A lot of us like to start out the new year by making a list of resolutions or setting intentions (experiencing the emotions resonating from what you choose to manifest in your life). Lose weight, get in better shape, make more money, etc., etc., etc. I have done this more times than I care to think about and yet I still find myself at the end of the year, wondering where the time went and why I didn’t get everything done that I wanted to. For those of you who also feel this way, here’s a thought: have the experience of learning something new this year and stepping outside your comfort zone.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is by taking a jewellery class in a technique that you have never tried before. I know that a lot of you readers are experienced in making beautiful sterling jewellery (I’ve seen your work!), but don’t stop there. There are so many different ways of creating stunning jewellery that it seems a shame to stop at just one or two. Besides, it’s good for your brain to learn something new!
I offer the following suggestions for classes to expand your skills and your mind. Remember, most of these are one day, so even if you learn a technique that you don’t want to use in the future (which I highly doubt!), you still have a pretty piece of jewellery to wear and enjoy.
Mmmm-kyanite!
The class that I am most intrigued by is the Statement Ring. Who wouldn’t want a big, beautiful ring on their hand that they could wear and enjoy everyday? This class offers the opportunity to make something truly unique and truly you. Choose one of the stones at the studio (at a special discount for this class) or bring in one that you have had for a while that needs to be worn and loved. Of course, everyone will want to know where you got it and when you tell them you made it, they’ll want you to make them one too! So, there’s one of your resolutions solved- make more money by becoming a statement ring maker extraordinaire!
This necklace has shot an arrow through my heart!
Another project that I think is really beautiful is the Valentine Heart Necklace. I am, by nature, a hopeless romantic, so anything that is remotely related to a day celebrating love attracts my attention. This necklace would be perfect with an LBD (little black dress) or any colour dress for Valentine’s Day dinner out with that special someone. It would also be perfect later with no dress, if you get my drift! You could also do other shapes for other occasions or something generic that can be worn everyday with anything in your wardrobe. And because you’ll be making so many of these in different variations, you won’t have any time to eat, so you’ll lose weight- another resolution accomplished!
pretty stones!
The third class that I am excited about is Beginning Lapidary. This is a class in which you learn to cut and polish your own stones. So not only can you design and create completely unique jewellery, you can cut the stones the way you want them for each piece. Think of the possibilities for all those statement rings that you’re going to make! And of course, not just rings, but also pendants, earrings, bracelets and so on and so on. This is also a class that will help you get in shape from lugging around chunks of rock. Believe me, I have seen the lapidary students sweating – a lot. So, third resolution-piece of cake-oops-I mean piece of rock!
So there you have it- take a class (or several), learn new jewellery making techniques and have a Happy New Year!