Cliff Swain-Salomon
March 17-19, 2023
March 17, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT on Zoom
Peacock
This stunning necklace is a nod to the art deco peacock jewelry popular in the 1920s. The focal is a German glass cabochon with a gem-quality flame ball pearl gracefully suspended from it and surrounded by a precious metal crown made of bugle beads. The two feathers have Preciosa crystal eyes, and the neck rope is composed of Preciosa pearls and True 2 fire polish beads. Throughout the ages, peacocks have symbolized rejuvenation, royalty, honor, and integrity. They are also a symbol of beauty, love, and passion. To create the different elements of the piece, several stitches are used, including a variation of St. Petersburg, Peyote, RAW, Flat Half Spiral, Fan Stitch, Albion, and a few other combination stitches. Please know that Albion, the St. Petersburg variation, Half Spiral, and Fan Stitch will all be taught in class. A strong foundation in RAW and Peyote is required, as they are highly important prerequisites for this class.
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced
PREREQUISITES: Peyote, RAW
TECHNIQUES: Peyote, RAW, Flat Half Spiral (taught in class), Modified St. Petersburg (taught in class), Double Needle Russian Fan Stitch (taught in class)
KIT FEE: Mandatory $108 for original colorway or light vitrail. A premium kit will be available for an additional charge. Kits are mandatory due to the brand-specific beads and hard-to-find focals.
CLASS COST: $90
REGISTRATION: Registration Closed
March 19, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT on Zoom
Time IN A BOTTLE
The soft curves of this piece look like an hourglass-shaped bottle. This necklace is a nod to the Art Nouveau period and sparkles like crazy! The piece is made to look like bead embroidery even though it is all woven using a blend of CRAW, PRAW, RAW, and Peyote. The focal is a 16mm Swarovski Vision Stone which is surrounded by rhodium plated Preciosa cupchain. In addition there are 13 Swarovski crystals and 77 Swarovski pearls, a shimmer 8mm Swarovski chaton, plus a platinum plated/crystal Claspgarten clasp.
SKILL LEVEL: Strong Intermediate/Advanced
PREREQUISITES: Peyote, CRAW, RAW
TECHNIQUES: Peyote, CRAW, PRAW, RAW, Albion
KIT FEE: Mandatory $118
CLASS COST: $90
SOLD OUT
March 18, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT (ZooM)
Circle Game
The carousel cuff, “Circle Game” is named after the song by Joni Mitchell of the same title. The lyrics have deep meaning to Cliff and how important carousels have been in his life.
“And the seasons, they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return, we can only look Behind, from where we came
And go round and round and round, in the circle game.”
This project combines custom-made 3D printed carousel horses (designed by Cliff’s husband), with carved German glass cabochons, precious metal plated seed beads, Delicas, and lots of other unique elements including, a 23kt plated Claspsgarten clasp, pressed Czech beads in various shapes, and 50 Swarovski crystals. Some brand new and unique variations of Contemporary Geometric Beadwork that were developed especially for this piece are used to support the roofline of the carousel as well as the floorboards, while the many other stitches used in the bracelet create realistic carousel textures such as the spiraling poles that the horses are attached to, the scenic panel in the background that pays homage to the “Four Seasons” mosaic designed by Chagall, and the palladium plated beads that form the mirror behind the horses. This definitely is a jaw-dropping statement piece.
There is a little minimal homework before class. After class there will also be 4 videos released over four months to provide extra support as well as an optional once a month group meet-up to answer questions and support one another with creating this piece. The hope is that it will make the process feel less intimidating and get people excited about finishing. This support is all provided at no extra cost.
LEVEL: Advanced
PREREQUISITES: Peyote, Herringbone, CRAW (strong knowledge)
TECHNIQUES: Peyote, twisted herringbone (taught in class), MRAW (taught in class), CRAW, combination stitching, bead embroidery (will be covered in video sessions after class)
KIT COST: Mandatory $185 and includes everything needed to make the bracelet except for the beading surface, magnification, and lighting
• There will also be exclusive component refills (the horses, crystals, shaped beads, 9 cabochon focals) for those who want to make additional carousels for $100.
• For those who want to make a slip on bangle instead of a clasped bracelet, they can substitute the clasp for one additional white german glass cabochon.
• Standard horse color for the kits are off-white. If you would like a different color horse they are available for an additional $10 fee (covers time cleaning the printer to switch colors). Premium color choices include: semi-transparent Cobalt, Turquoise, medium gray, semi-transparent green
CLASS COST: $90
SOLD OUT