Celtic
College 2011
Brenda Roy
Below
are descriptions of the two classes I am teaching at the Celtic College
in Goderich this year. Completely new is the class I am teaching together
with Darrell Markewitz. Two of us for the price of one - how lucky can
you get!!!!
These classes are small and
tend to fill up quickly so register early!
For more information, don't
hesitate to contact me at brenda@brendaroy.com
For registration, fees and to confirm class schedules check with the Celtic
College.
For more about me take a look at my website or facebook page.
Chains are actually rarely found in Celtic jewellery and metalwork but are an excellent beginning project for metalworkers. A handmade chain has an entirely different heft and feel from commercial products and is beautiful to wear either on its own or as part of a more complex piece.
The Byzantine chain is a sequential link design with ancient origins, known throughout time and geography by many different names, such as the Birdcage, King's Braid, Idiot's Delight, and Byzantine.
Students will learn the skills
involved in manipulating wire to create a bracelet length of handmade
chain in copper or sterling silver.
They will not only make their own jump rings for the chain, but begin
by making their own tool to make the jump rings! Students will also make
their own simple clasp to finish the bracelet so the entire piece is handmade.
All tools are provided but
any students who have their own small flat or round nose pliers should
bring them.
Class length:
period 1 & 2 (all morning), Monday to Thursday
Materials fee: $10 - $50 depending on material used
Please doublecheck schedules with the college.
Glass Beads & Freeform Chains : from creating elements to finished object
This class, taught by both
Brenda Roy and Darrell Markewitz, will take students through the entire
process of designing and creating a finished object - from making the
basic elements of their own glass beads to designing and building a Celtic
inspired chain that incorporates those beads in a wearable piece of jewellery.
Glass, because of its enduring nature, often survives from ancient times. The shape and size of glass beads means they are well represented in archaeology. But how are were they made? Darrell Markewitz will introduce students to the basic methods of lampworking to create their own glass beads. Each student will have their own torch station, and can expect to produce a dozen or more beads to keep! The class will also examine historic beads and bead making process.
With instructor Brenda Roy, students will design their own Celtic inspired chain links to create a bracelet or necklace (earrings possible too!) in copper or silver that can feature their own handmade beads. They will learn the skills involved in manipulating wire through bending and forging , as well as making their own jumps rings and a simple clasp.
Students will move freely between the two instructors depending on the needs of their projects.
Below are some examples of the types of work students might create in the class.
The same chain with handmade beads added to make a "charm" style bracelet.
Spiral necklace with a few beads as a focal point.
Those who want something very simple could make either a bracelet or a necklace with this simple 2 in 2 chain, which is one of the very few chains used in Celtic jewellery.
A few other ideas for earrings, links, pendants....... your imagination is the only limit!
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All jewellery tools are provided but students are encouraged to bring their own sets of pliers if they have them.
Materials fee: There is an additional course fee of $25 (per student) to cover gasses and expended materials PLUS the cost of wire used in their chain which can vary between $10 - $50 depending on the material used (copper or silver) and the size and complexity of the student's project. A silver bracelet will typically run between $15 - $30 for the silver.
Class Length:
period 3 AND 4 (all afternoon) Monday to Thursday