Lapidary class on Dec. 14, 2013, at Graceful Customs Studio

If you ever admired a polished natural stone and appreciated the beauty of its colors brought out by its shine, come learn the very simple techniques of lapidary!  We will provide you with a pre-shape stone and show you how to bring out its beauty!  $85.00, all materials supplied, grace@gracefulcustoms.com, Gilroy, Ca

BUGS, BUGS, BUGS, WESLEY'S CREATURES WERE HERE

 It certainly was a fun class, Wes is amazingly creative in his detailed creatures.  We learned many new techniques, the "students" (most already accomplished in their art), made their own little bugs!   Thanks to all the participants for making it an enjoyable event! 

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!

Wesley Fleming, Glass Sculptor, Oct. 12&13, 2013 at Graceful Customs Studio

Class is full, wait list available; Open house, Meet the Artist, will be on Oct. 11, more details to follow!

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

"Meet the Artist" openhouse Friday, June 21,2013, Mary Lockwood

You are invited to our open house at our studio to meet Mary Lockwood, a very talented Lampworking artist.  She will be here to teach a 2 day class, Sat. & Sun..  This is an opportunity to meet her if you are not taking the class, she will be demonstrating some of her techniques and have her beads on display!  Refreshments served.  Questions:  Grace@GracefulCustoms.com

Holly Cooper, Lampworker Glass Bead Artist, Class Sept.7 & 8, 2013

Holly Cooper will once again be here for a new 2 -day class on Surfaces & textures.  Here is her description of what she will be teaching:
"we will open ourselves to the exploration of a variety of special materials and techniques which I have developed in my own work over the last decade. We'll explore the use of enamels, metal leaf, texture and patina, flame chemistry, special properties of certain colors and other unique techniques. All of this is done to stimulate the imagination and generate new ideas by experimenting with technique and inspiration.
There will be plenty of personal attention with much time to practice and explore. Questions and discussions are encouraged." Class is $475 for Sat.&Sunday, Sept. 7 & 8, 2013.  E-mail grace@gracefulcustoms.com for a registration form Here is her studio for you to see her beautiful work!  www.hollycooper.com