Author Archives: Sandy Lupton

weaving 101

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Weaving on the Copper Loom
with Kat Allison
Newport News, Virginia

Terri, Julie and I headed up to Newport News in the rain for a new adventure. Kat Allison, fiber artist, educator and adjective lover,  invited us up (or did we invite ourselves??) for a fabulous day of weaving on the copper loom.

The day started with show-and-tell of Kat’s lovely studio and artwork. Then we jumped in and started warping our looms. When Kat asked us what size loom we wanted, we all said BIG ONES so that’s what we got! Terri and I got scarf-sized looms and Julie wanted one the size of a small rug. Each was lovingly made of shiny copper by Kat herself. Her looms are special– when you take off the weaving, the warp threads magically disappear, making your piece almost finished as soon as you remove it from your loom. Experts say it can’t be done, but it works, and it is fabulous.

Of course, weaving is not for folks craving immediate satisfaction. You have to put in the time, but it is worth it. On one of Kat’s looms, you can mix in fibers, beads, strips of hand dyed fabrics, paper, clay, wire and more– truly a mixed media adventure. I am starting with making a scarf of fibers, beads and fabric strips. It looks awesome so far, and feels yummy. I can’t wait to wear the finished product. When we get past the holidays it is the first project I will finish!

I hope the New Year finds you happy and healthy. I also hope you will find new artistic adventures in 2015!

 

 

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Whiskey the studio dog

What I loved: Playing with Kat is always an artful adventure!

What I learned: Weaving takes time and patience, but the results are gorgeous! When weaving a scarf, I found it works better to warp the loom over every other peg. Also, the finished product is much softer and more scarf-like if you use yarns instead of fabrics.

come in close

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Come in Close – SMALL WORKS BY JILL TIDERMAN
AT RAWLS MUSEUM ARTS, COURTLAND, VA

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This was one seriously fun gallery opening!  With all that positive energy I had a hard time settling down and zooming in on Jill’s fabulous little works. I had to step back, take a few moments with each little piece, climb into the frame and absorb the magic. Each little jewel has a story to tell. The show is up until the end of January. I hope you can take the time to go and visit. The gallery is located at 22376 Linden Street in Courtland, Virginia 23837 –
(757) 653-0754.

 

From her artist’s statement…

“I invite you to come in close and view a series of images I have captured through my daily walk. The intentional cropping of these photos and the cradle of more mat than picture forces the viewer to focus on a limited image.  The repeated choice of what to keep and what to leave out creates the unified flow of this body of work. It is my wish that while you are up close and looking intimately at the photography that you might share a close thought, smile, breathe, or even a quick kiss with someone.

With heartfelt gratitude,  jill”

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wired

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Beginning Wire and Metal
November 2014 – Suffolk Art Gallery
Suffolk, Virginia

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You never know what you are going to get when you have a room full of creative women and a pile of sheet metal and wire! In this class at the Suffolk Art Gallery these students rocked the house! Each had a different experience level and a different perspective, and each came up with exciting jewelry that matched their personalities!

We started with wire jump rings, clasps and ear wires, then moved on to the sheet metal: cutting, filing, sanding, shaping, then adding texture and color. A new addition to the class this time was the texture plate machine – usually used for scrapbooking and paper crafts – it adds amazing textures to sheet metal 26 gauge and thinner.

The class flew by and the students went home with lots of great new jewelry. Thanks a bunch guys, for a super fun day! And thanks to the Suffolk Art Gallery for having us!

 

new class schedule

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Here are my new local class listings… I hope you will join me for some fun!

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERAWire and Metal Jewelry Basics
Sunday, November 16, 2014, 1-4 pm
at the Suffolk Art Gallery

All Tools and Supplies Included. In this workshop, we will combine wire with metal sheet to make extraordinary fashion jewelry. Learn the basics of cutting, filing, hammering, stamping and shaping metal. Combine that with beginning wire techniques to form one-of-a-kind wearable art. Make your own ear wires, pendants, spirals, wraps and more for awesome earrings and necklaces. No soldering, no heat- all cold connections- the perfect class for folks who want to start on the right foot with metal and wire. Students should bring round nose pliers, flat nose pliers,tin snips and wire cutters. Optional: special charms or beads.
Suffolk Art Gallery is located at 118 Bosley Ave.
in Suffolk, Va. — 757-514-7284

Button Stash Necklace
Sun., December 7, 2014, 1-4 pm
at Rawls Museum Arts
in Courtland, Va.

Bring your Grandma’s button collection and learn to make a beautiful crochet necklace. You will learn simple crochet and proper finishing techniques while using your own treasured buttons for a one-of-a-kind heirloom necklace.

Bring approximately 200 of your favorite buttons – all other supplies and tools will be provided. Your button collection can be multi-colored or a single hue – each will turn out beautifully.

Rawls Arts  is located at 22376 Linden Street in Courtland, Va. — 757-653-0754

Street Style Graffiti JournalGEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA
Sunday, April 26, 2015, 1-4 pm
for the Suffolk Art League

Calling all Poets, Writers, Artists and Journalers! Looking for the perfect journal to hold your most creative thoughts? Each student will make a unique, bold and colorful 6” x 8” journal perfect for sketching, art journaling or writing. We will use heavy paper for pages, stencils and spray paint for street style images throughout, canvas for covers and fibers for texture.

Most supplies included. Students should bring basic tools including scissors, pencil and ruler. A bone folder or spoon will be helpful for folding pages. If you have stray spray paints (any color), please consider donating them to the class. If you are sensitive to paint fumes, bring a mask. We will be painting outside, rain or shine. Please wear old shoes

Suffolk Art League is located in the Suffolk Art Gallery at 118 Bosley Ave. in Suffolk, Va. — 757-925-0448

Beginner’s Torch Soldering: Beautiful Bezelsbezel
Sunday, May 3, 2015, 1-4 pm
at the Suffolk Art Gallery

Learn the basics of torch soldering, cutting, filing and hammering copper to make beautiful round bezels that perfectly showcase your photos or artwork! Accessible materials and a simple process will make for sure-fire success! Fill them with resin to form a glass-like bubble for beautiful, personalized pendants to wear or give.

Students must bring: a butane torch, 1 full can of butane, tin snips, needle nose pliers, scissors, safety glasses, a cookie sheet and a fire brick or yard brick. Wearing safety glasses is mandatory.  Optional: small images about 1” in size. Photos or sized down versions of your artwork  work well.

Note: *All measures will be taken to create adequate ventilation as much as possible. If you have extreme sensitivities to soldering products or smelly stuff, consider this carefully before registering.

Suffolk Art Gallery is located at 118 Bosley Ave. in Suffolk, Va. — 757-514-7284