Sue Stockman's 'Jewelry Journey Intensive'

I recently attended my first jewelry making class and it was fabulous! I have been self taught up until this point, but decided it was time to take the next step and learn some new & exciting techniques. I signed up for a three day jewelry intensive class at my local Holistic Learning Center: Evergreen Cove, to be led by a local artist (Sue Stockman); whose work is just stunning. She was vibrant and upbeat while remaining patient with everyone in the class. She really had the skills to show everyone what they wanted to learn and answer any questions we may have had. Sue was thorough in her instructions and taught us how to implement various techniques into our own unique style. Over the three day course we learned how to Anneal and Texture Nonferrous metals. We were shown how to Fuse & Solder Silver and even got to try it ourselves! I can't even begin to delve into all the cool & useful techniques we were shown, but it was such a valuable experience.

It really inspired me to come home and try all the techniques we had learned in the class on my own & perfect them to fit my own personal style. I had the best of intentions until I realized I couldn't be hammering or fusing Sterling Silver on my soapstone island in our kitchen:). So, needless to say I am in the process of building a studio in my home with the help of my boyfriend who specializes in trim carpentry *thank goodness*. Around that same time I also realized how many tools I would need to purchase in order to achieve many of the techniques we had learned in the class. Little by little I will get there, but I am having so much fun in the meantime, dreaming up cool designs & drawing things I want to do as soon as my very large purchase from RioGrande arrives!

I would encourage any new artist to get out there and expand upon the skills you already possess by taking a class focusing on the type of art you enjoy creating. It is not about taking another artists' ideas, but instead learning from the wisdom they have attained over their career to shape that knowledge into creations of your own. This was one of the most worthwhile & rewarding classes I have ever taken & I would not hesitate to attend again to pick up on other lessons I may not have been ready for that first time around. Sue Stockman's class is a great one to choose & she is an outstanding instructor. This class made for a very enjoyable weekend!

Chrysocolla KARMA Bracelet made it to the Front Page of ETSY!!

My Chrysocolla KARMA Bracelet from my ETSY shop LizzyB Designs was featured on the Front Page of ETSY!!!
I am thrilled, what great exposure:)

The Artist's Creed

The Artist’s Creed

I believe I am worth the time it takes to create
whatever I feel called to create.

I believe my work is worthy of its own space,
which is worthy of the name Sacred.

I believe that, when I enter this space, I have the right
to work in silence, uninterrupted for as long as I choose.

I believe that the moment I open myself to the gifts of the Muse,
I open myself to the Source of All Creation
and become One with the Mother of Life Itself.

I believe that my work is joyful, useful, and constantly changing,
flowing through me like a river with no beginning and no end.

I believe that what it is I am called to do
will make itself known when I have made myself ready.

I believe that the time I spend creating my art
is as precious as the time I spend giving to others.

I believe that what truly matters in the making of art is
not what the final piece looks like or sounds like,
not what it is worth or not worth, but what newness gets added
to the universe in the process of the piece itself becoming.

I believe that I am not alone in my attempts to create,
and that once I begin the work, settle into the strangeness,
the words will take shape, the form find life, and the spirit take flight.

I believe that as the Muse gives to me, so does she deserve from me: faith, mindfulness and enduring commitment.

by Jan Phillips