Bangles and charms

This is what I was doing before the earth shook:

All made in an online class with Riki Schumacher via Artful Gathering. A very informative and enjoyable class.
I am still missing one of the other charms I made, need to look for it some more.

I also took two other classes at Artful Gathering that were a great learning experience. Riveting with Keith LoBue and Romancing the Past with Debby Anderson which was full of new and exciting techniques.

Making chains with Stephanie Lee

Last week, I took another online class with Stephanie Lee. I highly recommend not only her classes, but online classes in general (and, don't get me wrong, I love real life classes as well). There's just something about working when you want to, as much or as little as you want to and having access to videos at your convenience.
This time around, we made chain(s), both wrapped and soldered.

 The above photo shows pretty much everything that's on my bench at this moment (well, there's plenty more, but this has to do with chains and links etc.) The two chains on the bottom are something I had been working on before.

Soldered links

wrapped clasps and link

The above were made from Stephanie's videos: soldered links (a bit more soldering to be done) and a link and various clasps.

twisted wire

But what I am the most thrilled about is that I finally learned to make twisted wire using my drill.
Not a terrific photo, sorry, but a nice, even twist.

A class with Stephanie Lee

The alternate title for this post could easily have been "another month, another class" - but, since I haven't posted about my last class (live, with Mary Hettmansperger) yet, I'm going with the original title.
It's another online class, started yesterday and I almost missed it. I have Stephanie's book, I read her blog, but, since I've been in crochet mode lately, I haven't kept up reading the jewelry blogs I usually follow. Thankfully, I caught it just in time.
Class started yesterday (http://stephanielee.typepad.com/stephanie_lee_studios/they-say-to-keep-your-dreams-close-to-your-heart-well-take-it-literally-in-this-e-workshop-as-i-guide-you-through-the-pro.html - in case anybody else would like to join) and, for once, I'm up to date.
Here's what I've done so far:

 

Close up of my favorite. I have no idea how I got the patina/color but I like it enough not to polish it off.

This is attempt number 2, the first one got messed up when somebody scrubbed a little too vigorously.

Practice really does make a difference

Who would have thought?
I mentioned already that I'm taking a soldering class with Terri Brush online (and an etching and soldering class, as well).
There's been some practicing going on and quite a bit of bad language. For one thing, I (and several other people in the class) have been having problems with our highly recommended soldering iron. I finally contacted the company when my second iron showed the same problems as the first and it's now on its way back to the manufacturer for repair/replacement. I've also invested in a different brand and am very happy. The other problem had to do with those cute little rhinestones - they are glued to the background but balancing two pieces of glass on something that small is difficult and there's been a lot of undoing going on.
But, I'm getting better. Really. And it's much more enjoyable.

Getting there

This is obviously a work in progress. I'm taking another online class with Deryn Mentock and Sharon Tomlinson that involves both mixed media art (very hard for me) and metalwork.
This is my first attempt at the metalwork part of the class - it involves both cold and hot connections. It's not finished, I still need to make and attach a bezel to the copper piece, but it's getting there. I really only took the picture to show my teacher what I was having problems with - the solder didn't flow.
I know I said something about putting up pictures from the Hawaiian vacation - but I've been sick for almost 2 weeks. Quite unusual for me. I was dragging a bit when we came back from vacation, sounded like a cross between Barry White and Sam Elliott for a couple of days (quite amusing for somebody who's only 5'3") and then got hit hard by what apparently is going around town: sore throat, head cold, chest cold. I'm finally feeling a bit more like myself - about time, too.
I'm far behind with everything, including putting up pictures. But, since my class ends in mid-February, I figured I'd better get moving there. The artwork has taken me so far outside my comfort zone I'll need a GPS to get back home, but it's been fun. Not something the public will ever see - most likely - but fun, anyway.
So, hopefully, I'll be catching up really soon and there will be pictures.