Class description

 

In this class, the focus will be to create a beautiful Tree of Life in a gourd with Peridot gem chip beads and wire. As a finishing touch, you will learn to inlay round leather cord around the design.

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This class is appropriate for all levels of students. Basic knowledge of how to use your rotary tool is required. How far along you will get on this project will depend on your level of expertise. Most students should be able to finish making and installing the tree as well as inlaying the leather cord in the gourd. Students who do not finish these two elements will be given the supplies and instructions they need to complete tree and/or the inlaid cord at home. If there is enough class time left, the students can choose to finish the main body of the gourd with ink dye or acrylic paint. 

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The instructor will provide a craft ready gourd, a class tutorial, and supplies needed to complete the project, with the exception of the "items you are required to bring" listed below.

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What you are required to bring

 

Each student is required to bring the following items to class:

• Rotary tool and all burs. We will be using a 9mm steel cutting wheel, a 2mm carbide steel ball bur and a diamond grit needle bur. If your burs work for the project, you can use them. If not, appropriate inexpensive burs will be for sale.

• Small, medium and large sizes of soft-bristled detail paint brushes.
• Beading Tools: One small pair of wire cutters and 2 small pairs of jewelry pliers - at least one pair should have gripping teeth. 
• A pencil and a good eraser.
• Heat tool (or hair dryer) to facilitate drying time.
• Eye protection - Eyeglasses or Safety glasses 
• Dust Mask

Optional: Hands-free magnifier is very helpful with beading if you have one. (Reader glasses are helpful too.)

Optional: Apron to protect your clothing

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Class Cancellation Policy

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If you need to cancel this class, you MUST contact us before August 22, 2024 in order to receive a refund. Note that NGS will withhold $10 per cancelled class to cover processing fees. To cancel, call Patti Jo Newsom @ 817-917-7873 or email nevadagourdsociety@gmail.com.

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If a class does not meet the minimum number of students, the class will be cancelled, you will be contacted, and your full registration fee will be refunded.

 

About the instructor

 

Patti Jo Newsom is an active member of the American Gourd Society, co-founder and co-chair of the Nevada Gourd Society, and director of the Pahrump Valley Gourd Patch. She is a certified Gare instructor and over the years she has experimented with a variety of artistic design techniques, painting on canvas, wood, and ceramics. For the past 15 years she has concentrated on her gourd art and teaching classes for those who want to learn her techniques.

 

Questions about this class?

 

Email Patti Jo at ArtfulCreationsbyPattiJo@gmail.com