SilverWorks Studio & Gallery
newsletter for the emerging silversmith
March, 2010
Greetings!

Spring is on its way and hopefully it brings inspiration for your art. In this issue I will address ways to foster inspiration, a new project to try, some gem info, a free materials offer for upcoming classes, and a way to score some cool earrings made at SilverWorks!

Creatively,
Blair Anderson
Director, SilverWorks Studio & Gallery
gemstones
Stone Scared
Do you suffer from gem intimidation? You have found a stone that you just love, and now you feel the pressure of wanting to create the perfect design. You feel stuck and afraid. Time to jettison that fear.
Read more...
SilverWorks ClassSneak Peek Inside the Studio

Taking a class at SilverWorks Studio is meant to be an inspiring but laid back experience. Whether you are just wanting to try a new skill or you are seriously pursuing the art form it is the intention that the studio creates a safe place for you to do that. And sometimes that looks a little unconventional.

Read more...
A Love of Lapis Lazuli

One of my favorite stones is Lapis Lazuli, a "gemstone" that technically is not a mineral but a rock. It's blue color is what makes it so desirable, and has been used in jewelry as well as ancient Egyptian cosmetics (so that is where blue eye shadow came from!)

blueMohs Scale of Hardness: 5-5.5

for more general info on Lapis and other stones the ICGA is a helpful resource.

Free Course Materials!
Take a Beginning Silversmithing Course, a Silver Saturday, or a Discover Silversmithing Workshop during the months of March or April and get your $25 materials free. Present this coupon at first class.
Must sign up for class or workshop by March 12th to redeem this offer.
Studio Special:lapis hoop  earrings
Lapis Earrings $35
Lapis HoopSomething special right from my studio these earrings are very fun. Lightweight and easy to wear, they feature this month's stone, a grade A Lapis Lazuli. Solid sterling silver, they are made with a classic hammered technique that catches the light. Outer dimension is 3/4 of an inch. Ships within five days of order. Made at SilverWorks Studio.
(purchase processed by avisualplanet)

See how they were made.
 
Offer Expires: 3/30/2010
Buy Now

I hope you continued to be inspired in your creative pursuits and that SilverWorks Studio & Gallery is helping with your process. Thanks so much for being part of SilverWorks.
I'll see you in the studio!

Blair Anderson
Director & Instructor
In This Issue
Stone Scared
Studio Sneak Peek
A Love of Lapis
Upcoming Classes
New Project: Disc Earrings
Smith Vocabulary: Findings
Must Have Books!
Featured Student Work
Upcoming Classes:

· Silver Saturday Workshop: March 13.
· Beginning Silversmithing 5 week Course: 
    Starts April 15th.
· Discover 1 Workshop: April 14 & 15.
· Discover 2 Workshop: April 21 & 22.
info and class registration...
lapis hoop earringsNew Project;
Creating Earrings With Pre-cut Discs
Jump start a design with silver discs in this easy to make project.
read more..
Word-of-the-Month
Cabochon
A gemstone cut and polished in the shape of a dome with a flat bottom.
read more terms...
The Jewelers Directory of GemstonesMust Have Books!
The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones by Judith Crowe.
A good resource for brushing up on all things relating to gemstones. From gemstone groups, how to buy, and how to spot a fake from the real deal, this book is one you will turn to again and again.
more books to consider... 
kilt pin
Featured Student Work
Doyle Raines: Kilt Pin

Doyle attended a Silver Saturday. After several open studio sessions he tackled this somewhat advanced project. Read more...
blair anderson director and instructor
About the Director
Blair Anderson is an artist in residence at Glen Echo Park, MD.
read more...
 
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