Re: [jewelry-227] The Pear Tree presents the 1st ANNUAL DESIGN TO CONSIGN CHALLENGE

Hi Grace,
   I started teaching a 5 week course at my high school alma mater a year
ago and I've done it twice now. It gave me the confidence to start teaching
adults through my MeetUp group (Maynard Jewelry Making).

   They will ask questions you never even asked yourself, and try colors
and techniques you would never consider. (I stocked up on cheap chains
and zipper pulls - never used them.) You will learn so much! You'll also
discover that you know more than you think you know because you have
this background in the technique.

   For 2 hours, I'd keep it simple. A two toned pendant - swirl, checkerboard -
that they can make quickly after you have taught them how to condition
the clay. While the clay bakes you can show them how to open and close
a jump ring (have an assortment of sizes and color tones available) and maybe
make a leather necklace with knots in it ending in those end toggles which
you then crimp together.

   If it looks like some kids will finish the pendant too soon, show them how
to form some wire into swirls to use on the cord or stick into the pendant.

   Have fun!! This will enrich both your life and theirs.

kathi parker

On Mon, Mar 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM, Mary Green <[address removed]> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> I was contacted by an after-school arts group from Citizenschools.org to
> help with their "art day" on Thursday, March 27 from 3-5 pm at Edison middle
> school in Brighton. Were all of us contacted? Has anyone else signed up to
> host a class or have you ever done this before for them?
>
> I said yes because it's at my old school I attended back in the early 70's -
> how could I say no! I volunteered to do a polymer clay session with the
> kids. We'll be making some earrings or a pendant or? I needed to have some
> activity for the down time while the clay is cooking so I figured we could
> try some bead stringing and finishing techniques.
>
> Any suggestions, warnings or other words of wisdom would be greatly
> appreciated. I never taught a class before so it should be an experience. If
> someone is interested in joining me there to help with the workshop, please
> let me know. My work phone is 800-688-1825 x1221.
>
> Hope to hear from you.
>
> Mary
>
>
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Please come see my work at:
kathiparker.etsy.com
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