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Fine silver frame a perfect fit for Grandma's photo
Jewelry Classes with Rhonda
Having trouble finding a class that fits into your crazy schedule? Sign up for a class with Rhonda. When we have six people for a particular class, we will find a time to meet—around your schedule. And then, slow down, take a breath and create! The fees (non-refundable) are due at the time of registration.
Menu of Fall Classes:
“PMC? What’s that?” This is the perfect class for beginners. You will have the opportunity to use different forms of PMC, including clay, paste/slip, and syringe. You will learn how to handle and store PMC, roll out clay, texture, make coils, and make bails. You will create up to 2 pendants or pairs of earrings of your own design—and when they come out of the kiln, they will be beautiful fine silver (99.9% pure silver)!
“Button, Button” Learn to use molding compound to turn a wonderful old button into fine silver jewelry. This is a great way to preserve a memory—a button from your grandfather’s military uniform or a favorite from grandma’s button box—without harming or altering the original button. You are also welcome to use one of my beautiful vintage buttons.
“East Meets West” We will use techniques from the traditional crafts of origami (Japanese paper folding) and quilling (Victorian paper filigree) to create with PMC paper. Many different designs are possible!
“Clasps and Beads” This is a perfect way to finish off a necklace or bracelet you have created. You will make a custom fine silver clasp (toggle or hook and eye) and one hollow focal bead perfectly suited to your piece.
“Picture This!” Keep that special photo close to your heart. Make a lovely fine silver frame suitable for wearing–equally perfect for a new mom or grandmother. Modern or vintage—you choose the style. We will use photocopies (not original photos) and use resin to seal them.
“Filigree Earrings” Learn to use syringe clay to make a unique pair of fine silver earrings. There are many design possibilities for these delicate-looking earrings. If you can decorate a cake—this class may be a piece of cake for you!
“Rings” Make your own amazing fine silver ring. Carve, sculpt, texture, coil, use syringe, or use molds to create a one-of-a-kind ring. This class is more challenging—if you haven’t used metal clay before, I recommend that you learn the basics first.
“Creating Textures” Can’t find the design you want? Create your own! In this class, we will learn several ways to make our own texture plates. We will not use any metal clay during this class. We will focus on the creation of the plates. This class will meet one time for 3 hours.
“PMC Open Studio” Want to create on your own, but don’t have the tools and materials? Come to Open Studio. Dozens of texture plates and tips, oodles of templates and cutters, bunches of molds, and much more!
All classes meet twice. In the first meeting, you will design and create your piece (2 – 2 ½ hours). Between sessions, I will dry and fire your work. In the final session, you will finish your piece (1 hour). Cost: $30.00 plus supplies. The supply fee is subject to change based on the price of silver. The supplies generally cost $25 – $45.
To register for open studio or for more information, please e-mail rhonda@silverleafshop.com.
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Rhonda’s Classes
Class Schedule
Precious Metal Clay
Open Studio
What would you make with a little lump of clay if you knew it would be fine silver when you were done?
This fine silver pendant was created with pmc, molds and a kiln
Bonus: button mold pendants
Sign up for 2 classes and get the 3rd class for just the supply fee. Sign up for at least one class and use Open Studio for free all day.
Cost: $25 plus $25 supply fee
Individualized Classes and Special Events
Looking for specialized instruction? Perhaps you work better one-on-one or you have a special project in mind. Contact me about ideas and costs.
Have a special event coming up? Looking for a unique way to mark the occasion? I can help you plan a fun experience that your guests will always remember. You can work together to make a gift for a guest of honor or each person can create something for themselves. Costs depend upon number of guests and supplies.
So, whether you want to learn a technique, relax and have fun, spend time with someone you care about, or learn something about yourself, these classes are for you.
Cost: $20 plus cost of PMC products. You may bring your own PMC. Open Studio is free for students comleting a class project.
Location: Left Bank Studio, Main Street, Gilbert, Iowa.
Register at least 24 hours in advance.
PMC Open Studio Sept. 23
- Three examples
PMC Open Studio
What would you make with a little lump of clay if you knew it would be fine silver when you were done? Want to create on your own, but don’t have the tools and materials? Rhonda will supply tools, finishing materials, and kiln firing. You supply the imagination! You are eligible to come if you have taken at least one PMC class and are able to work independently.
Thursday, Sept 23 6-8pm $25 + materials
Please sign up 48 hours in advance.
Email Rhonda@silverleafshop.com to register
Rhonda’s Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
I love learning. I am constantly reading, experimenting, and taking classes. There never seems to be enough time to try everything! One of my favorite ways to learn is to share creative experiences and information with others—and so I have also always (since I was about 14) been a teacher. I believe that everyone has the capacity to be creative. Making something with just your hands, a few simple tools, and imagination can be powerful. In fact, being creative can be fun, rejuvenating, and, sometimes, even healing. I think that “mistakes” are an important part of learning and can lead to important discoveries. I recognize that people learn in many different ways and take classes for many reasons. I feel it is crucial for a teacher to provide both expertise and a setting for people to safely learn, create, and express themselves.
Making things has always been a part of my life, but it was a hobby until a few years ago. I was trained and worked as a mental health therapist—and my brain still works to find meaning in what I do. It is my hope that my students will go beyond making some beautiful (although it is wonderful to make a beautiful piece!). I hope that they will have fun, create something with personal meaning, and learn something about themselves through the act of creating and being with other learners. I hope that they will feel more energized, more confident, or more at peace because of their experience.
There are lots of great reasons to take a class:
- Relax and have fun
- Learn a technique
- Make something for someone special
- Meet other like-minded souls
- Be creative
- Do something for yourself
- Bring a friend and have fun together