JonnaFaulkner

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ve added one more Open Studio and one more Silver Metal Clay Basics class to my Fall teaching schedule.

The extra Open Studio happens on Wednesday, October 9, from 10 to 5 as usual.  This is IN ADDITION to the Open Studio already scheduled for Tuesday, October 15.

The Silver Metal Clay Basics Class will take place on Saturday, November 23, from 10 to 5.  You’ll find descriptions of both sessions on the Class Schedule page of my website, http://www.jonnafaulkner.com.

If you’d like to enroll or need more information, please contact me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.  Looking forward to seeing you!!!

I had to take a hiatus from teaching because my husband took a bad fall in January that resulted in a concussion, brain bleed and aphasia.  I am THRILLED to report that he has worked very hard with a wonderful group of therapists and has regained strength and life skills, even discovering an unknown ability to draw beautifully.

I’m answering the call of my studio and getting back to working with my hands, my happy place.  I’ve just published a class schedule that focuses mainly on Open Studio dates but also includes a Silver Metal Clay Basics class at my home studio in September.  I hope to add other classes in the Fall.

I’d love to see you if any of these sessions work for your schedules.  Just let me know at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com if you’d like to register for a class.  Happy summer!!!

I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive during this break in my life.  I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family, especially my dear husband Steve Rossman.

Never having broken a bone before, I had no idea how long it would take to recover.  Turns out two weeks isn’t enough.  SO, I will resume teaching and hosting Open Studio dates as of Tuesday, October 30, 2018.  I’ve just posted my new classes on my Class Schedule on my website, http://www.jonnafaulkner.com.  If you’d like to sign up, please email me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.  Hope to see you soon!!!

I’m so excited to be teaching at the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program again this year.  My class is scheduled for the weekend of June 30 – July 1.  Its title is The Third Dimension: Shadow Box Pendants in Silver Metal Clay.  Space is still available in this workshop. To register, call the Summer Registrar at 951-468-7265.  The school is located in the beautiful San Jacinto mountain town of Idyllwild, CA.  I hope to see you there!!!

This workshop focuses on building three-dimensional pendants that feature a visual element that’s special to the maker.  In my samples, I’ve chosen a rabbit, a bee and a heron from among the many molds I’ll have available for class use.  Themes for the pendant can reference the forest, the sea, animals, hearts, architectural fragments, etc.

A variety of techniques for working with silver metal clay will be covered in this class, including dry construction methods to build hollow forms; the creation of internal supports for these forms; using “mosaic” appliqué as well as other types of embellishment such as gemstones and pearls; types of bails that might work with individual pieces; creation of small focal elements and dangles using molds; firing and finishing the pendants; and how to add 24k gold accents using the keum boo method.

It doesn’t happen often but it will this coming Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in my home studio in Escondido, CA.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to work with silver metal clay — or if you require a refresher class — then this is the workshop for you!!!

Silver metal clay is a magical medium.  It makes it possible to create 3-dimensional work in pure silver with very few tools.  It isn’t really “clay.”  It’s a medium that works like porcelain clay (according to my ceramic friends) but is composed of tiny molecules of pure silver, an organic binder and water.  It does require heat to fire the clay, but small scale pieces can be fired with a creme brûlée type torch.  Larger scale pieces do require a kiln.  Lucky for us all, I have several and I do fire more complex pieces for those in need.

In this workshop, we cover a variety of techniques to get folks started working with silver metal clay.  The number of pieces created depends on the scale of the work produced.  Usually, students make several charms, small pendants or earring dangles in this class.  They are fired and finished before the class ends.

If you’d like to register for this workshop, please email me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.  Cost for the class is $100 plus materials which usually run around $50.

Hope to see you here!!!

Mother’s Day is coming.  Hand crafted gifts are the best!!!  This show offers a variety of beautiful wares including jewelry, art-to-wear scarves and clothing, paintings in a variety of media and styles, porcelain, ceramics and hand painted note cards.  Hope to see you there!!!!

The good news is that I’ve finally got organized enough that I can post a class schedule for the next few months.  You can find the new schedule by going to my website, http://www.jonnafaulkner.com, and pushing the Class Schedule button.  I must apologize to those of you who have been inquiring about classes.  I will be responding to you individually and I thank you for your patience.  Life has been complicated this year.

In other departments, I’m going to be participating in a wonderful show and sale of artwork in a variety of mediums on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, at the Pavillion in Hidden Meadows, 28208 Meadow Glen Way West in Escondido, CA.  I hope I’ll get to see you there!!!  Mother’s Day is just around the corner!!!

We just got back from Chicago where we helped celebrate the wedding of two wonderful people, Megan Somers-Urrea and Kevin Zidek.  It was magical.  There was even a dusting of snow.  Megan and her mom Cindy asked me to make the necklace that she wore with the gorgeous gown Cindy made.  Here is a picture of the necklace (taken by Steve Rossman, my beloved) and a picture of Megan and Kevin on the happy day.  I’m sorry that I don’t know who took their picture but I love it.

Megan’s mom and dad, Cindy and Luis Urrea, got married in our backyard 20 years ago.  We feel so honored to be part of their extended family and to get to celebrate so many special occasions with them.

Just wanted to let you know that several people have had to cancel their registrations for the Open Studio session this coming Tuesday, October 17.  If you’re interested in spending a day in my studio, using my equipment, to work on a project, do let me know.  This is an opportunity for folks who have some familiarity with metal clay. Of course, I will be on hand to help you realize your vision, as needed.  These sessions are held in my Escondido studio, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  You bring your lunch, beverage, and projects.  I supply the equipment.  If you have any questions or would like to register, please email me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.  Cost for the day is $100, plus any materials you may need to buy.  Also, I have air conditioning!!!

I just finished the bracelet sample that I’ll be teaching twice in October, once in Arroyo Grande, CA, at my friend Pat’s studio and once here in my home studio in Escondido, CA.

I’m excited about this bracelet because we’ll be using lots of different techniques to make beautiful pieces.  Some metal clay experience is preferred.

ALSO, there are spaces available in my Silver Metal Clay Basics class on Sunday, September 10.  I’ll be teaching it here in my home studio.

Just let me know if you’re interested in taking any of my classes.  My email is jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.

Many thanks!!!

My face is SO red!!!  I have been promising to get my class schedule together for Fall 2017 and Beyond right away…for ages.  I am SO sorry for the delay.  It’s finally happened!!!  As you’ll see, I’ll be teaching a Basics Class on Sunday, September 10, for those of you who’ve wanted to get your hands on silver metal clay.  There are other exciting classes on the horizon as well, as you’ll note.

I hope you all have had a fabulous summer!!!  Mine was wonderful…taking a terrific class from Micki Lippi during Metals Week at Idyllwild Arts, teaching there and at home, participating in the Bead Society’s annual Bead Bazaar, and studying enameling because I want to include more color in my work (not just on my face!).  If you ever get a chance to study with Jamie Bennett, master jeweler and enamelist, take it!!!  I did and I’m still floating on the excitement generated in the class.  I have so much more to learn!!!

These are some pieces I made during the summer.  The necklace with multiple elements was inspired by the class I took with Micki Lippi.

I’m not quite ready yet, but the Bead Bazaar show and sale are happening tomorrow and Sunday at the Scottish Rite Temple in Mission Valley.  I’ve been working in the studio non-stop, except for food breaks and sleep (ok, and the occasional shower).  I’ve got some new work to show that makes me happy:

There’s still much to do before I sleep!!!  I hope I’ll get to see you there!!!  Hours are 10 to 6 on Saturday, and 10 to 5 on Sunday.  There’s plenty of parking.

I’ve tried to insert a copy of the Bead Bazaar flyer here but my computer skills failed me once again.  I’ve posted a copy on my Facebook page.  If you can figure out how to copy it out, bring it with you to get $2 off the $5 admission fee.  It’s a great show with lots of other vendors who sell jewelry components (stones, glass beads, metalwork, pearls) along with folks like me who show and sell finished jewelry.  If you knit, I believe there’s going to be a special vendor to help you add to your collection.

For many years, my friends Vanessa Backer, Susan Blessinger and I had an annual show and sale in the month of November.  For various reasons, we took a 7 year break but are together again at last!!!  Our new venue is in Spanish Village in San Diego’s Balboa Park, specifically in Gallery 21.

Our Grand Opening happened last Saturday.  We had a blast.  We’re very proud of the way the gallery looks and excited about the new work we have to share.

Our show runs until Monday, May 29.  We’re there from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. AND, we’ve decided to host a Wine Reception on Sunday, May 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.  You’re invited!!!  Please come if you can to share a libation and see what we’ve been doing.  We hope to see you there!!!

I always feel triumphant when I manage to update my teaching schedule on my website, especially given my minimal computer skills.

Please check out my upcoming workshops at https://jonnafaulkner.com/class-schedule/.  I’m excited about sharing post-firing bezel setting techniques on silver metal clay (soldering!), texturing and riveting techniques on copper bracelets adorned with silver metal clay (rolling mill!), and techniques for making and embellishing torc bracelets in Goldie Bronze metal clay (using an extruder!).

If you’d like to register for a class, please email me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.  Hoping to see you soon!!!

I had the best time at the Tucson gem shows this year with my friend Pat Weilbacher.  Among other things, I found some fabulous cabochons.  I just finished this piece using one of my new labradorite cabs.  I’m getting ready to teach workshops that involve soldering fine silver bezels onto silver metal clay.  Very excited about sharing this method of bringing color into my work!!!

I’m delighted to announce that I’ve posted workshops for the next few months on my website, www.jonnafaulkner.com.  Just push the “Class Schedule” button on my home page for more information.  I hope the new year brings you all many blessings as all of you have brought me much joy!!!

I love teaching classes for so many reasons, the main one being that I get to be in company with wonderful students who inspire me and make every day brighter.  Teaching also challenges me to develop new projects and explore technical issues in more depth.

I’m very pleased with the new project I’ll be teaching this coming weekend, May 14 & 15, 2016.  We’ll be working with Goldie Bronze, making beautiful pendants that can be worn for any occasion, from the ballroom to the grocery store.  I’m more likely to be found in the latter arena, especially when my husband is out of town on a photo assignment.

We will explore making round and square tubing, building hinges, prong setting stones that can’t go in the kiln , pearl setting, flush settings stones that can be fired, and various approaches to finishing techniques.

The class size for this workshop is restricted to 6 students.  Four spots have been filled, so let me know as soon as you can if you’d like to participate.  My email address is jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.

The class scheduled for this weekend…Many Pendants Make a Necklace…has been rescheduled to May 7 & 8, 2016.  All else remains the same.

Perhaps the class itself could be a gift for Mother’s Day?  It will be lots of fun and everyone will make a beautiful necklace that is uniquely their own.  If you’d like to participate, just email me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.

This coming weekend, April 16 and 17, I’ll be teaching a dramatic necklace class that involves multiple elements and several special techniques.  The pieces produced will make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts or presents for yourself.

We’ll begin by making silver metal clay tubing which will form the basis for all parts of the necklace except for the clasp.  We’ll add elements to the tubing that create a cohesive theme such as Treasures from the Sea, Delights in the Garden, or The Heart of the Matter.  We will also create a clasp that echoes the theme of the necklace.

The class will be held in my Escondido, CA, workshop.  Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  If you’re interested in participating or have any questions, just email me at jonnafaulkner@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there!!!