Of Towers and Turrets
An Exquisite Fusion of Mixed Media and Mixed Metals
An online Workshop by Sharon Tomlinson and Deryn Mentock
Imagine two artists joining forces to share their unique creative experience: a melding of artistic minds and talents…an exquisite fusion. Imagine the ideas that would flow from that creative vortex! A little paint splashed, bits of metal melded, bright and beautiful images magnified by a crystal clear drop of resin…the outcome amazed and delighted us and our aim is to pass that delight on to you. In the spirit of creative collaboration, we are so very pleased to offer our shared secrets, skills and creative processes in the form of our online class: Of Towers and Turrets. This class will give you an opportunity to expand your skills, follow your creativity, listen to that still small voice, celebrate your passion and shout into the silence. In other words…welcome to our art party!
Click on thumbnails to view:
In this class, we will show you the craft and skill of jewelry making in a style that is elegant and refined yet informal. We’ve taken methods straight from traditional jewelry making, run them through the vortex, and come out on the other side with techniques that are easily accessible for everyone. In addition, you’ll learn the art of mixed media by creating your own tower collage painting, including secrets to painting beautiful faces. We’ll explore the possibilities and excitement of melding your own images into jewelry to create one-of-a-kind pieces. If you’ve never done any painting or jewelry making, this is a great place to start! We’ll walk you through every step of the way. If you’re more experienced, you’ll benefit from our casual approach. The techniques and skills you’ll learn are versatile enough to reach into so many creative areas: mixed media, assemblage, bookmaking and more. Wherever your imagination might take you, we’ll show you how to master the craft to get you there.
You’ll have unlimited access to our classroom including the following:
- Weekly videos
- Complete tool and supply list (available upon registration)
- Tools and supplies overview, advice and resources
- Collage paper prep, collage construction and composition
- Stamp carving
- Painted and collaged backgrounds
- Secrets to painting faces
- Images: selection, preparation, computer cropping and printing
- How to leverage your own art into unique jewelry pieces
- Metal preparation: cutting, shaping, filing, drilling, etc.
- Riveting and other cold connections
- Freeform Bezel Making
- Simple soldering and texturing with solder
- Patina application
- ICE Resin: mixing, pouring, curing, tips and tricks
- Working with pre-made bezels
- Questions, answers, troubleshooting with access to two experienced instructors
- More, more, more!!!
Consider this: no driving, no airfare, no hotels or schlepping your heavy stuff! You’ll have continual access to our classroom, which will be made available to students for four full months from Aug. 27 to Dec. 31, 2010. Join at any time. You’ll also have the ability to post photos of your work, chat with other students, post questions and get the answers you need. Like to work in your jammies?...the videos will be at hand…a click away…any time of day or night, for you to view as many times as you want. This is a fluid, work-at-your-own-pace workshop with a friendly, classroom atmosphere. Once you register, a complete tool list will be made available, along with advice on what to get and where to get it. The tools and supplies required for this class are very straightforward and you may be surprised to find that you already own some of them. Sharon and Deryn will be available to teach, guide, critique and answer your questions. In essence, you’ll be getting two classes for the price of one. You’re going to love learning our craft…your way. It’s with great excitement that we urge you to put on your party hat and plunge with us, into our creative vortex!
Cost of Class: $130
Where to find classroom: http://allnorahsart.ning.com
Who we are:
Deryn Mentock
Deryn Mentock has been passionate about art, especially jewelry design, for as long as she can remember. Her designs mingle unique, worn and well-loved finds, religious pieces and faceted, semi-precious stones as well as one-of-a-kind handmade elements, combined in unexpected ways. She prefers the look and feel of vintage, unusual and found objects and delights in blending these treasures into her work. Each composition, infused with color and texture, reveals an intuitive message of faith conveyed through the artist’s hands.
She enjoys teaching nationally and is a design team member for Objects and Elements. Her artwork has been featured in multiple books. You can also find her work in many articles and publications, including Step by Step Wire Jewelry and Belle Armoire Jewelry. You can contact her at mocknet@sbcglobal.net and see more of her work at her blog; http://somethingsublime.typepad.com and her online store; http://mocknet.etsy.com
Sharon Tomlinson
Sharon Tomlinson is a self taught artist living in Marlin, Texas. During the day, she can be found at her desk job day dreaming about her next art project in her studio at home. Presently she enjoys mixed-media and collage on canvas as well as altered books and journals. However, none seems possible without a paint brush in her hand. Visit her blog at allnorahsart.blogspot.com or email her at sktomlinson@gmail.com
I'm thrilled to say that registration is now open! Go here: http://allnorahsart.ning.com Class begins August 27th but you can join in the fun at any time.






I just signed up! This looks great! I cant wait!!
Posted by: Deena | Friday, August 13, 2010 at 10:55 AM
This is awesome! I love the pieces in the post.
Posted by: Lee | Friday, August 13, 2010 at 06:24 AM
Wow - you two did a great job on this video! What fun!
The class is a fabulous idea - you are both so talented. I'll be unable to take it, but I'll certainly be checking in to see how it goes.
So, so proud of you!
Posted by: Deb | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 09:56 PM
since I have never be able to make any of the retreats that you have taught at and also since I have a tendency to whine about it - I now have no excuse AND I am SO all over this!!!! Can't wait Deryn!!! Oh...is there a supply list of would-be-good-to-have-on-hand??? Like maybe some of that ICE? just asking.... :)
Posted by: Michelle Adams | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 01:14 PM
Just signed up for the online class. This is my first on-line class so I'm hoping for the best. Sounds like lots of fun, fun. Can't wait till it starts!
Posted by: Lori B | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 01:04 PM
I am oh so in!
Posted by: Judy | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 11:12 AM
The class sounds awesome! Oh how I want to do it, but it may not be in the cards right now. I'm just getting started with Stephanie Lee's Metalsmithing e-course which I signed up before I found out my mom has stage 4 cancer. I want to be around to help her and my dad when the going gets tough. And my busy season of volunteer work and art shows starts soon. I really want to do your class, but don't want to get overwhelmed. The fact that the classes are available for a few months helps.
I've got a decision to make......
Posted by: Alice | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 08:43 AM
This is so exciting!
Posted by: pilar | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 12:46 AM
Deryn, soooo happy to see this dream come to fruition. The class looks just amazing - what a blend of talent!! There are many followers happy to see this day when you offer an online course!
Posted by: Cindy | Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 12:11 AM
Looks like a lot of fun! The sneak peeks are filled with lots of lovelies! Good luck!
Posted by: Andrew Thornton | Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 05:07 PM
Looks like a wonderful class Deryn! Congratulations on your newest endeavor...
diane
oxox
Posted by: diane cook | Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 10:40 AM
It sounds absolutely fantastic, Deryn!
Need to get myself off to work right now, but will be back to take a closer look!!
Posted by: Renate | Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Oh My Gosh, this is going to be such excellent fun!!!!!! I just can't wait!!! I have wanted to take your classes forever and it hasn't been in the cards, nor does it look like it will be any time soon.
Oh and you have just jam packed it full of tons of different techniques. We don't even have to chose which ones we want to do and which must be sacrificed for another time.
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
Posted by: Pattie | Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 09:33 PM
when does class start? it looks like fun!
Posted by: Kerry Bogert | Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 05:48 PM
wow!!!!!!!!!!! it's a dream!!
love the music on the video ;)
Posted by: Izabella | Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 05:24 PM