Like this site? Visit Our NEW Amazon Store Section
|
Classes and Instruction
I am available for workshops with children, adults, those with exceptional abilities or special learning needs, and for corporate work groups who wish to hone their abilities in perceptual skills and problem solving in previously unexplored ways. While beads, dolls, and wearable arts may seem of less import on the surface, aesthetic and ethical design qualities are at the basis of many endeavors--and these things can be practiced and explored in a comfortable, non-threatening, fun and satisfying way through creative arts. When you are empowered to play with color, form and structure and the medium makes it all easily accessible, positive things occur. It feels good, and it encourages explorations in perspective and abilities as well as development of specific techniques.
The
Creative Potentials of Polymer Clay It can be made into flat collage illustrations and surface decorations of all sorts. It's also great for sculpting figures, creating decorative household items or beads and personal adornment. This class starts at the beginning and takes an intensive look at the creative uses and embellishment potentials of polymer clay. A wide array of techniques will be covered. Included are basics of preparation, color blending, millefiore or "cane work", transfers, mokume gane (a technique taken from Japanese metal and wood working) beginning mold making, stamping, additional surface decoration and inclusions, mica shift, and creating textures and faux effects (mimicking bone, wood, coral, etc) storage and baking as well as safety issues, and finishing options. Students will make personalized tools, decorate a small storage box, and form mosaic tile or round bead "samplers" of all the techniques. This class can be given as a one session overview with technique demonstrations, or as a multiple session seminar with more in-depth coverage of all techniques and student participation. Students will need: Many tools and supplies such as foils, powders, inks and stamps,
texture plates and more will be provided for use in class. Students may
share pasta machines. Having pre-conditioned clay ready for class is strongly
encouraged.
A wide array of techniques will be covered. Tools will be provided for use in class. Included are basics of preparation, color blending, millefiore or "cane work", stamping, additional surface decorations and creating textures. Storage and baking as well as safety issues and finishing options will also be addressed. Students will create beads using different techniques. Many tools and supplies such as foils, powders, inks and stamps, texture plates and more will be provided for use in class. Students will need:
Using polymer clay to create gorgeous beads is easy and
great fun. The real secret to it is NOT just the materials
though---it's the techniques. This class starts with shape and color, and then moves through many decorative techniques including mold making, textures, stamping and impressing, inclusions, filigree, granulation, metal foils and mica powders, carving, and more.
Using multiple techniques on a single bead to create elaborate effects can bring about some incredible looks! After the finishing session, use the beads created in class along with any others you choose to bring and create a stunning one of a kind necklace. Students will need:
Starting with simple geometric canes like stripes, checkerboards, bulls-eyes and spirals and progressing to floral and other detailed forms, learn to build and combine components to make items that range from simple to stunning. Variations such as square repeats, tessellations and recombined complex canes will also be covered. Color shading techniques such as the Skinner Blend and 3D stacking layers will be used to give even more depth to the images. Successful cane building requires some attention and effort, as does the reduction-and there are things to do that greatly increase your success. Learn the tricks of the trade, and build beautiful canes as well as stronger muscles! Once canes are built and reduced, slices can be used to create beads and embellish decorative objects of many kinds. Students will create a library of millefiore canes for later use and also a flat "sampler" of their canes. Students will need:
Simple canes are created and recombined to create a wide variety of complimentary canes that can be used in flat appliqué, bead making, quilt block replication, dressing sculptural figures and much more. Using fabric swatches as a starting point, we will begin with color mixing and matching, noting types of colors that were used in different periods of design. Styles of repeats, tessellations, medallions and more will be covered. Simple and complex floral and geometric designs will be used in combination with other techniques including mokume gane, painted/stamped impressions, mica shift, filigree cutaway and more to create sheets of "fabric" that appear to be tapestry, lace, brocade, embroideries and more. Students will need: String a Multi-strand Necklace
Using three or more strands throughout the necklace gives a luscious look, and finishing off the ends neatly using larger beads or cones gives a professional finish to the piece. Learn tricks of stringing, spacing, precise ends and knots and crimps that don't "give way". Use color and shape to bring an array of pieces together in harmony. Beads are a wonderful fashion accessory any time, and are becoming VERY popular once again; now you can get a Designer Look at a fraction of Designer Prices! Students will need: beads, buttons or charms, stringing thread, sof-flex or cord, end clasps. (All are available for purchase at Bead Lounge)
Rubber Stamped
Jewelry Not all stamp pads are alike, and neither are inks. There are differences in use even in the same brands. Learn how to avoid chemical interactions and to achieve beautiful dramatic effects on beads and pendant pieces. Rubber stamps and inks, embossing powders and other pigment supplies will be provided in class, and students can also bring their own. Make beads and pendant components in class, and then string them up with complimentary beads to stamp your own style on your fashion accessories. Students will need: Many tools and supplies such as foils, powders, inks and stamps, texture plates and more will be provided for use in class. Students may share pasta machines. Having pre-conditioned clay ready for class is strongly encouraged.
Making
Faces--Modeling & Moldmaking Learn the techniques of "plastic surgery" to create strikingly different faces from a single original mold.Using swirl and feathering techniques, filigree, foils, metallic leaf, glitters, paints, stains and inks, and more we will embellish faces both fanciful and realistic. Apply acrylic paints in a variety of fashions that range from childlike innocence to sophisticated vamp.
CONDITIONED CLAY, ready to use in class is strongly encouraged.
Premo and Kato brand clays are the strongest. Students will need: Rubberstamps,
Molds, and Polymer Clay Stamping and mold use go far beyond what is commercially available when
you learn to make your own. In this class, we cover the legal aspects of
copyrights as apply to artists using replication, as well as the practical
and the beautiful! You'll learn how to use clipart and fonts to create
rubberstamp designs, and discover the uses of polymer clay and silicon
products for making texture plates and other molds. Vintage buttons, lace,
shells, old jewelry---textures are everywhere, and can be applied to polymer
clay to create fabulous beads, buttons, dolls, and artworks of all sorts.
Students will create molds and texture sheets
Full Sized Polymer
Clay Mask Making Many decorative items will be supplied in class for student use; you are also encouraged to bring your favorite bits and pieces for inclusion into your creations.Ribbons, trims, broken jewelry and watch parts-all can be used to great effect! CONDITIONED CLAY, ready to use in class is strongly encouraged. Premo and Kato brand clays are the strongest. Students will need:
The Beaded Bra We will discuss what kinds of garments make the best backgrounds in class, and possible additions of fabric and trim. Fabric paints and some sequins will be supplied, or bring your own. Students will need: Several variations including couching and entrapment will be covered. A backing of Lacy's Stiff Stuff, leather, ultrasuede or pellon interfacing is also required when beading fringe around a cabochon, and these will be discussed in class. We will have Lacy's Stiff Stuff available for use. If beading your fringe directly onto a garment, bring it along, or make
fringe attached to a length of braid or trim that you bring. (most fabric
stores have a wide selection) Embellished
Fabrics
Use a pre-made cotton doll blank or the provided pattern and fabric of your choice and create a beautiful one of a kind doll. Included are techniques of fabric painting and decorative ways with fibers, trims, laces, beads, feathers, and more. Form simple polymer clay faces and attach with glue or by sewing, or use paint, beads or embroidery for facial features. Polymer clay or painted details can be used to make shoes; add faerie
wings or other clothing details to fashion your own personal creation.
Make it beautifully decorative or scary enough to ward away monsters!
Covered in class will be tricks and techniques for drawing and transferring faces of your own design, and fabric painting techniques for coloring in the details of eyes, cheeks, lips, costume parts and more. Details tell the character---create an innocent Prairie Maid or a Dancehall
Girl, a Schoolmarm or a Showgirl, depending on details of makeup and costume!
Use bits of fabric and lace to sew clothing directly to a doll for a permanently
decorated diva, or use your sewing skills and available patterns to create
a remove-able wardrobe. Hair is sewn onto the dolls, using yarn or other
fibers including wool roving, rope, rayon, cotton and more. Simple and
complex "hairdo's" will be covered. Many options will be demonstrated
in class. Miniatures For Dolls and Dollhouses Right down to the flatware and tray, polymer clay is used to create all items-mimicking silver and cinnamon buns with equal ease! We'll create these and more-even a bouquet of flowers in a vase. Students will need: Many tools and supplies such as foils, powders, inks and stamps, texture plates and more will be provided for use in class. Students may share pasta machines. Having pre-conditioned clay ready for class is strongly encouraged.
Mirrors, a comb and brush, delicate glass and crystal perfume bottles and cosmetics ranging from nail polish, compacts and lipsticks to powder puffs. Jewelry and wigs on stands, tiny soaps and trays, bottles and jars all in a scale for use by your doll or dollhouse. Picture frames, trays-even candles in beautiful holders and flowers are all part of an elegant grouping of miniatures. Whether you make this set for a 11 ½" fashion doll or something smaller-or larger-these miniature items are easy to create using polymer clay and items provided in class. Students will need: Many tools and supplies such as foils, powders, inks and stamps, texture plates and more will be provided for use in class. Students may share pasta machines. Having pre-conditioned clay ready for class is strongly encouraged.
(Hotwire foam cutting and glue guns make this a class for older students or those with responsible adult supervision. Construction and decoration techniques will be covered, but all items cannot be completed in one class session) Basic forms are covered with paper and cloth, and lace trims, and other decorative items are glued into place. Polymer clay is used to create detailed design elements that mimic carvings or moldings. Whether finished to look like wood, metal, or gilded plaster, these pieces create a special setting for your doll. Learn about painted and stained finishes that mimic antiques and other faux finishes, in styles that range from palatial splendor for a pampered princess, country simplicity for a charming young miss---or somewhere in between.
Copyright©1995-2008 Sarajane Helm
All rights are held by the artist |
As an
independent artist and author, I have learned the
value of having many skills that interconnect. I take them all to design
challenges, and instruct others on how to access their own artistic and
perceptive abilities. Whether its about the uses of dyes and paints in
textiles, graphic and web design, or thermoplastics used in jewelry and
sculptural maquettes, the power of creative thought is emphasized and nurtured.
These skills can be honed in any creative area for their own sake--or to
bring about better use of mental and physical skills in all levels of work.
Polymer Clay offers a rich and varied playground for artist
of all ages and skills. It is a medium that appears almost eager to please,
allowing its use in a surprisingly wide range of styles and rendering techniques.
Mokume Gane and mica shift, many different approaches to clay manipulation
all can be used to create beautiful wearable art.
Mimicking Textile Designs--
Create a necklace using your favorite beads together!
Add charms, buttons, and more to build a multi-strand treasure necklace
that is a one of a kind statement. Collecting your treasures is just the
start---learn how put them into a showcase piece of wearable art.
Stamps, inks, pigments, embossing powders and polymer clays
can be used together to FABULOUS effects---but there are things to know
about the different applications of pigment and dye inks.
This session begins with the fundamentals of proportion, scale, and
anatomical placement. We will build miniature faces using scrap clay and
simple tools. After baking we create molds, comparing the advantages of
various formulations including plaster of paris, polymer clays, and RTV
silicone molding compounds. Pulls from the mold will be manipulated and
decorated in many ways.
The details in a face say so much about the character-whether creating
a doll, a pendant for jewelry purposes, an icon or a totem or a decorative
object for use in frames, mirrors, and other furnishings. Create your own
unique faces that can be used to make all these and more, and know that
NOBODY will have one just like yours!
Using several different types of easily found or created base forms,
we will turn polymer clay and embellishments such as glitter, feathers,
metallic foils, colorful wires, inks, paints, fibers, stones, baubles and
beads into incredible masks.
Beginning with the fundamentals of fiber-reactive dyeing and color,
we will discuss using natural fibers and Procion MX coldwater dyes to achieve
solid color and patterned effects on cloth , ribbon, and yarns. Historical
methods of achieving pattern such as shibori and other tied treatments,
and other resist techniques such as paste, stencil and wax (batik) will
be covered. Discharge dyeing achieves its designs through removing dye in
certain areas. Additive techniques like stamping and hand painting with
fabric paints give textile artists the ability to create unlimited groupings
of coordinated textiles and fibers for use in wearable arts, quilts, doll
making
and more. Learn to add even more with metallics and micas, and that's just
for a starting point! Textiles can be further embellished using beads,
embroidery, and other tiny details.
15 inch cotton doll bodies with that are blank, or with stamped face
outlines in male and female versions are available for purchase and use
in class, or bring your own doll to decorate.
The
Tea Set 
