art high

I just got home from my last class at this year's Art Unraveled which takes place every August here in Phoenix. It was my 4th year attending and every year it seems to get better and better and it always leaves me with an incredible art “high”. Organizers Linda and Chuck do an amazing job hosting the event and the instructors and classes are just fabulous. And don't get me started on the vendor day....so easy to spend lots of money on great products and artwork.

Here’s a recap of my week…

Leighanna Light’s “The Construction of an Art Book”. This workshop is a blast. It’s all play and it totally makes me feel like a kid again. Leighanna is so much fun and her creativity is inspiring. Here’s the book I made.

Later that night I attended Jen Cushman’s “The Pitch, the Project, the Paycheck”. If you've ever considered getting your work published this is the workshop for you. Jen shares her wealth of information from her careers as a writer and jewelry maker…things it would take you years to figure out on your own.

Then Melissa Manley’s “Amulet for Peace”. Using a couple of different resist techniques Melissa showed us how to etch bullet casings and create a fun charm. Here are my casings all ready for assembly.

My table mate for the evening was the enjoyable Don Madden.

I also took two classes with Deryn Mentock, “Resin Paper Forms” and “Bloom Bangles”. I love Deryn’s personal style and how she incorporates so many interesting items into her jewelry. Here are the bangles I made with the resin forms.

And last but certainly not least, Richard Salley’s “Super Easy Hinges”. Anyone who makes jewelry knows what a challenge making a hinge can be….well Richard showed us a pretty neat trick. Here are two charms, the first is a little book with a hinged cover and the other is a simple piece with piercings.

Here's Richard with Martina his assistant.

But what makes this event even more special are the people. It truly feels like a family reunion. So here's to Sandy, Mary Beth, Tonya, Marilyn, Jen, Karyn, Don and all the wonderful teachers...see you next year. And a special thank you to the person ( I'm so sorry I can't remember your name...please comment or email me and remind me) who greeted me in the hotel lobby and told me they loved reading my blog...you made my day!

Update! It was Reva Solomon who met me in the lobby. Check out her beautiful assemblage that won  first place in the artist contest...way to go Reva! Thanks for sharing and staying connected!