Necklace of Affirmation

Sadly, there seem to be very few times in our lives when we celebrate the simple beauty and strength of who we are as individuals. Yet, hidden within us are deeply rooted truths that guide and ground us through our lives, and I feel that it is always wise to remind ourselves of these strengths. In this workshop, we’ll spend the day creating a slender 2” x ½” book necklace of hammered brass, with pages of mica and patterned paper. Each page contains a single handwritten word that you feel describes one of your strengths; my book has the words “I am Loved” hammered upon the front, and holds ten pages, each with a word on front and on back: nurturer, artist, playmate, nature girl, dreamer, lover, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, student, walker, friend, writer, protector, naked spirit, storyteller, dog lover, poet. Be thinking of the words you’ll wish to wear around your neck that represent the very core of who you are. The necklace is constructed with a large loop and hook at the top, so that it can be worn on a variety of necklaces; this one is hung simply from beautiful, soft sari silk ribbon, but can also be worn from a strand of pearls or gemstones, or from leather or chain. I’ve been drawn for the last few years to the beauty and power of gemstones, with my favorite by far being the blue green of moss aquamarine. A stranger who recently saw me wearing a strand of those stones took the time to explain this stone’s symbolism and meaning – strong intuition and honesty spoken deeply from the heart, with high channels of creativity, self awareness and comprehension – and I feel that much more of a connection to these stones as personal talismans. If time permits, I’ll demonstrate how to knot pearls and gemstones onto silk cord, so you can adorn the bottom of your necklace with a dangling strand of touchstone gems.

I want to commend and thank a beloved Artfest student and friend, Minnie Helvey, who answered my query for a workshop theme with the notion of making a book of affirmation. Minnie has been a stalwart friend of encouragement and support throughout the years, and I’m deeply grateful for her beautiful input.

Kit Fee: $5

Supply List:

• Heavy, clear mica – enough for ten pages – available from volcanoarts.biz
• patterned paper of your choice; I used scrapbook paper with patterns on both sides
• Adirondack Alcohol Ink, from Tim Holtz, in color of your choice (available online, or at Michael’s, Kmart, WalMart, Hobby Lobby)
• paintbrush with small tip
• scrap paper to place under work while painting, and plastic cup for water, rag for wiping ink
• masking tape
• pkg. of 1/8” short eyelets (available from volcanoarts.biz or Michael’s)
• pkg. of 1/16” short eyelets (see above)
• small hammer (list continues on page 2)
• bench block for hammering (a MUST for hammering onto metal); I use the small square one from volcanoarts.biz, lightweight for travel
• self healing cutting mat (absorbs blows and protects table)
• Japanese screw punch with no. 3 tip (available from volcanoarts.biz, or a less expensive inferior version from Lee Valley Tools online
• nail for marking holes to be drilled
• awl
• emory board for filing corners of brass
• scissors or exacto knife
• metal ruler
• small binder clip for holding mica and paper together while assembling
• pencil or pen for writing your words
• small set of jewelry pliers (round nosed, bent nosed, and wire snips) available from Walmart or Volcano Arts (do NOT bring large pair from your garage, you’ll only get frustrated); these will be for forming hook and loop
• ribbon of your choice (sari ribbon is available in a variety of colors on etsy.com – just do a search)
• leather cord (optional), available on etsy (just do a search for soft leather cord; I used 2mm)
• gemstones and pearls (optional) of your choice (available from firemountaingems.com)
• pkg. of size 4 Griffin silk bead cord with self needle (optional) in your color choice, available from many places online, and tweezers (if wishing to knot gemstones)
  
  If any of you have a bench block or small anvil, please bring. I’ll be providing the use of several in class, but I don’t want long lines to form for hammering. Thanks!
  The same goes for sets of metal alphabet stamps. I’ll be bringing two or three sets in 1/8” size.
  
  Kit Fee Includes:
• a pre-cut 2” x ½” brass book cover (two pieces)
• 19 gauge steel wire for “binding” onto a hook
• a small square of polishing paper and the use of assorted metal alphabet stamps from my studio.
• I’ll be bringing extra book covers, should anyone want to purchase extras in class.
  
  (place in an envelope with your name on it when you are packing your supplies for class)