Pinched Leaf Necklace workshop with Helen and Eugenia

Horizons 2011 - Pinched Leaf Necklace Workshop by Helen Breil & Eugenia Chan

In this workshop Helen will be giving instructions for making 3-5 small pinched leaves from polymer clay. Then Eugenia will show us how to incoporate them into a necklace made from nylon mesh and copper wire (including making our own clasp). The pinched leaves are easy and fun.  Helen will demonstrate how she gets a graduated colour effect on them.  If interested she can demo how to use metal leaf on them.  Time permitting Helen will demo variations on the pinched leaves she has been working on.

The workshop will last approx a day and a half.  Eugenia & Helen will intersperse their instructions.  As the leaves are curing, paint & gloss is drying, etc., Eugenia will get everyone started on working on the necklace components.

Everyone will receive a copy of Helen's Pinched Leaf Tutorial.  It may not be complete by Retreat time but the basics ready.

Helen will bring some templates for shapes that will suit this project.

A sample of the completed necklace is above!!  Everyone can make one of these, from beginner to expert.

(Nancy's note:  Our two instructors are fabulous teachers and take the time to demonstrate each and every step.  It is going to be a fun retreat and you will finish one necklace.)

Helen's link:   http://helenbreil.com/Horizons.php 


Material List

(NOTE:  there will be some supplies to share.  If you do not have a product (except clay), there will be some available.  Not to panic).

*  Clay - 1-2 oz your choice of colour - Plus some scrap clay

*  Mica powders & acrylic paint - (Suggestion:  the clay colour should approximately match the mica and acrylic paint colour.  You will be working with copper wire so keep that in mind when you decide your colour scheme.)

*  Textures stamps - See Helen's pinched leaf slideshow for ideas for textures. (from Helen: I like using radiating designs. My Watusi stamp is one of my favorites. As well any textures you made from my Radiating Lines tutorial. I've also used my Fandango stamp. You can borrow some stamps from me. )

*  Metal Leaf - Optional.

*  Acrylic Paint (from Helen:  I prefer the metallics. Whatever colours you'd like to work in - any quality paint. I will be showing you how to use 2 colours for a graduated colouring so bring colours that work together.)

Needlepoint tool
Ruler, centering ruler or sewing gauge
Stencil brush (1/2" or smaller)  -  To apply paint. (Straight edged, stiff brush)
80 grit sandpaper - optional. Will be used for texturing, not sanding.
Mini mister -  to spritz water on texture sheet for a resist.
Round cutters - optional
Focal point - optional. Small button, dagger bead for center of leaf
Plastic wrap - optional Just a small piece
Qtips or small brush - for applying mica powders, paints
Varathane Diamond wood finish gloss both spray and liquid forms - needed to seal the mica powders. For the liquid gloss, Future or whatever gloss you like to use is fine.
Cyanoacrylate glue - Crazy Glue
1/16" 5/64" Drill bits - for stringing holes, I have one set people can borrow.

The following kit will provided by Eugenia.  Cost $15.00 per person payable directly to Eugenia.
KIT:
Copper wire
5' 12g
10' 20g
10' 22g
Beads:   holes large enough for 14 gauge wire to pass through:
4 spacers
2 tube beads
1 large flat focal bead 15-20mm
1 small round bead
Nylon mesh - 2' Black Nylon Mesh

Tools You need these to complete your necklace.  If you do not have these, there will be some to share.
Flat nose, chain nose and round nose pliers
Ball peen hammer
Steel bench block

Tutorial - written instructions covering the clay portion of the workshop will be emailed to all participants prior to the class. Please bring a printed copy (black & white is fine) with you.