Tagged: soldering

Jun 11

Summer Soldering Class

This summer I am doing a great deal of growing and planning. My business is unfocused. As many of you know, my heart is really aimed towards creatively worshiping my God, and sharing the creative process with others to facilitate growth and healing, introspection and thoughtfulness. The small income I do receive from my Etsy shop and from the classes I teach go to fund supplies used in teaching monthly classes at Veronica’s Voice. If I were to make a larger income, it would go towards furthering my own artistic education, so I could continue to expand what I share with others. As I refine my business plan this summer, the classes I’ll be teaching outside of Veronica’s Voice will be minimal. Besides the soldering class below, I will also be scheduling one art journaling class (date will be announced early next week). That said, my dream is one of growth, and of sculpting and refining many new and fun classes to come.

Introduction to Soldering: Making Jewelry

Date: Sat, July 17
Time: 1-4pm
Place: 2926 Campbell St, Kansas City MO 64109

Hear pendant promise ring*Examples: your pieces will be unique.

Learn the funky art of soldering, and make your own one of a kind jewelry. After receiving instruction, you will be constructing and soldering your own ring and pendant. We will be using images from vintage books, music, and papers, or if you have a special image in mind, please bring it to class. The glass sizes available to make pendants include 1×1, 1×2 and 1×3. The diameter of the ring will be approximately the size of a dime. All supplies are included in the cost of the class, including choker or ball chain for your pendant. If time allows, you may make a marble charm as well.

Class size: 8 students max.
Fee: $35

Policies:

  • Prepayment is required to register for class.
  • A 48 hour notice is required to cancel your spot in class, so that I may contact others who may be on a waiting list. If you do not notify me of cancellation, your class fee will not be refunded.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Journal, Balance, VERONICA's Voice, Worship, soldered

Jan 17

Why do I do it?

I was wondering this question, why do I do it?, earlier this week. The “it” would be teaching classes from my home, but the pondering grew even larger to art in general. Wouldn’t my life just be easier if I just covered the basics of partnering in my husband’s business and homeschooling those teens of ours, and dropped all this crazy art mess?

This all came from the feeling of failure. I had an Intro to Soldering class scheduled for Sat (yesterday). A couple weeks ago I thought my soldering class was almost to capacity, but by Tuesday of this past week I only had two people that had registered by prepaying. While the class did fill back up to a nice size before Saturday, I think this experience was good for me to truly take inventory of the value of the classes.

My motive for teaching classes:

  • to cover the costs of art supplies for the teaching I do at Veronica’s Voice without affecting the family budget
  • to cover costs of classes and workshops that I take myself so that I continue to have fresh ideas and techniques to teach at Veronica’s Voice
  • the joy I receive from sharing something I love with others

But I really don’t like to be on the roller coaster of class registration. I have found that if a person does not prepay for class, there is an 90% chance that the person will not make it to class. This statistic includes my friends and acquaintances.

I truly understand when things come up and the plans made need to shift. A good set of priorities is a must. But I also believe that often times we do desire to do something, but don’t make the actual commitment to do that thing. We just throw that desire out there and if it works great, but if things get hectic it’s the first thing to go. I know I’ve done this. Usually when my desire lacks the commitment to make it happen, I succumb to the activities that easily fill its place, the this and that.

My favorite book addresses the issue of making vows:

But let your statement be, ‘Yes yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil. Matt. 5:37

A vow or oath is simply a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment.

After this latest roller coaster ride, I really want to change this about myself because I don’t like the feeling when it happens to me. Next time I desire to do something, I will either make the commitment and follow through, or be silent. And I already know this will be difficult. There is something within me that wants to please others, so I’d rather say “yes” and back out later, than be noncommittal.

And to close this topic, for those of you who were not able to make it to class, I want you to know that I do understand. This post is not shooting an arrow at you, but is rather about me just recording the learning process of my own life.

Class photos from yesterday:






I am so incredibly inspired to see others in creative mode. Personalities really shine through in the jewelry and art journals that come from the classes. Each piece tells a personal story. After class was over and I was cleaning up, I reflected on all the reasons why I truly love to teach. It’s worth the roller coaster.

And now to the reasons I could not give up art:

  • when I do not make time in my life to do creative things, I wilt
  • it has become impossible for me to separate art from living and breathing
  • even if I stopped producing anything artistic, my mind would still process shadows, colors and images through an artistic lens
  • God made me to be creative. I would be going against His design to try to not be what He made me to be

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, God's Word, VERONICA's Voice

Dec 30

Classes Posted!

Do you live in the KC Metro area? Sign up for Introduction to Soldering: Making Jewelry in either January or February! This class is so fun, and the class fee covers all supplies. My favorite part is seeing each person’s individual style reflected in her jewelry at the end of class.

Some beautiful creations from past classes:

Did you notice the new “Classes” tab at the top of the page? The journaling class will be posted very soon with a class date in late January or early February.

This past month has been a whirlwind, but December always is for our family. We travel to visit family for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus my daughter has a birthday right in between. This year she turned “sweet sixteen” and celebrated by hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner. Everyone stayed in character all evening! What a blast.

This week I hit the RESET button in hopes to get back to my ?regular? schedule, whatever that turns out to be. I’ve been busy restocking the pantry, planning and actually cooking meals (my son had pretty much taken over the kitchen), cleaning the house, and catching up on my accounting duties for THE HUNKY MAN‘s business.

But…I find myself having a hard time diving back into creativity. I think it is the desire to have my house in order that keeps me from allowing play time, and the house is not quite there, oh so close. Stopping and starting is so hard for me. I would prefer it just flow on continually. But the breaks I do have, forced or chosen, always return me to that place of inspiration with a flurry of activity.

Here’s what I would really love to do in January, but I will be content with the inspiration derived from my very fun Christmas gift, the Polaroid Pogo Instant Mobile Printer.

My husband, the professional videographer, had a difficult time buying this gift for me. Not quite the quality photographs he prefers, but oh, the fun!

And now, back to work. So close to play time! But first I must get school organized so we can start again on Monday.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Journal, Balance, Homeschooling

Dec 04

Still Tangled in Zen

Zentangle 4 Today was zentastic. We had a blast at VERONICA’s Voice playing with Zentangles. I demonstrated some of the different zentangle patterns on a large format while the group played on some squares I cut from Bristol paper. My favorite part was seeing the unique zentangle patterns that were being developed in the group. They didn’t need a demonstration, they just took off in the zen zone. As always, I forgot to take photos. Perhaps I should hire a full time photographer to document my life. Then when I would like to show you what happened, I’ll have more than words.

And on another happy note, my Winter 2010 Class Schedule will soon be posted. I’ll be offering Introductory Soldering: Making Jewelry and Visual Journaling: Discovering Self Through Imagery. I’m also developing the next level of soldering in which we tackle cutting our own glass, and will be offering this in Spring 2010.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, VERONICA's Voice

Sep 29

Adventure lies ahead

amsterdam Or rather, the adventure is laying out now. As I prepare for the Amsterdam Discovery trip, I am already amazed at the growth and stretching that is taking place in my own life.

In celebration, Wendy’s trip costs have been covered by donations, plus she will have just enough extra money to cover the meals and expenses not included in the trip cost.

For my own fundraising, I have been holding classes in my home. So far I’ve taught several soldering classes, and a visual journaling class. I have a couple more classes lined up for the month of October. I’m also selling an Amsterdam soldered pendant from my Etsy shop. Amsterdam Pendant

While all of this is helping to pay for the trip, I’ll be working into 2010 to fully recover the costs.

Here’s what I’m discovering:

  • I love to teach
  • I love to prepare classes
  • I love to get others excited about creativity and expression
  • I am inspired by the uniqueness of each students work
  • I love the relationships that are developing from these classes
  • I feel that I am being prepared for something else
  • I don’t enjoy marketing myself
  • I don’t like collecting money
  • I have a greater respect for all teachers that are prepared and thoughtful about the classes they teach and the time invested to bring the classes together

All in all, I have learned so much by holding the classes, and the experience has affected the vision and goals for my future. Exciting times!

Soldered Jewelry Classes:

Visual Manifesto Journal Classes:

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Journal, God's leading, Hidden Art, Transformation

Mar 22

Preparations, anticipation

Artfest is fast approaching. I’ll be leaving in 10 days! As I gather the supplies needed for my workshops, the excitement builds inside my chest. I find it a little harder to fall asleep each night as my mind whirls with anticipation. This will be my first year attending, so I’m keeping things pretty low key. I didn’t sign up for any additional projects like ATCs or Fatbooks just so preparations would not become stressful for me, but I have committed to one tradition. I’ll be bringing trades, something I have to share in exchange for something another artist has brought. I’ve soldered 100 marbles, and have begun adding the jump rings. They make the cutest charms, so this is what I’ll be trading.

The other thing I’ve been doing with my time is Latin catch up. I got behind in February while meeting a commission deadline, so now I’m intently learning and translating. My student is a chapter ahead of me, so I’m working to surpass her before I’m off to Artfest. It’s best that the teacher know the material first, but I am thankful that my student loves Latin as well, and has not let my lapse affect her work. I’m also thankful that I enjoy Latin or this could be an exercise in torture.

And have you all noticed? Spring has arrived!

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Homeschooling

Feb 03

Up for air

Glimpses of my projects:

I’m almost finished with my latest project. Seems to me the hardest part is knowing when each piece is really finished. I’ll be sure to post full pictures after the church receives them.

And another thank you for a dear friend:

A great experience for me has been learning to juggle homeschooling and project deadlines. While my Latin has suffered, my students are still on track and I will have everything done on schedule. I thought that accomplishing art on a larger scale would have to wait until my students graduated, but am finding that it is possible to do both. And knowing that just fills my head with larger dreams.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Altered Art, Art, Homeschooling

Oct 29

My Mom the Artist

My mom and dad visited last week. Mom and I had fun as she designed some jewelry pieces for gifts, and I soldered for her. I love how they turned out.
Front:

Back:

Friendship Ring:

Front:

Back:

This was her first time creating charms. I think she did such a wonderful job. Her recipients are in for a treat.

I have found that since our school year began, I have had little creative time. Although I would not change for the world how our family has chosen to live, I am longing for time in my art studio. This fun time with my mom just made me realize how long it has been since I made charms. Months! Much too long anyway.

I’ve enjoyed having my focus on drawing this month for The Big Draw 2008. This is an area I’ve really wanted to develop and grow. Since I began my creative journey, my thinking has changed from “I can’t draw” to “well, that looks cool.” My expectations have definitely changed. This has removed alot of baggage that was hindering my from learning to draw in the first place.

  • Side note: The Latin word Impedimentum means hindrance in singular and baggage in plural.

I am ready to move on from my drawing focus though. This next month is Leah’s Art Every Day Month.

Although I plan on participating, I have made a rule for myself that I do not have to post every creative thing I do. So while I plan on “doing” art every day, I may not get it posted if time doesn’t allow. As Carla Sonheim says, “Give Yourself Rules,” along with the quotes she added to reinforce this truth. Establishing this rule will give me the freedom to create without worrying about the extra time it may take to post.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Every Day, Balance, Challenge, Family Fun, Hidden Art, Homeschooling, Liberty

Apr 23

Trees

I’m still not reading and still not enjoying not reading. I’m curious when I get done with this assignment if I will appreciate something about it. I have been busy though. Today I soldered a bit more. Here’s the result:

I painted the trees on Scripture and then gave them a blue glaze to tone down the printing. The back of the charm is painted with an ochre glaze with a small green border. I thought the word Grow was a perfect complement as trees are such a beautiful picture of man in the Bible. And I personally desire to Grow spiritually.

And exciting news for my daughter. She sold her first item in her Etsy Shop today. It was her favorite charm she has made.

amanda ∞
 

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Posted in Art, Creation, God's Word

Apr 01

More soldering

After our soldering class, we purchased a soldering iron and began having fun at home.

Check out my daughter’s creations at her blog.

My son even got in on the act.

Here’s my creation for the evening. I found the adorable little squirrels in an old children’s tale of Snow White. We tried our hand at soldering marbles and found it to be quite easy. The most difficult step for me is adding the jump rings. Practice.

Each day, we look forward to working on another project. Guess what my family is getting this year for gifts!

amanda ∞

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Posted in Altered Art, Art, Family Fun