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Cricket
After my husband became ill with lung cancer and passed on, I started thinking of all the dust I had been breathing and decided to find a new outlet for my creative energy. I tried my hand at watercolor, not bad but not quite what I wanted. In this class I met my friend and confidant Deanne, we discovered we worked across the street from each other, small world, we were both middle age, both single and both looking for someway to express ourselves. She talked me into a drawing class at a local art studio, (No I didn't like drawing either). While looking at a list of classes they offered I noticed glass bead making (lampwork). I have always had a fascination for glass blowing and such so I signed up. I fell in love with it, then the instructor ( Barbara B.Simon) said she was teaching a 1 day workshop on wire work called "Look Ma no soldering". This class was based on the style of Lynn Merchant, who has learned the art of wire working from masters around the world, and taken it to a new level.
All I can say is I was totally hooked. I have since taken several classes with other nationally known wire artists, and glass artists, subscribed to every jewelry, wire or bead magazine I could find, and bought more books than I can afford. I then got into a silversmith class and PMC classes. I became certified to teach PMC through both PMC Connection and Rio Rewards at Rio Grande. I have taken classes on Glass fusing, Gemstone cabochon cutting and polishing, working with other metals, chain making, Raku Pottery.
I am currently teaching wire working at three bead stores in the area and at the Cape Coral Art Studio. I enjoy the classes because I like meeting and helping others to make beautiful and unique jewelry pieces that they can be proud to wear or give as gifts. The feeling when the student finishes a quality piece is indescribable. I have probably learned as much from my students as they learn from me. If you are interested in classes in this area, Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte, or Bonita Springs, Fla. contact me at info@valjewell.com and I will be happy to send you a class schedule.
If you have questions regarding any items listed for sale, you will be able to contact me when you view the item.
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