A Work in Progress

I have been working on new wire projects with a vengence since my Wild Wire Woman's Retreat and I am proud to present my lastest new necklace which is still unfinished. Stay tuned for the next installment. I will be asking for feedback and would love to have your input.

Great Instruction is the Key

I have been talking quite a bit on this blog about the wonderful Wild Wire Woman's retreat where I studied under master teacher Sharilyn Miller at her home in Idywilld,Ca. Even though some of the techniques we learned were challenging and frustrating, my persistence has certainly paid off. Practice really does make a big difference and having Sharilyn's DVDS has helped tremendously.

Although I still enjoy working with genuine gemstones to make some feminine and delicate jewelry pieces, wire working has been so much fun and I find that I love wearing the bold, chunky pieces as much as the delicate ones. Working with wire is a very satisfying experience and I particularly love antiquing my pieces in liver of sulpher. Check my blog to see my current metal pieces.

Just Do It!

These three words have become my mantra after my fun and fabulous wire retreat at the home of Sharilyn Miller. Often people will sign up for a instructional course, buy all the materials, learn the techniques and then feel hesitant about trying them out once they are home in their own workshops. It's human nature to go back to what is easy for us and to push the challenges aside. This time, I decided to listen to the words of my teacher, Sharilyn and "just do it" with the help of her wonderful book Bead on a Wire. I am really pleased with the results and have so enjoyed working with silver and copper wire. So next time you are feeling insecure about trying something new, give a whirl and "just do it."

Cat Lovers

Even if you are not a cat lover, you will fall in love with Sharilyn Miller's exquisite pets. Their names are Sparkle and Rosie. I fell in love with these gentle and unusual cats when I spent time in Idyllwild,Ca. at Sharilyn's wild women's bead retreat. Please read my previous post and come back soon to see the wonderful pieces of jewelry that I learned to make during my four amazing days at Sharilyn's home.

Wild Wire Women Retreats

I have just returned to New York from a two week trip to California. The first part of this adventure was the most interesting and challenging. Not long before my departure, I purchased a wonderful wire working book Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller. As a jewelry designer, I am always looking for new techniques and classes. New to wire work, I found Sharilyn's book well written and easy to follow. I decided to take a look at her website. When I looked at the photos of her picturesque home in Idyllwild, California I was intrigued by the monthly retreats she offers in her home. I signed up and started to email the other women who had joined as well.

Sharilyn is an excellent hostess and a master artisan, making this an outstanding experience. She provided 3 full days of lessons and wonderful breakfasts,lunches and snacks each day. The delicious first evening's dinner at a wonderful local restaurant was provided by Sharilyn as well. Each afternoon the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air as we were hard at work on our creations. The scenery and wildlife surrounding us in this beautiful mountain home could not have been more welcoming and relaxing. The other three women Jill, Grayce and Teresa who joined this retreat were just wonderful and we all had an amazing time together in Sharilyn's home. We are hoping to have a reunion next year. If you are looking for fullfilling, relaxing and reasonable wire working classes in an atmosphere that is truly breathtaking, then don't miss this experience.