JC Herrell Lampworking class 2 one day classes Oct. 11 & 12, 2014

JC Herrel will be teaching two one day classes at Graceful Customs Studio in Gilroy, 1st day is Joy of Enamels, “This class is designed for intermediate beadmakers with the intention of expanding the student’s arsenal of design techniques into the wonderful world of enamels. We’ll explore how to apply enamels to create vivid backgrounds, gentle color fades, faux surfaces and streaky lines, among other effects. As you become comfortable with the properties of enamels and learn how to avoid some common pit falls, you’ll also become familiar with wide variety of colors available from vivid to natural.” 
The second day is: Joy of Stringer, one day class “Students will focus on building straight line stringer control and heat control skills through a process of observation and repetition. Demonstrations will focus on the micro-details of drawing rings, end caps, horizontal line, and other techniques!  See her work at: JC Herrell
e-mail Grace@GracefulCustoms.com for details.  You can take one or both days of class.  One extra bedroom available very inexpensive!

Metal working workshop open house-Nov. 9, 2013

For those who like to solder, form, and create projects out of metal, you are welcomed to stop by on Sat., Nov. 9, 2013 here at Graceful Customs Studio.  We will be working on  projects, you can ask questions like how to make rivets, products to polish metals, setting cabachons,
electro-forming supplies, and see demos, or demo a technique yourself.  Carmen Martinez, our instructor for the silver-soldering classes will be here to show us her latest projects and help you move forward in your metal art.  We will have soldering torches available for your use and a huge anvil to hammer!  Hours:  12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. drop in anytime.  No cost.  e-mail Grace at Grace@GracefulCustoms.com to let us know what your interest is!  And feel free to share with us what you have been working on!

Look what WE did! Dragon Beads with Mary Lockwood 2013

Needless to say, the Dragon Beads took time and concentration!  With 9 torches and burners going, it was pretty warm in the studio!  But all had fun, learned many techniques that Mary shared with all, and her patient and confident style was appreciated by all!  She is a very talented lampworking artist!  Thank you Mary, Come again to Graceful Customs! 

Mary Lockwood "Dragon Class" at Graceful Customs Studio 2013

Saturday, June 2, 2012, Lapidary class & Workshop

Jim & Jennifer will be here on June 2, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to teach a basic lapidary class.  They will give a brief summary of lapidary techniques and equipment will be set up for you to shape and polish a finished cabachon or two!  Cost is only $75, all materials and supplies will be free.  And anyone who has already had the basics and is experienced using lapidary equipment is invited to work on their own stones,  for $15.00/ hr. e-mail me for more info:  Grace@GracefulCustoms.com