Something Sublime

Adorn Me 2016

It's time for one of the only jewelry making events that's held here in our fair city of Houston...Adorn Me! Dates are Sept. 6th through 11th. This one is all jewelry making, all the time and a great way to add to your jewelry making skill set. I've got three brand new classes for ya'll, that I'm really excited about. Check it:

Friday, Sept 9, I'm teaching a terrific, boho piece called Affirmations Necklace. First off, I love the design of this necklace as it can be worn long, or doubled. Love a piece that is versatile! 

We'll be doing some reticulated silver coins, made from your scrap silver, then adding your own personal soul words using metal stamps. I'll also show you how to make a terrific sterling arrow for a lariat style closure.

If you have trouble stringing beads (it's a little trickier than one would think!), we're covering this in class, too. This is just a beautiful necklace that can be worn with almost anything.

Saturday, Sept. 10, I'm teaching Embracing the Ear: Gem Stick Cuff and Earrings. There's lots to cover in this class and I think you'll be thrilled with the results.

We'll be making a shaped and stamped ear cuff with a soldered bezel, then adding some pretty embellishments.

I'll show you how to twist, spiral and paddle wire to add to your cuff.

I'll also show you how to add gemstones to create a unique "stick of stones." These make beautiful earrings! We'll top it off by learning to make perfect ear wires.

Last, but certainly not least, is my Strap Set Drusy with Patterned Chain. I love this chain, so much! This class is on the last day of Adorn Me...Sunday, Sept. 11. I'm bringing some incredible drusies that I picked up in Tucson...I'll have them for purchase, in class. They're gorgeous and so unique!

I'll show you how to make a Alexander Calder in inspired strap setting that can be used for lots of different stones.

I'm going to bring some special dies for ya'll to use to make this gorgeous patterned chain to go with your pendant. This is a soldered chain so you'll be learning how to do that, as well. 

I'll also cover bead stringing, as time allows. This class is cram packed with technique!

Ok...so there you have it. I'm excited to see your shining faces because, you may or may not know, I had to miss Art Unraveled in Phoenix, this year. I've been there for years but, due to a family situation, I had to cancel at the last minute. That was agonizing for me and I have to apologize to you if you were one of my students there. If the sun rises and the river don't rise, I'll see you at Adorn Me! lol!

For all the info and registration, please click HERE.

Looking forward...

deryn xxoo

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2016 In Person Classes With Deryn Mentock

Hello, my friends! It's been a super busy year for me and I feel like I've barely been home. I've got a couple more trips planned, including one to travel to the west to help with family matters. A blessing, for sure...but that means I've been a tad neglectful of my dear blog. There's only so much to be squeezed into 24 hours! In any case, here's an update of my current in-person teaching schedule.

Art Unraveled is coming...QUICKLY! It's a favorite venue of mine, and probably yours too. I adore Phoenix and this retreat is so well run and so much fun.

I've added Adorn Me, to the schedule, with a couple of brand new classes, right here in Houston. Super excited about that!

My busy time of year approaches and I'd love...love...love to see you in one of my classes!

2016 Teaching Schedule:

 Art Unraveled

Phoenix, Arizona

August 6-9, 2016

Embracing the Ear: Gem Stick Cuff and Earrings--Strap Set Drusy Ring

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Adorn Me

Houston, Texas

Sept. 6-11, 2016

Affirmations Necklace--Embracing the Ear: Gem Stick Cuff and Earrings--Strap Set Pendant with Patterned Chain

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Hey all! It's been an interesting year, as far as my teaching schedule. There have been some additions, tweaks and changes so I'm keeping in the spirit of rolling with it! Let me tell you where I'll be in the near future...

First of all, I'll be in beautiful Phoenix, Az, very soon! I always love teaching at Art Unraveled. Linda Young is the consummate professional and an expert at organizing amazing teaching/learning events. Linda has also had an interesting year and I'm hoping we can all support her. For my part, I'm teaching three classes for her. Here's what I have for you:

First thing for me, at Art Unraveled, will be Vendor Day on Saturday, Aug. 6th. I'm lately feeling the need to clear out and am in search of new beginnings so I'll be bringing lots of pieces, for sale. I'm bringing many of my own, favorite, personal pieces to share with ya'll. I'll have necklaces, rings and earrings...maybe even a bracelet, or two. If you've been eyeing something of mine, for a while, come see me at Vendor Day...I may have it for sale.

Aug. 7th I'll be teaching my popular Basket Weave Bezel Ring class. Oh, how I love these rings! I've not seen another design like them and they're just so much fun to make. If you haven't had a chance to take this class...do it. I probably won't be teaching this one again.

Aug. 8th, I'm so excited to be offering a brand new one called Embracing the Ear: Gem Stick Cuff and Earrings. Ear cuffs are back and hotter than ever. I'll show you how to create your own stamped or textured cuff with a set stone. Then we'll make gem sticks: sterling sticks embellished with tons of gemstones. These are so gorgeous!

Aug. 9th, is my Calder inspired Strap Set Drusy Ring. This is a super versatile, and beautiful, setting. I was inspired by the forged wire work of Alexander Calder. I'm in love with his jewelry pieces...and with this ring. I think you'll love it, too!

I'll have info on Linda's other venue, Adorn Me, which is in Houston, in a separate post.

 

On the home front...this is the last day to register for my new online class, Link Love. You still have a little over a month to complete the class, so there's plenty of time. I'll have to show ya'll the student work from this class...it's gorgeous! I hope you can jump in.

See you in class!

deryn xxoo 

Link Love-New Online Class!

Ya'll ready for some love???

 

Registration for my brand new class, Link Love, is up and running! Working with wire was a first love of mine, way back when. I'm so pleased to now share the romance with you.

I've got some amazing classic links in store for you...

...as well as some intriguing designs of my own. 22 unique and beautiful links, in all!

We'll even create a gorgeous bracelet that you'll be proud to wear and say that YOU made.

To get all the details, click the Link Love icon in the upper right corner of my blog. Or...click here. You'll also find a handy paypal button in that upper right corner.

If you've ever taken an online class from me, you know that a TON of thought and work goes into my classes. This class is no exception. I'm putting it all out there for you guys and I think you're going to love working with wire, as much as I do!

Join me!

deryn xxoo

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Artisan's Daybook 2016

Well, I'm back from Tucson and a fantastic time was had, by all...mostly! There was a nasty flu bug making the rounds and many, many people, all over town, were sick with it...including me. In any case, that's a story for another post. :)

Right now, I want to tell you that my online class Artisan's Daybook is just about to begin! The first day of class is this Friday, Feb. 19.

If you're looking for a fun and relaxing experience, and want to create something really spectacular...take this one!

This is only the second time I've taught this and I have to tell you that the response to the first time was overwhelming. The students loved it! And, I loved teaching it. I think you'll be able to tell that from the amount of info I packed into this class.

We'll be doing altered cabinet cards, but that's just the beginning. I'll also show you lots of ways to do transfers: on paper and fabric, stamping, washes, penscore stamps, working with fabric and creating resin embellishments. 

Not only all of that but...my favorite part...we'll be making a tuck in water color palette to tuck into a pocket in the back of your journal. We'll make some color wheels and talk a bit about how to use them. We'll work with watercolors, crayons, colored pencils and all kinds of other fun stuff.

I'll also show you my very favorite method for doing collage work. Whew!

Yep. And then we'll put it all together into this amazing book, that you'll treasure.

I hope ya'll join me because this class is some serious fun. Take a look at what my previous students have said, by clicking here...then you decide. Hope to see you in class, soon!

deryn xxoo

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I've been furiously working on a few things...mostly earrings...to take with me to Tucson. I'll be teaching at Art Retreat in the Desert (not too late to register!) but the first big happening is Thursday evening, Feb. 4th at 6:00 pm. I'll be participating in the Vivi Magoo Marketplace.

I'm pretty thrilled with this new Archway earring design and will, hopefully, have a couple of pair of these at the Marketplace.

I'll have several other pair of gem stone laden earrings, as well. It feels good to get back to the bench, after a pretty long absence!

I'm turning loose some of my worked metal pieces (so work intensive, but so pretty!) and even some of my older, favorite pieces. These are pieces that have been in my personal collection for a long time because I just couldn't let them go. But, now it's time. I feel a change coming and I'm ready to clear some things out!

This one is a class sample from my new Chain Reaction class. Don't you love that tourmaline crystal? I'm hoping to find more of this type of material at the gem shows. Can't wait to get shopping, in just a few days. See you there!

deryn xxoo

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It's that time, folks! I'll be leaving for Tucson to teach three terrific classes at Art Retreat in the Desert, in just a couple of weeks. I've got two brand new classes for you, as well as my Relic Ring class, which has been sold out for quite a long time (thank you!)

You guys asked for it so, here it is...Sublime Design! I'm so excited to teach this as jewelry design is one of my favorite subjects. We'll be working our way through all of the design elements and principles you'll need to create beautiful pieces. 

We'll be doing some sketching and there will be lots of instruction on color theory; something a lot of jewelry peeps don't think about. The construction techniques I will offer will be based on the projects you, the students, want to work on. If you're struggling with design, or color, this is the class you need.

The other brand new class I'll teach is called Chain Reaction. We're going to be working on some beautiful and unique chain.

Ever want to make soldered chain but were intimidated? I'll show you how to do a lovely, twisted soldered chain. This one is really versatile.

We're also going to do a intricate looking herringbone weave, as well as a basic wire wrapped bead link.

The last one is a one-of-a-kind copper chain that includes my very special hand-formed disks, combined with a heavily wrapped wire link. This chain is a variation on a ball and stick style chain and is so much fun to make!

If you've never been to a Vivi Magoo event, like Art Retreat in the Desert...or you've never been to Tucson, believe me, now is the time to go! This event is run in conjunction with the Tucson gem shows. You can find every kind of gem, bead, stone, fossil, cabochon and what-not, at these gem shows. It's gem heaven!

Ok...so, it's not too late to register. I hope ya'll can come!

deryn xxoo

 

 

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Winners! Christmas Ornament Blog Hop Party

Another Christmas has come and gone and today is Epiphany day. Traditionally, this is the day the church celebrates the visitation of the three wise men to the Christ child. This day is also called Three Kings Day or Twelfth Day, as today marks the twelfth, and final, day of Christmas. What better way to celebrate than to wrap up my Christmas ornament blog hop party?

Because there were only six participants (wow...only six of you?!!!) I'm going to double up on the prizes so that you each get something. The catch is that you have to contact me as I may not be able to contact some of you. Either email me or comment here, on this post if you participated in the ornament party...you know who you are! I've got two spots in my next online class...two copies of my book and two Something Sublime t-shirts. Yay!

My sincere hope is that ya'll had a very merry Christmas and you're looking forward to a creative and positive new year. Thank you SO much, those of you who played with me!

deryn xxoo

Something Sublime Ornament Blog Hop Party 2015!

Welcome to my Christmas Ornament blog hop party!

Here's how it works:

Create something amazing! Make your very best, most creative, handmade Christmas ornament to share with us.

December 15th is the day the party starts...that's today! Post your beautiful ornament to your blog, then link your blog post, right here, on my party post, using the InLinkz linking tool (see below). Doing this allows you to become part of the blog hop and allows our party people to see your gorgeous work. Make sure you create your blog post, then enter your link here before the end of the party, on Dec. 22nd.

I'll be doing giveaways, for participants, on or about the 22nd. I've got Something Sublime t-shirts...The Jewelry Makers Design Book...and spot in my next online class!

Here are the rules of the hop:

• You must do a blog post featuring your ornament-if you'd like to do a how-to video or tutorial...great! Add your link to this blog post, using the InLinkz tool, below. Scroll down to see where to link up. There's a little blue button, on the left, that says "add your link". Click it and add the link to your blog post. Then add your name and choose a photo. It's super easy!
• Notify your followers via facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram.
• Visit, and leave a comment to, at least two links before and after your own link. This is important!
• Follow me on my social media accounts. (I'm not making this mandatory but I'd sure love you to do this! xxoo)  You can find links to them in my right sidebar.
• Save this banner image and use it on your own blog post, during the party, to show that you're partying here.

For my own ornament, a lot of you have probably already seen my snowman snowglobes. This is part of my Merry Men of Winter, online class:

. These were such fun to make. Each tiny diorama is a winter wonderland!

2007

I was decorating my "art tree" today. This is a tall, skinny tree that is positively loaded with handmade ornaments from all of my artsy friends, over the years. Each one means so much to me. As I was hanging them, I was feeling very touched by my friend Joanna Pierotti's amazing ornaments. Joanna was a part of my swaps for quite a few years. So...I wanted to add something a little bit special, to the party. I know a lot of you knew Joanna so I'm going to post what she gifted me with. These are some of my favorite ornaments...so full of love, creative energy and imagination and I think you all will enjoy seeing them.

For 2007, Jo created an amazing crazy quilt, art doll. Her head is hand sculpted and painted with Joanna's signature roses. I think it's set on a smashed tart tin. The detail is really exceptional.

2008

This ornament was one of my all time favorites. It's a book, of sorts, created from...wait for it...a leather wallet. Of all things! I just have to admire the creative thought that went into an idea like that.

Inside is an embellished image of the Holy Family. It's a treat to open this up and explore every tiny detail.

2009

Another really inventive idea...a dress form. Dressed up, of course! You can't see it in this photo but the back is red velvet.

The bodice is some sort of metal/metallic something-or-other with a cool texture. I think it's solder, actually. Again, the detail is spot on. I can safely say that this one is a favorite, as well.

2010

For 2010, Joanna created a beautiful ice queen. I adore this luminous little snow-woman.

Yes...she's a gentlewoman. So sweet...

2011

Joanna customized this gorgeous little soldered glass ornament with each participant's initial. Often, her wrapping was just as intriguing as her ornaments. That's some of her wrapping in the background of this photo.

It's just so good...the image, the initial, the beveled glass. Perfection!

2012

Again, Joanna went with a book-ish style ornament, for 2012. This one is very delicate and feminine...with a little surprise inside...

This is such a meaningful little piece of artwork! 2012 was the last year that Jo played with the ornament swaps.

I hope ya'll enjoyed this sentimental tour of Jo's ornaments. She was one of the most inspiring and talented artist's I've known.

Alrighty, now...here are a few participant prizes that I'll be giving to some of my randomly drawn partiers. A Something Sublime t-shirt...

...a copy of my book, The Jewelry Maker's Design Book...

...and...I'm not sure what I'll be teaching online for next year but my last prize is a free spot in my next online class. Yay!

Now... don't forget to post your ornament and add your link to the party. Merry Christmas, friends!

deryn xxoo

An InLinkz Link-up

Join Me For A Sublime Christmas Ornament Blog Hop Party

Join me for an extravaganza of Christmas ornaments!

For the last dozen years, or so, I've been involved in some amazing ornaments swaps. I'm missing that this year so I thought, let's do a virtual sharing of handmade ornaments. This is going to be really, really fun so I hope you'll participate!

Here's how it will work:

Create something amazing! Make your very best, most creative, handmade Christmas ornament to share with us.

December 15th is the day the party starts! On Dec. 15th, post your beautiful ornament to your blog.You'll link your blog post, on my party post, using the InLinkz linking tool. Doing this allows you to become part of the blog hop and allows our party people to see your gorgeous work. Make sure you do your post and enter your link before the end of the party, on Dec. 22nd.

I'll be doing giveaways, for participants, on or about the 22nd. I've got Something Sublime t-shirts...The Jewelry Makers Design Book...and spot in my next online class!

Here are the rules of the hop...it's easy!:

• You must do a blog post featuring your ornament. If you'd like to do a how-to video or tutorial...great!
• Notify your followers via facebook, twitter, pinterest and instagram.
• Visit, and leave a comment to, at least two links before and after your own link.
• Follow me on my social media accounts. (I'm not making this mandatory but I'd sure love you to do this! xxoo)  You can find links to them in my right sidebar.
• Save this banner image and use it on your own blog post, during the party, to show that you're partying here.

See you at the party!

deryn xxoo