What my students have graciously said:
The Art of Closure:
Susan: I have taken three of Deryn's on-line classes before with much gratitude for her unique teaching ability unlike any other instructor. She is a true treasure ......... so generous and never holds back her knowledge. It sets her apart from others. I have been so fortunate to have found her and she has opened my eyes to a whole new world. Her blog is an education in itself. It opens one's mind to so many new experiences whether it is travel, nature ,instruction, life experience, history, new experiences, etc. She passes it on to us all. Words seem to flow so easily in her writings and I have found many times much Peace and joy. Deryn,....Thank You for all you selflessly contribute to so many of us.
Lori: I just had to send you an email to let you know how much I love the class! The classes (you) have exceeded my expectations. My husband saw me watching the videos last night (the first time I really got a chance to sit down and view), and he asked me if they were better or worse than I thought they would be…I told him they were definitely better than what I had hoped for! The instruction and the content are exactly what I was looking for and lacking in my jewelry making. I’ve never had a better teacher.
Candy: This has been an amazing class with wealth of information Deryn! As a metal craft novice I am so thankful that I was able to learn from you, an absolute pro and wonderful teacher. The cost and value comparison is off the charts, along with your effort to make this class approachable for all skill levels. I needed closure for sure! Thanks again!
Tracy: You won't be sorry you signed up. These are clear concise videos with wonderful step by step instructions simple enough for anyone to follow.
BoHo Bliss:
Sharon: Just want to say that I am compelled to tell you that you have influenced me greatly as a jewelry artist. Your work is profound and your kindness from day one has been beyond generous. You have taught me with the two classes I have taken with you that the more I learn, the less I know, and I can always learn more, and perfect more. Thank you Deryn.
Heidi: This is my 3rd class with Deryn and she's the best out there. Considering the amount of info packed into these videos, this is the best bang for the buck there is. Plus, you can watch them in your jammies at 2AM, which is what I am doing. Who needs sleep when you can play with fire and pound on metal?
Susan: THANK YOU! All I can say is that this class has been the BEST!!!!!!!! The best I've ever taken and can't wait for the next. What a bang for the buck! There is not one thing more that you could have showed or taught us on these wonderful earring lessons. What a complete job you've done to make learning easy and fun. You packed in Sooo much information and never tired in answering any of our questions. The class felt very personal and to boot you gave us examples with your personal flicker, website and any other opportunity you could think of. Replaying the video's made it easy to fine tune our endeavors. You went out of your way and it seems to me that it was easy for you because you are so generous with all of your knowledge. So sharing. Very rare. You left no information out. One can easily see that you love your art profession and it radiates energy from within you and gives such confidence to all of us. God bless you. You are a "gift" my friend.
Cara: These classes are fantastic!! I wasn't sure that I would be able to make these earrings- but I am sure I can now. You have made them very accessible. I am so excited and these would make terrific gifts. Although you don't need to have done The Build Zone to make these, I am so glad I did that course because it truly is the foundation for most jewelery projects. Many thanks!
Jan: You've opened up a whole new world of creativity for me between The Build Zone and this class, I just love what I'm learning! You seem to answer every question I would have before I even send it to you! I'm thinking but what about this or that, and like a little miracle, you start answering it!
Thanks so much, Deryn, the videos are looking great! I have to say these are the best classes I've taken on line and I've taken a lot of them!
Susan: Your manner and the kind way you are with us makes us feel as if we are considered your good friend. You're sooo nice! This class has been a real treat for me and you made it so easy. You have answered all of our questions and it must take quite a considerable amount of time and planning to put this all together. I know you have to get ready for your next classes (Adorn Me etc.] coming up but maybe you will have a breather for a couple of days. I don't think that head of yours will let that happen. Gee,... to have a career that you are thrilled and crazy about is kind of rare these
days isn't it? How lucky you are. Think about all of us that you made happy and gave a fulfilled feeling to. A great contribution I'd say!
Beth: I cannot believe that prior to this class, I had never even made my own ear wires. Now I would never even think about buying a pair of ear wires to use on my own hand made jewelry. What a difference a few months makes!
The Build Zone:
Rita: Thanks for the wonderful videos. I have continued to have trouble doing my wire wrapping even after carefully watching other teachers do it, but in just watching your video I was able to see what I was doing wrong and correct it. It makes soooo much difference. This course would be worth it to me if it was just for that =) but it just continues with each video. Thank you for tailoring this wonderful class the way you have.
Rainy: So many tiny little details that I had no idea about, but are making the biggest difference in the quality of my work. In just two weeks I'm doing much better stuff - it's more polished, the finished details are better, it's just all around good stuff you've got in the videos. This class was a godsend!
Heidi: To be able to learn great stuff, without having to shell out for transportation, lodging, etc… is priceless and well worth the cost of the class. I think it's against the law in several states and many countries to have this much fun!
Beth: Deryn, this class has been so wonderful and I thank you so very much for putting it together in such an organized and professional way. You are a class act, a talented artist and a major source of inspiration as were the fellow classmates via the Yahoo group and the FLICKR posts. I could not have asked for more in how you presented and delivered the material. Your videos and your web site are very organized and easy to navigate. Your class got me so motivated and inspired that I spent 6 hours last Saturday reorganizing my studio! I have made several necklaces in the class using your techniques. The info on the steel wire was worth the price of admission. Now awaiting all my on-line deliveries so I can continue on with you in the Towers and Turrets class. I look forward to future workshops with you. Thank you Deryn and thank you classmates.
Of Towers and Turrets:
Nancy: I never would have thought that an online class would feel so "one on one" and personal!
Anna: Deryn and Sharon, you have done an exceptional job of demonstrating and sharing. I have to say that this might be the best class I have ever taken face-to-face or online. Thank you so much for your gracious gifts of time and talent.
Isolina: I get nothing done! It's your fault Deryn and Sharon - you have created a collage junkie, LOL. Thank you, this site is better than the invention of sliced bread (whenever that was) LOL. I'm having a BLAST. ;)
Lis: My first online workshop, and it's been so incredibly amazing. Of Towers and Turrets, please do check it out.....lots of wonderful ladies from all over the world, sharing the most incredible work as they/we learn from these fabulous instructors!!! I am hooked, Sharon and Deryn are an amazingly complimentary and effective team and I highly recommend this workshop. A series of very professionally executed and just plain fun videos guide you through everything from tools and sources, detailed instruction and review....forums filled with lovely, encouraging and highly inspired people bouncing information and encouragement all over, a veritable treasure trove, all of it. Our instructors seem to never be further than a whisper away when you have a question. I love how relaxing yet inspiring it all is. For a workshop that will potentially alter your perspective, teach and refine your skills, and add layers of soul to what you create, just do it. You won't regret a minute of it.
Judy: It is an online class, and the perfect solution for the girl who lives in the middle of a corn field and doesn't have the time nor money to travel to attend some of these wonderful art classes. I can work in my jammies. The class that got me hooked on the on-line classes is "Of Towers & Turrets - An Exquisite Fusion of Mixed Media and Mixed Metals found at All norah'S Art . This is a class presented by two very talented artists, Sharon Tomlinson and Deryn Mentock. I have been dreaming of taking a class from Deryn for some time now. So when I saw the opportunity to take an online class by her, I didn't even stop to read on my way to the paypal button. I found the button and bought the class and then went back and read about it! WOW, a great impulse buy on my part! Two of my biggest art passions in one class. Collage and metals. Wonderful!
Angela: This is my very first mixed media collage and wow, what a process! I jumped at the chance to do this course so I could learn from Deryn from all the way from Australia, and thought of the mixed media side as a lovely bonus since I've always wanted to learn some mixed media skills. Coming to the course late, I was able to start by watching the jewellery making videos, and then whilst waiting for materials to arrive, I decided to go back to Sharon's tutorials...... WELL! Then I was hooked! Oh, my! What fun it was! This could get really addictive..... Thank you to both Sharon and Deryn for this superb class. I am loving it. Loving it. Woohoo!!
Johanna: Thank you so much for both of you and your professional and dedicated effort in Towers and Turrets online workshop! I learned many things! Even though many of the techniques and materials were familiar to me, the new aspect made this whole thing so refreshing. And I did not have any problems to follow your language either (even though my English could be better). I already started to think about Deryn's new jewelry workshop, even though I have been making jewelry for 15 years. Your dedicated way impressed me. And Sharon, I am not a painter nor artist either.. your workshop would be worth to me ;) I might join both of your workshops. So thank you and wish you all the best!
