In an effort to help out independent craft stores and also continue to provide access to social distancing-friendly live mixed media classes, I've partnered with Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, VA to bring you a live online workshop offered via private Facebook group.

Class was held April 24, 2021
Registration is now closed.

Get ready to Make a Statement, mixed media style. In this workshop we'll combine jewelry making, stitching (optional,) and mixed media techniques to make one-of-a-kind pieces that will be sure to start conversations.

​Not interested in making jewelry? No worries... the focus is on the techniques and creation of the components; I'll share some of how I turned them into necklaces, but if and how you choose to finish them and the final form of each piece will be up to you. 

The three projects in this course make a statement in multiple ways: first, the unique appearance. Each piece also has a literal statement included in it in some way as we put our innermost thoughts and intentions into the work. Finally, we'll discuss how to incorporate supplies and create focal embellishments that tell your own story.

In the end, you'll have three pieces that can be turned into necklaces or make accessories or embellishments for bags, clothing, art journals, or other textile and mixed media projects.

USD $40 

• Upon registration and payment (handled by Artistic Artifacts,) you will receive a link to join our private Facebook group.
• Join in, meet, and interact with other students. 
• About a week before the official live class there will be a pre-class video to demonstrate creating some of the elements to prepare for your projects. (This will be archived in the group if you can't join live.)
• The live, 2-1/2 hour class will be taught through a Facebook Live video in our private classroom.
• Work along with me and ask questions via posts and comments.
• 4 hours of live demos - that's the equivalent of a full day in-person workshop, plus the added feedback and community interaction.
• Get downloadable patterns for my fabric Obi beads as well as the talisman pouch.
• Learn fun dimensional mixed media techniques as you create your statement pieces.
• A coupon for either 10% off your order OR Free US Shipping for the Artistic Artifacts online shop (See FAQ for details)
• Videos, questions, comments, and projects are available indefinitely. You can re-watch later - as often as you'd like!
• Share photos of your in-progress and finished projects for feedback from me and other class members.

If there's anything on the supply list that you need or want (or you just want to browse and do some fun shopping!) head over to the Artistic Artifacts website for links to many of the supplies on this list.

Tools:

• Scissors (you will probably want a pair strong enough to cut cardboard or thin chipboard.)
• Wire & wire cutters - I will be using gold and / or bronze 16, 18, and 20 gauge wire and a good flush cutter. (You can use  whatever color(s) you like; I recommend 1-2 yards.)
• A straw, skewer, dowel, etc... about 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter
• Optional - Rubber stamps (I'll be using my stamps from PaperArtsy, but you can use any designs or brands you like.)
• Optional - Acrylic stamp blocks if using unmounted stamps
• Optional - A strong 1/8" hole punch (I use the We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile) or a heavy-duty awl 
• Optional - jewelry making tools. (I highly recommend that you have ​at least a small pair of needle-nose pliers. It's best to have  2 pair of pliers if you're going to be working with jump rings.)
• Optional - Sewing needles if you're going to stitch. (I will be using Sharps or Embroidery Needles large enough for a size 8 Perle cotton thread.)
• Optional - large hole tapestry needle if you want to use it to thread sari ribbon or cords through beads.
• Optional​ - a heat tool if you're going to heat emboss

Adhesives:

• A white glue like Tacky Glue and / or a white fabric glue like Sobo or your preferred brand (if you're using fabric)
• Optional - A clear drying glue if you're going to adhere beads, Boho Bits, etc... (I like iCraft Ultra Bond Adhesive, E-6000, or Crafter's Pick - The Ultimate! craft glue.)
• Optional - A clear, pourable adhesive like Glossy Accents, Diamond Glaze, or a Gloss or Pouring artist medium (like from Golden.) You could also use a jewelry resin if desired.

​Paper, Fabric, & Substrates:

• Chipboard or cardboard - enough for about 2 - 4" x 4" pieces
• 1 Piece of fabric or paper about 6" x 12" 
• A few smaller pieces and / or scraps of fabric or paper - I recommend at least 3-4 pieces that are about 6" x 6" or a bit bigger. (I will be using some of the Indian cotton rag paper from the shop as well as fabric and I used kantha fabric for the base of my sample medicine bag / talisman pouch. I will also use pieces of the plain fabrics in the shop's Inspiration Packs.)
• Optional - 1-2 wood craft shapes (they're about 1/8" thick and made from a light wood. I'll be using a circle and an oval - about 2" to 3-1/2" tall.)

Inks, Paints, Pens, etc...:

• Optional - Ink pads (I'll be using Jet Black, Sepia, and a few other colors of Archival Inks as well as black and brown StazOn ink pads.)
• Optional​ - A few colors of embossing powders (I'll be using my Boho Blends embossing powders, mainly Turkish Bronze.)
• Optional - A few colors of alcohol or pearl alcohol inks 

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Embellishments:
(Most of these are optional as you can pick and choose based on what you want to use to customize your projects. You do not need them all... you can also feel free to incorporate items not on this list.)

• Beads (I used some seed beads and several varieties of larger beads - you may want 2-4 matching pair of some larger ones if you want to use them on a necklace.)
• Something about 1/2" x 3" - it can be anything from a twig or stick to a pre-made jewelry piece. If it's pre-dilled with holes to attach into jewelry, that's ideal but not required.
• Optional - A few pendants, smaller jewelry components, or dangles or charms.
• Optional - A few hook & eye pairs if you want your pouch to fold and attach closed vs. staying open (sample photos show it both ways.)
• Optional - A bezel or pendant base of some kind (I like the Rune Bezels from ICE Resin / Ranger that I found in the shop.)
• Optional - Ribbon, sari yarn, cords, chains, etc... if you want to use them to turn your pieces into necklaces.
• Optional - Spacer beads and / or bead caps
• Optional - eye pins, jump rings, and closures if you're going to connect pieces and / or turn your components into jewelry. (My jump rings are 1/4" - 5/16" in diameter.)
• Optional - Embroidery and other decorative threads if you plan to stitch and also for wrapping on our Obi Beads. (I always like to include a gold or other metallic.)
• Optional - Charms, bits and broken pieces of jewelry, buttons, patches or appliques (handmade or pre-made,) coins, metal findings, jewels / rhinestones, Boho Bits, etc...

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Miscellaneous:

• Baby wipes
• Paper towels
• Craft mat (Teflon is ideal if using a heat tool)

Artistic Artifacts carries amazing fabrics and unique finds and they ship globally. If you're local, their shop is open! (Check first for modified store hours and to book your shopping appointment online.) You can also call them to see if they have something you're looking for that you don't see in the online shop - they may be able to help you out.

Technical Requirements:

• You must have a Facebook account - it's the only way we can admit you to the private Facebook classroom
• Your computer or device should be capable of viewing video with a strong enough internet connection to stream the lesson
• Check ahead of time to ensure that you can hear and see videos on Facebook (you usually need to both click into a live video and unmute it in order to hear and read and add comments.)
• I highly recommend that if you don't already have it, that you download the Facebook app on your phone or device and get logged in and set up. This will make it so you can easily take in-progress photos to post for feedback directly from the app.

Administrative Details & Class Policies:

• Unfortunately, because this is an online class where you can view the content and have full access even if you miss the livestream (which will be archived in the group,) there are no cancellations or refunds.
• Since this is an online class, we just want to make sure it's clear that you'll be responsible for providing all of your own supplies (please see the supply list above.) I've tried to give lots of options and alternatives so that you can pull from your stash wherever possible. Artistic Artifacts also has many of the supplies available in their shop so if you have something you need or see something that you want to try, I hope you'll help support the store. (And contact the shop if you need something that isn't linked - they may have it!)

FAQ:
Q: How long will the Facebook group be available after the Live video is over?
A: The group will remain open for you to re-watch the videos and ask questions indefinitely. All videos and posts will be archived and the group will not close.

Q: When will I get the coupon and how many times can I use it?
A: The coupon will be shared in the Facebook group after registration and the group have both been opened. Please do not share - these coupons are exclusive to class members and can only be used once per person. You can choose between 10% off your order OR free shipping (within the US.) The coupons cannot be combined. If you live outside of the US, please contact the shop as there is a different coupon. The offer is good through May 7, 2021.

Q: Can I register after the live class is over?
A: Registration will close shortly before the official class and you must be registered to access the group, so if you're interested, make sure to sign up before it starts. You can always watch later if you can't join live. (The store and I reserve the right to re-open the class later if there's sufficient interest.)

Q: When will I get access to the Facebook group?
A: Please allow 24-48 hours for Artistic Artifacts to process your registration and send you a group invitation. (Please contact the shop directly with any questions or difficulties in accessing the group.)