Metal Arts Class 1-24-2010
The reason I wanted to go to Metal Arts Class is that I want to learn to solder with a torch. I've discovered that creating filigree jewelry is very much like drawing, only it's done with wire. I've been securing the wire elements by wrapping them together with a binding wire. If I could learn to solder then this additional binding could be eliminated and the piece would be more secure. Today was my first attempt a soldering. That was scary, I could imaginge blowing up the classroom or aiming the torch at myself or someone else and burning them. With the instruction and patient guidance of my teacher, Diane Falkenhagen, none of that happened and my practice pieces were firmly attached to each other. The biggest challenge for me was keeping the automatic lighter burning so I could light the torch!
I'm off to college 1-10-2010
The very first day I entered college as a student was in 1982. It was the same day my youngest son, Mark, began college. Today was my first day back to college in over 25 years. I am taking a Metal Arts class at Alving Community College. I felt like a Jr. High kid going to my first shop class. I wanted everything to be just right, making sure I had all my tools, and the bag to carry them in had to be just right. And what does a Senior Adult wear to class? Not too casual and not too dressy and certainly not to Senior Adult. The class is a two hour drive from my home so I spent the night with my oldest son, Sidney and his wife Gay about a half hour drive from Alvin. Since I didn't know what the traffic would be like and I had to pay my fees I left an hour and 15 minutes before class started (I thought). But class began at 9:30 instead of 9:00, I paid fees in 15 min. and had an hour before class began. I went to McDonalds and got an Egg McMuffin and coffee and watched two couples of Senior Adults leisurely visiting and eating their breakfast. Two thoughts played in my mind. One, I could be doing something like that rather than the pressures of going to my first day of college. The other was, how fortunate I was to be able to begin this new adventure.
B.Burkett Firsts 12-27-2009
They happened during the Christmas season. My first BBurkett.com order from Canada. It was purchased by two sisters as a gift for their mother. It was a pendant with the birthstones of her seven grandchildren. Read about her response in the testimonials in the next column.
The other was a custom order for pet jewelry! A special little chihuahua received some B. Burkett jewelry for Christmas! I designed a pink Swarovski pendant for her to wear on her collar.
Exploring Filigree 10-16-09 Exploring Filigree - I began exploring filigree when I had requests for custom made chandelier earrings. I was so excited about the process that I made several more pairs featuring Swarovski crystal.
The word filigree comes from the Latin words for thread and grain. It is made from thin metal threads (wire), when they are twisted together they form a grain. These threads are used to make openwork designs, often flowers, on jewelry and other utilitarian objects like candle sticks, jewelry boxes and dresser sets. From 1700 BC filigree has survived from the Minoan culture on the island of Crete.
One of my favorite art forms is drawing, I have discovered that I love to design filigree jewelry. It is much like drawing, only with wire. Watch for new additions of filigree jewelry
Importance of a Blog 9-20-09 I've been told that I should have a blog, a spot on Face Book, Twitter and a whole host of other sites. If I do that, when will I have time to MAKE JEWELRY, which is my passion? Next to that I love showing the works of art that I've created. In my pre-jewelry days when I was painting a lot, it was a thill to see my paintings all dressed up in frames at an art exhibit. This internet site is a way for me to have an artisian jewelry exhibit. I hope you enjoy viewing these wearable works of art.