Have you been in a creative funk lately? I've been pretty unproductive, you know that nagging feeling that you should be creating but need a kick in the pants? So I searched for an alternative learning experience, a place where I would be immersed in new techniques with like minded artisans. I discovered a wonderful oasis in the desert right here in Las Vegas. It's the beautiful private home studio of
Colleen McGraw and she teaches metalsmithing, mixed media, leather tooling, Silver Metal Clay, and so much more in a relaxed setting conducive to creativity. Here are some projects I've recently finished:
I love this leather bracelet! We cut out our own leather strips, tooled designs into the leather with stamps, colored it, riveted it with bling, then sawed out faux bone into a design of choice and wired it onto a vintage finding. Whew! It took five hours but well worth it!
I completed these fold formed copper bracelets last month in Colleen's studio:
The bracelets were torch fired for a beautiful bronzy gold color then preserved with renaissance wax. Armed with a plethora of new techniques, I am inspired to create again. If you live in Vegas and have a hankering for a relaxed and friendly creative environment, check out
Colleen's blog for her monthly lessons and do tell her I sent you!
Sharon your work is just as beautiful as you are, It's always such a pleasure to have you in class and I am so lucky you were looking for a new creative outlet that in turn brought us together.
ReplyDeleteThese are so great~! I'm glad to see your muse has returned ... we need your genius!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah Sharon, your muse is back big time!! These are so beautiful, fabulouso! What fun. Hugs, Riki
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous! I love to learn new techniques. Lucky you to have found an inspirational place in your area. What are you going to make now?
ReplyDeleteOh boy. They are all so beautiful that I can't decide wihich one I like best! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteSharon the bracelets are stunning! I seriously love the fold formed bracelets and the leather bracelet is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat pieces...some new techniques we keep and others we don't...these are two you should continue with...they are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've just begun with folding...will see how it goes!
Cheers
These are great! I especially like the fold formed bracelets.
ReplyDeleteSharon the bracelets are just amazing! I love the formed copper and the patinas you were able to get.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the fold formed cuffs! Sure wish I was closer to Vegas so I could learn the art myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Awesome job Sharon! The green and purple colors came out so nicely. Enjoyed the class with you and the other ladies. Yes, whew!, took 5 hours, but very much worth it. Your copper bracelets are so nicely done as well. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteOh Sharon!! I love, love, love your copper cuffs!!! Especially the first one. They are to die for!! The leather is really cool too. I just purchased a bunch of belts at Sally's Boutique to try to do some faux leather cuffs. I like yours much better. Wow! Lots of hard work and totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteS - Nothing better than being given energy and inspiration though a creative workshop to get one going again. I loved the foldformed cuffs and the colours you achieved in the patina - just the beginning I am sure. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteNew techniques to create unique looks and that is the best part of creator when he is ready to experiment and explore and create new horizons.Very nice things.
ReplyDelete