JOGS 2017 – Meet our Instructors

Donna is an honored metal clay artist and educator living in Scottsdale, who opened her first package of PMC in 2004, and became instantly smitten. As she assisted students with their projects; she realized that helping others succeed was a most gratifying experience. Donna offers classes, workshops and private lessons in the Phoenix area. Two of Donna’s pieces were finalists in the 2007 and 2008 Saul Bell Design Award Competition. She was also a finalist in the Celebrating Beads, the Journey of Design Competition at the Bead Museum, Washington, DC.

Her piece “Through the Heart” was on display in the anti war medal show at the Shaw Gallery, Northeast Harbor ME, and the Cultural Messages, Symbolism Through the Ages exhibition at Purdue University during the 2010 PMC Conference. “Tiniwrap”, a bronze clay piece was in Art of the Martini at Zaruba and Zaruba Gallery Fredericksburg MD. Silverweave Dome Ring was in the PMC Guild’s #4 Annual, in the 2011 Art and Design in Metal Clay calendar by Holly Gage, her ring “Rutile Adorned” won 2nd overall in the North American Design Competition and is featured in the PMC Guild’s #5 Annual. Donna’s work has been published in Exceptional Works in Metal Clay and Glass, Wardell Publications.

Her piece “Queen’s Ransom” was the cover of the 2008 Art and Design of Metal Clay Calendar by Holly Gage. Donna’s pieces are also in Making Beads with Metal Clay, Barbara Becker Simon; Lark Books and in the Lark Books publication 30 Minute Earrings, and Hattie Sanderson’s Rings book, Brynmorgen Press, due out spring 2013. TEACHING ART IS LIKE CRAWLING THROUGH OTHERS’ IMAGINATIONS…

1/31/2017 10:30am – 2:00pm Donna Lewis Rustic Bark Pendant

Bring a funky piece of gnarly bark (or use one of mine) and whittle a model to make a mold for a one of a kind pendant. Artists will learn how to granulate the metal clay way without all the stress, apply a hidden bail, and add a patina after firing to enhance the textures. Bring a silver chain and we can add a patina to that too. The one in the photograph is a popcorn chain. The finished size of your pendant will be 2 inches high by about 1/2 inch wide.

2/01/2017 10:30am – 6:00pm Donna Lewis Textured, Riveted Cuff Bracelet

This is an amazing fun cuff bracelet made from ABS plumbing pipe!!! Yes plumbing pipe. Bring an interesting, organic item (bark, cactus, shell) any fun textured material you would love to see in silver.

2/03/2017 10:30am – 6:00pm Donna Lewis Silver Pave Button Pendant

Make a wonderful pendant from a favorite button or use one of mine. Set up for sparkly pave with lots of tiny cubic zirconia. Learn how to set them evenly for a full bling affect! You choose your own style or make one of these! Just a little glam for you. If you bring a 20 inch diamond cut bead chain you can make the sparkles go all the way around your neck.

1/26/2017 10:30am – 2:00pm Eva Sherman Petticoat Cuff

Make it today, wear it tonight! This technique is a bit like making a pie crust, except we will use hammers and torches to create the ruffles! Students will learn forging, cold connecting and patina applications in this intensive class. All levels are welcome and no metalworking experience is required.

1/26/2017 2:30pm – 6:00pm Eva Sherman From the Ruins of Pompei

Make it today, wear it tonight! Reminiscent of antiquity, this copper cuff, is sure to have friends wondering if you just spent a night at the museum. Students will learn wire work, brazing, design and patina application in this intensive class. Brazing is a unique way to permanently bond copper. Unlike soldering which fills the joins with a fine seam, brazing takes advantage of the “capillary action” of the material and overflows the joins, resulting in more organic and unstructured style. Students will learn wire work techniques, brazing, design, and patina application. All levels are welcome and no metal working experience is required.

1/27/2017 2:30pm – 6:00pm Eva Sherman Fold and Rolled

Using a simple micro fold forming technique developed by the instructor (aka the Sherman Fold) to add texture is a great way to create some truly unique wearable works of art! Then put the textured piece thru the rolling mill to add yet another textural element. With just a few basic metal working skills, students will complete a stunning cold connected cuff. All levels are welcome and no metalworking experience is required.

1/28/2017 10:30am – 2:00pm Eva Sherman Margarita Cuff

Make it today, wear it tonight! When using the “chasing on air” technique there is no support for the metal. Various size dapping tools are used to create the three-dimensional effect. Since this technique is a bit unpredictable, it does create some great free-form designs! Students will learn the “chasing on air” technique to complete one cold connected cuff embellished with crystal or stone beads. All levels are welcome and no metal working experience is required.