Another Year of Learning at Art Unraveled



August in Phoenix means that it is time for Art Unraveled!   Once again my good friend/artist Judi Dalton (http://www.artplaylaugh.com/) and I attended 2 classes at Art Unraveled in Phoenix.

For those of you who are not familiar with this conference please take a look at their website.   http://www.artunraveled.com/ARTU15/AUindex.htm 

Judi and I have been going since it started and have taken an array of art classes.  There is also a Shopping Extravaganza that should not be missed!  Every August we sign up for some new class and time to spend catching up with each other’s news.

This year I opted for the class ‘Dremel After Dinner’  http://www.artunraveled.com/ARTU15/Workshops/Dremel%20After%20Dinner.html  Thomas Ashman is a mixed media artist http://www.blacksheepartist.com/ and had lots of solid information to share.  I learned the difference between and how to use diamond drills and carving tools.  I have all my attachments for flexshaft and dremel in a plastic box.  When I try to find one and have to sort through all of them.  After this class and after understanding that tools are to be used for which jobs, I’m looking for a way to separate the attachments by job.  Seems like such a common sense way to organize and I’m amazed I’ve never thought of doing it!  Might be worth the price of the class just for that insight! 
Dremel 4000 Series 39-Piece Variable Speed Rotary Multipurpose Rotary Tool Kit with Hard Case

The second class was taught by Mary Hettsmanberger http://www.maryhetts.com/  
This year’s class ‘Unique Ways to Connect with wire’ http://www.artunraveled.com/ARTU15/Workshops/UniqueWays.html 
The class reinforced a lot of the learning from last year’s class. I really like having Mary for a teacher. She shares her knowledge freely and obviously enjoys teaching. She has written several books and my favorite Heat, Color, Set & Fire has many of the techniques used in her class. http://www.amazon.com/Heat-Color-Set-Fire-Surface/dp/1454700165/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439320342&sr=8-1&keywords=mary+hettmansperger

This was the first time that I did not come home with several finished pieces of jewelry.  Instead I tried different techniques, torched and textured pieces of copper and silver, cut shapes for 5 pieces, balled the ends of copper wire for the pieces I would make when I got home.  I made netting, practiced weaving, reviewed patinas and generally had a great day in the classrooms.

After I came home this week I’ve finished several of the pieces and wanted to share them with you.  

Three layers of torched copper, three 16 gauge wires and a druzy bead woven with 28 gauge copper wire.

Back of the above piece.  Pattern made with rubber stamp and Gel Flux

Two layers of copper, three 16 gauge wires and a porcelain bead woven with 26 gauge copper wire.

Back of above piece.  Enameled disc attached to back plate of copper

Wire netting woven over the curved cone of copper.

Back of above piece.


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Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA

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