Print Studio (“Like Us on Facebook”.  Facebook will also keep you posted and reminded on up coming events).

While out on many of life’s adventure, we often stumble upon little treasures and are not sure where to place them. Well, in this next class I encourage you to bring some of your little treasures along with you to create free formed wired rocks or beach glass and beyond We will be using using 21 square and/or 18 half round gauge wires to focus on using pliers, twisting wire, becoming familiar with the strength and flexibility of wires; and manipulating wire around a variety of pieces(e.g. crystals, gemstones, beach glass, and more from your collections).

Below is a list of supplies that you may want to have for you in class projects. We will also have the materials on hand. The items are as follows:

• Square Wire (21 Gauge)  (Please get the same color in half-round.)
• Half-Round Wire (18 Gauge) (Please get the same color in square wire)
• Chain-Nose Pliers– Bending and Cutting Wire
•  Flat-Nose Pliers– Bending wire
• Round-Nose Pliers Pliers– Great for loops
• New Toe Nail Clippers–trimming wire up close; Great Price
• Metal Nail File – smoothing out wire edges
• Beads (4mm–6mm)
• Ruler (Preferably Metric and English for mm)
• Rocks or Gemstones (e.g. Amethyst, Citrine, Beach Glass)

As beginners please don’t buy any REAL gold or sterling silver wire; most wire is copper coated in the color of choice.

If you are disappointed that you have missed some of our fun lessons, we will occasionally be hosting “Make Up Class Days.” As the head teacher of Ragged Edge Beads; I may ask my wonderful students to help guide you in these lessons. In addition to their guidance it would be my privilege to work with you as well!

Also, if you are interested in taking any of the past classes with a group of 5 or more people please contact us at raggededgebeads@gmail.com for availability.

On a happy note, we are proud to be offering more classes through Hudson Valley in the Spring. The classes will be held at the Ragged Edge Print Studio, but they will provide us with the opportunity to expand our community!

Meeting dates for the Fall -Early Winter Season will be on Tuesdays from 5:00-7:30 with flexibility (contact us): 

• November 15, 2011-Free Form Wire Wrapped Rocks
• November 29, 2011-Framed Wire Wrapped Cabochons, Agate Slabs, and Flat Pieces
• December 13, 2011-Beaded Necklaces with Wired Pieces and Wires-S Clasps
• December 27, 2011-Make Up Class-Anything from Past Lessons is Game

Fees:

• Studio: $5
• Teacher: $10 (Liz LaPorte)
• Materials: $5 or less on average

Ragged Edge Beads, a small community of jewelry makers, is hoping to bring beadists together from the capital region area every two weeks at the Ragged Edge Print Studio (“Like Us on Facebook”.  Facebook will also keep you posted and reminded on up coming events). 

On October 4th, we will be creating feather earrings(e.g. pheasant, guinea hen, and more). Feather earrings are rather wispy and help represent the cool air and warm tones of the fall season. Please join us. Continue reading →

Ragged Edge Beads, a small community of jewelry makers, is hoping to bring beadists together from the capital region area. Every two weeks the group will me at the Ragged Edge Print Studio to learn and share with companions of the beading family and work on unified-featured project. Additionally, we  want to encourage beadists to bring in projects from home to share, ask questions, and work on in the company of others.  Continue reading →

Precious Metal Clay 1: PMC Earrings
October 4 – 10 to 2:30

$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and the quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $27 and up.

Students will be introduced to using pure silver metal clay (PMC) to create one or more pairs of earrings. While they are being kiln fired to turn them from metal “clay” to solid pure silver, you will be making sterling ear wires and you’ll leave class wearing your new designs.

Precious Metal Clay 2: PMC Bracelet
October 18 – 10 to 2:30

$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $32 and up plus pearls selected.

After an overview of techniques for working with pure silver PMC, students will design and create a bracelet featuring one or more center segments made using PMC. A silver wire closure will be made and students will complete their bracelets using pearls and beading techniques.

Precious Metal Clay 3: PMC Bracelet Toggle Closure
November 8 – 10 to 2:30

$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and quantity of silver desired. Plan on about $30 and up plus pearls selected.

After an overview of techniques for working with pure silver PMC, students will design and create a one of a kind secure silver toggle closure using PMC. Students will complete their bracelets using pearls and beading techniques.

Precious Metal Clay 4: Pendant with Bail
December 6  – 10 to 2:30

$50 plus materials fee which will vary based on the price of silver and quantity of silver desired.  Plan on about $30.

After an overview of techniques for working with pure silver metal clay, students will design and create a one of a kind pendant with a unique bail that allows it to be hung from a necklace.  All will be completed within the class time.

Nancy was featured as a Foothills Artist in the September 2009 issue of Saratoga Living magazine,  Here’s an excerpt from that article:

Nancy Miller takes great pleasure in imparting the how-to and can-do nuances of her art form. She leads frequent workshops for individuals interested in learning how to craft jewelry from precious metal clay, has presented at a professional conference and is involved in an online network of artists available to each other to discuss techniques and outcomes.

The classes are no sideline, but a main event in Nancy’s schedule, and designed to reach a broad audience—from beginner to expert artists. She also continues to study with the masters in the genre when the opportunity arises, defining herself as a continuous learner as well as an enthusiastic teacher. Miller says she learns from her students, also, as they study with her. She laughs at the idea of being worried a student might become a competitor: “I am proud of them when they accomplish their goals or sell a piece on their own. We each do our own thing and there is an audience for everyone.”‘

One devotee and perennial student, Josiane Birbiglia of Ballston Lake, reports: “When I attended my first class, I had no idea if I could produce something that would even be acceptable. Well, my first piece, a geranium leaf pendant, has proven to be my favorite. I had no confidence in my ability but Nancy gave me the assurance to try and to succeed. Once, when a ring I made broke in half before going into the kiln, Nancy cut the two halves again and had me make a pair of earrings that I get complimented on to this day. She has the most amazing ability to help you see the art and beauty in everything you make. She can turn the most negative student into a positive artist.”

Continue reading →