Time for some reflection

Many of you may know that I, like a lot of you work a full-time, non-jewelry related job and make every attempt to squeeze in my passion for designing and teaching jewelry making when I can. What I learned last year is that sometimes it is just best to do less, and in doing so, you will be able to do a better job and enjoy things a bit more.

With that in mind, I will not be teaching at San Diego Community College Community Education program for the Spring semester. Those of you who watch the SDCCD website may have noticed that I am not on the list, however I will be offering a monthly, private workshop in my home studio, one Saturday a month, each month.

These private workshops give you full access to my home studio, tools and me – in a small and intimate setting. So far, the feedback I have received from the students is that they really appreciated the small group and ability to try out tools before they commit to purchasing them.

In order to make this work for you and for me, I will need to obtain a paid commitment of five minimum and six maximum students for each monthly session. The cost is $60 for a workshop which will run from 9:00 – 3:30 (half hour lunch break).

I was thinking that the best way to structure the class offerings is to publish the schedule, with photos of the projects, and a brief description. Then I will e-mail the distribution list. First ones to respond will be added to the workshop. Once we have the minimum number I can send you a link for PayPal so you can process the class payment. I will keep a wait list for those who were interested.

Sometimes things don’t work out, so as long as you cancel at least two weeks prior to the scheduled workshop, you will be given credit to attend a future workshop. Cancellation fee is $10.00. In the event I need to cancel the workshop, your fee will be refunded in full.

For those of you taking other fee classes at SDCCD, please be sure to take time to pre-register so you can use the new online enrollment. You will not be able to join a fee class unless you have re-registered and paid. The instructors will no longer be able to take your fee in class. There are fabrication classes and a new art-clay instructor. I hope to return with some new Saturday workshops for the Summer session.

In the meantime, here’s to a happy, health and jewelry-filled 2012. I hope to see many of you in my workshops over the next few months.

Fall Schedule: San Diego Community College -West City Center Campus

Wire Jewelry Making 1: Explore the tools, materials and techniques to make one-of-a-kind wire jewelry. You will learn about types of wire, how to use tools to manipulate wire and explore different ways to shape and texture wire for unique jewelry. Students will be introduced to more advanced projects of their own design. Instructions will include how to make jump rings, eye pins, wire wrapped beads, dangles and a simple clasp. Bring your own materials, if you have them. Bring a notebook to capture your ideas. Supply kits for copper wire available for $25
Thursday * 6:00 – 9:00 PM * 09/08/11-10/13/11 * SDCCD * West City Campus, Room 210
Workshop fee: $90 (this is for 18 hours of instruction - only $5 per hour! - A minimum of 15 students are needed on the first night of class for this great price) .

Wire Jewelry Making 2: Continue exploring wire jewelry making techniques to make one-of-a-kind jewelry. You will develop basic design skills and work on your own designs. Additional tools and techniques will be included such as love knots, wire spiral beads, crocheted bead caps and using pearls with larger gauge wire. Bring your own tools and materials, if you have them. Bring a notebook to capture your ideas. Supply kits for copper wire available for $25
Thursday * 6:00 – 9:00 PM * 11/03/11-12/15/11 * SDCCD * West City Campus, Room 210
Workshop fee: $90 (this is for 18 hours of instruction - only $5 per hour!- A minimum of 15 students are needed on the first night of class for this great price).

Simply Charming Bracelet: Create your own chain bracelet and embellish it with beads and charms. Learn to make and stamp sheet metal discs which you will turn into charms. Beads will be added using handmade headpins, several of which will be demonstrated in class. Some wire work experience suggested. A review of tools, supplies and resources will be included. Materials fee - $25 - $50 depending upon selected project
Saturday * 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM * 09/10/11 * SDCCD * West City Campus, Room 210
Workshop Fee: $30 (this is for 6 hours of instruction - only $5 per hour - a minimum of 15 students needed to ensure this low price).

Cold Connections & Riveted Pendants: Join two objects together without soldering. Make two types of rivets: a pendant with a wire rivet and one with a tube rivet. Create a unique background using sheet metal, stamps and texturing hammers. Bring metal blanks, 22 gauge copper sheet, 14 gauge copper or silver round wire, and 2.5mm thick walled tubing (copper, silver or brass). Supply kits available in class for $25
Saturday * 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM * 10/8/11 * SDCCD * West City Campus, Room 210
Workshop Fee: $30 (this is for 6 hours of instruction - only $5 per hour - a minimum of 15 students needed to ensure this low price).

Connectors & Clasps: A fun workshop that focuses on adding to your wire work skills. Learn different components, all made out of sterling silver or copper wire. Link them together with jump rings and create a unique bracelet or necklace. New link styles will be demonstrated, with plenty of time to work on your creation. Materials fee is $20 - $50
Saturday * 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM * 11/05/11 * SDCCD * West City Campus, Room 210
Workshop Fee: $30 (this is for 6 hours of instruction - only $5 per hour - a minimum of 15 students needed to ensure this low price).

Wire Earrings: In this exciting workshop you will create your very own stylish and elegant earrings. Four styles of earring will be demonstrated, including spirals, head pins and basic ear wires. You will learn about tools, findings and design tips. No previous jewelry making experience required. New styles will be demonstrated. Materials fee is $30 - $50
Saturday * 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM * 12/03/11 * SDCCD * West City Campus, Room 210
Workshop Fee: $30 (this is for 6 hours of instruction - only $5 per hour - a minimum of 15 students are needed to ensure this low price).

Who says you can't make your own wire beads? A new workshop will be offered Saturday, August 17, 2010, from 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM at SDCCD's West City Campus in Point Loma, California.

Go to http://www.sdce.edu/class-schedule/instructor_schedule.php?term=102&instr=SWENSON,%20S to see the 2010 Summer Schedule of workshops. See you there!

Simply Charming Bracelet

Here's the Simply Charming Bracelet in copper. Go to Sylvia Swenson Designs facebook link for detail photos. This workshop is packed with techniques like stamping, using a disc cutter and making the bracelet foundation.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sylvia-Swenson-Designs/123304692241?ref=ts

Wire Beads Workshop

Here is a sample of the new Wire Beads Workshop. You will make several types of beads, all created from wire!

Summer and Fall Teaching Schedule

Here are the dates for upcoming workshops which are held at SDCCD Continuing Education, West City Campus:
New Class: Wire Beads, Sat. 7/17, 9:00-2:00
Connectors & Clasps: Tues. 8/3 & 8/10, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Basic Wire Techniques: Sat. 8/14, 9:00 - 2:00
New Class: Simply Charming Bracelet, Sat. 9/18, 9:00 - 2:00
Chain Bracelets: Sat. 10/9, 9:00 - 2:00
Wire Earrings: Sat. 11/6, 9:00 - 2:00
Wire Beads: Sat. 12/11, 9:00 - 2:00
For class descriptions and more information go to:
http://www.sdce.edu/