Winter / Spring Workshop Schedule

Happy New Year!!!

What better way to start 2015 than with expanding your creativity and skill set?  Now that the holidays are over and winter is upon us, think about getting out and taking some classes!  Over the next few months, I'll be teaching several workshops and classes at Sawtooth School for Visual Art.  Take a look at the classes I have coming up below, and follow the class title link to sign up today!  I hope to see some new as well as famliar faces soon!

Beginning Metals/Jewelry
Learn the basics of creating jewelry from copper, brass and silver sheet and wire. You'll learn soldering, sawing, forging, polishing and many more techniques to create beautiful, wearable jewelry. Learn while creating earrings, rings, and more. You'll be amazed how simple sheet metal and wire are transformed into something beautiful. Metal is available for purchase during class. Tools are provided. Perfect for beginning students. This class may be repeated to gain proficiency in skills.

Winter Session
Section A
8 Mondays
January 12- March 9 (skip Jan 19)
6:30-9:00pm

Winter Session
Section B
8 Tuesdays
January 13 - March 3
9:30-12:00 noon

Spring Session
Section A
8 Mondays
March 30 - May 18
6:30-9:00pm

Spring Session
Section B
8 Tuesdays
March 31 - May 19
9:30-12:00 noon

Metals/Jewelry : Enameling
Enameling is an ancient process where glass is fused to metal through heat. Students will experiment with enameling on copper and are encouraged to explore the possibilities that this process allows. Annie will introduce a variety of enameling techniques such as sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, and basse taille. Students may apply these techniques to everything from pendants and earrings to decorative home items. No experience necessary. Most materials included in the fee.

6 Tuesdays
January 13 - February 17
6:30-9:00pm

Etched Copper Cuff - One Day Workshop
Etching is a fabulous way to add design and texture to your metalwork! Learn about different types of resist methods to be used in the etching process, including paint pen, stamping, and heat-applied print resists. Etch a copper blank and form the etched piece into a wearable copper cuff bracelet. Both traditional acid etching as well as electro-etching processes will be discussed. No experience necessary.

Saturday, March 21
9:30am - 4:30pm

Metals/Jewelry : Forming
This class is designed for students who want to bring dimension to their metal work. Learn how to bring volume to pieces by shell forming with hammers and stakes, or by using the hydraulic press. There will be demonstrations and plenty of time to develop your skills. Good for beginners and beyond. Materials available for purchase in class.

Enameling Weekend Workshop
Enameling is an ancient process where glass is fused to metal through heat. Experiment with enameling on copper and explore the possibilities that this process allows. Annie will introduce a variety of enameling techniques such as sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, and basse taille. Make samples of these techniques and use them to create a beautiful bracelet by the end of the workshop. Beginners expected, repeat students welcome!

Taste of Art : Sgraffito Enameled Pendant

Friday, January 30
6:00-8:00pm

Taste of Art : Copper Bangle

Friday, April 24
6:00-8:00pm

Debut: The Microcosm Collection

It's been a busy season, and it's not over yet!  Just wanted to add some images of new work that debuted at the Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair a couple of weekends ago.

These pieces feature a new technique I learned in Ken Bova's Torch-Fired Liquid Enamel workshop at Sawtooth School for Visual Art in September.  Other than a few pieces that have a little sifted enamel, the majority of these pieces feature ONLY white liquid enamel.  The color comes from the oxides in the copper being drawn up through the enamel when they are torch fired.  I LOVE this technique and plan to include it in more work soon!

I'm calling this the Microcosm Collection because of the nature of the torch-fired enamel technique, being somewhat controllable unpredictibility - each piece looks like its own little world.  I hope to have them up on my website and etsy shop very soon.  Enjoy!

Fall 2014 Workshop Schedule

Oh my, where did summer go??  I know mine was filled with mad-jewelry making sprees, lovely shows in Raleigh, Ocracoke, Durham, and Asheville, workshops and art camps, and a little time for some fun thrown in, too.

So now it's time for the Fall Workshop Schedule, so reach out to your inner metalsmith and take some classes!  Here are some options!


Etching Weekend Workshop
Etching is a fabulous way to add design and texture to your metalwork! Learn different types of resist methods to be used in the etching process, including paint pen, stamping, and heat-applied print resists. We will make samples in copper and explore both traditional acid etching as well as electro-etching processes.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
2 day Workshop (Sat-Sun)
August 30-31
10:00am-4:00pm

Metals/Jewelry : Enameling 
Enameling is an ancient process where glass is fused to metal through heat. Students will experiment with enameling on copper and are encouraged to explore the possibilities that this process allows. I will introduce a variety of enameling techniques such as sifting, stenciling, sgraffito, and basse taille. Students may apply these techniques to everything from pendants and earrings to decorative home items. No experience necessary. Most materials included in the fee.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Five Tuesdays
September 23 - October 21
6:30 - 9:00pm

Metals/Jewelry : Etching
Etching is a fabulous way to add design and texture to your metalwork! Learn different types of resist methods to be used in the etching process, including paint pen, stamping, and heat-applied print resists. We will make samples in copper and explore both traditional acid etching as well as electro-etching processes. No experience necessary.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Five Tuesdays
September 23 - October 21
9:30am - 12:00pm

Exploring Enamels Weekend Workshop
Enameling is the process of fusing powdered glass to metal. Focus on basic techniques such as sifting and kiln firing, and learn additional techniques such as Sgraffito (scratching through enamel) and Basse Taille (using transparent enamels over textured metal).  Beginner - Intermediate.

Visual Arts Center of Richmond - Richmond, VA
October 11-12
Saturday 10:00-4:00, Sunday 1:00-4:00

Taste of Art : Copper Earrings
Spend a fun evening learning something new, socializing with friends and create a lovely piece of jewelry to take home.  Perfect for beginners and anyone who just wants to spend a fun Friday evening out being creative with friends!  Students are always welcome to bring beverages and snacks, but all supplies and tools will be provided. In this class we'll be making copper earrings!

Sawtooth School For Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Friday, October 17
6:00-8:00pm

Metal Forming Weekend Workshop
Learn techniques to create dimension from flat sheet metal. You'll explore both synclastic and anticlastic forming with stakes and hammers. Adding dimension to your jewelry work will take it to the next level. Experience metalworking is helpful but beginners are welcome. Supply list mailed prior to workshop, but most tools and materials are included.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art: Winston-Salem, NC
Saturday & Sunday
October 25-26
10:00am - 4:00pm

Metals/Jewelry : Forming

This class is designed for students who want to bring dimension to their metal work. Learn how to bring volume to pieces by shell forming with hammers and stakes, or by using the hydraulic press. There will be demonstrations and plenty of time to develop your skills. Good for beginners and beyond. Materials available for purchase in class.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art: Winston-Salem, NC

Six Tuesdays
November 4 - December 9
6:30 - 9:00pm

Taste of Art : Copper Ornament
Spend a fun evening learning something new, socializing with friends and create a lovely piece of jewelry to take home.  Perfect for beginners and anyone who just wants to spend a fun Friday evening out being creative with friends!  Students are always welcome to bring beverages and snacks, but all supplies and tools will be provided. In this class we'll be making a copper Christmas Tree Ornament!

Sawtooth School For Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Friday, October 17
6:00-8:00pm

Spring / Summer 2014 Workshop Schedule

Time to get your smithing on this summer!  Check out descriptions and schedules below for your chances to join me for some fun in the metals studio!

New this year: I have been invited to participate as an instuctor in Sawtooth School for Visual Art's Summer Art Immersion Program for gifted and talented high school students who are passionate about visual art or are interested in pursuing a career in art.  I'll be teaching a two week session focusing on metal forming and enameling!  Rising 9th-12th graders must be recommended by their art teachers, and apply here!

Summer Art Immersion
Make Your Metal POP! 
Explore the world of metalsmithing. Form metal into shapes using hammers and stakes. Learn about using 
vitreous enamels and kiln firing to create bright and beautiful enamel surface treatments on formed pieces 
that will really make your metal pop.
The application deadline is June 6^th. Scholarship Application deadline is May 23^rd.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Session I - 2 weeks
June 23 - July 3
10:15am-12:15pm

Adult Classes

Champleve Enameling Workshop
Champlevé is an enameling technique in which troughs or cells are etched into the surface of the metal and filled with vitreous enamel. The piece is then fired until the enamel fuses, creating a unique look of a smooth surface of metal lines and enamel spaces. Learn the process of creating beautiful enameled pieces to use as jewelry. You’ll get hands-on practice and learn the process from beginning to end. Materials included.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
2 day Workshop (Sat-Sun)
May 17-18 
10:00am-4:00pm

Taste of Art : Copper Earrings

Taste of Art is a wonderful new program at Sawtooth School for Visual Art.  Spend a fun evening learning something new, socializing with friends and create a lovely piece of jewelry to take home.  Perfect for beginners and anyone who just wants to spend a fun Friday evening out being creative with friends!  Students are always welcome to bring beverages and snacks, but all supplies and tools will be provided. In this class we'll be making copper earrings!

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Friday, June 27
6:00-8:00pm

Taste of Art : Enameled Pendant

Taste of Art is a wonderful new program at Sawtooth School for Visual Art.  Spend a fun evening learning something new, socializing with friends and create a lovely piece of jewelry to take home.  Perfect for beginners and anyone who just wants to spend a fun Friday evening out being creative with friends!  Students are always welcome to bring beverages and snacks, but all supplies and tools will be provided. In this class we'll be making an enameled copper pendant!

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Friday, July 18
6:00-8:00pm

Metals/Jewelry : Forming
This class is designed for students who want to bring dimension to their metal work. Learn how to bring volume to pieces by shell forming with hammers and stakes, or by using the hydraulic press. There will be demonstrations and plenty of time to develop your skills. Good for beginners and beyond. Materials available for purchase in class.


Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
Six Tuesdays
July 22 - Sept 2  (Skip August 5)
6:30-9:00pm

Adult Art Camp : Enameling
Enameling is an ancient process where powdered glass is fused to metal's surface through heat (a torch or kiln). This fun art camp is for beginners and will emphasize experimentation and will introduce techniques like sifting, stenciling, and sgraffito using enamels on copper. Basic materials included.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
5 days (Mon-Fri)
July 28 - August 1
10:00am-1:00pm

Etching Workshop
Etching is a fabulous way to add design and texture to your metalwork! Learn different types of resist methods to be used in the etching process, including paint pen, stamping, and heat-applied print resists. We will make samples in copper and explore both traditional acid etching as well as electro-etching processes.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art : Winston-Salem, NC
2 days (Sat-Sun)
August 30-31
10:00am-4:00pm

Summer Craft Show Schedule

Hi all!  I've been working diligently on some revisions of an older line of enamel disc jewelry, so once again I've forgotten to post in a while.  I actually started off the craft show season this past weekend at The Handmade Market in Raleigh, NC.  They put on a very nice event - I also did their holiday show in November of last year, and will probably do that one again this year, so stay tuned.  My sister, Cat Kostka, came along this time as my lovely assistant - thanks, Cat! We had a great time and got to debut what I'm now calling the "Polka Collection."

Fun and bright and perfect for spring and summer!

If you would like to visit some craft shows this season and see these lovelies in person - so that you can try them all on and decide which ones should be yours - check out where we'll be in the coming months, and plan to come out and see us!

May 3 - The Handmade Market - Cobblestone Hall, Raleigh, NC

June 7 - Ocrafolk Festival - Ocracoke Island, NC

July 4-5 - Festival for the Eno - Durham City Park, Durham, NC

August 24 - Big Love Fest - Pack Square Park, Asheville, NC  

Still working on the Fall schedule, but I will definitely be at the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair, November 21-23 in Winston-Salem, NC.  More to come!

If you gotta have 'em now - these guys are so brand spankin' new, they're not even on my website or my etsy page yet - shoot me a message at coppertide@gmail.com or through my facebook page!  

The new necklaces are reversible! Whaaaaaat?!?!  I know.  Plus I have different options for matching earrings. There are several fun color combos that are ready to ship or I can take custom orders for your favorite colors!

New Members' Show

Hiya friends!  To anyone who is in or around the Winston-Salem area in the next month, I have some brand new pieces in the New Members' Show at the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery in Winston's Downtown Arts District, right now through March 28!  We have quite a lovely arts district, worth checking out for the variety of galleries and shops as well as neat restaurants and bars if you happen to find yourself coming this way!

Unfortunately, due to an ice storm, our opening scheduled for this past Friday at the First Friday Gallery Hop was canceled... however, I will be doing a demo and artist talk for "How2Night," one of PCI's programs for educating the public about all that goes into making fine craft.  That takes place this Thursday, March 13, 6-7pm at Piedmont Craftsmen.  Open and free to the public, and a great chance to see the New Members' Show, which features the work of the 19 newest craftsmen accepted into the guild.

I'll be demonstrating how I form my "SeaPods" pieces from flat copper sheet into pod form with hammers and stakes and then how I apply the enamel to the interior of each piece.  Should be a fun time!

Piedmont Craftsmen

This post is long overdue:

I am thrilled and honored to annouce that I have been accepted as an Exhibiting Member of Piedmont Craftsmen's Guild!  

Good thing I finished this neckpiece with like a day to spare.

When I first moved to Winston-Salem after college, my first job was as a gallery assistant at the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery in the downtown arts district.  The gallery features work of the over-300 exhibiting members of the guild, and it was so inspiring to be in the presence of such beautiful work from amazingly talented craftspeople from throughout the Southeastern region of the US.  Now, 10 years later, the guild has nearly 400 members and encompasses the whole United States.  

The jury process is rather rigorous.  It's a two-part process: image jury and object jury.  In the spring, the Image Jury opens, and prospective members can send in 8 images of their work to be reviewed by a jury of craftsmen members form every major craft field as well as board members and supporting members.  This is difficult in itself, as it's hard to know what each jury is looking for, as it varies from year to year.  This was actually my third time applying to the Image Jury, but the first time I was invited to continue on to the Object Jury.  The first year I applied, I showed a huge range of portfolio work, from jewelry to large raised vessels.  I was told after the Image Jury when I wasn't selected, that I had good scores, but not quite high enough to be invited to continue, that I had maybe tried to show too much of a range, and they were looking for a more cohesive body of work.  The next year, I showed work all from the same line, my SeaPods Collection, but included a few of the smaller, more production-oriented pieces.  That year, they said that again I had one of the higest scores of those not invited, but that they were looking for more unique "show-stopping" work.  So this year, I submitted images of large neckpieces from my solo show plus a couple of older pieces that fit with and actually inspired that collection, and it worked!

So, if your work is selected by the Image Jury, you are then invited to participate in the Craft Fair in November, either in a solo full booth or in a group booth for the Object Jury, where the jurors come around as a group and discuss and scrutinize your work and then vote on whether or not they think your work is up to the standards of the guild and if you should be invited to be an exhibiting member of the guild.  

I chose to do the group jury booth because: 
1. I felt like I could best represent myself with five show-stopping pieces that were super well-crafted and cohesive as a group rather than trying to pull off a cohesive booth with all of the different lines of jewlery that I make.  They like cohesiveness, those jurors.  
2. I didn't have all of the displays and fixtures required for a high end craft fair booth, and I wasn't sure I could pull it all together in time monetarily in addition to making all of the work necessary to fill a full booth - you need a LOT of jewelry pieces to fill up a booth, let me tell you... 

Well, I'll be honest here because that's the whole point, right?  I had a crazy busy Fall.  That's why I haven't posted since August.  It was good, don't get me wrong, but craaaaazy busy.  And I suddenly realized - on October 30th - that I had written the wrong date on my calendar and that I had 2 weeks instead of almost a month left to make the two pieces I really wanted to make to go with three pieces that I had made earlier in the year for my show at Quirk.   Also, I had a smaller indie craft show scheduled for the weekend before and a trunk show scheduled for the day of installation at Piedmont Craftsmen.

Panic at the freakin' disco.  

The two pieces that I wanted to make were not started.  They weren't even planned in detail, just semi-vague ideas.  So I got on it.  And in the end, I decided to use four of the pieces that I had already completed - because really, they were all nice pieces that I was very proud of - but there was one that didn't quite fit color-scheme-wise, and one that didn't quite fit shape-wise.  So my goal was to design and make a piece that pulled them all together as a cohesive collection. 

 one more.... ready? go!

busy day of hammering: formed cones 

initial coat of enameling complete

patina, findings, assembly!

finished 18 hours before installation

yaaaaaayyyy!!! (this is the look of relief.)

the display ended up looking pretty lovely!

Not a bad way to end the show season. :)

So thanks to everyone, my wonderful family and friends, my fabulous students, my network of amazing jewelers and craftspeople for all of your support through the ups and downs.  It's been a good year.  It was the year of my first solo exhibition, the year we bought our first house, the year I was accepted to a prestigious craft guild, and by far my best year (yet!) business-wise. I'm a pretty lucky girl. So on to 2014!  I hope it's wonderful for you all!