New work, new Etsy listings.....

I had a great time at the Garden of Beaden last night and I wanted to share a few pictures of some new things I have been working on before they are gone.  We had lots of food and wine and a musical treat!  One of Melanie Doermans friends came to sing and play guitar for us!!!  SHE WAS AWESOME!!  If you missed last nights trunk show I have one more next week in Redondo Beach.  If you are interested let me know I will send the address (it's a private residence). 

$5 rhinestone charm

Also, my Etsy store has some new supplies for sale!  The crown charms almost sold out last night so act fast!

$4 crown charm

 

 

Thanks for stopping by during this busy season!

catch up..VEGAS, CANADA and more!

So it's that time of the year.....lots of preparation for holidays and family.  First up was t-day...that was fun and I'm looking forward to Christmas.  I love my family and being with them.  The San Diego mountains are a haven of pure air and solitude.  The icing on the cake was how wonderfully cold it was.  i love the cold!!   I took my daughter and her friend on a hike....it was one I do every time I go down except we had a little detour and had to go another way....long story short a 1 hour hike turned into a 2 hour hike.  Also went ice skating which is soooo much fun.  Saw old friends, went to a swap meet with my parents.  I'm so lucky and grateful to have such a wonderful family, honest to God. 

Since my lively hood relies on how many classes I teach every week, I have to say I am a little nervous to be heading into holding little if any classes until mid-January.  In the mean time I am lucky to have two trunk shows Dec.10 and Dec.17.    In case you are so inclined here are the details:

Friday Dec. 10, 6-9p Garden of Beadin Upland,Ca- Me selling my wares, lots of new and eclectic gifts,cards and jewels.  Wine and appies too.

Friday Dec.17, 6:30-8:30p Redondo Beach,CA- Private residence wine and appies.  There will be several independent artist's selling their wares.  Details to follow.

Part of being an independent entrepreneur involves 24/7 pro active thinking and doing.  Thinking about my schedule 3-6 months out, setting deadlines, making samples and proposals, contacting new establishments, making things to sell at shows and my store and it's all fun and I love it but it it's not for everyone.  You have to have faith that everything will work out even if you don't know how it will.  You become creative in other ways ...its called survival.  Part of this dry spell I will be having for the next few weeks made me think creatively.  Watch my etsy store in the coming weeks for some GREAT deals on hard to find supplies for all you crafty people.  Rhinestone chain, crown charms, crystals, bead caps, soldered charms, more kits and tutorials.  I will slowly start adding items this week and next week and will update you on my blog.   I have been adding items but I never let my blog people know....I forget.    I might even have a give away!

LAS VEGAS, FEB.5,6
One more thing...I have been asked to come back to Las Vegas in 2011!  Two great workshops....if you are in Vegas or live in Vegas Feb.5,6 treat yourself to a fun creative weekend.  Space is limited.  The picture  gives you an idea what the projects will be.  Here is a blurb and more updates as it approaches:

TWO DAY WORKSHOP WITH ROBIN DUDLEY-HOWES
                                February 5th & 6th   2011
                                  las  VEGAS
                  $90 per day or $160 for both days ($20 savings!)
                                  optional   kits available for$20 each
                   
Saturday Feb.5th-  ALTERED ART BOTTLES 10-4p
Have you seen those beautiful antique bottles with soldered sea shells, crosses and other mixed media at Anthropologie and other hip establishments?  Wondered how they were made?  I'll show you!!  No experience necessary!  Bring your soldering iron and solder and make at least one or two gorgeous bottles with your choice of rhinestones, crystals, doll parts, beveled glass, shells, more rhinestones.  These are SO much fun to make!   Kits will be available to purchase or bring your own stash.  Material list provided at registration.


Sunday Feb.6th-    TREASURE CUFF    10-4p
~Exclusive Class to this event!!  Learn how to make a beautiful show stopping cuff!  Techniques include how to make a sturdy wire base to attach and wire wrap beads, findings and mixed media.   Everyone should leave with a finished cuff, each one as individual as you are!  Kits provided if you prefer not to bring materials.  A small supply list will be given at registration for basic tool requirements.

Class size is limited so register early.  Payment plans available .  First payment due Dec.15 with balance due by Jan.10, 2011.    No refunds unless the class is canceled.   Send check or money order to:
Robin Dudley-Howes
1321 Engracia Ave
Torrance,CA 90501
Address for this event is at a private residence and will be given at time of registration.  Please contact me for more information by email:  robin@powerline6.com  OR leave a  phone message 310-787-8704

CANADA, BOWEN ISLAND B.C

Yes!  I have been asked by the talented fiber artist, Ellen White, to teach a 3 day workshop series March 25,26 & 27 2011in Canada!   I will be teaching my most popular classes: 
Friday 3/25-Tube bead earrings
Saturday 3/26- Mermaid Cuff
Sunday 3/27- Treasure Neclace and Soldered glass charms

Details are still being worked out.  Stay tuned!

Classes before turkey day

My class this past Saturday was a hit at the Garden of Beaden!  It is the first in a year long series for wire shaping and we had a full house (10 sign ups!).  Thanks to all of you who came from near and far!!!  Next class will be Jan.22,2011 on earrings so sign up early!!  This weekend I will be back at the Garden of Beaden in Upland teaching a new soldering class with a less hectic approach, in other words you'll be able to finish the necklace.  It's similar to my treasure necklace except we will focus on only 3 charms:  the flat back marble, chandelier pendant and shadow box. 

3-s a Charm-Soldering 101

All supplies are included the the cost $65 except equipment and a few other items.   Class is Sunday Nov.21, 10:30-3pm,  Call 909-949-7101

For this Saturday, Nov.20 come learn how to make a beautiful arched ornament with solder and hand stamped metal back.  Location:  Harmony Works, Redondo Beach CA  $60 includes most supplies 10-3p call 310-791-7104

Brand new wire shaping class series

I am happy to present a brand new series of wire shaping classes for a full year at the Garden of Beaden in Upland!  Class is from 10-5, $65.  Call 909-949-7107 for your seat.   Working with wire is an integral part of my jewelry designs and I am so pleased that I will have a chance to immerse and share my vast knowledge to students and that GOB has given me the creative license to do so.    The first series starts this Saturday Nov.13 "Find it and link it".  All the classes will be geared toward the novice however even experienced wire benders will probably learn a new trick or ten.  This class is a must to learn the basic foundations of making all types of jewelry connections.  You will learn a TON of techniques!  Here are some pics of what to expect:

The aim is not to make a particular project but to gain the skills needed to utilize the knowledge and make it your own.

Next class will be earrings!  TONS of styles!!!!! Check back early next year!



About a month ago one of my former belly dance students requested me to make a full jewelry ensemble for a brand new costume she just bought.  The color palette was turquoise, bronze, gold and brown.  Here are the results:

 Happy Creating!

Class Nov.6 and this past weekend

Boy it was a fun weekend, starting with a fortune telling gig for the Nestle Corporation's annual Halloween Party:

Akasha the Fortune Teller, Halloween 2010

 A  fantastic class on Saturday at Gilding the Lily.  BTW ALL my classes are fantastic w/fantastic students!

Carol, Tara, Jo, Marie, Colleen, me.   Riki took the picture

Me and Riki Schumacher hamming it up

And then a sleep over for my daughter and her freinds for Halloween and of course trick or treating! 

Halloween breakfast

with green witch hat pancakes and all the fixin's

 

 

 

 

 

skull and devil pizza

carmel apples

hubby & brother in law as British rockers, complete w/black eyeliner,YIKES!

my daughter and friend ready to trick or treat

Okay, one more thing .......I will be teaching the Treasured Charm Bracelet class this Saturday in Costa Mesa, 10-4p, $65 includes lunch.  Learn how to punch, drill and solder mixed media into a cool chunky bracelet.  Call Piecemakers 714-641-3112 for your seat!

Reliquary class this Saturday-Exclusive! AND Happy Samhain

My Halloween crown from Karen

First I have to say it has been magical these past few days.  Did you see that full moon?  It's been blustery and witchy and the sun is shining in a most peculiar way with a touch of coolness and warmth.  Of course I often see and feel these things and think it's probably all in my head but it keeps me sane.  I am sooooooo excited that Halloween is almost here and I have all my decorations up (they have been for awhile).    I get so excited for Halloween that I start looking for signs in July.....you know from the stores, not spooky signs.  My friend Karen gave me the coolest Halloween banner and crown last year and I was so excited to put them up.    Here a are a few vignettes.

Carolyn Potter original

banner from Karen

Happy Halloweeny!!

Okay now down to business.  This Saturday, Oct.30,Gilding the Lily class: Full of Grace~A soldered Reliquary
 11-3:30p  ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED $75.  Bring your soldering equipment.  If you don't have equipment contact me.  ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT CALL 714-757-0558

Now I'm off to clean my house for the fun Halloween weekend and I feel like grinding me some glass!

I'm back! 3 classes in a row

I got my computer back but everything was lost so I have been trying to find old emails with attachments of documents and images to start my files again.  Thanks everyone for the suggestions of back up sites.  I have quite a weekend coming up with classes scheduled for sat/sun and monday.   Two are new.  Here they are:

3's A CHARM-SOLDERING 101

 

 

 

 3's A CHARM-SOLDERING 101 is a condensed version of my Treasure Necklace class and NEW!!    All levels welcome.  location:
Garden of Beaden, Upland Ca.  Saturday, Oct.23 from 10:30-3p, $65 includes all supplies however if you have a soldering iron and solder I highly recommend you bring them as well as a 3-d charm or similar for the "shadow box" and any images you like.   You will definitely go home with a finished piece and learn how to make 3 charms:  a chandelier pendant charm, 'shadow box" and flat back marble.  Call 909-949-7107 to reserve your seat.

Treasure Necklace & Soldered Glass Charms

Next class is my popular TREASURE NECKLACE and SOLDERED GLASS CHARMS class held in historic old town San Diego,CA  at The Shepherdess on SUNDAY OCT. 24, 10-5p $90 w/optional $35 kit.  Learn EVERYTHING about soldering in the mother load of all soldering classes!  All levels welcome.    You may or may not finish the necklace in class but will go home with lots of techniques and pocket full of charms to boot!  Material list provided at sign up, some supplies provided.  Soldering equipment advisable.  Call 619-297-4110 for reservation.

Dia de los Muertos Shrine of the Divine

So this class (Shrine of the Divine) was put together at the last minute and will be on Monday Oct.25 at Garden of Beaden in Upland,CA from 11-3p, $50 INCLUDES ALL SUPPLIES! No experience necessary.  It is exclusive to GOB as they have an annual Dia de los Muertos bead and art swap and this was part of my entry.  The picture does not do justice to the piece (click it for a better view) as it is very sparkly and glittery and very 3 dimensional but it is at the store so go take a look if you're close by.  I will be teaching a very basic version of metal embossing also known as "repujado" or "repousse'" along with paper flower and shrine construction, rubberstamping and punching.  The metal embossed piece of Frida is what you see in the frame, but you are not limited to just that image.  I will have more to work with.  I love this art form and hope we get enough students to keep it.  Call the store to reserve your seat 909-949-7107.

classes this weekend

Well my computer is still not working but I'm lucky my daughter has a computer so that I can at least still post.  I don't have any photos of the classes but you can check my other blog:
robindudleyhowesclasses.blogspot.com to see the Treasure necklace and Chandelier pendant under "soldered projects."   This Saturday, Oct.16th in Redondo Beach Ca  I will be teaching the chandelier pendant at Harmony Works from 10-2p, $50.  Call 310-791-7104 to reserve your seat. 

On Sunday Oct.17, I will be teaching the Treasure Necklace and Soldered Glass charms class at Piecemakers in Costa Mesa from 10-4p, $65 includes a yummy lunch and snacks.  I now offer students a chance to use my equipment for a studio fee so if you haven't been able to invest in soldering equipment but have wanted to take the class now you can for a small studio fee of $10.  This is in addition to the class fee and I like to know in advance how many need to use my equipment.  Hope to see you at a class!

No computer!

UGH!!!!!!!  My computer is not working AGAIN!!!!!  I am posting this on my husbands computer until mine is fixed.  If you have tried sending me emails and haven't gotten a response that's why.  I can't get into my facebook either.   I despise having to remember every password for every different site especially in instances like this where my hands are tied.  Until then.......