I spent an amazing four days at the
Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada. During the day, I took classes from
Sally Jean Alexander and at night I explored
The District located right outside the casino.
The first class was The Velveteen Bracelet. We learned to make 3-D charms with beads that roll around inside. I'm not happy with the velvet portion of the bracelet. I plan on redoing it with decorative stitching and neater wire wrapping. We were working with nickel silver wire, which is not as bendable as sterling.
The second class was "Buckle Up, Bangle Down". We learned to make a belt buckle from scratch. I used part of an old tin cowboy whistle for the focal and added old jewelry parts, buttons, garnets, and beads. I love the way it turned out!
Saturday's class was the Roulette Wheel Necklace. What a treat...there were only 5 people in the class! I love that Sally Jean didn't cancel. She told us she would never do that to her students. What a wonderful, unique instructor!!! We ended up working all day around one table, laughing and getting to know one another. It was one of the best experiences I've had. Unfortunately, I got it all soldered together and then I realized I forgot to put the ball inside. Problem solver that Sally Jean is, she suggested I attach it to the outside on a chain...not bad!
I will post pictures of the last class, Jumping Jack Flash, when my project is complete. In the meantime, I will leave you with some gorgeous photos of the pool area. I can't wait until next year!!!
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| A nice place to read by the pool. |
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| Dinner in The District |
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| Pool with real sand |
